Ultimate Romania Road Trip 🚗: Ladies Only! All Must-See & Must-Try in 12 Days 🇷🇴

DAY 1: ARRIVAL DAY — WELCOME TO ROMANIA! 🇷🇴 Our adventure begins in the heart of the country, Romania’s vibrant capital, Bucharest. Depending on your arrival time, we’ll meet at 3:00 PM or later at our centrally located accommodation. We’ll be staying here for the next two nights, so once you’ve dropped off your bags and settled in, feel free to head out and start exploring the city at your own pace while we wait for the rest of the group to arrive. If you arrive earlier in the day, you can easily add some extra fun to your adventure with optional activities of your choice that aren’t listed in the itinerary. I’ll be happy to share links and suggestions whenever you need them.

DAY 2: BUCHAREST CITY WALKING TOUR — “ALL ABOUT BUCHAREST” Good morning! Today marks the official start of our trip, and what better way to begin than with breakfast together. This will be our welcome gathering, trip briefing, and Q&A session — a chance to finally connect as a group and set the tone for the adventure ahead. After breakfast, we’ll jump straight into the program with a guided city walk led by a licensed local guide. The goal of today’s tour is to truly understand Bucharest through its three defining eras: the historic old times, the communist period, and modern Romania. During our 2.5-hour walk, feel free to ask anything — about the city, Romanian history, daily life, food, traditions, or restaurant recommendations. Our local guide will be our bridge to the culture and the stories behind what we see. We’ll be walking quite a bit today, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and have your camera ready — there will be plenty to capture. Lunch and dinner will be a group decision, based on our preferences and the many great recommendations available. This is our last full day in Bucharest before we move on tomorrow, so take it all in and enjoy the city’s energy! -- THE PALACE OF THE PARLIAMENT — the city’s most iconic landmark, built during the communist era and also known as the House of the People. It holds a Guinness World Record as the second-largest administrative building in the world, after the Pentagon. BUCHAREST OLD TOWN — a lively mix of historic sites, architectural gems, and vibrant streets. This area is the heart of the city’s nightlife, and its beautiful chaos perfectly captures the spirit of Bucharest.

DAY 3. BUCHAREST – CURTEA DE ARGES – "COZIA" MONASTERY - SIBIU "THE CITY WITH EYES" ⏱ ~4.5 hours | 🚗 278 km Rise and shine — the road is calling! After a hearty breakfast in our guesthouse and picking up our rental car, we’ll set off toward one of Europe’s most mysterious regions: Transylvania. Our first stop is the Curtea de Argeș Monastery, famous for the powerful and heartbreaking Legend of Master Manole — one of Romania’s best-known myths, built around the idea that nothing everlasting can be created without sacrifice. Today, the monastery is one of Romania’s most important historical landmarks and serves as the final resting place of several members of the Romanian Royal Family. On our way to Sibiu, we’ll pause at Cozia Monastery, often described as the most peaceful monastery in the region. It’s the perfect place to slow down, reflect, and perhaps light a candle before continuing our journey. The highlight of the day awaits us in Sibiu, a beautifully preserved medieval city and European Capital of Culture in 2007. Here, we’ll visit the famous Bridge of Lies, one of Sibiu’s most iconic landmarks. According to local legend, the bridge creaks if someone tells a lie while standing on it — shall we test it? 😉 Tonight, we’ll stay in this charming city. Enjoy the atmosphere and get a good night’s rest! --- CURTEA DE ARGES MONASTERY is a legendary masterpiece of Romanian architecture, wrapped in myths of sacrifice and eternal love. Its intricate stone carvings and haunting beauty make it one of the most mystical and iconic religious sites in Eastern Europe. COZIA MONASTERY is a mystical 14th-century sanctuary hidden in the Carpathian Mountains, known for its ancient frescoes and the tomb of Prince Mircea the Elder. Legends say the monks still guard secret tunnels and forgotten relics within its sacred walls. THE BRIDGE OF LIES is one of Romania’s oldest cast-iron bridges, wrapped in legends and mystery. Local folklore says it creaks or collapses when someone lies on it, making this charming Sibiu landmark a playful test of truth and legend. SIBIU "The City with Eyes" is famous for the unique, eye-shaped dormer windows on the roofs of its old buildings, which date back to the 15th century. Also known as a European Region of Gastronomy (2019).

DAY 4: MORNING. SIBIU - CORVIN CASTLE ⏱ ~1.5 hours | 🚗 134 km Another beautiful morning of exploration awaits. After breakfast, we’ll drive to Corvin Castle, one of the largest and best-preserved Gothic–Renaissance castles in Europe, dating back to the 15th century. It’s often listed among the Seven Wonders of Romania and is a cornerstone of Transylvanian history. With its dramatic towers, deep moat, and long wooden bridge, the castle looks straight out of a fairy tale. It’s also famously linked to the legend of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula), who is said to have been imprisoned here. One optional area of interest is the Torture Chamber, which presents medieval torture methods using historical devices and detailed explanations. Some visitors find it fascinating, others a bit too intense — feel free to skip this section based on your comfort level. After exploring the castle, we’ll stop for lunch before continuing our journey. -- TRANSYLVANIA (from the Latin "beyond the forest") is a land of misty mountains, medieval castles, and haunting legends. Home to Dracula’s myth and centuries-old villages, it blends wild nature with dark folklore, creating one of Europe’s most mysterious and atmospheric regions. CORVIN CASTLE is world-renowned as a premier example of Gothic-Renaissance architecture, often ranked among Europe's largest and most beautiful, Romanian Friend. With hidden chambers, dark legends of Vlad the Impaler, and towering bridges, it feels like a real-life fairytale where history and haunting stories come alive.

DAY 4: AFTERNOON. CORVIN CASTLE – GEAMĂNA (FLOODED CHURCH) – CLUJ-NAPOCA ⏱ ~4.5 hours | 🚗 236 km After about 2.5 hours on the road, we’ll arrive at one of Romania’s most haunting sights — the sinking village of Geamăna. If you’ve never witnessed the long-term impact of flooding, this will be a powerful experience. The partially submerged church stands as a silent reminder of a tragic story. What makes this area even more unique is that we’ll be standing on land believed to hold one of Europe’s largest gold and silver deposits — a resource that remains untouched due to environmental protection and UNESCO-related restrictions. This region represents a rare and dramatic clash between economic interests, history, and nature preservation. I’m especially excited to explore this area and share some local stories with you. Be prepared for a fair amount of walking. By evening, we’ll reach Cluj-Napoca, the largest city in Transylvania and one of Romania’s biggest university hubs. If energy allows, we’ll take a relaxed walk through the Old Town, with free time to enjoy cozy cafés and bohemian restaurants. Tonight, we stay in Cluj-Napoca. --- THE SINKING VILLAGE OF GEAMĂNA is a haunting place where a church tower rises from toxic waters, slowly swallowed by nature. Once a living village, now a ghostly landscape, it feels frozen in time, wrapped in silence and eerie beauty. CLUJ-NAPOCA, the unofficial capital of Transylvania, is famous as a vibrant student city, major IT hub, and cultural center in Romania. Known for hosting massive music festivals like UNTOLD Festival (one of Europe’s largest electronic music festivals), Electric Castle, and the Transylvania International Film Festival (TIFF).

NIGHT — OPTIONAL ACTIVITY! Guided TOUR 2: “A Night Walk In The Haunted Forest” ⏱ 3 hours | 🥾 4 km You can’t fully experience Dracula’s mystery without stepping into the Transylvania forest after dark. And if you think you might have any psychic abilities — this is your chance to put them to the test. Hoia Baciu is no ordinary forest. It was dubbed the “Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania” by the BBC and named by Travel + Leisure as one of the most haunted forests in the world. Over the years, it has attracted ghost hunters, paranormal researchers, UFO enthusiasts, and TV crews from across the globe. Reports of strange lights, unexplained sounds, and unsettling encounters have turned this forest into a true legend. That said, this activity is completely optional. If you decide to skip it, no worries — you’ll still get to hear plenty of chilling stories about the forest afterward. -- TOUR 2. "Night TOUR to Haunted Forest". This is a private 3-hour tour from Cluj-Napoca, starting between 18:00–22:00, depending on the season and our preferences. The experience includes a guided 4 km hike through Hoia Baciu Forest with Romania’s top expert, transport, flashlights, and rain ponchos. We’ll explore Poiana Rotunda "The Clearing", see twisted trees and strange vegetation, and use electronic devices to investigate one of Europe’s most mysterious forests. HOIA BACIU FOREST is one of the world’s most mysterious forests, famous for UFO sightings, twisted trees, and unexplained phenomena. Known as the “Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania,” it attracts thrill-seekers searching for the unknown.

DAY 5 – MORNING CLUJ-NAPOCA – SALINA TURDA (DURGĂU SALT LAKES) – TOUR 3. BOAT RIDE ON THE UNDERGROUND LAKE (20 min) ⏱ 35 min | 🚗 32.6 km If there’s anything we didn’t get to see or do in Cluj yesterday, this morning is our chance to wrap it up — because our next stop is truly unforgettable. We’re heading to Salina Turda, one of Romania’s most mind-blowing attractions (and yes, it really does look as incredible as the photos!). According to Business Insider, Salina Turda is one of the coolest underground attractions in the world. This former salt mine features 13 underground levels and an impressive underground theme park, complete with a Ferris wheel, mini-golf, a tennis court, and even a lake. Once we’re there, we’ll decide together whether to take a boat ride on the underground lake first or test the famous echo chamber. And just in case — bring your swimsuit! The thermal baths next door are beautiful and might be too tempting to skip. After lunch, we continue our journey north to the land of mystery and traditions — Maramureș. --- SALINA TURDA is a world-renowned, ancient salt mine, transformed into a massive, surreal underground amusement park and treatment center, located roughly 120 meters below ground. Famous for its futuristic design, it features an underground lake with boating, a Ferris wheel, bowling, and a spa within stunning, centuries-old salt chambers. TOUR 3. Boat ride on the Terezia Mine Lake (20 min, max 3ppl per boat) - A boat ride on the 112-meter deep underground lake offers a unique, tranquil experience surrounded by historic, illuminated salt walls. The air is cool (11C-13C) and is known to be beneficial for respiratory health due to high salt concentration. This attraction features small rowboats for visitors, creating a serene, almost magical atmosphere in one of the world's oldest salt mines.

DAY 5 – AFTERNOON SALINA TURDA → THE MERRY CEMETERY (SĂPÎNŢA) → SIGHETU MARMAȚIEI ⏱ ~4.5 hours | 🚗 270 km From Salina Turda, we drive to northwestern Romania, into the heart of Maramureș, with our main stop in Săpînţa, home to the world-famous Merry Cemetery. This is the only cemetery of its kind in the world, known for its brightly painted, hand-carved wooden crosses decorated with witty, humorous verses that tell the life stories of those who rest there. The people of Maramureș are considered some of the most hospitable in Romania. Their traditional wooden houses are not museum pieces, but a living part of everyday life. Despite centuries of hardship and limited rights, the locals preserved their spirit by following two simple rules: live life fully and value the richness of the soul above all else! In the evening, we’ll enjoy a traditional Romanian dinner, freshly prepared with local ingredients. And if luck is on our side, we may even experience a folkloric show. Tonight, we stay in Sighetu Marmației, surrounded by tradition, stories, and the authentic spirit of northern Romania. --- MARAMUREȘ, located in northern Romania, is renowned as a "land of wood," featuring 17th-18th century UNESCO-listed wooden churches, massive carved gates, and a deeply preserved, traditional rural culture. THE MERRY CEMETERY (Sapanta) is known for its colorful, wooden crosses featuring humorous, satirical poems and scenes from the deceased's life, depicting death as a moment of joy. SIGHETU MARMAȚIEI is known for the poignant Memorial of the Victims of Communism and of the Resistance, housed in a former political prison. The town is situated along the Tisa River on the border with Ukraine, which could be a separate story.

DAY 6 – MORNING SIGHETU MARMAȚIEI → VIȘEU DE SUS TRAIN STATION ⏱ ~1.5 hours | 🚗 61 km TOUR 4. The “Mocanita” Steam Train Ride Into The High Carpathian Mountains ⏱ 6 hours | 🚂 43,5 km Rise and shine! Today we start early to catch up with one of Romania’s and Eastern Europe’s most remarkable railway heritage attractions — the narrow-gauge steam railway (Mocănița) in Vișeu de Sus. This is the only remaining working narrow-gauge forestry railway of many built in 1932 to transport timber from the remote Carpathian forests. If you love exploring places unreachable by modern transport, get ready for a 6-hour adventure! The railway climbs 43.5 km through the roadless Vaser Valley, deep into Maramureș forests, all the way to the tiny hamlet of Coman. The train is the only access to settlements up the valley, other than on foot. On the way back, the engine driver may whistle for the brakemen to stop — sometimes for passengers, sometimes to pick mushrooms! During the journey, we will enjoy the breathtaking woodland scenery and rushing rivers, and take a picnic or forest walk at the terminus. The locals are friendly and full of fascinating stories. This historic railway is a rare survival from an earlier age and a living piece of Maramureș heritage. Lunch is included and will be served during free time in Coman hamlet.

DAY 6 – AFTERNOON VIȘEU DE SUS TRAIN STATION → VÂLTOARE BORȘA MARAMUREȘ → VORONEȚ ⏱ ~3.5 hours | 🚗 162 km After saying goodbye to the Maramureș region and its warm hospitality, we head east across the Carpathians to the Holy Land of Bucovina. But first, let’s enjoy one last glimpse of Maramureș traditions. We’ll stop at the Vâltoare, the ingenious communal “washing machine.” For centuries, this wooden cylinder in river water has been used to wash heavy fabrics and carpets — but more than that, it’s a hub of community life, where villagers gather to chat, share stories, and strengthen bonds. Tonight we stay near the famous Voroneț Monastery, one of the eight UNESCO Painted Monasteries, renowned for its unique “Blue of Voroneț.” In the evening, we’ll explore the area and enjoy a traditional Romanian dinner nearby. Rest well — tomorrow we dive into the heart of the Holy Land of Bucovina! --- VÂLTOARE is famous for being a traditional, natural, and eco-friendly washing machine. The rushing water creates a powerful vortex (whirlpool) inside the basin, which spins and cleans thick fabrics, blankets, and carpets without detergent or electricity. It is a symbol of rural Romanian tradition, culture, and sustainable living.

DAY 7. VORONET MONASTERY – MOLDOVITA MONASTERY – SUCEVIȚA MONASTERY – IASI ⏱ 4.5 hours | 🚗 256 km Welcome to Bucovina, a land of breathtaking Painted Monasteries, considered true masterpieces of Byzantine art. Their stunning frescoes illustrate biblical scenes and the lives of important religious figures, blending beautifully with the surrounding landscapes. These monasteries are truly unique in the world. VORONEȚ MONASTERY, often called the "Sistine Chapel of the East" – Built in 1488, this UNESCO site is famous for its striking “Voroneț Blue.” MOLDOVIȚA MONASTERY – One of the oldest settlements, built between 1532-1537, included in UNESCO in 1993. SUCEVIȚA MONASTERY – Constructed in 1585, legend says a woman transported all building materials herself with an ox cart to redeem her sins. We’ll pause for lunch along the way, saving dinner for Iași, Romania’s second-largest city and birthplace of many famous personalities. Overnight in Iași. --- VORONEȚ BLUE is world-famous as a unique, intense shade of blue pigment found on the exterior frescoes of the 15th-century Voroneț Monastery. It is renowned for its durability, having survived over 500 years of exposure to the elements. The pigment is derived from crushed azurite, but the specific, long-lasting binding agent used remains a secret.

DAY 8: IAȘI – TÂRGU NEAMȚ – PIATRA NEAMȚ ⏱ 3 hours | 🚗 154 km Today we take it a bit slower and shift to a new region of Romania. We’ll start with a self-guided walking tour in Iași to stretch our legs and explore from the outside the city’s highlights: PALACE OF CULTURE – Neo-Gothic masterpiece built between 1906-1925. METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL – Home to the city’s patron saint relics; built atop two older churches, The White Church and Stratenia Church, in 1833. NATIONAL THEATRE – Romania’s first national theatre. After lunch in Iași, we will head to Târgu Neamț to visit Neamț Citadel, a Moldavian medieval fortress on Plesului Hill (480 m). Built during Peter I’s reign (1375-1391). The citadel is considered one of the most powerful and well-preserved medieval fortifications in Romania and the symbol of the most glorious period of Moldavia. Even Mehmet II, who conquered Constantinople, reportedly could not breach its walls. Legends tell of Stephen the Great’s mother refusing him entry to hide, encouraging him to return to battle. Don’t be surprised if you hear “Moldova” or “Moldavia” a lot today — we’ll explore the deep historical connections between old Moldavia and the modern Republic of Moldova. By early evening, we’ll arrive in Piatra Neamț with time to enjoy a relaxed walk through the old town before dinner — or even take the famous gondola ride. The cable car offers spectacular panoramic views and is one of the city’s top highlights, giving you a perfect first impression of the “Pearl of Moldova.” Overnight in Piatra Neamț. --- IAȘI known as the "City of a Hundred Churches," including the 17th-century Three Hierarchs Monastery and the Metropolitan Cathedral, which hosts a major annual pilgrimage. PIATRA NEAMȚ is one of the most picturesque cities in Romania, known as the “Pearl of Moldova.” The city is famous for its stunning Carpathian mountain scenery, the historic Princely Court (Curtea Domnească) dating back to Stephen the Great, and its status as one of Romania’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. GONDOLA RIDE & 360° VIEWS. Ascend from 323 m to Dealul Cozla at 632 m and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Piatra-Neamț and the surrounding Carpathian Mountains. A must-do experience! ‼️Not included in the program; additional cost: 50 LEI (10 EUR) per person for a round-trip.

DAY 9: PIATRA NEAMȚ – BICAZ – CORUND – BIERTAN – SIGHIȘOARA ⏱ 5 hours | 🚗 263 km Today we drive through the spectacular Bicaz Gorges, one of Romania’s most dramatic natural landscapes. Our first stop is Red Lake, formed in 1837 when a landslide from Mt. Ucigașu blocked several streams. The reddish river deposits gave the lake its name — a stunning sight you won’t forget. Next, we visit Corund, one of Transylvania’s main pottery centers. Here, centuries-old traditions of pottery and ceramics thrive, alongside woodworking and local trade. The clay used in pottery is extracted from a nearby stream, making every piece truly authentic. Optionally, we can stop at Biertan, a UNESCO village known for its fortified church. Saxon colonists first settled here in the 13th century, attracted by fertile soil perfect for winemaking. I also know a unique local restaurant in the area — worth a little indulgence tonight! Our final stop is Sighișoara, home to the last inhabited citadel in Europe. Built by Saxons in the 12th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a living history book, with charming streets and medieval architecture. Tonight, most of us will rest peacefully, but those with extra energy can explore a little — after all, we are in Transylvania! Overnight in Sighișoara

DAY 10: SIGHIȘOARA – VISCRI – TEMPLE OF FULFILLMENT PRAYINGS – BRAȘOV ⏱ 2 hr 46 min | 🚗 155 km Today we continue our journey through Transylvania and its fascinating villages. We start with a brief exploration of Sighișoara, where every building tells a story and medieval charm is alive in every corner. Next, we visit Viscri, a village that captured the heart of Prince Charles with its simplicity and preserved traditions. Visiting Viscri is like stepping back in time — here, life moves slowly, fast food doesn’t exist, and meals are slow, hearty, and locally sourced, often enjoyed in a villager’s garden. Our final stop is the Temple of Sinca Veche, located in a tiny village famous for its ancient spiritual site, believed to be over 7,000 years old. This mystical temple is linked to legends of the White Temple on Snake’s Island, and it’s said your deepest wishes can come true if you approach with a pure heart. Don’t forget to squeeze your wish into the wall if it’s crowded inside — a truly unique experience of spirituality, mysticism, and self-reflection. After a day full of discovery, we reach Brașov, one of Romania’s most beautiful cities, where we’ll enjoy a short evening walking tour, time permitting. Overnight in Brașov

DAY 11: BRAȘOV – BRAN CASTLE – PELEȘ CASTLE – BUCEGI PLATEAU – BUCHAREST ⏱ 5 hr 43 min | 🚗 274 km TOUR 5. Guided Tour Plus Fast Pass - Adult (it also includes Torture Rooms and Time Tunnel) Everything we’ve explored so far has been leading to this moment — the Dracula Castle experience! Before leaving Brașov, we’ll take a brief stroll through Council Square, admire Rope Street (Strada Sforii) — one of the narrowest streets in the world — and see the Black Church (Biserica Neagră), a Gothic masterpiece scorched by fire in 1689. Next, we drive to the famous Bran Castle, perched atop a 60-meter cliff. Often called Dracula’s Castle, this 13th-century fortress towers over the most important medieval route into Transylvania. Inside, you’ll uncover stories of Vlad the Impaler, medieval legends, and the castle’s haunting history. By this point, you’ll be well-prepared to separate fact from fiction and connect some of the mystical tales to the surrounding natural landscape. I'm very excited to hear your thoughts! From there, we continue to Sinaia, the picturesque mountain resort loved by the Romanian Royal Family. We’ll visit Peleș Castle, built by King Carol I of Romania. This Gothic-style castle spans 3,200 sq. meters, with 160 rooms, 30+ bathrooms, and one of Europe’s finest collections of art and over 4,000 European and Oriental weapons. Peleș Castle was also Europe’s first fully electrified castle — a true marvel of its time. Our last stop is the Bucegi Plateau, famous for its alpine scenery, wind-eroded rock formations like The Sphinx and Babele, and the Heroes’ Cross on Caraiman Peak. Depending on our timing, we can enjoy panoramic views, capture a stunning sunset, or simply soak in the legends, natural mysteries, and spiritual energy of the plateau. By late evening, we return to Bucharest, marking the end of our incredible Romanian journey. Enjoy your last night together, as tomorrow we will have to go our separate ways.

DAY 12: DEPARTURE DAY – TIME TO SAY GOODBYE After a restful night, we’ll share one final breakfast together to fuel the morning ahead. The rest of the day is yours to explore one last hidden gem, enjoy a self-guided adventure, or simply relax before your departure. If you wish, you can even extend your adventure with an optional Day 12. Otherwise, arrange your own travel plans for a smooth journey home. Let’s savor this last morning, reminisce about our unforgettable journey, and carry the joy of Romania with us until our paths cross again!

DAY 12 – OPTIONAL BUCHAREST – BERCA MUDDY VOLCANOES – AMBER MUSEUM – BUCHAREST ⏱ 4 hr 39 min | 🚗 298 km This extra day is completely optional — visiting the Berca Muddy Volcanoes can get MUDDY… literally! If you don’t mind dirt on your boots and clothes, it’s perfect for nature lovers and geology enthusiasts. If you prefer to skip it, no worries — I’ll share all my photos and videos so you won’t miss a thing! Here’s what we will explore today: BERCA MUDDY VOLCANOES – Located in Buzău County, this extraordinary natural reserve is home to a rare geological phenomenon: cold mud “eruptions” from the earth that form cone-like structures. Caused by gases rising from deep underground, these bubbling mud craters create a lunar-like landscape that’s unlike anywhere else in Europe. AMBER MUSEUM – This is the only amber museum in southeastern Europe. Discover amber pieces up to 60 million years old, in a dazzling array of colors, all displayed in a traditional peasant home. The museum also features rocks, minerals, traditional costumes, and jewelry — a hidden gem that blends natural history with local culture. If unusual landscapes and ancient treasures excite you, this optional day is a perfect way to add two unique experiences before heading back to Bucharest. NOTE: Please note that our trip officially ended. If you choose to stay an extra night in Bucharest, you’ll need to arrange your accommodation on your own.