Bucharest / Arrival Day

Welcome to Romania! A private driver will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to our accommodations in the city center.After time to settle in and take a rest, we’ll meet together in the evening for a brief tour orientation and dinner at one of Bucharest’s most popular Romanian restaurants, located in the heart of the Old City.

Included meals: Dinner

Bucharest

Today we’ll begin with a walking tour along Victory Street, passing through markets and historical sights before entering a neighborhood of beautiful, early 19th-century mansions and unique street art. We’ll continue on to explore vibrant squares, narrow passageways and communist structures. The impressive Obor Market, recently labeled “The Top Market in Europe” will also be a stop along the tour. We’ll take time to meet vendors, sample a variety of fresh food and enjoy local wine. Before returning to our hotel, we’ll make a stop at the Palace of the Parliament. Our group dinner will be at a famous, 100-year old eatery!

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bucharest / Brașov

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 3 hour drive to the medieval and vibrant town of Brasov. 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.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Brașov

Today we’ll embark on a full walking tour of Brasov city with a wonderful local guide, to visit Romanian and German neighborhoods. We will patronize several traditional businesses and have the opportunity to interact with local business owners and learn about their unique work. Together we’ll also visit the medieval gates to the city, the Black Church, the main square. There will be some free time to wander this quaint town, or take the funicular to the top of nearby Mount Tampa for sweeping views over the valley. In the evening, we’ll head to Piata Sfatului, the lively main square where festivities always take place in the later hours of the day. Dinner will be at a restaurant run by a local, award-winning chef.

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Brașov / Bran / Brașov

We will start the day with a short drive to the imposing 13th-century Bran Castle, one of the most famous landmarks in Transylvania. We'll take a relaxed tour through the hilltop castle and its gardens before heading to . the home of our dear friend, Gabriela, a local craftswoman in a tiny, nearby village. We'll share a home-cooked lunch with Gabriela in her home, followed by a demonstration of the traditional, Romanian craft of egg painting. We’ll return to Brasov, where you can enjoy the evening at your own pace.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Brașov / Corund

This morning we’ll take a 3 hour drive to the Hungarian region of Romania, Corund. Hungarians have been living in Romania for centuries, maintaining their unique culture and heritage. In Corund, we’ll visit with local artisans inside their workshops to learn how they are keeping their traditions alive. These artists produce their craft using only traditional methods of production, to be used within the community, not specifically for profit. Stops included a black pottery workshop, a traditional weaver’s studio and the workshop of a local tinder craftsman (tinder is a type of forest mushroom). Dinner will take place in the beautiful gardens of a local trout farm.

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Corund

Our local experience continues as we head up to the remote Fantana Plateau, home to only a few small villages and the southernmost peat bog in the world. We’ll begin with a 2-hour tour of the villages and a bio-mushroom farm, followed by a freshly prepared, private lunch at a local cheese farm. To top that off, we’ll stop at a local syrup and jam producer to taste their diverse range of all natural, delicious products.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to our guesthouse for a rest. You’ll be welcome to take a walk through the forest or enjoy a drink on the terrace. In the evening, we’ll go to the home of a local family for home-cooked dinner full of regional specialities!

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Corund / Sighișoara

Mid-morning, we’ll take a 1 hour drive to Sighisoara, a hilltop village considered to be the most preserved medieval village in all of Europe. Our guide will lead us down cobblestone lanes to a 400-year old clock tower and impressive cathedral, as well as into a traditional liquor cellar. We will also visit the birthplace of Vlad Tepes, also the inspiration for Dracula. After checking into the hotel, you’ll have free time to roam the friendly village.

Included meals: Breakfast

Sighișoara / Brateiu / Crit / Mesendorf

Heading for the village of Brateiu, we’ll stray off the beaten path again this morning. In Brateiu, a kind, Roma family has invited us into their home to learn more about their culture, offering the chance to learn about their metal work crafts and to taste their local snacks and drinks. Moving on, we’ll drive to the tiny, historic village of Crit, where we’ll enjoy lunch inside an old parish house.

Our next stop is The Saxon village of Messendorf, a peaceful village down a countryside road where we’ll spend the night. Our accommodations will be a gorgeous guest house with a welcoming atmosphere, among the tranquil surroundings. In the evening, you’ll have time to enjoy the quiet village and stunning guesthouse property before a home-cooked dinner prepared by our hosts.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mesendorf / Viscri / Bucharest

After a leisurely morning, including a delicious breakfast, we’ll leave Mesendorf and take a short 45-minute drive to the small town of Viscri. This town was made famous by King Charles' repeated visits due to his fondness for the traditions and culture of Romania. 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 time to explore, we'll begin our 4.5-hour journey back to Bucharest, arriving late afternoon. After checking into our hotel, we’ll all gather for a farewell dinner.

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Bucharest / Departure Day

You will be picked up for your private transfer to the airport based on the time of your flight.

Included meals: Breakfast