Highlights of Romania

10 Days
From CAD 4,180
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Unknown

Rating


(1 reviews)

Experience Overview

Immerse yourself in Romanian life, sample traditional food and meet craftsmen still mastering ancient techniques. This tour starts in the buzzy city of Cluj-Napoca in northern Romania. We then head north to the Maramures region where old traditions are still part of daily life and wooden churches are scattered throughout. We then journey south, discovering the fascinating towns and villages in Transylvania, including the Unesco-listed Sighisoara, Sibiu and Viscri. The tour ends in Bucharest, the capital city, a fitting final destination of this trip.
Profile
— Accommodation: 9 Classic nights (4 hotel, 5 guesthouse) — Travel by air-conditioned bus/minibus — Option to travel by train to your adventure
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 9 Classic nights (4 hotel, 5 guesthouse) — Travel by air-conditioned bus/minibus — Option to travel by train to your adventure
Trip For You
This trip is graded Activity Level 1 (Easy).For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us. This itinerary includes the main highlights of Romania plus some well-kept secrets that provide true insight into the local culture. There will be some long drives (maximum five hours per day) on winding roads through varying scenery. All hotels are equivalent to two- and three-star accommodation yet the standard may vary depending on location. In some of the more rural villages, we stay in locally run guesthouses, some of the facilities are basic, but the warm hospitality more than makes up for this.
Group Description
Group normally 4 to 16, plus a local leader and driver. The local leader is with you from Day 1 until the evening of Day 9.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, five light lunches and five dinners are included. We indulge in fantastic home-cooked meals on this trip as we spend most nights staying with local families and in guesthouses. Breakfasts consist of homemade bread and cheeses plus a selection of locally sourced meats, salad and tea/coffee. The light lunches are prepared by guesthouses. Some days we have traditional vegetable soup for lunch with homemade crème fraiche and bread. Dinners are usually two or three courses, centred around pork or chicken. Lots of guesthouses will prepare sarmale cu mamaliguta, a traditional Romanian dish of minced pork wrapped in pickled cabbage leaves and served with polenta and a chilli. It’s not all about the food though; every household makes their own tuica (pronounced tsweeka), a spirit usually made from plums and flavoured with herbs from their garden or the surrounding area. This is usually drunk while being welcomed into the house and after dinner.
Transportation
For this trip, we use an air-conditioned private bus, the size of which will depend on the group size, with a local driver.
Joining Instructions
Key information Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately Airport: Cluj-Napoca Airport (CLJ) Getting to the start hotel Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport to the start hotel, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative. Catching your return flight There’s a group departure transfer to Bucharest Airport (OTP) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
Spring: Cool mornings and evenings, warm in the daytime. Pack some warm and waterproof clothes if travelling as showers cannot be ruled out and can last all day. Daytime temperatures of 7C-17C (45F-63F). Summer: Warm with longer daylight hours; maximum temperatures of 35C (95F) and an average of 23C (73F) in the lower areas. Autumn: Normally cool and dry. Temperatures of 10C-20C (50F-68F) though we recommend packing some warm layers for early mornings and evenings plus waterproofs as showers cannot be ruled out.
Spending Money
Please budget 70 Romanian lei (US$15) per person for lunches and 80-100 lei (US$17-US$22) per person for dinner when not included. Drinks: A beer costs about 7 lei (US$1.30) in small towns and up to 20 lei in the cities. A glass of wine is around 20 lei (US$5) Optional bear hide visit: Approximately 400 lei (US$87) per person (minimum two people)
Tipping
Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline, we recommend a contribution of 23 lei (US$5) per client per day. It is also customary to leave a tip for any additional local staff who support your trip, for example, drivers, cooks and hotel staff. This can be handed to your leader at the end of the week to distribute accordingly. In total for the leader to distribute to all relevant staff, we recommend to budget approximately 50-75 lei (US$11-US$16) per person per week.

Highlights

— Experience local life in Romanian villages and visit craftsmen — Discover the beautiful landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains — Uncover medieval heritage; visit the Unesco sites of Sighisoara, Sibiu and Viscri

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 4194

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Moderate

TransportTransport: l driver.

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: AWB

StartStarts: Cluj Napoca, Bran

FinishFinishes: Cluj Napoca, Bran

DurationDuration: 10 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Unknown

Includes

— All breakfasts and five picnic lunches and five dinners — All accommodation — All transport — Tour leader throughout — Free group arrival and departure transfers available

Accommodation

Hotels and Guesthouses
We stay in three-star hotels in the bigger cities. In the rural areas, we stay at family-run guesthouses. In some of the guesthouses, we sometimes have shared bathrooms (one bathroom for two rooms). In the smaller guesthouses, the rooms might be split over several guesthouses close to one another. Please note: The guesthouse on Day 2 and 3 does not have wifi.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 4180 (CAD 418 /day)

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Start Cluj-Napoca

The trip starts in Cluj-Napoca. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to explore one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in Romania. During the dualist Austro-Hungarian period, Cluj experienced significant urban development with strong Western influences. This is visible in the city architecture, which is very different from Bucharest. Accommodation: Hotel

2
Day 2: Travel north to the Maramures region

This morning, we leave Cluj and head to Maramures. On our way, we stop for lunch in Breb, a village laid out in a natural amphitheatre. It’s surrounded by the Rooster’s Ridge, the last (and most spectacular) remnant of a volcanic crater that erupted 9m years ago. In Breb, old traditions are highly respected and preserved, so a short stroll reveals beautiful wooden gates carved and decorated by local craftsmen and traditional old houses, one with links to King Charles III. In the afternoon, we visit Desesti Church, the only old wooden church on the Unesco World Heritage list that is still open for the religious services of the local communities. This evening, we stay at a guesthouse in the rural village of Botiza. Before we dine, we have a weaving demonstration from a local artisan. You may notice a few recurrent symbols, such as the rope of life, the sun, vegetal motifs and folk dances. All have a deeply symbolic for the villagers, representing daily chores, religion, ancestral beliefs and even death. Accommodation: Local guesthouse

3
Day 3: Visit the ancient capital of Maramures and Barsana Monastery

We continue discovering the Maramures region, starting at the Merry Cemetery. Here, more than 800 beautifully carved wooden crosses displaying bright, cheery paintings and annotated with limericks reveal the stories of almost everyone who has died in the town of Săpânţa. We continue with the Memorial of the Communism victims in Sighetu Marmatiei, the ancient capital of Maramures. We visit a museum in a former political prison, which provides a sobering testimony of the dark years in Romania. This afternoon, we visit the incredible Barsana Monastery, one of the greatest masterpieces of Maramures crafts. Accommodation: Local guesthouse

4
Day 4: Visit the medieval town of Sighisoara

Before leaving Maramures, we have a last stop here to discover more of the local artisans. We then leave Maramures and head south to the medieval town on Sighisoara. Halfway, we stop in Transylvania – which has been nicknamed the new Tuscany – to delve into the local wine industry with a tasting. After, we continue our journey to Sighisoara. This medieval citadel, one of the best-preserved in Europe, will give you the feeling of travelling back in time, as you walk through the narrow, cobbled streets. This fortified town is characterised by the presence of towers that were formerly managed by the congregations of artisans; the Tailor’s Tower is a real wonder of medieval architecture. Accommodation: Hotel

5
Day 5: Discover Transylvania; overnight in Sibiu

Today we drive into the heart of Transylvania with its fortified churches. From the top of the towers, we have beautiful views of the countryside and colourful, traditional houses. We drive through the Unesco-listed Biertan, a Saxon village with a double-wall fortification. We enjoy lunch with a family. In the evening, we arrive in Sibiu, a medieval city outstandingly well preserved and restored. It was elected the European Capital of Culture in 2007, due to its unique architectural style and atmosphere. Accommodation: Hotel

6
Day 6: Drive to Viscri via Carta and Lisa

We continue driving through the foot of the highest peaks in Romania, the Fagaras Mountains. On our way, we visit the impressive ruins of a centuries-old Franciscan monastery in Carta. We continue to the Valtori complex in the village of Lisa, a wool-processing workshop powered by hydraulic energy, a technique passed down for generations. At lunch, we will be delighted by a simple meal with a local family. In the evening, we arrive in the secluded village of Viscri. Our last activity of the day is visiting the tiny fortified church here, a pearl of Transylvania, which was restored with the help of The Prince’s Foundation, founded by King Charles III. In your free time, you can also visit the property of the King, a traditional old house transformed into a museum. Accommodation: Local guesthouse

7
Day 7: Walk through Viscri; continue to Brasov

In the morning, we walk through the village, visiting a blacksmith along the way. Leaving Viscri, we go to Brasov. This city (Kronstadt in German) was founded in 1211 when Teutonic Knights were sent here by Andrew II of Hungary to fortify the border. The city has a rich Saxon, Hungarian and Romanian heritage, manifested in a lot of sights worth visiting: the White and the Black Towers, the Council House, St Nicholas Church, the first Romanian school, narrow streets and coloured houses, all very well preserved within the old city walls and towers. This evening, we stay in the small village of Magura and enjoy dinner at the local guesthouse where we also spend the night. Accommodation: Local guesthouse

8
Day 8: Explore Dracula’s castle; continue to Rasnov

Today, we visit Bran Castle, better known as Dracula’s Castle. For many years, it was home to Queen Marie of Romania, Queen Victoria’s granddaughter. We have a lunch of delicious traditional dishes in the yard of a fortified church and end the day with a great dinner and a campfire, if weather allows us. In the afternoon, we have free time to stroll Magura village with its amazing views. Optional: Those interested can do bear watching with specialised guides in bear hides. Available upon request at a separate cost. We can guarantee the availability only at the moment of the request, better to book before arrival in Romania. Accommodation: Local guesthouse

9
Day 9: Arrive in Bucharest stopping at Peles Castle en route

Today we head to the capital of Romania, Bucharest. On our way, we stop at Peles Castle, the former residence of the Romanian royals and an architectural highlight. We then continue our drive to discover the Romanian capital. Sometimes known as the Paris of the East with a mix of 18th- and 19th-century buildings, socialist blocks and modern buildings. We will arrive in Bucharest in the middle of the afternoon, or a bit later according to the traffic into Bucharest. On the way to the hotel we will stop to see from outside the gigantic Palace of Parliament, the biggest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. After checking in, we say goodbye to our local guide. For a deeper dip in the history of Bucharest booking post-tour accommodation is recommended. Accommodation: Hotel

10
Day 10: End Bucharest

After breakfast, we begin our return journeys home. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative to add more nights to your trip and extend your time in Bucharest.

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travel

It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.

In Business Since 1974

Reviews

 

Susan Birtles   -  Traveled, May 2022

Great trip Romania exceeded expectations – what a beautiful and varied country! Cristi was a great guide and all in all I would highly recommend this trip. Most Inspirational Moment I loved our stay in the mountains. So peaceful and all our guest house hosts were so hospitable Thoughts on Group Leader Great guide - friendly and efficient - sorted out any issues very quickly Advice for Potential Travellers One point - the trip notes described it as suitable for people with limited mobility - I would say def not - lots of steps and gravel paths.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/18/2022

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