14 days exploring UNESCO sites in Romania

Bucharest

Day 1: Welcome To Bucharest!

Welcome to Romania!

You will begin your journey in the beautiful capital of the country, Bucharest. Upon arrival your driver will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the city.

Use the day to relax and explore the city on your own terms. Discover the small boutiques and enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the modern cafes. In the evening, take a stroll through the old town and see the lively nightlife unfold or How about a drink in one of the many pubs and bars?

Enjoy the magnificent city that is famous all across Europe!  

Bucharest

Day 2: Visit Bucharest’s Famous Attractions

Today, it’s time to discover the beautiful attractions that Bucharest is known for across the world!

Take a tour and visit the Parliament Palace, the second-largest administrative building in the world, after the Pentagon. Step into a different world in the impressive Romanian Athenaeum, a masterfully designed concert hall, famous for its acoustics. Learn more about the history and culture of Romania in the Village Museum, housing a collection of traditional buildings in different styles from all around the country.

After your tour, enjoy the evening in the city, go for a refreshing walk at night, or relax at your hotel.

Horezu

Day 3: Explore Horezu Monastery

In the morning, you'll leave Bucharest behind and start your tour of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Romania!

The first stop is the Horezu Monastery, beautifully situated in a mountain panorama. The name of the monastery comes from a species of night owls. According to legend, the workers who built the monastery were only allowed to work at night, in order to avoid being discovered by enemy forces. Their work was accompanied by the singing of owls at night, which gave the monastery its name. 

Visit the monastery and learn about its rich history. Also, don’t miss the chance to explore the small town of Horezu, with its picturesque pottery shops.

As an option, you can also visit two old Romanian mansions located close by the Romanian “cule”.

Sibiu

Day 4: Travel to Transylvania

After a restful night of sleep, it is time to turn your wheels towards Transylvania!

Although the area reminds visitors of Bram Stoker's Dracula, you need not be scared of vampires! Transylvania is one of the most beautiful regions in the country and has many fascinating places and a rich history to explore. The landscape is defined by the stunning Carpathian Mountains that decorate the horizon.

Next, travel to the medieval city of Sibiu, where you will spend the night while you are visiting Transylvania. Choose to spend the day exploring the city, stroll through the charming streets, and understand why Sibiu has been declared one of the most idyllic places to live in Romania.

If you like puppetry or mimes, stop by the historic Gong Theatre.

Alba Iulia - Sarmizegetusa Regia

Day 5: Discover The Ancient Dacian Fortresses

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, hop in the car and head out for a day of exploring the beautiful medieval city of Alba Iulia. The city has played an important role in Romania since the middle ages.

As you explore the city, take a look at the Roman Catholic cathedral, which is a representative of medieval Romantic style architecture. You can also visit the Batthyaneum Library, housed in a former baroque-style church.

Move on to visit the six Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie mountains. These ruins were built around the first century AD as protection against Roman conquer's and have been declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the remains of Sarmizegetusa Regia, which contained a citadel, residential dwellings, workshops, and a sacred zone. Afterward, return to Sibiu to spend the evening relaxing in your hotel.

Sighisoara

Day 6: Sightseeing in the medieval town of Sighisoara

After a delicious breakfast, you'll hop into the car and head for the town of Sighisoara, one of the only medieval citadels still inhabited in Europe!

This is a popular tourist destination because of it's very well-preserved walled old town, and is another of Transylvania's UNESCEO World Heritage Sites. Experience the city as you explore through the windy, medieval streets.

Be sure to visit some of the citadel's towers.The Clock Tower, today a history museum, was built in the 13th Century and stands 64 meters high.

If you need a break, head out for a romantic walk through the streets, before sitting down to enjoy one of the local cafes. When you're finished exploring the city, drive back to Sibiu for an overnight stay.

Valea Viilor - Biertan - Saschiz

Day 7: Visit Romania's Fortified Churches

After breakfast, use the day to discover some of Transylvania's most historic fortified churches, in the villages of Valea Viilor, Biertan, and Saschiz. All three are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Transylvania.

You're free to wander through the streets of these small, quaint villages, as you learn about the history of the region.

Turda - Cluj

Day 8: The Modern City of Cluj

Wake up to another day of exploring Romania! Today, you will leave Transylvania behind and head to the area of Maramures, another of Romania's fairytale corners.

On your way, stop by the most famous salt mine in the country, the Turda salt mine. Drop your bags at your hotel in Cluj, one of Romania's most modern cities. Hit the streets and check out some of the local cuisine! 

If you wish, spend the afternoon exploring the picturesque countryside around the city. 

Sisesti - Barsana - Desesti

Day 9: Explore the Famous Wooden Churches

Today will be a full day of history!

Spend the morning cruising the countryside in search of Romania's famous wooden churches or stop by Sisesti, Desesti, Budesti, and Barsana - all UNESCO World Heritage Sites situated in some of Romania's rural villages. The churches are built of timber, and usually have a characteristically slim bell tower. Often, they have been decorated by local artists.

Explore these very traditional villages, which makes visiting this area almost like going back in time. Afterward, you'll head to Sighetu Marmatiei, where you can spend the evening relaxing in your hotel. 

Viseu De Sus

Day 10: Hop On A Steam Train!

Today, get out of the car and hop on a steam train!

As you gaze out the window you'll witness the fantastic landscape of the wild Vaser Valley! Riding a steam-powered locomotive is a traditional treat in Romania, and some were even built in the early 20th Century. Although these trains were originally constructed to haul cargo through the deep forests of the mountains, today they have been revived for the tourist industry.

In the evening, you'll return to your hotel in Sighetu Marmatiei. 

Vatra Dornei - Moldovita - Sucevita

Day 11: The Painted Monasteries of Bucovina

After breakfast, you'll depart Maramures and cross the Carpathian Mountains. You are on the way to the area of Bucovina, a land with warm people and a dark history.

The area is decorated with an impressive number of churches and monasteries. An especially beautiful sight are the painted monasteries of Moldovita and Sucevita, built in the 15th and 16th Centuries. These captivating buildings have their external walls covered in fresco paintings in unique colors and are also on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In the afternoon, you'll head to the city of Vatra Dornei.

Voronet - Targu Neamt

Day 12: Explore the Neamt Fortress

Begin your day with a tasty breakfast at your hotel, then head back out into the countryside, where you will journey to see more of the fantastic painted monasteries 

Also on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the monasteries Voronet and Humor are beautiful additions to your journey through Romania's history.

Afterwards, move on to discover the unique Nneamt Citadel Fortress before heading to your hotel in Piatra Neamt.

Bicaz Gorge - Lacul Rosu - Bucharest

Day 13: Enjoy Stunning Vistas of Bicaz Gorge

Your journey through Romania will leave you will many memorable impressions of the country and it's rich history!

Use the day to head back to the capital of Bucharest, where you will spend the night. On the way, stop to admire two of Romania's natural beauties, the Red Lake and the Bicaz Gorge. The drive along the gorge is considered on of the most spectacular in the country. 

Henri Coanda Airport

Day 14: Pa Pa, Romania!

You'll dop off your rental car before being escorted to the airport at the appropriate time where you'll board your flight back home. 

It is time to say goodbye to Romania, or as the locals say "pa pa!".