Bucharest City Tour - Overnight in Bucharest

Palace of Parliament - During a day trip to Bucharest, explore one of the world’s most debated administrative buildings. This private tour of The Palace of Parliament, also known as the People’s House, offers insights into the dangers and destruction a totalitarian regime like communism can inflict on a nation. Standing before one of the largest constructions globally, you’ll feel dwarfed by the extravagant opulence and megalomania that “the sleep of reason” can produce.

Capturing a selfie up-close is challenging, as you’ll be trying to fit the second-largest administrative building on the planet, after the Pentagon, into your frame. It’s an experience you’ll cherish and share with future generations.

Muzeul National al Satului “Dimitrie Gusti” - On this private tour, visit The Bucharest National Village Museum, where Romanian traditions come to life. Discover how Romanian villagers created an ecological and sustainable environment in their backyards, and gain insight into their simple, modest lifestyle, living in harmony with their surroundings.

Ateneul Roman - Next, your private tour takes you to the Romanian Athenaeum, a symbol of Romanian culture and often considered a symbol of Bucharest itself. It’s naturally one of the most significant tourist attractions on Calea Victoriei and in Bucharest.

Piata Revolutiei - Planning a city break in Bucharest? Don’t miss The Revolution Square, a site of immense historical importance. Here, you can step back in time to when dictator Ceausescu was overthrown, leaving behind secrets of a vast fortune and controversies about the state security service and his offshore accounts.

As mentioned earlier, upon reaching the Senate Palace, you’ll see the building that once housed the Central Committee of the Romanian Communist Party, where the December 1989 Revolution began, a pivotal event that led to Ceausescu’s permanent removal from power.

Old Town - On a Bucharest day trip, experience the charm of the past through the mystery and contrasts of the Historical City Centre streets, starting with Hanul lui Manuc, a massive fortified inn that served as a cultural and economic hub. Built around 1806 by Manuc Bei, a wealthy Balkan landowner, it was a gathering place for merchants passing through Bucharest.

In this historical and cosmopolitan area, with guidance from Nicolas Experience Tours, you’ll discover popular restaurants, museums, old and stunning churches, and an experiential library where you can purchase books, music, and souvenirs for an unforgettable experience.

1. Curtea de Arges Monastery 2. Poenari Castle 3. Transfagarasan Highway 4. Sibiu City Tour - Overnight stay in Sibiu

Curtea de Arges Monastery - Did you know Curtea de Arges is unique for its significant royal tombs? It’s well-known that truly good, beautiful, and lasting things come through sacrifice, evident when you visit the old town of Curtea de Arges. With a rich history, you’ll see the ruins of the Wallachian princely court, the 13th-century Royal Church, and the renowned Arges Monastery, a historical monument with a fascinating yet somber story.

Poienari Castle - The ruins of Poienari Fortress stand high on a cliff overlooking the Arges River, at the base of the Carpathian Mountains. Built in the early 13th century by the first Wallachian rulers, the castle changed names and residents over the years and was eventually abandoned.

Recognizing the location’s potential, upon taking the throne, he ordered repairs and fortifications, making it one of his main fortresses. When the Turks attacked and captured the castle in 1462, Vlad escaped through a secret passageway leading north through the mountains.

Transfagarasan Highway - Spanning over 150 kilometers, the Transfagarasan Highway is Romania’s most spectacular and renowned road. Featured on BBC’s Top Gear in 2009, it has become one of the country’s top tourist attractions. Open fully from June to October, the road’s highest point is at 2042 meters, where a tunnel connects the northern and southern sides at Lake Balea (Balea Lac).

Big Square (Piata Mare) - In Transylvania, Sibiu is a must-visit destination with a 900-year history. A city tour reveals why Sibiu was chosen as the European Capital of Culture, including the Evangelical Cathedral, the Sibiu Old City Center, and the town itself, which are among Romania’s most visited attractions, offering a delightful experience for all tourists.

For those who love authentic cultural experiences, whether romantic or adventurous, Sibiu provides everything needed to relax, enjoy, and leave everyday stress behind for a memorable trip.

The beauty of this ancient citadel, recognized for its architecture, street layout, cultural and artistic heritage, and stunning natural scenery, is flanked by the Fagaras and Lotru mountains.

1. Corvin Castle 2. Densus Church 3. Sarmisegetusa Regia - Overnight in Sibiu

Castelul Corvinilor - Corvin Castle, also known as Hunyadi Castle or Hunedoara Castle, is a Gothic-Renaissance castle in Hunedoara, Romania. It is one of Europe’s largest castles and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Romania.

Densus Church - The Densuș Church, also known as St Nicholas’ Church, in Densuș village, Hunedoara County, is Romania’s oldest stone church. Built in the 13th century on a 2nd-century Roman temple site, it incorporates materials from the Dacian Sarmizegetusa fortress. It features a stone tower above the naos and 15th-century mural paintings depicting Jesus in Romanian traditional attire, created by artist Ștefan. In the 18th century, more paintings were added by Simion de Pitești.

Sarmizegetusa Regia - Sarmizegetusa Regia, also known as Sarmisegetusa, was the capital and most significant military, religious, and political center of the Dacians before the Roman Empire wars. Situated atop a 1200-meter-high mountain, the fortress, with six citadels, was the core of a strategic defensive system in the Orăștie Mountains.

1. Turda Salt Mine 2. Cluj Napoca City Tour (Botanic Garden) 3. Surdesti Wooden Church - Overnight in Sighetul Marmatiei

Salina Turda - Turda Salt Mine is one of Transylvania’s most fascinating attractions. If you have the opportunity to vacation in Romania, don’t miss the chance to explore this beautiful site, the Turda Salt Mine.

This location is a visual and physical delight, with purifying saline air that benefits those with respiratory issues, such as allergies or asthma.

Gradina Botanica “Alexandru Borza” - While traveling through Transylvania, a Cluj Napoca City Tour is a must. Prepare your camera for the Old City Center, which boasts unique historical and architectural monuments, Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic-style buildings, some dating back to the 17th century, along with friendly locals.

Don’t forget the popular restaurants and delicious local cuisine, which may require a wait before you can enjoy your meal.

Surdesti Wooden Church - The warmth of wooden structures is unmatched, and the Surdesti church offers even more. Visitors are often so impressed they tip their hats, not surprising given the church’s 54-meter towers.

Imagine the craftsmanship involved in creating this 72-meter-high wooden masterpiece, a challenging feat even with modern technology. Built in 1721, it’s considered an architectural marvel.

1. Explore Maramures all day (local market) 2. Merry Cemetery 3. Sighet Memorial Museum - Overnight in Sighetul Marmatiei

Merry Cemetery - This Romanian trip promises history, culture, adventure, and fun. The Dacians, our wise ancestors who worshiped Zalmoxis, laughed at funerals and cried at births.

In Maramures, traces of historical continuity remain, especially in Sapanta, home to the unique Merry Cemetery. The crosses and tombstones, each a colorful and artistic creation, feature humorous poems about the deceased that will leave you laughing.

Memorial of the Victims of Communism and of the Resistance - To understand why Romanians fought so hard against communist oppression, visit the Memorial Museum for the Victims of Communism. You’ll begin to grasp the totalitarian regime’s damage and the immense pain and suffering it caused in a short time.

1. Barsana Monastery 2. Borgo Pass Road 3. Ciocanesti village - Overnight in Gura Humorului

Barsana Monastery - One of Romania’s tallest wooden churches (57m height), Barsana Monastery offers a spiritual connection with the sky and God as you step into its courtyard.

If you’ve seen breathtaking places before, this trip to Maramures might change your perspective. With its enchanting scenery and timeless history, this magical place has captivated tourists and locals for centuries.

Tihuța Pass - Tihuța Pass, also known as Borgo Pass, is a high mountain pass in the Romanian Bârgău Mountains, connecting Bistrița with Vatra Dornei. Made famous by Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” it serves as the gateway to Count Dracula’s realm.

Today, the pass is home to Hotel “Castel Dracula,” located at 1,116 meters. Built in 1976 and renamed in 1989, the hotel is a popular attraction due to its medieval villa style and novel connection. In 2018, the property was put up for sale.

Ciocanesti - Ciocănești village, in southwestern Suceava county, is famous for its brightly painted houses with traditional motifs. A true tourist village, Ciocănești lies on both sides of the Golden Bistrița River, surrounded by scenic pine forests and fertile meadows. It’s near the Vatra Dornei resort, 22 km away, and 100 km from Suceava city.

1. Voronet Monastery 2. Humor Monastery 3. Sucevita Monastery 4. Moldovita Monastery - Overnight in Gura Humorului

Manastirea Voronet - The Voroneț Monastery, a medieval monastery in Voroneț, is one of southern Bukovina’s famous painted monasteries. Built by Stephen the Great in 1488 to commemorate the Battle of Vaslui victory, it’s often called the “Sistine Chapel of the East.” The frescoes feature a vibrant shade of blue known as “Voroneț blue.”

Did you know Voronet Monastery was founded by Stephen the Great? Attracting thousands of tourists annually, it boasts at least three unique elements that make it a highlight of any Moldavia and Bucovina trip.

The church’s artwork, both inside and out, is remarkable for its exceptional background color – the renowned Voronet blue!

Humor Monastery - To appreciate religion’s significance in Romania, tour the country and see the numerous houses of worship built and destroyed by enemies over time.

To protect their spiritual treasures, people built churches hidden in woods or nestled in rock caves at high altitudes. Humor Monastery, built around 500 years ago, is a fortified monastery that has endured through the centuries.

After the first church here, built around 1400, was destroyed, the second one, built in 1530 with thick river rock walls, was designed to withstand time.

Sucevita Monastery - Sucevita and Voronet are two of Romania’s most beautiful monasteries, part of the international cultural and spiritual heritage, making them essential stops on any trip to Romania and northern Moldavia.

Even if you haven’t read the Bible, the biblical scenes and icons on Sucevita Monastery’s walls provide a vivid visual guide to Christianity’s history.

The fortified church is like an open book for visitors, and seeing it in person reveals why it’s on the UNESCO World Heritage list of cultural landmarks.

Moldovita Monastery - For a spiritual journey to a place echoing with the prayers of countless people who found solace here, visit one of Romania’s oldest monastic settlements, built in 1532, home to Moldovita Monastery.

The fortified church combines Byzantine, Gothic, and Moldavian styles, but its unique mural artwork, both inside and out, truly impresses visitors.

1. Lucia Condrea - egg painted museum 2. Nicolae Popa Museum 3. Bicaz Gorges - Overnight Stay in Sighisoara

Muzeul International al Oualor Lucia Condrea - In the summer of 1993, artist Lucia Condrea opened a museum in Moldovita, showcasing her name and unique artistic value. The museum houses over 5500 exhibits, artistically arranged across two levels in 56 display cases.

The Popa Museum - Located 12 kilometers from Targu Neamt in Tarpesti, Neamt County, the Nicolae Popa Museum is a notable attraction. Founded in the ‘70s by local sculptor Nicolae Popa in his home, the museum showcases Romanian values.

After being wounded in WWII, imprisoned by communists, and left with only his house, Nicolae Popa dedicated himself to Romanian art. Through hard work and talent, he became a celebrated naive sculptor and a true folklore creator.

Bicaz Canyon - What could be more beautiful than a stroll along a river that has carved its way through Romania’s mountains and virgin forests?

1. Sighisoara City Tour 2. Biertan Fortified Church - Overnight stay in Brasov

Sighisoara Clock Tower - Begin the Sighisoara Old Town tour with a visit to the Clock Tower and Arms museum. To experience medieval life, visit Sighisoara, Romania’s medieval town, and Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace.

Built in 1280, the Sighisoara Citadel is not only a top tourist attraction in Romania but also a living medieval fortress, inhabited for over 700 years, which is quite rare.

Biertan Fortified Church - The Biertan Fortified Church, a breathtaking historical monument, was one of the first Transylvanian Saxon settlements in Ardeal and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hundreds of tourists visit annually to discover what makes this place special.

Located in a town dating back to 1224, the church impresses with its stunning scenery and unique construction, built on a hillock in the town center, surrounded by three defensive walls and seven bastions.

1. Brasov City Tour (Black Church) 2. Bran Castle / Dracula’s Castle 3. Peles Castle - Back to Bucharest

Black Church (Biserica Neagra) - Next, explore the beautifully-preserved medieval town of Brasov, nestled in the Carpathian Mountains. Your guide will lead a walking tour of the Old Town, where you’ll discover the Black Church, the Old Town square, and medieval city walls. Enjoy free time to soak in the atmosphere at one of Brasov’s charming cafés.

Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle) - Bran Castle, a blend of myth and history, is widely believed to have inspired Bram Stoker’s fictional Dracula’s castle due to its close resemblance.

Outside the castle, sample traditional foods like handmade cheeses, pálinka (plum and pear brandy), and traditionally-produced ham and sausages.

Peles Castle - Once upon a time, there was a beautiful castle… If you’re writing memoirs or want to boast about seeing Europe’s most beautiful castles, the Romanian royal family’s summer residence is a must-see. It’s one of Romania’s and Europe’s top tourist attractions, and you’ll soon understand why.

Every year, thousands of notable figures and hundreds of thousands of tourists visit Romania to admire its beauty and, for a few hours, feel like royalty.

• Exclusive use of a private car or minibus
• All entry and photo fees covered
• Dedicated English-speaking guide/driver
• Free Wi-Fi in the car
• Guide’s accommodation and meals included
• Car expenses covered, including fuel, parking, and tolls
• Flexible itinerary that can be changed during the tour

• Accommodation, meals and beverages
• Entrance fees as per the itinerary

Embark on a 10-day explorative journey through Romania that promises an unforgettable adventure. We’ve curated a series of captivating experiences, encompassing visits to historical medieval sites, immersive trips into the wilderness, encounters with lush forests and vibrant wildflowers, and breaths of fresh mountain air when the season is ripe. The trip wouldn’t be complete without modern exhibits and a sampling of Romania’s mouthwatering cuisine, seasoned with traditional herbs and spices at each medieval town we explore. The tour offers an excellent opportunity to understand Romania and its citizens, as it is a private 10-day Romanian tour guided by a local. Come, join us!

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.