Romania 2024/2025: Homeland of Count Dracula

10 days
07-16-2025
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Travel itinerary Terms of participation and cancellation
Price $2450

Price includes

  • Accommodation in high-standard double rooms.
  • Transportation in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles.
  • Airport transfers.
  • Breakfasts.
  • Services of a local, specialized guide.
  • Assistance of a English-speaking tour leader.
  • Boat cruise on the Danube.
  • Sightseeing in Bucharest.
  • Entrance ticket to the Parliament building in Bucharest.
  • Entrance ticket to the monastery above Lake Snagov.
  • Tour of Palesz Castle.
  • our of Bran Castle.
  • Sightseeing in the town of Sighişoara.
  • Sightseeing in the town of Sibiu.

The price does not include

  • Cost of international air tickets.
  • Meals other than those mentioned in the program.
  • Customary tips and personal expenses.
  • Compensation in case of loss or damage to personal baggage.
  • Travel insurance.

Romania is certainly a country of contrasts. In one place, you’ll find old horse-drawn carts alongside the latest car models, people dressed in traditional folk costumes standing in modern shopping centers. It’s also a country with picturesque landscapes, beautiful castles, medieval town squares, and Gypsy music.

ADDITIONALLY, two days in Budapest, the capital of goulash soup.

Boat cruise

Culture and history

Entertainment

Travel itinerary

1.day

Flight to Bucharest

We will begin our adventure with a flight to Bucharest, the capital of Romania. According to legend, the city was founded by a shepherd named Bucur. However, historically confirmed information states that the founder of the city was Mircza Stary, and Bucharest itself was established after the victory over the Turks in the 14th century.

Rumunia

2.day

Bucharest

After arriving in Bucharest, we will take a stroll along Lipscani Street, undoubtedly one of the most interesting parts of the city. Along the way, we will pass by the “Cărturești Carusel” bookstore. It’s worth stepping inside to see how the abandoned building has been transformed into the most beautiful bookstore in all of Romania. Also, consider checking out the “Caru cu Bere” restaurant. Even if we can’t find a table to taste local delicacies, the interior decor itself will leave an impression.

In the late evening, we will return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

3.day

Bucharest

After breakfast, we will embark on a panoramic city tour. We’ll pass by the Triumphal Arch, commemorating the soldiers of World War I and Romania’s victory. We will also explore the most characteristic boulevard in the entire city – Piata Unirii. At the end of Piata Unirii stands the Palace of the Parliament, the second-largest building in the world in terms of surface area.

Next, we’ll walk by the Romanian Athenaeum, a 19th-century building inspired by the Greek temple of Athena. We’ll also take a closer look at the former Royal Palace (now the Museum of Art), the Royal Foundation (currently the Central University Library), the former Senate building, Kretzulescu Church, and the Stavropoleos Monastery.

The evening is free time. Overnight stay in Bucharest.

4.day

Snagov Lake, Sinaia

After breakfast, we will visit the interior of the Parliament building. The building is listed in the Guinness World Records as the largest, heaviest, and most expensive administrative building ever used. It was constructed using only Romanian materials. The construction was overseen by the Romanian communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, who aimed to create an impressive government district.

Next, we will head to Snagov Lake. Here, our exploration will begin with a visit to the 14th-century monastery, where, according to oral tradition, Vlad III the Impaler is said to be buried. We will then proceed to the town of Sinaia, where we will see the “Sinaia Monastery” – a monastery from 1695 with beautiful Byzantine architecture.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

5.day

Sinaia

On this day, we will visit the former summer residence of Carol I Hohenzollern and Elizabeth, the first Romanian royal couple – Peles Castle. This castle is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. It was built using wood and stone and is maintained in a Renaissance style with numerous Gothic and Baroque elements. Inside, there are 160 rooms.

We will also explore Pelișor, which is part of the Peleș Castle complex, the summer residence of the Romanian royal family’s heir, Ferdinand I. The building features many Art Nouveau elements.

Overnight stay in the town of Sinaia.

6.day

Bran

Today, we will visit one of the most famous castles in Transylvania – Bran Castle. Built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights, this castle is where the controversial Wallachian ruler Vlad III was supposedly imprisoned. In the first half of the 20th century, Bran Castle served as the residence of Ferdinand and Marie, the second Romanian royal couple.

In the vicinity, there is Brasov, one of the most beautiful cities in Romania. The imposing sign BRASOV overlooking the city is said to evoke its American counterpart, and the view from the hill to the old town is breathtaking. The old town has been preserved here in almost untouched condition. Its central point is the medieval Council Square, which used to host weekly markets.

At the center of the square stands the old town hall, built in Renaissance style with Gothic elements. While strolling through the city, you’ll also see the Black Church from the 15th century (the largest Gothic church between Vienna and Constantinople), Catherine’s Gate, and the Hirscher House. The countless number of restaurants, pubs, and cozy cafes make it hard to leave.

7.day

Sighisoara

Today, we will visit Sighișoara, the most colorful and attractive city in Romania. The old town is rightfully inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here, medieval buildings and wooden staircases leading to the school have been exceptionally well-preserved.

For those interested, a visit to the Historical Museum is available, offering tourists an insight into the culture, traditions, and history of Romania. The museum is located in one of the rooms of the Clock Tower, which dominates the city. Next, we will travel to Biertan, a small historic village with the best-preserved example of a fortified church in Romania. This picturesque Saxon village is on the UNESCO list.

Afterwards, we will head to Sibiu, a city located in the southern part of Transylvania. In 2007, after Romania’s accession to the European Union, Sibiu held the title of the European Capital of Culture. Exploring the old town, often referred to as a “living museum,” will start at the Great Square (Piața Mare), Bruckenthal Palace, and the Jesuit Church.

Then, we will see the Small Square (Piața Mică), the Council Tower (Turnul Sfatului), and Huet Square (Piața Huet) with the Evangelical Cathedral from the 14th century. We’ll stroll along Mitropolije Street, where the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Transylvanian Metropolis is located.

Overnight stay in Sibiu.

8.day

Alba Iulia

After breakfast, we will set out on the road to Timisoara. We will pass through Alba Iulia, the site of the coronation of the monarchs of Greater Romania, and Hunedoara (Vajdahunyad), where we will visit Hunyad Castle from the 14th century. It is the most representative secular Gothic building in Transylvania (Erdelj), once inhabited by the famous Hungarian regent Hunyadi János.

In Timisoara, we will see Victory Square, where the buildings of the Opera and National Theater (built in 1872), the Metropolitan Cathedral of Banat (Romanian) (built in 1946), the monument of the she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus (a gift from Rome in 1926), and the representative Secessionist architecture from 1910-1914 are located.

We will stroll through Freedom Square, where the old town hall is situated (built in 1734 in Baroque style), the statue of the Virgin Mary, and the bust of the last Dacian king Decebalus. We will also see Union Square, featuring the Plague Column, the Roman Catholic Cathedral (built between 1736-1774), the baroque palace (former residence of the Serbian Voivodina), and the Serbian Orthodox Church (built in 1748).

Overnight stay in Timisoara.

9.day

Budapest

After breakfast, we will hit the road to reach the capital of Hungary – Budapest. Our exploration will begin at Heroes’ Square, one of the largest and most important squares in Budapest. We will walk through the City Park, where Vajdahunyad Castle, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Széchenyi Thermal Bath are located.

Next, we will pass by St. Stephen’s Basilica and take a stroll along the Danube River towards the Parliament. In the evening, we will board a ship that will take us on a cruise along the Danube River with the accompaniment of Gypsy music.

10.day

Departure from Budapest

After breakfast and checking out from the hotel, we will visit Gellért Hill and Castle Hill. Buda Castle, along with Castle Hill, is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We will then stroll towards Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion, from where there is a panoramic view of the Danube and the Parliament on the other side of the river. In the distance to the right, you’ll also see the beautiful Chain Bridge.

In the afternoon, we will head to the airport to check in for the return flight. We invite you to join us on future adventures with Rek Travel Adventure. Perhaps next time, it will be France and the Castles of the Loire.

Romania 2024: Homeland of Count Dracula

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10 days

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The company is not responsible for any loss of customer's property due to burglary, theft, loss, etc. We also do not assume responsibility for any losses incurred by the customer in motels. Rek Travel reserves the right to change the itinerary due to circumstances beyond its control. The customer is obliged to comply with the tour regulations. Tour participants are insured according to the requirements of the US Department of Transportation for a total amount of $500,000 (insurance policy available upon request). Participants may opt for additional insurance coverage for hospital and outpatient treatment of illnesses acquired during the tour, as well as accidents in visited facilities (further information available at the office) for an additional fee.