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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 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 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 an idyllic 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!
Romanians are a diverse, welcoming population eager to share their country. We’ll meet endless people and fully immerse ourselves in this land. With a flexible itinerary that allows for spontaneous decisions, we won’t miss any opportunity to enhance the trip. Also, the accommodations on this tour are 4* hotels and luxury guesthouses of a high quality, ensuring great comfort throughout.
This experience is an off the beaten path, cultural immersion across one of the most rewarding destinations in all of Europe! Are you ready?
Price – Single room
$4095
Price – Shared room
$3565
Book with Confidence
To reserve your spot, a deposit will be required. However, you can book with peace of mind as the deposit is refundable – minus a 3% transaction fee – for 30 days. Balance payments are due 90 days before the tour start date. For 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 » Snagov » Brasov
Sept 3
Highlights: Snagov Monastery, arrival in Brasov
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Bucharest, we’ll drive 45 minutes to the town of Snagov, where we'll visit the legendary Snagov Monastery, a medieval-era church located on a small island where Vlad the Impaler is rumored to be buried. Then we’ll take a 2 hour train ride to the medieval and beautiful town of Brasov, with its diverse history and vibrant atmosphere. After we check in to our hotel, we'll take an evening stroll through the main square before sitting down for dinner at a long-running restaurant known among locals for its great ambience and food.
Brasov
Sept 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
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 » Corund
Sept 6
Highlights: Arrival in Corund, local workshops, unique dinner experience
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After a delicious breakfast, we'll drive 2.5 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. Dinner will then take place in the manicured gardens of a local trout farm that few travelers would ever find.
Corund
Sept 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. 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. The tour will end at 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 prepared by our gracious hosts. 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. Finally, in the evening, our excellent dinner will be at the home of a local friend!
Viscri » Mesendorf
Sept 8
Highlights: Medieval fortified church of Viscri, arrival in Mesendorf
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
With a short 1.5 hour drive, we’ll arrive in the small town of Viscri, made famous by King Charles' repeated visits. Having one of the best preserved fortified churches in the world, and set among the rolling green hills, 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. Our guesthouse for the night is a magical property surrounded by idyllic landscapes, with freshly prepared meals to enjoy as well.
Corund » Brateiu » Sighisoara » Sibiu
Sept 9
Highlights: Visit to Brateiu, Medieval citadel of Sighisoara, arrival in Sibiu
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We'll begin the day with a 1 hour drive 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. Afterwards we'll continue to Sighisoara, considered one of the best preserved medieval villages in all of Europe. Our guide will take us through the cobblestone lanes, to the 400-year old clock tower, up to the 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. In the mid-afternoon, we'll continue on to the medieval city of Sibiu, known for its striking Germanic architecture. After checking in to our art-inspired hotel in the heart of town, we'll enjoy a sunset walk through the two main squares and a dinner of regional cuisine.
Sibiu
Sept 10
Highlights: Walking tour of Sibiu
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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. 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
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 in to our hotel before heading out for 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 and train to Brasov)
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 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. We'll also take one 2.5-hour train journey.
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!
