Romania's Folk Soul
13 Days of Castles, Crafts & Transylvanian Traditions
Highlights
Trip Details
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$1,731 USD
Private room: +$409
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Trip length
13 days, 12 nights
Price
- A 30-day cancellation window applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Private supplement available.
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Meeting point
Moxy Hotel, Bucharest
Ending point
Moxy Hotel, Bucharest
Group size
Maximum 14 people
Included
- Meals: 12 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 10 dinners
- Departure and Arrival airport shuttle
- Private vehicle air-conditioned transport throughout
- 12 nights boutique and premium accommodation
- A top-rated and English-speaking Trip Leader
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International flights and travel insurance (necessary)
- Visa information: At the time of publishing, Americans and Canadians do not require a visa to visit the Schengen Area for stays less than 90 days
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Have a group?
Contact us and we can arrange a private departure.
Overview
Accommodation Preview
La Roata Guesthouse, Gura Humorului
Casa Chitic Hotel, Brașov
Casa de Oaspeti, Cincșor
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Romania!
Are you ready for an adventure in one of Europe’s most singular yet underrated countries? Romania might be a former Communist state, but beyond the capital, it’s also a land of fairytale castles, country-charmed villages and mountain panoramas to stop your breath. Just wait and see – you’ve got a real treat in store. You and the rest of your Harriet crew are making the long journey to Romania today, but don’t stress: we’ve thrown in a private transfer from Bucharest airport to your downtown hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Moxy (or similar), Bucharest
Included: Dinner
Day 2: Bucharest
Buna ziua! It’s time to get to know Romania’s multi-faceted capital city. Nothing – not even its Royal Palace, Patriarchal Church or Revolution Square – prepares you for the moment you set eyes on Ceaușescu’s Palace of Socialism, now Parliament House. It’s the largest civilian building in the world (only the Pentagon is bigger), and the heaviest (weighing 4.1 million tonnes) – who in the group will correctly guess how many rooms it contains? Dine out in style at Caru’ cu bere; this 130-year-old restaurant has welcomed a bunch of celebs, including Nic Cage and The Rolling Stones. Drag your eyes away from its vaulted ceiling and wood paneling to devour local specialties like roasted pork knuckle with braised sour cabbage and papanași – finger-lickin’ cheese doughnuts stuffed with cream and jam. End the meal with a toast to your Romanian adventure as you all raise a glass of tuică, the country’s potent plum liquor.
Accommodation: Hotel Moxy (or similar), Bucharest
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Peleș Castle and Cincșor church
Today, set your sights on Transylvania’s dark fairytales and spooky myths. Along the way, your group will make a pit stop at the Neo-Renaissance Peleș Castle. With its dreamy spires and mountain views – not to mention mod cons like central heating and electricity – it’s no wonder this place was considered fit for a king. And there’s more: somehow Gustav Klimt’s work ended up here. How did that happen?
Later, following a visit to the Mândra Chic Workshop, aka the Museum of Fabrics and Stories, you’ll feel like a Romanian handicraft expert. Rounding out this learning-rich day is Cincșor, home to a 13th century Romanesque fortified church that’s had a Gothic makeover. After a day like this, you’ll probably sleep well in your traditional wooden bed tonight.
Accommodation: Casa de Oaspeti (or similar), Cincșor
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Rural explorations in Transylvania
After you get your hands dirty picking up traditional pottery techniques in Nochrich and take a stroll around Săcădate (is that a serenade you hear?), it’s time to head deeper into Transylvania. In Lisa, you’ll discover how villagers used to wash wool 300 years ago in rural Romania. Who needs electricity when you’ve got a stream right there in your backyard? Dinner tonight’s another chance to continue your education, as you delve deeper into those sensational flavors of old-school cooking. This time, it’s Făgăraș cuisine’s turn. Chef Daniela works her magic on traditional recipes – no one transforms polenta or bacon into fine dining dishes quite like she does – as your lucky taste buds are about to find out.
Accommodation: Casa de Oaspeti (or similar), Cincșor
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Hălmeag handicrafts and elusive vampires
Get ready to embrace rural life, Romanian-style! You’ll start with a crash course in írásos – the age-old technique of written embroidery – from the local women in the village of Hălmeag. If your first stitches say “What’s for lunch?” then you’re in luck, as they’re about to teach you how to make traditional goulash in a cauldron (and you’ll get to eat it, too!).
When you think of Transylvania, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Dracula! In truth, though Bran Castle is marketed as Dracula’s Castle, Vlad Dracula never actually lived here. That said, as you walk through the property’s timbered hall and grand fireplaces, you’ll easily see why Bram Stoker decided to weave it into his story.
Your newly-made bond with medieval Romania continues today, as you wander around the streets of Brașov. It’s not every day that you explore a UNESCO World Heritage center, so soak up every moment.
Accommodation: Casa Chitic Hotel (or similar), Brașov
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Viscri and Sighișoara
Did you know Charles III, the current monarch of the United Kingdom, owns a house right here in Viscri? It’s not a grand palace, just a simple farmhouse with cornflower-blue walls and terracotta tiles on the roof. Duck inside – the interior is as characterful as the outside, complete with exposed beams and authentic Saxon furniture. Time seems to stand still here, as it does in Mălâncrav. Don’t miss the colorful murals of its church – in fact, they’re the largest Gothic fresco in Transylvania. If you’ve a head for heights, climb the five rickety flights of stairs that lead up the church tower for a view that’s hard to capture on camera, but just as hard to forget. Nearby, in Biertan, you’ll find another fortified church. Don’t get stuck behind the sacristy door: its intricate lock consists of 19 bolts that all slide across at the same time. Tired? Spend the night in a 300-year-old Saxon house for a truly restorative sleep.
Accommodation: Sighișoara Hotel 3 (or similar), Sighișoara
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Roma meetings and mountain views
Can you believe you’re already halfway through the trip? Mark that milestone with a very special encounter, as you get to swap stories with a local Roma family. Roma communities are famously protective of their privacy, so it’s a real privilege to be invited into their close-knit inner circle, and you may find yourself lingering when it’s time to say goodbye. By afternoon, you’ll reach the Hășmaș Mountains, winding along serpentine roads and gazing at towering giant peaks. Here, you’ll learn the strange origins of the Red Lake (and maybe the myth behind its name). It’s cameras out for Bicaz Gorge, another wow-worthy highlight, as you admire the dramatic scenery of the steep-sided limestone cliffs that flank the road.
Accommodation: La Roată Guesthouse (or similar), Gura Humorului
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Roma, Romani, Romania – what’s in a name?
The Roma people, an umbrella term that also covers Sinti, Kale, and Traveller populations, are Europe’s largest ethnic minority group. Thought to have migrated to the region over a thousand years ago from Northern India, the Roma were traditionally nomads but later settled throughout the continent with the largest communities in Eastern Europe.
Roma are often referred to as gypsies, but this is a derogatory slang term. Roma or Romani (sometimes spelled Romany) is the correct verbiage. This actually has nothing to do with the country of Romania – which incidentally takes its name from the Latin word Romanus, citizen of Rome. Many Roma are skilled, creative artisans proud of their distinctive heritage, yet they face unfair discrimination and marginalization.
Day 8: Voroneț Monastery
Romania’s answer to the Sistine Chapel is the captivating Voroneț Monastery, nestled in a clearing amid pine forest. As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a riot of color, where mythical creatures like double-finned mermaids swim beside biblical motifs. Even the blue pigment of its walls has long been the subject of scrutiny, and you’ve already experienced a clue to its contents. This unique hue is the result of imported azurite painted over damp plaster that’s been found to contain traces of that tuică plum liquor you sampled back in Bucharest!
After two more monastery visits, your stomach may be growling, so roll up your sleeves and get into the guesthouse kitchen. Once you’ve eaten and helped prep dinner, head off to meet up with Andrei Vladimir. Despite being a young millennial, he’s devoted to traditional arts like loom weaving and spinning. Down the road in Marginea, watch a pottery demo and discover how these unusual ceramics gain their distinctive black color.
Accommodation: La Roată Guesthouse (or similar), Gura Humorului
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Maramureș and Prislop Pass
You probably shouldn’t make a habit of skipping breakfast, but make an exception today as brunch will be somewhere super special. Besides, you’ll hardly notice your stomach is rumbling because you have Vama’s Egg Museum as a distraction. Have you ever seen such intricately painted eggs? Their myriad symbols are loaded with meaning. It’s harder than it looks to decorate these delicate shells – you’ll find out!
Compare efforts over that yummy brunch we promised. Before long you’ll snake up and over the Prislop Pass, which tops out at an elevation of 4,646 feet. Nose to the glass as you pass wildflower-strewn Alpine meadows and can’t-be-real lakes, until you eventually reach Bârsana Monastery. This working convent is home to around 60 nuns and one of Europe’s tallest wooden churches. A handful of villages further on, you’ll settle into the attractive Doina Guesthouse, your base for the next few days while you get to know Maramureș, a land frozen in time.
Accommodation: Doina Guesthouse (or similar), Maramureș
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: The Merry Cemetery and Breb village
The Merry Cemetery in Săpânța is an extraordinary sight, showcasing the work of a wood carver called Stan Ioan Patras. You’ll appreciate having a guide to translate the humorous inscriptions on its brightly-painted gravestones, because the flaws and foibles of those who rest in peace here aren’t in any way sugar-coated. Ponder on what yours might say as you move on to the village of Breb. Inspect the carvings that adorn the wooden buildings, watch local farmers making hay – hopefully while the sun shines – and listen out for the clip-clop of hooves that signals an approaching cart. Disney, eat your heart out! If you really want a taste of pastoral living out here in the Romanian countryside, make sure you try a glass of sana with tonight’s homemade cheese pie – this fermented milk drink is a must-try!
Accommodation: Doina Guesthouse (or similar), Maramureș
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Glass painting and a city with eyes
Are you ready to get creative this morning? The village of Sibiel is home to a museum specializing in icons on glass, so once you’ve admired the extensive collection why not roll up your sleeves and paint your own? Because of the locals’ Orthodox beliefs, many of their efforts feature images of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, but you can depict whatever you like, religious or otherwise. Compare efforts as you bid farewell to Sibiel, bound for charming Sibiu, nicknamed the City with Eyes – you’ll soon see why if you stand in one of its cobbled squares and look up. At first glance, Sibiu’s historic architecture and slew of pretty churches might remind you of Braşov, but you’re about to find out that it’s got its own unique style.
Accommodation: Hotel Împăratul Romanilor (or similar), Sibiu
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Back to Bucharest
Before leaving Sibiu, you’ll have one last opportunity to stroll through its lovely streets with a local guide. It’s easy to appreciate the striking medieval architecture on your own, but having someone to explain the finer details will make them come to life – including those iconic ‘eyes’! But at last Bucharest beckons, so reluctantly you’ll watch Sibiu disappear in the rearview mirror and embrace being back in Romania’s lively capital. Reluctant farewells with your Harriet crew are also around the corner, so get your glad rags on, apply your favorite shade of lip gloss and hit the town for one final night to remember with your new besties.
Accommodation: Hotel Moxy (or similar), Bucharest
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13: Farewell, Friends
La revedere Romania! Cram your clothes back into your suitcase and remember, the memories you’ve made these last couple of weeks will travel with you in your heart. It’s time to snap one final group selfie and wave goodbye to your new friends as you all go your separate ways. Don’t forget to swap numbers and then you can do it all again somewhere else. Any ideas where that might be?
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Frequently Asked Questions
A deposit of 25% of the total trip price is required to secure your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cancellation window of 30 days. (Applicable to all bookings made at least 120 days before trip departure.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are non-refundable, but they are transferable at any time, up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance is due 120 days prior to the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
Level 1 or Easy
As long as you have a general level of health and fitness, you’ll be fine. However, to fully enjoy this trip, you’ll need to be comfortable spending time on your feet and regularly walking for 2–3 hours. Daily activities may include walking on uneven or hilly ground, getting on and off various forms of transportation, and occasionally climbing stairs. You may also encounter over-the-bathtub showers in some of the accommodation.
All activities are optional, so if you don’t feel like taking part in one, you can simply skip it. However, to get the most out of your trip, you should be able to comfortably join a guided walk lasting a full afternoon. Unfortunately, this trip is not suitable for travelers who require walking aids.
At the time of publishing, guests travelling with a USA or Canadian passport do not require a visa to visit the Schengen Area for stays less than 90 days. We’ll be in touch with the most up-to-date information closer to your departure time.
Most of our trips have a Tip Kitty because tipping customs vary from country to country. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to avoid over-tipping, under-tipping, or having tips end up in the wrong hands.
For your Romania adventure, we ask that you contribute:
- €45, to be given to your trip leader on Day 1. Your trip leader will manage the Tip Kitty and use it to cover tips for your driver and local guides.
Not included is a customary tip for your trip leader at the end of the trip. If they’ve helped make your adventure truly memorable, we recommend tipping:
- €40–60 per person at the end of the trip.
When booking flights, you should fly into and out of Bucharest, Romania.
Will we be picked up at the airport?
Yes! One of our friendly team will be waiting for you in the public arrivals area of the airport. You’ll transfer directly to the hotel. The transfer is free and in a private and air-conditioned vehicle, which you will only share if there is anyone else on your flight joining the trip. NB: Transfers from central capital city train stations can also be arranged.
When should we arrive?
Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier would be recommendable. If possible, come one day early to settle in. We can organise additional hotel nights for you at cost.
The opportunity to do laundry during your trip is possible and best left for stays that are for more than one night. Your guide will be able to assist with recommendations during your trip.
In the unlikely event of a health- or security-related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach.
With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Ops.
The local currency of Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON) (plural: Lei).
Whenever we can, we’ve chosen charming boutique stays that capture the spirit of the region – mostly around 3-star comfort, and occasionally we’ve snuck in some 4-star touches. Sometimes it’s the shared patio views or unique location that make a hotel stand out. Other times, it’s the local character that makes the stay special, and in some spots, rooms might differ in size and style.
Romania’s scenery is spectacular, but getting there can take longer than the distance suggests. While highways connect some major cities, many of the country’s most beautiful regions are connected by winding mountain roads and village lanes. Expect leisurely drives, changing landscapes and plenty of opportunities to stop along the way.
Western-style, sit-down toilets are the norm throughout Romania. In remote villages and at some roadside stops, facilities can be more basic, so we recommend carrying tissues and hand sanitiser for added comfort.
This is one of the most frequently asked questions we get!
Most of our guests are in their 40s to 60s, with some a little younger and some older—everyone is welcome. Many Hatties travel solo and are paired with a roommate, so there’s no need to pay a single supplement. We’ll match you with someone of a similar age.
The typical Hattie is a well-traveled, seasoned adventurer who takes things in stride. That said, many tell us this is their very first group trip. A lot of our guests have avoided traditional tours in the past, as they’re not drawn to large, impersonal group experiences.
And one last thing:
Hatties are warm, generous, and kind. We always hoped it would be this way, but the reality has exceeded our expectations. We feel incredibly lucky to have such wonderful guests.
