Best of Romania Tour 2019

Private Tour of Romania – “Step back in time”

Most beautiful sites in Transylvania, Maramures and Bucovina

On this private tour of Romania, you will explore Bucharest, Transylvania, Bucovina and Maramures, regions rich in centuries-old traditions and fascinating and diverse heritage.

This private guided Romania tour highlights medieval castles, painted monasteries, and wooden churches. You’ll also encounter brown bears, charming villages, and hospitable locals who preserve centuries-old traditions.

Suggested Itinerary – Private guided Tour of Romania

 This tour will be organized for you only, so you will not be part of a larger group.
Day 1

Arrival day

Day 2 

Discover Bucharest

Day 3

Explore the medieval town of Sibiu

Day 4

Visit Corvin Castle and Alba-Iulia fortress

Day 5

Go down in a salt mine, explore Cluj Napoca

Day 6

Visit a traditional village, Sighet’s memorial museum, Desesti wooden church and Sapanta Merry Cemetery

Day 7

Discover the wooden churches from Barsana, the village of Ciocanesti and enjoy a walk in the nature

Day 8

Visit Moldovita, Sucevita and Voronet, all Painted Monasteries of Bucovina and learn about the traditional egg painting craft

Day 9

Cross the Bicaz gorge and Sighisoara medieval town

Day 10

See History Museum, Biertan and Viscri fortified churches

Day 11

Prejmer fortified church and Brasov medieval town

Day 12

Visit Bran castle and hear the story or previously captive bears at a bear sanctuary.

Day 13

Explore Liberty Sanctuary, Peles and Pelisor castles and have a last relaxing evening in Bucharest

Day 14

Departure day

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1

Upon arrival at the airport the guide that will accompany you on this private tour of Romania, will greet and transfer you to the hotel in the center of Bucharest. In the remaining time of the day you can have dinner and relax, or start exploring the center of Bucharest.

Overnight in Bucharest.

Day 2

In the first part of the day you will a have a guided walking tour through the older part of the city. You will experience a vibrant place with plenty of historical sights, interesting architecture and museums. You will walk through the narrow streets with French-style buildings from the late 19th century and early 20th century, a period also called Belle Epoque.

Then you will visit the massive Palace of Parliament. Built by former dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu. It is the world’s second-largest administrative building. You will walk through the luxurious rooms and enjoy a display of crystal chandeliers, marble, wood essences, mosaics and stained-glass windows, the work of the best Romanian artisans. Visiting the palace it will be a good opportunity to learn about the last decade of the communist regime in Romania.

Palace of Parliament Bucharest

In the last part of the day you will head to Transylvania, traveling to Sibiu.

Overnight in Sibiu.

Drive time: 4h

Day 3

Elected Europe’s Cultural Capital in 2007, Sibiu is a charming medieval town located in the heart of the country. First, you will have a guided walking tour through the center. You visit the Art Gallery of Bruckenthal Museum which provides over 1000 works of Romanian and European art and sculptures and the History Museum, former Sibiu’s Town Hall.

Then, to gain a wider perspective of Transylvania’s and Romania’s cultural heritage you will also visit the open air Village Museum. It is a place where you will discover the traditional rural architecture and traditional occupations which are still practiced in many places.

Sibiu Village Museum

Overnight in Sibiu.

Day 4

The most imposing Gothic castle in the whole Transylvania, Corvin Castle was built in the 15th century. It is a picture-perfect castle, complete with an encircling river, huge entrance bridge, tall observation and defensive towers. In addition it has a knights’ hall, a torture room and quite a few legends to tell.

The Diaspora is increasingly contributing to tourism in Romania

Definitely not to be missed on a private tour of Romania is Alba-Iulia. Having a Vauban-style star shape, Alba Iulia fortress has a special historical importance for Romanians. That is because it was here in 1918 that Transylvania was united with the rest of Romania.  This resulted in the formation of the current territory. Here you will visit the Union Hall and Unification Cathedral, along with one of the oldest Catholic churches in Romania, and some majestic baroque entrance gates.

Overnight in Coltesti (near Alba-Iulia).

Drive time: 4h

Day 5

In the morning you will pass by Rimetea, a charming place set at the base of a mountain. This is a village where there is an effort to preserve the authentic rural heritage of the Hungarians living in Transylvania.

Then it’s time for an impressive, alien-looking place: Turda salt mine. The place is so huge that inside there is a lake where you can row a boat, an amphitheater and even a Ferris wheel. While you breathe the healthy salt air you can enjoy playing soft sports such as mini golf, table tennis or bowling.

Turda-Salt-Mine

The next stop is Cluj-Napoca, a city filled with history, art and culture. You will walk through the old center, visit Unirii Square and King Matthias Corvinus birth house.

Overnight in Vadu Izei.

Drive time: 4h

Day 6

In the morning you will visit a traditional village from Maramures and you will have a walk through the village to get a feel for the place. See how locals live and how they carry on their day to day activities. Then you will also get to meet locals who practice centuries old occupations such as blacksmithing, wood carving, making wicker baskets.

Furthermore you will also visit Desesti wooden church which has a very well-preserved interior painting.

After that you will travel to Sighetu Marmatiei and visit the Memorial of the Victims of Communism. It is located in a former prison where communists detained their political opponents. Here you will learn how those 40 years of Communism were like and how they impacted the country and its culture.

Memorial of the Victims of Communism

Near Sighet there is also the Sapanta Merry Cemetery which is one of the most interesting cemeteries you have ever seen. The lively painted crosses with poems tell about the life of the deceased.

Overnight in Vadu Izei.

Drive time: 1h30′

Day 7

At the wooden monastic complex in Barsana you will have spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and see stunning wooden architecture.

The-Wooden-Monastic-Complex-in-Barsana

Then you will travel to Bucovina region where you will have a walk through Ciocanesti village, an out-of-the-beaten-track attraction of this classic tour of Romania. You will  admire the beautiful houses painted in a unique way. The locals keep their tradition of decorating the exterior of the houses with traditional elements and symbols. Therefore Ciocanesti is a vividly colored village with a unique architecture style.

In the evening you will have a walk in the nature so you can enjoy the beautiful landscape of Bucovina region.

Overnight in Vama.

Drive time: 4h

Day 8

Bucovina is known as “the land of painted monasteries” so you will visit some of its most interesting ones during this private tour of Romania. The first stop on today’s list is Moldovita Monastery, one of the tallest churches in the region. It has predominantly gold and deep blue paintings on the exterior while the frescoes feature strikingly bright colors and show saint figures and Biblical scenes.

In Moldovita you will also visit the Lucia Condrea Egg Museum where you will learn about the most loved part of Romanian Easter celebration, the egg painting tradition. The museum features over 5000 eggs painted in beautiful styles using different techniques.

Lucia Condrea Egg Museum

Then you will visit Sucevita Monastery which has the largest number of wall paintings from all painted monasteries from Bucovina. Built between 1584 and 1586, Sucevita Monastery also has the best preserved frescoes to this day and a rich collection of religious artifacts and icons.

The most famous and stunning of the painted monasteries and widely known as “the Sistine Chapel of the East” due to its interior and exterior wall paintings, Voronet monastery offers an abundance of frescoes featuring an intense shade of blue commonly known as ‘Voronet blue.’  The composition of the paint continues to remain a mystery even now, more than 500 years after the church was built.

Overnight in Vama.

Drive time: 2h 30′

Day 9

You will return to Transylvania region passing through Bicaz gorge and heading to Sighisoara. The gorge was cut through the limestone hills of the region by the action of the Bicaz River and the route it created now zig zags sharply downhill for over three miles.

In the afternoon you will have a guided walking tour through Sighisoara. It is certainly one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. It is also a  charming place laid on a hilltop. Therefore you will enjoy walking on narrow cobbled streets and admire beautiful historic buildings.

Sighisoara Medieval Town

Overnight in Sighisoara.

Drive time: 5h 30′

Day 10

In the morning you will visit the History Museum from Sighisoara. Next is the Biertan village, where you will visit a superb fortified church set in a wonderful location.

Then you will explore Viscri, one of the most beautiful Saxon villages in Transylvania. It is definitely a must-see attraction of any tour of Romania. You will visit a very old fortified church with a little museum inside it. Additionally, you can admire pottery, handmade agricultural tools, as well as traditional textiles and clothing.

Viscri village - Quaint countryside

Overnight in Viscri.

Drive time: 2h

Day 11

In the morning you will travel to Prejmer village which is home to the largest fortified church in Transylvania. You will visit the massive building that has in its surrounding walls more than 200 rooms. Locals could live there during long periods of assault.

The next stop is Brasov, having a privileged location between mountains. Furthermore it features a historic center, defensive walls and towers, the famous Black Church and the Romanian and German Saxon quarters. You will have a guided walking tour through the old town. If you are up for a hike you can go up on the nearby Tampa Mountain for a great panorama of the town and surrounding area. Alternatively you can go by cable car.

Overnight in Brasov.

Drive time: 2h

Day 12

Usually associated with Dracula, Bran Castle is actually a beautiful medieval castle in Transylvania, tastefully decorated by our queen in the 1920s. Among the many rooms of the castle, you will encounter a room named after “Bram Stoker”. Here you can find out the story of Vlad the Impaler, the man behind Dracula’s legend.

Bran Castle

Overnight in Brasov.

Drive time: 2h

Day 13

Today you will travel to Zarnesti village where you will visit the bear sanctuary Libearty. Previously being captive in small cages and living in improper conditions, more than 80 bears are now enjoying a natural and safe habitat at the Libearty sanctuary. You can find out more about bear watching in our blog article.

Bear in Zarnesti

Peleș and Pelișor are two picturesque castles set in wonderful natural settings, surrounded by forests and mountains. They impress with their intricate outdoor and interior decorations and give a sense of how a royal family used to live.

Then you will head to Bucharest where you can have a leisure time or explore a little bit more of the city.

Overnight in Bucharest.

Drive time: 3h

Day 14

This day marks the end of your private tour of Romania. You will be transferred from the hotel to the airport from where you will pick up the flight back home.

The drive time is calculated without stops but there will be opportunities to stop along the way and visit touristic sights or have a break.

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Why travel with us

  • Get a real taste of the country
  • Experience only what truly interests you
  • Contribute to the local economy
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Suggested Accommodation

Teleptean Guesthouse

Teleptean Guesthouse 3* – Vadu Izei

This rural guesthouse set in the village of Vadu Izei is decorated in a rustic style, specific to the region of Maramures. Each of the 10 rooms is large, with wooden traditional adornments on the walls and a private bathroom. The delicious homemade food and the hospitality of the owner are the guesthouse’s greatest treasure!

Bella Muzica 3* – Brasov

Located in the Old Town of Brasov, the building which hosts the hotel dates back to  the XVIth century and has elegant interior decorations that help conserve the charm of old times. The hotel features 34 rooms, beautifully furnished, each one of them having a private bathroom. Guests can also enjoy spending time outside in a little, peaceful courtyard or eating at the hotel’s restaurant, which offers traditional and international dishes.

Casa Georgius Krauss 4* – Sighisoara

A UNESCO certified building dating from 1600, Casa Georgius Krauss is a superb building that perfectly combines modern facilities with original elements of the old times, when it was the residence of Georgius Krauss, an important columnist and historian. Each of the 9 rooms has a unique décor and medieval or solid wood furniture completed with modern bathroom and hand-carved decorations; some of the rooms have centuries old frescoes on their inner walls. You can also enjoy delicious traditional or international meals in the spacious.

Bucovina Lodge 4* – Vama

Located in a beautiful location, on a hill, near the forest and overlooking the Vama village, Bucovina Lodge is a 10-room charming hotel. It is very well positioned for visiting the famous painted churches of Bucovina, the mountains and traditional villages from this part of the country. The coziness of the rooms, the quality of the service and the warmth of the host will make you feel just like home.

Conacul Secuiesc 4* – Coltesti

Located at the foot of Piatra Secuiului hill, in a wonderful landscape, surrounded by greenery, Conacul Secuiesc is a modern hotel built in a Hungarian traditional style specific to Coltesti and Rimetea villages in Transylvania. The 23 rooms are comfortable, decorated with beautiful hand-painted furniture and traditional rural decorations. The rural experience will be completed by enjoying local home-cooked meals in the restaurant accompanied by local wines and the local palinca (strong fruit brandy).

Casa Luxemburg 3* – Sibiu

Casa Luxemburg is one of the oldest buildings in Sibiu, with a rich history and beautiful 13th century architecture. Its privileged location, in the heart of the old town of Sibiu makes it a perfect choice if you are eager to explore the town just as you step out of the hotel door. Each of the 8 rooms has its own design and unique view, from your window you may see some of the most important attractions such as the Liar’s Bridge or the Council Tower. The quality of the accommodation together with the diversity of dishes will complete your stay in this unique boutique hotel.

Viscri 125 – Viscri

The 11 rooms of this rural guesthouse are located in traditional German Saxon buildings specific to this area and older than 100 years. The rooms are charming, comfortable and lack TV and internet access so you are encouraged to disconnect from the outside world. They offer set menus cooked from local ingredients and mostly by following traditional recipes. Walking out through the front gate you’ll feel like stepping back in time while exploring the village. Through the back door you will get to the hammocks area where you can relax or walk through the wildflower fields in the summer months.

Private tour of Romania: Included Services

  • Certified English speaking tour guide (accommodation, relocation and meals are included) relocation and meals are included) from the evening of day 1 until the evening of day 13
  • Accommodation for 13 Nights in double rooms with breakfast (B) included
  • Private transfer on the above itinerary by sedan car for up to 4 people (Ford Mondeo, Mitsubishi Outlander or similar), minivan for 5-8 people (Renault Trafic, VW Caravelle or similar; fuel, taxes and parking fees are included) and minibus for more than 9 people (Mercedes Sprinter, VW Crafter or similar)
  • 5 dinners (D): 2 in Vadu Izei, 2 in Vama and 1 in Viscri

SERVICES which are not included in the price of the private tour of Romania:

  • Entrance tickets to tourist sites. Per person you are likely to spend up to 150-175 EUR
  • Meals (except those included above). On average you can pay for a meal 12-20 EUR, in some places it will be less, in others more

Prices – Private guided Tour

The prices are calculated for groups of the sizes mentioned below. If you are interested in a self-drive tour, please let us know. 

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Single room supplement: 500 EUR

Traveler’s Reviews – Private guided Tour of Romania

Matt from Canada
“They diligently ensured that the itinerary matched our interests in an authentic experience of Romanian culture. The tour was well-organized, accommodations well-chosen and interactions with the guide so educational and enjoyable. With his connections to local people, he gave us an unforgettable experience of monasteries, castles, farmers, artisans, natural places, and a culture that is unique in all the world. In short, their tours are authentic and exceptional. We would wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone travelling in Romania. “

Chintana from Thailand
“We are a group of 7 travelers from Thailand. We went from Bucharest to the up north in Bucovina and traveled down to Transylvania. Of course, we went to popular tourist attractions liked many tourists, but we also had chances to explore the real rural life and culture of Romanian people, of which not so many general tourists had. We were so lucky!! The guide is very knowledgeable, polite, full of serviced mind and fun sometimes. My friends and I are very happy with his service. I would recommend them to anyone who is seeking for a tour in the country that’s full of amazing places, people and foods! 2 thumbs up, I would say.“

Click here for a longer list of our suggested tours focused on culture, history and traditions. 


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