12-Day Private Romania Tour: Castles, Monasteries & Culture

Summary

Romania Multi-Day Private Tour: Medieval Towns, Castles & Nature

You’ll travel across Romania from grand castles to painted monasteries and lively markets—all guided by locals who know every shortcut and story along the way. If you want real culture mixed with adventure (and maybe some vampire legends), this tour covers it all without rushing or missing those small moments that make travel special.

What’s the experience like?

Standing in front of the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest, I felt dwarfed by its sheer size—honestly, you can’t fit the whole thing in a selfie no matter how far you step back. Our guide shared stories about its controversial past and how it shaped modern Romania. Later that day, wandering through the National Village Museum, I got a real sense of rural life—old wooden houses with thatched roofs and the faint smell of wood smoke drifting from somewhere nearby. The Revolution Square was busy with locals heading to work; it’s hard to believe such a peaceful spot once saw so much upheaval.

The next morning, we drove out to Curtea de Arges Monastery. The air was crisp and quiet except for birdsong echoing off ancient stone walls. Inside, our guide pointed out royal tombs and told us about the legends tied to this place. Climbing up to Poenari Castle took some effort—those 1,480 steps are no joke—but the view over the Arges River made every step worth it. On the Transfagarasan Highway, hairpin turns revealed mountain lakes still edged with snow even in June. By evening we reached Sibiu; cobbled streets glowed under old lanterns and locals chatted outside tiny bakeries.

Corvin Castle looked straight out of a storybook—turrets reflected in a moat and crows circling overhead. Densus Church surprised me with its ancient murals; Jesus painted in Romanian folk clothes is something you don’t forget quickly. At Sarmizegetusa Regia, mist rolled over mossy stones as our guide explained Dacian history—felt like stepping back centuries.

Biertan’s fortified church stood on a hill above tidy Saxon houses. We hiked Turda Gorge along a cool stream; dragonflies zipped past while we crossed wobbly bridges between limestone cliffs. Alba Iulia’s star-shaped citadel was buzzing with school groups and street musicians playing accordion tunes.

Turda Salt Mine was otherworldly—cool air hit my face as we descended into vast caverns lit by neon lights. Locals say breathing here helps your lungs; honestly, after an hour underground I felt refreshed. In Cluj Napoca’s old town, we squeezed into a crowded café for papanasi (fried doughnuts with sour cream). Surdesti Wooden Church towered above us—hard to believe it’s all wood from 1721.

Maramures was all about tradition: at the local market I tried homemade cheese wrapped in fir bark (smelled strong but tasted sweet). The Merry Cemetery in Sapanta had blue crosses covered in funny poems about each person buried there—it’s oddly cheerful for a graveyard. The Sighet Memorial Museum left me quiet for a while; hearing stories from survivors of communism is sobering.

Barsana Monastery sat among wildflowers and buzzing bees—the wooden spires seemed to touch the sky. Driving over Borgo Pass felt like entering Dracula country; mist curled around pine trees and we stopped at Hotel Castel Dracula just for fun photos. Ciocanesti village was full of painted houses—locals waved as we passed by on foot.

Bukovina’s painted monasteries were jaw-dropping: Voronet’s blue frescoes shimmered even under cloudy skies, Humor Monastery hid behind thick stone walls, Sucevita looked like something from a fairy tale book, and Moldovita’s murals told entire stories without words.

The Lucia Condrea Egg Museum was packed with thousands of hand-painted eggs—I never knew there could be so many patterns! Nicolae Popa Museum felt personal; his sculptures lined every corner of his house-turned-museum. Walking through Bicaz Gorges meant following the river as it carved through sheer cliffs—a bit chilly but worth every minute.

Sighisoara’s Clock Tower chimed as we wandered cobbled lanes where Vlad the Impaler was born (locals love telling Dracula tales). Viscri village had geese crossing narrow roads and kids playing near the white fortified church. Rupea Fortress stood high above golden fields—a perfect spot for photos if you catch sunset.

Brasov charmed me instantly: black-roofed churches, medieval city walls, and lively squares filled with laughter from nearby cafés. Bran Castle lived up to its legend—outside vendors sold smoky sausages and plum brandy (I bought both). Peles Castle sparkled inside with stained glass windows and intricate woodwork—it really does feel royal here.

On our last day, Prejmer Fortified Church echoed with footsteps on old wooden floors while storks nested on rooftops outside. The Muddy Volcanoes bubbled quietly—a weird sight but oddly mesmerizing (and yes, your shoes will get muddy). Snagov Monastery sat on an island shrouded in mist; some say Dracula is buried here but who knows? Either way, it made for one unforgettable photo before heading back to Bucharest.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bucharest City Tour

• Visit Palace of Parliament
• Explore National Village Museum
• See Romanian Athenaeum
• Visit Revolution Square
• Walk Historical City Centre

Day 2 — Curtea de Arges & Sibiu Tour

• Visit Curtea de Arges Monastery
• Explore Poenari Castle
• Drive Transfagarasan Highway
• Tour Sibiu City

Day 3 — Castles and Ancient Sites

• Visit Corvin Castle
• See Densus Church
• Explore Sarmisegetusa Regia

Day 4 — Fortified Church & Hiking

• Visit Biertan Fortified Church
• Hike Turda Gorge
• Tour Alba Iulia City

Day 5 — Salt Mine & City Tour

• Explore Turda Salt Mine
• Tour Cluj Napoca City
• Visit Surdesti Wooden Church

Day 6 — Maramures Culture & History

• Visit Local Market in Maramures
• Tour Merry Cemetery
• Explore Sighet Memorial Museum

Day 7 — Monasteries and Villages

• Visit Barsana Monastery
• Drive Borgo Pass Road
• Explore Ciocanesti Village

Day 8 — Bukovina Painted Monasteries

• Visit Voronet Monastery
• Tour Humor Monastery
• See Sucevita Monastery
• Explore Moldovita Monastery

Day 9 — Museums and Nature Walk

• Visit Lucia Condrea Egg Museum
• Tour Nicolae Popa Museum
• Walk Bicaz Gorges

Day 10 — Sighisoara & Fortresses

• Tour Sighisoara City
• Visit Viscri Village
• Explore Rupea Fortress

Day 11 — Brasov & Castles

• Tour Brasov City & Black Church
• Visit Bran Castle
• Explore Peles Castle

Day 12 — Final Day: Fortified Church & Volcanoes

• Visit Prejmer Fortified Church
• Explore Muddy Volcanoes
• Tour Snagov Monastery

Top questions

Is this private tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes! We offer specialized infant seats upon request and adjust daily activities based on your family’s needs so everyone can enjoy at their own pace.

Do I need to be very fit for hiking or castle visits?

No extreme fitness required—most walks are easy or moderate (like Turda Gorge), though some sites have stairs (Poenari Castle). Your guide will always let you know what to expect each day.

Are meals included during the tour?

Your guide’s meals are covered; for guests, local restaurants are recommended daily so you can try authentic Romanian dishes wherever you go!

Can I change parts of the itinerary once we start?

Absolutely—we’re flexible! Just talk to your guide if you’d like more time somewhere or want to swap an activity within reason.

What’s included

Your own private car or minibus (with Wi-Fi), licensed English-speaking guide/driver throughout your journey, all car expenses (fuel, parking), entrance fees for your guide, flexible daily plans—even after starting—and specialized infant seats if needed. Public transport options are nearby at many stops too!