Highlights
- Explore the top highlights of Romania and Poland
- Visit Dracula's Castle in Transylvania
- See Romania's most beautiful castles and citadels
- Stop in the Slovakian city of Košice on the way to Poland
- Learn about heartbreaking Holocaust history on a tour of Auschwitz
- Tour Krakow and dine on traditional Polish cuisine
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bucharest | Bucharest |
| Day 2 | Sightsee in Bucharest | Bucharest |
| Day 3 | Tour Dracula’s Castle | Brasov |
| Day 4 | Get to Know Sibiu | Sibiu |
| Day 5 | Day-trip to Sighisoara & Biertan | Sibiu |
| Day 6 | Visit Corvin Castle & Alba Iulia | Sibiu |
| Day 7 | Discover Cluj-Napoca | Cluj |
| Day 8 | Experience the Art Nouveau Charm of Oradea | Oradea |
| Day 9 | Explore the Slovakian City of Košice | Košice |
| Day 10 | Cross the Border to Poland | Krakow |
| Day 11 | Discover Krakow | Krakow |
| Day 12 | Day-trip to Auschwitz | Krakow |
| Day 13 | Visit the Wielicza Salt Mine | Krakow |
| Day 14 | Depart Krakow - End of Trip |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bucharest
Welcome to Romania! Begin your trip in Bucharest, the capital. After settling into your hotel, take some time to explore this interesting and complex city. Make the most of your first day by taking a walk around the newly-preserved Old Town, enjoying a stroll through the city's oldest and most charming park, Cișmigiu Park, or enjoying the impressive National Museum of Art. Then take a coffee break in one of the many specialty cafés that have popped all over the city.
Day 2: Sightsee in Bucharest
Take a guided tour of Bucharest today. This city is best understood through the eyes of its locals, especially those who lived through its recent turbulent history. Take an alternative tour of the city to learn more about how the effects of Communism still linger, and how a younger generation is breathing new life into the city. Later, you'll visit the Palace of Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world (the Pentagon is the largest). Also known as the "House of People" in Communist times, it's the largest building in Europe and the heaviest in the world.
Day 3: Tour Dracula’s Castle
Your first stop today will be Peles Castle in the picturesque town of Sinaia. Peles Castle is a masterpiece, considered one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Your next stop, Bran Castle — the famous Dracula’s Castle — is situated between Bucegi Mountains and Piatra Craiului Mountains, surrounded by enchanting scenery. Take some time to explore this famous landmark. Then continue through Rucar-Bran Pass on your way to the medieval city of Brasov. You'll spend the night here.
Day 4: Get to Know Sibiu
Looking down over Sibiu
Take the whole day to enjoy Sibiu, one of the most beautiful cities in Romania. Fortified walls, old houses from the 17th century, a central square bordered by an art museum and Town Hall, a bridge where lovers make vows for eternity – you will find all these here, and more! Wander around, take photos, stop in cafés, and simply appreciate the charm of this medieval gem.
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Day 5: Day-trip to Sighisoara & Biertan
On your third day, you will visit two UNESCO heritage sites in Romania: Sighisoara and Biertan. Sighisoara is the only inhabited citadel in Eastern Europe; it will charm you with its colorful houses and pebble stone alleys. Biertan's fortified church is the largest of the seven UNESCO-honored fortified churches in Transylvania. In the evening, return to Sibiu and enjoy a delicious dinner in one of its restaurants.
Day 6: Visit Corvin Castle & Alba Iulia
Today you'll day-trip to Corvin Castle, arguably the most beautiful castle in Romania. Tall towers, a moat with a bridge over, and a series of stone chambers create a magical atmosphere. Your guide will tell you all about the castle’s history. After lunch, visit Alba Iulia, the so-called "White Citadel” that dates back to the Roman period. During a guided tour you will learn how it has changed over the years. In the evening, you will go to Cluj-Napoca for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 7: Discover Cluj-Napoca
It's time to explore Cluj-Napoca, the biggest city in Transylvania. Here you will have time to enjoy the old town and the gigantic cathedral in the main square, then enjoy a meal in a modern restaurant. Cluj-Napoca is known to have some of the best restaurants in Romania! In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive from Cluj-Napoca to Sighetu Marmatiei. There, you'll have dinner in a local restaurant and sleep in a hotel before sightseeing continues the next day.
Day 8: Experience the Art Nouveau Charm of Oradea
After breakfast, you'll transfer to Oradea, known as the Art Nouveau town of Romania. Go on a walk through the city center to see architectural highlights, then visit Oradeas citadel, newly renovated just a few years ago. Relax in a local restaurant in the evening before getting some rest.
Day 9: Explore the Slovakian City of Košice
It is time to say goodbye to Romania today! On your way to Poland, you'll pass through Hungary and Slovakia. This is a good opportunity to stop in Košice, Slovakia for an afternoon visit to its old town, characterized by colorful houses, a beautiful cathedral, and old palaces hidden amid newer buildings. Have coffee in a local café before checking into your hotel for the evening. Try traditional Slovakian cuisine in a restaurant — you'll keep moving onward to Poland in the morning.
Day 10: Cross the Border to Poland
Your next stop in Slovakia will be Bardejov. Known for its well-preserved medieval town center, Bardejov is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have a couple of hours of free time to explore the town on your own. In the evening, your guide will transfer you to Krakow, Poland. Have dinner and relax at the hotel before touring the city the next day.
Day 11: Discover Krakow
Krakow takes center stage today, charming you with its mysterious legends, an iconic red castle, and an impressive cathedral. Visit the historic center to see St. Mary's Basilica, the city's ancient fortification system, and other important landmarks. After lunch, you will visit the Wawel Royal Castle. In the evening, you will have time to discover the fascinating Jewish Quarter before dining in a traditional restaurant.
Day 12: Day-trip to Auschwitz
A day trip from Krakow takes you to Auschwitz today to learn about the site's important and heartbreaking history. After a guided tour of the site, you'll return to Krakow in the afternoon and spend the evening relaxing or exploring the city.
Day 13: Visit the Wielicza Salt Mine
This is your last full day in Poland! In the morning, your guide will take you to visit Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Go underground and admire the salt sculptures and otherworldly atmosphere. In the afternoon, you will have free time in Krakow to walk around the city and enjoy one last Polish-style dinner in a restaurant.
Day 14: Depart Poland - End of Trip
Today the trip comes to an end. You'll head to the airport to catch a flight out. Safe travels!
More Romania Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Romania? Check out these other Romania itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.
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