Romania 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Charms of Romania

This itinerary focuses on exploring Romania’s rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant culture. It can be adapted for different interests - focus on nature in Transylvania, delve deeper into Bucharest’s historical sites, or explore other regions of Romania by tweaking the starting point and adjusting travel times.

Day 1: Arrival in Bucharest & Old Town Charm

  • Fly into Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) in Bucharest.
  • Transfer to Old Town: Take a taxi (negotiate the price beforehand) or ride-sharing service from the airport to Bucharest’s Old Town.
  • Explore the cobblestone streets: Stroll through the charming cobblestone alleys of Lipscani, the historic heart of Bucharest.
  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife: Discover the many pubs, bars, and restaurants in the Old Town, known for its lively atmosphere and traditional Romanian cuisine.

Things to do:

  • Wander through the historical streets of Lipscani, exploring the architecture and taking photos.
  • Visit a local cafe for coffee and delicious pastries.
  • Experience the nightlife:
    • Old Town Bars & Pubs: Enjoy a traditional Romanian meal and drinks in one of the many charming restaurants or pubs in Old Town.

Things to know:

  • Be aware of taxi scams, especially near the airport.
  • Bucharest is known for its bohemian bars and cafes.

Visa requirements:

Day 2-3: Bucharest’s Historical & Cultural Gems

  • Explore the Old Town: Discover the charming architecture and vibrant nightlife of this historic district.**
  • Visit the Palace of Parliament: This colossal building is a must-see, even if you just take a quick tour of the exterior.

Day 4: Journey to Transylvania

  • Travel to Brașov (by train or bus): Take in the stunning mountain scenery on your way to this historic city.
  • Experience Romanian history: Explore the historical landmarks of Brașov, including the Black Church and the Old Town.

Day 5-6: Explore the Medieval Charm:

  • Discover the charming medieval city of Sibiu: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history and vibrant culture.
  • Visit Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle): While not Dracula’s actual residence, this castle offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval life in Romania and stunning views of Brașov.
  • Explore the charming city of Sibiu: Enjoy its historic center, pedestrian streets, and delicious local food.

Day 6: The Magic of Transylvania:

  • Journey to Corvinestilor Castle: This impressive fortress is a highlight of any visit to Transylvania.
  • Discover the region’s history: Explore the history of the castle and the surrounding area.

Day 7: Departure from Sibiu

  • Bid farewell to the Carpathian Mountains: Enjoy the scenery one last time before heading home.
  • Reflect on your journey: Savor the memories of your Romanian adventure and consider returning for more!

Transportation:

  • Romania has a good public transportation system. Consider traveling by train or bus to experience the local culture.

Things to know about Romania:

  • Learn about Romanian history: From its medieval roots to its communist past, Romania offers a unique historical perspective.
  • Embrace the cultural immersion: Explore the vibrant and diverse cultural offerings of Romania.

Day 1-3: Bucharest’s Historical Treasures

  • Discover the charm of Bucharest’s Old Town: Explore the historic streets and buildings.
  • Enjoy traditional Romanian cuisine: Sample local delicacies like Sarmale (cabbage rolls), Mămăligă (polenta), and Mici (grilled minced meat rolls).
  • Experience the city’s nightlife: Try out a traditional Romanian “terasă” (terrace) for drinks and live music.

Things to know:

  • Romania uses the Leu (RON) as its currency.
  • Romanian cuisine is often hearty and flavorful, reflecting the country’s history of culinary influences from neighboring countries.

Accommodation:

  • Stay in a charming guesthouse in the heart of the city: Experience the warmth and hospitality of local hosts.

Things to consider:

  • Book accommodations in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
  • Be aware that prices for accommodation, food, and transportation can vary greatly. Consider staying in a range of accommodations from affordable hostels to luxurious hotels.
  • Romania has a variety of accommodation options, including traditional guesthouses, modern apartments, and charming boutique hotels.

Mici tips:

  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife: Try out a local bar or restaurant for dinner and drinks.

Things to do in Transylvania:

  • Visit the medieval city of Sighisoara: Explore its cobbled streets and admire the architecture.
  • Explore the charming villages: Many picturesque villages surround the region, including Viscri and Biertan, known for their traditional Saxon houses.

Things to eat & drink:

  • Savor “Mici”: Enjoy the local delicacy of grilled minced meat rolls served with mustard or “mămăligă” (a traditional Romanian dish made from polenta).
  • Taste “Sarmale”: Indulge in a Romanian feast with a traditional plate of “sarmale” (stuffed cabbage rolls) and experience the unique blend of flavors.

Travel:

  • Explore the charming landscape: Discover the beauty of the Carpathian Mountains, with their stunning peaks, lush forests, and picturesque villages.
  • Visit Bran Castle: The journey to this iconic castle is worth it for the breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to learn about its history while exploring the surrounding area of Brașov.

Things to know:

  • Romania uses the Leu (RON) as its currency. Be sure to have some local currency on hand, especially when traveling in rural areas.
  • Romanian is the official language, but English and other languages are also spoken in tourist areas.

Accommodation Tip: For a unique experience, consider staying in a traditional “pensiune” (guesthouse) in a historic town or village.

Things to note:

  • This itinerary assumes you have access to a car.** Driving is the most convenient way to explore Transylvania’s countryside.
  • Romania uses the Euro as its currency.

Transporting yourself through this beautiful region:

  • Explore the charming villages: These are often smaller and further apart, making it a scenic adventure.
  • Consider visiting the charming city of Brașov: It is a great base for exploring the surrounding area.

Things to do in Bucharest:

  • Enjoy the nightlife: Visit a traditional “terasă” (outdoor cafe/restaurant) and experience the charm of this historical city.

Experience Romanian Culture:

  • Visit the Village Museum: This open-air museum showcases traditional Romanian architecture and folkways.
  • Explore the Romanian Peasant Museum: Learn about the history and traditions of Romania’s rural population.
  • Enjoy a traditional “Cafeneaua Veche” (Old Town cafe) : Savor local delicacies, experience the atmosphere of the bustling Old Town while enjoying live music, traditional food and drinks are a great way to soak in the local culture.

Things to remember:

  • Bring your camera: The Village Museum is a photographer’s dream.
  • Embrace the local cuisine: Enjoy “mici” (grilled minced meat rolls), a Romanian specialty.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking at the Village Museum!

Enjoy the experience:

  • Explore Bucharest’s Old Town: Wander through the cobbled streets and discover hidden gems.

Remember to:

  • Bring cash:

While this itinerary focuses on the “what” and not the “how,” you can easily fill in the details with specific locations and activities based on your interests.

Exploring the Beauty of Bucharest’s Old Town

  • Take a walk through the charming streets: Explore the charming cobblestone alleys, charming squares, and historic buildings.
  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife:

Let me know if you’d like to add some specific destinations or activities for each day. I can help you tailor the itinerary further!