Your adventure will likely most begin in Romania’s capital: Bucharest (although you do have the option to customize the journey to start in Cluj, Brașov or Suceava). In Bucharest, your guide will greet you at the airport--and this same guide will remain with you throughout your tour. Your guide will lead you on a personalized tour of the Palace of Parliament. Nicolae Ceauşescu built this enormous edifice--the single largest civilian administrative building worldwide and current home of Romania’s Senate, Chamber of Deputies, Legislative Council and Constitutional Court. We’ll continue exploring with a walking tour of Bucharest’s Old Town. After exploring the city together, your guide can recommend several dining options where you can relax and sample our capital’s diverse culinary, rich cultural offerings and active nightlife.

We’ll depart from Bucharest to visit Monastery Curtea de Arges. If your trip takes place during July through September, we’ll travel through Romania’s infamous Transfăgărășan Highway. This aesthetically striking mountain road crossing though the southern section of the Romanian Carpathians--dissecting the nation’s highest peaks--Moldoveanu and Negoiu--and unifying Transylvania and Wallachia. Regardless of your route, you’ll certainly enjoy the destination: Romania hosts around 600 Orthodox Christian monasteries in total; however, Curtea de Arges is a unique treasure: Seamlessly unifying architectural influences from both Georgia and Armenia with Islamic geometric motifs. Constructed between 1515 and 1517, Curtea de Arges is also well known for the many stories surrounding its construction by Meșterul (aka Masterbuilder) Manole and commissioning by Prince Negru Voda (Radu Negru)--with more than 100 different versions of this legend circulating. After visiting Curtea de Arges Monastery, you will travel towards the breathtaking Carpathian Mountains along the Olt Valley, which is nestled between the Căpăţânii, Lotru and Făgăraş mountains. Romans forged this ancient trade route, which was later used by merchants of the Middle Ages as they journeyed deep into Transylvania. After a leisurely scenic drive, you will arrive in Sibiu sometime that afternoon. Settlers built this architecturally rich medieval city, which is defined by a rich cultural legacy that spans more than 900 years. Sibiu (aka Hermannstadt) served as the region’s German settlers’ capital. The Transylvanian Saxons’ trade guilds amassed great wealth here--ultimately growing Sibiu into the largest, most prosperous of the nation’s seven walled citadels. Sibiu’s Old Town remains strikingly German in appearance, and the area is still encircled by portions of the ancient medieval wall that once protected its citizens. Three of the city’s original 39 towers remain standing today. In Sibiu, you will also see other extraordinary landmarks, which include The Great Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Brukenthal Palace, a late-Baroque architectural masterpiece housing one of Romania’s most impressive museums; the hopelessly romantic Bridge of Lies, Podul Minciunilor; Haller House, a beautiful preserved Renaissance residence with Sibiu’s trademark window structure; multiple visually striking and historically significant Churches and countless other potential destinations. Sibiu offers so much to see and enjoy, and we will customize your tour to meet your preferences. After you have had time to get to know this beautiful city, your guide can recommend several highly rated and culturally rich dining options near your top-of-the-line accommodations in Sibiu.

We’ll drive southwest from Sibiu to Hunedoara. Situated near the Poiana Ruscă Mountains, Hunedora is home to the region’s most striking Gothic-Renaissance architecture: Hunyad Castle, aka Corvin Castle. Dating back to the mid-15th century, Hunyad is one of the largest castles in all of Europe and ranked among the Seven Wonders of Romania. The edifice was constructed on a rock above the Zlaști River, on the ruins of a previous fortification. Because of its dramatic military and civilian history and striking architecture, Hunyad Castle is a popular destination for visitors. John Hunyadi imprisoned Vlad the Impaler, Prince of Wallachia and dramatic inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, within the castle, and the site has hosted multiple video game, television and movie productions--including Most Haunted Live!, Ghost Adventures and The Nun. From Hunedoara, we’ll travel northwest to visit Eastern Europe’s largest Vouban-style citadel: Alba Iulia Fortress. Named after Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, the French military engineer that built with this star-shaped style, this structure is well known for its seven-pointe design, dramatic bastions and beautiful gates. Alba Iulia Fortress dates back to 1711 and was constructed on the ruins of a Medieval fortress--and before that, a Roman camp. The city’s 2000-plus year history includes its pivotal role in Romania’s Great Union of 1918, when Transylvania united with the rest of Romania. It is also home to our country’s oldest cathedral--Catedrala Sfântul Mihail, aka St. Michael's Cathedral. Hungarian King Saint Istvan founded Catedrala Sfântul Mihail around 1009 AD, and it now serves as seat to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Transylvania. Alba Iulia is widely recognized as Romania’s spiritual capital. After you have toured these historic, spiritual and architectural sites, your guide can recommend the full range of dining options within Alba Iulia. You may choose to retire early or continue exploring all this beautiful city has to offer.

Today’s adventure will take you northeast of Alba Iulia to the legendary and spectacular Turda Salt Mine. Located 115 meters underground, this once industrial site that dates back to the Middle Ages was converted into a subterranean recreation area in 1992. Some of the more unique attractions here include a wellness center, Ferris wheel, echo hall, bowling alley, underground lake with row-boat rentals, mini golf course, museum and indoor elevator. From Turda, we’ll journey to the northeastern Carpathian Mountains--to Maramureș. This area is legendary for its diverse historic influences and rich natural beauty. Because of its rural, isolated location and diverse ethnic history, Maramureș serves a unique role in Romania’s history; and--as an authentic example of rural life in Europe--this is a must-see for anyone visiting Romania. You’ll visit Sârbi, a picturesque village famous for its historic engineering mills and distilleries, many of which are still operating, and intricately carved wooden gates. Throughout Maramureș, you will certainly see peasants working the land by hand, and the natural landscape here is unmatched: an endless sea of green rolling hills, dramatic mountain peaks and haystacks. Like all of Romania, you will find Maramureș’ villagers to be exceptionally friendly and hospitable, happy to smile and wave for photographs. If you are lucky enough to visit Maramureș during one of their many religious holidays, you will also see the entire community adorned in traditional clothing. In addition to its extraordinary textile craftsmanship, Maramureș is also famous for its woodwork and exceptional woodcarving artistry. The area is long-recognized for its unique "wooden civilization," with entire churches are erected entirely from wood--with no metal or nail reinforcement needed. Many of Maramureș' breathtaking edifices date back 400 years and contain iconography hand painted by local artists. UNESCO World Heritage recognizes the historic significance of these cultural and architectural masterpieces, and you will visit two UNESCO-protected sites: Calinesti Church (1646) and Desesti Church (1770). Naturalists will also enjoy the heavily forested region’s topography and wildlife. Maramureș is home to numerous protected plant and animal species; therefore, authorities established two preserves--Rodnei Mountains National Park and Maramureș Mountains Natural Park--to help protect these natural treasures. We also encourage guests to opt for a homestay in Maramureș, which will provide the unique experience of a traditional home-cooked meal made with organic local resources cooked with affection and pride. Wherever you choose to stay, you will be impressed by the villagers’ simple charm and unparalleled hospitality. Maramureș has changed rapidly over the past ten years and those changes continue to impact this idyllic community. We believe this region offers a snapshot of rural agricultural life and Romanian history that you cannot find outside of Maramureș. We highly recommend that all travelers make Maramureș a priority destination.

You’ll conclude your time in Maramureș with a visit to the stunning Bârsana Monastery--one of the tallest wooden churches in all of Romania. Your guide will also bring to the UNESCO-protected Church of Leud Deal (Church of the Nativity of the Virgin) and, finally, to the Bukovina Village Museum. Your guide will also take you on a guided tour of Săpânța’s Cimitirul Vesel. Notorious for its colourful tombstones and poetic, yet plainspoken epitaphs, the “Merry Cemetery” is one of the most visited graveyards worldwide. That afternoon, you will travel over the highest pass on the Eastern Carpathians to reach Bucovina. Located on the northern side of the mountains, Bucovina’s territory is currently divided between Romania and Ukraine. You’ll have this afternoon to relax, get acquainted with the area near your hotel and enjoy a taste of Bucovina’s legendary cuisine.

Recognized as an intensely spiritual region, Bucovina hosts an impressive number of historically and architecturally significant churches and monasteries. The painted edifices of Bucovina are known for their colorful Byzantine frescoes and intricate exteriors. This group of churches dates back to the 15th century yet remains well preserved and beyond compare: Eight of these locations are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and your tour will visit four of those distinctive landmarks: Voronet, Humor, Moldovita and Sucevita. In addition to beautiful churches and monasteries, Bucovina is also known for its lush landscapes, rolling hills and winding rivers. Bucovina’s charming villages and unique folk art round off the experience, and you will also visit the one-of-a-kind Vama-Bukovina Painted Egg Museum and Marginea’s Black Pottery Workshop.

En route from Bucovina back to Transylvania, you will visit the Agapia Monastery--one of the country’s most important Orthodox Christian nunneries. Built from 1641-1643, this convent is well known for its stunning interior frescoes, which Nicolae Grigorescu painted in 1858. Once again, you will cross over the Oriental Carpathians, this traveling west to enjoy the Gorges of Bicaz. Part of the beautiful Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park, this road certainly ranks as one of Romania’s most dramatic; and the gorge’s most narrow extreme is also known as "The Neck Of Hell": Gâtul Iadului. On a more somber note, the rather treacherous nature of this route and its proclivity to rock slides has led to a legend that the Red Lake, aka “Killer Lake,” is stained with the blood of local villagers that perished in a terrible earthquake that devastated this region in 1838. In reality, the natural dam--the largest barrier lake in the Eastern Carpathian Mountains--formed as a result of that earthquake-related collapse, and the red tint is the result of iron oxides and hydroxides deposited in the lake by nearby Red Creek. You will spend much of this day enjoying a leisurely and scenic drive: This will likely be your longest travel day of the trip. You will arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage Site citadel town of Sighișoara that evening in plenty of time to stroll the medieval stone streets and find the perfect dining venue.

The small Medieval city of Sighişoara sits on top of a hill, peaked by a citadel on the highest summit--fortified by a formidable 930-meter ring of walls, 14 defense towers and five artillery bastions. Transylvanian Saxons built their fortress on the Tarnava River during the 12th century after being invited by the King of Hungary to populate and defend the region and were so successful here that Sighişoara became one of Transylvania’s culturally rich and profitable cities. Sighişoara’s Historic Center features opulent, well-preserved merchant houses, complete with charming pastel colors, Medieval German architecture and local craftsmen peddling their artistry. The Clock Tower looms as the tallest point in this magnificent city and dates back 700 years. The engineering masterpiece was built with walls more than two meters thick to safely store residents’ ammunition, historical archives and treasury. During your walking tour of Sighişoara, you’ll also climb the 180-step Covered Staircase, Scara Şcolarilor or “Scholars’ Stairs”, to reach the Gothic-style Biserica din Deal, or Church on the Hill, and Saxon Cemetery. Most visitors will want to spend a good deal of time wandering the peaceful paths in this austere, sacred setting--reading well-preserved, artistically stunning headstones. Of course, no visit to Sighişoara would be complete without seeing the 1431 birthplace of Vlad Tepes, the 15th century Prince of Wallachia that inspired Bram Stoker’s fictional Count Dracula. The historic site has since converted its ground floor into Casa Vlad Dracu, a restaurant that offers the opportunity for a lunch break and visit to the second-floor rooms that once housed the young prince. From Sighişoara, you will drive southwest around half an hour to reach Viscri, one of many stunning Saxon villages sprinkled throughout Transylvania. Viscri is particularly striking and known for its Lutheran Fortified Church, which the Transylvanian Saxons built between 1141 and 1162, when the Kingdom of Hungary ruled the area. Initially Roman Catholic, the church converted to Lutheran following the Reformation. This striking building and the surrounding villages are collectively recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will arrive in Brașov that evening and are free to independently explore the bustling activity and plentiful dining options within the city’s Council Square. Encircled by beautifully preserved 18th and 19th century homes, Piata Sfatului has served as Brașov’s town market since the mid-14th century--hosting merchants from all over the world.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel to lead a walking tour of Brașov’s many historically significant sites. Brașov is located in the heart of Romania, encircled by the Southern Carpathian Mountains. As a significant stop along historic trade routes between Western Europe and the Ottoman Empire, Brașov is widely regarded as the capital for the region’s Transylvanian Saxons, who were highly involved in crafts and trading. Archaeologists in Brașov have unearthed evidence of advanced civilizations dating back to 9500 BCE, the Neolithic Age, and this region holds some of Romania’s earliest artifacts. After hearing more about the rich history of Council Square--which includes public humiliation of accused witches and the late 17th-century beheading of a guild leader, you’ll see the city’s famous Biserica Neagră. Named after Saint Mary, the celebrated church became known as The Black Church as a result of smoke damage sustained in The Great Fire of 1689. The original church was built in 94 years (between 1383 and 1477) and was the biggest church between Vienna and Constantinople. Your walking tour will take you down Rope Street, the narrowest passageway in Romania--and possibly all of Europe: Strada Sforii’s width varies between just 111 and 135 centimetres and continues 80 metres. You will see both Black Tower and White Tower, two of the city’s Old City Watch Towers, as well as Brașov’s only original city gate that has remained intact since the Middle Ages. Catherine’s Gate, aka Șchei Gate, sits immediately beside Poarta Ecaterinei. You will also visit nearby Bran Castle. Just a short drive (25 km.) from Brașov, this landmark is a favorite among visitors because of its inaccurate association with Vlad Țepeș, aka Vlad Dracula. In reality, there is no evidence that Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula, was influenced by Bran Castle, and the fortress has no proven associations with Vlad the Impaler. Despite the Bran Castle’s questionable connection with the literary legend, the historic castle remains a worthwhile destination. In fact, the original fortress on this site dates back to the early 13th century; however, Mongols destroyed the first wooden castle in 1242. Louis I of Hungary granted local Saxons authority to build the stone castle at their own expense and labour in 1377. Now a museum housing Queen Marie of Romania’s furniture and art collection. As you begin your journey south, you will also visit Sinaia, a mountain resort town located in the historical region of Muntenia. Named after Sinaia Monastery, the picturesque town is nestled between the Danube, the Carpathians (aka Transylvanian Alps), Moldavia and the Olt River. You will visit King Carol I’s stunning Peleș Castle. This landmark palace dates back to 1873 and blends Neo-Renaissance and Gothic Revival architecture, with a heavily Baroque-influenced interior loaded with luxurious linens and intricately carved woodwork. After a full day of sightseeing, your guide will drive you the approximate 2-1/2 hour distance to return to Romania’s capital to prepare for your departure.