Custom Romania

Romania (238,397 km², 19 million inhabitants, republic since 1947 — 1989 democratic revolution Ceaușescu fall, EU member 2007, Schengen candidate) is one of Europe's most underestimated countries. 8 UNESCO sites including BUCOVINA PAINTED MONASTERIES (UNESCO 1993, 8 Orthodox 15th-16th-c. monasteries with blue-gold-green exterior frescoes preserved 5 centuries, including VORONEȚ « Sistine of the East »), SIGHIȘOARA (UNESCO 1999, 12th-c. medieval Transylvanian citadel, Vlad III Țepeș « Dracula » birthplace 1431), DANUBE DELTA (UNESCO 1991, 5,800 km² Europe's 3rd largest wetland, 300 bird species, world's largest Dalmatian pelican colony), HOREZU MONASTERY (UNESCO 1993, 1690 Brâncoveanu artistic school), MARAMUREȘ WOODEN CHURCHES (UNESCO 1999, 8 17th-18th-c. Orthodox churches 60 m wooden bell towers without nails), DACIAN FORTRESSES (UNESCO 1999), TRANSYLVANIAN SAXON VILLAGES (UNESCO 1993). BRAN CASTLE (14th-c. Carpathians, nicknamed « Dracula's castle » although Vlad Țepès stayed there little — Bram Stoker popularized it in his 1897 novel without visiting, major tourist attraction). PEȘELES (1873-1914, neo-Renaissance Hohenzollern royal castle, one of Europe's most beautiful). BUCHAREST (1.9M inhab., capital, Ceaușescu Parliament Palace — world's 2nd largest administrative building after Pentagon). North MARAMUREȘ (most authentic region, preserved 19th-c. peasantry, Săpânța joyful cemetery). Cuisine: sarmale (national stuffed cabbage), mămăligă (polenta), țuică (plum eau-de-vie), Cotnari-Murfatlar wines. We design your Bucharest + Transylvania + Bucovina + Maramureș trip.

Highlights

  • UNESCO Bucovina painted monasteries 1993 — 8 Orthodox 15th-16th-c. monasteries, blue-gold-green exterior frescoes preserved 5 centuries, Voroneț « Sistine of East » world-unique blue.
  • Bran Castle « Dracula » — 14th-c. Carpathian castle, popularized by Bram Stoker 1897 (without visiting), Vlad Țepeș stayed little. Major tourist attraction, Gothic atmosphere.
  • UNESCO Sighișoara 1999 medieval — Preserved 12th-c. medieval Transylvanian citadel, Vlad III Țepeș « Dracula » birthplace 1431, 14th-c. Clock Tower, colorful alleys.
  • UNESCO Danube Delta 1991 — Europe's 3rd largest wetland (5,800 km²), 300 bird species, world's largest Dalmatian pelican colony, traditional boat ride.
  • Maramureș traditional villages — Europe's most authentic region (preserved 19th-c. peasantry), UNESCO 1999 8 wooden churches (60 m bell towers without nails), Săpânța joyful cemetery.
  • Bucharest + Ceaușescu Parliament Palace — 1.9M inhab. capital, Parliament Palace (world's 2nd largest administrative building after Pentagon, 350,000 m², 1984-1997 built under Ceaușescu), Art Nouveau center.

Frequently asked questions

How many days?

Essential Romania (Bucharest + Transylvania): 7 nights. With Bucovina + Maramureș: 11 nights. Bulgaria/Hungary combo: 13 nights.

Bran really Dracula?

Vlad Țepeș stayed there little. Bram Stoker never visited Bran (inspired by descriptions). But 14th-c. Gothic castle is authentic and atmospheric.

Bucovina worth the detour?

Absolutely yes. Voroneț « Sistine of East » (André Malraux), world-unique blue, frescoes preserved 5 centuries. Visit with local monk + adjacent Putna monastery.

What budget for 7 nights?

Comfort: €1,990-2,400/person. Premium (1912 Hotel Cișmigiu + Saxon manors + Casa Georgius Krauss): €2,800-3,800.

Visa?

No for French/Europeans (EU 2007, partial Schengen 2024 — air/sea borders). ID card or passport.