Romania
1 Jul –
16 Jul 2024
- 15 Days
- In 4 and 5 star hotels, unless otherwise specified
- 27 Meals
- Group size: 10
Menu
Itinerary
We meet at O.R. Tambo International for our flight to Bucharest, Romania. The country sits at the crossroads of Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe, and its history spans millennia. Its snow-capped mountains and forested valleys have seen the rise and fall of many great empires. Fairytale castles, cities with stone streets and wooden churches speak to this storied past, but welcoming people, excellent cuisine and rich culture are proof of a country with its sights firmly in the present.
This morning, we arrive in Bucharest. Romania’s cultural and political heart is home to a fascinating mix of classical, Art Nouveau and communist-era architecture, and we dive straight in with a panoramic city tour that takes us past the key landmarks, stopping at the gigantic Palace of the Parliament for a visit. We continue our city tour to our hotel, where we check in to rest and refresh. The afternoon is spent at leisure. This evening, we gather in the Old Town of Bucharest for a welcome dinner and toast the start of a wonderful journey.
Departing the city this morning, we set out for Transylvania, a Romanian region brimming with densely wooded peaks, flower-filled meadows and quaint villages. Our route takes us along the Transfăgărasăn, a road that snakes its way up the Carpathian Mountains in a series of hairpin bends to a soaring altitude of 2,000 metres. Along the way, we stop at the 16th-century Curtea de Argeș Cathedral, the burial place of many of Romania’s kings and queens. Passing Poenari Fortress, the home of Vlad the Impaler, we continue to Vidraru Dam. Built on the Argeș River, the dam is an impressive sight. We stop for lunch near the dam before heading to the spectacular Bâlea Glacier Lake for a photo opportunity. This evening, we arrive in Sibiu. Spend the evening at your leisure.
We breakfast at the hotel and take a city tour of Sibiu to see the main sights, such as the Piața Mare and the Lying Bridge. Next, you have some free time to explore on your own. As you walk around, look up and search for the famous eye-shaped windows that adorn Sibiu’s roofs. In the afternoon, we visit the ASTRA National Museum Complex. This open-air ethnographic museum contains over 300 houses and workshops dedicated to preserving Romanian folk culture. Later, we set out for Sibiel village to visit the Museum of Icons on Glass, which houses almost 600 religiously inspired glass artworks. At Adriana Guesthouse, we are treated to a traditional meal home-cooked by the guesthouse owners.
From Sibiu, we travel north to Sighișoara, making our way through Transylvania’s endless hills and oak forests. On our way, we stop at Biertan, one of seven Romanian villages recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its medieval fortified church. Walking through the church and exploring the ramparts is like taking a step back in time and gives a fascinating insight into the lives of the people who lived here in medieval times.
On arrival in Sighișoara, we check into our hotel and take a short break to refresh and eat lunch. Then, we set out to uncover the treasures of this medieval citadel. Enclosed within the fortified hilltop is a kaleidoscope of pastel-coloured houses, twisting lanes and turreted watchtowers. We gather for dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant in the evening.
Today, we continue our journey, heading into Northern Romania. Our first stop is the picturesque town of Târgu Mureș, where we take a panoramic tour. The next portion of our journey takes us into Maramureș, a fiercely traditional region of Romania where centuries-old customs endure. We visit Desești Church, one of eight buildings that make up the Wooden Churches of Maramureș UNESCO World Heritage Site. Onwards to Săpânța to see the unique Merry Cemetary. Here sculptor Stan Ioan Pătraş has created a sea of beautiful memories. Bright blue crosses stand in rows, bearing touching, tragic and humorous epitaphs to the town’s deceased. In the evening, we arrive in Sighetu Marmației, and time permitting, we visit the Memorial to the Victims of Communism and the Resistance Museum. Tonight, we dine at the hotel.
The drive through Maramureș today takes us past the lush meadows bordering the Iza and Mara Rivers. We see timeworn churches and carved wooden gates before reaching Bârsana Monastery. This impressive all-wooden Orthodox monastic complex encompasses ten massive buildings amidst the green hills, with spires stretching proudly towards the sky. Sunday services at Bârsana are a magical experience, so be prepared for a special treat. Continuing to Borșa, we stop for lunch and enjoy the stunning views of the Rodna and Maramureș Mountains surrounding this charming village. We arrive in Suceava in the evening and share a delicious dinner at the hotel.
Awake in Suceava, a town nestled in the storybook hills of Moldavia. After breakfast, we set out for the UNESCO-protected painted monasteries, Romania’s pride and joy. We see Voroneț Monastery, which was built in just three months, its entire western side adorned with an enormous Last Judgement fresco. We move on to the Museum of Painted Eggs Lucia Condrea, where 30,000 decorated eggs are exhibited in a celebration of the Romanian custom of painting eggs for Easter. We break for lunch in the village of Vatra Moldoviței and then continue to Suceviţa Monastery and Moldoviţa Monastery. In the evening, we return to Suceava. Tonight’s dinner will be enjoyed at a local restaurant in the city.
Leaving Suceava behind, we drive deeper into the landscapes of Moldovia, heading first to Neamț Monastery. Romania’s oldest and largest male monastery dates to the 14th century, but the large church was added later in the 15th century. Next, we see Agapia Monastery, where impressive frescoes by the Romanian master Nicolae Grigorescu adorn the walls. For lunch, we stop in Piatra Neamț. The rest of our journey takes us through the impressive limestone cliffs of the Bicaz Gorges to Red Lake. Surrounded by rugged mountains and thick forest, the lake is a captivating sight. Relax with some free time and then meet in the hotel’s restaurant for dinner, where a hearty Hungarian feast awaits.
After breakfast at the hotel, we travel to Miercurea Ciuc, a historic town on the Olt River. We take a panoramic tour of the town, admiring its red rooftops, before continuing to Prejmer Fortified Church. The beautifully preserved Prejmer was conquered only once but went through 50 sieges in its hundreds of years of existence. Walls up to five metres thick and 12 metres high enclose the Gothic church, while the interior wall contains four levels of apartment-style rooms that could shelter up to 1,600 villagers in times of attack. In the afternoon, we make our way to Brașov, Spend the afternoon at leisure and then rejoin the group for dinner.
Corona, Kronstadt and Orașul Stalin – Brașov has had many names over the centuries. The mixture of ancient watchtowers, cobbled streets and soviet blocks that greets us today tells of the city’s interesting history. We head into the streets with a city tour that shows us the main sights. Rising 940 metres over the city is Mount Tampa, adorned with its very own Hollywood-style sign. We take the cable car to the summit, where the viewing platform offers gorgeous views over the city. This evening, we delight in an authentic dinner in the Old Town.
Departing from Brașov this morning, we drive to Bran. The impressive castle that towers over the village has long been associated with Bram Stoker’s creation Dracula, as well as Romania’s bloody ruler, Vlad the Impaler. Enjoy a tour of the castle, which is mysterious, beautiful and interesting. On our way to Sinaia, we stop amongst the rolling vineyards of Azuga Rhein Wine Cellar, the official supplier of sparkling wines to the royal household. Here, we learn how sparkling wine is made, partake in a wine tasting and eat a delicious lunch. Following lunch, we travel to Peleș Castle, the former summer residence of the Romanian royal family. Our day ends in Sinaia, a mountain resort nicknamed “The Pearl of the Carpathians.”
A day of travelling lies ahead as we set course for the Danube Delta. After completing its 2,800-kilometre-long journey across Europe, the mighty Danube River meets the Black Sea. The river’s mouth, the Danube Delta, is a largely unspoilt network of waterways, lakes and marshes that combine to form a pristine wetland vibrating with life. More than 300 species of birds, 45 species of fish and countless other animals flourish in this rich habitat. We stop enroute for lunch and arrive in the Delta in the late afternoon. After relaxing at the hotel, we share in a fish dinner, typical of the area.
After breakfast, we set out for a day in the Danube Delta. A bird specialist guide leads our trip into the landscape of reeds, waterlilies and winding waterways. The Delta is a sanctuary for migratory birds, a birdwatcher’s paradise, teeming with Great White Pelicans, Grey Herons and a variety of warblers, finches and wagtails. Look closely; you might spot emerald-green marsh frogs, pond turtles or dragonflies dancing over the water. We stop in a fisherman’s village, where we are treated to a customary lunch featuring the catch of the day. Our trip ends in the village of Murighol, where we are met and transferred to Bucharest. We arrive in the evening, check into our hotel and gather for a farewell dinner.
We enjoy a relaxed morning in Bucharest thanks to a pre-arranged late checkout. After breakfast, set out to tour the city with a dedicated guide and do some last-minute shopping. In the afternoon, we are transferred to the airport, where we board our flight to Johannesburg.
We arrive at O.R. Tambo International, travel weary but buoyed by memories of an exhilarating journey. We went to Romania for painted monasteries and fairytale castles but were gifted much more. Landscapes of soul-stirring beauty, romantic strolls through ancient streets and the warm smiles of locals, who welcomed us with food, drink and kindness, are just some of the stories we treasure. Seagull Travel & Tours looks forward to welcoming you on another small group tour in the near future.
We meet at O.R. Tambo International for our flight to Bucharest, Romania. The country sits at the crossroads of Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe, and its history spans millennia. Its snow-capped mountains and forested valleys have seen the rise and fall of many great empires. Fairytale castles, cities with stone streets and wooden churches speak to this storied past, but welcoming people, excellent cuisine and rich culture are proof of a country with its sights firmly in the present.
This morning, we arrive in Bucharest. Romania’s cultural and political heart is home to a fascinating mix of classical, Art Nouveau and communist-era architecture, and we dive straight in with a panoramic city tour that takes us past the key landmarks, stopping at the gigantic Palace of the Parliament for a visit. We continue our city tour to our hotel, where we check in to rest and refresh. The afternoon is spent at leisure. This evening, we gather in the Old Town of Bucharest for a welcome dinner and toast the start of a wonderful journey.
Departing the city this morning, we set out for Transylvania, a Romanian region brimming with densely wooded peaks, flower-filled meadows and quaint villages. Our route takes us along the Transfăgărasăn, a road that snakes its way up the Carpathian Mountains in a series of hairpin bends to a soaring altitude of 2,000 metres. Along the way, we stop at the 16th-century Curtea de Argeș Cathedral, the burial place of many of Romania’s kings and queens. Passing Poenari Fortress, the home of Vlad the Impaler, we continue to Vidraru Dam. Built on the Argeș River, the dam is an impressive sight. We stop for lunch near the dam before heading to the spectacular Bâlea Glacier Lake for a photo opportunity. This evening, we arrive in Sibiu. Spend the evening at your leisure.
We breakfast at the hotel and take a city tour of Sibiu to see the main sights, such as the Piața Mare and the Lying Bridge. Next, you have some free time to explore on your own. As you walk around, look up and search for the famous eye-shaped windows that adorn Sibiu’s roofs. In the afternoon, we visit the ASTRA National Museum Complex. This open-air ethnographic museum contains over 300 houses and workshops dedicated to preserving Romanian folk culture. Later, we set out for Sibiel village to visit the Museum of Icons on Glass, which houses almost 600 religiously inspired glass artworks. At Adriana Guesthouse, we are treated to a traditional meal home-cooked by the guesthouse owners.
From Sibiu, we travel north to Sighișoara, making our way through Transylvania’s endless hills and oak forests. On our way, we stop at Biertan, one of seven Romanian villages recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its medieval fortified church. Walking through the church and exploring the ramparts is like taking a step back in time and gives a fascinating insight into the lives of the people who lived here in medieval times.
On arrival in Sighișoara, we check into our hotel and take a short break to refresh and eat lunch. Then, we set out to uncover the treasures of this medieval citadel. Enclosed within the fortified hilltop is a kaleidoscope of pastel-coloured houses, twisting lanes and turreted watchtowers. We gather for dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant in the evening.
Today, we continue our journey, heading into Northern Romania. Our first stop is the picturesque town of Târgu Mureș, where we take a panoramic tour. The next portion of our journey takes us into Maramureș, a fiercely traditional region of Romania where centuries-old customs endure. We visit Desești Church, one of eight buildings that make up the Wooden Churches of Maramureș UNESCO World Heritage Site. Onwards to Săpânța to see the unique Merry Cemetary. Here sculptor Stan Ioan Pătraş has created a sea of beautiful memories. Bright blue crosses stand in rows, bearing touching, tragic and humorous epitaphs to the town’s deceased. In the evening, we arrive in Sighetu Marmației, and time permitting, we visit the Memorial to the Victims of Communism and the Resistance Museum. Tonight, we dine at the hotel.
The drive through Maramureș today takes us past the lush meadows bordering the Iza and Mara Rivers. We see timeworn churches and carved wooden gates before reaching Bârsana Monastery. This impressive all-wooden Orthodox monastic complex encompasses ten massive buildings amidst the green hills, with spires stretching proudly towards the sky. Sunday services at Bârsana are a magical experience, so be prepared for a special treat. Continuing to Borșa, we stop for lunch and enjoy the stunning views of the Rodna and Maramureș Mountains surrounding this charming village. We arrive in Suceava in the evening and share a delicious dinner at the hotel.
Awake in Suceava, a town nestled in the storybook hills of Moldavia. After breakfast, we set out for the UNESCO-protected painted monasteries, Romania’s pride and joy. We see Voroneț Monastery, which was built in just three months, its entire western side adorned with an enormous Last Judgement fresco. We move on to the Museum of Painted Eggs Lucia Condrea, where 30,000 decorated eggs are exhibited in a celebration of the Romanian custom of painting eggs for Easter. We break for lunch in the village of Vatra Moldoviței and then continue to Suceviţa Monastery and Moldoviţa Monastery. In the evening, we return to Suceava. Tonight’s dinner will be enjoyed at a local restaurant in the city.
Leaving Suceava behind, we drive deeper into the landscapes of Moldovia, heading first to Neamț Monastery. Romania’s oldest and largest male monastery dates to the 14th century, but the large church was added later in the 15th century. Next, we see Agapia Monastery, where impressive frescoes by the Romanian master Nicolae Grigorescu adorn the walls. For lunch, we stop in Piatra Neamț. The rest of our journey takes us through the impressive limestone cliffs of the Bicaz Gorges to Red Lake. Surrounded by rugged mountains and thick forest, the lake is a captivating sight. Relax with some free time and then meet in the hotel’s restaurant for dinner, where a hearty Hungarian feast awaits.
After breakfast at the hotel, we travel to Miercurea Ciuc, a historic town on the Olt River. We take a panoramic tour of the town, admiring its red rooftops, before continuing to Prejmer Fortified Church. The beautifully preserved Prejmer was conquered only once but went through 50 sieges in its hundreds of years of existence. Walls up to five metres thick and 12 metres high enclose the Gothic church, while the interior wall contains four levels of apartment-style rooms that could shelter up to 1,600 villagers in times of attack. In the afternoon, we make our way to Brașov, Spend the afternoon at leisure and then rejoin the group for dinner.
Corona, Kronstadt and Orașul Stalin – Brașov has had many names over the centuries. The mixture of ancient watchtowers, cobbled streets and soviet blocks that greets us today tells of the city’s interesting history. We head into the streets with a city tour that shows us the main sights. Rising 940 metres over the city is Mount Tampa, adorned with its very own Hollywood-style sign. We take the cable car to the summit, where the viewing platform offers gorgeous views over the city. This evening, we delight in an authentic dinner in the Old Town.
Departing from Brașov this morning, we drive to Bran. The impressive castle that towers over the village has long been associated with Bram Stoker’s creation Dracula, as well as Romania’s bloody ruler, Vlad the Impaler. Enjoy a tour of the castle, which is mysterious, beautiful and interesting. On our way to Sinaia, we stop amongst the rolling vineyards of Azuga Rhein Wine Cellar, the official supplier of sparkling wines to the royal household. Here, we learn how sparkling wine is made, partake in a wine tasting and eat a delicious lunch. Following lunch, we travel to Peleș Castle, the former summer residence of the Romanian royal family. Our day ends in Sinaia, a mountain resort nicknamed “The Pearl of the Carpathians.”
A day of travelling lies ahead as we set course for the Danube Delta. After completing its 2,800-kilometre-long journey across Europe, the mighty Danube River meets the Black Sea. The river’s mouth, the Danube Delta, is a largely unspoilt network of waterways, lakes and marshes that combine to form a pristine wetland vibrating with life. More than 300 species of birds, 45 species of fish and countless other animals flourish in this rich habitat. We stop enroute for lunch and arrive in the Delta in the late afternoon. After relaxing at the hotel, we share in a fish dinner, typical of the area.
After breakfast, we set out for a day in the Danube Delta. A bird specialist guide leads our trip into the landscape of reeds, waterlilies and winding waterways. The Delta is a sanctuary for migratory birds, a birdwatcher’s paradise, teeming with Great White Pelicans, Grey Herons and a variety of warblers, finches and wagtails. Look closely; you might spot emerald-green marsh frogs, pond turtles or dragonflies dancing over the water. We stop in a fisherman’s village, where we are treated to a customary lunch featuring the catch of the day. Our trip ends in the village of Murighol, where we are met and transferred to Bucharest. We arrive in the evening, check into our hotel and gather for a farewell dinner.
We enjoy a relaxed morning in Bucharest thanks to a pre-arranged late checkout. After breakfast, set out to tour the city with a dedicated guide and do some last-minute shopping. In the afternoon, we are transferred to the airport, where we board our flight to Johannesburg.
We arrive at O.R. Tambo International, travel weary but buoyed by memories of an exhilarating journey. We went to Romania for painted monasteries and fairytale castles but were gifted much more. Landscapes of soul-stirring beauty, romantic strolls through ancient streets and the warm smiles of locals, who welcomed us with food, drink and kindness, are just some of the stories we treasure. Seagull Travel & Tours looks forward to welcoming you on another small group tour in the near future.
Travelling to Romania is like stepping into the pages of a novel, where every chapter reveals a new facet of this enchanting land.
Our Romania itinerary starts in Bucharest, the eclectic capital. We navigate the streets at the city’s heart and unlock the mysteries of its rich history. Next, we venture into the storybook landscapes of Transylvania, where alpine meadows sweep upwards to forested peaks. Our path leads us through Sibiu, Biertan, Sighișoara, and Targa Mures, some of the best places to visit in Romania.
We wander through medieval towns, their streets winding and filled with tales of the past. We explore ancient fortresses, visit the Wooden Churches of Maramureș and witness the stunning murals of the Painted Monasteries of Moldavia, where every fresco tells a story. We savour Romanian cuisine, taste the local wine and immerse ourselves in the country’s rich traditions.
Next, to Brașov, where we uncover the mysteries of its old town before enjoying tours of Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle and Peleș Castles. After a night in Sinaia, we travel to the Danube Delta, a paradise teeming with life. A bird specialist guides a Danube Delta experience into this watery wonderland and ends with lunch in a fisherman’s village.
Our Romania guided tour seamlessly intertwines history, culture, and the natural world, striking a balance between guided experiences and leisurely exploration. With every detail meticulously curated and every aspect of the journey planned, Seagull Travel & Tours welcomes you to embrace the magic of Romania.
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We are here to help
The tour leader collects a set amount from each member of a tour. This kitty is then used to tip the local tour guide and city guides, bus drivers, any other assistants, and restaurant staff. We believe in tipping for good service as a token of appreciation, especially as many workers in tourism rely on tips to supplement their income.
Although we cannot apply on your behalf, we are more than willing to give guidance and assistance with completing forms. We do this for many clients on a near-daily basis. It does, however, remain the responsibility of the client to ensure that they get the correct visa on time.
Remember that we limit the number of guests on our tours. This means more time at stops and sites. We definitely do not do groups of 30 pax, where guests are rushed from one site to the other. There is enough time to explore on your own.
We always suggest USD/Euro 50 to USD/Euro 100 per person per day. As we mostly include two meals per day on our tours, this will be enough for lunch/dinner, some snacks, and memento shopping. Should you want to buy larger items, we suggest taking along your credit card. Remember to advise the bank that you will be travelling.
