Romania holiday, the Beauty of Yesterday
An enriching combination of Romanian culture, architecture and history, everything on this small group tour is organised for you, so you can take in all the sights, stress-free.
Bucharest Bacau Piatra Neamt Vama Moldovita Sucevita Monasteries Voronet Monastery Visue de Sus Maramures County Steam train from Viseu to Paltin Station Iza Valley Bistrita Barsana Monastery Targu Mures Viscri Sighisoara Brasov Bran Sinaia
Price
£2419 excluding flights
Convert currency:
More info
Price per person based on 4 travelling:
- 11 nights' accommodation
- half board (2 lunches)
- airport transfers & transport
- professional English-speaking guide
- entry fees
- excursion on steam train
- horse carriage ride
- all local taxes
Description of Romania holiday, the Beauty of Yesterday
Travel back in time to visit traditional craftsmen in their workshops and spend time with local families in rural villages, and you’ll quickly begin to piece together the centuries old traditions and customs that help holidays in Romania resonate with responsible travellers.
This twelve day small group Romania tour provides the perfect introduction to the untouched lifestyles and sweeping countryside of northern Romania and Transylvania including some of the country’s best-loved national parks, historic towns and UNESCO world heritage sites.
This small group holiday, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, is available in September. Travellers are thus invited to take Romania holidays to a more immersive level with some of the overnight stays being the guests of a local family, certainly adding to the appeal of a genuinely authentic cultural experience.
Alternatively, a minimum of four people is required for the tour to take place as a private experience (for any dates between April and October) with an English-speaking tour guide throughout helping travellers dig a little deeper into the history and the landscapes of this lesser-visited eastern European crown jewel.
Romania tours such as this don’t come along every day and you can expect an incredibly scenic route that takes in the drama of both the Carpathian Mountains and the iconic hilltops settings and cobbled town squares of Romania’s most famous region, Transylvania.
From Piatra Neamt in Moldavia, to Peles Castle near Sinaia, via Bucovina, Maramures and a spectacular steam train ride through the Vaser Valley, this holiday in Romania promises a treat for all of the senses with chances to linger a little longer in Bucharest definitely worthwhile if you’ve got time to spare before or after the tour.
The accommodation that we use on this Romania tour has been hand-picked to represent the hospitable nature of the local people as well as the charm and character of life in rural areas with family-run guesthouses and small, independently-owned, hotels adding to an experience that’s as unique as enchanting.
Itinerary
| Day 1: | You will be met by your guide at Bucharest Airport and taken to your city centre hotel. There will be a short walk through the historical centre before dinner. Overnight in Bucharest. |
| Day 2: | Bucharest - Bran: After breakfast, drive via the Prahova Valley through the Bucegi Mountains to the highest town in Romania, Predeal, and then on to Sinaia. Visit Peles Castle, a masterpiece of German new-Renaissance, once the summer residence of the Romanian king; it is considered by many to be one of the most stunning castles in Europe. After free time for lunch, continue to Bran, with a stop in Brasov to visit the medieval centre. Considered the heart of Romania, Brasov has one of the most secure fortresses in Europe consisting of massive stone walls, 32 defence towers and 4 fortified gates. During your walking tour you'll visit the magnificent Black Church - the largest Gothic-style church between Vienna and Istanbul, and stroll around the old Council Square, lined with beautiful red-roofed merchant houses. You can also admire the Black and White Towers, the Ekaterina's Gate, the Schei Gate and Rope Street - the narrowest street in Europe. Dinner and accommodation in Bran. |
| Day 3: | Bran & the surrounding area: After a substantial home-made buffet breakfast you will have the opportunity to see the the famous Bran Castle [Dracula's Castle]. Your morning will also include a visit to the bear sanctuary in Zarnesti. In the afternoon you have the choice of relaxing at your lovely guest house, exploring the village or going for a relatively short walk in the nearby gorge. Dinner and accommodation in Bran. |
| Day 4: | Bran - Piatra Neamt via Bicaz Gorges: In the morning, visit the 13th century fortified church of Prejmer, the largest fortified church in southeastern Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop in Lacu Rosu for lunch at your leisure, and a walk around the lake. In the afternoon, a scenic drive through the spectacular Bicaz Gorges. Upon arrival in Piata Neamt there will be a short walking tour of the city. Dinner in a local restaurant and overnight in Piatra Neamt. |
| Day 5: | Piatra Neamt - Vama: Today you will visit the world-famous painted monasteries: * Voronet Monastery (UNESCO), founded in 1488 by Stephen the Great. It is the most accomplished sample of artistic achievement in Moldavian architecture and painting, known as the oriental Sistine Chapel. * Moldovita (UNESCO) dates back to 1532 and looks like a fortress with its imposing towers and high, thick walls. * Sucevita, the last and the most magnificent monastic achievement among the painted monasteries in Bucovina, also looks like a real fortress with towers, buttresses and watch roads. Interior and exterior paintings on the Sucevita monastery have been well preserved. Dinner and overnight in Vama. |
| Day 6: | Vama - Sighetu Marmatiei- Ieud: In the morning, visit the fascinating painted egg museum where you will see a demonstration of egg-painting. Continue to Maramures, travelling via the stunning, remote and beautiful Prislop Pass. You'll see dramatic changes between Moldavia and the next region of Romania on your tour - Maramures, a traditional landscape with wooden churches. Later, in the early afternoon, there is a short drive to Sighetu Marmatiei. Here you'll have free time for a late lunch and (if time permits) you might like to visit the Museum to the Victims of Communism, located in the town centre in the former prison. Afterwards, visit the little village of Sapanta with its unique Merry Cemetery, famous for its colourful tombstones with paintings describing the deceased. Dinner & overnight in a traditional guest house in Ieud.. |
| Day 7: | Maramures & Steam Train: A fun day at a slower pace; you will experience the raw power of the steam train taking you from Viseu de Sus up through the Vaser Valley to Paltin Station. The railway line passes through spectacular & dramatic scenery: narrow, rock lined canyons, fast-flowing, sparkling mountain brooks and the colourful wildlife of the forests. A picnic / BBQ lunch is laid on at Paltin (included). The remainder of the day will be devoted to the traditional villages, rural scenery and wooden architecture of the nearby Iza Valley, home to villages known for their historical significance and their wooden churches. The history of Maramures is told through the wood of their churches - through the centuries, the area's foreign rulers did not allow the people living here to build long-lasting stone churches, so instead, the local carpenters raised beautiful wooden churches to communicate with God. The visit concludes at Barsana Monastery, known as "Holy Mother's Entrance". In the evening arrive back in Ieud for dinner at your guest house. |
| Day 8: | Ieud - Sighisoara: After a fabulous home-cooked breakfast drive south through southern Maramures via Nasaud and through the mountain pass to Bistrita and into Transylvania. You will pass through Bistrita, spotting the famous Coopers' Tower and its many churches en route to Targu Mures, the city of roses, which enjoys the best of both Romanian and Hungarian cultures. Targu Mures' top attraction is located at the south end of the main square: the Culture Palace, a flamboyant early 20th-century city hall, with an outstanding stained-glass window, housing some of the city's main local museums. Lunch can be taken at a Hungarian specialty restaurant in the city centre (our recommendation). In the afternoon a gentle drive south to the incomparable Sighisoara, that most unique of Transylvanian towns. Dinner in a restaurant in the old town & overnight at a hotel just below the citadel. |
| Day 9: | Sighisoara - Viscri - Sighisoara: After breakfast enjoy a walking visit of Sighisoara, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved mediaeval towns in Europe. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this perfectly intact 16th Century gem with nine towers, cobbled streets, burgher houses and ornate churches rivals the historic streets of Old Prague or Vienna for atmospheric magic. It is also the birthplace of Vlad Dracula, also known as Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler), who inspired Bram Stoker's fictional creation, Count Dracula. Landmarks of Sighisoara are the famous Clock Tower, hosting the History Museum and the Torture Chamber with its impressive mediaeval arms collection; the Church on the Hill is a beautiful Gothic building which dominates the hill at the southern end of the citadel. In the afternoon, there will be a short drive to the UNESCO protected village of Viscri; not only is Viscri renowned for its cultural heritage and natural beauty it also caught the eye of King Charles III who now owns one of the 18th century Saxon cottages in the village. Further investigation of Viscri reveals an ancient fortified church and an array of pastel shaded houses that add to the artisan and scenic ambience of rural Transylvania. Further agricultural scenes come in the form of a horse drawn carriage ride prior to an organic lunch which you're invited to take at a family house within the village. Dinner this evening will be at leisure. Overnight in Sighisoara |
| Day 10: | Sighisoara - Sibiu: Morning at leisure. After lunch it's time for the journey to the city of Sibiu. A brief visit to the village of Biertan with its impressive fortifed church is included en route. Sibiu (Hermannstadt in German) was the largest and wealthiest of seven walled citadels built in the 12th Century by German settlers known as Transylvanian Saxons. Riches amassed by its guilds paid for the construction of impressive buildings and fortifications to protect them. Sibiu's old town retains its grandeur of yesteryear when these rich and powerful guilds dominated regional trade. There will be a visit of the mediaeval centre of Sibiu: the Great Square is the site of the Roman-Catholic church and the Brukenthal Palace is where you will find one of Romania's most important art collections. This square is linked to the Little Square by a passage beneath the Council Tower; the third square, Huet Square, is dominated by the Evangelical Cathedral. Dinner in a local restaurant & overnight at a hotel on the edge of the old city. |
| Day 11: | Sibiu - Bucharest: Depart Sibiu for the drive to Bucharest via the Olt Valley. There will be a short stop to visit the Cozia Monastery, a jewel of Byzantine art. Arrive into Bucharest in the afternoon where you will walk through the old part of the city centre to see some of the fabulous historic buldings that have survived into the 21st Century plus the Parliament Palace (the second largest office building in the world). Farewell dinner and overnight at Capitol hotel |
| Day 12: | Bucharest - Airport: Morning at leisure (depending on flight time) before your transfer to Bucharest International Airport for your flight home - or stay in Bucharest city centre for an extra night and more time* in this fascinating country. * optional add-on stays in Bucharest or at the Black Sea coast, e.g. Constanta, or even a few days hiking in the nearby Carpathian Mountains are available upon request. |
Price information
£2419 excluding flights
Convert currency:
Price per person based on 4 travelling:
- 11 nights' accommodation
- half board (2 lunches)
- airport transfers & transport
- professional English-speaking guide
- entry fees
- excursion on steam train
- horse carriage ride
- all local taxes
Check dates, prices & availability
Travel guides
Explore our Romania travel guide to discover there's much this country than just vampire nonsense.
Responsible Travel was built out of a love of solo travel, and we want to share the joy of it with you.
Holiday information
Our top tip:
Remember your mozzy spray in summer.
Trip type:
Small Group
Activity level:
Leisurely.
Accomm:
9 nights 3*-4* hotel.
Solos:
Solo travellers welcome. Single rooms available for a surcharge.
Meals:
Full board - all meals provided.
Included:
Accommodation, transfers, transport, English-speaking guide, entry fee, listed activities.
Reviews
11 Reviews of Romania holiday, the Beauty of Yesterday
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 18 Sep 2024 by Marilyn Bruce
We were impressed with every aspect of the holiday, from the diversity of the accommodation to the absolute professionalism of the guide whose knowledge was boundless and personality/abilities made us feel happy and secure. We have fallen in love with România and would have no hesitation in recommending this holiday. Read full reviewReviewed on 24 Sep 2019 by Faye Courtney
We really enjoyed our discovery of Romania and its treasures. Read full reviewReviewed on 14 Jun 2019 by Andrew Gerry
If you drink tea, take your own teabags. Take your own plug for the basin. This sort of info should be provided automatically by you Read full reviewReviewed on 11 Oct 2018 by Gerhard Kordmann
Absolutely delightful, I never came back from a holiday more relaxed. The weather, of course was a bonus, but the perfect organisation made all the difference. Read full reviewReviewed on 05 Oct 2018 by Sue Beckingham
We enjoyed it all but going to to the Merry Cemetry at Sapanta was interesting also Viscri where Prince Charles has bought a home. He has helped the village and it was great going to the woods on a horse drawn cart to the brick maker and learning about his craft. Read full reviewReviewed on 20 Jun 2018 by Rodney Mount
For anyone with an interest in this part of Romania, with its unique history, unusual ecclesiastical architecture, and its customs and traditions, and who may be considering a holiday there, I can recommend this 10 day group tour by mini-bus with almost no reserve. Read full reviewReviewed on 28 Sep 2018 by Howard Somerville
The painted churches, Sighisoara, the Merry Cemetery in Sapanta, the dramatic mountain scenery around Azuga and the excellent tour leader and meals. Read full reviewReviewed on 12 Sep 2017 by Rob Moody
There are many to choose from, but Biertan and Viscri stand out for their beauty and country setting. We had a great time. The accommodation was good, the people were friendly and the museum village and Ethnographic museums were wonderful. Read full reviewReviewed on 29 Sep 2017 by Ann Lindsay
The most memorable was the painted monasteries, fortified churches, peasant/rural lifestyle all brilliantly presented by our guide Alexandra. Also the steam train. Read full reviewReviewed on 21 Jul 2017 by Heather Rushton
The rich history and culture, the variety of landscapes, the natural beauty and the glorious food. Read full reviewReviewed on 22 Jun 2015 by Peter Hartnall
EXCELLENT, our guide Alexandra was first class....Hard to say as so many wonderful bits. Maybe visiting the fortified church in the village where Prince Charles has bought a house, and then going by horse and cart to visit the brick maker. Read full reviewResponsible Travel
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your holiday to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.
Planet
We have chosen to include places to stay where there is much more opportunity for you to interact more fully with the locals, to practice your language and to minimise your carbon footprint somewhat. The village guesthouses and local homes that we stay in use predominantly local produce in the preparation of meals, reducing the foodmiles, waste and carbon footprint associated with larger hotels. Our guides (and drivers/escorts) will also provide best practice information regarding your environmental impact upon sites and fragile landscapes which is key to respecting and conserving both remote and well-visited places.By including the opportunity to visit the National Parks and UNESCO sites on this holiday you choose to contribute to the excellent record of conservation in recent years through the entrance fees. We ask all our customers to respect the environment. Litter, in particular, is damaging to the landscape and can injure animals so we encourage people to act responsibly.
As a company we employ responsible policies such as recycling paper, ink cartridges, glass and cardboard; we minimize the use of electricity and conducting the vast majority of our correspondence and promotion via the internet and email, minimizing the amount of paper used for our activities. We also compost waste in our company garden.
People
Accommodation on this holiday is in, primarily, family run, small hotels. The food in the hotels is primarily sourced locally and a large number of dishes on the menus are home made. We only employ local guides as their expertise and local knowledge will enhance your experience and understanding of the historical context and the environmental impact of your visit. In Bucharest in particular you will see the evidence for and read about the impact of the Ceauasescu period; the cost of rebuilding and repairing the historic centre has been enormous and every contribution made by visitors will help. Similarly the countryside was devastated in this time as whole villages were destroyed and communities forcibly removed to the cities - because of this experience rural Romania and its traditional way of life is so precious and through our tours we aim to assist the local economies to thrive with the help of tourism whilst not losing the integrity of the community structures.As well as supporting the local community and economy directly our holidays also encourage support indirectly. The latter because more interaction with local people and local tourist service providers engenders greater understanding and respect which almost always leads to larger and more careful spending by visitors.
Popular similar holidays
Carpathian Mountains holiday, conservation & culture
From £1129 - £1349 8 days excluding flights
Wolves, bears and sightseeing
Romania and Danube Delta small group holiday
From £2495 - £2595 12 days excluding flights
Remote villages, ancient customs and beautiful scenery
Romania small group holiday
From £2469 - £2699 10 days excluding flights
Experience traditional food and meet local craftsmen
