Scenic Romania 8 days tour, from Budapest

Day 1: Begin Your Romanian Adventure: From Budapest to Maramures (440 km, 5h30min car transfer)

1. Satu Mare
   1h
   Your guide will meet you at your hotel in Budapest in the morning, marking the start of an unforgettable journey into Romania. Depart with a scenic 3-hour drive across Eastern Hungary before crossing the border into this fascinating country.
   Stop for a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant in Satu Mare, then continue eastward to Maramures, renowned for its traditional villages and wooden architecture.
2. Merry Cemetery
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Visit the Merry Cemetery of Sapanta, a one-of-a-kind site celebrated for its colorful and artistic crosses that reflect the vibrant culture of the region.
   End the day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant and stay overnight in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Sighetu Marmatiei, perfectly situated for exploring the enchanting region of Maramures.

Day 2: Explore Maramures and Journey to Bucovina (280 km, 5h car transfer)

1. Church of the Holy Paraskeva
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Start your day with breakfast before transferring to Desesti, home to one of the UNESCO-listed wooden churches of Maramures. Admire the unique craftsmanship and historical significance of this architectural gem.
2. Breb
   1h 30m
   Continue your journey with a visit to Breb, where a stroll through the village offers an authentic glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the locals, preserving the charm of rural Maramures.
3. Barsana Monastery
   1h
   Next, head to the Barsana Monastery, celebrated for its fascinating blend of modern and traditional wooden architecture. After lunch at a local restaurant, embark on a scenic drive across the Carpathian Mountains into Bucovina, known for its stunning painted monasteries.
4. Manastirea Moldovika
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Visit the Moldovita Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its vibrant Siege of Constantinople fresco, a masterpiece of medieval art. End your day with free time for dinner at a local restaurant and overnight accommodation in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Gura Humorului.

Day 3: From Bucovina to Transylvania: A Day of UNESCO Gems and Scenic Journeys (280 km, 5h car transfer)

1. Manastirea Voronet
   1h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Voronet Monastery, the most renowned of all painted monasteries in Bucovina and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the famous "blue of Voronet" and the intricate Last Judgement fresco, celebrated as a masterpiece of medieval art.
   Embark on a long but scenic transfer to Transylvania, traveling along a panoramic route across the Eastern Carpathians. Enjoy lunch at a charming local restaurant along the way.
2. Sighisoara
   Pass by
   In the afternoon, arrive in Sighisoara, regarded as Transylvania’s best-preserved medieval town and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
   After your day's explorations, enjoy free time for dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor the authentic flavors of Transylvanian cuisine. Conclude your evening with a comfortable stay at a 3-star hotel, ensuring a restful night in the heart of this enchanting medieval town.

Day 4: Sighisoara to Brasov: A Journey Through Transylvania's Saxon Heritage and Medieval Splendor (125km, 2h car transfer)

1. Centrul Istoric Sighisoara
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Start your day with breakfast, followed by a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Sighisoara. Explore its UNESCO-listed fortress, soaking in the town's rich medieval atmosphere. Learn about its fascinating connection to Dracula’s legend, as Sighisoara is recognized as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure who inspired the fictional Dracula. (Take those tales with a pinch of salt!)
2. Viscri Fortified Church
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Continue your journey to Viscri, home to a 13th-century fortified church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This rural gem reveals Transylvania's best-preserved Saxon village, where traditional lifestyles and small rural businesses thrive amidst modern challenges. Enjoy a delightful farm-to-table lunch at a local restaurant, savoring fresh, authentic flavors.
3. Brasov Historical Center
   2h · Admission ticket included
   In the afternoon, arrive in Brasov, one of Transylvania’s most beautiful medieval towns. Visit the iconic Black Church, the easternmost Gothic church in Europe, and enjoy a guided tour of the old town, with its cobblestone streets and captivating history.
   Spend your evening with free time for dinner and perhaps a romantic stroll through the picturesque streets of Brasov. Conclude your day with an overnight stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel.

Day 5: Discover Romania’s Royal Legacy and Dracula’s Mystique (130 km, 2h30 min car transfer)

1. Peles Castle
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Start your morning with breakfast before heading to Sinaia, home to the breathtaking Peles Castle. Built in the 19th century as the first royal castle of the Romanian Monarchy, Peles is a masterpiece of architecture and history. Explore its opulent interiors and admire the royal family's remarkable art collections.
2. Bran Castle
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the legendary Bran Castle, often referred to as Dracula’s Castle. This medieval stronghold, later transformed in the early 20th century by Queen Maria of Romania, is one of the country’s most visited landmarks. As you explore its halls, you might wonder—will Dracula make an appearance?
   Enjoy free time for dinner at a local restaurant.
   Conclude your day with another restful night at your 3-star hotel, nestled in the heart of the captivating city of Brasov.

Day 6: Experience Transylvania’s Scenic Beauty and Historical Charm (220 km, 4h car transfer)

1. Transfagarasan Highway
   3h
   Begin your day with breakfast before embarking on a journey along the renowned Transfagarasan Road, hailed as one of the most breathtaking roads in the world. Ascend the Southern Carpathians to Balea Lake, perched at an altitude of over 2,000 meters. Take in the spectacular panoramic views of the Transylvanian highlands before descending towards Sibiu, a city steeped in history.
   Note: The Transfagarasan Road is open only from June to September. Outside this period, the itinerary includes a visit to the Prejmer Fortified Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive examples of Transylvanian Saxon architecture.
2. Centrul Istoric
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Arrive in Sibiu, a city crowned European Capital of Culture in 2007 and celebrated for its well-preserved medieval fortifications, which made it the best-defended town in Transylvania during the Middle Ages. Explore the Large Square (Piața Mare), surrounded by colorful baroque and gothic buildings, wander through the Small Square (Piața Mică) and cross the iconic Bridge of Lies, steeped in local legends. Admire the intricate architecture of the Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary, one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.
   Enjoy free time in the evening to dine at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of the region. End your day with an overnight stay at a 3-star hotel, immersing yourself in the unique ambiance of this historic city.

Day 7: Walk in the Footsteps of the Hunyadi Family in Alba Iulia and Hunedoara (328 km, 4h car transfer)

1. Cetatea Alba Iulia
   1h
   Start your day with breakfast before departing for Alba Iulia, a city rich in history. Visit the impressive Vauban fortress, a symbol of the city’s strategic importance and a testament to its military past. Discover Alba Iulia’s long and fascinating history, from Roman times to the Union of Transylvania with Romania.
2. Castelul Corvinilor
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Continue your journey to Hunedoara, where you’ll explore Corvin Castle (also known as Hunyadi Castle), the largest Gothic castle in Romania. Learn about the Hunyadi family, one of the most influential families in Romanian and Hungarian history, and the life of King Matthias the Just, one of its most famous members.
3. Timisoara
   Pass by
   Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading westwards to Timisoara, arriving in the late afternoon. Known as the birthplace of the 1989 revolution against the Communist regime, Timisoara is a city full of history and culture. As the European Capital of Culture for 2021, Timisoara boasts beautiful Art Nouveau and Baroque architecture, making it a perfect spot for sightseeing.
   Enjoy free time for shopping or simply admire the city’s stunning architecture.
   End your day with a comfortable overnight stay in a 3-star hotel in Timisoara.

Day 8: Discover Timisoara's Old City Center and Return to Budapest (316 km, 3h30 car transfer)

1. Timisoara
   2h
   After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Timisoara’s old city center, where you’ll explore its beautiful Art Nouveau and Baroque architecture. Learn about the city's vibrant history and its pivotal role in Romania's 1989 revolution.
   Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before beginning your journey back to Budapest.
   Arrive in Budapest in the late afternoon, marking the end of this unforgettable cultural journey through Romania.
   End of the tour.

Pickup details

Pick up available from your accommodation in Budapest or any other spot in the city. At the time of booking, please give us the address at which we can meet you. We'll keep you informed about the pick up time.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels