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Looking for a true hidden gem and the road less travelled? Welcome to Romania!
This unique adventure will unfold in cities where remnants of communism intertwine with the vibrance of modern life. By contrast, we’ll also see magnificent hilltop castles, sprawling palaces, some of the best preserved medieval villages on the continent and the remote and bucolic Transylvanian countryside, offering breathtaking natural beauty in every direction.
We’ll head up to the traditional and remote Corund region, where we’ll spend time in all kinds of local villages, reaching areas that are almost impossible for foreigners to reach without having the connections that we’ve built up over the years. And we’ll also drive straight over the towering Carpathian Mountains on the stunning Transfagarasan Highway, considered by many to be the most beautiful road in Europe.
Romanians are a diverse, welcoming population eager to share their country. We’ll meet endless people and fully immerse ourselves through traditional workshops and businesses, home-cooked meals, visits to the homes of genuine villagers and a great deal of spontaneous decisions that will ensure we don’t miss any opportunity to enhance the trip!
This experience is an off the beaten path, cultural immersion across the biggest hidden gem in Europe! Are you ready?
Book with Confidence
To reserve your spot on a tour, a $500 deposit will be required. However, you can book with complete peace of mind as this deposit will be refundable – minus a 3% transaction fee – for 30 days. For our complete payment/refund policy, please READ HERE.
If you make a deposit for a tour within 90 days of the tour start date, the deposit is non-refundable.
Learn from local craftspeople in off-the-beaten-path locations
Explore the vibrant city of Sibiu, with it's two main squares and grand architecture
Admire the beauty and hospitality of Transylvania and the Carpathian Mountains
Soak up the atmosphere of the best preserved medieval village in Europe
Visit the remote Corund region, considered one of the most traditional in the country
Wander the cobblestone streets of historic and colorful Brasov
Enjoy incredible home-cooked meals prepared by our local friends Bucharest
July 1
Arrival day
Included: Dinner
Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up at the airport and taken to our group hotel in the city center. After getting settled and having a good rest, we’ll start off with an evening tour orientation and group dinner at one of Bucharest’s most popular Romanian restaurants, located in the heart of the Old City.
Bucharest
July 2
Highlights: Unique tour of old and new Bucharest
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll begin today with a walking tour along Victory Street, passing markets, street art and historical sights before entering a local neighborhood filled with beautiful early 19th century mansions, hidden cafes and unique street art. From here, we’ll explore narrow passageways, Communist structures and lively squares before lunch. We’ll also have time to visit the market inside of the old Bucharest Stock Exchange Building and the grand Unirii Square. And in the evening, for those interested in nightlife, we can head to the Old Town and enjoy the open-air cafes and bars.
Bucharest »Sinaia » Brasov
July 3
Highlights: Peles Castle in the beautiful Prahova Valley, arrival in Brasov
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Bucharest, we’ll drive 2 hours north, straight into the Carpathian Mountains. Our first destination will be the friendly town of Sinaia, where we’ll visit the outside of the impressive neo-renaissance Peles Castle, situated in the heart of the Prahova Valley. Then we’ll continue to the medieval and beautiful town of Brasov, with its diverse history and vibrant atmosphere. After a walk through the center of the old town, dinner will take place in a long-running restaurant known among locals for its great ambience and food.
Brasov
July 4
Highlights: Full walking tour of Brasov, views from Mount Tampa
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we’ll embark on a complete walking tour of the city. We'll visit the Romanian, German and Hungarian neighborhoods, the Black Church, medieval towers and traditional businesses (bakeries, a chocolate maker, famous coffee shop and more) where we can interact with locals and learn about their work. We’ll also have time to take the funicular to the top of Mount Tampa for an uninterrupted view straight out over this medieval city. After sunset, we’ll head to Piata Sfatului, the lively main square where evening festivities are always taking place.
Brasov » Bran » Brasov
July 5
Highlights: Bran Castle, traditional workshop, home-cooked lunch
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The day begins with a 45 minute drive to the small town of Bran, home to the famous Bran Castle. We'll take a tour of the castle, wander through the market below and sample some traditional snacks. We'll then head to the home of a wonderful local craftswoman in a tiny nearby village. Here is where we'll have a home cooked lunch inside her home, followed by a fascinating, traditional egg painting demonstration (a significant Romanian craft). After our home visit, we'll return to Brasov for some free time to enjoy the evening at your own pace.
Brasov » Corund
July 6
Highlights: Arrival in Corund, local workshops, unique dinner experience
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we’ll drive 2.5 hours to the authentic, and remote, Hungarian region of Romania called Corund. Hungarians have been living in Romania for centuries and have maintained their unique culture and heritage. After checking in to our local guesthouse, we’ll head off with our local guide for an undeniably special experience. We’ll visit with local artisans who are producing their crafts, not for tourism, but for the community’s own use, using only traditional methods of production. This includes a visit to one of the most famous potters in the region as well as a traditional weaver who produces her products on a 150 year old loom. We’ll spend time learning about these crafts and the workshops that keep these traditions alive. Dinner will then take place in the beautiful gardens of a local trout farm that few travelers would ever find!
Corund
July 7
Highlights: Fantana Plateau, local jam/syrup producer, fresh farm lunch, mushroom workshop
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The truly local experience continues as we head up to the stunning Fantana Plateau, home to only 800 people, several farms, the southernmost peat bog in the world, gorgeous landscapes and extremely welcoming people. We’ll begin with a 2 hour tour of the village and peat bog before heading to a local syrup and jam producer where we can taste their 70+ products, all made from the freshest and most natural of ingredients. We’ll then head to a small farm for a delicious, freshly prepared lunch before going back down the mountain for a unique tinder mushroom workshop by one of the last remaining mushroom craft families in the world. In the evening, our excellent dinner will be at the home of a local friend!
Corund
July 8
Highlights: Gypsy basket weaver, Straw Hat Museum, Sansimion distillery
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Deeper into the countryside we go! We’ll pay a visit to a gypsy basket weaver where we’ll have a demonstration from the basket master himself. From here we’ll head to the village of Criseni, home to the only Straw Hat Museum in the world. We’ll meet the passionate local founder of this museum as well as other villagers who will definitely be curious about our visit to this remote location. Next, we’ll drive to the village of Sansimion, home to the only licensed palinka (brandy) distillery in Romania that uses a centuries old technique for all production. After palinka tasting, we’ll head back to Corund for a special dinner on a farm overlooking the Corund valley below.
Corund » Sighisoara » Sibiu
July 9
Highlights: Medieval citadel of Sighisoara, arrival in Sibiu
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
With a short 1 hour drive, we’ll arrive in Sighisoara, considered the best preserved medieval village in all of Europe. Our guide will take us through the cobblestone lanes, to the 400-year old clock tower and impressive hilltop cathedral, into a traditional wine cellar and to the birthplace of Vlad Tepes (the inspiration for Dracula). You’ll have free time in the friendly walled village as well before we leave for our drive across the heart of Transylvania. In the late afternoon, we'll reach Sibiu, an impressive 12th-century Saxon city where we'll spend the next two nights.
Sibiu
July 10
Highlights: Walking tour of Sibiu
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we'll embark on a walking tour of this grand German-influenced city as we visit its local workshops, charming lanes, photogenic cathedrals and bustling squares full of unique architecture, sidewalk cafes and endless opportunities for observing everyday life. In the afternoon, you'll have free time to wander the city even more, relax at the hotel or even climb the clock tower for views out beyond the medieval walls. We'll then all meet for a local dinner in one of the main historic squares, surrounded by grand buildings, a charming atmosphere and plenty of Romanians out enjoying one of the most beautiful cities in the country.
Sibiu » Transfagarasan Highway » Bucharest
July 11
Highlights: Transfagarsan Highway, Lake Balea, incredible views
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we head back to Bucharest, taking a most unique route, along the Transfagrasan Highway. This mountain road is consistently rated as one of the most scenic journeys in all of Europe as it winds up and over the majestic Fagaras Mountains in the Carpathian Range. We'll visit small villages tucked away into the mountains, lookout points with sweeping views of the valleys below and we'll enjoy lunch at the summit, at a restaurant on the shores of the stunning Lake Balea. After lunch, we'll wind back down the other side of the mountains, as the spectacular views continue to impress. We'll stretch our legs in several places, including at the base of Dracula's 'real' castle and at the impressive Vidraru Dam. We'll then arrive in Bucharest in the evening, in time for our farewell group dinner.
Bucharest
July 12
Departure Day
Included: Breakfast
A private driver will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to the airport in time for your departing flight.
Wandering Earl Tours leader throughout
Small group (maximum 12 participants)
Accommodation (11 nights – 3* hotels and guesthouses)
Transportation within Romania (deluxe private vans)
Local guides in each destination
All mentioned activities, entrance fees and workshops
Breakfast every day, 5 lunches and 10 dinners
Water throughout the trip
Gratuities at hotels/included meals
All airport transfers 
Flights to/from Romania
Passport/visa fees
Meals and activities not mentioned
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Other gratuities 
Medium Physical Level
While the tour itself is not very strenuous, please note that it can involve the following: somewhat long days, walking tours in the cities, being outside in potentially warm temperatures, a couple of long journeys, early morning wake-ups and other similar scenarios.
Accommodation
From historic hotels to quaint guesthouses, you can always expect comfortable mid-range accommodation. All rooms have private bathrooms. There is a maximum of 6 single rooms available. These rooms will be offered on a first come-first served basis. The remainder of the rooms will be shared. Solo travelers will be paired together, two travelers per room in two single beds.
Transport
During the trip, we'll travel in comfort with our deluxe, air-conditioned van. There will always be plenty of space for each guest, while traveling in a vehicle that gives us access to areas that buses simply can't reach.
Meals
Breakfast every day, 5 lunches and 10 dinners are included. With included meals, some will be served family style and other times you will be able to order anything you wish from the menu. All dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
Sustainability
As with all of our trips, we aim to offer as sustainable an experience as we can. We always avoid mass tourism activities that cause harm to the environment and/or do not benefit local communities. Also, trash is recycled where possible and we work hard to ensure a limited use of non-reusable products.
Small Groups
This tour requires a minimum of 8 participants and has a maximum of 12 participants in order to ensure the best small group tour experience. With such a small group, you'll be able to enjoy unique, rewarding activities that would not be accessible with more people. That's the kind of trip we love to offer!
