en
- Adventure
- 9-day trip
- From €3,495 p.p.
Romania trip | Unspoilt & fascinating nature trip Romania
Romania is a true adventure destination that is still relatively undiscovered. Meet the hospitable people and enjoy culinary dishes that vary greatly by region. Join us on a journey through Transylvania, home to some of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities, and immerse yourself in Romanian culture, but most importantly, nature. You will travel with a specialist guide who will be happy to tell you more about the flora and fauna of certain areas. Enjoy delicious Romanian wines, and head out in a 4×4 vehicle to spot the brown bear. Hop on board for a boat trip across the Danube Delta where rich bird life can be found.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Arrival in Bucharest
- Day 2 Exploring nature in the Danube Delta
- Day 3 Journey to Brasov
- Day 4 Spectacular Mountain Trek: 7 Steps Gorge
- Day 5 Birdwatching and bear spotting in the Carpathians
- Day 6 Transylvania
- Day 7 History and birdwatching
- Day 8 Wine tasting and return to Bucharest
- Day 9 Return journey to Bucharest
Arrival Bucharest
Upon arrival at Bucharest Airport (Otopeni), you will collect your hire car and set off on the approximately 4.5-hour drive to Tulcea, the gateway to the fascinating Danube Delta. Tulcea is the gateway to this extraordinary area, one of Europe’s last true wildernesses, where rivers, lakes and reed beds form a labyrinth of waterways. Here, signs of human presence are scarce; only occasionally does a fishing boat glide silently through the network of winding channels.
From Tulcea, you’ll travel by boat on to Crișan, a small village right in the heart of the delta. The crossing is an immediate introduction to the peace, tranquillity and overwhelming natural beauty you’ll experience over the coming days. In the evening, you’ll be welcomed with a sustainable dinner, featuring fresh fish from the delta. Enjoy authentic regional dishes, prepared according to local recipes, in an atmospheric setting where simplicity and nature go hand in hand.
Inclusief:
- Rental car Renault Clio or similar model
- Boottransfer naar Crișan
- Dinner
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast and dinner
Exclusief:
- International flight
Natural discovery in Danube Delta
After breakfast, you’ll board a boat for an impressive voyage of discovery through the Danube Delta. You’ll sail past glistening lakes and narrow canals, heading towards the protected nature reserve around Sulina Beach, renowned for having the finest sand in the region. Along the way, your guide will tell you all about the area’s rich birdlife and unique flora, from rare herons to flowering aquatic plants. In the town of Sulina, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, where the menu is inspired by the day’s catch.
After lunch, you’ll travel on to one of the most extraordinary places in the delta: the mysterious Letea Forest. The journey there takes you by horse and cart or rugged 4x4 through a landscape of sand dunes and wetlands. Letea Forest is one of Romania’s oldest nature reserves and unique in Europe. The deciduous forest lies hidden amongst sand dunes and comprises unusual tree species such as downy oak, white poplar, white lime and ash. The wind-sculpted sand dunes lend the landscape an almost exotic atmosphere, as if you were in another world. The legendary wild Letea horses also live here, roaming freely through the reserve. A particular highlight is the ancient oak of Letea, estimated to be around 700 years old, standing over 30 metres tall and with a circumference of more than 10 metres – a true giant of the delta.
At the end of the day, you’ll return to Crișan by boat. In the evening, another delicious fish dinner awaits, followed by a moment of tranquillity: a magical sunset, as the golden light sets the waters of the delta ablaze.
Inclusief:
- Rental car
- Private excursion: Exploration of Danube Delta including local English-speaking guide and lunch
- Dinner
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Travel to Brasov
After an early breakfast, you will leave Crișan by boat and return to Tulcea. From there, your drive towards charming Brașov begins, a journey of about 6.5 hours through Romania's picturesque interior. En route, you will make a special stop in Vama Buzăului, where you will take an hour to visit a nature reserve. Here, bison, reindeer, peacocks, mouflons, fallow deer and others live in a natural environment, a wonderful place to stretch your legs and admire wildlife up close. After this moment of nature, continue your route to Brașov, located on the edge of the Carpathian Mountains. In the evening, enjoy dinner in the atmospheric historic centre, in a restaurant specialising in ecological local produce, a delicious end to a varied day of travel.
Inclusief:
- Rental car
- Private excursion: Vama Buzăului including lunch
- Dinner
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Spectacular Mountain trek: 7 Steps Gorge
You’ll travel for about an hour to Timișul de Jos, at the foot of the impressive Piatra Mare massif. Here you’ll meet your experienced mountain guide, who will accompany you on a full-day hike through one of Romania’s most beautiful mountain regions. The walk of around 15 kilometres (approx. 8 hours, with an elevation gain of approx. 1,100 metres) takes you past spectacular scenery and challenging terrain. You’ll start by passing through the impressive gorge at the 7 Steps Waterfall, where you’ll follow the steep path via metal steps and footbridges. You’ll then continue your climb to the Piatra Mare mountain hut and eventually to the summit of Piatra Mare.
Along the way, you’ll have the chance to spot deer, birds of prey and even adders in their natural habitat. You’ll have a packed lunch with you to enjoy a well-deserved break along the way. After this active day, you’ll return by coach to Brașov, where you’ll round off the day with a well-deserved dinner in the city.
Inclusief:
- Rental car
- Private excursion: 7-stage waterfall including English-speaking guide and lunch
- Dinner
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Bird and bear watching in the Carpathians
After breakfast, you’ll set off for the Dumbrăvița Lake nature reserve, also known as the ‘Carpathian Delta’. Here, you’ll meet a specialist ornithologist and university lecturer who will guide you on a fascinating observation tour of the flora and fauna around the lake. Over the course of around four hours, you’ll discover an impressive variety of bird and plant species, including the black stork (Ciconia nigra), ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca), corncrake (Crex crex), bittern (Botaurus stellaris), the purple heron (Ardea purpurea) and various rare marsh plants such as Epipactis palustris and Trollius europaeus. With a bit of luck, you might even spot an otter (Lutra lutra). You’ll then be taken to a local restaurant in about 45 minutes, where you’ll enjoy a traditional fish lunch at a charming trout farm (pastravăria).
In the evening, a special highlight is on the programme: a private bear-watching tour in the forests near Brașov (duration approx. 2 hours). Here, deep in the forest, you can admire the brown bear in its natural habitat from a safe hide – a unique and unforgettable experience. Afterwards, you’ll return to Brașov for dinner and an overnight stay.
Inclusief:
- Rental car
- Private excursion: Dumbravita Lake including English-speaking guide and lunch
- Private excursion: Bear watching including English-speaking guide
- Dinner
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Transylvania
After a delicious breakfast, you’ll leave Brașov and drive for about an hour to Racoș, a fascinating nature reserve known for its emerald-green volcanic lake, impressive basalt columns and an extinct volcano. You’ll explore this geological wonder for about an hour. The journey then continues to Mercheașa (approx. 30 minutes’ drive), where you’ll visit the Goruni Reserve, an ancient oak forest that is home to some of Romania’s oldest trees.
You will then drive to your final destination of the day: Sighișoara, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns and the presumed birthplace of Vlad Țepeș, better known as Dracula. The town is divided into two parts: the fortified citadel atop the hill, with its colourful streets and ancient towers, and the lower town in the valley of the River Târnava Mare. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic highlights, such as the clock tower, the covered staircases, the church and various guild towers. For lunch, you’ll make a special stop at Dracula’s birthplace, now a charming restaurant.
Later in the afternoon, round off the day in style with a cognac tasting in a local wine cellar – the perfect opportunity to discover the flavours of the region in a unique setting.
Inclusief:
- Rental car
- Private excursion: Discovery of Racos nature reserve including English-speaking guide
- Goruni booking
- Cognac tasting
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
History and bird watching
After breakfast, you’ll take a city tour of charming Sighișoara, where you’ll learn more about the rich history, medieval architecture and colourful streets of this UNESCO town. After the tour, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own or simply relax on a terrace. You’ll then enjoy a delicious lunch in the historic centre.
In the afternoon, you’ll travel along the picturesque Via Transilvanica route to a unique nature experience. Here, you’ll meet an experienced ornithologist, with whom you’ll set off on a special excursion to an area featuring ancient oak forests and excellent birdwatching opportunities. With a bit of luck, you’ll spot species such as the corncrake (Crex crex), lesser spotted eagle (Aquila pomarina), lesser grey shrike (Lanius minor), red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio) and the nightingale-like golden oriole (Oriolus oriolus). Part of this excursion is undertaken on foot through a beautiful, peaceful landscape.
At the end of the afternoon, you’ll return to Sighișoara. Enjoy a delicious dinner and round off the day with a free evening in this charming town.
Inclusief:
- Rental car
- Private excursion: Sighisoara including lunch and English-speaking guide
- Private excursion: Century oak and bird watching including English-speaking guide
- Dinner
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Wine tasting and return to Bucharest
Enjoy a peaceful morning, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature – the perfect moment to unwind for a little while longer before your journey continues. After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll set off for Bucharest, a journey of around 5 hours.
On the way, you’ll make a pleasant stop-off in the picturesque Prahova Valley, renowned for its rolling vineyards and fine wines. Here, you’ll take part in a wine tasting, where you’ll be introduced to some of the finest wines Romania has to offer, accompanied by commentary from a local sommelier.
After this delightful interlude, you’ll continue on to Bucharest, where you can round off your trip in style.
Inclusief:
- Rental car
- Wine tasting in the Prahova Valley
- Dinner
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Accommodations
Pensiunea Eden
Located in the Danube Delta in the town of Crisan in Romania, Pensiunea Eden is an excellent option for a getaway in nature. Accommodation options consist of rooms and flats comfortably furnished to ensure guests enjoy a relaxing stay. The rooms with private...
Located in the Danube Delta in the town of Crisan in Romania, Pensiunea Eden is an excellent option for a getaway in nature. Accommodation options include rooms and flats that are comfortably furnished to ensure guests enjoy a relaxing stay. The en suite rooms are equipped with air conditioning, television and mini fridges. You can enjoy delicious meals at the hotel's restaurant and relax with a drink at the bar. Amenities include a swimming pool.
Your stay: 2 nights
Schuster Boarding House
Schuster Boarding House is a boutique hotel in the heart of Braşov's historic centre. The accommodation consists of spacious rooms, each equipped with underfloor heating, a TV, an espresso machine, a desk and an in-room safe. A buffet breakfast is offered daily. You can also relax...
Schuster Boarding House is a boutique hotel in the heart of Braşov's historic centre. The accommodation consists of spacious rooms, each equipped with underfloor heating, a TV, an espresso machine, a desk and an in-room safe. A buffet breakfast is offered daily. You can also relax with a refreshing drink in the lobby bar or stay inside and take advantage of the room service. Additional amenities include free Wi-Fi, a luggage room, a mini bookcase, a small courtyard and a rooftop terrace with 360-degree views of the city. Maid and laundry services are also available.
Your stay: 3 nights
Fronius Residence
Fronius Residence is located in the middle of the citadel of Sighisoara, near the Crit and 46 km from Sovata. The property has nine rooms with Wi-Fi and are equipped with a TV with cable channels, a minibar, a safe and air conditioning. The residence has a bar and offers a laundry and cleaning service,...
Fronius Residence is located in the middle of the citadel of Sighisoara, near the Crit and 46 km from Sovata. The property has nine rooms with Wi-Fi and are equipped with a TV with cable channels, a minibar, a safe and air conditioning. The residence has a bar and offers a laundry and cleaning service, as well as guarded parking for guests.
Your stay: 2 nights
MOXA Bucharest Boutique Hotel
Located in the heart of Bucharest, on Calea Victoriei Boulevard, MOXA Bucharest Boutique Hotel features a spa centre and a lush garden. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom.
MOXA Bucharest Boutique Hotel offers spacious and stylish rooms, decorated with elegant...
Located in the heart of Bucharest, on Calea Victoriei Boulevard, MOXA Bucharest Boutique Hotel features a spa centre and a lush garden. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom.
MOXA Bucharest Boutique Hotel offers spacious and stylish rooms, decorated with elegant furnishings.
In the elegant lounge, you can enjoy breakfast every morning and relax in the evening. The nearest shopping centre is 2 km away.
The Yeshoah Tova synagogue is 850 m away. The accommodation is a 20-minute drive from Henri Coanda International Airport. The Victoria Business Centre is 1 km from the hotel.
Your stay: 1 night
Experiences
Boat trip Danube Delta
Board a fun and exciting boat trip on the Danube Delta, the second largest river delta in Europe. The Delta is home to around 300 bird species including pelicans, ibises and cormorants. Cruise through a maze of canals, rivers, swamps, islets and lakes. In the forests located on the river...
Board a fun and exciting boat trip on the Danube Delta, the second largest river delta in Europe. The Delta is home to around 300 bird species including pelicans, ibises and cormorants. Cruise through a maze of canals, rivers, marshes, islands and lakes. In the riverside forests, you will encounter other animals such as foxes, wolves, horses and deer. The best time for bird watching is from early spring to late summer.
Destinations
Sighisoara
Sighisoara is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, which makes it truly unique. The historic town lies on the banks of the River Tarnava Mare in Mures County. Surrounded by lush, rolling hills, this picturesque Romanian town features red-tiled roofs and labyrinthine cobbled streets lined with pastel-coloured historic buildings leading to picturesque squares.
It is also situated in the famous region of Transylvania and is an excellent base from which to explore the Saxon villages of Viscri and Biertan. Wander through the medieval streets and spot tall towers, discover the ancient fortified walls that surround the town, and visit the array of enchanting cafés, inviting restaurants and craft shops. The old town is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the birthplace of Dracula.
Bucharest
Bustling Bucharest, located in southern Romania, is the country's capital and also an excellent city break destination. The Old Town (commonly called Lipscani) contains an interesting collection of architectural styles, from Baroque to Art Nouveau, as well as an excellent selection of affordable accommodation, cafes, bars and restaurants. Free walking tours of the city are available, where you can admire some of the most memorable sights, including the immense Parliament Palace, the colourful and domed St Nicholas Russian Church, the National Art Museum and the extraordinary collection of buildings around University Square. Bucharest is also home to a number of popular parks (such as Cismigiu Gardens and Herastrau Park), where you can rent boats and enjoy public sculptures and well-maintained walking paths.
Romania
Romania, located in south-eastern Europe, is best known for its mystical, forested region of Transylvania. This fascinating country is home to fascinating folklore, legendary inventors and remarkable natural landscapes. It boasts the spectacular Carpathian Mountains, an array of medieval villages and ancient fortified churches and castles. One of the country's main highlights is the iconic Bran castle perched on a cliff, said to be the birthplace of the mythical Dracula character. Visitors can look forward to exploring the bustling capital Bucharest; visiting the beautiful Danube Delta, Europe's best-preserved delta; and discovering the charming walled medieval village of Sighisoara, with its cobbled streets lined with historic buildings. Don't miss this chance to discover Romania's seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Brasov
The historic Transylvanian city of Brasov, founded in the 13th century, is located in the heart of Romania and situated at the foot of the Southern Carpathians. With its central location, Brașov is an excellent location to explore Romania. The Piata Sfatului, Council Square in the heart of Brasov's medieval historic centre, is a great starting point to explore the ornate buildings and cobbled streets of the old town, which are dotted with bustling cafés, shops and carts selling local delicacies such as kurtoskalacs. Take the cable car to the top of Tâmpa Mountain. Other highlights include Biserica Neagra and Catherine's Gate, the last remaining original medieval gate. Brasov is surrounded by a rural landscape dotted with villages atop rolling hills, mountain peaks and green alpine forests. The landscape is pristine and perfect for multi-day hiking adventures.
Piatra Neamț
Piatra Neamț is located in the beautiful Eastern Carpathians in northeastern Romania. With easy access to the peaks, a fantastic culinary scene and several amazing historical buildings, the town appeals to a variety of travellers. Explore the beautiful trails along the gorges of Bicaz and the Ceahlău massif, hop from one cute antique shop to another, or visit some fascinating sites like the wooden Bal Shem Tov synagogue. A wide range of interesting museums are on offer, with the highlight being the Cucuteni Museum, which provides insight into Neolithic Cucutenian culture. Be sure to visit the breathtaking Lake Izvorul Muntelui. The city is also known by frequent visitors for its friendly atmosphere and good energy.
Brașov County
Shrouded in the dense green forests, dramatic outcrops and rich farmlands of Transylvania, Romania, Brașov County is a beautiful and intriguing destination famous for its history and folklore. Visit the mighty, ancient Bran Castle to learn all about Dracula stories and see spectacular collections of artifacts such as armour, art, and a wishing well; explore the quaint and pretty streets of the old walled city of Brasov, or discover the majestic Black Citadel and numerous other impressive heritage buildings (the Fortified Evangelical Church and Saxon Evangelical Church are particular highlights) in Codlea. The Piatra Craiului National Park, decorated with numerous superb hiking trails, provides a phenomenal treasure trove of flora, fauna, and exquisite views over the magnificent hills and valleys.
Transylvania
Set in the heart of central Romania, Transylvania is a region most famous for its link to the renowned mystery of Count Dracula. It is the largest region of Romania and the most well-known. It boasts a rich history, fascinating culture and incredible castles. The region is scattered with medieval towns, and impressive castles like Bran Castle, a Gothic fortress said to be the home of the legend of Dracula. Aside from exploring the magnificent castles and learning about the rich history, visitors can venture into the surrounding Carpathian Mountains for excellent hiking and climbing opportunities. Don't miss a visit to the collection of national parks dotting this incredibly scenic region.
Romania trip | Unspoilt & fascinating nature trip Romania
We offer the described trip from €3,495 per person.
The tour price is an indication and is subject to availability and travel dates, amongst other factors.
Included
• Overnight stays in excellent and unique accommodation
• Renault Clio hire car or equivalent model, including insurance, taxes and excess waiver
• All meals as specified in the itinerary
• All necessary private transfers as specified
• All excursions as listed in the ‘programme’
• National park entrance fees for planned excursions
• Meet and greet on arrival
• Booking fees (worth €50)
Positive impact of your trip:
• A contribution of €50 per person towards a positive impact via the Avila Foundation
Not included
• International flights
• Room type upgrade
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Tourist tax (where applicable)
• One-way surcharge (where applicable)
• Local car hire costs, such as administration fees, parking charges and fuel
• Seat reservations
• Personal expenses/tips
• Any departure tax when leaving the destination
• Meals not specified and optional excursions
• Contribution to the Calamity Fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)