Romania: Across The Carpathians To Transylvania
Romania: Across The Carpathians To Transylvania
10 Days Starting in Suceava, Romania and ending in Bucharest, Romania
Visiting: Suceava, Sucevita, Lacu Rosu, Cluj, Sighisoara, Brasov, Sibiu, Bucharest
Tour operator:
Tour code:
RMN
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Romania with our "Across The Carpathians To Transylvania" tour. Marvel at the stunning painted monasteries and Byzantine frescoes of Bucovina, savor traditional home-cooked Romanian cuisine, and explore the historical centers of Sibui, Cluj, Brasov, and Bucharest. Experience the medieval charm of Viscri by horse-drawn cart and observe free-roaming European Bison in their natural habitat. Delve into the vampire myths of Vlad Dracul in Sighisoara and soak in the breathtaking landscapes of Hasmas Mountains National Park. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and natural beauty, all while supporting responsible travel practices.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Suceava: Ceramics And Sucevita
Location: Suceava
Accommodation Name: Casa Cu Cerbi or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
The tour starts at around midday in the north-eastern town of Suceava, which sits at the heart of the historical regions of Bukovina and Moldavia. After lunch and a stroll around the town we’ll head to nearby Sucevita by way of the black ceramic workshop in Marginea Village to see the craftsmen at work. Tonight we’ll have a traditional dinner while staying in renovated traditional wooden houses.
Day 2: In & Around Sucevita: Painted Monasteries And Painted Eggs
Location: Sucevita
Accommodation Name: Casa Cu Cerbi or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we’ll drive the short distance to Moldovita to visit the village’s Eastern Orthodox monastery, a wonderful UNESCO 16th century building that blends Byzantine and Gothic influences and which holds the distinction of being one of the few churches around to be decorated with the famous Moldovian style of exterior painting. Afterwards we’ll take an easy/moderate walk up through grassland and forest heading towards the village of Runc, a small hamlet that lies encircled by dense forests of conifers and Europe’s largest population of large carnivores. This place perfectly encapsulates William Blacker’s first impressions, as captured in his acclaimed book “Along the Enchanted Way“ of a land frozen in time. Sheltering some of the last traditional peasant communities left in Europe, this is a land where mythical beasts and fairies share the landscape with bear and wolf populations that number in the thousands. These northern Romanian villages provide a glimpse back to a Europe of legend and romance, and as we continue down through the intoxicating vistas of the Moldovita Valley we pass through a world far beyond our own. Our next visit is to a workshop to witness one of the most skilful crafts left in Romania, that of the traditional art of egg painting. Following a tradition that is meant to date back to the crucifixion, painted eggs are believed to bring luck and keep away unholy spirits, with each intricate colour and pattern dispelling a different form of evil. After a demonstration of the skill and a chance to see some samples of this exquisite art, we return to Sucevita for our second night.
Approx. 3-4 hrs walking (500m ascent, 500m descent. Total distance 10kms)
Day 3: Sucevita – Lacu Rosu: European Bison & Pastel-Coloured Villages
Location: Lacu Rosu
Accommodation Name: Hotel Lacu Rosu or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a visit to Voronet Monastery, another of Romania’s UNESCO treasures, we’ll make for Vanatori Neamt Natural Park for an easy 1-2hr walk and the rare chance, in the company of a local ranger to observe free-roaming European Bison, in their natural habitat. Later we’ll head for Agapia and Varatec monastic villages which are home to almost 600 nuns. These unique monastic villages extend well beyond the convents’ precincts and contain many beautiful pastel-coloured wooden houses. Travelling further, we’ll then enter Transylvania where we’ll find our overnight stop in Lacu Rosu, in the heart of Hasmas Mountains National Park.
Day 4: Lacu Rosu – Cluj: Exploring Hasmas National Park
Location: Cluj
Accommodation Name: Lol Et Lola or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we’ll set out on foot to discover the majestic beauty of Hasmas Mountains National Park. Alternatively, those who might prefer a more relaxing morning can choose instead to have a free morning in and around the hotel. In the afternoon we’ll head westwards to Cluj, Transylvania’s unofficial capital, where the evening is free for you to discover this vibrant city at your own pace.
Approx. 3-4hrs easy/moderate walking (450m ascent, 450m descent. Total distance 7kms)
Day 5: Cluj – Sighisoara: Turda Salt Mine & Vlad The Impaler
Location: Sighisoara
Accommodation Name: Hotel Sighisoara or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a short morning walk around Cluj’s historic centre, we’ll drive a short distance south to the spectacular salt mines of Turda, considered to be one of the world’s finest. From here we’ll head to Sighisoara, one of the best-preserved medieval towns anywhere in Europe; a 16th century gem of cobbled streets, watch-towers and ornate churches that positively exudes atmosphere and charm. Sighisoara is the birthplace of the infamous Vlad the Impaler (the progenitor of the Dracula legends) and the town was protected by a defensive ring of 14 watch towers and several bastions, each of which was maintained and defended by a separate guild.
Day 6: Sighisoara – Brasov : Discovering Transylvania’S Saxon Villages
Location: Brasov
Accommodation Name: Casa Wagner or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
A short distance away from Sighisoara we discover the Saxon UNESCO village of Viscri, one of a number founded by Germanic colonists in the 12th century at the invitation of the Hungarian king. Although now mostly gone, the Saxon settlers’ descendants have left behind a cultural legacy that is still very much in evidence in the region’s wonderful architecture, especially the medieval fortified churches that pepper the countryside. Britain’s King Charles III, who has himself Saxon ancestry, has been very much involved in the efforts to preserve the rural architecture and the nature of this area. We will take a tour of the region by horse-drawn carriage, and meet with some of the local artisans before having a traditional lunch prepared by the locals, accompanied (of course!) by home-made brandy and wine. In the afternoon we’ll then drive to Brasov, one of the most picturesque cities in Transylvania. Built in the 12th century and fringed by the peaks of the Southern Carpathian Mountains, Brasov was one of the region’s seven Saxon medieval walled citadels. Resplendent with Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture, as well as a wealth of historical attractions, its location at the intersection of the trade routes linking the Ottoman Empire and western Europe, has made Brasov a key strategic destination throughout the ages.
Day 7: In & Around Brasov: Exploring The Alpine Villages Of The Southern Carpathians
Location: Brasov
Accommodation Name: Casa Wagner or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we leave the crowds of Romania’s better-known sights and take a short drive westwards to the scenic and stunningly located village of Magura. Often cited as a village where ‘time has stood still’, Magura and its environs offer us the chance to take a short, but rewarding walk and to enjoy a picnic lunch in the Transylvanian countryside. We’ll then return to Brasov where they will be ample time to discover this beguiling city at your leisure.
Approx. 2-3hrs easy/moderate walking (240m ascent, 240m descent. Total distance 9kms)
Day 8: Brasov – Sibiu: Discovering This European City Of Culture
Location: Sibiu
Accommodation Name: Hotel Continental Forum or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving Brasov, we head next to another city built by the Saxons and considered to be the capital of the Saxon minority in Romania. Straddling the banks of the Cibin River, Sibiu was designated as European City of Culture in 2007, is one of the country’s most important cultural centres and is home to some of the best preserved historical sites anywhere in Romania. After a walking tour to take in some of city’s highlights, there will then be free time for you to discover this gem for yourself.
Day 9: Sibiu – Bucharest: Across The Carpathians To The Romanian Capital
Location: Bucharest
Accommodation Name: Capitol Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
On our last major journey of the trip (approx. 5hrs), we’ll cross the Carpathians once more en route to the capital, Bucharest. Our route will either follow the scenic winding Olt Valley or if the road is open (typically in the summer months only) we’ll take the dramatic Transfagarasan road which crosses a 2000m high pass. After an arrival arrival in Bucharest, there'll be time to settle in before we head out for our final night's dinner.
Day 10: Tour Ends In Bucharest: Exploring The "Paris Of The East"
Location: Bucharest
Meals Included: Breakfast
The centre of Romania’s cultural and artistic development for centuries, Bucharest is home to a rich mix of classical, Art Nouveau and communist-era architecture and includes amongst its impressive landmarks the “People’s House”. This is the world’s largest parliament building, built during the reign of Nicolae Ceausescu. Its vast structure houses the country’s Senate and Chamber of Deputies, three museums and, allegedly, the world’s largest international convention centre - we’ll take in this iconic landmark and the city’s medieval heart on our walking tour this morning before some final free-time, during which luggage can be left at the hotel, before the tour’s official end this afternoon.
What's Included
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MEALS
9 x Breakfasts, 4 x Lunches, 3 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
Minibus
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Moderate
What's Not Included
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Visas & Travel Insurance
Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory -
Tips
Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
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International Flights
Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
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Airport Transfers
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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Beverages & any costs of a personal nature
This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
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ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably throughout the tour in a minibus, ensuring easy access to all destinations and attractions.
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of accommodations including renovated traditional wooden houses, charming local hotels, and centrally located city hotels such as Casa Cu Cerbi, Hotel Lacu Rosu, Lol Et Lola, Hotel Sighisoara, Casa Wagner, Hotel Continental Forum, and Capitol Hotel.
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Key Aspects to Consider
In order to access the best of Romania's stunning countryside this tour includes a selection of walks ranging in length from 2-4hrs. All the walks are optional but in order to get the most out of the trip you should be in a good state of health and fitness.
Romanian food is generally excellent but please be advised that although vegetarians can certainly be catered for the selection and variety may be limited at times.
The trip involves a few longish drives of 4-5hrs although the scenery en route is always rewarding and the roads are generally in very good condition.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners.
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a minibus for transportation.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 12 people.
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Are there any fitness requirements for this tour?
The tour has a moderate fitness rating, and includes a selection of walks ranging in length from 2-4 hours.
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Will there be a tour leader or guide during the trip?
Yes, the tour includes the full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
Yes, all entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary are included.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary is included. Specific examples mentioned include Casa Cu Cerbi, Hotel Lacu Rosu, Lol Et Lola, Hotel Sighisoara, Casa Wagner, Hotel Continental Forum, and Capitol Hotel or similar.
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Is there a single supplement option available for solo travelers?
Yes, single supplements are available but not compulsory. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement, you will be paired with someone of the same sex to share a room. If you opt to pay for a single supplement, it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
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What kind of activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as visiting painted monasteries, observing free-roaming European Bison, exploring medieval towns, and taking horse-drawn carriage tours in Saxon villages.
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Is travel insurance required for this tour?
Yes, insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
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What is the policy on tips and gratuities?
Tips are always optional, but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents.
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Are international flights included in the tour price?
No, international flights are not included in the cost of the tour. However, you can ask for an obligation-free quote for flights originating in the UK.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Complimentary airport transfers are included if you are arriving or departing on the suggested group flights.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Free Date Changes
Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 50 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.