Embark on an unforgettable 8-day Romania cultural tour from Budapest, exploring the country’s rich tapestry of cultural and natural treasures. Starting and ending in the Hungarian capital, this immersive journey showcases the best of Maramures, Bucovina, Transylvania and Banat.

Along the way, you’ll visit remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Desesti wooden church, the iconic Voronet Monastery and the beautifully preserved medieval citadel of Sighisoara. Moreover, you’ll marvel at architectural masterpieces like Peles Castle, Corvin Castle and the legendary Bran Castle.

In addition to these cultural highlights, the tour also includes breath-taking landscapes, especially along the famous Transfagarasan Road. Furthermore, you’ll have the opportunity to explore charming medieval towns that are steeped in centuries of history.

All in all, this Romania cultural tour from Budapest offers a perfect blend of heritage, scenic beauty and unforgettable experiences—making it an ideal choice for culture and history lovers alike.

Day 1    From Budapest to Maramures

Begin your Romania cultural tour from Budapest with a morning meet-up at your Budapest hotel. Then, enjoy a scenic 3‑hour drive through the Hungarian countryside before crossing the border into Romania.

Next, stop in Satu Mare for a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, continue eastward to Maramures, a region renowned for traditional villages, remarkable wooden architecture and vibrant culture.

Here, visit the world-famous Merry Cemetery of Sapanta, a truly unique and joyful burial site celebrated for its colourful, hand-carved crosses and lighthearted epitaphs that offer a fascinating glimpse into the local perspective on life and death.

Finally, conclude your day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant and an overnight stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Sighetu Marmatiei, the perfect base for exploring the enchanting region of Maramures.

Car transfers: approx. 5h30min; ~440 km / 273 mi

(no meals included)

Day 2    Explore Maramures & journey to Bucovina

After breakfast, transfer to Desesti to marvel at the UNESCO-listed wooden church, adorned with some of the best-preserved naïve frescoes in the region.

Then, continue to the charming village of Breb, where a leisurely stroll unveils the authentic rural lifestyle of Maramures, a community that cherishes its traditions and heritage.

Next, visit Barsana monastery, blending modern and traditional wooden craftsmanship. Following that, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then embark on a scenic drive through the Carpathian Mountains as part of your Romania cultural tour, making your way to Bucovina, a region famed for its exquisite painted monasteries.

Upon arrival, explore Moldovita monastery, UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for the striking Siege of Constantinople fresco, a highlight of medieval artistry.

Conclude your day with free time to savor dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a relaxing overnight stay in a welcoming 3-star hotel in Gura Humorului.

Car transfers: approx. 5h; ~280 km / 174 mi

(breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included)

Day 3    From Bucovina to Transylvania: scenic crossing of the Carpathians

In the morning, enjoy breakfast before visiting the iconic Voronet monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a highlight of your Romania cultural tour from Budapest, renowned for the vivid blue of Voronet and the stunning Last Judgement fresco, a masterpiece of medieval art.

Then, continue your journey with a drive across the Eastern Carpathians, taking in breatht-aking landscapes as you make your way to Transylvania. Next, pause for a delightful lunch at a local restaurant.

Later in the afternoon, arrive in Sighisoara, a beautifully preserved medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage site. Once here, stroll its enchanting streets and soak up the history and charm of this Transylvanian treasure.

Finally, enjoy free time for dinner at a local restaurant, indulging in the rich flavours of Transylvanian cuisine. Rest and recharge with an overnight stay in a cozy 3-star hotel in the heart of this captivating medieval town.

Car transfers: approx. 5h; ~280 km / 174 mi

(breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included)

Day 4    Exploring Saxon Transylvania

After breakfast, begin your day with a guided exploration of Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage citadel renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and captivating atmosphere. As part of your Romania cultural tour, discover the town’s fascinating history and its connection to Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure who inspired the Dracula legend (though we encourage you to take the legends with a grain of salt!).

Following this, continue your journey to Viscri, a charming Saxon village and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This rural gem offers an authentic glimpse into Transylvania’s best-preserved Saxon heritage, where traditional lifestyles and local businesses thrive. After the visit of the fortified church, enjoy a delightful farm-to-table lunch at a local guesthouse, savouring the fresh flavours of the region.

In the afternoon, arrive in Brasov, one of Transylvania’s most beautiful medieval cities. Here, visit the iconic Black Church, the largest Gothic church east of Vienna and enjoy a guided tour of the historic old town, with its cobblestone streets and captivating history.

In the evening, enjoy a free evening for dinner and a romantic stroll through Brasov’s picturesque streets before retiring to your comfortable 3-star hotel.

Car transfers: approx. 2h; ~125 km / 78 mi

(breakfast & lunch included, dinner not included)

Day 5    Romania’s royal & Dracula’s legend

Begin your day with breakfast before venturing to Sinaia, home to the breathtaking Peles Castle. Built in the late 19th century as the first royal residence of the Romanian monarchy, Peles is a masterpiece of Neo-Renaissance architecture and rich history. Explore its opulent interiors and admire the royal family’s impressive art collections.

Next, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and afterward, continue to the legendary Bran Castle, famously known as Dracula’s Castle. This medieval fortress, later modernized by Queen Maria of Romania in the early 20th century, is one of Romania’s most iconic landmarks. While here, explore its captivating halls and uncover the myths and legends surrounding Count Dracula. Then, enjoy free time for dinner at a local restaurant.

Finally, conclude your day with a restful overnight stay at your comfortable 3-star hotel, nestled in the heart of this captivating region.

Car transfers: approx. 2h30min; ~130 km / 81 mi

(breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included)

Day 6    Transfagarasan road & medieval Sibiu

Begin your day with breakfast and then, set out on an unforgettable journey along the famous Transfagarasan Road, often praised as one of the world’s most stunning routes. Ascend the Southern Carpathians to Balea Lake, situated over 2,000 meters above sea level, where you’ll marvel at breathtaking views of the Transylvanian highlands.

Note: The Transfagarasan Road is open from June to September. During other months, the itinerary includes a visit to the Prejmer fortified church, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing exceptional Saxon architecture.

Later, arrive in Sibiu, a city rich in history and culture, named European Capital of Culture in 2007. Explore the Large Square, lined with colorful Baroque and Gothic buildings, and wander through the Small Square. Cross the Bridge of Lies, steeped in local legends and visit the stunning Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary, a key landmark of the city.

In the evening, enjoy free time in the evening to dine at a local restaurant and savor authentic regional cuisine. Conclude your day with an overnight stay in a cozy 3-star hotel, soaking up the timeless charm of Sibiu.

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

(breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included)

Day 7    Walk in the footsteps of the Hunyadis: Alba Iulia & Corvin Castle

Start your day with breakfast before setting off towards Alba Iulia, a city with deep historical roots. While here, visit the imposing Vauban fortress, a monumental symbol of the city’s strategic significance, showcasing its military past. Explore Alba Iulia’s rich history, from ancient Roman times to Medieval kings and modern times. As part of your Romania cultural tour from Budapest, this stop offers deep insight into Romania’s historical evolution.

Next, continue your journey to Hunedoara, where you’ll discover the magnificent Corvin Castle (also known as Hunyadi Castle), the largest Gothic castle in Romania. During your visit, dive into the captivating story of the Hunyadi family, one of the most influential dynasties in Romanian and Hungarian history. Learn about their rise to power and the life of King Matthias Corvinus (Matthias the Just), one of their most celebrated members.

After having visited the castle, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Following lunch, drive westward to Timisoara, arriving in the late afternoon. A city rich in history and culture, Timisoara is famously known as the birthplace of the 1989 revolution that toppled the Communist regime. As the European Capital of Culture 2023, Timisoara is renowned for its stunning Art Nouveau and Baroque architecture, making it a prime destination for sightseeing and photography.

In late afternoon, spend your free time shopping or simply admire the architectural gems around the city.

Finally, settle into your 3-star hotel in Timisoara, for a restful night.

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

(breakfast included, lunch &b dinner not included)

Day 8    Timisoara & return to Budapest: farewell Romania

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Timisoara’s old city center, where you’ll be captivated by its stunning Art Nouveau and Baroque architecture. While touring, delve into the city’s rich history and its significant role in Romania’s 1989 revolution, a turning point in the nation’s modern history.

Later, indulge in a farewell lunch at a local restaurant. Then, embark on your return journey to Budapest, with time to reflect on the many unforgettable places you’ve experienced.

Arrive in Budapest in the late afternoon. And so, your Romania cultural tour from Budapest concludes—full of stories, history, and lasting memories.

End of the tour.

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

(breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included)