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Looking for a magical adventure along the road less travelled? Welcome to Romania, a country that will impress you more than you can imagine!
This unique adventure will take us through cities where remnants of communism blend with the energy of modern life. By contrast, we’ll also explore hilltop castles, grand palaces, some of the best-preserved medieval villages in Europe, and the remote Transylvanian countryside, where rolling hills and dense forests stretch as far as the eye can see.
We’ll head up to historic and colorful Brasov and to the traditional Corund region. Thanks to our local friends, we’ll spend time visiting magnificent craftspeople, eating wonderful home-cooked meals on remote farms and learning all about this area and the culture of its inhabitants. We’ll visit the fairytale citadel of Sighisoara, the famous Bran Castle and we’ll spend a memorable night at a wonderfull guesthouse in the tiny Saxon village of Mesendorf. 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. And this is only a start!
Throughout the trip we’ll meet welcoming locals eager to share their country and culture. With a flexible itinerary that allows for spontaneous stops, we’ll make the most of every opportunity that comes our way. Our accommodations include carefully selected 4-star hotels and charming luxury guesthouses, ensuring both comfort and authenticity throughout the journey.
This is an off-the-beaten-path, cultural experience through one of Europe’s most rewarding destinations! Are you ready?
Price – Single room
$4952
Price – Shared room
$4400
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
Sept 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
Sept 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 imposing 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 huge Obor Market and the grand Unirii Square, with an introduction to the country's gastronomic scene. 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 » Mogosoaia » Snagov » Brasov
Sept 3
Highlights: Mogosoaia Palace, Snagov Monastery, arrival in Brasov
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Bucharest, we'll start with a morning drive to Mogosoaia Palace, where we’ll tour this architectural gem known for its Brâncovenesc style. Next we’ll drive 45 minutes to the town of Snagov to visit the legendary Snagov Monastery, a medieval-era church on a small island, rumored to be the burial site of Vlad the Impaler. After the monastery visit, we'll enjoy lunch in a local village before continuing our drive to the medieval and vibrant town of Brasov. Upon arrival and checking into our hotel, you'll have some free time. In the evening we’ll gather for dinner at a long-established local restaurant known for its great ambiance.
Brasov
Sept 4
Highlights: Full walking tour of Brasov, views from Mount Tampa
Included: Breakfast
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 have the option to head to Piata Sfatului, the lively main square where evening festivities are always taking place.
Brasov » Bran » Brasov
Sept 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 relaxed tour through the hilltop castle and a wander through the garden below. We'll then head to the home of our dear friend, Gabriela, a 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, where you can enjoy the evening at your own pace.
Brasov » Viscri » Messendorf
Sept 6
Highlights: Medieval fortified church of Viscri, arrival in Mesendorf
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we'll start with a short 1.5 hour drive towards the small town of Viscri, made famous by King Charles' repeated visits. Having one of the best preserved fortified churches in the world, this cozy town is certain to impress. After visiting the fortified church and having some free time to explore, we'll leave for our quick drive to Mesendorf, an impressive 13th-century Saxon village in the heart of Transylvania. Tonight we'll enjoy a freshly prepared meal surrounded by some beautiful natural landscapes.
Messendorf » Corund
Sept 7
Highlights: Arrival in Corund, local workshops, unique dinner experience
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After a delicious breakfast, we'll drive 1.5 hours to an authentic, and remote, Hungarian region of Romania known as Corund. Hungarians have been living in Romania for centuries and have maintained their unique culture and heritage. After checking in to our peaceful 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. Finally, in the evening, our excellent dinner will be at a remote friend's farm in the mountains.
Corund
Sept 8
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. With several farms, the southernmost peat bog in the world, gorgeous landscapes and extremely welcoming people, this will be a day to remember. We’ll begin with a 2 hour tour of the village and peat bog, followed by a visit to a local syrup and jam producer, where we can taste the 70+ products, all made from the freshest and most natural of ingredients. We’ll then head to a small, remote cheese farm for a wonderful lunch. In the afternoon, we'll head back down the mountain for a unique tinder mushroom workshop by one of the last remaining mushroom craft families in the world. Dinner will then take place in a local trout farm that few travelers would ever find.
Corund » Sighisoara » Brateiu » Sibiu
Sept 9
Highlights: Medieval citadel of Sighisoara, Roma Family, arrival in Sibiu
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we'll start with a Kurtos Kalacs workshop, learning how to make this traditional Hungarian pastry that’s a popular treat in the region. After enjoying our freshly made pastry, we'll head on a 1-hour drive to Sighisoara, considered one of the best-preserved medieval villages in all of Europe. Our guide will lead us through the cobblestone lanes, visit the 400-year-old clock tower, explore the impressive hilltop cathedral and stop by the birthplace of Vlad Tepes (the inspiration for Dracula). You’ll also have some free time to enjoy this friendly walled village. Afterwards, we'll continue to the village of Brateiu for a true off-the-beaten-path experience as we meet and interact with a kind Roma family that has invited us into their home to learn about their culture. In the afternoon, we'll proceed to the medieval city of Sibiu, known for its striking Germanic architecture. After checking into our art-inspired hotel in the heart of town, we'll enjoy a sunset walk through the two main squares and a a local dinner in one of the main squares, surrounded by grand buildings, a charming atmosphere and plenty of Romanians out enjoying one of the most beautiful cities in the country.
Sibiu
Sept 10
Highlights: Walking tour of Sibiu
Included: Breakfast
Today we'll embark on a walking tour of this historical 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 this quaint city even more, relax at the hotel or even climb the clock tower for views out beyond the medieval walls.
Sibiu » Transfagarasan Highway » Bucharest
Sept 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, the mountain summit, Lake Balea and we'll enjoy lunch near the shores of Lake Vidraru. The views throughout the journey will be spectacular and we'll also stretch our legs at the base of Dracula's 'real' castle and at the impressive Vidraru Dam. After arriving in Bucharest in the evening, we'll check into our hotel, located near the airport, before having our farewell group dinner.
Bucharest
Sept 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 – 4* hotels/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 8 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 for up to 2 hours, being outside in potentially diverse temperatures, a few long drives, early morning wake-ups and other similar scenarios.
Accommodation
From 3.5* and 4* hotels to high-end guesthouses, you can always expect comfortable accommodation at unique properties. All rooms have private bathrooms. There is a maximum of 8 single rooms available. These rooms will be offered on a first come-first served basis. The remainder of the rooms will be shared, where 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 8 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!
Itinerary Changes
While we do our best to follow the itinerary, changes may be made to any aspect of the tour due to a variety of potential situations or unforeseen circumstances.
