Start your tour in Romania's capital city, Bucharest, also known as "The Paris of the East." Begin by exploring the Old Town, where you'll find a mix of beautiful architecture, charming cafes, and historical landmarks like The Palace of the Parliament, The Romanian Athenaeum, and the Stavropoleos Monastery.
Take a day trip to the beautiful medieval city of Brasov, nestled in the Carpathian Mountains. Explore the well-preserved Old Town and visit the Black Church, the largest Gothic church in Eastern Europe. Enjoy scenic views from the top of the Tampa Mountain and experience local cuisine at one of the traditional restaurants.
Drive to the charming mountain resort town of Sinaia, known for its beautiful Peles Castle, the summer residence of the Romanian royal family. Take a guided tour of the castle to learn about Romania's history and admire the beautiful gardens surrounding it. If time allows, take a cable car to the top of the Bucegi Mountains for panoramic views of the area.
Travel to the lively university city of Cluj-Napoca, located in the heart of Transylvania. Stroll through the picturesque streets of the Old Town and admire the impressive St. Michael's Church. Visit the National Museum of Transylvanian History for a glimpse into the diverse and rich history of the region.
Drive to the beautiful fortified city of Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula. Walk through the medieval streets of the Old Town, visit the Clock Tower Museum, and admire the panoramic views from the Citadel's walls. Don't forget to try the local cuisine and enjoy a glass of Romanian wine.
Travel to Romania's western cultural capital, Timisoara. Walk through the city's central squares, learn about the Revolution of 1989 at the Revolution Museum, and appreciate the art collections at the Baroque Palace. Take some time to enjoy the city's cafes and artisan shops.
Visit Romania's second-largest city, Iasi, known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and academic reputation. Visit the Palace of Culture, the oldest and largest Gothic-style building in Romania. Discover the history of the region at the Museum Complex of Moldova and admire the beautiful botanical gardens.
Return to Bucharest for one last day of exploring. Visit the impressive National Museum of Art, which houses thousands of works of Romanian and European art. Shop for souvenirs at the traditional markets and enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the city's charming restaurants.
For this itinerary, we recommend renting a car to have the flexibility and freedom to explore each city at your own pace. We estimate the total cost for renting a car for 8 days to be around $200, and the total driving time to be approximately 24 hours. Keep in mind that Romania has well-maintained highways and scenic routes that can add to your travel experience.
If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to the stunning Danube Delta or visiting the painted monasteries of Bucovina. If you have less time, consider skipping Timisoara and Iasi and focusing on Bucharest, Brasov, and Sighisoara for a condensed version of the itinerary.
Romania has four international airports: Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) in Bucharest, Avram Iancu International Airport (CLJ) in Cluj-Napoca, Traian Vuia International Airport (TSR) in Timisoara, and Iasi International Airport (IAS) in Iasi. Henri Coanda International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Romania, located approximately 16 km north of Bucharest's city center.