Remarkable  Romania Holidays & Tours

Our Romania holidays give you time to explore bustling Bucharest, before we dive into the glorious countryside of Transylvania, exploring everything from World Heritage towns to Gothic-style castles to award-winning vineyards. The itinerary has been planned to perfection by our team of travel experts and our partners out in Romania.

Flights, transfers, hotels, excursions, guides – it’s all included in the price, along with a tour manager to take care of all the logistics while you’re out there. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to experience Romania, an escorted tour really is an ideal way to travel.

When you’re planning your Romania holidays, you shouldn’t miss some time in Bucharest, including a stop at the Palace of the Parliament, the heaviest building in the world. Picturesque Brasov, Timisoara, Sibiu and Cluj-Napoca should also be on your list of Romanian cities to visit, with colourful historic architecture. Romania is filled with castles, and while Bran Castle (aka Dracula’s Castle) is the best known, Peles Castle and Corvin Castle are also well worth visiting, along with the medieval town of Sighisoara in Transylvania. There is some spectacular countryside to be explored on Romania tours too, including the Danube Delta and the Carpathian mountains. 

Yes, Romania is generally cheaper than most of Western Europe, so you’ll find lower prices in restaurants and at tourist sites. As the capital, Bucharest is one of the more expensive destinations to visit on Romania tours, but you’ll still find it comparatively cheap so it’s great if you’re looking for a budget-friendly European holiday. 

The best time to visit Romania is spring and early summer or autumn, from around April to June and September to mid-October. That avoids the heat of high summer and the extreme cold of the winter, although it’s worth knowing that the climate around Bucharest and the coast tends to be milder than inland, where temperatures are more extreme. There’s something to tempt you to book Romania holidays throughout the year though; spring is ideal for seeing Transylvania’s wildflower meadows, while the autumn colours in the countryside and Carpathian mountains are beautiful. 

Currently, UK citizens don’t need a visa to travel to the Schengen Area, including Romania, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Requirements can change, though – for the most up-to-date information on visas, please use the quick-check tool on our visa requirements page. 

The currency in Romania is the leu (plural lei), divided into 100 bani, a word which translates simply as money in Romanian. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10 and 50 bani, with bank notes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200 and 500 lei, although you’re unlikely to encounter the two largest notes. Euros are not accepted. Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are easy to find in urban areas. 

For an unusual family break, Romania holidays are a great option with kids. While the bigger cities might appeal less to younger ages than some other European capitals, there’s plenty to discover in the countryside in particular. With some spectacular scenery, including mountains and dense forests, castles and medieval walled cities and even the chance to spot bears, a family holiday in Romania feels like something straight from a fairytale. Older kids will also enjoy the myths and legends of Transylvania, there are golden beaches along the Black Sea coast, and a chance to see traditional life and customs. 

Although there is a public transport network across Romania, it is often limited and not always reliable. The train network is extensive but the ageing infrastructure means journeys can be slow so buses can sometimes be a better option. The Carpathian mountains divide up the country, so if you’re crossing the peaks, that can also slow journeys further. Internal flights connect the major cities and are often a quicker and surprisingly cheap option. Bucharest has a more comprehensive public transport system with metro lines, buses, trolleybuses and trams. Booking Romania tours is often one of the most stress-free ways to see the country as a whole though. 

The official language is Romanian, spoken by the vast majority of the population. Around 7% of the population also speak Hungarian, particularly in Transylvania. English is widely spoken and understood, particularly in cities and major tourist areas. 

Yes, Romania is generally safe for tourists with petty crime the biggest danger. Thieves may use distraction techniques and work in groups, especially in Bucharest and other large towns. As in many destinations, it’s worth being aware of people around you near money exchanges and ATMs, on public transport (especially to the airport) and in main railway stations and airport terminals. Legally, you need to carry a form of ID in Romania, but it’s better to keep a copy of your passport or carry your driver’s licence and leave your passport securely in a hotel safe. If you’re joining a Romania guided tour, your tour leader can also advise. 

Attitudes in Romania tend to be traditionally conservative, with respect shown to elders, while manners are also considered important. Learning a few basic words of Romanian – such as salut (hello), da (yes), nu (no) and multumesc (thank you) – is always appreciated. You’ll be expected to dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered at religious sites, and more formal dress is common at major cultural events, but otherwise the dress code is casual and similar to what you’d find in most European countries. One unexpected thing to know if you’re planning to buy or give flowers during your Romania holidays is that bouquets should always have an odd number of flowers, as an even number is associated with funerals. 

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in Romania, although it’s usual to leave a tip of around 10% in restaurants if you’re happy with the service, or to round up the total in cafes and bars. Tour guides and drivers will appreciate a small tip (we include recommended amounts for tour managers, drivers and guides in our useful information packs, which you’ll receive after booking). Remember that porterage is included in our Romania escorted tour, so there’s no need to tip for bags.