THE TRANSYLVANIA FAMILY EXPERIENCE

WHY IT'S DIFFERENT?

Travel through the heart of Transylvania with tons of kid-filled fun from Therme Spa, Adventure Parks, Brown Bears and Dracula's Castle.

Romania
Apr - Oct
7 nights

From $998.70pp $1,175.18pp

Based on two people sharing, with up to two additional children sharing at 50% less each. Not including flights learn more

AVAILABILITY

April 2024
6 - 13 Apr 2024
From $1,175.18pp
May 2024
25 May - 1 Jun 2024
Last Minute Save $176.47
From $998.70pp $1,175.18pp
July 2024
August 2024
3 - 10 Aug 2024
From $1,175.18pp
10 - 17 Aug 2024
From $1,175.18pp
17 - 24 Aug 2024
From $1,175.18pp
24 - 31 Aug 2024
From $1,175.18pp
October 2024
19 - 26 Oct 2024
Early Bird Save $176.47
From $998.70pp $1,175.18pp

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Dracula's Castle

Dracula's 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, a visit to this spooky Transylvanian landmark is a must-do.

Brown Bears

Brown Bears

Have the opportunity to see rescued bears at the Bear Sanctuary which is home to over 100. For those that want to see bears in the wild, you'll have the opportunity to see them in their natural habitat at a bear hide.

Therme Spa

Therme Spa

Europe's largest relaxation and entertainment centre, built green, a wellness concept for a modern lifestyle, dedicated to well-being. A botanical garden with mineral pools, waterslides, saunas and steam rooms.

Adventure Park

Adventure Park

A real hit with the kids! This assault course in the beautiful canopy of the forest is filled with 16 different routes with various levels of difficulty for all ages. There is also a zipline across the lake for older children and a cafe.

Brasov Old Town

Brasov Old Town

Nestled between the Carpathian Mountains, Brasov is a true gem. The old town's cobbled streets and colourful houses create a truly fairy-tale setting. With many great cafes and restaurants, it's a great place to relax and explore.

Sibiu & Around

Sibiu & Around

European Capital of Culture in 2007, Sibiu is arguably the prettiest of Transylvania's colourful medieval old towns. There is also a natural salt spa and the impressive Outdoor Astra Museum nearby.

Brukenthal Palace

Brukenthal Palace

Once the summer residence for the governor of Transylvania, the Palace has delightful, majestic grounds, spacious rooms, a big pool and a beach club making for the ideal setting for a relaxing break.

Child-friendly Activities

Child-friendly Activities

Every location you visit throughout the trip is filled with an array of children-friendly activities such as theme parks, upside-down houses, deer and pig petting farms, elf villages and of course swimming pools.

"We were sooooo pleased with Untravelled Paths and our guide Marius. They were timely, responsive, watchful, extremely flexible in accommodating modifications desired and shepherded our experience from trip inquiry until we returned home. A+ folks."

P. Lee

TRIP OVERVIEW

YOUR EXPERIENCE

Our 8-night family tour has been designed around the needs of the younger members of the family, with so many opportunities to explore, have fun or enjoy and relax by the pool. So, take your family away on a Romanian adventure this year! The tour accommodation includes stays in Bucharest and Brasov old-town along with 4-nights as a base at Brukenthal Summer Palace. Transport is by minivan or small bus depending on the group size and requirements. To travel on a family tour, your party must include a minimum of 1 adult and 1 child (aged 5-16). You will be travelling with other families on this group tour.

YOUR EXPERTS

James

James

The Brains Behind the Operation - Meet James

NEED TO KNOW

DESTINATION Romania
DURATION 8 nights
GROUP SIZE 16 people
ASSISTANCE Hands on
AIRPORT(S) Bucharest (OTP)
FLIGHTS For details of flights from the UK please see the Trip Details section.
VISA Not for UK, EU & US
VACCINATIONS None

TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrive in Bucharest

Once you have collected your bags you'll be transferred to your boutique accommodation in the Lipscani District / Old Town 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, museums and activities.

INCLUDED

  • Airport Pick-Up

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Walking Tour & Orientation
  • Visit Red Panda Dog Sanctuary
  • Visit Museum of Senses
  • Visit the Palace of the Parliament
  • Visit an Escape Room
Day 2 Explore Bucharest Old Town

Your free day to explore Romania's capital, often overlooked, is a fascinating city with lots of history and some stunning architecture. This combined with many fun activities for the kids will be sure to deliver a great day out for the entire family.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Walking Tour & Orientation
  • Visit Red Panda Dog Sanctuary
  • Visit Museum of Senses
  • Visit the Palace of the Parliament
  • Visit an Escape Room
Day 3 Visit Therme Spa

Morning transfer to Therme Spa with facilities to entertain children and adults alike. You'll enjoy lunch on-site before leaving and transferring to Brukenthal Summer Palace in Avrig. Once you arrive you'll check in before enjoying dinner in the hotel gardens.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Transfers
  • Entry to Therme Spa
Day 4 Enjoy Brukenthal Summer Palace

Let the kids enjoy the pools, man-made beach club and exciting pirate ship while you enjoy some relaxing time for yourself. Enjoy day trips in Transylvania with kids of all ages to see life-sized dinosaurs, visit fairy-tale lands, explore upside-down houses, and much more.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Group Barbecue

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Visit the Upside Down House
  • Visit the 12 Month Theme Park
  • Visit the Elf Village
  • Visit Sibiu
  • Visit the Astra Museum
  • Visit the Ocna Sibiului Salt Spa
  • Visit the Deer Farm
  • Visit the Dino Park
Day 5 Enjoy Brukenthal Summer Palace

Let the kids enjoy the pools, man-made beach club and exciting pirate ship while you enjoy some relaxing time for yourself. Enjoy day trips in Transylvania with kids of all ages to see life-sized dinosaurs, visit fairy-tale lands, explore upside-down houses, and much more.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Visit the Upside Down House
  • Visit the 12 Month Theme Park
  • Visit the Elf Village
  • Visit Sibiu
  • Visit the Astra Museum
  • Visit the Ocna Sibiului Salt Spa
  • Visit the Deer Farm
  • Visit the Dino Park
Day 6 Enjoy Brukenthal Summer Palace

Let the kids enjoy the pools, man-made beach club and exciting pirate ship while you enjoy some relaxing time for yourself. Enjoy day trips in Transylvania with kids of all ages to see life-sized dinosaurs, visit fairy-tale lands, explore upside-down houses, and much more.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Children's Movie Night

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Visit the Upside Down House
  • Visit the 12 Month Theme Park
  • Visit the Elf Village
  • Visit Sibiu
  • Visit the Astra Museum
  • Visit the Ocna Sibiului Salt Spa
  • Visit the Deer Farm
  • Visit the Dino Park
Day 7 Visit Libearty Bear Sanctuary & Dracula's Castle

After breakfast check out of Brukenthal Summer Palace for your next stop, Libearty Bear Sanctuary. The bear sanctuary was set up in 1998 and is now home to over 100 rescued bears. The beautiful, tranquil setting allows the bears to live out the rest of their lives in comfort and safety. After the sanctuary, you’ll take a short transfer to Bran Castle, more commonly known as Dracula’s Castle where you’ll have lunch and visit the castle. Finally, you’ll travel to the nearby medieval old town of Brasov and check in to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring this charming medieval Saxon town.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Entry to the Bear Sanctuary
  • Entry to Bran Castle
  • Transfers

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Walking Tour & Orientation
Day 8: Visit Adventure Park & Bear Hide

You’ll have half a day at the Adventure Parc in Brasov where there are loads of activities available to keep youngsters entertained. Then for the rest of the day at your leisure.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Entry to the Adventure Parc
  • Transfers

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Visit to the Bear Hide
Day 9 Transfer back to Bucharest via Peles Castle

Morning transfer back to Bucharest via the fairy-tale Peles Castle for a photo stop and an optional visit (time permitting). Once you're in Bucharest you can choose to be either dropped at the airport or in the city.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Transfers

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Entry to Peles Castle

TRIP ACCOMMODATION

A selection of our accommodation, which is subject to availability, however alternatives are always of a similar price, grade and location.

Bucharest

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 of the city. Typical Accommodation: Concorde Hotel, Grand Boutique or similar 

Brasov

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: Casa Wagner, Bella Muzica or similar 

Avrig

Avrig
Romania

Once the summer residence for the governor of Transylvania, the Palace has delightful, majestic grounds, spacious rooms, a big pool and a beach club making for the ideal setting for a relaxing break.

TRIP LOCATION

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.

DID YOU KNOW
  • Romania comes from the Latin 'Romanus' meaning 'citizen of the Roman Empire
  • The Palace of Parliament in Bucharest is the second-largest building in the world
  • The Carpathian Mountains are home to 60% of Europe's Brown Bear population 
  • Transylvania translates to 'the land beyond the forest'

FAST FACTS

CAPITAL
POPULATION
CURRENCY
TIME DIFFERENCE

“Children sharing with their parents get 50% off the adult price and infants travel for free.”

TRIP TIPS

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Try traditional food

You'll have plenty of chances 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.

tips image

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!

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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!".

tips image

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".

TRIP DETAILS

WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • ALL TRANSFERS
  • ALL ACCOMMODATION
  • MEALS
  • ACTIVITIES
  • THE SERVICES OF A BI-LINGUAL GUIDE
  • UNTRAVELLED PATHS EXPERIENCE EBOOKLET
GETTING THERE

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.

LONDON TO BUCHAREST
  • Easyjet (Gatwick)
  • British Airways (Heathrow)
  • Air Tarom (Heathrow)
  • Wizz Air (Luton)
  • Blue Air (Luton)
  • Ryanair (Stanstead)
BIRMINGHAM TO BUCHAREST
  • Blue Air
  • Wizz Air
BRISTOL TO BUCHAREST
  • Ryanair
DONCASTER TO BUCHAREST
  • Wizz Air
GLASGOW TO BUCHAREST
  • Blue Air
LIVERPOOL TO BUCHAREST
  • Blue Air
FURTHER INFORMATION

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.

HOW IT WORKS

Book your trip in a few easy steps.

1

ENQUIRE ONLINE

Let us know the dates you are interested in travelling and we will let you know if they are available, if not then we will offer you alternative dates.

2

BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS

We will get back to you answering any questions you might have and confirming availability. If all is good, we can hold the places for you for 48 hours while you book your flights. Please note that this stage does not represent a guarantee of the booking.

3

BOOKING FORM

Once you have made your necessary arrangements, we will send you a booking form you will need to fill in with your details and any other relevant information.

4

PAY FOR YOUR TRIP

As you fill in the booking form, you will also be asked to make the payment through a secure link; if you are travelling in less than 8 weeks, the payment will be paid in full, otherwise only a 35% deposit will be taken.

5

FINAL CONFIRMATION

Shortly after you pay, you will receive a confirmation invoice, followed by a personalised itinerary and digital booklet. All you need to do now is write the dates in your diary, prepare your packing list and look forward to your next adventure!

6

NOTES

Please note deposit is non-refundable. The balance will only be refundable if you cancel with more than 8 weeks in advance. More information about the cancellation policy can be found in our Terms & Conditions. We highly suggest getting insurance before you travel to avoid any problems. Our personal recommendation is using True Traveller.

FAQs

What is the currency?

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.

Where can I get a hold of the currency?

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. 

Can I pay by debit/credit card?

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. It is also a good idea to carry some cash with you for smaller purchases and activities and while you're traveling in remote locations. It is always advisable to inform your bank that you’re travelling abroad in order to avoid the frustration of having your card blocked.

What sort of budget would I need?

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 skyrocket 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 is included.

Do I need to tip?

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.

What is the weather like?

Spring: The wonderful advantage of visiting Transylvania during the spring is the presence of wildflowers and butterflies that fill the Carpathian Mountains. The weather is very pleasant although there is also a slightly higher risk of rainfall during this time.
Summer: June, July and August afford long hot sunny days and blue skies with little chance of rain. While temperatures can soar to around 40 degrees in Bucharest, the Transylvanian countryside tends to be a little cooler so you can enjoy the great outdoors.
Autumn: September and October bring with them slightly fresher temperatures but days are mostly sunny, warm, and dry with an increased chance of showers

Who should I contact in case of an emergency?

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.

How do I go about booking extra activities?

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.

What do I need to pack?

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 jacket on hand. If you're traveling 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!

What is the Bear Hide?

While in Brasov, you will have the opportunity to head into the woods and observe the wild bears from the safety of a bear hide. Please let the team know beforehand if you're interested, and we can arrange the visit for you.

What about footwear?

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.


Anything in particular I should bring?

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 in the hide. Binoculars can be useful too!

Will we definitely see bears at the hide?

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.

How safe are we?

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.

Can we take photos at the bear hide?

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.

How much walking is involved?

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.

Will we see Balea Lake and the Transfagarasan?

Transfagarasan, aka "the best road in the world" according to Top Gear, is only open a limited amount of time during the year. As such, to ensure you will see it, we recommend travelling between the end of June and beginning of October. During the cusp months (April-May and November), you will travel back to Bucharest via Olt Valley.