11-Day Romania Tour from Bucharest with Transylvania & Bucovina

Experience the Best of Romania in 11 Days with a Private Guide

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, well-organized way to explore Romania’s fascinating mix of history, culture, and scenery, this 11-day private tour from Bucharest is hard to beat. With a price tag of around $2,367 per person, it offers a deep dive into Romania’s iconic sights, from the grandeur of Bucharest’s Palace of Parliament to the fairy-tale castles of Transylvania, and the centuries-old painted monasteries of Bucovina. The tour is designed not just to show you the sights but to give you a real sense of the country’s soul—guided by knowledgeable, friendly locals who love sharing their homeland.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its balance of famous landmarks and less-trodden gems. You’ll visit UNESCO sites like Biertan and Moldovita, see the legendary Bran Castle (often called Dracula’s Castle), and enjoy picturesque drives along mountain gorges and through traditional villages. Plus, the inclusion of accommodations and transfers makes it a hassle-free way to see Romania.

One potential consideration is that, at a pace packed with sightseeing, some travelers might find it slightly intense—especially if you prefer more relaxed, unstructured days. But if your goal is to cover a lot of ground and really get a sense of Romania’s diversity, this tour offers extraordinary value. It suits those eager to explore with an intimate, personalized touch and who enjoy learning from guides who genuinely know their stuff.

• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides make history come alive.
• Authentic Experiences: Visits to UNESCO sites, castles, and villages highlight Romania’s culture.
• Hassle-Free Travel: All transportation and accommodations are included, saving you time and stress.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Covers major sights in Bucharest, Transylvania, and Bucovina, with a good balance of structured tours and free time.
• Value for Money: The cost includes a lot—private transport, hotel stays, and guided visits—making it very good value.
• Ideal for Curious Travelers: Those who want a deep, authentic look at Romania beyond just the highlights.

Exploring Bucharest’s Highlights

We begin our journey in the Romanian capital, a city where communist-era architecture meets lively street life. The visit to the Palace of Parliament is a must: a colossal structure built by Nicolae Ceausescu that’s second in size only to the Pentagon. Inside, the opulence is immediately apparent—marble floors, stained-glass windows, and gold leaf embellishments that speak to Romania’s ambitious past. Although the interior tour’s admission isn’t included, the exterior view alone is worth the stop, especially if you’re a fan of architecture or political history.

Equally engaging is the Village Museum, an open-air collection of 50 traditional Romanian buildings spread across 30 acres. It’s a living snapshot of rural life, and wandering through the different styles of houses, barns, and churches allows you to imagine how life used to be in the countryside. The museum’s setting by Lake Herastrau is peaceful and lends a relaxed pace to your city immersion.

The Old Town of Bucharest, known as Lipscani, offers a different flavor—growing into a chic, upscale neighborhood with a lively atmosphere. Cobblestone streets, cafes, and historic buildings create an inviting backdrop for a walk. This area demonstrates the city’s layered history, from medieval roots to modern-day trends.

From Mountains to Castles: The Transylvania Experience

The next days are packed with highlights that bring Transylvania’s legendary allure to life. The drive through Sinaia reveals the stunning Peles Castle, often called one of Europe’s most beautiful castles. Its German Renaissance architecture and mountain backdrop make it a photographic highlight—not to mention a chance to imagine Romanian royalty enjoying this scenic retreat.

We also visit the Black Church and Square in Brasov, with its Gothic architecture and lively atmosphere. The city’s blend of medieval towers and vibrant street life creates a perfect snapshot of Transylvania’s charm.

The visit to Bran Castle, often associated with Dracula, is a highlight. While the Dracula legend is more fiction than fact, the castle’s medieval architecture and setting among the mountains make it feel like stepping into a fairy tale. The nearby Rasnov Citadel offers panoramic views and a glimpse into the region’s defensive history—impressive for its age and strategic location.

Discovering the Hidden Gems of Bucovina

Crossing into Bucovina, the scenery becomes even more dramatic, with mountain gorges and lush forests. The Bicaz Gorge is a breathtaking drive, with steep limestone cliffs and twisting roads that highlight Romania’s rugged landscape.

The painted monasteries of Bucovina are among the country’s most treasured sights. The Voronet Monastery, dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of the East,” is famous for its vibrant blue frescoes that have survived centuries. The detailed exterior scenes, especially the Last Judgment, are mesmerizing and give you a real sense of Romania’s religious artistry.

Other monasteries like Moldovita, Sucevita, and Humor display equally stunning frescoes, each with unique features. Visiting Letitia Orsivschi’s Egg Museum adds a touch of local craft tradition—thousands of painted eggs filled with symbols that illustrate Bucovina’s cultural identity.

The region’s villages like Marginea showcase traditional black pottery, crafted by artisans whose skills have been passed down for centuries. Picking up a piece as a souvenir is a tangible connection to rural Romania’s artisanal heritage.

Maramures: Staying True to Traditions

Travel further northwest, and we reach the Maramures region, often called the heart of Romania’s rural soul. Its wooden churches, like the Ieud and Rozavlea Churches, are UNESCO World Heritage sites—dating back to the 14th century, with architecture that defies modern building techniques. These churches, with their tall, sloping roofs and intricate carvings, are a testament to the region’s craftsmanship and religious devotion.

The Mocanita steam train ride is a highlight: a nostalgic journey through forests and mountains, pulling you back to a simpler era. The Merry Cemetery in Sapanta, with its colorful crosses and humorous epitaphs, offers a surprisingly joyful perspective on death and life—something that travelers often find both moving and amusing.

Final Days in Cluj and Sibiu

The trip winds down with visits to Cluj-Napoca and Sibiu, both vibrant cities that showcase Romania’s cultural diversity. Cluj’s main square and gothic St. Michael’s Church offer a lively introduction to Transylvania’s urban life, while Sibiu’s medieval architecture and charming squares make it a perfect spot to reflect on the journey.

Finally, the peaceful Curtea de Arges provides a fitting end, with its historic churches and tranquil atmosphere hinting at Romania’s rich monastic traditions.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This 11-day tour offers a well-balanced mix of famous landmarks, like Bran Castle and Peles Castle, and lesser-known treasures, such as the painted monasteries and wooden churches. The inclusion of private transport and local guides ensures not just convenience but enriching stories behind every site. The reviews praise guides like Christian and Gabriel for their knowledgeable, personable approach, which really helps bring Romania’s history and culture to life.

The tour’s value lies in how it covers so much ground without feeling rushed. A lot of reviewers highlight the smooth organization and the quality of the experience—many saying it exceeded their expectations. The accommodations and transportation, already included, mean you won’t have to worry about logistics, allowing you to focus on the sights, sounds, and flavors of Romania.

One thing to keep in mind is the speed of the itinerary—if you prefer a more leisurely pace, some days might feel a bit packed. But for those eager to see as much as possible in a short time, this tour offers an authentic, comprehensive experience.

If you’re a traveler who loves history, architecture, and scenic landscapes, and prefer a guided experience that takes care of the logistics, this trip is perfect. It’s especially suited for those who want a personalized touch rather than a large group tour, as it’s private and customizable. If you’re curious to learn from guides who are passionate and well-informed, and you enjoy discovering local traditions and craftsmanship firsthand, this tour is a real treasure.

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation by comfortable air-conditioned car or van is included throughout the tour, making it easy to move between destinations without any hassle.

Are hotel accommodations included?
Yes, the price covers ten nights of accommodation, allowing you to settle in each region and enjoy your surroundings without the stress of booking hotels separately.

What is the group size?
This is a private tour, so only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized experience with flexible timing.

Are guides available at each site?
Indeed, an English-speaking, licensed guide accompanies you throughout, providing insightful commentary at each stop.

Can I expect to see UNESCO World Heritage sites?
Absolutely. The tour includes visits to several UNESCO-listed sites such as the Biertan Fortified Church, the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina, and the Wooden Churches of Maramures.

What about meals and souvenirs?
Meals and drinks are not included, but plenty of opportunities to taste local food and purchase souvenirs will be available along the way.

This thoughtfully crafted 11-day journey through Romania offers a deep, authentic encounter with the country’s sights and traditions. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of scenic landscapes, or someone eager to understand Romania’s cultural fabric, this tour provides a well-rounded, memorable adventure.