12 independent reviews for Transylvania self-drive holiday in Romania
Reviews for Transylvania self-drive holiday in Romania
Sue Furnival review 4 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This is a very difficult question to answer as we both agree that there was a new reason to say "Wow" every single day. Highlights were the quietness and tranquillity of Transylvania, its rurality and interesting landscapes, the painted monasteries and the fortified churches, but perhaps best of all were the painted timber churches. These were just simply outstandingly beautiful to us and we would love to see them again.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Ensure that you are a confident and competent driver. The Romanians are lunatic drivers. Take out excess insurance in the U.K. before travelling (about £40 p.a. from the U.K.) We travelled 1500 miles or so and were lucky not to suffer any damage to the vehicle. Download offline maps. Be cautious about food portion sizes! A single portion is probably enough for at least two people! Don't eat bean soup before a long drive!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, local peple were benfited as a local agent was used with a local guide in Bucharest. The accommodation was local B and B-type or small hotels catering mainly to Romanian tourists. Our visit to the Bear Sanctuary helped in raising awareness of the plight of brown bears in Romania and in their funding. Visiting Viscri and finding out more about King Charles' initiatives in conservation and restoration was also helpful.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely wonderful.Helen Jackson review 26 Jun 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Romania is a country of such diversity, that the most memorable is hard to choose. However, the drive along the Transf?g?r??an Highway, which Jeremy Clarkson described on Top Gear as 'the best road in the world' was truly spectacular, particularly as sections are only accessible for a few months a year and had opened just a few days before our visit. The sighting of six brown bears at the roadside, enhanced the experience.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't just visit the 'must do' sights, take as much time as you possibly can, and visit many of the lesser known museums and places - you will never know what you're going to encounter. One 'museum' was literally the house of a 76 year old widow who showed us her weaving and scything skills before taking us around her authentically decorated house where she had made all the embroidered pieces. She insisted we try on the dress of the Maramures people. A brilliant photo opportunity.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed in a variety of accommodation, including small local guest houses. Many of the places were visited, including an ostrich farm and small house museums were fascinating and contributed to the local economy. Our bear watching experience, supported their conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was a voyage of discovery and although we had our accommodation booked, our guide took the time to research small and interesting places off the beaten track which we particularly enjoyed.Julian Jenkins review 22 Jun 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Romania is a beautiful country, from the delightful towns and villages to the drive through the Carpathian Mountains and finding lovely restaurants that produce superb meals, too much food at times. The visit to the Bear Sanctuary was a delight. Bran Castle was very interesting, and we learned so much about Vlad and his father. Sighisoara and the Citadel were lovely to walk around, and the Scholar's Stairway keeps the weight off. The Rasnov Fortress was a waste of time, and the Vaser Valley railway was disappointing; however, the Transfagarasan highway was fun to drive, and we saw 8 bears but did not stop.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
As I am a well-qualified and experienced driver, I didn't find it too challenging; however, people should consider adding extra time for any journey, partly because of road conditions and also things you see on the journey where you may wish to stop. We found some great restaurants slightly off the beaten track which served great food. Take time to explore the local area where you are staying, there are often little gems that only the locals know about. Just be aware of the driving style of many Romanian drivers; they do not like to be delayed behind other vehicles and will overtake in the most unlikely places.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We spent all the cash we took with us, so that must help the economy, and we always support local conservation wherever we go. We found the people in the main to be friendly and helpful, and our interactions with them seemed positive for them and us. I tried different Romanian dishes and found them delicious. We also enjoyed the local drinks. I'm not sure how you reduce environmental impacts when driving a car for about 1,800 kilometres through a country that is a joy to drive through, maybe better speed controls on some roads. The signs are there, but the majority of drivers take no notice.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very enjoyable with great places to visit, nice people and lovely food.Christine Williams review 13 Jul 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Driving the Transfagarsan Highway and seeing bears. Visiting Sighisoara. Rowing on the lake at the bottom of the Turda Salt Mine.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you can, learn some Romanian (I did and it came in very useful), download the TPark app as it makes parking a doddle and use a Sat Nav.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Some parts yes and some parts no.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Out of ten I would give it eight and a half.One point dropped for the awful Hotel Montana, and a half point dropped for the 'walking tour' which was mainly driving around with a very young lad who clearly had no clue what he was doing. He obviously had not done anything like it before as he took us to the wrong entrance for parliament Palace and got shouted at - poor lad looked like he was going to cry and he didn't have a clue what to do. Total waste of around 4 hours of our day.Other than that everything was great, all reservations and tickets were as they should be and the Vamoos App was brilliant.When I did have a complaint I wasn't expecting any response but the response was rapid and detailed which was great.Valerie Bolton review 25 May 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We went to see the painted monasteries and wooden churches and they are magnificent. We also stumbled upon an old man preserving his grandparents' home as it had been - he was a great character and a happy find.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you are going to the mountains, be prepared for hail and snow in mid May and pack a warm sweater!!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed in local hotels and ate in local restaurants so Yes to benefitting local people. Not sure about environmental impact. We supported conservation of wonderful buildings and Mr Toderau's grandparents' house.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
There were some glitches with the itinerary but they were sorted out. One hotel 's accommodation was sub standard. Otherwise excellent.sandar Warshal review 9 Oct 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We enjoyed the medieval cities, the laid back people and the good food. Driving was easy and the countryside beautiful.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take your time .3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not sure. We can only hope.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We found everybody ( except at the Korona Hotel) extremely pleasant, helpful and efficient. When we had trouble with the car your local person tried to help but in fact the people in the small village actually rescued us. Your notes were good and the places you recommended were perfect. We loved Romania and hope to return.Vicky Hartley review 11 Jul 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Peles castle was stunning. Sibiu is beautiful. The guide in Bucharest was very good.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be aware that the hotels don’t have lifts - apart from one in Bucharest. Also the language can be a problem. Staff in hotels outside Bucharest do not speak English. Breakfast in hotels not wonderful.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We visited the bear sanctuary in Zarnesti and obviously ate in local restaurants4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The length of trip and areas visited was about right. The hotels were in excellent positions. The guy at the car hire company was very helpful and communicated with me during the trip. Never had that before . Sometimes the language was an issue particularly in Zarnesti as nobody spoke English and there was confusion over our booking . My husband fell down the steps at the reception of the hotel in Sibiu and hurt his ribs which meant I had to deal with 2 lots of luggage up to second floor in both Sibiu and Curtea de Arges. Staff not available to help unfortunately.Hazel Holdsworth review 18 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Transfargarasan drive2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Drive carefully. Romanian drivers can be aggressive and selfish.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our expenditure obviously made a contribution to the Romanian economy4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
ExcellentAldalize Cussons review 30 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Driving through the country and visiting interesting places.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Come now, not too many tourists at the moment.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Local people, financially, YES4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Perfect, just a few hick ups with the cars gps and no breakfast at hotel Montana because of a very large group in the hotelHelen Preston review 30 Sep 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There is so much to comment on here. We enjoyed exploring this varied country from the Delta to the far north. Highlights have to be the painted monasteries, the wooden churches, the fortified churches and the medieval old town centres. The mountains were just lovely and the drive over some of the passes spectacular. The rural countryside is a joy to discover2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Self drive is just fine with most roads perfectly good if crowded and therefore slow. Beware the few maniac Romanian drivers who overtake on blind corners! Parking can be problematical in the large towns or in the old town centres and the quality of road signs varies! The Romanian cuisine leaves a little to be desired at times with breakfast offerings always much the same. Romanian wine, however, is very good. Try to stay at some pensions to meet local hosts. Almost all younger Romanians speak some English and some speak it fluently, so don't hestitate to ask for advice.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I sincerely hope so. We stayed in some pensions where the local owners were very friendly and helpful and where the food was traditional. Not sure we reduced environmental impact by driving! Conservation was supported in the Delta .4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent and we would love to return. Romania has so much to offer and learning about its history including the communist era was most enlightening. The holiday included all we could wish for in the way of scenery and experiences.Carol Holmes review 21 Sep 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the fantastic and varied architecture - lots of churches (fortified, wooden, baroque, gothic etc). medieval towns, castles, mountain scenery. Traditional way of life contrasting with the modern. Impact of communism in the past.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Buy a road map to get a bigger picture of what's around. Most major places take credit cards. Get a better exchange rate if you change your money over there. Do and see as much as you can and talk to people whenever possible - everyone is really friendly and the younger people speak good English. There's lots of lorries on the roads so allow time and don't try to rush. Most roads are now OK but some minor roads are in poor condition.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The hotels and restaurants appeared to be locally owned and staffed thereby benefiting the local economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, well-planned.Vikki Wall review 29 Aug 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
My kids definitely vote for floating in the salt lakes (which were flooded old roman salt mines) just north of Sibui, Transylvania2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Huge benefit in the use of a local guide to walk around Sibui. Be aware that around Brasov (particularly Bran Castle) is very busy and full of tourists during the summer.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope so! The bear sanctuary at Zarnesti particularly appreciated the support of visitors in order to afford to run their sanctuary for abused local wildlife.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic! Can't wait to come back and visit more of Romania.Holiday Reviews
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