The Ultimate 30-Day Romania Travel Guide
- tejaswiseth
- Apr 5
- 10 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Let's take an exciting 30-day journey through the captivating landscapes, rich folklore, medieval towns, and evolving cities of Romania. This itinerary balances famous legends with hidden gems, offering a blend of history, nature, culture, and relaxation.
Romania 30-Day Discovery: Your Ultimate Guide to Transylvania, Traditions & Painted Monasteries
Why This 30-Day Romanian Guide is Valuable For You:
Beyond Dracula: While embracing Transylvania's famous castles, this guide explores Romania's diverse regions – the painted monasteries of Bucovina, the wooden churches of Maramureș, the Danube Delta's unique ecosystem, the vibrant capital Bucharest, and charming Saxon villages.
Paced for Immersion: Blends historical sightseeing and mountain adventures with relaxing days exploring villages, experiencing local traditions, enjoying hearty Romanian cuisine, and allowing time for the unexpected discoveries that make travel memorable.
Cultural Tapestry: You'll encounter stunning Orthodox monasteries, fortified Saxon churches, medieval citadels, Dacian ruins, vibrant folk art, learn about Vlad the Impaler and Queen Marie, witness rural traditions, and experience Romania's Latin-based culture with Slavic and other influences.
Nature's Bounty: Explore the Carpathian Mountains (hiking opportunities), the unique Danube Delta (boat trips, birdwatching), scenic drives like the Transfăgărășan (seasonal), and tranquil countryside.
Flexibility Included: Use this detailed plan as your expert guide, but feel empowered to linger longer in places that enchant you, choose different hiking trails, delve deeper into specific regions, or simply relax and observe local life. 30 days provides this wonderful freedom.
Smart Transport Mix: Utilizes Romania's train network (CFR Călători) for major routes, extensive bus network (often faster/more direct for certain routes), and strategic car rentals (highly recommended for Transylvania's villages, Bucovina, Maramureș, Transfăgărășan/Transalpina) for maximum flexibility.
Romania 30-Day Discovery: The Itinerary
Pacing Legend:
(R) Relaxing: Slow pace, focus on scenery, food, culture, unwinding.
(M) Moderate: Mix of sightseeing, gentle walks, exploration.
(A) Adventurous: Hiking, significant walking, potentially long driving/active days.
(T) Travel: Significant driving/train/bus travel time involved.
Part 1: Bucharest & Wallachian Plains (Days 1-5)
Day 1: Arrival in Bucharest (T/R)
Arrive at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP). Take bus 783, train (connects to Gara de Nord), or taxi/ride-share to your city center accommodation (Lipscani/Old Town, near Calea Victoriei or University Square).
Check in. Gentle orientation walk through the Old Town (Lipscani), see Stavropoleos Monastery Church, perhaps peek into Carturesti Carusel bookstore.
Welcome dinner featuring Romanian dishes like Sarmale (cabbage rolls) or Mămăligă (polenta). Value: Easy arrival, introduction to the dynamic capital.
Day 2: Bucharest - Parliament & Old Town Charm (M)
Visit the colossal Palace of the Parliament (Casa Poporului) – book guided tour well in advance to see parts of the interior.
Explore more of the Old Town, Revolution Square (Piața Revoluției), Romanian Athenaeum (exterior/check events). Value: Iconic landmark, historical context.
Day 3: Bucharest - Village Life & Green Spaces (M/R)
Visit the excellent Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum (Muzeul Satului) in Herăstrău Park – an open-air museum showcasing traditional houses from across Romania. Allow several hours.
Relax in Herăstrău Park (now King Michael I Park), perhaps rent a boat on the lake. Value: Insight into rural traditions, relaxing park time.
Day 4: Day Trip - Snagov Monastery & Mogosoaia Palace (M/T)
Day trip (requires car or tour/taxi combination):
Visit Snagov Monastery, located on an island in Lake Snagov, reputedly the burial place of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula).
Visit Mogoșoaia Palace, a beautiful Brâncovenesc style palace set in lovely grounds just outside Bucharest. Value: Dracula legends, beautiful palace architecture.
Day 5: Travel to Sinaia (Prahova Valley) (T/R)
Take a train from Bucharest Gara de Nord to Sinaia (approx. 1.5-2 hours) in the scenic Prahova Valley, nestled in the Carpathian Mountains.
Check into your accommodation. Visit Sinaia Monastery. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and Belle Époque architecture. Value: Transition to mountains, charming resort town.
Part 2: Transylvanian Castles & Saxon Towns (Days 6-13)
Day 6: Peleș & Pelișor Castles (M)
Visit the stunning Peleș Castle, a masterpiece of German Renaissance architecture and former royal summer residence (allow ample time, tours can be busy).
Visit the nearby, smaller, Art Nouveau Pelișor Castle. Value: Romania's most beautiful castles.
Day 7: Travel to Brașov & Old Town Exploration (T/M)
Take a short train ride from Sinaia to Brașov (approx. 1 hour).
Check into your Brașov accommodation (Old Town is ideal). Explore the charming Council Square (Piața Sfatului), see the Black Church (Biserica Neagră), walk down Rope Street (Strada Sforii - one of Europe's narrowest). Value: Arrival in major Transylvanian city.
Day 8: Brașov - Views & Fortifications (M/A)
Take the cable car (or hike) up Tâmpa Mountain for panoramic views over Brașov and the surrounding mountains.
Explore parts of Brașov's medieval fortifications (White Tower, Black Tower, Weaver's Bastion). Wander the historic Schei district. Value: Great city views, medieval defenses.
Day 9: Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle) & Râșnov Citadel (M/T)
Day trip (bus or car recommended): Visit Bran Castle, famously associated with Dracula (though Vlad the Impaler's connection is tenuous). Explore the castle and its exhibits.
Visit the impressive hilltop Râșnov Citadel ruins nearby for great views. Value: Iconic castle, impressive fortress ruins.
Day 10: Fortified Churches - Prejmer & Hărman (M) - Car Recommended
Explore the unique Saxon fortified churches near Brașov (UNESCO sites):
Visit Prejmer, one of the best-preserved fortified churches with surrounding walls containing small rooms.
Visit nearby Hărman fortified church.
Requires car or careful bus planning/taxi. Value: Unique defensive religious architecture.
Day 11: Travel to Sighișoara (UNESCO) (T/M)
Take a train or bus from Brașov to Sighișoara (approx. 2-3 hours).
Check into your accommodation (within the citadel offers amazing atmosphere).
Explore the incredibly well-preserved medieval citadel (UNESCO site): climb the Clock Tower, wander the cobbled streets, see the house where Vlad Dracul (father of the Impaler) allegedly lived. Value: Birthplace of Dracula legend, stunning medieval citadel.
Day 12: Sighișoara Citadel Deeper Dive / Biertan Visit (M/T) - Car Useful
Explore Sighișoara further: visit the Church on the Hill (via Scholars' Stairs), wander the Saxon cemetery.
Optional afternoon trip (requires car or tour/taxi): Visit the impressive Biertan fortified church (UNESCO site), known for its intricate locking mechanism on the sacristy door. Value: More citadel exploration or another major fortified church.
Day 13: Travel to Sibiu (T/M)
Take a train or bus from Sighișoara to Sibiu (approx. 1.5-2.5 hours).
Check into your Sibiu accommodation (Upper or Lower Town).
First exploration: Wander the Large Square (Piața Mare), Small Square (Piața Mică), see the Council Tower, Liar's Bridge, admire the houses with "eyes". Value: Arrival in charming Saxon city.
Part 3: Transylvanian Alps & Western Romania (Days 14-19)
Day 14: Sibiu Exploration & ASTRA Museum (M/A)
Explore Sibiu further: Visit Brukenthal National Museum (art), climb the Council Tower or Lutheran Cathedral tower for views.
Take a local bus or taxi to the excellent ASTRA National Museum Complex – a vast open-air museum showcasing traditional folk architecture and technology (allow several hours, lots of walking!). Value: City sights, major open-air museum.
Day 15: Transfăgărășan Highway Scenic Drive (A/T) - Seasonal (Jul-Oct), Car Essential
Requires car rental & check road status (usually open July-October). Embark on the spectacular Transfăgărășan Highway (DN7C), one of the world's most dramatic roads.
Drive up through hairpin bends, stopping at viewpoints. See Bâlea Waterfall and take the cable car (or drive) up to Bâlea Lake at the summit. Enjoy the stunning high-altitude scenery. Drive part way down the other side or return. Very long day trip from Sibiu. Value: Epic scenic drive.
Alternative if road closed/no car: Hike in the nearby Cindrel Mountains, or explore Sibiu surroundings further (e.g., Cisnădioara fortified church).
Day 16: Corvin Castle Day Trip (A/T) - Car Recommended
Take a longer day trip (requires car for ease, approx. 2-2.5 hours drive each way) to visit the stunning Gothic Corvin Castle (Castelul Corvinilor) in Hunedoara. Explore its impressive architecture and legends. Value: Fairytale Gothic castle.
Day 17: Travel towards Timișoara (T/M)
Travel west by train or bus from Sibiu/Deva area towards Timișoara (approx. 4-6 hours depending on start point/connections).
Check into your Timișoara accommodation. First exploration of the "City of Flowers," known for its Secessionist architecture and role in the 1989 Revolution. See Union Square (Piața Unirii), Victory Square (Piața Victoriei). Value: Arrival in western Banat region city.
Day 18: Timișoara - Revolution History & Parks (M)
Explore Timișoara: Visit the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral and the Roman Catholic Cathedral. Learn about the 1989 Revolution sites (memorials, Opera House balcony). Visit the Museum of the Communist Consumer (kitschy but interesting). Relax in one of the city's many parks along the Bega Canal. Value: Important recent history, elegant city.
Day 19: Travel towards Maramureș (T)
Very long travel day. Option A (Train/Bus): Long journey north towards Maramureș region (likely via Oradea/Cluj-Napoca or Arad/Satu Mare, involving changes). Option B (Flight): Fly Timișoara (TSR) > Cluj-Napoca (CLJ) or Baia Mare (BAY)/Satu Mare (SUJ) if flights exist/convenient, then bus/car.
Aim for a base like Sighetu Marmației (Sighet), Baia Mare, or a village guesthouse (pensiune). Value: Major transit day towards unique northern region.
Part 4: Maramureș Wooden Wonders & Bucovina Monasteries (Days 20-26) - Car Highly Recommended
Day 20: Maramureș - Wooden Churches & Merry Cemetery (M) - Car Essential
Pick up rental car if not already arranged. Explore the unique culture of Maramureș:
Visit several UNESCO-listed wooden churches (e.g., Bârsana Monastery complex, churches in Desești, Ieud, Poienile Izei) known for their tall spires and intricate carvings.
Visit the unique Merry Cemetery (Cimitirul Vesel) in Săpânța, with its colourfully painted wooden crosses depicting life stories. Value: Unique wooden architecture, folk art.
Day 21: Sighet Memorial & Village Life (M)
Visit the poignant Sighet Memorial Museum (Memorial of the Victims of Communism and of the Resistance), located in a former political prison.
Explore Sighetu Marmației town. Drive through traditional Maramureș villages, observe rural life, see elaborate wooden gates. Value: Important museum, experiencing rural traditions.
Day 22: Mocănița Steam Train Ride (A/R) - Seasonal/Check Schedule
Take a ride on the Mocănița steam train through the scenic Vaser Valley (departs from Vișeu de Sus). A slow, atmospheric journey into the forests (book ahead, check operating days). Value: Unique heritage railway experience.
Day 23: Travel to Bucovina (Gura Humorului/Suceava) (T)
Scenic drive (or long bus journey) east from Maramureș over mountain passes (like Prislop Pass) into the Bucovina region.
Aim for a base near Gura Humorului or Suceava to explore the Painted Monasteries. Check into accommodation. Value: Beautiful drive, arrival in monastery region.
Day 24: Bucovina Painted Monasteries (South Loop) (M) - Car Essential
Explore the southern group of UNESCO-listed Painted Monasteries:
Visit Voroneț Monastery (famous "Voroneț Blue," Last Judgment fresco).
Visit Humor Monastery. Visit Moldovița Monastery (well-preserved frescoes, Siege of Constantinople). Admire the exterior and interior paintings telling biblical stories. Value: Unique UNESCO artistic heritage.
Day 25: Bucovina Painted Monasteries (North Loop) & Pottery (M)
Explore the northern group: Visit Sucevița Monastery (largest, most fortified, Ladder of Virtue fresco). Visit Arbore Monastery.
Visit the Marginea black pottery centre to see traditional crafts being made. Value: More stunning monasteries, local crafts.
Day 26: Suceava Citadel & Travel Towards Iași (T/M)
Visit the impressive Suceava Citadel (Cetatea de Scaun a Sucevei). Explore Suceava city briefly.
Begin travel south-east by train or bus towards Iași (approx. 2.5-3 hours). Check into Iași accommodation. Value: Historical citadel, transition towards Moldavia region.
Part 5: Moldavia Culture & Danube Delta Gateway (Days 27-28)
Day 27: Iași - Palace of Culture & Churches (M)
Explore Iași, the cultural capital of Moldavia: Visit the stunning Palace of Culture (housing several museums). See the Metropolitan Cathedral and the unique Three Hierarchs Monastery (exterior stone lace). Wander the Copou Park (oldest park in Romania). Value: Elegant city, impressive architecture.
Day 28: Travel to Tulcea (Danube Delta Gateway) (T)
Long travel day. Take a train or bus south to Tulcea, the main entry point to the Danube Delta (requires careful planning, likely via Galați or Bucharest if no direct route). Approx. 4-6+ hours.
Check into Tulcea accommodation. Visit the Danube Delta Museum (optional). Arrange boat trip for tomorrow. Value: Arrival at gateway to unique ecosystem.
Part 6: Danube Delta & Return (Days 29-30) - Requires Boat Tour
Day 29: Danube Delta Boat Trip & Wildlife (A/R)
Take a full-day or half-day boat trip into the Danube Delta (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve). Explore channels, lakes, see diverse birdlife (pelicans, egrets, herons - best spring/autumn), unique vegetation, perhaps traditional fishing villages (like Mila 23 or Letea - requires longer tours). Choose tour based on interests (birdwatching focus, village focus). Value: Exploring unique European wetland, wildlife viewing.
Day 30: Travel Back to Bucharest & Departure (T)
Travel from Tulcea back to Bucharest (bus or train, approx. 4-5 hours). Allow ample time.
Do any last-minute Bucharest souvenir shopping. Travel to Bucharest Henri Coandă Airport (OTP) for your departure. Leave Romania enchanted by its diverse beauty, rich history, and welcoming people!
Essential Tips for Your 30-Day Romanian Trip:
Transport: Trains (CFR Călători) connect major cities but can be slow; buy tickets online/at station. Buses (various companies, check autogari.ro) are often faster/more direct for certain routes. Renting a car offers maximum flexibility, essential for rural Transylvania, Maramureș, Bucovina, Transfăgărășan. Drive on the RIGHT. Roads vary in quality; be prepared for potholes/narrow sections in rural areas. Buy a Rovinieta (road tax) vignette if driving.
Accommodation: Wide range: Hotels, pensions (pensiune), guesthouses (casa de oaspeți), apartments, hostels, rural agrotourism (agroturism). Book ahead for popular spots (Brașov, Sighișoara, Bucharest Old Town) especially in summer.
Language: Romanian is the official language (Romance language). English is increasingly spoken, especially by younger people and in tourist cities. French/German may be understood by some. Learning basic Romanian phrases (Bună ziua - Good day, Mulțumesc - Thank you, Vă rog - Please, Scuze - Excuse me) is very much appreciated.
Currency: Romanian Leu (RON). Euro is NOT generally accepted. Cards widely accepted in cities/towns, ATMs common. Carry cash for smaller villages, markets, some guesthouses, entrance fees.
Cost: Romania is generally very affordable compared to Western/Central Europe, offering excellent value. Prices higher in Bucharest tourist centre and popular resorts.
Food & Drink: Hearty cuisine. Try Sarmale, Mămăligă, Ciorbă (sour soups - various kinds), Mici (grilled minced meat rolls), Zacuscă (vegetable spread). Good local beers. Excellent wines (Romania has a long wine tradition - try Fetească Neagră/Albă). Tuică/Pálinka (plum/fruit brandy) is potent!
Safety: Generally safe. Take standard precautions against petty theft in crowded areas/public transport. Be aware of stray dogs in some areas. Exercise caution when driving. Check hiking conditions, especially in mountains.
Booking Ahead: Essential for Parliament tour (Bucharest), popular castle tours (Peleș can be busy), Mocănița train, specific accommodations in peak season, and potentially train tickets for best availability/seats. Guided tours for Danube Delta/Białowieża/Auschwitz are highly recommended/required.
Drum bun! Have an absolutely wonderful and discovery-filled 30-day journey through Romania!
💛 Enjoyed this itinerary or found it helpful?
Support my work with a small donation.
It helps keep these travel guides free for everyone.
留言