Featuring a mix of traditional sightseeing and outdoor adventures, this two-week trip around Romania is ideal for families. On this colorful itinerary, you'll explore Dracula's Castle and learn about the legends of Transylvania, discover medieval villages, see the 14th-century Rasnov Fortress and tour the capital city of Bucharest. Kid-friendly activities along the journey include a stop at a dinosaur-themed park, a volcano hike, and a visit to an underground salt mine.

Highlights

  • Tour Dracula's Castle in Transylvania
  • See life-sized dinosaur replicas at Dino Parc
  • Relax and enjoy the fresh air at various parks and recreation areas
  • Visit Sighisoara, the only inhabited citadel in the world
  • Explore Europe's largest salt mine
  • Go hiking around Romania's volcanoes

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Bucharest Bucharest
Day 2 Sightsee in Bucharest Bucharest
Day 3 Relax at Therme Bucharest  Bucharest
Day 4 Tour Dracula’s Castle Brasov
Day 5 Explore Brasov Brasov
Day 6 Discover Rasnov Fortress & Dino Parc Brasov
Day 7 Get to Know Sibiu Sibiu
Day 8 Day-trip to Corvin Castle & Alba Iulia Cluj
Day 9 Discover Cluj-Napoca Sibiu
Day 10 Day-trip to Sighisoara & Biertan Sibiu
Day 11 Enjoy Free Time in Sibiu Sibiu
Day 12 Return to Bucharest Bucharest
Day 13 See Volcanoes & Unirea Salt Mine Bucharest
Day 14 Depart Romania - End of Trip  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bucharest

Romanian Atheneum
Romanian Atheneum

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

Parliament palace
Palace of Parliament

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: Relax at Therme Bucharest

Mogoşoaia Palace

Get away from the big city today at Therme Bucharest, one of the largest recreation, wellness, and entertainment centers in Europe. Spend some time at Mogoşoaia Palace, surrounded by beautiful gardens. You can bring your own picnic and enjoy some fresh air before heading back to the city in the late afternoon. 

Day 4: Tour Dracula’s Castle

Bran Castle, also known as 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 5: Explore Brasov

Looking down over Brasov, Romania

Situated in the heart of Romania, the city of Brasov has deep historical roots. Thanks to its geographical position and its good connections to Moldavia and Valachia, Brasov is one of the important economic centers of Transylvania today. Visit some of the city's highlights, including the Black Church — the largest Gothic church east of Vienna — the Town Council Square, and the city's 14th-century fortifications. Later in the afternoon, get some fresh air at the outdoor sports center of Aventura Parc Brasov.

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Day 6: Discover Rasnov Fortress & Dino Parc

Dino Parc Rasnov
Dino Parc Rasnov

Rasnov Fortress is located on a rocky hilltop in the Carpathian Mountains, high above the town of Rasnov. First mentioned in an official document in 1331, the fortress was built by Teutonic Knights as protection against invaders. Find out more about its history on a guided tour, then head to Dino Parc Rasnov. The largest dinosaur-themed park in the region, the park features life-size dino replicas in a wooded setting.                

Day 7: Get to Know Sibiu

Sibiu

Looking down over Sibiu

Today, you'll travel to Sibiu, a cultural capital of Romania known for its medieval charm, culinary traditions, and beautiful natural landscapes. Enjoy some of the city's highlights, including the fortification system, the old city center, and several historic churches, during a long walk.

Day 8: Day-trip to Corvin Castle & Alba Iulia

Corvin's Castle
Corvin Castle

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 9: Discover Cluj-Napoca

Cluj Napoca
Historic 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, you will go back to Sibiu.

Day 10: Day-trip to Sighisoara & Biertan

Dracula birth place, Sighisoara
Dracula's birthplace of Sighisoara

Today 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 11: Enjoy Free Time in Sibiu

Looking down over Transylvania

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. It's also possible to arrange an excursion into the nearby countryside.

Day 12: Return to Bucharest

Bucharest's Old City

Say goodbye to Transylvania and drive back to the capital. The rest of the day is free to sightsee, relax, and enjoy a few more hours of wandering through Bucharest's streets and enjoying the city's many cafés, bars, museums, shops, and restaurants.  

Day 13: See Volcanoes & Unirea Salt Mine

Unirea Salt mine
Unirea Salt Mine

Go underground today to visit Unirea Salt Mine, the largest salt mine in Europe. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to walk on a lunar-like landscape when you go for a guided hiking tour around a few of Romania's volcanoes. Head back to Bucharest in the evening for one last dinner before the trip ends.                   

Day 14: Depart Romania - End of Trip

Transylvanian countryside

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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