THE ”ROMANIAN RHAPSODY” TOUR
SIMPLY THE BEST QUALITY CULTURAL PRIVATE TOUR OF ROMANIA.
EXCLUSIVELY DESIGNED AND OFFERED BY COMPASS TRAVEL ROMANIA LLC.
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2024 TOUR HIGHLIGHTS AND UNIQUE CULTURAL CONNECTIONS. EARLY RATES.
- enjoy the exceptional knowledge and expertise of Romania's top rated tour guides, exclusively working with Compass Travel Romania;
- benefit of the complete flexibility of having the tour further tailored to your style;
- make the most of your tour experience through our exclusively designed tours in Transylvania, Maramures and Bucovina with no less than 9 UNESCO Sites included;
- enjoy 10 nights of accommodation at full of character, centrally located accommodations, as well as a superb home stay in Maramures;
- learn first hand about the daily life in the more remote villages of Transylvania, such as Biertan, Viscri or Barsana; meet local people in traditional markets;
- dine on varied Romanian specialities, from the home cooked dinners in Maramures to the authentic Transylvanian fares in Sibiu;
- take the unique chance of meeting Gypsies in their own community and discover their particular culture and traditional skills;
- learn first hand about the arts & crafts and meet local artists;
- no less than three locations where you stay two nights in a row;
- FREE STYLE ADD-ONS: full-day to Republic of Moldova, tours of the Danube Delta & Black Sea Coast, one to three days tour of Bulgaria.
Day 1
Bucharest, Romania
Afternoon arrival to Coanda International Airport in Bucharest. Meet and greet by your English speaking tour guide, to wait with a name sign reading Compass Travel, visible right after you exit Customs. Transfer to Bucharest with a short orientation tour en-route to your downtown hotel.
Transfer, Accommodation in Bucharest at Hotel Berthelot **** (centrally located boutique hotel)
Day 2
Bucharest City Tour - Olt River Valley & Gorge - Cozia - Sibiu (Trasnylvania)
Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. Start with a city tour of Bucharest including the Revolution Square, the main avenues, the Palace of the Parliament - the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon, Cotroceni Quarter for its representative architecture and the iconic Village Museum: one of the world's most interesting open-air museums with century old, original rural architecture from all parts of Romania.
BASED ON AVAILABILITY AND DAY OF THE WEEK: exclusive visit to the private home of the Ceausescus (on pay on own).
Head for Transylvania: en route stop at the exquisite 14th century Cozia Monastery built by Prince Mircea the Elder Continue along the scenic Olt River Canyon crossing the mountains into Transylvania. Reach Sibiu with a brief orientation tour on the way to the hotel. Dinner on own. Suggested is Crama Sibiul Vechi, the best cellar - restaurants in town, serving Transylvanian fares and excellent local wines.
Breakfast, Accommodation in the Old Town of Sibiu at Casa Luxemburg *** (or similar)
Breakfast, Accommodation in the Old Town of Sibiu at Casa Luxemburg *** (or similar)
Day 3
Sibiu Walking Tour - Huniady Castle OR Turda Salt Mines - Cluj Napoca
Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. Start with a leisurely walking tour of Sibiu (Hermannstadt), formerly the chief city of the Transylvanian Germans. The Great and Lesser Squares are the landmarks of the Old Town with the many merchant houses featuring "the sleepy eye" dormers and guild towers. One of the landmarks of Sibiu is the Baroque Bruckenthal Palace, assembled by Baron Bruckenthal, the Governor of Transylvania early 19th century. The Evangelical Cathedral was completed in its actual shape in 1520. Stroll in Sibiu's open air farmers' fresh fruit and vegetable market.
CHOICE OF AFTERNOON TOURS:
Leaving Sibiu, you have a choice between a guided tour of the Gothic Huniady Castle or, a guided tour of the Turda Salt Mines, recently re-opened to all modern facilities. Late afternoon arrival to Cluj Napoca, the former capital of Transylvania and today an important university center. Take a panoramic city tour followed by hotel check in. The evening is at leisure in town.
Breakfast Accommodation in Cluj Napoca at Hotel Siago ***+ (or similar)
Day 4
Cluj Napoca Tour - Maramures: Chioar Valley Villages - Surdesti Wooden Church (UNESCO) - Iza Valley Villages
Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. This morning take a panoramic tour of Cluj Napoca with the main landmarks such as the Fellner & Helmer Opera House, the Gothic St. Michael's, the City Hall and the Banffy Palace.
Drive northand reach the splendid region of Maramures (northern Transylvania). Due to the relative isolation of their land, the people of Maramures developed a particularly strong community with a unique personality, traditions, culture and lifestyle unspoiled for centuries. The old villages along the Chioar Valley are particularly picturesque. Tour the early 1720s wooden Church of Surdesti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: a good opportunity to learn about the Uniate Church (Greek Catholic). In the villages of Mara River Valley to learn about the local dowry tradition and to admire wonderfully wooden carved gates. Accommodation in a private house (B&B style) in the village of Iza.
A hearty home-hosted dinner (and plum brandy) is included you get deeper into the local culture. Our hosts will join, this being a first hand cultural interchange.
Breakfast and Dinner, Home stay accommodation (modern villa) or Casa Iurca *** in Sighet (on request, two nights)
Family home, with one section renovated into a modern villa with all modern facilities. The location is excellent, in a quiet neighborhood, far away from the main street. The terraces offer a beautiful view on the village. Excellent home cooking.
Family home, with one section renovated into a modern villa with all modern facilities. The location is excellent, in a quiet neighborhood, far away from the main street. The terraces offer a beautiful view on the village. Excellent home cooking.
Day 5
Maramures Tour: Iza Village Walking Tour - Sighetul Marmatiei & Market - Sapinta & The Merry Cemetery - Dinner
After a hearty breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of the village of Iza including an icon-on-glass workshop (learn about the technique), the local ancient-type plum brandy distillery and a typical whirlpool still used by the local women to wash heavy woolen blankets. Drive to the nearby town of Sighetul Marmatiei to mingle with the locals at the colorful fruit and vegetable market where you will have the opportunity to sample various produce.
Continue to one of the most important sites: the Anti-Communist Memorial - a political prison in the Communist times. This is one of the main memorial sites of the continent, alongside Auschwitz Museum and the Peace Memorial in Normandy. The visit here provides a direct connection to Romania's most recent history.
Head west along Tisa River and reach the village of Sapinta world-famous for its "Merry Cemetery". Here each wooden cross carries a funny epitaph about the person's life. Take a view of what is the tallest wooden structure in the world: Sapinta Peri. Late in the afternoon return to the village. Time at leisure. Enjoy a home hosted dinner with local specialities.
Breakfast and Dinner, Home stay accommodation (or hotel on request)
Breakfast and Dinner, Home stay accommodation (or hotel on request)
Day 6:
Maramures: Iza Valley, Barsana & Bogdan Voda - the Prislop Pass - Gura Humorului (Bucovina)
Following breakfast continue exploring Maramures along the picturesque Iza River Valley – an excellent opportunity to witness daily life in this corner of Europe and also meet locals. Stop in the village of Rozavlea for a visit to the 1722 wooden church (UNESCO) followed by the exquisite Barsana Nunnery: an example of Maramures wooden church architecture at its best. Visit Bogdan Voda wooden church (UNESCO Site). In the village of Dragomiresti visit the unique local museum located in a original 235-year old home. Then cross the scenic Carpathian Mountains through the picturesque Prislop Pass into the northern part of Moldavia called Bucovina. Enjoy an egg-painting technique demo by a local artist in her own home, this being one of the local traditions of the area. After arriving in Gura Humorului, check into the hotel. Evening at leisure.
Day 7
Later reach Bicaz Gorges where the surroundings are dramatic. Opportunity for a short hike. Next is the spectacular Red Lake, formed by an accidental mountain drift in 1838. Optional lunch in the resort (restaurants here specialize in naturally grown trout). Once passing the Red Lake you are back to Transylvania passing through an area inhabited mostly by the Hungarian Szeklers community, which actively maintains its peculiar culture and even script.
Bucovina Painted Monasteries Excursion (UNESCO World Heritage Sites) & Traditional Lunch
Hot and cold buffet breakfast. The Bucovina Monasteries Tour will reveal outstanding gems of medieval Moldavian architecture and artistry. Begin your day with Voronet, the most famous out of all, known as the Sistine Chapel of the East and featuring the best Last Judgment fresco in this part of the World.
Next is Moldovita Monastery where the UNESCO Golden Apple Award given to the painted churches in 1975, is kept. As a cultural connection, enjoy a traditional Bucovina lunch in the picturesque village of Sucevita. Later continue 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 is considered one of the best of the frescoes of Sucevita, rarely present in medieval Romanian art. In the village of Marginea visit the black pottery workshop - they use a technique called "oxygen reduction", there is the same technique in Mexico only! End with the Monastery of Humor, the only one without a belfry tower. Return to the hotel with the evening at leisure.
Breakfast and Lunch, Accommodation in Gura Humorului
Breakfast and Lunch, Accommodation in Gura Humorului
Day 8
Gura Humorului - Piatra Neamt - Bicaz Gorges & Red Lake - Gypsy Home Visit - Sighisoara
Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. Begin your day with a drive south to Piatra Neamt via the Moldavian countryside. En route stop for a view of Neamt Citadel.
Later reach Bicaz Gorges where the surroundings are dramatic. Opportunity for a short hike. Next is the spectacular Red Lake, formed by an accidental mountain drift in 1838. Optional lunch in the resort (restaurants here specialize in naturally grown trout). Once passing the Red Lake you are back to Transylvania passing through an area inhabited mostly by the Hungarian Szeklers community, which actively maintains its peculiar culture and even script.
Exclusive visit to a Gypsy home: this is an unique opportunity to learn about this less known yet controversial ethnic group, about its culture, identity and lifestyle. Afternoon arrival to Sighisoara: a World Heritage Site and the only still inhabited medieval citadel in Europe. Accommodation in the Upper Town. Suggestion for dinner: the Birthplace of Vlad Dracula.
Breakfast, Accommodation in Sighisoara at The House with Antler *** (two nights)
Previously used by King Charles III during his early travels to Transylvania.
Day 9
Sighisoara Walking Tour - Biertan Fortified Church & Village Tour
Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. Sighisoara is one of a kind. It was developed by the German settlers as of late 12th century. It stands on a network of tunnels and catacombs and, according to one version of the myth; this is where the Pied Piper brought the children of Hamelin after their ungrateful parents refused to pay him his due. The walking tour includes the two squares of the Citadel (Upper Town), the Scholars' Staircase, the House with Antler and Venetian House, the Tower with Clock, the Torture Chamber and the Weapon Museum. Sighisoara is the place where the Vlad the Impaler Dracula was born in 1431. The Birthplace is one of the main tourist attractions.
Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. Sighisoara is one of a kind. It was developed by the German settlers as of late 12th century. It stands on a network of tunnels and catacombs and, according to one version of the myth; this is where the Pied Piper brought the children of Hamelin after their ungrateful parents refused to pay him his due. The walking tour includes the two squares of the Citadel (Upper Town), the Scholars' Staircase, the House with Antler and Venetian House, the Tower with Clock, the Torture Chamber and the Weapon Museum. Sighisoara is the place where the Vlad the Impaler Dracula was born in 1431. The Birthplace is one of the main tourist attractions.
Drive to the fortified church of Biertan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a visit of the former Seat of the Lutheran Bishops. After the visit you may opt for a walking tour of the Saxon village of Biertan where time seems to have stood still. Return to Sighisoara in the afternoon to further explore on own.
Breakfast, Accommodation in Sighisoara
Breakfast, Accommodation in Sighisoara
Day 10
The Saxon Trail - Dracula's Castle in Bran & Cheese Sampling - Brasov Tour
Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. Leave Sighisoara in the morning. Continue through the picturesque Trail of Saxon Villages with a brief stop at Saschiz (UNESCO Site). En route view of Rupea Citadel, formerly part of the medieval defense systemt of Transylvania.
Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. Leave Sighisoara in the morning. Continue through the picturesque Trail of Saxon Villages with a brief stop at Saschiz (UNESCO Site). En route view of Rupea Citadel, formerly part of the medieval defense systemt of Transylvania.
Mid-morning tour the famous Gothic Bran Castle also known as Dracula's Castle. This medieval structure was built in 1377 to safeguard the trading route between Transylvania and Wallachia, and has been restored to eventually become a royal residence under Queen Marie of Romania. After the visit enjoy an informal cheese sampling on the premises.
Spend the remainder of the day with a tour of Brasov, and its rch heritage such as the well-preserved Old Town, the late-Gothic Black Church featuring a collection of precious Anatolian rugs, the Council Square, Catherine’s Gate, Schei Quarter, the narrow Rope Street as well as a view of the impressive 1901 synagogue. Hotel check in with the remainder of the day in the lovely pedestrian area of the Old Town with its many restaurants and outdoor cafes.
Breakfast, Accommodation in the Old Town of Brasov at Hotel Bella Muzica ***
OR Hotel Safrano Palace***
Day 11
Brasov - Sinaia: Peles Castle - Bucharest Airport / Hotel
Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. Morning scenic drive to Sinaia mountain town. Named after St. Catherine Monastery on Mount Sinai, Sinaia became the unofficial capital of the Kingdom of Romania toward the end of the 19th century. The orientation tour includes a view of the superb Casino building, with its architecture inspired by the one in Monte Carlo. Then take a guided tour of the ground floor of Peles Castle and Gardens and known as one of the most beautiful summer royal residences in Europe.
End your Romania tour with a drive to Bucharest Coanda International Airport, drop-off for your afternoon return flight or transfer to your Bucharest hotel.
The tour is further customizable on request. If your flight is in the early morning, the tour program will be adjusted accordingly.
Included Features:
- 8 nights at three- and four-star hotels, all centrally located
- 2 nights home-stay in Maramures (or three/four star hotel on request, surcharge applies)
- fully insured sedan / van with climate control, for the entire distance
- fuel & parking fees
- all sightseeing tours & cultural connections
- informal talks on: Vlad the Impaler - Dracula, Ceausescu and His Times, The Gypsies and Their Journey (all by the tour guide)
- 13 meals: 10 breakfasts, 1 Bucovina lunch, 2 home hosted dinners
- informal cheese tasting in Bran
- a professional English speaking tour guide (driving) to accompany you throughout
- an egg painting demo in Bucovina
- exclusive Gypsy home visit & interaction
- Bucharest city tour, including a guided tour of the Palace of the Parliament
- airport transfer on arrival and drop-off for departure (if on Day 11)
- porterage (except for Customs Areas)
- map of Romania.
Freestyle Add - Ons:
- full day trip to the Republic of Moldova including a city tour of the capital city of Chisinau (requires extra two days)
- Transylvanian wine tasting in a 500-year old cellar
- full day trip to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi, Bulgaria (from Bucharest, requires extra day)
- two day Black Sea & Danube Delta Extension with private delta cruise accompanied by certified skipper (from Bucharest, requires two extra days)
- three day Bulgaria Highlights Tour Extension (from Bucharest, requires an extra three days; flight out of Sofia, Bulgaria)
You'll Visit 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Sibiu's Historic Center & Ensemble of Squares, Maramures Wooden Churches, Bucovina Exterior Frescoed Monasteries, Historic Center of Sighisoara, Fortified Churches of Southern Transylvania.
Not Included:
- other meals than stated
- alcoholic beverages
- admissions fees at sites and museums
- credit card fee of 2.5%
- gratuities of any kind.
Tour Price & Discounts: PLEASE CLICK HERE
The Best-Selling Complete Tour of Romania in 11 Days. Unique Cultural Connections. Inquire Today !