Timeless Romania

Romania: Castles, Culture & the Carpathians

Overview

With its rich folklore, colourful villages, dramatic mountains, and medieval towns, Romania is one of Eastern Europe’s most captivating destinations. This tour takes you through Transylvania’s fortified churches, the painted monasteries of Bucovina, ancient salt mines, and storybook castles like Bran and Peles—all while uncovering the country’s deep cultural roots and natural beauty.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Bucharest

• Fly from London (regional connections available) to Bucharest with British Airways
• Transfer to Novotel Hotel (or similar) for 1-night stay
• Welcome drink on arrival
  Meals: None

Day 2: Bucharest • Transfer to Sibiu

• Morning city tour of Bucharest, the “Paris of the East”
  • Visit: Old Princely Court, Royal Palace, and elegant boulevards
• Afternoon transfer to Sibiu
• 2-night stay at Hotel Continental Forum (or similar)
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Sibiu & Sibiel Village Experience

• Morning tour of Sibiu’s charming old town
• Optional visit to the Brukenthal Museum
• Evening visit to Sibiel village
  • Dinner in a local family home with a cooking demonstration of traditional meat and cabbage rolls
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Turda Salt Mine • Sighisoara

• Travel to Sighisoara via the Turda Salt Mine
  • Explore its vast underground chambers, including the 112-metre-high concert hall
• Overnight at Hotel Central Park (or similar)
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Sighisoara • Târgu Mureș • Gura Humorului

• Morning tour of Sighisoara, a UNESCO-listed medieval town
  • Highlights: Citadel, Clock Tower, Church on the Hill
• Continue north via Târgu Mureș to Gura Humorului
• 2-night stay at Best Western Bucovina (or similar)
• Evening traditional dinner and folk dance performance
  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Painted Monasteries of Bucovina

• Visit the region’s UNESCO-listed painted monasteries, known for their vibrant exterior frescoes and religious artistry
  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Agapia Monastery • Lacu Rosu • Brasov

• Visit the Agapia Monastery, a 17th-century Orthodox nunnery
• Lunch stop at the scenic Lacu Rosu (Red Lake)
• Arrive in Brasov and enjoy free time in the city
• 2-night stay at Hotel Aro Palace (or similar)
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Bran Castle & Peles Palace

• Visit Bran Castle, often associated with Dracula
  • Guided tour and coffee stop
• Continue to Sinaia to explore Peles and Pelisor Palaces, former royal residences of King Carol I
• Return to Brasov
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Brasov Tour • Return to Bucharest

• Morning walking tour of medieval Brasov
  • Highlights: Piața Sfatului (main square), the Black Church, St Nicholas Church, and Romania’s first school
• Return to Bucharest
• Overnight at the Intercontinental Hotel (or similar)
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Palace of Parliament • Fly to London

• Morning visit to the monumental Palace of Parliament – the third largest building in the world
• Early afternoon transfer to the airport for return flight to London
  Meals: Breakfast