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Romania: Across The Carpathians To Transylvania
Group Tour
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 Iasi, which sits at the heart of the historical region of Moldova, we’ll ...
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 Iasi, which sits at the heart of the historical region of Moldova, 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, 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. In Sucevita, it may be necessary for two rooms to share a bathroom. 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 Iasi
Day 1 Tour starts in Iasi
Rooms will be available in Iași from this afternoon. Those arriving on the group flights will be met by the Tour Leader at the airport before transferring to the hotel. This evening, we’ll come together to enjoy a group welcome dinner.
Day 2 Iasi - Suceava – Sucevita: Cultural Capital & Historic Vineyards
Day 2 Iasi - Suceava – Sucevita: Cultural Capital & Historic Vineyards
Today we explore Iasi, long regarded as Romania’s Cultural Capital and the centre of Moldavian history. After a brief visit of the city’s highlights, we travel towards Cotnari to explore one of Romania’s oldest vineyards and enjoy a tasting of local varieties such as Grasă de Cotnari and Tămâioasă Românească.
Continuing north (approx 4hrs), we reach Suceava, once the medieval capital of Moldavia, where we stop to see the reconstructed seat fortress. By late afternoon we arrive in Sucevița and settle into our renovated traditional wooden houses, before coming together for a traditional dinner.
Day 3 In & Around Sucevita: Painted Monasteries & Painted Eggs
Day 3 In & Around Sucevita: Painted Monasteries & Painted Eggs
This morning, we head to the Palma Pass and the village of Ciumarna to begin a hike through pastures, forests and remote hamlets. We will follow part of the Via Hutulca trail, a route that reveals the traditions of the Hutsul minority, a Ukrainian-speaking community long rooted in Bucovina’s mountains. 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 her skill and a chance to see some samples of this artisan’s work, we continue to Voronet monastery, the most famous UNESCO monuments, also known as the Sistine Chapel of the East.
Approx. 3-4 hrs walking (350m ascent, 350m descent. Total distance 8kms)
Day 4 Sucevita – Varatec: European Bison & Pastel-coloured Villages
Day 4 Sucevita – Varatec: European Bison & Pastel-coloured Villages
Leaving Sucevița, we travel south into the Neamț region to explore Vanatori Natural Park and learn about the successful reintroduction of the European bison. In the company of a park ranger, we enjoy an easy 1.5–2 hour walk through the surrounding forests. In the afternoon we visit the peasant museum in Țarpesti before continuing to Agapia, one of two neighbouring monastic villages uniquely inhabited entirely by nuns. Here we take a short stroll through the village and visit Agapia Monastery itself, set in a peaceful wooded valley. We then continue to Piatra Neamț for the night.
Driving distance 165km, 3 hours approx.
Day 5 Varatec - Viscri: Exploring Hasmas National Park
Day 5 Varatec - Viscri: Exploring Hasmas National Park
Today we leave Moldavia and cross into Transylvania, travelling first through the dramatic Bicaz Gorges, where sheer limestone walls rise nearly 300 metres above the road. Reaching Lacu Roșu, we enjoy a short 1.5–2 hour walk in the scenic Hasmaș National Park. Continuing west, we enter the Székely region, home to a Hungarian-speaking minority known for its carved wooden gates, distinct alphabet and strong cultural traditions. Later, we arrive in the Saxon heartlands, where German settlers once shaped the rural landscape with fortified churches and colourful villages. Viscri, now a UNESCO-listed site, preserves this heritage beautifully. This evening, we settle into a selection of restored traditional Saxon houses and enjoy a home-cooked dinner prepared by the villagers, accompanied by homemade brandy and wine.
Driving distance 220km,4-5 hours approx.
Day 6 Viscri – Sighisoara – Sibiu: discovering the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler
Day 6 Viscri – Sighisoara – Sibiu: discovering the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler
After breakfast we explore Viscri by horse-drawn carriage, meeting local artisans and visiting the village’s 12th-century fortified church. Some free time follows, with the option to stroll through the village or see the restored house owned by HRH King Charles III. 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. In the afternoon we travel onwards to Sibiu, the historic Saxon capital and European Capital of Culture in 2007.
Day 7 Sibiu - Brasov: Discovering Transylvania’s Saxon Villages
Day 7 Sibiu - Brasov: Discovering Transylvania’s Saxon Villages
We begin the day with a walking tour of Sibiu, exploring its elegant squares, medieval towers and beautifully preserved Saxon architecture. Leaving Sibiu, we continue east to Brașov, one of Transylvania’s most emblematic cities. Fringed by the peaks of the Southern Carpathians and rich in Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance landmarks, Brasov has long held a key position on the trade routes between Western Europe and the Ottoman Empire. As one of the seven fortified Saxon citadels founded in the 12th century, it remains a vibrant and atmospheric city to explore. Upon arrival we enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic centre.
Approx. 1.5-2hrs easy/moderate walking
Day 8 In & Around Brasov: Exploring the Alpine Villages
Day 8 In & Around Brasov: Exploring the Alpine Villages
This morning, we head into the foothills of the Carpathians to explore the alpine villages of Magura and Pestera, beautifully set between the Piatra Craiului and Bucegi Mountains. We enjoy an easy 3-hour walk linking the two villages, with gentle climbs and wide pastoral views. In the afternoon we return to Brașov to relax or continue exploring the city at your own pace.
Approx. 2-3hrs easy/moderate walking (240m ascent, 240m descent. Total distance 9kms)
Day 9 Brasov – Bucharest: Across the Carpathians to the Romanian Capital
Day 9 Brasov – Bucharest: Across the Carpathians to the Romanian Capital
After breakfast we depart Brasov and follow the scenic Prahova Valley southwards as we leave Transylvania and enter Wallachia. Upon reaching Bucharest, we enjoy a panoramic tour that introduces the city’s broad boulevards, diverse architecture and key landmarks. After arriving in Bucharest, there'll be time to settle in before enjoying a farewell dinner.
Driving distance 170km, 3-4 hours approx.
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.
Traditional Saxon House, Viscri
The village of Viscri in Brasov county hosts a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its traditional Saxon houses. Step back in time as you stay in one of the traditional houses in Viscri, complete with wooden furniture painted by hand by local woodworkers and a traditional Saxon bed. Enjoy a glorious rustic experience as you explore the town and the fortress, transporting you to ancient, rural Transylvania.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| W6 3652 | London Luton (LTN) 08:15 | Iasi Airport (IAS) 13:30 |
| W6 3007 | Otopeni Airport (OTP) 19:40 | London Luton (LTN) 21:10 |
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. From April 2026, EES checks are being introduced in a phased way across external borders. This means you may need to register your fingerprints and a photo when you arrive at the border. On your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. 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 not all Wild Frontiers tours are the same, and it is important that you choose a tour which is suitable for you. To help you decide and ensure you choose a suitable tour, please refer to our helpful guide here. As a minimum, you should make sure that you read the day-by-day itinerary and the Key Aspects to Consider sections carefully. Should you still have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour, then please contact us.
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 2-3hrs. All the walks are optional but there are no alternative activities if you choose to opt out, so to get the most out of the trip you should be in a good state of health and fitness. All the walks include gradual inclines with stretches of rocky and uneven terrain. If you like to hike with walking poles be sure to bring them along!
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.
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.