WHY IT'S DIFFERENT?
Discover Romania’s historical regions of Transylvania and Maramures, along with the Danube Delta, all packed on a two-week adventure.
Based on two people sharing, not including international flights (just domestic) learn more
Visit to Bran Castle
Perched up tall and ominous, with narrow corridors and hidden staircases, the Bran Castle certainly fits as home to the legend of Dracula. Steeped in history and legend, there is much to take in.
Medieval saxon towns
Transylvania is famed for its beautiful, colourful, saxon towns. None more pretty than Sighisoara, the birthplace of "Dracula". With charming cobbled streets and its enchanting old town square.
Rural villages
Romania's famed rural villages are incredibly authentic, as if time forget them. The locals continue to live a slow and simple life like that their ancestors before them. There are plenty of local traditional activities available.
Spotting wild brown bears
Travel to a bear hide and patiently wait as the wildlife starts to appear, from wild boar to foxes and of course, the majestic brown bear and all in their natural habitat. Highly recommended and can be added as an optional extra.
The Wooden Churches
The countryside of Maramures is peppered with beautiful wooden churches that date all the way back to the 17th and 18th centuries and have made it onto the acclaimed list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Flora and Fauna
With Europe's largest biodiversity (over 5,500 flora and fauna species), only behind the Great Barrier Reef and the Galapagos, the delta is teeming with wildlife, rivers, canals, marshes, lakes and the world largest reed bed.
Europe's Last Wilderness
Not only does the delta have one of the worlds largest biodiversities, it is also incredibly remote with the vast majority of the region only reachable by boat making it one of Europe's last remaining wildernesses.
Bucharest
Romania's capital, often over looked, is a fascinating city with lots of history and some stunning architecture. This combined with many top restaurants and buzzing nightlife there's plenty to keep you interested.
Welcome to the Romanian Tour Experience, your one-stop destination for discovering the diverse and beautiful country of Romania. Our team of dedicated travel experts are passionate about creating unique and authentic travel experiences that cater to your interests and preferences.
From the charming medieval towns of Transylvania to the rugged landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains and the lively capital city of Bucharest, Romania has something for everyone. We are committed to providing you with a journey that explores the country's rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
Our tours are designed to immerse you in the real Romania, from its delicious traditional cuisine to its captivating folklore and customs. You will have the chance to meet local artisans, taste the finest local wines, and experience the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Romanian people.
At Romanian Tour Experience, we believe in responsible tourism and aim to create sustainable travel experiences that benefit the local communities and preserve the natural environment. We work with local guides and suppliers to ensure that our tours are genuine, ethical, and environmentally friendly.
Embark on a 14-day tour to discover Romania’s finest sights. From the mountains down to the coast, you will not only witness breathtaking landscapes, but will get to experience the simple rural life, centuries-old traditions and learn more about the rich history that has shaped the country. Start off with the Transylvanian countryside which offers the perfect mix between tradition and culture. Explore the charming Saxon towns of Brasov, Sibiu and Sighisoara, get your culture fix with visits to the impressive Peles Castle and Bran (Dracula’s) Castle, and get a taste of the village life with traditional accommodation and getting involved in the local activities.
Next, step further back in time into the heart of the Maramures. Here, you will get to fully experience the simple village life. Stay in a traditional guesthouse, help out the locals with their daily activities and enjoy the peace of nature. Don’t miss out on the wooden churches!
Continue your journey down to the coast before travelling to the bird paradise in the Danube Delta. Slow down and enjoy the quietness of the place, drift along the waterways or simply enjoy a day by the pool. You will witness flocks of pelicans and other bird life at Sachalin Peninsula – the main breeding spot – as well as have the possibility of opting for a number of optional activities such as kayaking, fishing or more birdwatching. Relaxation, tranquility, nature and culture, all wrapped up in one with our Romania tours.
"I really appreciated the personal service and the warm personality of our guides. Even better, I was impressed that Untravelled Paths were able to offer us guides who were experts in their respective fields."
Christopher Boyd - Guest
YOUR ROMANIAN TOUR EXPERIENCE
Embark on a 14-day tour to discover Romania’s finest sights. From the mountains down to the coast, you will not only witness breathtaking landscapes, but will get to experience the simple rural life, centuries-old traditions and learn more about the rich history that has shaped the country. Start off with the Transylvanian countryside which offers the perfect mix between tradition and culture. Explore the charming Saxon towns of Brasov, Sibiu and Sighisoara, get your culture fix with visits to the impressive Peles Castle and Bran (Dracula’s) Castle, and get a taste of the village life with traditional accommodation and getting involved in the local activities. Next, step further back in time into the heart of the Maramures. Here, you will get to fully experience the simple village life. Stay in a traditional guesthouse, help out the locals with their daily activities and enjoy the peace of nature. Don’t miss out on the wooden churches! Continue your journey down to the coast before travelling to the bird paradise in the Danube Delta. Slow down and enjoy the quietness of the place, drift along the waterways or simply enjoy a day by the pool. You will witness flocks of pelicans and other bird life at Sachalin Peninsula – the main breeding spot – as well as have the possibility of opting for a number of optional activities such as kayaking, fishing or more birdwatching. Relaxation, tranquility, nature and culture, all wrapped up in one.
YOUR EXPERTS
MARIUS G
The Jack of all Trades - Meet Marius G
MARIUS M
The Team Player - Meet Marius M
NEED TO KNOW
DESTINATION | DESTINATION |
DURATION | 14 nights |
GROUP SIZE | 16 people |
ASSISTANCE | Hands on |
AIRPORT(S) | Bucharest |
FLIGHTS | For more information on flights from the UK please refer to the Trip Details section. |
VISA | UK, EU & US not required |
VACCINATIONS | No |
Arrival in Bucharest followed by a transfer to your boutique accommodation in the Lipscani district where you will be greeted with a coffee or glass of wine before you head out into the old town to explore and discover the plethora of restaurants and bars.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Morning transfer into Transylvania, stopping for a tour around the divine Peles Castle before checking in to your hotel in Brasov. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the charming medieval Saxon town of Brasov.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Day to relax and spend more time in Brasov with optional extra activities such as walking tours or even an opportunity to experience seeing wild brown bears in a nearby hide.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Morning transfer to Bran Castle, better known as Dracula’s Castle before arriving at Inn on Balaban to enjoy the stunning rural countryside before a traditional Romanian meal in the evening.
INCLUDED
Morning transfer to the Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zarnesti before transferring to the rural village of Viscri where HRH Prince of Wales owns a property. Enjoy a tour and an authentic lunch at a local house before travelling to a neighbouring village to check-in to your traditional Transylvanian guesthouse where you can partake in village activities.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Travel and visit the medieval citadel of Sighisoara for lunch and a then wander before transferring to the beautiful town of Sibiu and checking-in to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day to enjoy the medieval town.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Morning visit to the outstanding ASTRA Outdoor Folk Museum, which is the biggest in Europe and gives you a fantastic insight into traditional rural Romania from around the country. Transfer back to Sibiu for an afternoon at your leisure. Alternatively, you can opt for a trip to Balea Lake via the famous Transfagarasan for lunch before returning to Sibiu.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Transfer to the the heart of the Maramures countryside. Visit the Turda salt mine on the way, before being transferred through the rural Romanian countryside to to Breb, via Rogoz and its stunning wooden church. Afternoon arrival in Breb for traditional local dinner.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Sunday morning traditional church service in Maramures at a local wooden church before travelling to Sighet and Sapanta to visit Romania’s Memorial of the Victims of Communism Museum as well as the charming Merry Cemetery. Evening back in Breb.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Morning at your leisure. Afternoon visit the old mill and whirlpool in the village of Sarbi. Transfer back to Cluj via the UNESCO wooden church in Surdesti. Enjoy the rest of the evening in Cluj.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Transfer to Cluj Airport for your flight (not included) to Constanta. Once in Constanta, you will be transferred to your hotel and will have the rest of the day to explore the coastal town.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Morning transfer to Tulcea before travelling into the depths of the Danube Delta by boat all the way to the small fishing village of Crisan where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Delta and a barbecue at sunset featuring freshly caught fish.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Transfer to Letea by boat via the Old Danube Delta stopping for a traditional lunch in the village along with a short excursion to the forest of Letea where you may well be able to spot wild horses. After lunch, the boat travels to the fishing town of Sulina for a drink and a wander before heading onwards to Sfantu Gheorghe.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Boat transfer to Mahmudia in time for lunch before beginning the journey back to Bucharest by car then enjoy dinner in Bucharest for your final night.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
A selection of our accommodation, which is subject to availability, however alternatives are always of a similar price, grade and location.
Bucharest
Romania
With all our hotels located in or near the Old Town of Lipscani, you will be right by amongst the hustle and bustle of the heart to the city.
Typical Accommodation: The Rembrandt, Grand Boutique or similar
Brasov
Romania
All our hotels are located a stone's throw from Brasov's Old Town Square so you'll easily be able to explore Brasov's quaint, cobbled streets.
Typical Accommodation: Bella Muzica, Casa Wagner or similar
Countryside
Romania
No trip to Transylvania would be complete without experiencing the stunning countryside and we use some of the most picturesque.
Typical Accommodation: Inn on Balaban, Zabola Estate or similar
Rural Village
Romania
Transylvania is renowned for its charming, authentic and peaceful rural villages. Our selection of guesthouses are some of the very best.
Typical Accommodation: Viscri 125 or Viscri 32 similar
Sibiu
Romania
With all our hotels located in Sibiu's majestic old town, you'll be able to visit all the sights, cafes and restaurants on foot.
Typical Accommodation: Casa Luxemburg, The Council or similar
Breb
Romania
Located in the centre of Maramures, Breb is excellently placed to easily visit the nearby sights such as the wooden churches and the Merry cemetery.
Typical Accommodation: Village Hotel, Casa din Vale or similar
Cluj
Romania
Centrally located near the main square, you'll be able to visit Cluj's main sights on foot, as well as the vibrant cafe, restaurant and bar scene.
Typical Accommodation: Capitolina, Chic Boutique or similar
Crisan
Romania
Situated in the heart of the delta, Crisan is the perfect location from which to explore the reserve either on your own in a kayak or on a boat.
Typical Accommodation: Delta Boutique, Lebada resort or similar.
Sfântu Gheorghe
Romania
Situated by the mouth of the river, you are ideally placed to visit the nearby pelican colony as walking distance from a lovely long wild beach.
Typical Accommodation: Green Village, Deltarium or similar
WHERE YOU'RE GOING
Ask most people what comes to mind when they think of Romania and you’re likely to hear something along the lines of Dracula, vampires and gypsies. Yes, the spooky castles pitched on rocky hilltops are certainly vampire-worthy but the only real fangs you’re likely to be exposed to here are those belonging to the wild bears, wolves and lynx that roam the Carpathian Mountains. Once you place the stereotypes aside for a moment, you’ll soon understand how misunderstood, overlooked and vastly underestimated this country is.
FAST FACTS
CAPITAL | Bucharest |
POPULATION | 19.29 million |
CURRENCY | Romanian leu |
TIME DIFFERENCE | UTC+02:00 |
"On an epic journey of Romania, it's important to pack mindfully with the multiple locations in mind, especially having a separate section for your dirty laundry!"
Marius G - Untravelled Paths
Try traditional food
You'll have plenty of chance to try delicious home cooked local food during your visit to Romania but also be sure to visit Caru Cu Bere, Bucharest's oldest beer house.
Rural activities
It's always prudent to book activities in advance but this is particularly true of the rural areas as there are some logistics involved and generally the pace of life is much slower there!
Dietary Requirements
Romania caters well for most allergies and eating habits so please be sure to let us know yours so we can ensure you are catered for and can make the most of the local cuisine.
Try palinka at least once
For those brave enough, there is nothing better to warm the belly than a good shot of the Romanian firewater. Be careful, though, it's strong stuff. As they would toast in Romania "Noroc!".
Small change
The region you are based in is remote and primitive so be sure to carry some local currency on you, ideally with small change so you can buy local produce and tip where appropriate.
Cross the language barrier
Have a go at the local language, it's a romantic language so those who speak any of the other romantic languages will pick up many of the words quickly such as "salut", "merci" and "ciao".
As a tour operator we are not able to offer inclusive flights as part of our experiences however we are more than happy to help you find the most appropriate incoming and outgoing flights for you. All the listed airports fly directly in and out of Bucharest with multiple different airlines to choose from. We highly recommend using Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights.
Please note you will also need to organise your internal airfare between Cluj and Constanta.
INSURANCE
In order to be fully covered on your trip should anything happen, we suggest getting an insurance before you travel. We recommend True Traveller, designed especially for adventure travel, who will be able to tailor an insurance package based on your needs. You can find out more here.
SOLO TRAVELLERS
Our prices are based on people sharing, for solo travellers who would prefer a private room the price per person will include a solo occupancy fee.
EXTRA NIGHTS
If you wish we can also organise extra nights at either end of your trip for you.
Book your trip in a few easy steps.
Although Romania is a member of the European Union, it does not use the euro (€), but has its own currency - the RON / Leu. The official currency is most commonly referred to as the plural ‘lei’ although some banks and exchange offices list it as the RON. One leu divides into 100 bani with banknotes coming in various denominations normally 1 leu, 5 lei, 10 lei, 50 lei and 100 lei and less commonly, 200 and 500 lei notes. Coins come in 50 bani and 10 bani pieces, which can be useful for small tips or donations.
The easiest option is to head to a cash machine once you’ve checked into your hotel in Bucharest to withdraw funds. There are plenty of ATMs around so it’s quick and convenient to get hold of your holiday cash
If you want to come prepared beforehand, the Bureau de Change in M&S is, strangely, one of the only places that dispenses the local currency. You can also purchase currency online and collect it from your local post office or even have it delivered straight to your door. Ordering currency online with the Post Office is commission-free and available for next day delivery. Obviously the more you buy the better rate you’ll receive.
However you choose to get hold of your spending money, just make sure you either spend or convert your RON before you leave.
Most major credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted throughout Romania’s main towns and cities. While you should have no problem using your card to pay for drinks or dinner in major towns and cities using your card, some establishments accept cash only so it’s worth checking before you get settled in. Although cash machines are widespread across Bucharest and the rest of Romania, it would be wise to ensure you have enough local currency on you before you enter the villages of Romania or the Danube Delta as you’re highly unlikely to find cash machines in the small villages. Don’t leave it later than Cluj or Constanta to withdraw funds – those are your last guaranteed port of call for ATMs. It is also advisable to try to break big notes, as the locals only tend to accept small denominations so 10 and 20 RON notes are best. It is always advisable to inform your bank that you’re travelling abroad in order to avoid the frustration of having your card blocked.
As a general rule, you’ll be able to have a good lunch for around £10 a head and will pay around £15 a head for a nice evening meal. Naturally, the type of establishment you choose to eat in and what you order will dictate the cost of your meals. Be aware that ordering imported wines can cause your bill to sky-rocket so drinking local wines is advisable. We reckon around £70 for lunch, dinner and drinks for two people is plenty per day. Please note that these are rough estimates and you can always choose to spend more or less depending on your budget and preferences. Please note that dinner at Inn on Balaban and Viscri and lunch in Letea in the Danube Delta are included.
Tipping is not obligatory in Romania although rounding up taxi fares and adding 10% in restaurants is polite and common practice. If the service has been poor please don’t feel obligated to leave a tip.
Spring: Spring weather is pleasant as the intense heat of the summer is yet to arrive. However, it’s not unusual for the weather to change quite drastically, particularly on higher ground so it’s a good idea to pack layers just in case! The other plus side to travelling in the spring is the presence of stunning wildflowers and butterflies that fill the countryside. As a bonus, it is migration season in the Danube Delta so it is the perfect time to visit for birdwatching.
Summer: Summer affords long hot sunny days and blue skies with little chance of rain. While temperatures can soar to around 40 degrees in Bucharest, the countryside tends to be a little cooler so you can enjoy the great outdoors. The weather means the Danube Delta will be more crowded as well.
Autumn: September brings with it slightly fresher temperatures and a certain sense of tranquillity as the rush to get the hay in from the fields is usually over by this point. You’ll still have warm and very pleasant days with cooler evenings to explore the villages. September also witnesses bird migration in the Danube Delta, so it is another great opportunity for birdwatching.
You can always contact the UTP team on +44 207 101 4061 or info@untravelledpaths.com. Before you travel, you will also receive a personalised itinerary with the contact details of the local manager in Romania should there be any problems. Your guide will be on hand throughout the trip as well, so you're in safe hands.
Our digital booklet, which you will receive before travel, contains all the information you need about optional activities. Simply drop us an email letting us know what you'd like to do during your trip, and we'll take care of the rest. Please note that the payment for the optional activities will be taken locally in cash
As Romania can get quite hot in summer, it's advisable to pack lighter clothing. Evenings can get a bit chillier, however, especially in Transylvania, so it's a good idea to have a hoodie or jacked on hand. If you're travelling in spring or autumn, do take your rain jacket with you. If you're opting for the Bear Hide trip, pack some dark-coloured clothing as the idea behind observing wild animals is to remain as inconspicuous as possible. Think black, navy blue and dark green attire. Remember, you want to see the bears but you don’t want them to see you! You might also want to bring a few layers as the temperature drops in the evening and you’ll be sitting still for quite a while. Please also ensure you bring a waterproof with you just in case!
Obviously not a good idea to head into the woods with a pair of high heels or flip-flops on. Wear shoes that will be comfortable for walking like a sturdy pair of trainers or some walking boots. Again, darker colours are preferable.
Yes, there are a few things. A small backpack can be useful to carry all your essentials while keeping your hands free. A bottle of water is always practical and don’t forget your sun cream for hot days walking in the mountains and insect repellent to keep mosquitos away at dusk. Binoculars can be useful too!
When it comes to spotting bears in the wild, your best chance is at the bear hide. In ten years, there have only been a couple of very rare occasions that the bears didn’t show up at the hide so that ought to give you a good idea of how likely you are to catch a glimpse of them! You will, of course, see quite a few rescued bears at the Libearty Bear Sanctuary so you won’t go home without seeing at least one bear.
Very. With an experienced local tracker that is professionally trained in tracking and dealing with wild animals, you’re in safe hands for all of the bear tracking excursions. Typically, your tracker will carry an electric rod and/or a can of mace spray in the unlikely event that you should run into any problems. During the mating season it is common for trackers to carry a gun with them so please do not be alarmed.
Yes, of course. Although there are certain rules you’ll need to follow if you’d like to capture the experience on film. The use of flash, automatic focusing functions, continuous modes or settings that detect red eye are not permitted as the bears will be alerted by your presence and may react or vacate the area. If you are unsure about which camera settings you should use, ask your tracker. If you're planning to use your phone to take pictures, please ensure the settings comply to the regulations and that you put it on silent.
You will be travelling by car between each location, and you will be able to explore the towns and sights at your own pace. If you opt for the Bear Hide excursion, there is a moderate amount of walking involved. Depending on which location you will be visiting, it might take you between 15 minutes to 45 minutes to reach the hide. You will be following a forest trail with level terrain. There is some walking involved at the Sanctuary as well, with a small uphill portion, but all broken down with stops to hear the stories and watch the bears.
Transfagarasan, aka "the best road in the world" according to Top Gear, is only open a limited amount of time during the year. While not part of the experience, a trip to Balea Lake via the Transfagarasan can be arranged if you are travelling between the end of June and beginning of October.
Tap water is safe to drink practically everywhere, but most people stick to bottled water to be on the safe side. We would highly recommend drinking bottled or filtered water during your stay in Romania.
You’re likely to encounter a fair few mosquitoes and other insects during your trip to the Danube Delta particularly during the main summer months. You can reduce your risk of being bitten by applying insect repellent or wearing long-sleeved tops and trousers to cover up. If you do suffer any bites or stings a couple of antihistamine tablets with water and an application of hydrocortisone cream to the affected area will help symptoms. It can be difficult to access a pharmacy while you’re in the area so make sure you pack appropriate medical supplies just in case.
Of course! The trip to the Sachalin Peninsula to watch the Pelicans and other bird species is included in the experience. Other additional trips can be arranged during your time in Sfantu Gheorghe, so have a read through the booklet and let us know what you'd like to do!