Itinerary Romania — Malcolm Travel Partners

Romania Itinerary

Welcome to Romania

A country rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes! Our journey begins in the vibrant capital city of Bucharest, where you'll be captivated by the contrast between its communist-era architecture and modern developments. Explore the Palace of the Parliament, and stroll through the charming Old Town, filled with lively cafes, art galleries, and historic churches. Bucharest offers a dynamic blend of the old and the new, providing a unique glimpse into Romania's past and present.

Next, we’ll venture to the medieval city of Brasov, nestled in the Carpathian Mountains. We will wander through the enchanting Council Square, visit the Black Church, and take a cable car to the top of Tampa Mountain for panoramic views. We’ll travel back in time as we explore the well-preserved medieval citadel of Sighisoara, birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, and soak in the cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and iconic Clock Tower. We’ll journey to Cluj-Napoca, a vibrant university city known for its lively atmosphere, cultural events, and historic landmarks. Sibiu, with its charming squares and well-preserved medieval architecture, offers a delightful experience, and Cris, located in the heart of Transylvania, beckons with its serene landscapes and picturesque villages.

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Day-at-a-Glance

Day Description

Day 0 Flight Leaves U.S.
Day 1 Arrive Bucharest"
Day 2 Bucharest
Day 3 Brasov
Day 4 Brasov
Day 5 Sighisoara
Day 6 Cris
Day 7 Sibiu
Day 8 Sibiu
Day 9 Cluj
Day 10 Flight leaves Cluj

DAY 1

Bucharest

Arrive in Bucharest by international flight. On arrival, you will be driven to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, we will take a walking tour of the beautiful, historical, and culturally rich Old Town of the capital of Romania. Dinner at Cara Cu Bere, the oldest restaurant in Bucharest.

Accommodations: The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection

DAY 2

Bucharest

Bucharest, founded in 1459, is filled with history and culture. After breakfast, we’ll set out to take a tour of the Palace of Parliament, the second largest and most expensive administrative building in the world. We’ll see the mansion of Nicolae Ceaușescu, the former communist leader of Romania from 1965 to 1989, and some of the other architectural highlights of the city. Then you will have an open evening to explore other parts of the city.

Accommodations: The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection

DAY 3

Brașov, Transylvania

We will depart after breakfast and drive to Sinaia, where we’ll explore Peles Castle, the summer home of the Romanian royal family from 1883 to 1947. After a tour of the castle, we’ll visit the Rhein cellar, where sparkling wine has been made since 1892 for the Royal House of Romania. Lunch and a wine tasting will be provided. Next, we’ll head to Brașov, a former Saxon colony and fortified city. A walking tour of the city will reveal its rich history and beautiful landmarks, such as the storied Black Church. Dinner at La Ceaun.

Accommodations: Radisson Blu Brasov

DAY 4

Brașov

Depart after breakfast to Libearty Bear Sanctuary, the largest brown bear sanctuary in the world. We’ll spend time touring the sanctuary and learning about the work they do to save Romanian bears. Next, we’ll explore Bran Castle, built by the Saxons in 1377 for the Hungarian King as a fortress to defend against the Ottoman Empire. A tour of the castle will teach us its history and how it has been utilized by different groups of people over the years. Lunch at Conacul Törzburg, followed by a tour of a distillery in Rașnov that produces Țuica, the national drink of Romania. Return to Brașov for a visit to the beautiful JUNO Wine Garden and dinner at Sergiana.

Accommodations: Radisson Blu Brasov

DAY 5

Sighișoara and Criș

After breakfast, we will be driven to Viscri for a tour of King Charles’ former residence and longtime Romanian getaway. King Charles has Romanian cousins and has visited since childhood. He has worked hard to preserve local communities and villages. We will tour the village’s evangelic fortified church built in 1100 AD now designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. After lunch in Viscri, we’ll head to Sighișoara, a small, fortified Saxon city, also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sighișoara is the birthplace of Vlad III, known as Vlad the Impaler, a famous ruler of Romania. Known for his harsh ruling style, Vlad was the basis for the legend of Count Dracula, the terrifying vampire that resided in Transylvania. Our tour of this quaint village will include landmarks such as the Church on the Hill and the Clock Tower. We’ll end our day at the beautiful Bethlen Estates.

Accommodations: Bethlen Estates

DAY 6

Criș

Criș (pronounced creesh) is a small village and home to Bethlen Castle, named after Gabriel Bethlen, the Prince of Transylvania from 1613-1629. The Bethlen family is a Hungarian royal family that still has a foothold in Criș. Breakfast will be followed by a tour of the castle. Then, we will ride in a horse drawn carriage through the stunning natural scenery of Criș with a stop for a picnic lunch. Activities organized by Bethlen Estates can be arranged on this day depending on interest. Dinner at Bethlen Estates.

Accommodations: Bethlen Estates

DAY 7

Arrive Sibiu

After a leisurely morning at Bethlen Estates, we’ll depart for Sibiu with a stop for lunch. Sibiu is yet another city that has preserved its Saxon architecture, noticed immediately by its colorful buildings. The city contains myriad fascinating sites, such as the Bridge of Lies and the Lutheran Cathedral. You will notice that the buildings seem to be looking back at you due to their eyebrow dormers on the roofs, giving the town the nickname “The City with Eyes.” We’ll explore and learn about the city on a walking tour. Dinner at the Kulinarium.

Accommodations: Hotel Continental Forum Sibiu

DAY 8

Explore Sibiu

After breakfast, we’ll visit the ASTRA National Museum Complex, a collection of museums of ethnography and history with recreated sites to immerse yourself in the past. We’ll return to Sibiu for some free time and optional afternoon activities.

Options:

Visit the Medieval Pharmacy Museum and learn about how medical and pharmaceutical processes progressed during medieval times.
Explore the beautiful Lutheran and Orthodox cathedrals, as well as the Catholic basilica. Learn about the variety of religious groups present in Sibiu throughout its history.
Drive to Corvin Castle in Hunedoara to discover one of the largest castles in Europe.

Accommodations: Hotel Continental Forum Sibiu

DAY 9

Arrive Cluj-Napoca

After breakfast we’ll drive to Turda Salt Mine to explore one of the largest salt mines in Romania, and first mentioned as early as the 12th century. We’ll learn about its mining history and about salt therapy, a service still provided in the mine. After lunch, we’ll head to Cluj-Napoca, the second most populated city in Romania, known for its prestigious universities and cultural history. We’ll take a walking tour of the city to learn about its past and present. Farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Cluj

DAY 10

Departing Cluj

Depending on departure time, we will have morning activities and then transfer to Cluj International Airport.

PRICE

Price starting at per person (Shared Room): $5,000
Group size is 6 - 14 participants.