Romania: Across The Carpathians To Transylvania
Group Tour
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Overview
A land of wild forested mountains and timeless medieval landscapes, Romania has lain at the cultural crossroads of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe for centuries. Hemmed in by the great arc of the Carpathian Mountains, its wealth of well-preserved medieval towns and churches play host to some of the continent’s most authentic and atmospheric cultural encounters.
Beginning in in the Northeastern town of Suceava, which sits at the heart of the historical regions of Bukovina and ...
A land of wild forested mountains and timeless medieval landscapes, Romania has lain at the cultural crossroads of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe for centuries. Hemmed in by the great arc of the Carpathian Mountains, its wealth of well-preserved medieval towns and churches play host to some of the continent’s most authentic and atmospheric cultural encounters.
Beginning in in the Northeastern town of Suceava, which sits at the heart of the historical regions of Bukovina and Moldavia, we’ll discover UNESCO medieval painted monasteries, wild herds of European Bison and stunning mountain scenery before crossing into the old Saxon heartlands of Transylvania en route to the capital, Bucharest. During our travels, we’ll feast on superb traditional cuisine, explore sculpted salt mine caverns, take a horse cart ride around the captivating UNESCO treasures of rural Viscri, marvel at the beautifully preserved historical centres of Sibiu and Brasov and discover the blood-soaked legends and vampire myths of Sighişoara.
Romania may be a country undergoing changes but it looks set to remain one of Europe’s most rewarding and fascinating destinations for some time to come – be sure not to miss out.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
Minibus
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience. This can obviously vary greatly across both countries and tours. On this particular trip we will be in a selection of typically small and comfortable hotels and guesthouses. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
Day 1 Tour starts in Suceava: Ceramics and Sucevita
Day 1 Tour starts in Suceava: Ceramics and Sucevita
The tour starts at around midday in the north-eastern town of Suceava, which sits at the heart of the historical regions of Bukovina and Moldavia. After lunch and a stroll around the town we’ll head to nearby Sucevita by way of the black ceramic workshop in Marginea Village to see the craftsmen at work. Tonight we’ll have a traditional dinner while staying in renovated traditional wooden houses.
Day 2 In & around Sucevita: Painted Monasteries and Painted Eggs
Day 2 In & around Sucevita: Painted Monasteries and Painted Eggs
This morning we’ll drive the short distance to Moldovita to visit the village’s Eastern Orthodox monastery, a wonderful UNESCO 16th century building that blends Byzantine and Gothic influences and which holds the distinction of being one of the few churches around to be decorated with the famous Moldovian style of exterior painting. Afterwards we’ll take an easy/moderate walk up through grassland and forest heading towards the village of Runc, a small hamlet that lies encircled by dense forests of conifers and Europe’s largest population of large carnivores. This place perfectly encapsulates William Blacker’s first impressions, as captured in his acclaimed book “Along the Enchanted Way“ of a land frozen in time. Sheltering some of the last traditional peasant communities left in Europe, this is a land where mythical beasts and fairies share the landscape with bear and wolf populations that number in the thousands. These northern Romanian villages provide a glimpse back to a Europe of legend and romance, and as we continue down through the intoxicating vistas of the Moldovita Valley we pass through a world far beyond our own. Our next visit is to a workshop to witness one of the most skilful crafts left in Romania, that of the traditional art of egg painting. Following a tradition that is meant to date back to the crucifixion, painted eggs are believed to bring luck and keep away unholy spirits, with each intricate colour and pattern dispelling a different form of evil. After a demonstration of the skill and a chance to see some samples of this exquisite art, we return to Sucevita for our second night.
Approx. 3-4 hrs walking (500m ascent, 500m descent. Total distance 10kms)
Day 3 Sucevita – Lacu Rosu: European Bison & Pastel-Coloured Villages
Day 3 Sucevita – Lacu Rosu: European Bison & Pastel-Coloured Villages
After a visit to Voronet Monastery, another of Romania’s UNESCO treasures, we’ll make for Vanatori Neamt Natural Park for an easy 1-2hr walk and the rare chance, in the company of a local ranger to observe free-roaming European Bison, in their natural habitat. Later we’ll head for Agapia and Varatec monastic villages which are home to almost 600 nuns. These unique monastic villages extend well beyond the convents’ precincts and contain many beautiful pastel-coloured wooden houses. Travelling further, we’ll then enter Transylvania where we’ll find our overnight stop in Lacu Rosu, in the heart of Hasmas Mountains National Park.
Day 4 Lacu Rosu – Cluj: Exploring Hasmas National Park
Day 4 Lacu Rosu – Cluj: Exploring Hasmas National Park
After breakfast we’ll set out on foot to discover the majestic beauty of Hasmas Mountains National Park. Alternatively, those who might prefer a more relaxing morning can choose instead to have a free morning in and around the hotel. In the afternoon we’ll head westwards to Cluj, Transylvania’s unofficial capital, where the evening is free for you to discover this vibrant city at your own pace.
Approx. 3-4hrs easy/moderate walking (450m ascent, 450m descent. Total distance 7kms)
Day 5 Cluj – Sighisoara: Turda Salt Mine & Vlad The Impaler
Day 5 Cluj – Sighisoara: Turda Salt Mine & Vlad The Impaler
After a short morning walk around Cluj’s historic centre, we’ll drive a short distance south to the spectacular salt mines of Turda, considered to be one of the world’s finest. From here we’ll head to Sighisoara, one of the best-preserved medieval towns anywhere in Europe; a 16th century gem of cobbled streets, watch-towers and ornate churches that positively exudes atmosphere and charm. Sighisoara is the birthplace of the infamous Vlad the Impaler (the progenitor of the Dracula legends) and the town was protected by a defensive ring of 14 watch towers and several bastions, each of which was maintained and defended by a separate guild.
Day 6 Sighisoara – Brasov : Discovering Transylvania’s Saxon Villages
Day 6 Sighisoara – Brasov : Discovering Transylvania’s Saxon Villages
A short distance away from Sighisoara we discover the Saxon UNESCO village of Viscri, one of a number founded by Germanic colonists in the 12th century at the invitation of the Hungarian king. Although now mostly gone, the Saxon settlers’ descendants have left behind a cultural legacy that is still very much in evidence in the region’s wonderful architecture, especially the medieval fortified churches that pepper the countryside. Britain’s King Charles III, who has himself Saxon ancestry, has been very much involved in the efforts to preserve the rural architecture and the nature of this area. We will take a tour of the region by horse-drawn carriage, and meet with some of the local artisans before having a traditional lunch prepared by the locals, accompanied (of course!) by home-made brandy and wine. In the afternoon we’ll then drive to Brasov, one of the most picturesque cities in Transylvania. Built in the 12th century and fringed by the peaks of the Southern Carpathian Mountains, Brasov was one of the region’s seven Saxon medieval walled citadels. Resplendent with Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture, as well as a wealth of historical attractions, its location at the intersection of the trade routes linking the Ottoman Empire and western Europe, has made Brasov a key strategic destination throughout the ages.
Day 7 In & around Brasov: Exploring the alpine villages of the Southern Carpathians
Day 7 In & around Brasov: Exploring the alpine villages of the Southern Carpathians
This morning we leave the crowds of Romania’s better-known sights and take a short drive westwards to the scenic and stunningly located village of Magura. Often cited as a village where ‘time has stood still’, Magura and its environs offer us the chance to take a short, but rewarding walk and to enjoy a picnic lunch in the Transylvanian countryside. We’ll then return to Brasov where they will be ample time to discover this beguiling city at your leisure.
Approx. 2-3hrs easy/moderate walking (240m ascent, 240m descent. Total distance 9kms)
Day 8 Brasov – Sibiu: Discovering this European City of Culture
Day 8 Brasov – Sibiu: Discovering this European City of Culture
Leaving Brasov, we head next to another city built by the Saxons and considered to be the capital of the Saxon minority in Romania. Straddling the banks of the Cibin River, Sibiu was designated as European City of Culture in 2007, is one of the country’s most important cultural centres and is home to some of the best preserved historical sites anywhere in Romania. After a walking tour to take in some of city’s highlights, there will then be free time for you to discover this gem for yourself.
Day 9 Sibiu – Bucharest: Across the Carpathians to the Romanian Capital
Day 9 Sibiu – Bucharest: Across the Carpathians to the Romanian Capital
On our last major journey of the trip (approx. 5hrs), we’ll cross the Carpathians once more en route to the capital, Bucharest. Our route will either follow the scenic winding Olt Valley or if the road is open (typically in the summer months only) we’ll take the dramatic Transfagarasan road which crosses a 2000m high pass. After an arrival arrival in Bucharest, there'll be time to settle in before we head out for our final night's dinner.
Day 10 Tour ends in Bucharest: Exploring the "Paris of the East"
Day 10 Tour ends in Bucharest: Exploring the "Paris of the East"
The centre of Romania’s cultural and artistic development for centuries, Bucharest is home to a rich mix of classical, Art Nouveau and communist-era architecture and includes amongst its impressive landmarks the “People’s House”. This is the world’s largest parliament building, built during the reign of Nicolae Ceausescu. Its vast structure houses the country’s Senate and Chamber of Deputies, three museums and, allegedly, the world’s largest international convention centre - we’ll take in this iconic landmark and the city’s medieval heart on our walking tour this morning before some final free-time, during which luggage can be left at the hotel, before the tour’s official end this afternoon.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Casa Cu Cerbi, Sucevita
Enjoy a mountain escape within the Carpathian Mountains at the Casa cu Cerbi, an authentic farmhouse on a real Bucovina farm. When you are not hiking through the area, you can sample some of the homegrown produce from the farm, cosy up to the resident cat or explore the old family photographs of the farmhouse. There are only five comfortable, en suite guestrooms within this welcoming guesthouse surrounded by a wonderfully rustic and peaceful setting. Local traditions are preserved through the restored furniture and architecture, and the family’s hospitality, serving traditional, homemade dishes using ingredients from the farm, the local market and the neighbouring forest.
Hotel Lacu Rosu, Bicaz Gorges
Surrounded by the picturesque Red Lake, the Lacu Rosa Hotel is also close to other natural wonders such as the valley of the Bicajel creek, Ucigasul mountain and Suhardul Mare, making it a great destination for hiking, biking, climbing, boating and much more. There are thirty-five rooms equipped with en suite bathrooms, a minibar, a television and internet. The large restaurant serves traditional or international cuisine, but make sure you try the food from the Székely region, delicious cuisine from a subgroup of Hungarian people living in Romania.
Lol Et Lola, Cluj
Lol et Lola is a three star hotel in Cluj with a unique style. Twenty rooms are individually designed with modern textiles and wall motifs to create fresh and exciting stay. The rooms will suit anyone’s desires from photography, cinema, gastronomy, fashion, dance or sports themes. Only a ten minute walk from the city centre, the hotel is ideally situated for sightseeing. The breakfast room has a stylish and chic design with plenty of colour to brighten your morning. For lunch and dinner you can arrange a meal at Marty, Tokyo and New Croco, which will be ordered to your room.
Hotel Sighisoara, Sighisoara
Hotel Sighisoara is housed in a medieval building right in the heart of Sighisoara citadel. The building miraculously survived the great fire of 1676 and was once used by the Saxon Bishop George Paul Binder, famous for being from Sighisoara. Discover his story at the hotel, as well as the hunting fresco in black ink from the Renaissance era. The restaurant allows you to discover the traditional tastes of Sighisoara combined with a menu of delightful international dishes. The wine cellar is built with medieval bricks, creating shadowing archways and a cosy atmosphere for you to enjoy tasty snacks paired with only the best wines. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, using traditional local decor, all with en suite bathrooms.
Casa Wagner, Brasov
Located within the old part of Brasov, Casa Wagner has a convenient location and vintage charm. The building dates back to 1477 and was once a German bank. Medieval touches such as wooden beams and white walls retain the history of the original building. The 24 rooms have been renovated with modern comforts and most overlook the Black Church. The hotel serves a Swedish buffet breakfast, but a variety of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants are nearby for lunchtime and evening meals.
Capitol Hotel, Bucharest
Hotel Capitol is located in the heart of Bucharest, where the Old Town is within walking distance. Set in a building dating from 1901, the hotel has a vintage elegance about it, yet features modern amenities and comforts. The 79 rooms and suites ensure a comfortable stay and are decorated in a simple, homely design. The period-style restaurant is on the ground floor, offering views of the Sarindar Fountain, and serves national and international cuisine.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Reducing Single Use Plastic
We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)
Supporting the reintroduction of the European bison
A proportion of our entrance fees from our visit to see European bison at Vânători-Neamţ Nature Park on DAY 3 of the tour is used to support the reintroduction of the species, which was facing extinction, to the area more than two centuries after its disappearance from the wild. All visits are accompanied by a park ranger with the emphasis being on increasing understanding and appreciation of Europe’s largest land mammal.
Getting There
For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
Unfortunately we are unable to book these flights on your behalf as Wizz Air is an online, low cost, airline so you will need to book these yourself. However, we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require.
Please note that before making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| W9 3602 | London Luton (LTN) 06:50 | Suceava Airport (SCV) 12:00 |
| W4 3007 | Otopeni Airport (OTP) 19:25 | London Luton (LTN) 21:00 |
Visas & Vaccinations
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders do not require a visa for Romania.
Passports must have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country and be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave. Check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Please visit the FCDO website for more information.
From November 2024, the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will apply for all non-EU nationals - including British nationals - travelling in or out of the Schengen area. As Romania is part of the Schengen area, you may experience longer queues at border control when the system starts. Read more information
on the EU Entry/Exit System.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to Romania.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries*. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.
*Please note bespoke, tailor-made itineraries need to be a minimum of 7 days and we can only offer them in countries where we have a tailor-made expert
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Key Information
CLIMATE
Romania has a temperate continental climate characterised by hot summers and cold winters. The springtime (March to May) can be a bit rainy but this brings wildflowers to the countryside with birds overhead on migratory routes, allowing for beautiful walks in the countryside. Temperatures typically range from 8-23C in April/May, when the winter cold begins to fade, making it a good time to visit. Although summer (June to August) has the hottest months, with temperatures ranging from 20-40C, it is also one of the driest times. However, the higher mountainous regions can still sometimes see temperatures plummet to 1C at night and early mornings. During the autumn months (September to November) the autumnal colours begin to appear, yet temperatures are still pleasant at around 12-27C. The hues of red, orange and yellow make for a picture-perfect backdrops.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. All our tours have a fitness rating as a guideline but you should check the day-by-day itinerary carefully. In certain instances we may ask you to complete a travel questionnaire before confirming your booking in order to ensure your suitability. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
In order to access the best of Romania's stunning countryside this tour includes a selection of walks ranging in length from 2-4hrs. All the walks are optional but in order to get the most out of the trip you should be in a good state of health and fitness.
Romanian food is generally excellent but please be advised that although vegetarians can certainly be catered for the selection and variety may be limited at times.
The trip involves a few longish drives of 4-5hrs although the scenery en route is always rewarding and the roads are generally in very good condition.
NEW TOURS
Never complacent, here at Wild Frontiers we are continually on the look-out for new tour ideas. Each year we aim to put on a selection of new tours in order to continually provide our clients with a fresh and varied choice of some of the best journeys on the planet. Although a lot of fun, these tours will often involve a greater element of unpredictability than our better-established tours, so please come prepared.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 2438 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.