Romania Tour - Grandeur of Bucharest and Tales of Transylvania

Day 1 - UK - Bucharest

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight to Bucharest.

Day 2 - Bucharest

Romania’s capital city is a trove of great museums, stroll-worthy parks and tempting eateries. Its turbulent political past is plain to see from the severe Stalinist architecture - but the organic curves of 17th and 18th-century churches and graceful La Belle Époque-style villas can be found hushed away in hidden corners. Peel back the layers of Bucharest’s history with a full-day tour, encompassing all the highlights including the beautifully restored historic centre and Stavropoleos Church, plus a guided visit of the impressive Palace of the Parliament.

Day 3 - Bucharest

Today is free for you to explore the city under your own steam. Perhaps revisit some of the magnificent sites from yesterday’s tour - or make your own discoveries. Seek out some of the city’s charming treasures - we love Cãrturești Carusel, one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops. Or perhaps stop for a taste of the local fare - juicy mici-pork rolls and aubergine salad are typical Romanian dishes. Alternatively, you could join our optional excursion to former President Ceausescu's Palace and the open-air National Museum of the Village.

Day 4 - Sinaia - Azuga - Brasov

Peles Castle – the summer residence of the Royal Family – is a neo-Renaissance masterpiece. Sharp spires, timber-framed panels, and detailed brickwork surrounded by thick forest in every shade of green - you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve walked straight into the pages of a storybook. But the inside is even more impressive, with every corner lavished in silk rugs, Murano glass and polished marble. Enjoy a guided tour this morning. Romania might not be the first country that springs to mind when you think of fine wines, but it’s known for its aromatic whites and full-bodied reds - and today enjoy a sparkling wine tasting and lunch at one of the country’s most prestigious wineries. Nestled among the majestic Carpathian Mountains, the award-winning Azuga Wine Cellar offers incredible scenery as well as an interesting history as the official supplier of the Romanian Royal Family.

Day 5 - Brasov

Start the day with a morning visit to Prejmer fortified church, before returning to Brașov. A cluster of pastel-coloured baroque buildings surrounds a pedestrianised square, where cafés and small shops bring a gentle sense of activity. In the distance, forested Mount Tâmpa rises above the town, with the ‘Brașov’ sign clearly visible. Spend the morning discovering the medieval side of Brașov on a guided tour, including the Black Church, Rope Street and the Schei district. Afterwards, there’s time to explore at your own pace, perhaps stopping for lunch in a local café before a free afternoon.

Day 6 - Sighisoara

This morning, visit a Saxon fortified church, just one example of a number that exist in rural Transylvania. After spending some time here, continue to Sighisoara. Strolling through Sighisoara’s twist of medieval streets is a tranquil, fairytale-like experience; you’ll feel utterly transported. But it wasn’t always this peaceful and idyllic. In fact, its towers were once packed with weapons and emergency supplies in anticipation of Turkish attacks. Spend time exploring and learning about the history here, passing Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace and getting a glimpse of the covered Scholars’ Stairs built in 1642. Transfer between the upper and lower parts of the citadel by mini train. This evening enjoy a special dinner with wine tasting and a live folklore show at a local restaurant.

Day 7 - Bran Castle

The morning is free to spend as you please. Delve deeper into the secrets of Brașov’s medieval old town, or perhaps join an optional private visit to the nearby Libearty Bear Sanctuary – the largest animal welfare project in Europe. Later this afternoon, enjoy a much-anticipated visit to Bran Castle, often known as Dracula’s Castle. Perched on a headland above Bran, the castle’s conical towers rise above the thick green forest as the approach reveals this dramatic setting – a truly thrilling sight. This evening, enjoy exclusive access to the castle with a private guided tour. Wind up narrow staircases, wander through creaky-floored corridors and admire grand rooms decorated with bearskin rugs and antiques. The atmosphere is unmistakable, though there is no hint of vampires here. A guide explains the castle’s history – dating back to the 14th century – before the evening continues in the gardens with a traditional Romanian feast. Descend in the Time Tunnel lift experience, travelling through hundreds of years of history along the way.

Day 8 - Brasov - Bucharest - UK

We transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.