THE "ROMANIAN RHAPSODY TOUR" BEST SELLER 11 DAYS

THE ROMANIAN RHAPSODY TOUR

THE BEST ELEVEN-DAY TOUR OF ROMANIA

EXCLUSIVELY DESIGNED AND OFFERED BY COMPASS TRAVEL ROMANIA

HIGHLIGHTS & UNIQUE CULTURAL CONNECTIONS:

no less than FOUR locations where you stay two nights in a row;
enjoy the exceptional knowledge and expertise of Romania's top rated tour guides, exclusively working with Compass Travel Romania;
benefit of the flexibility of having the tour further tailored to your requirements and traveling style;
make the most of your tour experience with our exclusively designed tours in Transylvania, Maramures and Bucovina with no less than 9 UNESCO Sites included;
learn first-hand about the daily life in the villages of Transylvania, such as Biertan, Viscri or Barsana;
meet local people in traditional markets and in a real home in Maramures;
dine on Transylvanian specialities;
enjoy the unique chance of meeting Gypsies & discover their particular culture and traditional skills;
learn first-hand about the arts & crafts and meet local artists - a wood carver, icon designer, potter and egg painter;
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: Meet & Greet - Transfer to Hotel

Afternoon arrival to Coanda International Airport in Bucharest. Meet and greet by your English speaking tour guide / airport assistant to wait with a name sign reading Compass Travel, visible right after you exit Customs. Transfer to your downtown Bucharest hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Transfer, Accommodation in Bucharest at Hotel Berthelot **** (centrally located boutique hotel, two nights)

Day 2:

Bucharest Half-Day City Tour with Parliament Visit & the Village Museum

Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. Begin with a city tour of Bucharest including the Revolution Square and former royal palace, the main avenues and Opera House. Take a guided tour of the Palace of the Parliament - the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon followed by a drive thru Cotroceni Quarter for its representative architecture. Headed North take a stroll in the iconic Village Museum - one of the world's most interesting open-air museums with century old with original peasant households from all parts of Romania.

Return to your hotel with the balance of the day at leisure to further explore on own such as the Old Town or a guided tour of the Ceausescu Mansion.

Breakfast, Accommodation in Bucharest

Day 3:

Off to Transylvania via the Trans Fagarasan Road - Huniady Castle OR Turda Salt Mines - Cluj Napoca

Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. This early morning leave for Transylvania with a brief stop at Curtea de Arges (the burial place of Queen Marie of Romania). Heading North take pictures of the Poienari Fortress - the real castle of Vlad Dracula. En route, marvel at the Vidraru Dam, one of Europe's tallest standing impressively at 525 feet high also having opportunities to spot bears in their natural habitat. Continue via the Transfagarasan Highway, reaching some 6,640 feet and renowned for its stunning vistas.

In the afternoon reach Sibiu (Hermannstadt), formerly the chief city of the Transylvanian Germans. Enjoy a walking tour of the Great and Lesser Squares - landmarks of the Old Town with the many merchant houses featuring "the sleepy eye" dormers. View the old medieval defense walls and the remaining towers belonging to the merchant guilds. One of the landmarks of Sibiu is the Bruckenthal Palace, assembled by Baron Bruckenthal, the Governor of Transylvania at the beginning of the 19th century and a gem of Baroque architecture. Next is the Evangelical Cathedral completed in its actual shape in 1520 and featuring an exquisite fresco of the Crucifixion on the north wall of the choir dating from 1445. After check in the evening is at leisure in the Old Town's lovely pedestrianized area.

Breakfast, Accommodation in the Old Town of Sibiu at Hotel Continental Forum **** (or similar)

Day 4:

Choice of Morning Tours - Cluj Napoca Tour - Surdesti Wooden Church (UNESCO) - Iza Valley Village & Home-Hosted Dinner

Hot and cold buffet br

eakfast at hotel. Visit Sibiu open air farmers' fresh fruit and vegetable market. The leave town with a choice between a guided tour of the Gothic Huniady Castle or a self-guided tour of the Turda Salt Mines, recently re-opened to all modern facilities. Later pass thru Cluj Napoca, Transylvania's largest city for a panoramic tour with the main landmarks such as the Fellner & Helmer Theatre, the Gothic St. Michael's Cathedral, the City Hall and the Banffy Palace.

Drive north and 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. Visit the early 1720s wooden Church of Surdesti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and until recently the tallest wooden structure in Europe. This is a good opportunity to learn about the Uniates (Greek-Catholic). Then stop in the villages of Mara Valley to learn about the local dowry tradition and to admire wonderfully carved wooden gates. Accommodation in a comfortable family home in the village of Iza.

Enjoy a hearty home-hosted dinner (and plum brandy). Our hosts will join, this being a first hand cultural interchange.

Breakfast and Dinner, D 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 small village, quiet neighborhood, far away from the main street. The terraces offer a beautiful view on the village. Excellent home cooking.

Day 5:

Full Day in Maramures: Iza Village Walking Tour - Sighetul Marmatiei & Market - Sapinta & The Merry Cemetery - Traditional Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, take an exclusively designed 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. Then drive to the nearby town of Sighetul Marmatiei to mingle with the locals at the bustling fruit and vegetable market where you will have the opportunity to sample various produce from cheeses to sausage.

Continue to one of Romania's most important sites: the Anti Communist Memorial - a political prison in the Communist times and 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.

Time permitting visit the Ethnography Museum of Sighet: a wonderful window into the local culture from architecture to fashion.

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. Before returning to Iza, 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 lesiure for a walk or rest before your home hosted dinner.

OPTIONAL: folklore show with live music and dances.
Breakfast and Dinner with Folklore Show & Dances

Home stay accommodation (or hotel on request)

Day 6:

Maramures: Iza Valley, Rozavlea, Barsana & Bogdan Voda Wooden Churches - the Prislop Pass - Gura Humorului (Bucovina)

Following breakfast continue exploring Maramures along the picturesque Iza River Valley – an excellent oportunity to witness the 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) 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 tour the unique local museum located in a 235-year old home. Continue your tour by crossing the scenic Carpathian Mountains through the picturesque Prislop Pass into the northern part of Moldavia called Bucovina. Enjoy an egg-painting technique demonstration by a local artist in her own home, this being one of the local traditions of the area. You will also have the chance to admire painted eggs from all over the world. After arriving in Gura Humorului, check into the hotel. Evening at leisure.

Breakfast, Accommodation in Gura Humorului at Hotel Best Western Bucovina ****

OR Hotel Buchenland **** (two nights)

Day 7:

Bucovina Painted Monasteries Excursion (UNESCO World Heritage Sites)

A la carte breakfast at hotel. 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 one 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. 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 workshop - they use a technique called "oxygen reduction", there is the same technique in Mexico only! End your day with the Monastery of Humor, the only one without a belfry tower. Return to the hotel.
Breakfast, Accommodation in Gura Humorului

Day 8:

Piatra Neamt - Bicaz Gorges & Red Lake - Gypsy Village & Home Visit - Sighisoara

Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. Begin your day with a drive south to Piatra Neamt with a view of the Neamt Citadel, a medieval fortress initially built in the 12the century.

Later reach the famous Bicaz Gorges where the surroundings are dramatic. Opportunity for a short hike and great pictures... 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.

OPTIONAL: exclusive visit to a Gypsy village followed by a Gypsy home visit: 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 ***

Previously used by King Charles III during his early travels to Transylvania.

Day 9:

Sighisoara Walking Tour - Biertan Fortified Church - Village of Viscri - Brasov
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, 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.

Then drive to the fort rhapsody6

ified church of Biertan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a visit of the former Seat of the Lutheran Bishops. With its three belts of walls it truly is one of the most impressive structures of its kind in the country.

Following thr Saxon Trail in the afternoon visit the village of Viscri - this is where King Charles III bought an old Saxon home in 2006 and used to visit frequently. The walking tour will reveal an authentic rural architecture, the ancient type blacksmith's workshop as well as the 13th century fortified church (UNESCO).

Then reach Brasov followed by hotel check-in with the evening 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 similar, two nights)

Day 10:

Brasov Half-Day Tour with the Black Church and Schei Quarter
Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. Brasov is an important Saxon town with a rich architectural heritage. The tour will reveal the Old Town with the late Gothic Black Church (largest in South Central Europe) featuring a unique collection of precious Anatolian rugs, the Council Square, Catherine’s Gate, the Guild Towers, Schei Quarter, the narrow Rope Street as well as a view of the impressive 1901 synagogue.

The town is a center of culinary art thru its many traditional Transylvanian restaurants. The balance of the day is your leisure to further explore on own or enjoy a cable-car ride on top of Tampa Mountain.

Breakfast, Accommodation in the Old Town of Brasov

Day 11:

Dracula's Castle in Bran - Sinaia with Peles Castle & Gardens - Bucharest Airport

Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. This morning drive to the famous 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 enlarged and restored a few times to become a royal residence in the 1920s under Queen Marie of Romania. After the visit enjoy an informal cheese sampling on the premises.

Head South 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 of the resort includes a view of the famous Casino building with its architecture inspired by the one in Monte Carlo. Then take a tour of the Peles Castle (elect own tour type), the royal residence of King Charles I of Romania 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 hotel in the city,

The tour is further customizable on request, free of charge. If your flight is in the early morning, the tour program will be adjusted accordingly.

2026 Tour Price & Discounts: PLEASE CLICK HERE

Included Features:

8 nights at three-and four-star hotels, all centrally located and full of character
2 nights home-stay in Maramures (or three-/four-star hotel on request, surcharge applies)
fully insured sedan / minivan 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)
12 meals: 10 breakfasts, 2 home-hosted dinners
cheese sampling in Bran
a professional English speaking tour guide (driving) to accompany you throughout
an egg painting local museum visit in Bucovina
exclusive Gypsy home visit & interaction (based on availability)
Bucharest city tour, including a guided tour of the Palace of the Parliament
airport transfer on arrival and drop-off for departure
free wi-fi in the vehicle
bottled water during drives

Freestyle Add - Ons:

full day trip to the Republic of Moldova including a city tour of the capital city of Chisinau (requires extra day);
Transylvanian local fruit-brandy 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:

admissions (pay on spot based on the tour type you take; senior discounts up to 50%)
credit card fee of 2.5%
gratuities of any kind.

2026 Tour Price & Discounts: PLEASE CLICK HERE