Discover the magic of Christmas in Romania

Cluj Napoca - Maramures

Day 1: Welcome to Romania

After your arrival in Cluj Napoca, you will meet your English speaking tour guide who will assist you with your luggage before transferring you to your accommodation.

The region of Maramures is a place where unique traditions are still kept as centuries ago and Christmas time is one of the richest periods when you can witness them.

Depending on your arrival time you can start exploring the village where you will stay or you can enjoy a relaxing evening at the charming rural guesthouse which will be your home for the next four days.

Vadu Izei - Sapanta - Vadu Izei

Day 2: Immerse Yourself in the History of the Region

After a comfortable night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, we will leave Maramures for the Merry Cemetery.

It's noted as the only happy cemetery in the world where crosses are decorated with lively colors and some funny poems about the life of the deceased.

Then you will travel to Sighetu Marmatiei where you will learn about the communist time and its impact on our country at the Memorial of the Victims of Communism. 

Head back to the comfort of your hotel to prepare yourself for the rest of your Romanian Christmas-time adventure.

Vadu Izei

Day 3: Christmas Eve in Maramures

After today, with so much time in Maramures, you'll end up like one of the locals.

In the first half of today, you will enjoy a horse-sled ride through the village and countryside. Then, as every “Maramuresean” does on Christmas Eve, you will prepare to greet the carolers wandering from house to house dressed in traditional clothes.

Caroling or “colindat” in Romania is a very rich tradition and its uniqueness was recently acknowledged when it listed as part of the UNESCO intangible World Heritage. And Maramures is the best region to experience this fascinating custom.

Vadu Izei - Sucevita - Vadu Izei

Day 4: Christmas the Romanian Way

Merry Christmas!

Today, you'll take part and be delighted with a traditional festive lunch prepared by your hosts. Then you will find out why Maramures is called “the land of the wooden churches”.

You will venture out visit some of the beautiful small churches, made entirely of wood, which is specific to the region. Their uniqueness is internationally appreciated and some of them are part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

Vadu Izei - Sovata

Day 5: Marvel at the Beauty of the Carpathian Mountains

Today, you will be introduced to the beautiful nature of the Carpathian Mountains.

You will have a ride with the only narrow-gauge steam train in Europe which is still functional today. The train takes you to spectacular landscapes of mountains and valleys.

In the heart of the picturesque mountain village, the Câmpul Cetatii, you can have lunch at the Fisherman's Inn. Then you will leave Maramures behind and head to the much more famous Transylvania region.

You will arrive in Sovata where you will stay at a hotel with a spa so why not enjoy some time in its sauna, jacuzzi, and pools to relax.

Praid - Sovata

Day 6: Explore Storybook Landscapes in Praid

Our storybook tour will start with Bernady Gyorgy Mansion, a sumptuous villa for those times, made of wood and fits perfectly in the alpine landscape. Do not be discouraged by the ruin you will find!

Later, we will go to the village of Praid, in the Salt Mountain Reservation, where everything around is white. Crystals, crusts, pebbles, bouquets, all shapes you will find in the salt of Praid. The salt mountain is the largest deposit in Romania and is buried in the ground up to 3 kilometers, the largest depth in Europe.

Sovata is famous for its lakes, 7 in number - Lake Black, Alunis, Lake Green, Red, Lake Mierlei, Lake Snakes and Bear Lake - which you can take the time to explore.

Praid - Corund - Sovata

Day 7: Discover the Healing Properties of Salt

Praid salt mine is the perfect place to discover the healing properties of salt!

Located in the Gurghiului Basin, in Harghita County, this salt mine is one of the largest in Romania and Europe. To get to the middle of the salt mine, a bus will take you through a 1,500-meter long corridor and you will descend 300 steep steps. The air here is effective in treating respiratory conditions.

On our way back to the accommodation, we will stop in Corund village. Ceramics from Corund, also appreciated abroad, still preserves the old grandmother's craft. If you are still in the area it would be a shame not to find the secrets of the folk crafts.

Sighisoara - Biertan - Sibiu

Day 8: Stroll through the Streets of Sighisoara

We leave Sovata early morning and head towards Sighisoara.

On our way, we will stop at Lake Sfanta Ana, the only lake of volcanic origin in Romania. The lake water, fed only by rainfall, has high purity, similar to that of distilled water. You will not regret that you have come this way. The area is extremely quiet, with negative ions and it will bring the well-deserved relaxation.

Enjoy a walking tour of Sighisoara, visit the Clock Tower, the town's museum. The town itself is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe with a huge history and background which is for sure to amaze you. All the streets look like time had stood still and the colors bring history to life.

Your journey then continues to the Saxon villages where you will learn they came from, why they stayed in Transylvania and how is their legacy preserved nowadays.

Alba Iulia - Corvin Castle - Sibiu

Day 9: Walk through History in Alba

Today you will enjoy a day trip and travel east towards the neighboring counties of Hunedoara and Alba.

Start this morning headed toward Alba Iulia – the fortress city, a town in the heart of Transylvania that takes you back in time centuries ago because of its Roman influences.

Alba Iulia, a city of historical importance, is a must-see attraction. Spend a few hours in the place where the three main regions united to form present Romania and explore the fortress, after which you will travel back to Sibiu.

Sibiu

Day 10: New Years Eve in Sibiu

Today will be dedicated to discovering Sibiu and its captivating attractions.

It's a charming town exuding a bohemian atmosphere where you will spend the next days of your Christmas and New Year’s holidays in Romania.

You can stroll through the Old Town to admire the colorfully painted houses and find out the stories behind their walls, visit Romania’s oldest museum or take in the picturesque views from one of the tall towers.

Sibiu is also famous for having the best Christmas Market in Romania, so leave aside a few hours for enjoying the festive atmosphere.

At night, gather in one of Sibiu’s many squares and count down to the New Year. Welcome, 2021 with fireworks, good food, and music.

Sibiu - Paltinis

Day 11: Relax in Sibiu

As most shops and attractions are closed on the first day of the year, you can choose to spend the day relaxing or walking along the beautiful streets of the town.

If you wish for a more active day you can travel to Paltinis, a famous area amongst sports lovers where you can ski or ride a bobsled or just have a walk in nature.

Balea Lake - Igloo Village

Day 12: Discover Balea Lake

You will drive from Sibiu towards the Fagaras Mountains and then take a cable car up to Balea Lake, where the ice hotel is built every year.

Don't forget to look out the window to marvel at the picturesque landscapes characteristic of the region. 

The hotel has everything one would expect from such a place: rooms or igloos decorated with furniture made entirely of ice, soft blankets that will keep you warm at night, an ice restaurant, and even a park where you can have fun and enjoy winter sports.

Brasov

Day 13: Stroll through the Winter Wonderland of Brasov

In the morning, you will say farewell to your ice room, descend the mountain and head to Brasov, a medieval city surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. On the way there you may stop in the village of Prejmer, home to the largest fortified church in Transylvania.

In Brasov, you can walk around the old town, admire the defensive walls and towers. Not to be missed are the views from the nearby Tampa Mountain, where you can arrive by hiking or taking the cable car.

It has a wealth of historical attractions exuding a distinct medieval ambiance. Here we'll visit the Black Church, the largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul.

Libearty Bear Sanctuary - Bran Castle - Brasov

Day 14: Immerse Yourself in the Legend of Dracula

In the morning you will go to Zarnesti to visit the Libearty Bear Sanctuary, a place where formerly captive bears are now kept in safe conditions. You’ll be able to observe them in their natural habitat and find out their moving stories.

Next on your itinerary is Bran Castle. Surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend and perched high atop a 200-foot high rock, Bran Castle owes its fame to its imposing towers and turrets as well as to the myth created around Bram Stoker’s Dracula. 

Built during the 15th century, the imposing monument manages to bring to life the long-forgotten atmosphere of medieval times.

Otopeni Airport

Day 15: Say Farewell to Romania

On the last day of your Christmas holidays in Romania, you will leave Brasov and travel to Bucharest, from where you will take a flight back home.

Depending on when your flight is, you may need to head straight to the airport.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end but we hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the very best that Romania has to offer. The rich natural beauty, storied history, and the people that make the county what it is.

We hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant onward travels!