Romania 6 Day Itinerary

6-Day Transylvania Itinerary:

This itinerary focuses on the classic Transylvanian experience, exploring its historical and mythical charm. It’s a starting point, and you can adjust it based on your interests and pace.

Day 1: Bucharest - Arrival & History

  • Morning: Arrive in Bucharest (OTP) and check into your accommodation. Explore the charming Old Town with its cobblestone streets, vibrant architecture, and historic churches.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Palace of the Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world. Take a tour to see the opulent interior and learn about its history as a symbol of communist power.
  • Things to know:
    • Bucharest is the capital city and largest urban area in Romania.

Day 2: Bucharest - Exploring the City

  • Morning: Travel from Bucharest to Sinaia by train (approx. 2 hours). Enjoy the scenic journey through the Romanian countryside.

  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the history of Peles Castle, a stunning Neo-Renaissance castle with breathtaking views. Take a stroll through the beautiful Peleş Castle gardens and explore the charming town.

  • Transportation:

    • Train: Trains are a convenient and affordable way to travel between Bucharest and Sinaia.

Day 3: Brasov & its Legends

  • Travel from Bucharest to Brasov (approx. 3 hours by train).

  • Explore the historic center of Brașov, including the Black Church, the Council Square, and the charming old streets.

  • Afternoon: Visit Bran Castle, also known as “Dracula’s Castle,” for a glimpse into its spooky history.

  • Transportation:

    • Train: The most convenient way to get to Brașov is by train from Bucharest.

Day 4: Transylvania’s Charm

  • Day trip: Consider visiting the charming town of Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace (approx. 2 hours from Brasov by bus).
  • Things to do: Explore the medieval citadel, climb the Clock Tower for stunning views, visit the Church on the Hill and learn about the legend of Dracula while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Day 5: Bucharest - Beyond the Legend

  • Morning: Discover the hidden gems beyond the “Dracula” theme.

    • Things to see:

      • National Museum of Art of Romania: Explore a vast collection of Romanian and international art from various periods.
      • National Village Museum: Immerse yourself in the traditional folklore and architecture of Romania.
  • Transportation: Bucharest has a good public transport system for exploring the city’s attractions.**

Day 5: Transylvania’s Castles & Villages

  • Morning: Explore the charming medieval town of Sighisoara (if you chose to stay there) with its cobblestone streets and traditional architecture.
  • Afternoon: Visit other nearby towns like Sibiu, Brasov’s “neighbor” (approx. 30 minutes away by bus or car), known for its historical center and beautiful squares.

Day 6: Departure from Bucharest

  • Morning: Enjoy a final Romanian breakfast of “cozonac” and “cafea” before departing for the airport.

  • Departure: Depart from Bucharest (OTP) with fond memories of your trip to Transylvania.

  • Things to see & do in Sighisoara:

    • The Citadel: Visit the well-preserved walls and towers of the citadel, including the Covered Staircase and the Clock Tower, for breathtaking views and a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
    • The Clock Tower: Climb this 14th-century landmark for panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

  • Historical Context: Consider what you’ve learned about the historical context of these locations:

    • The “Dracula” connection: Explore the history of Vlad III Dracula, the inspiration behind the famous vampire legend.

  • Things to know:

    • Bucharest is a great starting point for exploring Romania’s rich history and culture.

    • Day 6:

      • Departure: Depart from Bucharest (the airport code for Bucharest is OTP).

  • Things to do:

    • Include a visit to the charming medieval town of Brasov

    • Visit the city’s “Church on the Hill” and its connection to the “Transylvanian” history.

      • Beyond the tourist information:

        • Transportation: Bucharest offers various transportation options, including public buses, trams, and a metro system. Public transport is affordable and efficient.

        • Accommodation:

          • Hostels: Great for budget travelers, with dorms or private rooms available.**

Things to do in Transylvania:

  • Visit the charming medieval town of Sighisoara: This well-preserved town is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the “Citadel of Brasov” and offers many things to see and do, like:

    • Exploring Bran Castle (known as Dracula’s Castle)
    • Visiting the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler.
    • Enjoying the charming Old Town and its history beyond the “Dracula” legend.

  • Things to consider:

While traveling:

  • Transportation:

    • Train: For longer distances, consider taking a train. It’s a scenic and comfortable way to see the countryside and explore different regions.

  • Food: Romania has a rich culinary tradition, but it’s important to note that Transylvanian cuisine is not as distinct from the rest of the country’s food culture.

    • Language: Romanian is the official language. While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic Romanian phrases will be appreciated by locals.

  • Food & Drink Recommendations:

  • Traditional dishes:

    • Sarmale (Cabbage Rolls): A must-try dish.

    • Mămăligă (Polenta): A staple food in Romania, often served with cheese, sour cream, or as a side dish for “sarmale”.

      • Cheese and meat: Indulge in local cheeses like “Telemea” or “Brânză de burduf”, and try traditional dishes like “ciorbă de burtă” (tripe soup) and “mămăligă” (polenta).

  • Transportation:

    • “Explore the rest of Romania” - Explore the “rest of Transylvania” by bus or train, taking advantage of the extensive public transport network.
    • Travel insurance: Always a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergencies.

Beyond the usual tourist spots:

  • Things to see:

    • Explore the history of Transylvanian castles: Visit the “Transylvania” region for its rich history and traditional folklore, including the legend of “Vlad the Impaler”.
    • Consider a trip to Cluj-Napoca: Explore the vibrant city of Cluj-Napoca with its charming medieval architecture.

Transportation in “Transylvania”:

  • Trains: Travel by train to experience the region’s history and architectural charm.
    • “The City of Smiles”:

Consider the following:

  • Historical Significance: Transylvania is a land steeped in history, with its medieval castles serving as reminders of a fascinating past.

  • Local Markets: Visit the local markets to see traditional Romanian life and experience local culture.

  • Local Culture:

    • “Enjoy” the region’s rich cultural heritage, including:

      • The Bran Castle: Explore the stunning architecture and history of this iconic castle.

History & Folklore:

  • Historical Significance: Explore the history and culture of Transylvania beyond the “Dracula” myth.

Things to do in the “Beyond”:

  • Visit the city of Sighisoara: Explore its charming medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • Train travel:

    • Travel: Explore the region’s history through its architecture and local markets.

  • Local Experiences:

  • Explore the region: Enjoying local cuisine is a great way to experience the “Beyond” culture.

  • Transportation: Explore the region by train or bus.

  • Explore local traditions: Experience the “beyond-the-scenes” aspects of the region, such as:

    • The unique history and folklore of the region.
    • The beauty of the countryside and its mountains.
    • Traditional crafts and markets: Discover the stories behind them.

Transportation:

  • To explore the “Beyond”:

    • You can visit the “Transylvania” region and the town of “Cluj-Napoca”.

Things to consider for your trip:

  • Travel:

Explore the unique history and culture of the “Transylvania” region.

  • Travel:

      *

Things to know before you go:

  • Historical significance:
  • The “Beyond” is a region known for its rich history, with medieval towns like Cluj-Napoca.
  • The legend:

Consider the “Romanian experience” and the cultural heritage of the region.

  • Transportation: Visit the “beyond” (the “old town” part of the city) to explore the region’s history and culture.

  • Things to do in the “Beyond”:

  • Historical Sites:**

    • Explore the medieval citadel: A historical landmark that showcases the region’s past.

    • Travel: Learn about the historical significance of Transylvania by bus or train, which are popular modes of transportation for exploring the region.

  • The “Romanian” connection:

    • Explore the charming town of “Transylvania”, a region steeped in history and culture.

  • Try these delicious Transylvanian dishes:

    • Sarmale (Telemea):

    • Mămăligă (Polenta):

  • Visit traditional markets

  • Enjoy local Romanian cuisine

  • Experience the rich history of Transylvania: This could be a great addition.

  • Learn about the history and culture:

    • Explore the unique architecture of the region: Explore the “medieval” castles of Transylvania, like **“Dracula’s Castle” (Bran Castle), and the stories surrounding them.

      • Experience the rich history and cultural heritage of the Transylvanian region.