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Private tours in Romania
11. Bucharest - Budapest Tour.
Period: 13 days.
Distance: 2043km (1269m).
Tariffs
Day 1.
Otopeni Airport - Bucharest
Today you'll meet for the first time your English speaking guide at the airport. Your guide will be in the same time your driver. On the way to your hotel, your guide will present you the program for the next days. Depending on your time arrival, you'll have time to explore by yourself the center of Bucharest.
In the evening your guide will come to take you to a Romanian traditional dinner.
On the way back to your hotel you'll enjoy a night driving tour of Bucharest.
Day 2.
Bucharest - Snagov - Sinaia - Brasov
After breakfast you'll head toward Brasov.
First stop of the day will be Snagov Monastery, the place where Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) was buried according to the legend. The monastery is placed on an island in the middle of a beautiful lake surrounded by a thick forest.
In Sinaia you'll visit Peles Castle, the most beautiful castle in Romania, residence of the former royal family. Sinaia Monastery was the first building of this town, being located not far away from the castle.
Further on, you'll be taken on a scenic mountain road and you'll enter Transylvania.
On the way to Brasov you'll have an astonishing view over Bucegi Mountain,
especially over the craggy Caraiman Massive with its Heroes' Cross built in the memory of the soldiers who died during the First World War.
After check in, you'll visit Brasov, a city founded by the Saxons, who colonized Transylvania in the 12-13th centuries. Here you'll visit the old center, where you'll admire the beautiful buildings such as the astonishing Black Church which is built in Gothic and Renaissance styles. Also, you'll see the narrowest street in Romania, Rope Street, Schei and Catherine's Gates, St. Nicholas Church, and the old Schei neighborhood.
Day 3.
Brasov - Rasnov - Bran - Zarnesti - Sambata de Sus - Sibiu
Breakfast in the morning.
You'll be taken on a scenic mountain road from where you'll be able to admire the entire city of Brasov.
Next stop is the peasant fortress of Rasnov. Built in the 14th century, the fortress, with its beautiful panoramic view, is a good occasion to see how the locals defended themselves against different invaders.
Located in the Barsa region, the Bran Castle is famous for the Dracula legend, but in reality has no link with the terrifying Count.
Admiring another beautiful mountain road, you'll reach Sambata de Sus village, where you'll visit Brancoveanu monastery, one of the most beautiful orthodox monasteries. The monastic place was built by Brancoveanu, the Walachian ruler, between 1696 and 1698 in order to strengthen and to save the Romanian
orthodoxy. Here you'll be overwhelmed by the beauty of the nature and of this
monastery.
On the way to Sibiu you'll pass through Fagaras where you'll visit the local fortress. The fortress, built in 1310 by Ladislau Apo, is protected by thick walls, watching towers and by a large moat connected to Olt river through a secret canal.
The last stop before Sibiu is Carta monastery, founded in 1205-1206 by Andrew II of Hungary. It was disbanded in 1474 by Corvinus of Hungary and this place was the most eastern Cistercian church in Europe.
Finally, you'll reach Sibiu where you’ll enjoy by yourself the atmosphere of the city.
Day 4.
Sibiu - Cisnadie - Rasinari - Gura Raului - Orlat - Sibiel - Saliste - Rod - Poiana Sibiului
- Sibiu
The first part of the day will be used to visit the medieval center of Sibiu. Leader of the Romanian culture throughout history, Sibiu is known for its beautiful medieval streets, alleys, buildings, squares and passages. Sibiu displays the first iron bridge of Romania which has an interesting legend regarding its name. You'll admire or visit places like Large Square, Small Square, Huet Square, Goldsmiths' Square and Passage, Staircases' Passage, the Evangelic Church, the Orthodox Cathedral. The highlight of the day will be the visit of the Evangelical Church's tower, from where you'll be able to admire the entire city.
The second part of the day will be used for a tour in the picturesque area of Marginimea Sibiului where you'll visit and admire beautiful villages set on the feet of Cindrel Mountains.
Cisnadie is the first Saxon town visited in this area. Here you'll admire The Evangelic Church, erected at the beginning of the 12th century like a Romanesque basilica with 3 naves. It is dedicated to St. Walpurga. Modified many times, the church lost its Romanesque aspect, today looking like a church built in Gothic style.
Rasinari village is another Saxon village where you'll admire the beautiful architecture of the German houses. Further on, you'll go toward Sibiel village driving on remote roads. In Sibiel you'll visit the largest icons-on-glasses museum in Romania.
In the last part of the road you'll have a driving tour. You'll admire remote villages set on the feet of the mountains.
Back to Sibiu.
Day 5.
Sibiu - Medias - Biertan - Sighisoara
After your breakfast you'll take the road which goes to Sighisoara.
On the way you'll pass through the medieval town of Medias, famous for its church defended by the citadel's town. It is here Vlad the Impaler was imprisoned on his way to Buda (present-day Budapest). Another major attraction of Medias is the tower of Margareta Church, which has a deviation of 2m, resembling from this point of view with the famous Tower of Pisa. Also, it is one of the few Protestant churches which kept some of the Catholic frescoes.
The next stop is Biertan, a Saxon village famous for its beautiful fortified church. You'll visit the medieval fortified church of Biertan, a true masterpiece built in the 16th century by Saxons. It exhibits an interesting pulpit carved from one single rock, a door with beautiful marquetries and with a locker unique in Europe and an organ. In the end you'll see some shops which
are selling different traditional souvenirs.
After the check in, you'll enjoy a stroll on the streets of Sighisoara, which is among the few inhabited medieval citadel in the world. With its narrow alleys, medieval houses, towers, ramparts and legends about Dracula, Sighisoara
is a world-wide attraction for tourists. You'll visit the symbol of Sighisoara, the Clock Tower, Casa Vlad Dracul (the house where Vlad the Impaler was born), School's Staircase, Church on the Hill and the defense towers. Here you'll receive more information about the real Dracula (Vlad Tepes in Romanian).
For the rest of the day you can enjoy by yourself the medieval atmosphere, the cobblestone streets or buy souvenirs.
Day 6.
Sighisoara - Praid - Gheorghieni - Bicaz - Targu Neamt - Gura Humorului
After your breakfast you'll drive toward Gura Humorului located in Bucovina, one of the most beautiful regions of Romania and famous for the painted monasteries, many of them being part of UNESCO world heritage.
Although, today the journey will be quite long, you'll still have time for some visits.
Driving on scenic mountain roads, you'll reach the Red Lake, which represents an interesting picturesque area, with its empty trunks of old fir trees which
jut out of the water. Bring your camera.
Locate in the Hasmas Mountains, right next to the Red Lake, Bicaz Gorges are about 7km long. With walls 300m high, Bicaz Gorges are not just a splendid occasion to admire the beauty of the nature but also a place for buying souvenirs from the local merchants.
Day 7.
Gura Humorului – Arbore – Putna – Marginea – Sucevita – Moldovita – Vama – Voronet – Gura Humorului
Breakfast in the morning.
This day will be used entirely for the painted monasteries tour.
You'll start with Arbore church. Luca Arbore, a nobleman and high dignitary
under Stephan the Great, ordered in 1503 the building of this church dedicated to the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.
Next, you'll make a small detour for Putna Monastery, which was built by the order of Stephan the Great, ruler of Moldavia. The legend has it, that the monastery was constructed on the place where the arrow shot from the prince's bow fell off. The constructions lasted 3 years, between 1466 and 1469 and the monastic place had the purpose to be the eternal resting place of Stephen the Great. He is considered to be the greatest ruler of Moldavia, a great fighter against the Turks and a great defender of the Christianity.
Romania has 3 important pottery centers, one of them being Marginea village.
You'll stop in this village to see the workshops where the talented craftsmen make the renowned black pottery.
Then, you'll drive to the nearby Sucevita Monastery, which is the largest of all, looking more like a mighty fortress than a monastery. "The ladder of John of Sinai" fresco is considered one of the best of Sucevita.
Driving on one of the most beautiful roads in the country, crossing the gentle slopes of Bucovina Mountains, admiring the amazing panoramas from the Ciumarna
Pass, you'll reach the Convent of Moldovita. It is famous for its "Siege of
Constantinople" fresco.
Passing through Vama village, where you'll attend an egg painting
demonstration, you'll reach Voronet Convent, the most famous of all. Located not far from Gura Humorului, Voronet Convent amazes with its unique blue color, obtained from lapis lazuli, known as Voronet blue. But the "Last Judgment" fresco exceeds all expectations.
Optionally, after Voronet Monastery, you can go to Humor Monastery, located not far from Gura Humorului. Another painted monastery, Humor is surrounded by beautiful hills covered by forests. It was here that Toader Bubulog, an important nobleman of his time, built in 1530 the present church on the former site of an old hermitage.
Back to Gura Humorului.
Day 8.
Gura Humorului - Borsa – Dragomiresti - Ieud - Barsana - Vadu Izei
After your breakfast you'll drive toward Maramures region, a place where the purity of nature blends with the beauty of the old villages, a place where the
locals kept untouched their traditions, a place where the carved wood represents a common way of building.
Driving through Campulung and Ciocanesti village, where you'll be able to admire the locals’ houses, passing through Prislop Pass, the highest point of this trip, you'll reach Maramures for the first time.
The first visit in Maramures is the Museum of the Peasant Women in Dragomiresti village. It is a traditional wooden house which belonged to a woman never married.
Next, you'll stop in Ieud village for the oldest wooden church. The Church on the Hill was built in 1364 and dedicated to the Birth of the Holly Virgin. The church impresses the visitors not just because is the oldest wooden one in
Romania, but also because of its original frescoes painted in 1782 by Alexandru
Ponelhaschi.
After the oldest wooden church in Maramures, you'll visit Barsana church, one of the newest and one of the highest wooden churches in the world. Dedicated to the Twelve Apostles, the new church was built in 1992.
In the same village, you'll visit Toader Barsan's house, a local wood carver who took part at the Smithsonian World Festival in Washington.
Finally, you'll reach Vadu Izei village renowned for its craftsmen: woodcarvers, weavers and painters.
Before the dinner you'll take a stroll in the village. You'll visit a local
distillery, used by the locals to prepare tuica or palinca, a sort of plumb brandy. Not far from the distillery, you'll see how the locals are washing their carpets in a way like 100 years ago.
You'll continue your walking tour on the streets of the village admiring the wooden gates, the wooden houses, the local architecture and the locals.
You'll stay overnight in a modern and clean guesthouse with all modern facilities. A lovely surprise is expecting you.
Day 9.
Gura Humorului - Targu Neamt - Bicaz - Gheorghieni - Sovata - Sighisoara
After the traditional breakfast you'll head toward Sapanta village to admire Merry Cemetery. Here the carved crosses are painted in bright colors, the dead persons being represented during an important moment of their life.
In the same village you'll stop to admire the highest wooden structure in the world: Peri Convent, recently rebuilt.
On the way back to Sighet you'll have the chance of seeing on the side of the road many local women sewing traditional clothes or other different things.
In Sighet you'll find out something about the horrors of the communism regime.
You'll visit a prison where during the communism years many important Romanian leaders but also, common people who were against the regime, lost their lives.
You can observe the locals by taking a walking tour in the center of Sighet or in the local market.
Optionally you can visit Ellie Wiesel's house, awarded with the Nobel Prize for peace. In 1944, Ellie Wiesel, together with other 38 000 Jewish from Maramures, were sent by the Nazis to different concentration camps. In his many books, Ellie tells different stories about these moments.
In the end, you'll visit an interesting village museum which displays an important number of traditional wooden houses.
Back to Vadu Izei.
Day 10.
Vadu Izei - Sapanta - Satu Mare (RO) - Nyireghaza (HU) - Eger
At 8 o'clock you’ll serve your breakfast.
Today your journey in Romania will end.
Leaving Romania behind, you'll cross the border, entering Hungary.
You are going to head toward Eger, one of the most beautiful cities of Hungary. This place is renowned for its amazing baroque buildings, medieval castle, local wines, Turkish baths and for its beautiful old center.
In the afternoon, after you have been checked in, you'll take a stroll on the streets of Eger.
You'll visit the Cathedral of Eger, the second biggest cathedral of Hungary. The cathedral, dedicated to the evangelist St. Michael and St. John, was built in neoclassical style between 1831 and 1837.
In the end you’ll have a nice walk in Dobo Square, where you'll admire the main attractions of the plaza: The Minorite Church and The Town Hall. In the same square you'll see the statue of Istvan Dobo, a great soldier, who defended Eger against the Turkish invasion since 1522. In front of the Town Hall you'll admire another statue, named "The Valiant Warriors of the Borders".
For the rest of the day you can enjoy by yourself the city’s atmosphere.
Day 11.
Eger - Budapest
The day starts with a tour of the castle, the most famous landmark of Eger. Built in the 13th century, the castle is an important tourist spot. Four museums are located here: history museum, art museum, wax museum and the hall of sculptures. As a bonus, the castle has a wine cellar where you can enjoy a wine tasting.
The last visit in Eger will be the minaret, one of the few buildings left from the Turkish occupation. Those who want, can enjoy a nice view over Eger.
After that, you'll be driven toward Budapest, one of the most beautiful capitals of Europe, one of the most reach places in tourist attractions.
First visit of the day will by the Great Synagogue, located on the Dohany
(tobacco) street. The synagogue was built between 1854 and 1859 by the Neolog Jewish community of Pest. This religious place, the largest of this kind in Europe, impresses through its sizes and beautiful Moorish architecture.
Next visit in Budapest will be the stunning Saint Istvan Basilica, which is the largest church of the city. The construction started in 1851 and it was built in the Neo-Renaissance style. The church displays the mummified right hand of St. Istvan (Stephan), the first Hungarian king.
In the evening you can take a stroll on Andrassy street, known for its shops.
Day 12.
Budapest tour
Your day starts in morning with a visit of the building of Parliament, the third one in the world of this kind. It became the symbol of the city and the construction began in 1884. It was inaugurated in 1902. The architect, Imre Steindl got his inspirations for the design from London's Houses of Parliament. The neo-Gothic style represents the main style of the building, although an impressive Renaissance cupola attracts the visitor's attention.
Next, you'll cross the Danube into Buda. The Chain Bridge, one of the most known landmarks of Budapest, was built in 1849. Guarded by two lions at each end, the bridge became in 1989, when people demonstrated against communist
regime, a symbol of freedom.
Built for the first time in the 13th century and defended by thick walls, Buda Castle, was many time modified. It became a real castle in the 14th-15th centuries, during the reign of Sigismund by Luxemburg. After the Turkish invasions of the 15th century, the castle was rebuilt in the 18th century by king Charles and his daughter, empress Maria Theresa. Affected by the second world war, it was renovated and it was brought to its former glory.
Further on, you'll admire the beautiful building of the Castle District and you’ll reach Matthias Church, the first parish church of Budapest. The church was built for the first time in the 13th century but it was many times
modified. King Matthias, considered by many a patron of the arts, donated the two towers of the building. In 1541, the church was transformed by the Turks into a mosque. In 1686 the building was restored to its original goal.
Right next to the Matthias Church you can see the Fisherman's Bastion built in 1905. The edifice, a combination of neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque styles, attracts the visitor's attention with its seven towers, which are symbolizing the seven tribes that came to Hungary in 896.
In the end you can enjoy a beautiful walk on the alleys of the Margareta Island, which was transformed into a beautiful garden.
Day 13.
Budapest – Airport
Breakfast in the morning.
Today your tour ends and you'll be transferred from your hotel to the airport or train station.
Day 2.
Bucharest extra day
Breakfast in the morning.
At 9 o'clock your guide will come to pick up you. Today you'll visit Bucharest, a city for the first time documentary certified in 1459 in a written document signed by Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula.
The tour starts with the Parliament House, the largest building in Europe,
second in the world. Built between 1984 and 1989, right in the former historical center of Bucharest, The Parliament Palace, better known as The House of People, is the most grandiose administrative construction in Europe.
Next, will head toward one of the most beautiful village museums. Opened for the first time in 1936, the village museum includes 71 complexes with 317 different constructions like houses with tools and home objects, annex buildings, churches, installations of popular technique and handicraft workshops.
Further on, you'll go outside of Bucharest to visit Mogosoaia Palace. It was
built by Constantin Brancoveanu, a famous Walachian ruler. The church of the palace is located right next to the court. It was built in 1688 by the same ruler.
Passing by the Triumphant Arch, built in 1936, driving on the beautiful Kisseleff Boulevard, you'll reach Victory square, where the Palace of the Government is located. From here you'll admire the beautiful houses and buildings of the Victory Boulevard.
In the Revolution Square you'll stop to admire the Romanian Athenaeum built in 1888 in Neoclassical style, the Central University Library and the Art Museum, the former Royal Palace. Also, you'll get explanations about the anticommunist revolution.
The last visit of this tour is the old center of Bucharest where you'll visit the Old Princely Court with its church - the oldest building of Bucharest, the Manuc's Inn, the Stavropoleos church and the beautiful old streets, alleys and buildings.
| group of 2-3 person |
group of 4-6 person |
| 1716Euros/a person |
1600Euros/a person |
Single Supplement: 437 Euros
| group of 2-3 person |
group of 4-6 person |
| 1583Euros/a person |
1485Euros/a person |
Single Supplement: 323 Euros
| group of 2-3 person |
group of 4-6 person |
| 1508Euros/a person |
1419Euros/a person |
Single Supplement: 280 Euros
The tariffs include:
- car with A/C
- Fuel for the entire trip
- Transfers from/to airport or train station
- Accommodation in 3-4 stars hotels and guest house (pension)
- Breakfast each day
- Traditional Romanian dinner in Bucharest
- Two traditional dinners in Vadu Izei
- English speaking guide/driver
- Entrance fees for tourist objectives
- Parking tickets
- Info tour folder & detailed map of Romania
- VAT, hotel taxes
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