We'll begin our journey in Bucharest, Romania's vibrant capital, where Belle Époque architecture meets buzzing cafés. After breakfast at our centrally located hotel, we'll explore the charming Old Town, once a merchant hub, and stroll through Revolution Square, where Romania's 1989 revolution began.
We'll then visit either the Village Museum, an open-air collection of traditional homes from across Romania, or the National Museum of Art, housed in the former Royal Palace. After a light lunch in a bohemian café, we'll sit down to a full traditional Romanian dinner and a welcome toast to the journey ahead!
After breakfast, we'll head east through Dobrogea's wind-carved hills, stopping to admire the ancient Măcin Mountains, the oldest in Romania. En route, we'll enjoy a casual lunch and arrive in Tulcea, the gateway to the Danube Delta.
Here, we'll visit the Danube Delta Eco-Museum, where we'll learn about the wildlife and traditions of this UNESCO-listed region. Dinner will feature freshwater fish specialties paired with Sarica Niculițel wines, known for their minerality and freshness, grown in the hills between the Danube and Măcin Mountains.
Accommodation: Tulcea hotel.
Today we'll embark on a private slow-boat safari through a maze of reed channels and tranquil lakes. We'll observe pelicans, herons, and kingfishers in their natural habitat, while the peaceful rhythm of the Delta soothes the senses.
Optional: a stop at Letea Forest, Europe's northernmost subtropical forest, home to wild horses and sand dunes.
For lunch, we'll visit a Lipovan village, where we'll be served freshly caught fish soup cooked over open flame. Dinner in Tulcea will feature another fresh-caught specialty with a crisp local white wine.
Accommodation: Tulcea hotel.
After breakfast, we'll explore a new corner of the Delta — Crișan and Caraorman, home to floating islands and vast bird colonies, or Sfântu Gheorghe, where the Danube empties into the Black Sea. Along the way, we'll enjoy gentle birdwatching and peaceful photography stops.
Lunch will be served al fresco, with smoked fish and rustic side dishes. Dinner will include the famous "storceag" (sturgeon soup) or grilled catfish. We'll spend one last night in Tulcea, full of gratitude for this rare experience.
After a hearty breakfast, we'll drive north toward Iași, the cultural capital of Moldavia. Along the scenic journey, we'll pause for lunch and take in the changing landscapes.
By evening, we'll arrive in Iași, the elegant capital of the Moldavia region and one of Romania's great centers of literature, education, and spirituality. We'll settle in and perhaps take a short walk through the city to preview tomorrow's highlights.
Dinner will feature classic Moldavian dishes like tochitură (pork stew) and local desserts, all paired with regional wines.
Accommodation: Iași hotel.
Today, we'll dive deep into the cultural soul of Iași. We'll begin with the imposing Palace of Culture, a neo-Gothic masterpiece with spires, turrets, and grand halls that once hosted Romania's royal and intellectual elite. Inside, we'll explore fascinating museums dedicated to art, history, and technology.
Next, we'll walk under the linden trees of Copou Park, a favorite spot of Romania's national poet Mihai Eminescu. We'll pause by the legendary Linden Tree, said to be the poet's muse. The graceful Three Hierarchs Monastery, with its intricately carved stone facade, will impress us with its serenity and detail, while Union Square offers a glimpse into modern Romanian life.
Tonight, we'll enjoy more of Moldavia's culinary traditions—perhaps stuffed cabbage rolls with sour cream or "poale-n brâu," sweet cheese pastries baked with love.
Accommodation: Iași hotel.
After breakfast, we'll head toward Bucovina, a land of painted monasteries and mountain serenity. Along the way, we'll stop at the Suceava Fortress, once the seat of Moldavian princes, offering sweeping views and a taste of medieval history.
A warm local lunch will refuel us before we visit the Voroneț Monastery, famed for its brilliant "Voroneț Blue" and vibrant biblical frescoes. Dinner in Gura Humorului will feature trout with horseradish and smoked cheese, paired with local wines.
Accommodation: Gura Humorului.
We'll dedicate today to exploring the UNESCO-listed Painted Monasteries of Bucovina—an artistic and spiritual wonder unique to this region. We'll visit Moldovița, Sucevița, and Humor, each with its own character, legends, and stunning frescoes painted directly onto the exterior walls.
But Bucovina isn't just about the past—it's a place where crafts and traditions are still alive. We'll stop in Marginea to see the famous black pottery being made by hand and the Painted Egg Museum in Vama.
Accommodation: Gura Humorului.
After breakfast, we'll journey to the Neamț Fortress, perched on a hilltop and offering one of the best panoramic views in the region. We'll then continue to the peaceful Agapia Monastery, where the church interior is painted by famed artist Nicolae Grigorescu.
Lunch will be at a countryside inn, with homemade pickles, stews, and pies. In the village of Tărpești, we'll explore the Popa Museum, showcasing traditional New Year masks, carved figurines, and folklore.
Dinner in Piatra Neamț will pair mountain cuisine with local wines.
Accommodation: Piatra Neamț hotel.
After breakfast, we'll drive through the spectacular Bicaz Gorges, where sheer cliffs rise dramatically around the winding road. We'll pause at the eerie Red Lake, formed by a natural landslide in the 19th century. Lunch will be in a scenic mountain setting.
We'll arrive in Sinaia, a former royal resort nestled in the Prahova Valley. Dinner at our mountain hotel will feature regional fare, perhaps venison stew or mushroom dishes, paired with Transylvanian wines.
Accommodation: Sinaia hotel.
After breakfast, we'll visit the majestic Peleș Castle, a Neo-Renaissance jewel filled with stained glass, carved wood, and royal artifacts. Nearby, Pelișor Castle offers a more intimate view of royal life, while the Sinaia Monastery reflects spiritual tradition amid alpine scenery.
In the afternoon, we'll visit Rhein & CIE Azuga 1892, Romania's oldest sparkling wine cellar, for a guided tour and tasting. Our dinner in Azuga will celebrate our journey with fine cuisine and plenty of bubbles.
Accommodation: Sinaia.
On our final day, we'll enjoy breakfast in the valley, then drive south to Apogeum Winery, a prestigious estate in the Dealu Mare region, renowned for its ruby-red Fetească Neagră. We'll indulge in a premium wine tasting and a cosy lunch on the vineyard terrace.
In the afternoon, we'll return to Bucharest, bringing home memories rich with flavor, culture, and the spirit of Romanian hospitality. We'll come together for a farewell dinner at a traditional Romanian restaurant, complete with music, local wine, and warm hospitality—the perfect way to celebrate the end of our incredible journey.
