Spend two weeks in one of south-east Europe’s most intriguing destinations and explore the fairy-tale landscapes of Romania – from Transylvania to the Carpathian Mountains. We learn about the rich culture from local characters, visit World Heritage listed villages, fortified churches and castles, while staying in regional towns and Saxon villages known for lively folk traditions.
We meet for our first night in Cluj Napoca, before departing for Maramures, widely regarded as Romania’s most traditional region. Dotted with steepled wooden churches and farmhouses fronted by ornately carved gates, it feels as if we have climbed into a horse-drawn time machine and headed back a couple of centuries. Here, we explore hillside villages, see locals in traditional costume and farmers cultivating their land filled with enormous haystacks. We also enjoy walks in Creasta Cocosului National Reserve, a volcanic ridge overlooking the river valleys.
In the neighbouring Bucovina region, we stay in traditional houses and hike to remote car-free villages in the hills. This area is famous for a collection of World Heritage listed painted churches which we visit on our walks.
In the Transylvanian highlands, we stay in the unspoilt village of Veseud and enjoy extended walks exploring the UNESCO sites of Biertan and Viscri villages. We then enjoy the spectacle of colourful Sighisoara. Dating back to the 1100s, this fairy-tale fortified city lays claim to being the birthplace of Vlad II (also known as Vlad Dracula).
From our base at Viscri, we embark on woodland walks to the enchanted village of Mesendorf. Moving onwards to Brascov we spend two nights fringed by the Southern Carpathian Mountains in a local guesthouse, embarking on spectacular walks in Piatra Craiului National Park. Finally, we end our journey in the capital city of Bucharest, where we visit the famous neo-renaissance Peles Castle.
- Meet in Cluj Napoca, once a Dacian settlement, now the largest city in Transylvania
- Step back into medieval Europe with time in the Maramures region
- Wander through fairy tale landscapes dotted with enormous haystacks
- Marvel at World Heritage-listed wooden churches and castles
- Scenic walks in Creasta Cocosului National Reserve
- Explore traditional working villages of Breb, Desesti, Sighet & Leud
- Admire the unique painted churches of Sucevita, Moldovita and Voronet
- Soak up the Saxon heritage in the villages of Biertan, Richis, Viscri, Sibiu & Sighisoara
- Enjoy walks in the majestic Carpathian Mountains & Piatra Craiului National Park
- Visit enchanted Peles Castle & explore Bucharest
- Gain insight into the diverse history of Romania with local guides
- Stay in beautiful handpicked guesthouses and enjoy traditional local fare
Dates: 23 May – 06 June 2025 (15 days)
Price: Twinshare / per person (starts Cluj Napoca /ends Bucharest) A$6,190
Single Supplement: A$1,025
Note: For single people who prefer to share, we will try to find a suitable roommate, but if this is not possible the sole-use surcharge will apply.
Minimum Group size: 8 guests
Special Interest: Botanical, Culture, History, Geology
Walk Rating: Moderate, 5-15km per walking day with some moderate sections (moderate due to hard surfaces, steep ascent and descent on some walking days).
Inclusions
- 14 nights twin share accommodation – hotel accommodation with some shared facilities
- Meals include – 14 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 12 Dinners
- All transfers as listed in itinerary
- National park and museum entry fees
- Professional tour leader assisted when required by local tour guides
- Basic group tips where required
- Pre-departure material including personalised A-Z tour information and destination tour companion
Exclusions
- Airfares & taxes to start / from end of tour
- Airport transfers
- Passport & visa expenses
- Heavy or excess baggage
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses e.g. drinks (water, alcohol, tea & coffee), laundry, telephone, or optional tours / excursions
- General tips outside of basic group tips
Ramona Cazacu and husband Daniel
Ramona Cazacu has guided tours in her birth country of Romania since 2003 and works with her husband Daniel as the tour driver. Ramona has a passion for photography, meeting new people and introducing guests to the Romanian countryside, villages and local life. With a degree in literature and tourism, she works as an English and French speaking guide and has travelled widely all over Europe (and once in Australia). With a good sense of humour, great communication, and having worked with Park Tours before, she guarantees a memorable journey to Romania.