One of Europe’s most captivating countries for adventurous, thoughtful travellers, there is plenty to explore in Romania. Extend your stay in one of its charming cities, discover the bucolic hills and painted monasteries of Bucovina, or experience traditional rural life in Maramures. The options below are a guide to what we can offer and can be adapted or combined.
Overview
Explore this delightful rural part of Romania, discovering wildflower meadows, remote villages and extraordinary painted monasteries. You'll be looked after by a passionate and knowledgable guide throughout your stay.
Getting there
You can explore Bucovina before or after your Transylvania or Danube journey. We will suggest suitable flights for your dates; these tend to be with Wizz Air between London Luton and Suceava.
Price
From £1,650 per person, based on two people sharing a room.
Extension itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Suceava
Arrive in the village of Poieni-Solca where you will stay at Angelica's charming rural guest house. Explore the local farm and enjoy dinner, grown from Angelica's garden.
Day 2: Poieni-Solca to Sucevița
After breakfast, visit the village shepherd in Runcu for a cheese tasting and demonstration. From here, you'll hike to Humor Monastery, a colourful church constructed in 1530. After lunch you'll be transferred first to Voroneț Monastery then to Sucevița Monastery, two beautiful and fascinating painted monasteries that sit on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Dinner is at our guest house in Sucevița.
Day 3: Sucevița to Vatra Moldoviței and Departure
After breakfast we will visit the the Museum of Painted Eggs, which exhibits over 11,000 intricately painted pieces of art that are traditional of the Bucovina region. Enjoy a coffee in the village before a transfer to the starting point of today's walk. We'll walk along a ridge with panoramic views, stopping for tea with a shepherd. In the afternoon, visit our final painted monastery, Vatra Moldoviței.
Day 4: Departure
After breakfast transfer to your onward journey.
Overview
Explore Romania's dynamic capital, a city with a complex history and fascinating mix of architecture. Once known as the 'Paris of the East', Bucharest became better known for its brutalist architecture following a period of communism and a devastating earthquake, but you'll still find Art Nouveau gems throughout the city. Today it is a modern hub, home to excellent restaurants and lively leafy avenues. You'll be joined by various guides throughout your stay who will show you the best spots in the city.
Getting there
Your Bucharest extension can take place either before or after your Slow Cyclist journey. We will suggest appropriate flights depending on your dates, but there are plenty of options between London and Bucharest.
Price
From £190 per person for one night, based on two people sharing a room. A two or three night option is also possible.
Extension itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Bucharest
Arrive in Romania's capital and relax before dinner. We can send you a list of recommended restaurants and book you a table in advance.
Day 2: City Tour and Ceaușescu Mansion
Enjoy a guided tour of Bucharest's vibrant mahalas (traditional city districts). Your guide will take you to the city's hidden treasures, including Obor Market where you'll enjoy lunch. In the afternoon you'll have a guided tour of Ceaușescu Mansion, the former home of communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu and his family. This evening you'll dine in one of Bucharest's best restaurants.
Day 3: Bucharest's Communist Architecture
Today's guided tour will focus on the architecture of the city and its communist past. You guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to key sites to learn about this dark period of Romanian history. For lunch, your guide will take you to one of the city's oldest and most renowned restaurants before visiting the Palace of Parliament. Dinner is at a restaurant of your choice and we'd happy to offer suggestions.
Day 4: Departure
After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport or your next destination.
Overview
An authentic and traditional part of rural Romania, it may feel like time slows down in Maramures. Discover welcoming villages, churches with towering wooden steeples and a rich artisanal culture. You'll be looked after by a local guide throughout your stay.
Getting there
You can explore Maramures before or after your Transylvania or Danube journey. We will suggest suitable flights for your dates; these tend to be with Wizz Air between London Luton and Cluj-Napoca.
Price
From £1,650 per person, based on two people sharing a room.
Extension itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in the village of Hoteni in the foothills of Gutai mountains. In the evening, enjoy a meal cooked by guest house host Anna in her charming courtyard.
Day 2: Hoteni to Breb
Start your day with a walk to the next village of Breb, home to William Blacker in his book ‘Along the Enchanted Way’. You will pass through woods, meadows and hay fields. After lunch at the traditional village restaurant, you will drive to the next valley to meet with the local craftsmen and visit the wooden whirlpools. Return to your guesthouse for your evening meal.
Day 3: Hoteni to Desesti
After breakfast, start a walk from your accommodation toward the mountain, crossing the Mara River to get to the neighbouring village of Desesti, to visit the painted Church of St. Parascheva. in the afternoon, you will be transferred to Sighetu Marmației, where you will have lunch in a local restaurant and visit the Jewish Museum, Synagogue, communist prison and local market. Your evening meal will be served at your guesthouse.
Day 4: Departure
Enjoy your last day in Maramures with a final hike on the hill to take in the gorgeous views before being transferred to Cluj-Napoca.
Overview
Based in the historical region of Transylvania, Sibiu is a vibrant, medieval city. Explore the old town, partly enclosed in 12th century walls, and learn about Romania's deep-rooted traditions and culture. There is also the option to take a break form the city and walk in Romania's rugged Carpathian Mountain range.
Getting there
Sibiu is best explored at the end of your Transylvania journey as this our city of departure. Flights between Sibiu and London Luton are operated by Wizz Air.
Price
From £120 per person for one night extension, based on two people sharing a room. A two & three night options is also possible.
Extension itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Sibiu
Transfer to Sibiu where you can dine at your hotel or start exploring the old town.
Day 2: Sibiu
After breakfast, you will be met at your hotel by your guide and taken on a cultural tour around Sibiu. Discovering hidden alleyways and iconic historical sites, including Lutheran and Orthodox cathedrals and the Council Tower. Lunch will be served at a restaurant, a passion project owned by one of Sibiu’s local chefs. This afternoon, continue your journey through the past with a tour around the biggest outdoor museum in the country, a reflection of the social and architectural history of Romania. Your guide will transfer you back to your hotel for a rest before an evening at your leisure.
Day 3: The Carpathian Mountains
Today you'll head out into the Carpathian Mountains with your guide. A gentle climb through forests will lead you to the top where you will witness breathtaking views of one of the longest mountain ranges in Europe. Lunch will be served at a nearby guest house in the village, before visiting a private museum, home to a unique collection of Romanian religious and folk art. Your guide will transfer you back to your hotel to enjoy your last evening in Sibiu at your leisure.
Day 4: Departure
After breakfast transfer to your onward journey.
Overview
The 'capital' of Transylvania is a truly lively city, with a creative arts scene as well as a fascinating old town. It's well worth spending time here to see a different side to the region.
Getting there
You can explore Cluj-Napoca before or after your Transylvania or Danube journey. We will suggest suitable flights for your dates; these tend to be with Wizz Air between London Luton and Cluj-Napoca.
Price
From £120 per person for one night, based on two people sharing a room. A two & three night option is also possible.
Extension itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cluj-Napoca
Transfer to Cluj-Napoca where you can dine at your hotel or head out and explore one of Romania's most vibrant cities.
Day 2: Cluj-Napoca
After breakfast, you will be met at your hotel by your guide and taken on a cultural tour around the medieval old town's cobblestone streets. Discover a fascinating history, captivating stories and stunning architecture such as St Michael’s Church. Your tour will end at a restaurant of your choice for lunch, and you'll enjoy a free afternoon visiting the city or enjoying the sauna and jacuzzi at your hotel.
Day 3: Cluj-Napoca
After breakfast, you will be met by your guide and taken on a tour of the Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania, where you will learn more about the region's folklore and everyday life as told by expertly curated exhibits. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant of your choice before relaxing or exploring the city at your leisure in the afternoon.
Day 4: Departure
After breakfast transfer to your onward journey.
Practical Information
Accommodation
We avoid big, soulless hotels, preferring intimate guest houses and homes that offer charm and comfort. Rooms are en-suite where possible and although hot water and water pressure is generally reliable, we are occasionally let down (these are often medieval properties, and tourism is still in its infancy, especially in rural areas). Wi-Fi or a good 4G or 5G connection is available each night. If accommodation is listed in this itinerary it is as a guide; where required any substitutes will be of similar quality. Lodging is based on twin or double sharing although a single supplement is available.
Food & Drink
Our friends who will cook for you produce delicious food. Their methods are traditional, their produce is fresh and, although they would never call it so, the very definition of organic. Sometimes we will eat out in the open (always at a table) and at other times in private homes, traditional kitchens, small guest houses and local restaurants. Romanian wines are underrated and you will have the opportunity to taste a range of labels. You will also be served plenty of homemade wine, plum and pear brandies. During the day we provide local fruit and snacks. Allergies and other preferences are noted at the time of booking.