Day 1: Frankfurt – Bukarest – Pitesti
Upon arrival in Frankfurt, you will meet your tour guide who will take you to Bucharest, the capital of Romania. Your tour will begin with a visit to the Roman Patriarchal Church & the Palace of Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world. You can also visit the Village Museum which showcases variations of Romania’s farm life & watermills or visit local gardens & monuments around the city. Afterward, drive to Pitesti where you will check in to your hotel & spend the remainder of the evening.
Day 2: Pitesti – Sibiu – Medias
Begin traveling north towards Medias, stopping at the Crozia Monastery, one of the most notable monuments in the country. It houses the tomb of Mircea the Elder & is known for its medieval art & architecture. You will then drive through the stunning Olt Valley & Transylvanian countryside to the city of Sibiu. Start with a walking tour of the town squares where you can cross the Bridge of Lies. Legend has it that if someone tells a lie on the bridge, it will begin to shake. It is also covered in locks from lovers declaring their love for each other. Arrive midafternoon in Medias to visit the St. Margaret Church, one of the oldest fortified churches in Transylvania. Take the evening to rest or enjoy the city’s nightlife.
Day 3: Medias – Sighisoara - Gura Humorului
Enjoy breakfast before departing for Sighisoara. On the way, you will stop for a visit at the Biertan Fortified Church, which is the largest in the country. It once housed most of the region’s evangelical bishops. Once in Sighisoara, you can visit historical sites like the Old Clock Tower & The Church on the Hill. You can also tour the house where Dracula was “born”. Make a quick stop in Bistrita to visit the Evangelical Church before arriving in Gura Humorului where you will spend the night.
Day 4: Gura Humorului
Today, you will tour a variety of monasteries, beginning with the Moldovita monastery, known for its vibrant external frescos depicting Bible stories & snippets of Romanian history. Then, visit the Sucevita Monastery with similar external designs & a nearby ceramic center where you can watch local artisans make black ceramic pottery. In the afternoon, you can visit the Voronet monastery where you will meet the nuns who will explain the beautiful blue frescos & the building’s medieval history. The evening can be spent exploring the city or resting at your hotel.
Day 5: Gura Humorului – Lacul Rosu
After breakfast, visit the Humor Convent where you can see frescos & a tower with a fantastic view of the countryside. Then, meet the monks living in the Neamt Monastery, one of the oldest & most important in the country. Continue the drive to Lacul Rosu through the illustrious Bicaz gorge. The gorge, also called the “Neck of Hell”, is an impressive 1,000 feet deep & is part of the Cheile Cheile Bicazului-Hasmas National Park. Arrive in Lacu Rosu & check into your hotel where you can spend the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Day 6: Predeal-Sinaia-Bucharest
Begin your last full day in Romania on the road, heading toward Bucharest. As you drive through the Carpathian Mountains, stop in a few monasteries, some of which date back to the 17th century. Arrive in Bucharest & enjoy the evening at the Bucharest National Opera House.