From CAD $3,320
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
From the beautiful Baroque churches of Budapest to the haunted castles of Transylvania, this ten-day journey across Eastern Europe provides a fascinating insight into an intriguing region. Learn about the failed Turkish invasion of Eger and take a wine cellar tour in the Valley of the Beautiful Women. Become acquainted with traditional Romanian culture and customs in Maramures, tour the medieval churches of Brasov, including Bran Castle and dine with a local family on an overnight homestay in Viscri. Explore Bucharest on a guided tour and enjoy free time soak up the city’s atmosphere. This journey perfectly introduces two Eastern European treasures, soaked in fascinating history and modern-day delights.
Highlights
- Sample the famous Hungarian bull’s blood in Eger – the wine that supposedly gave the Hungarian army supernatural strength during their battle against the Ottoman Empire.
- Discover Romania's most traditional and colourful region on a daytrip through the countryside of Maramures. Don't be surprised if you see horse-drawn carts along the road!
- Uncover spooky stories in Transylvania – the birthplace of Dracula. Then, visit Bran Castle in Brasov and learn how it became the inspiration for Dracula’s home.
- Experience an authentic stay in the Saxon town of Viscri, immersing yourself in Romanian hospitality and indulging in some delicious home-cooked food.
- Explore the historic past and artistic present of Bucharest – a city often underrated by travellers, but offering heaps of sights, sounds and smells to be discovered.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2967
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Metro, Taxi
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer
Supplier Code: WMSB
Starts: Budapest, Hungary
Finishes: Bucharest, Hungary
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (9), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights), Pension (2 night), Homestay with shared facilities (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3320 (CAD $332 /day)
Itinerary
Szia! Welcome to Hungary. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Budapest. If you arrive early, maybe visit the historic Buda Castle or wander through the winding streets of the Castle District, which dates back to the 13th century. In the afternoon, maybe a cruise along the Danube to see the riverside Parliament Building, the Castle District and the bridges linking Buda and Pest. Tonight, maybe head out with your fellow travellers for dinner, then take a night walk along the Danube to see the buildings and bridges lit up in lights.
Optional Activities:
- Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park (5000 HUF)
- Budapest - Faust Wine Cellar Tasting (21 EUR)
- Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from) (9400 HUF)
- Budapest - Parliament Tour (13000 HUF)
- Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour (10500 HUF)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, take a train east to Eger. This beautifully preserved Baroque town is surrounded by hills and is home to some of the most renowned vineyards in Eastern Europe. Visit the wine cellars of the Valley of the Beautiful Women to sample some of the town's famous Bull's Blood red wine, which supposedly gave the Hungarian army supernatural strength during their battle against the Ottoman Empire. In your free time, maybe explore Eger's 13th-century castle – the site of the historic siege that thwarted the Ottoman Empire's advance into Western Europe. Here, you can visit the Gothic Palace, view a gallery of fine Hungarian art and tour underground passageways filled with archaeological finds. You may also like to check out the town's 19th-century cathedral, climb the northernmost medieval minaret in Europe for views of the city or visit the Minorite Church in Dobo Square.
Included Activities:
- Eger - Wine Sampling
Optional Activities:
- Eger - Castle (4000 HUF)
- Eger - Minaret (800 HUF)
- Eger - Astronomy Museum, Camera Obscura, Panoramic terrace in the Lyceum building (2600 HUF)
- Eger - Town Under The Town (4500 HUF)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, travel to Debrecen. While here, you'll have time to explore Deri Square’s fountains, colourful buildings, museums and the golden Great Church. Continue by private vehicle across the central plains into Romania’s Maramures (mah-ra-moo-resh) region. This area may be modernising, but among the traditional wooden houses, churches, music and forests, you can still find parts of life unchanged since medieval times. When you arrive, settle into your room – your accommodation for the night is run by a local family. Sit down for a home-cooked dinner with your group and get to know the locals, their stories and their way of life.
Accommodation:
- Pension (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll discover more about the region of Maramures. Rich in tradition and folklore, the music, costumes, festivals and ancient superstitions of one of the last peasant cultures in Europe continue to thrive here. Maramures is particularly famed for its wooden churches, many of which are World Heritage-listed. Set out on a guided group tour to explore the region, visiting the unique Merry Cemetery in Sapanta, where the life stories of the deceased are displayed on colourful wooden crosses. You’ll also see other traditional villages, including the village museum in Sighetu – an assembly of beautiful local wooden architecture.
Included Activities:
- Maramures - Day Tour with Local Guide
- Maramures - Sapanta Merry Cemetery
- Maramures - Barsana Monastery
- Maramures - Distillery and Village Museum visit
Accommodation:
- Pension (Number of Nights: 1)
Begin the day with a scenic drive to Sighisoara – while the name may conjure up images of haunted castles, gothic churches and vampires, this is only a small part of what makes Transylvania such an enchanting and exciting destination. Another UNESCO World Heritage site, the town was first settled by the Romans but flourished under the Saxons from the 12th century. Take a walk around the Old Town, which coils up a narrow hill surrounded on all sides by fortified walls, and explore the 64 m tall clock tower that dominates the citadel. The town is famed as the birthplace of Vlad Dracul III, better known as Vlad the Impaler, whose name inspired Bram Stoker’s iconic Count Dracula. Vlad III is revered as a folk hero by Romanians for driving off the invading Ottoman Turks, whose victims are said to have numbered as many as 100,000. Tonight, maybe sit down for a traditional Romanian dinner at one of local restaurants.
Included Activities:
- Sighisoara - Orientation Walk
Optional Activities:
- Sighisoara - Church of the Dominican Monastery (10 RON)
- Sighisoara - Covered Stairway - Free
- Sighisoara - Church on the Hill (5 RON)
- Sighisoara - The Clock Tower (16 RON)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you have some free time in Sighisoara. After lunch, take a short drive to the village of Viscri – a small Transylvanian village originally inhabited by Saxons from the Luxembourg area. This village of red-tiled roofs is a UNESCO World Heritage site, virtually unchanged for 900 years. When you arrive, you’ll visit the town's fortified church, thought to be the oldest in Transylvania. After, sit down to a home-cooked dinner prepared by a local family, sampling fresh produce, homemade wines and schnapps. Tonight, stay in rustic houses that the locals rent out to visitors.
Included Activities:
- Viscri - Local Home Cooked Dinner
- Viscri - Fortified Church
Optional Activities:
- Viscri - Prince Charles House (15 RON)
- Viscri - Blacksmith demonstration (80 RON)
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, visit the famed Bran Castle, said to be the inspiration for the home of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Perched on a high cliff and surrounded by pine trees, you’ll explore the castle with your local leader and group. After, travel to Brasov and enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace – maybe visit the ornate churches, townhouses and squares surrounded by gingerbread-roofed merchants' houses. If you're looking for a bit of nightlife tonight, Brasov has plenty of funky bars and restaurants to enjoy once darkness falls.
Included Activities:
- Bran Castle - Tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day to explore Brasov at your own pace. Also known by its German name, Kronstadt, the town is flanked by mountains and was once a major medieval trading centre. When you arrive, maybe explore the town's main attraction – the Gothic Black Church (Biserica Neagra), which took its name from its blackened appearance after a fire in 1689. Later, you might stroll along Strada Republicii, take a cable car up to Mt Tampa or or hike one of the forested trails that start right from the edge of town.
Optional Activities:
- Rasnov - Fortress (20 RON)
- Brasov - Walking Tour with Local Guide (200 RON)
- Brasov - The Black Church (20 RON)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a train to Bucharest today – the city is increasingly known for its cosmopolitan vibe and energy. Romania's capital also likes big things and is home to one of Europe's largest squares. The Palace of Parliament is also the second largest building in the world! When you arrive, set off on a guided walking tour around town to help you get your bearings. The rest of the afternoon is then free for you to choose your own adventure. Maybe explore some of the sights further or enjoy traditional home-cooked Romanian food with your fellow travellers – a great way to celebrate a trip well-travelled!
Included Activities:
- Bucharest - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Optional Activities:
- Bucharest - Bike Tour (30 EUR)
- Bucharest - Urban Adventures Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Tour (75 EUR)
- Bucharest - Village Museum (40 RON)
- Bucharest - Palace of Parliament Tour (60 RON)
- Bucharest - Romanian Athenaeum (15 RON)
- Bucharest - Former Ceausescu Residence (75 RON)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today your adventure comes to an end. As there are no further activities planned, you’re able to leave your accommodation at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay to see all Bucharest has to offer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Similar Experiences
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Roland - Traveled, October 2023
I was booked on the Bucharest to Kiev trip which for understandable reasons had to be cancelled so chose I this trip as a second best option to get to know Romania. I learned a lot so it was a good decision.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/17/2023
Jerrod - Traveled, October 2023
Very fun and educational trip. Homestays were great!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/10/2023
Cindy - Traveled, October 2023
Great trip, shared with fabulous people and an amazing tour leader. Great insight into Romania, visiting cities, towns and villages, lots of great food and conversation.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/04/2023
Samantha - Traveled, October 2023
The trip was amazing! Our guide was amazing and so helpful with everything. I’ve been wanting to go to Romania for years and actually being there made me fall in love with the country. All of the activities were great and having our free time was great. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone wanting to travel to Romania.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2023
Annette - Traveled, October 2023
Hungary and Romania are wonderful destinations. The combination of city, town and villages gave me a great experience of the countries. Our tour leader was remarkable and was passionate about the destinations and what they offered. We had some exceptional food and drinks included and great recommendations in the other places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/31/2023
Paul - Traveled, September 2023
Great trip would highly recommend it
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2023
Teena - Traveled, September 2023
Great short trip to two fascinating countries and the opportunity to learn a little of their history. We had an outstanding leader in Raluca and a great tour group. Exceeded all our expectations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2023
Christopher - Traveled, September 2023
What a great experience! I was able to visit so many places that would have not been possible on my own! Gigi our leader made it feel so comfortable and like you were travelling with a good friend! I definitely recommend, make sure to give yourself some extra time in Budapest.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/22/2023
Jacqueline - Traveled, August 2023
Alex was a wonderful guide & this was an amazing trip! I loved having the chance to learn so much about a part of the world I didn’t know that much about. Thanks to everyone that was part of my group for also being such great people to travel with : )
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2023
Deb - Traveled, August 2023
Really enjoyed the Eastern European trip. Interesting, varied itinerary, great local guides and Petar was a fantastic tour guide - a local with lots of interesting information about the counties.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2023
Kathryn - Traveled, August 2023
A fabulous trip. Romania is such a beautiful country with such a tormented history. The places we visited were delightful. The Romanians inspired me with their resilience. Gigi was a brilliant leader.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/21/2023
Amanda - Traveled, August 2023
Budapest to Bucharest 9 nights. Excellent. Our wonderful guide Gigi, together with the local guides provided comprehensive insights into the history, culture and politics of Romania over the last 800 years. The two homestays (3 nights) were the absolute highlight of the trip. Staying in homes in two beautiful and historic villages provided experiences that I will cherish forever.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2023
Veronica - Traveled, August 2023
What a beautiful and fascinating country. We stayed in some of the most unique homestays and had some delicious food. Sandu and our day guides are clearly very passionate about sharing their country's culture, and I learned so much while on this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2023
Esme - Traveled, August 2023
I went on a tour of Hungary and Romania with my 80 year old mother and two teenage children. Such and interesting and varied tour . Great to experience it all with such a well informed and competent tour guide -Sandhu. So different from the rest of Europe.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2023
Sylvia - Traveled, August 2023
Intrepid had given us another interesting trip. We had a great leader, Sandu, who made it all easy for us and challenged us as well.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2023
Sjoerd - Traveled, July 2023
The Budapest to Bucharest trip was a great trip to dicover and learn more about Hungary and Romania! Transsylvania is absolutely stunning!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/18/2023
Sarah - Traveled, July 2023
this is a good trip lead by Intrepid if you want to know more about Budapest and Romania. Amazing architectures and beautiful forests.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/02/2023
Niki - Traveled, June 2023
I loved this trip of Romania- in particular, Maramures and our host Ramona's delicious food and hospitality (and her cat, Mara!). Other highlights included Viscri and Brasov - I would recommend this tour to others, particularly if you have Petar as your leader (thanks Petar!) and I was lucky to have a pleasant group of travellers who all got along.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/17/2023
Andrea - Traveled, June 2023
A fantastic trip. I learnt so much about the history and culture of the area. The home stays were an absolute highlight. Our guide Petar was fabulous
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2023
Sarah - Traveled, May 2023
This trip is an excellent introduction to Hungary and Romania. The diverse stops in Romania give fantastic insight into the various regions from country life in Viscri and picturesque villages of Maramures and Sighi?oara to city life in Brasov and Bucharest. I particularly loved the homestay and staying centrally to the town squares in Sighisoara and Brasov. The local guides in Romania were excellent and I learned a lot about the history, culture and people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2023
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