Day 1: Budapest to Maramures: Merry Cemetery & rural guesthouse stay

Begin your Romanian adventure with a meet and greet in Budapest before departing for Romania. After a comfortable 4-hour transfer, we’ll arrive in Satu Mare, where we’ll pause for a delightful lunch. Subsequently, continuing eastwards, we’ll enter Maramures. This region is celebrated as Romania’s best-preserved countryside, truly offering a glimpse into a timeless way of life.

A significant highlight of our visit is the world-famous Merry Cemetery in Sapanta. This unique and vibrant burial ground is known for its vividly colourful, hand-carved crosses. These crosses humorously and poignantly reflect the local community’s distinctive perspective on life, death, and remembrance.

To conclude your day, enjoy a delicious farm-to-table dinner. You will also have a relaxing overnight stay in an eco-friendly rural guesthouse. Here, you’ll experience the warm hospitality and vibrant traditions of Maramures’s free-spirited communities, immersing yourself in the region’s culture, joy and timeless charm.

Car transfers: approx. 6h; ~464 km / 288 mi

(dinner included, breakfast & lunch not included)

Day 2: Maramures & the Carpathians to Bucovina

Start your day with a farm-fresh breakfast. Then, take a leisurely stroll through the charming village of Breb. Breb is one of Maramures’s most well-known villages, linked to King Charles III and author William Blacker.

Next, discover the UNESCO-listed wooden church of Desesti, famous for its exquisite naive frescoes, offering a glimpse into the region’s artistic and spiritual heritage.

Furthermore, continue along a scenic route to the beautiful Barsana monastery, an excellent example of wooden architecture that blends traditional and contemporary styles.

After a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, set off for Bucovina, crossing the legendary Carpathian Mountains and enjoying stunning mountain views.

Arrive in the late afternoon and check into a cozy rural guesthouse. Anticipate a traditional dinner and a relaxing evening.

Car transfers: approx. 4h; ~222 km / 138 mi

(breakfast & dinner included, lunch not included)

Day 3: Discover Bucovina’s painted monasteries & Hutsul traditions

Start your day with a hearty breakfast. Afterward, set out to explore Bucovina, Romania’s renowned land of painted monasteries.

Begin your pilgrimage at Moldovita monastery, famous for its vibrant Siege of Constantinople fresco—a powerful depiction of a historical event.

Next, visit Sucevita monastery, a fortified masterpiece and the most complete of Bucovina’s painted churches. Admire the remarkable frescoes, including the inspiring Ladder of Virtues. Following the visit, enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, experiencing authentic Bucovina cuisine.

In the afternoon, journey to Voronet monastery, known as the Sistine Chapel of the East for its breathtaking frescoes and the distinctive Voronet Blue color. The Last Judgment fresco is a particularly awe-inspiring sight.

Moreover gain insight into the rich cultural tapestry of Bucovina with a demonstration of Hutsul Easter egg decoration, a time-honored tradition that showcases the artistic skill and cultural heritage of the Hutsul people.

Enjoy a delicious traditional dinner. Afterward, spend a peaceful overnight stay in your charming accommodation.

Car transfers: approx. 2h30; ~123 km / 76 mi

(breakfast & dinner included, lunch not included)

Day 4: Transylvania beckons: a Carpathian journey to Cluj-Napoca

Start your day with breakfast. Then, enjoy a scenic drive across the breath-taking Carpathian Mountains, heading towards the legendary region of Transylvania. Enjoy a delightful lunch in the historic town of Bistrita.

Arrive in Cluj-Napoca in the afternoon, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city known as a center of culture, education, and innovation. Explore its rich historical landmarks, admire its diverse architecture, and experience its lively atmosphere, fueled by a large student population.

Furthermore, uncover the captivating history of Transylvania, a land that has witnessed centuries of change, from ancient Roman times and medieval strongholds to its thriving modern culture. Experience how this historic region beautifully blends its rich past with a dynamic present.

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local Cluj restaurant, sampling the unique flavors of Transylvanian cuisine.

A comfortable overnight stay in a 3-star hotel will prepare you for the exciting days ahead.

Car transfers: approx. 4h30; ~255 km / 158 mi

(breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included)

Day 5: Explore Transylvania’s hidden depths & medieval splendour

Start your day with breakfast. Afterward transfer to Turda, home to the incredible Turda salt mine. Its salt mining history stretches back to Roman times. The mine showcases both the natural beauty of the salt formations and the historical significance of salt extraction in the region.

*It is not recommended to visit the salt mine if you have heart, lungs, digestive and other health conditions. You can check them all here.

Next, transfer to Sighisoara, one of Transylvania’s most iconic examples of Saxon heritage. After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, explore the colorful, narrow streets of this UNESCO World Heritage fortress, renowned for its well-preserved medieval charm. Sighisoara is also considered to be the reputed birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure who inspired the Dracula legend. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon soaking in the enchanting atmosphere of Sighisoara. This free time allows you to relax and further explore this historic town at your own pace.

Conclude your day with dinner at a local restaurant. Then, enjoy an overnight stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel.

Car transfers: approx. 2h30; ~158 km / 98 mi

(breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included)

Day 6: Discover Saxon Transylvania: villages & fortified churches

Start your day with breakfast. Afterwards, visit to Viscri, a picturesque Saxon village and one of Romania’s most well-known rural communities. Explore the remarkable 13th-century fortified church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also, take a scenic walk through the village. You’ll also have the option to visit HRH King Charles III’s property, now a museum offering insights into the region’s history and culture.

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant. Following this, continue to Prejmer. There, visit Transylvania’s most unique and impressive UNESCO World Heritage fortified churches.

Arrive in Brasov in the afternoon, check into your comfortable 3-star hotel. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore the city’s charming atmosphere and discover its diverse dining options.

Car transfers: approx. 2h30; ~152 km / 95 mi

(breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included)

Day 7: From royal palaces to medieval fortresses

After breakfast, journey to Sinaia. Visit Peles Castle, the first royal residence built by the Romanian monarchy in the late 19th century. Explore its opulent interiors and admire the royal family’s impressive art collections.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Subsequently, continue to Bran. Here, you’ll explore the iconic Bran Castle. It dates back to the Middle Ages. Queen Maria of Romania (from the House of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen) later modernized it in the early 20th century. Bran Castle stands as Romania’s most popular attraction. While often associated with the Dracula legend, its history is far more complex and fascinating.

Upon returning to Brasov, enjoy a guided tour of the old city center, including a visit to the imposing Black Church, a landmark of Gothic architecture.

Conclude your day with an overnight stay at the same accommodation as the previous night.

Car transfers: approx. 2h30; ~126 km / 78 mi

(breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included)

Day 8: Highway to the mountain tops

Start your day with breakfast. Then, embark on a memorable drive along the Transfagarasan highway, one of the most scenic roads in the world. This breathtaking route traverses the Southern Carpathian Mountains, taking you to the stunning Balea Lake, perched high in the mountains.

Enjoy lunch with panoramic views of the Transylvanian landscape before descending towards Sibiu.

Note: The Transfagarasan Highway is subject to seasonal closures and is usually open from June to September. If closed, you’ll have more free time in Brasov or Sibiu.

Arrive in Sibiu, a city steeped in history and designated a European Capital of Culture in 2007. Explore the historic old town, discovering traces of its medieval fortifications and enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy free time for dinner at a local restaurant.

Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Car transfers: approx. 4h ~220 km / 136 mi

(breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included)

Day 9: The legacy of the Hunyadi family

Begin your day with breakfast. Enjoy a scenic drive to Alba Iulia, a captivating city at the base of the Apuseni Mountains. Explore the impressive Alba Carolina Vauban Citadel, a powerful symbol of Transylvania’s complex past, spanning from Roman settlements to the union with Romania. Discover the stories of influential figures such as Isabella Jagiellon, a forward-thinking ruler who advocated for religious tolerance. Savor a delicious lunch at a distinctive local restaurant.

Continue to Hunedoara to visit Corvin Castle (also known as Hunyadi Castle), Romania’s largest Gothic castle. This architectural masterpiece, once home to the powerful Hunyadi family, offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval life and history, including the story of Elisabeth Szilagyi, a Hungarian noblewoman, wife of John Hunyadi, and mother of King Matthias Corvinus (Matthias the Just).

Conclude your day with a transfer to Timisoara for accommodation in a comfortable 3-star hotel. Later in the day, enjoy free time to dine at a local restaurant.

Car transfers: approx. 4h ~328 km / 204 mi

(breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included)

Day 10: Farewell to Romania, journey back to Budapest

Start your day with a delicious breakfast. Then, enjoy a final exploration of Romania. This includes a guided tour of Timisoara‘s charming old town. Discover the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of this city. It proudly held the title of European Capital of Culture in 2023.

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant. Subsequently, begin your comfortable journey back to Budapest.

Arrive in Budapest in the late afternoon, bringing this unforgettable Romanian adventure to a memorable close.

Car transfers: approx. 3h30min ~316 km / 196 mi

(breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included)