We will begin our journey in Bucharest, Romania's lively capital, where wide boulevards, monumental buildings, and cozy corners blend into a fascinating urban mosaic. We will visit the Palace of Parliament, the world's second-largest administrative building, and the Romanian Athenaeum, a jewel of neoclassical architecture.
We will stroll through the Old Town (Lipscani District), where cobblestone streets are lined with historic inns and vibrant cafés, and admire Revolution Square, where history was written in 1989. For a peaceful pause, we will enjoy the greenery of Cişmigiu Gardens, the oldest public park in the city.
Our first dinner will be a welcoming feast of traditional, fresh flavors in a warm setting. Afterward, we will relax in our centrally located hotel.
We will journey toward Craiova, the vibrant cultural capital of Oltenia. Our walk will take us through the Nicolae Romanescu Park, a vast green oasis with lakes, bridges, and a charming old zoo. We will visit the Craiova Art Museum, housed in the elegant Jean Mihail Palace, famous for its works by Constantin Brâncuși, Romania's most celebrated sculptor.
The Oltenia Museum will reveal fascinating historical and ethnographic collections, while the Madona Dudu Church will welcome us with its richly painted interior. The lively Craiova Old Center will complete our day with cafés and historical façades.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will accompany us, each meal rooted in comforting local traditions. We will spend the night in Craiova.
We will head west to Timișoara, the city of revolutions and multicultural heritage. We will begin in Union Square (Piața Unirii), framed by pastel-colored baroque buildings and the Catholic Dome. Next, we will walk to Victory Square (Piața Victoriei), where the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral rises majestically, opposite the Opera House.
The Liberty Square, with its statues and historical barracks, will remind us of Timișoara's military past. We will explore Huniade Castle, the city's oldest building, and wander along the Bega River Promenade, shaded by trees and lined with terraces.
We will savor Banat-inspired meals throughout the day. Our night will be spent in Timișoara, embraced by its vibrant and youthful spirit.
Our route will take us to Oradea, one of Romania's most architecturally refined cities. We will admire the stained-glass passage of the Black Eagle Palace, the symbol of Oradea's Art Nouveau beauty. We will explore Union Square (Piața Unirii), framed by St. Ladislaus Church, City Hall, and the Moon Church with its astronomical clock.
We will visit the imposing Oradea Fortress, recently restored and alive with exhibitions, and stroll along Republicii Street, lined with cafés and elegant façades. The State Theater, another gem of the Belle Époque, will complete our tour.
Meals will be shared in cozy, characterful restaurants. Accommodation will be in Oradea.
Today we will travel north to Sighetu Marmației, a city at the cultural crossroads of Maramureș. Here, we will visit the moving Memorial of the Victims of Communism and of the Resistance, located in a former political prison. We will explore the Maramureș Village Museum, an open-air collection of traditional wooden houses and churches.
The Ethnographic Museum will introduce us to the folk costumes and crafts of this unique region, while the Elie Wiesel Memorial House will honor the Nobel Prize-winning writer born here. We will also take a walk through the Central Square, with its mix of Austro-Hungarian architecture.
Comforting, fresh meals will keep us nourished, and the night will be spent in Sighetu Marmației.
We will set off into the mountains, reaching the spa town of Vatra Dornei, famous for its alpine charm. Our walk will include the elegant Vatra Dornei Casino, a symbol of the Belle Époque. We will relax in the Central Park, filled with mineral water springs and towering trees, and explore the Ethnographic Museum of Bucovina, showcasing regional traditions.
We will also visit the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Trinity and admire the historic Town Hall. The surrounding Carpathian panorama will give the city its unique mix of urban life and nature.
Meals will highlight local mountain flavors. Our night will be spent in Vatra Dornei.
We will continue east to Iași, a city of culture, learning, and spirituality. We will start with the Palace of Culture, a grand neo-Gothic landmark housing four museums. We will stroll along the Copou Park, home to Eminescu's famous Linden Tree. The Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in Romania, will impress with its grandeur.
We will also visit the Three Hierarchs Monastery, known for its intricate stone carvings, and the National Theatre, one of the most beautiful in Europe. Union Square, with its historical monuments, will complete our urban exploration.
Our meals will be rich in Moldavian traditions, and the evening will be spent in Iași.
We will head south to Constanța, Romania's oldest port and a city with a Mediterranean flair. We will stroll along the seafront to admire the iconic Constanța Casino, a jewel of Art Nouveau. The Great Mahmudiye Mosque will offer panoramic views from its minaret, while Ovid Square will remind us of the Roman poet's exile here.
We will explore the Archaeological Museum of National History, with treasures from Greek and Roman times, and walk to the Genoese Lighthouse, a reminder of maritime heritage. The Roman Mosaic Edifice, with its ancient decorative floors, will add historical depth.
Meals will be inspired by the Black Sea's fresh bounty. Accommodation will be in Constanța.
We will journey inland to Brașov, a city surrounded by mountains and steeped in history. We will begin in the lively Council Square (Piața Sfatului), framed by colorful buildings and dominated by the Council House. We will step into the Black Church, an impressive Gothic monument with its famous collection of oriental carpets.
A walk along Rope Street (Strada Sforii) will show us one of Europe's narrowest lanes. The Catherine's Gate, with its fairy-tale towers, and the White Tower overlooking the city will complete our exploration. The charm of the Schei District, with the St. Nicholas Church and the First Romanian School, will enrich our cultural journey.
Meals will be shared in cozy settings, and our night will be spent in Brașov.
We will head to Sibiu, one of Romania's most atmospheric cities. Our exploration will begin in the Grand Square (Piața Mare), surrounded by the Brukenthal Palace, one of Europe's oldest museums, and the Council Tower. We will wander into the Small Square (Piața Mică), crossed by the famous Bridge of Lies, and admire the unique "houses with eyes" on their rooftops.
The Evangelical Cathedral, with its tall spire, will add to the city's medieval atmosphere. We will also walk along the Fortification Walls and towers that once protected the city.
Meals will connect us to Sibiu's Saxon and Transylvanian flavors. We will spend the night in Sibiu.
We will make our way back to Bucharest, enjoying our last long ride through the Romanian countryside. Upon arrival, we will have time to explore what we may have missed on our first day: the Village Museum, where traditional houses from all over the country are displayed, the modern National Museum of Contemporary Art, or the elegant Kiseleff Boulevard with its historic villas.
The Arch of Triumph, a symbol of Romania's independence, will close our sightseeing with grandeur.
Local meals will bring us comfort as we prepare for our final evening in Bucharest. Accommodation will be in Bucharest.
Our final day will be one of reflection. After breakfast, we may take a relaxed walk through Herăstrău Park, the largest in Bucharest, or browse for souvenirs in the lively shops of the Old Town. The spirit of the capital will accompany us as we prepare for our journey home.
After a warm lunch and farewell dinner, we will say goodbye to Romania, carrying with us memories of elegant squares, colorful streets, historical palaces, and friendly cafés from our 12-day exploration of urban life.
