Romania
Treasures of Romania: Enchanting Castles and Painted Monasteries
Program No. 19208RJ
Discover Romania’s legendary culture and charm as you enjoy wine with locals, revel in art and explore pristine forests that boast some of the greatest biodiversity in the world.
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Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
May 11 - May 21, 2025
Starting at
3,789Sep 21 - Oct 1, 2025
Starting at
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
11 days
10 nights
23 meals
9B 8L 6D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
3
Bucharest Sightseeing
Bucharest
6
Transfer to Gura Humorului, Bicaz Gorge, Lacu Rosu
Gura Humorului
8
Transfer to Cluj-Napoca, Bistrita
Cluj-Napoca
9
Rimetea, Salt Mine at Turda
Cluj-Napoca
10
Romanian Sociology, Cluj Landmarks, Free Time
Cluj-Napoca
11
Program Concludes
Cluj-Napoca
At a Glance
Romania is one of Europe’s most dynamically changing nations — a hauntingly beautiful land set apart by the Carpathian Mountains, great plains, deep forests, ancient cities and villages with architecture of many periods. Three major ethnic groups and half a dozen religions blend influences of East and West. Delving into this intriguing society, explore the capital, Bucharest; Moldavia’s painted monasteries; the Saxon area with its preserved medieval cities; and Transylvania’s remarkable landscapes.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking and standing up to 3 miles and 4 hours per day on city streets, cobblestone streets, rough terrain, in museums and sites, and with some uphill walking. Unavoidable stairs. Getting on/off a motorcoach. Some extended bus travel. Elevations up to 3,000 feet.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Explore the Castle of Dracula in Bran and learn the true story behind the myths.
- Join an expert in the famous painted monasteries of Gura Humorului, including the World Heritage sites of Voronet, Moldovita and Sucevita monasteries.
- Taste Romanian foods and the famous wines of the Aiud wine region as you lunch with a local family in Rimetea.
General Notes
Give us a call to combine this learning adventure with select dates of "Treasures of Bulgaria: Ancient Ruins, Roses and Revival" (#19207) for even more learning in Europe!
Suggested Reading List
(25 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Treasures of Romania: Enchanting Castles and Painted Monasteries
Program Number: 19208
All Rivers Run to the Sea
Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel recounts his remarkable life, from his childhood in Romania to the horrors of Auschwitz, his days as a young writer in post-war France and New York and his many pilgrimages to Israel.
The Balkans, A Short History
With eloquence and clarity, Mazower addresses issues of geography, nationalism and nation in this indispensable survey.
Dracula
The vampire novel that started it all, based on the legend of "Vlad the Impaler." The gothic shocker is set within the dank castles and misty forests of Transylvania and the foggy streets and staid country houses of Victorian England.
Blue Guide Travels in Transylvania
With maps, plans and photographs, this accessible guide to Transylvania's "land that time forgot" focuses on its small towns, cultural heritage and wondrous landscapes.
The Dance at Mociu
A collection of stories, prose poems and meditations on Old Europe, drawn from the author's many visits to Transylvania.
Palgrave Concise Historical Atlas of the Balkans
The changing borders and complex history of the Balkans are clearly and concisely shown through 50 double-page maps and accompanying essays, organized chronologically.
In Europe's Shadow
In this engaging personal account of more than three decades of visits to Romania, prolific writer and journalist Kaplan presents a comprehensive portrait of an often overlooked country, which he argues is key to understanding Europe as a whole.
In Search of Dracula
This history of Vlad Tepes (AKA Vlad the Impaler), the Romanian warrior prince and inspiration for Bram Stoker’s infamous blood-drinking count, draws on oral histories and archaeological evidence and also examines Dracula’s many incarnations in film and literature.
The Broken Road, From the Iron Gates to Mount Athos
Assembled from Leigh Fermor’s manuscripts by friend and biographer Artemis Cooper, with the travel writer Colin Thubron, this is perhaps the most personal of all Leigh Fermor’s books, catching up with young Paddy in the fall of 1934 and following him through Bulgaria and Romania to the coast of the Black Sea.
Romania, An Illustrated History
An illustrated primer on Romania's eventful history, from the bronze age to the period of the Dacians before and during Roman rule, the principalities from the 14th century until 1821 and modern times.
Just a Bite, A Transylvania Vampire Expert's Short History of the Undead
Based on his experiences spent in the lands of vampire legend, Transylvania, Istvan Pivarcsi explores the fascinating development of the modern-day vampire from its sources in Transylvanian oral tradition.
The Color of Smoke, An Epic Novel of the Roma
First published in Hungarian in 1975, this epic novel provides both a sweeping glance of World War II-era rural Hungary and an intimate glimpse into the interior life of an adolescent coming of age within the harsh but resolutely light-hearted Roma community.
Between the Woods and the Water
In this sequel to A Time of Gifts (CEU30), Leigh Fermor's classic account of his adventure on foot to Constantinople in 1933, Paddy relates his youthful travels in Hungary and Romania, culminating with his arrival at the Iron Gates on the Danube.
The Mountains of Romania
This practical guide, with 40 color maps and photographs, includes the Carpathians, Bucegi Massif and monasteries of Bucovina.
Bucharest Map
Full-color map at a scale of 1:20,000.
Bury Me Standing
This marvelous portrait of the Roma, also known as the Gypsies, offers insight into their music, foods, religions and folk traditions and also examines their influential but complex relationship with Eastern Europe.
Romania Moldova Map
This handy fold-up map at a scale of 1:500,000 includes a multilanguage legend and city plans.
Balkan Ghosts, A Journey through History
Kaplan interweaves history, art and culture with his travels through Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Romania and Greece in this regional portrait.
Rough Guide Romania
An informative, up-to-date guide that combines general information on the country with practical travel details.
The Romani Gypsies
Matras delves into the history of the Romani, an ancient and misunderstood European culture that has survived through modern times.
A Concise History of Romania
Beginning with the Roman conquest of Davia, this exhaustive overview of Romania helpfully divides the course of history into four distinctive periods: medieval, early modern, modern and the so-called return to Europe.
Painter of Silence
An exquisite historical novel set in the somber desolation of postwar communist Romania, the story opens with the arrival of a deaf and mute man at the hospital in the provincial city of Lasi. A nurse at the hospital befriends the man and as their relationship unfolds a secret history is revealed that binds the two characters both to one another and to the suffering of their stricken homeland.
Language and Travel Guide to Romania
This personal, comprehensive guide includes the history and culture of Romania, language essentials and practical travel information.
The Historian, A Novel
In this wildly popular historical thriller, Kostova traces a 16-year-old woman's harrowing journey across Europe to find the notorious 15th-century prince of Wallachia, Vlad Dracul, completing her father's research in the medieval monasteries and dusty libraries from Istanbul and Budapest to Romania.
Bradt Guide Transylvania
This comprehensive guide focuses on culture, nature and responsible travel. Mallows includes sights and activities throughout the region.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
11 days
10 nights
What's Included
23 meals (
9B, 8L, 6D
)
2 expert-led lectures
12 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
9 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Bucharest, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Bucharest
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hotel Berthelot
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 2:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from our Group Leader and a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Meals will feature local cuisine in a variety of settings. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Bucharest Sightseeing
Location:
Bucharest
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Berthelot
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving short distances within the city, up to 2 hours total riding time through multiple transfers. Walking up to 3 miles, approximately 4 hours; periods of standing; city streets, some stairs.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
Setting out via motorcoach from the hotel, we’ll begin our exploration of Bucharest with an expert-led walk to Revolution Square where we will learn about the Romanian Revolution of 1989 against communism, one of the last in Eastern Europe. Nicolae Ceausescu was Romania’s communist leader at the time who, for years, had quashed all political opposition through promotion of fear tactics including the use of a ruthless secret police force. Next, we’ll board a motorcoach and travel to Patriarchy Hill where Romania’s Parliament building resides, which was designed to be the office of the former dictator and is the second largest building in the world. The 17th-century cathedral on Patriarchy Hill is also the center of the Romanian Orthodox Church. While on site, we’ll learn how government works in Romania, how the Parliament was built, and where the money came from for the massive project.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
With our Group Leader, we will continue exploring the historic center of the city including the Ceausescu area and how the family got involved in the life of the country. Afterwards, we will continue with our Group Leader for a field trip to the open-air Village Museum where we will learn about Romania’s diverse population and its multicultural heritage, including emphasis on folk traditions and rural architecture.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
4
Peles Castle, Transfer to Brasov
Location:
Brasov
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Ambient
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 118 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time to Brasov. Walking about 2 miles; up to 2 hours in Sinaia; some stairs to negotiate.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will board a motorcoach and begin travel to Transylvania and our next destination, Brasov. On the way, we will stop in Sinaia where we will enjoy an expert-led field trip through Peles Castle – summer residence of the Royal Family. The castle was built according to Western-European fashion by using the best possible materials: Murano crystal chandeliers, German stained-glass windows, Cordoba leather wall coverings, Meissen and Sevres porcelain. Many people believe this to be the most beautiful castle in Europe.
Lunch:
At the castle in Sinaia.
Afternoon:
We’ll check in to the hotel upon arrival in Brasov, a nicely preserved Saxon (German) city with the largest Gothic cathedral in the region. Its former German community is the birthplace of Transylvanian Protestantism. Later on at the hotel, we’ll attend a lecture given by a local expert to learn more about the history of Romania.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Historic Brasov, Bran: The Castle of Dracula
Location:
Brasov
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Ambient
Activity Note
Walking up to 3 miles, up to 4 hours; periods of standing; city streets, many stairs inside/outside of castle, uphill walk to Bran Castle. Getting on/off a bus; driving about 21 miles to Bran, approximately 1 hour riding time.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
Setting out from the hotel, we’ll enjoy a walk in the historic center of Brasov led by our Group Leader. Brasov is one of the most picturesque historic cities of Romania. Established by Saxon (German) settlers at a strategic crossroad of trade routes in the 12th century, it was the gate of the Hungarian kingdom towards the southeast. Surrounded by high mountains, one can always enjoy the clean air and the nice streets, squares, towers, and churches. One of the highlights that we will visit is the Black Church, the largest Gothic structure of Eastern Europe.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Next, we will take a bus transfer to Bran, known as the Castle of Dracula, for a field trip. The castle was originally built in the 14th century by the citizens of Brasov to protect their trade routes. Later, it was owned by Hungarian kings and the Romanian royal family. While on site with our Group Leader, we will become more acquainted with the myths of Dracula.
Dinner:
On your own to explore local fare.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
6
Transfer to Gura Humorului, Bicaz Gorge, Lacu Rosu
Location:
Gura Humorului
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Gerald's Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 300 miles, approximately 7 hours riding time from Brasov to Radauti. Walking about 1 mile, approximately 4 hours on our feet; periods of standing, city streets with some stairs.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
Once checked out of the hotel, we will board a motorcoach and begin our journey from Brasov to Radauti. Along the way, we’ll stop in Simleu Ciucului, which is a Roman Catholic pilgrimage site that was recently visited by the pope. With our Group Leader, we will see the church, the statue of the Holy Mary, and hear the story of a 500-year-old tradition. Continuing our transfer, we’ll cross the magnificent Bicaz Gorge and stop at Lacu Rosu (Killer Lake) to admire the beautiful lake.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Continuing our transfer, we will arrive at the hotel in Radauti for check-in. Take some time to freshen up and relax before meeting for dinner.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Voronet, Moldovita & Sucevita Monasteries, Pottery Workshop
Location:
Gura Humorului
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Gerald's Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 100 miles total with multiple stops, approximately 3.5 hours riding time. Walking about 2 miles, approximately 2 hours; periods of standing, city streets with some stairs.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We’ll set out for an all-day field trip via motorcoach to some famous painted monasteries including those listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. At each location, we’ll learn about the history and architecture of the monasteries, and study the iconography and specific meaning of the wall paintings. The morning will include field trips to Voronet and Moldovita Monasteries. Afterwards, as we cross a picturesque mountain en route to Sucevita, we will admire great views and see Ukrainian farms.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Next, we’ll travel to the Sucevita Monastery for a field trip to the religious museum. Continuing, we’ll make our way to a famous black pottery workshop in Marginea and learn how the pots are made.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
8
Transfer to Cluj-Napoca, Bistrita
Location:
Cluj-Napoca
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Beyfin
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 200 miles, approximately 5 hours riding time from Radauti to Cluj-Napoca. Walking up to 2 miles; approximately 1.5 hours; periods of standing, cobblestone streets with some stairs.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We’ll check out of the hotel and board the motorcoach for our return to Transylvania, this time making our way to Cluj-Napoca, the educational and cultural center of the region.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
While learning about Saxon heritage and culture with our Group Leader, we’ll take a walk in the town of Bistrita, during which we will see the historic city center, an example of a typical Saxon settlement with Gothic and Renaissance buildings. We’ll then complete our transfer to Cluj-Napoca where we will settle in at the hotel.
Dinner:
On your own to explore the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Rimetea, Salt Mine at Turda
Location:
Cluj-Napoca
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Beyfin
Activity Note
Getting on/off a subway. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 76 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time one-way to Rimitea. Walking about 3 miles, approximately 4 hours; periods of standing; city streets, some stairs.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
Setting out for a full-day field trip, we will go to Rimetea, a historic village with stunning natural and architectural heritage. It was awarded the Europa Nostra Medal in 1999, which recognizes places that have put significant effort into conservation of historical sites. First, with a local expert, we will visit the five-hundred-year-old salt mine at Turda, which has since been turned into a museum. With our Group Leader, we’ll learn about the history of mining, the machinery used to mine, and the health benefits of the microclimate in the salt mine.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Continuing our time in Rimetea, we will then visit the local museum to learn from our Group Leader about folk traditions, local costumes, embroidery, and the local iron mining and manufacturing.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Romanian Sociology, Cluj Landmarks, Free Time
Location:
Cluj-Napoca
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Beyfin
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles, less than 1 hour riding time. Walking up to 3 miles; approximately 3 hours; periods of standing; city streets, some stairs.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
A local expert will join us at the hotel for a lecture on what life is like in Romania today, including emphasis on the sociological statistics of the state. After the lecture, we’ll have a Q&A session during which we can compare what we’ve learned about both countries through discussion. Then, we’ll take an expert-led walking field trip to see the most magnificent landmarks in Cluj including two historical city centers, the Gothic Franciscan Monastery, the birth house of King Mathias, and the Baroque Bánffy Palace. We will end our walk on the picturesque Wolf Street where we will view former palaces, a great heraldry collection in the Protestant church, and one of the medieval bastions of the walled city.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
11
Program Concludes
Location:
Cluj-Napoca
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
23 Meals
9 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
6 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 29, 2025
- May 11, 2025 - May 21, 2025 (Bucharest to Cluj-Napoca)
- May 25, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025 (Bucharest to Cluj-Napoca)
- Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025 (Bucharest to Cluj-Napoca)
- Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025 (Bucharest to Cluj-Napoca)
- Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 29, 2025 (Bucharest to Cluj-Napoca)
Participant Reviews
Based on 21 Reviews
Sort By:
Romania is a rich stew of ethnicities, languages, delicious flavors, folk traditions, and a complicated and fascinating history. The painted monasteries were magnificent, the rides through the Carpathian Mountains in autumn were gorgeous (and included a gorge), the castles were fun, and each city was unique. The visit to the salt mine was a hoot. Our leaders Arpad and Viki were absolutely superb in their knowledge and ability to convey the complexities of their country, as well as being warm, good-humored and considerate. Top-notch! So glad we listened to other Road Scholars who had enthusiastically recommended this trip.
— Review left October 18, 2024
Excellent trip with an exceptional group leader!!
— Review left October 5, 2024
My husband (M, 38) and I (F,41) went in our first Road Scholar program this October. Treasures of Romania: Enchanted Castles and Painted Monasteries. It was AMAZING Our trip was a 10 educational tour across the country of Romania. Starting in Bucharest and traveling to end in Cluj-Napoca. Stopping at beautiful UNESCO world
Heritage Sites, Castle’s like Peles and Draculas Castle in Bran, Transylvania, Beautiful monasteries in Moldovita, Sucevita and Voronet and more. Our guides Viktoria and Attila were amazing. We traveled with a group of 25 people and everyone was friendly and welcoming as they had been on many trips before. We were younger than everyone as this company is traditionally known for retirees and over age 55 I believe. I actually won the trip on Wheel of Fortune and it was the best experience I could ask for. The accommodations were very nice, breakfast lunch and dinner daily with local foods, wines, and even some local entertainment. We traveled by coach bus to different cities and the rides were comfortable. The trip is meant to keep you active and learning constantly. They do provide some off time in the evenings if you’d like to explore the city on your own and the guides will give you suggestions. It was truly an eye opener to an amazing part of the World as it was our first time in Europe. Road Scholar booked our flights which were great, Hotels accommodations in each city and all of our transport. It was a stellar experience .
— Review left October 2, 2024
5 stars. This was an absolutely terrific trip and I recommend it to anyone. I had high expectations but the trip exceeded them. Our guides Arpad and Vicki were wonderful in every aspect but their ability to inform and enlighten made this trip truly memorable. Romania is a beautiful country with much to see and it was interesting to note its differences from Bulgaria. I recommend reading a bit of some of the recommended books on the reading list -- it was enlightening since I new very little about Romania before this trip.
— Review left May 17, 2024
What a wonderful introduction to a country in the middle of transition. Romania is not yet a highly visited country and it was special to see the sights before the country is “discovered” by tourists. There was so much to learn and the diversity of activities was fun. Our tour guides - Arpad and Viki - were outstanding. I would follow them anywhere…they were that good.
— Review left May 10, 2024
Go! Fun, surprises and interesting programs. Paired it with the Bulgaria trip and the comparison/ contrasts added to seeing the uniqueness of each country. Victoria and Attila were great leaders/ companions and made every day east and exciting.
— Review left November 14, 2023
Go to Romania !! If you've been to "usual" Europe too many times, try this slightly out-of-the-way experience. It was an eye-opening grand tour.
— Review left November 2, 2023
Treasures of Romania was exceptional. I could not imagine better leaders than Victoria and Attila. The itinerary was jam-packed, interesting and educational. We happened to also have perfect weather too. I would highly recommend.
— Review left October 2, 2023
Amazing trip. The tour team was excellent. I particularly enjoyed Viktoria's knowledge of the art and history of Romania. Very fun trip.
— Review left September 28, 2023
Treasures of Romania was the most incredible tour. Our tour leaders were phenomenal and so knowledgeable about all things Romania. I learned so much and had the best experiences. I most highly recommend Road Scholar and this tour in particular.
— Review left May 18, 2023
Arpad and Vicki were awesome leaders. We learned so much about the people, the culture, the languages, the food, architecture, and history of Romania. Lots of sites and experiences.
— Review left May 16, 2023
This program was insightful, great learning experience, met some nice participants, educational.
— Review left May 13, 2023
Excellent program! Wonderful leaders!. So many new and interesting places & historic events to learn about.
— Review left May 12, 2023
I'm sorry I waited so long to review this - I took this trip in September 2022. This was an exceptionally well-planned and well-executed trip. The local guides were very friendly and knowledgeable. I learned a great deal about this relatively obscure European country, and it has a rich and fascinating history. All of our guides, and others with whom we came in contact, all seemed very proud of their country. My traveling companions were pleasant and fun to travel with. It was nice traveling with a group of others who were interested in traveling and learning. I highly recommend this trip - I don't believe it will disappoint.
— Review left March 1, 2023
The Romania tour is great, and combined with the Bulgaria tour it is outstanding. The two went together seamlessly. Came away with a better appreciation and understanding of the beauty, history, and culture of these two countries than most other countries I have visited.
— Review left November 12, 2022
Great trip to a country with stunning mountain scenery as well as beautiful old towns, not to mention unique things like painted monasteries and the black pottery workshop in Bucovina. There were the 2 castles in the mountains and fun folk dancing and folk musicians as well. Another highlight was the awesome lunch in a small village with a huge sampling of local wine. On top of all that the farewell dinner was unforgettable (more great food, wine, folk dancing and local musicians). Our guides, Arpad and Viktoria, were outstanding, always approachable and willing to share insights and tips. All in all, a pretty incredible experience and highly recommended!
— Review left October 24, 2022
A great program for understanding Romania and its Communist past. Meals and entertainment were top notch. Experienced guides and a fun group of participants. We did Bulgaria and Romania together with the same group and enjoyed the group camaraderie. Definitely recommend to those seeking a quality experience off the beaten track.
— Review left October 23, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. There was a nice mix of castles, historic churches and towns. A good overview of the country, its' history, culture and physical attributes was provided.
The days are busy but not exceedingly so. I enjoyed the pace but if you prefer lots of rest/free time, this might not be for you. The guides we had were knowledgeable, open to questions and friendly.
I left the tour with a much better understanding of Romania and its' role in history.
— Review left October 9, 2021
A great trip both guides Viktória and Arpad knew there country well . A great trip at a great price you will see and learn a lot.
— Review left October 6, 2021
excellent way to experience the area which is unfamiliar and maybe never even considered.
— Review left October 2, 2021
This is an exceptional trip to a little known but beautiful part of Eastern Europe. I highly recommend it for people curious about the cross-section of history, religion, architecture and ethnic influences.
— Review left June 9, 2019
