Romania 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Transylvania Itinerary:

This itinerary focuses on the historical and cultural heart of Transylvania, with a focus on accessible travel experiences.

Day 1: Bucharest Arrival & Exploration (Arrival Day)

  • Morning: Arrive at Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) in Bucharest. Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Romania. Check the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for specific requirements: https://www.mae.ro/

  • Things to know:

    • Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON) as its currency.
    • The official language is Romanian, but English is spoken in some tourist areas. Learning a few basic Romanian phrases can be helpful and appreciated by locals.

  • Transportation:

    • From Airport: Take the Express Bus 783 or 784 from the airport to the city center. It’s a budget-friendly option and runs frequently.
    • In Bucharest: Use public transport (buses, trams, trolleybuses) for easy access to major attractions within the city.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Old Town of Bucharest with its charming cobblestone streets, historical buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy the traditional Romanian architecture and indulge in some delicious local food at one of the many restaurants.

Evening:

  • Sample authentic Romanian cuisine at a restaurant like “Caru’ cu Bere” or “La Ceainărie”.
  • Experience the nightlife with a visit to a traditional music venue or a bar with live entertainment.

Day 2: Medieval Charm & Bran’s Legends (Day 1)

  • Activity: Take a day trip to the charming medieval city of Brașov, and explore the historic Bran Castle, known for its association with Dracula.
  • Transportation: Travel from Bucharest to Bran by bus or train.

Things to see in Brașov:

  • The Black Church (Biserica Neagră), a magnificent Gothic structure
  • Council Square (Piața Sfatului), the heart of the city
  • The Mount Tâmpa cable car ride for breathtaking views
  • The Brașov Citadel, a historical landmark with stunning architecture and history

Day 3: Transylvanian Mountains & Folklore:

  • Activity: Head to the iconic Carpathian Mountains. Explore Bran Castle’s grounds and visit the nearby Bran Village.

  • Transportation:

    • Option 1 (Independent): Rent a car and drive through the picturesque countryside, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way.

    • Option 2 (Guided Tour): Several guided tours can take you to Brașov and the surrounding areas like the Poiana Brașov ski resort or the nearby Bran Village, which is home to traditional crafts and workshops.

  • Things to know:

    • Weather: The Carpathian Mountains can experience unpredictable weather, so be prepared for all conditions with warm clothing and rain gear.

Day 3: Mysterious Castles & Folklore

  • Activity: Explore the charming towns and villages of Transylvania, such as the medieval citadel in Brașov and its surrounding area.

  • Things to see:

    • Council Square (Option 1): This beautiful square is surrounded by historic buildings and cafes.

    • Traditional Villages: Experience authentic Romanian culture in the village’s architecture and cobblestone streets.

Day 4: Exploring Nature & Culture

  • Option 1 (Hiking):

    • Enjoy breathtaking views of the Carpathian Mountains from the top of Mount Tâmșoi.

  • Optional Activities:

    • Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle): Explore the grounds and interior of this historic fortress, and learn about its history and the legend of Vlad the Impaler, which inspired the Dracula myth.

    • Explore Bran Village: Visit local shops selling traditional Romanian crafts and souvenirs.

  • Option 2 (Culture & History):

Visit the historical city of Sinaia and explore its famous Peleș Castle.

Things to see in the surrounding area:

  • Sinaia Monastery: Explore this beautiful monastery and learn about its rich history.
  • The Dimitrie Gusti National Museum of Romanian Villages: This open-air museum is a great way to experience the traditional life of Romania’s countryside.

Transportation:

  • Travel from Sinaia (or your chosen mountain location) back to Bucharest by train or car, depending on availability and your preference for exploring the region.
  • Public Transport: Buses and trains are reliable options for traveling around the city.

Option 2 (Guided Tour):

  • Explore the Carpathian Mountains: Enjoy scenic hikes in the surrounding mountains, admire the stunning views from viewpoints like the Tampa Tower or visit charming villages nearby.

  • Culture & History:

    • Option 1: Exploring the Carpathian Mountains:

Enjoy the beauty of the mountains and their history by visiting the charming town of Sinaia.

Day 4 (Optional): Explore the stunning landscapes and natural wonders around Sinaia.

  • Things to see:

    • The Waterfalls: Visit the picturesque waterfalls of the Bucegi Mountains.
    • The Caves: Explore the mysterious caves near Sinaia, such as the Bear Cave or the Ice Cave in the nearby Carpathian Mountains.

Day 4 (Optional) Activities:

  • Peles Castle: Explore the stunning architecture and learn about the history of this iconic castle.

Option 1: The Peles Mountain Trail: Enjoy a hike through the mountains, visiting the charming town of Sinaia.

Things to see in the caves:

  • Ancient Artifacts: Discover artifacts from ancient times, showcasing the rich history of the region.
  • Unique Architecture: Explore the architectural wonders of the Carpathian Mountains, including traditional stone carvings and intricate rock formations.

Things to do:

  • Hike the trails: The mountains offer a variety of hiking options for all skill levels.

  • Visit the Black Church: Enjoy the stunning architecture and learn about its role in the legend of Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Dracula), the historical figure who inspired the Dracula myth.

Things to see:

  • The Carpathian Mountains: The majestic mountains offer breathtaking views, fresh mountain air and a chance to experience nature’s beauty.

  • Explore the local history: Discover the charming history of the town by visiting the following:

    • The Black Church (Sinaia Option): This historical landmark is a great place to start.

    • The Peleș Monastery: Explore its architecture and learn about its role in Romanian history.

Day 5:

  • Explore the city of Sinaia: The “Peléş Castle” hike is a popular option, offering views of the mountainside and the surrounding forest.

  • The Carpathian Mountains: Enjoy the stunning scenery with activities like:

    • Hiking to the top of Mount Omu for panoramic views.