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A short fly drive offering contrasts between modern Bucharest & fascinating Transylvania. Optional route on the famous "Trans Fagarasan Highway".
START / FINISH - Bucharest.
Activity code: ROFD04
Duration: 7 Days
This holiday can be seen as an introductory tour of Romania, combining the best bits of the ancient heart of Transylvania with the resurgent cosmopolitan capital, Bucharest. It is an itinerary full of history and dramatic scenery providing a wonderful opportunity to visit two completely contrasting places within just a few days.
The bonus on this itinerary is the chance to drive along the incredible Trans-Fagarasan Highway, once made famous by BBC's "Top Gear" but now a fabulous tourist attraction in its own right with the stunning Lake Balea located at its highest point. Driving on this road could easily take a whole day as there is so much to enjoy both in scenery and for the unique experience.
Rediscover the World's recommended fly-drives will take you right into the heart of this fascinating country. We will share our knowledge and the experience of our local partners to offer you not just important cultural sights, dramatic scenery and historic locations but the opportunity to spend quality time in the villages, often staying in rural communities as guests of local families, where local culture is at its strongest. The guest houses and hotels in this itinerary are generally small, independent or family-run, properties which add significantly to your travel experience in this fascinating country.
This popular self-drive route is a tried & trusted itinerary which will allow you plenty of time to enjoy the countryside as you travel to and from Transylvania. During your holiday you will traverse the spectacular Carpathian Mountains and take in the mysterious history-filled towns of Transylvania - an experience which will afford genuine cultural encounters, leaving you with enduring memories of this truly unique and enchanting country.
Important Information
Your fly drive can be as active or leisurely-paced as you please. Staying one night at each stop allows the maximum amount of sightseeing; two or more nights will allow you to do more side trips, whilst staying in one place will give you the opportunity to relax and explore the local area.
If you would like to visit these wonderful places without driving then we can supply a private driver for the duration or, alternatively, pre-book train tickets for you between the main locations. We can also pre-book guided sightseeing, lunches, extra activities and visits on your itinerary as required.
Flights are available to book with us through a range of airlines from various UK airports to Romania. If we book your flights this means that your holiday will also be fully ATOL protected.
Prices shown are a guideline "from" (in UK Pounds) and are based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. Single supplements may need to be applied to the twin/double price and discounts for children (under 12yrs) and/or a 3rd adult sharing a room are available upon request. Quoted prices for individual enquiries will depend upon your chosen accommodation, room availability and dates of travel. We always aim to match a high quality experience with exceptional value for money. Discounts will apply if there are 3 or more people in your travelling party as fixed costs such as transportation and guides will be shared equally between the group.
Based upon 2 persons travelling.
Itinerary
On arrival into Bucharest International Airport we will provide a private transfer directly to your hotel in the city centre. Bucharest is one of the least known European capitals, yet the sixth largest city by population. As part of your introduction to the country we recommend including a traditional Romanian dinner at Caru cu Bere restaurant, emblematic of the glittering Bucharest Belle Epoque.
On your main full day in Bucharest we include a private sightseeing tour with visits to the outstanding open air Village Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, Calea Victoriei, Palace Square, the iconic Athenaeum, the Revolution Square, the monumental Parliament Palace, the University Square and the National Theatre opposite. Afterwards, stroll around the narrow streets of the historic quarter, one of the most popular leisure districts.
NB. a visit to the Parliament Palace is also highly recommended but as you must join a group tour to gain access we would need to add this to your itinerary in advance.
After breakfast collect your hire car and drive north from Bucharest across the Wallachian plain towards the mountains. Your first place of interest will surely be Sinaia, the "Pearl of the Carpathians", for a visit of Peles Castle, former summer residence of the Romanian royal family. From here it is a short drive through the beautiful Prahova Valley, passing the small resort town of Busteni to a recommend lunch stop in nearby Azuga at the Rhein Cellars (with optional wine tasting).
In the afternoon continue over the scenic mountain pass from Predeal to Rasnov (with a visit of the fortress if time allows) and a short onward drive to Zarnesti.
A free day to choose your sightseeing options:
Bran Castle, well known as Dracula's Castle; Brasov, a large Saxon mediaeval town (visit the Council Square, the Black Church which is the biggest Gothic cathedral in south eastern Europe, and the narrow, cobbled streets of Schei District; Poiana Brasov, the largest ski resort in Romania, ideal for a short walk in the high Carpathians; Prejmer & Harman fortified churches. The Bear Sanctuary, near Zarnesti is best visited in the morning.
In the morning, drive west to visit Sibiu. A city tour of the old parts of this superb Transylvanian town would include the Big Square with the Brukenthal Museum, the Stairs Passage, the Small Square, the Ancient Romanian School, the Iron Bridge (also known as the "Liars Bridge") and Huet Square with the Evangelical Church. A short excursion to Sibiel is recommended to visit the glass icon museum.
After breakfast drive back towards Bucharest, an optional route today would be via the famous "Trans Fagarasan Highway" and a picnic stop at the dramatic Lake Balea (NB. this route is usually only possible between late June and early October). The alternative route would be south along the Olt Valley which is also scenic for much of its route but takes a much lower altitude route through the Carpathians. We suggest a stay in the charming town of Curtea de Arges or you may wish to continue all the way back to Bucharest.
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