Embark on an 8-day self-drive off-road adventure in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains. Discover timeless landscapes, local delicacies, and rich culture.
Embark on an 8-day self-drive off-road adventure in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains. Discover timeless landscapes, local delicacies, and rich culture.
Welcome to Bucharest
Bucharest - Arrive in Bucharest, where your 4x4 SUV will be waiting for you at the airport. Drive to your hotel and, if time allows, begin exploring the city. Discover grand palaces, stroll through the vibrant streets of the Old Town, unwind in lush parks, and enjoy traditional Romanian cuisine — all infused with the city’s…
Welcome to Bucharest
Bucharest - Arrive in Bucharest, where your 4x4 SUV will be waiting for you at the airport. Drive to your hotel and, if time allows, begin exploring the city. Discover grand palaces, stroll through the vibrant streets of the Old Town, unwind in lush parks, and enjoy traditional Romanian cuisine — all infused with the city’s rich history and dynamic culture. Recommended highlights include the Palace of the Parliament, the Old Town (Lipscani District), Calea Victoriei, the Village Museum (Muzeul Satului), and Herăstrău Park (King Michael I Park).
Climbing into the Carpathians, Bucegi Ridge, Lake Bolboci, Sinaia Area
Bucegi Mountains - Depart Bucharest and head north into the Carpathian Mountains, ascending through the scenic Prahova Valley and its picturesque villages. The journey takes you deep into the heart of the Bucegi Mountains, where forest landscapes, mountain roads, and hidden natural wonders await.
Enjoy an off-road drive along the Bucegi Ridge, leading to the peaceful shores of Lake Bolboci, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by tranquility. Take a walk into a karst cave, tucked behind a remote mountain monastery, where a stream flows quietly through its chambers — a hidden gem of nature and mysticism.
Continue your off-road adventure through traditional Roma (Gypsy) villages, past Lake Bolboci, and stop at a rustic cabin nearby that offers a lovely local restaurant — perfect for a warm lunch, or opt for a picnic near the dam with views of the lake.
Into the Heart of Transylvania
Alba Iulia - Enjoy a full day of authentic encounters as you travel through the forested hills of Transylvania, passing traditional villages, open fields, sheep-filled pastures, and winding streams. Stop at a working flour mill, still powered by a flowing stream, for a glimpse into timeless rural craft. In a charming Saxon village, visit a fortified medieval church, meet local artisans, and savor a homemade lunch in a peaceful courtyard. In the afternoon, set off on an off-road journey from Cinco to Alba Iulia, crossing vast open landscapes on your way to Alba Iulia, a historic city at the foot of the Apuseni Mountains, where centuries of Romanian heritage meet.
Experiences on the Edge of the Apuseni Ridge
Apuseni Natural Park - Begin the day in the Turda region, discovering natural wonders and local flavors. Descend into the surreal Turda Salt Mine, an underground world of vast chambers, salt formations, and a tiny subterranean lake. Then hike through the dramatic Turda Gorge, a limestone canyon with towering cliffs, wooden bridges, and soaring birds of prey. Stop at the Winery in the Rock for a tasting inside its cave-like cellar, known for crisp local whites. Arrive in Alba Iulia by evening and enjoy a relaxed stroll through its atmospheric old town, with centuries-old fortifications, elegant squares, and rich historical charm.
Plenty of Off-Road Adventure! Ascent to the Apuseni Ridge
Apuseni Ridge Full of Life!
Apuseni Natural Park - Spend the day immersed in natural beauty and timeless traditions of the Apuseni Mountains. Begin with an off-road ascent to the Bihor Ridge, where sweeping 360-degree views from the top of Mount Bihor reveal a stunning panorama of peaks and valleys. Follow a scenic trail to the Ice Cave, a hidden wonder filled with year-round ice formations—a cool contrast to the warm mountain air. Continue to a countryside woodcraft workshop, where a local artisan carves furniture by hand, echoing the region’s deep-rooted traditions. Share a home-cooked lunch with a village family, including a hands-on chance to make palacinka (traditional pancakes). Conclude with a peaceful hike to a cascading waterfall, surrounded by the pure, untouched beauty of the Apuseni.
The impressive Best Castle, The Bridge of Liars…
Sibiu - On the way back into the valley, visit an ancient gold mine and the fascinating Gold Museum, then cross to the other side to explore Romania’s most impressive castle. Enjoy a surprising off-road drive to Lake Jamuna, home to a village submerged beneath its waters—a hidden gem worth discovering. Next, explore Honodowara Castle, where exhibition rooms showcase fortifications, weapons, torture devices, and live music illustrating the life of Hungarian princes who once ruled the region. Finally, return to Sibiu’s old city for a stroll through its colorful squares, cross the famous Liars’ Bridge, and admire the pointed-roofed churches before parking the jeep for a relaxed walk around town.
Transfăgărășan – The Famous Mountain Pass, Bucharest
Transfagarasan Highway - Climb the Transfăgărășan Pass, one of the world’s most famous roads, known for its dramatic twists and breathtaking views toward Transylvania. At the top, enjoy a walk along the shore of Bălău Lake—“the beautiful lake”—an alpine gem perfect for a scenic lookout and a warm drink. Descend through the Wallachian plains and return to Bucharest via highway, where you return your SUV 4X4. End of trip

- Pre-trip advice session with a local expert
- Suv 4x4 Mitsubishi Pajero or similar rental car for 8 days
- Daily breakfast at the accommodation
- On-trip support from local expert: daily 09:00-18:00, emergency 24/7
- Navigation & Guiding App: offline and seamless navigation, location based tips
- 7 nights in quality 3★–4★ hotels
- Visit to a…
- Pre-trip advice session with a local expert
- Suv 4x4 Mitsubishi Pajero or similar rental car for 8 days
- Daily breakfast at the accommodation
- On-trip support from local expert: daily 09:00-18:00, emergency 24/7
- Navigation & Guiding App: offline and seamless navigation, location based tips
- 7 nights in quality 3★–4★ hotels
- Visit to a woodcarver’s workshop on day 6
- 2 lunches in local homes (on day 3 and day 6)
- Winery tour in the Apuseni region on day 4
- Flights
- Lunches and Dinners
- Any items that are not explicitly listed as included
- Flights
- Lunches and Dinners
- Any items that are not explicitly listed as included
Romania extends an invitation to embark on a journey brimming with unforgettable experiences. Its quaint villages, secluded farms, lush forests, and the grand Carpathian Mountains unveil a truly serene part of Europe. On a self-guided, off-road expedition, travelers will discover these ageless landscapes—areas where time appears to have paused. Enjoy…
Romania extends an invitation to embark on a journey brimming with unforgettable experiences. Its quaint villages, secluded farms, lush forests, and the grand Carpathian Mountains unveil a truly serene part of Europe. On a self-guided, off-road expedition, travelers will discover these ageless landscapes—areas where time appears to have paused. Enjoy homemade treats directly from grandma’s kitchen, relish exquisite local liqueurs, and encounter warm-hearted individuals whose tales illuminate the region’s rich culture. From Dracula legends to ancient forest myths, this is the genuine Romania ready to be explored.
- Self-guided tour featuring off-road adventures in a 4x4 SUV
- Navigational App: offline and seamless navigation, location-based tips
- Live support from a local expert throughout your journey
- Ideal for families with teenagers seeking adventure and quality bonding time
- Car rental is subject to the terms and conditions of local rental companies, and local laws
- Package price is based on sharing one vehicle
- Drivers must be at least 24 years old
- Our off-road routes follow only permitted trails that are already in use by local communities
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.