Self-Drive Tour - Romania & The Wonders of Transylvania

Self-Drive Tour - Romania & The Wonders of Transylvania

Experience a unique journey in the heart of a still-unknown country in Europe. Set off on an adventure in Romania to discover its fascinating history, authentic traditions, generous gastronomy, the warm hospitality of its inhabitants, and the beauty of its varied landscapes, between the Carpathian mountains, mysterious forests, and picturesque villages, not to mention the wild shores of the Black Sea.

Duration: 15 days

Detailed Program

Day 1

Day 1 : Bucharest Airport > Bucharest (1h - 20 km)

Arrival at Bucharest airport and transfer to the city center. Discovery of the Romanian capital, once nicknamed the "Little Paris of the East". Start your visit with a walk in the historic center (Lipscani), with its cobbled streets, lively cafes, and buildings with eclectic architecture.

OPTION: Visit a traditional brewery with tasting of Romanian craft beers.

Overnight in Bucharest.

Included :

  • Dinner
  • Night stay
Day 2

Day 2 : Bucharest

After breakfast, visit the Palace of Parliament, one of the most imposing buildings in the world, symbol of the communist era. Head to the Cotroceni district, elegant and green, with its presidential palace and historic villas. Visit the Romanian Athenaeum, a neoclassical jewel and symbol of Romanian culture. Then pass by Revolution Square, a major site in contemporary Romanian history, marked by the events of 1989.

Overnight in Bucharest.

Included :

  • Breakfast
  • Night stay
Day 3

Day 3 : Bucharest > Sinaia > Bran (2h30 - 180 km)

After breakfast, take the road towards the Carpathians. Visit PeleÈ™ Castle in Sinaia, former summer residence of the Romanian royal family. Considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe, it captivates with its refined architecture, sumptuous interiors, carved woodwork, and richly decorated rooms.

Also visit Pelișor Castle and discover an intimate residence where Art Nouveau is expressed in every detail. Discover Sinaia Monastery, founded in the 17th century, a true jewel of Orthodox architecture.

OPTION: Stop in Azuga for a wine experience at Rhein & Cie 1892, official supplier to the Romanian royal house.

Continue your journey to Bran. Overnight in Bran.

Included :

  • Breakfast
  • Night stay
Day 4

Day 4 : Bran

After breakfast, visit the famous Bran Castle, often associated with the Dracula legend. Perched on a rocky outcrop, it impresses with its medieval appearance and mysterious atmosphere. You explore its rooms, secret passages, and history between reality and myth.

Free afternoon.

OPTION: Private night visit of the castle. OPTION: Go hiking to explore the surrounding hills and forests. OPTION: Mountain biking or e-bike and follow marked trails between Bran, Moieciu, and Fundata. OPTION: Culinary workshop and participate in preparing traditional Romanian dishes with locals.

Overnight in Bran.

Included :

  • Breakfast
  • Night stay
Day 5

Day 5 : Bran > Bear Sanctuary > Râșnov > Brasov > Viscri (2h30 - 125 km)

After breakfast, discover the Libearty bear sanctuary, a vast refuge where formerly captive bears now live protected in a natural environment.

Then reach Râșnov fortress, perched on a hill, and enjoy an exceptional panorama over the valley and surrounding mountains.

Continue your journey to Brașov, charming medieval city at the foot of the Carpathians. Explore the historic center: Council Square, the Black Church, and colorful medieval streets.

In the afternoon, continue to the Saxon village of Viscri, UNESCO heritage site, renowned for its authenticity and fortified church. Overnight in Viscri.

Included :

  • Breakfast
  • Night stay
Day 6

Day 6 : Viscri

After breakfast, start your visit of Viscri. Discover the authenticity of this timeless place, with its colorful houses, quiet streets, and horse-drawn carts. Visit the famous fortified church of Viscri, a true jewel of medieval Saxon architecture.

Also stop at King Charles' House, restored by the British sovereign, who actively supports the preservation of heritage and traditional way of life in Transylvania.

OPTION: Horse-drawn cart ride in the village. OPTION: Discover local crafts by meeting village artisans.

Overnight in Viscri.

Included :

  • Breakfast
  • Night stay
Day 7

Day 7 : Viscri > Sighișoara (1h30 - 65 km)

After breakfast, head to the Rupea citadel, an impressive medieval fortress dominating the hill, before reaching the Saxon village of Viscri.

Take the road through the Transylvanian hills to reach Sighișoara, splendid medieval city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its historic center, colorful cobbled streets, the Clock Tower, ramparts, and the House of Vlad Dracul, birthplace of Vlad the Impaler.

Overnight in Sighișoara.

Included :

  • Breakfast
  • Night stay
Day 8

Day 8 : Sighișoara > Biertan > Turda (2h30 - 150 km)

After breakfast, take the road to Biertan, famous for its imposing UNESCO-listed fortified church, surrounded by vineyards and hills.

Continue to MediaÈ™, charming small Saxon town with colorful houses. Stroll through the medieval center, with its Trumpet Tower and cobbled streets.

In the afternoon, drive to Turda and check into your accommodation. Enjoy a swim in the Turda Gorge or the salt lakes of the region.

Overnight in Turda.

Included :

  • Breakfast
  • Night stay
Day 9

Day 9 : Turda

After breakfast, explore the impressive Turda salt mines, a true underground world with its illuminated galleries, interior lakes, and playful spaces (boats, Ferris wheel, games for children). A unique and fascinating experience.

In the afternoon, visit the town of Turda, charming Transylvanian town blending Saxon traditions and Romanian influences.

Enjoy a swim in the Turda Gorge or the salt lakes of the region. Possibility to reach Cascada CiucaÈ™ for a walk in pristine nature.

Overnight in Turda.

Included :

  • Breakfast
  • Night stay
Day 10

Day 10 : Turda > Hunedoara > Porumbacu (3h45 - 310 km)

After breakfast, explore the impressive Turda salt mines, a spectacular underground world with its illuminated galleries, interior lakes, and playful spaces.

In the afternoon, drive to Hunedoara to discover Corvin Castle, one of the most beautiful and imposing Gothic castles in Eastern Europe. Cross the drawbridge, admire its great halls, majestic towers, and let yourself be captivated by its mysterious legends.

Late afternoon, drive to Porumbacu, small village at the foot of the Carpathians, and check into a charming country guesthouse. Overnight in Porumbacu.

Included :

  • Breakfast
  • Night stay
Day 11

Day 11 : Porumbacu > Sibiu > Porumbacu (1h - 80 km)

After breakfast, drive to Sibiu, former European Capital of Culture. Stroll through its Grand Square, cross the Bridge of Lies, and discover its medieval passages. Visit the interior of the majestic evangelical cathedral and the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral of Sibiu.

Late afternoon, return to Porumbacu.

OPTION: Cooking class with locals to prepare traditional peasant recipes. OPTION: Woodworking workshops to learn local craftsmanship. OPTION: Discovery of crafts and tasting of homemade products.

Overnight in Porumbacu.

Included :

  • Breakfast
  • Night stay
Day 12

Day 12 : Porumbacu

After breakfast, enjoy a free day in Porumbacu and immerse yourself in rural Romania. Visit the surprising Castelul de Lut (Clay Castle), a fairy-tale construction made of earth and wood.

OPTION: Canyoning in Porumbacu canyon to discover spectacular natural landscapes. OPTION: Bear watching experience in late afternoon, accompanied by a specialized guide. OPTION: Cooking class with locals. OPTION: Woodworking workshops. OPTION: Discovery of crafts and tasting of homemade products.

Overnight in Porumbacu.

Included :

  • Breakfast
  • Night stay
Day 13

Day 13 : Porumbacu > Transfăgărășan (2h - 80 km)

After breakfast, take the legendary Transfăgărășan road, considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Wind between deep valleys and Carpathian peaks, enjoying spectacular panoramas.

Stop at Lake Bâlea, perched at 2,034 meters altitude, for a walk in the fresh air and unforgettable photos. Continue your immersion in nature in the heart of the Carpathian forests and you may have the chance to see bears at the roadside.

Check into your hotel. Overnight in Transfăgărășan.

Included :

  • Breakfast
  • Night stay
Day 14

Day 14 : Transfăgărășan > Curtea de Argeș > Târgoviște (3h - 170 km)

After breakfast, reach Curtea de Argeș to visit its magnificent monastery, a masterpiece of Brâncovenesc style, famous for its finely carved decorations and for being the burial place of Romanian kings and queens.

On the way, stop at the Golești Viticulture and Arboriculture Museum, a vast open-air ethnographic museum. Discover traditional Romanian houses, ancient tools, and authentic rural heritage.

In the afternoon, drive to Târgoviște, former princely capital of Wallachia. Discover the princely complex and the Chindia Tower, symbol of Vlad Țepeș (Dracula), as well as the remains of the medieval court.

Overnight in Târgoviște.

Included :

  • Breakfast
  • Night stay
Day 15

Day 15 : Târgoviște > Bucharest Airport (1h30 - 80 km)

After breakfast, departure to Bucharest airport for your return flight.

Included :

  • Breakfast

What's included

Included

  • ✓Private transfer on day 1 from Bucharest airport to Bucharest
  • ✓Car rental from Bucharest on day 3 to Bucharest airport on day 15
  • ✓Nights in guesthouses and 3* and 4* hotels in double/twin rooms with breakfast (local standards subject to availability)
  • ✓Phone assistance throughout the circuit
  • ✓Travel guide with essential travel information (addresses, contacts, restaurants)

Not included

  • ✕Full board (lunches and dinners)
  • ✕All additional expenses not mentioned in the program
  • ✕Tips
  • ✕Insurance
  • ✕Round-trip flight
  • ✕All activities mentioned in the program and entrance fees to monuments