Romania & Moldova Classical Tour – 15 Days Tour

Embark on a captivating 15-day cultural odyssey through Romania and Moldova—two Eastern European neighbors that share a language and deep historical roots, yet offer distinct cultural identities shaped by centuries of diverse influences. This tour is a fascinating exploration of medieval fortresses, Orthodox monasteries, traditional villages, vibrant cities, and pristine natural landscapes, enriched with authentic encounters and local flavors.

Your journey begins in Chișinău, Moldova’s unassuming yet intriguing capital, where traces of Soviet urban planning coexist with leafy parks, neoclassical architecture, and a budding culinary scene. From here, delve into Moldova’s wine country with a visit to Castel Mimi, a beautifully restored chateau with deep historical roots, and explore the legendary Cricova wine cellars, an underground labyrinth of tunnels and barrels that have aged wines for dignitaries around the world. Your exploration continues to Orheiul Vechi, an extraordinary open-air museum set in a dramatic limestone valley, where centuries-old cave monasteries reflect Moldova’s deep spiritual heritage. In Soroca, stand before the mighty Soroca Fortress, a medieval bastion on the Dniester River, and climb the hill to see the Candle of Gratitude monument offering sweeping views of Moldova’s pastoral landscapes.

Crossing into northern Romania, the scene shifts to Bucovina, a land of painted monasteries, forested hills, and resilient rural communities. In Suceava, once the capital of the medieval Moldavian Principality, visit the fortress ruins before heading to nearby spiritual treasures like Agapia Monastery. Continue to the heart of Bucovina to discover the UNESCO-listed Painted Monasteries—Voroneț, Sucevița, and Moldovița—where biblical frescoes cover every inch of their exterior walls, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapels of the East.”

As the tour winds westward, you’ll enter the storybook region of Maramureș, a living museum of Romanian folk culture. This is a land where time seems to slow down: wooden churches with shingled spires pierce the skies, villagers in traditional dress gather for Sunday mass, and age-old crafts are still practiced. Highlights include the beautifully preserved Bârsana Monastery, the curious and colorful Merry Cemetery in Săpânța, where grave markers are inscribed with poetic epitaphs and humorous tales of the deceased, and traditional guesthouses where you’ll enjoy hearty, homemade meals served with horinca (strong plum brandy) and warm hospitality.

From Sighetu Marmației, continue south through the scenic Carpathians to Cluj-Napoca, the unofficial capital of Transylvania and a vibrant university city with a youthful vibe, Baroque squares, and a layered multicultural heritage. Nearby, descend into the glittering world of Turda Salt Mine, a surreal underground amusement park and healing space carved from salt rock. In Alba Iulia, explore the grand star-shaped citadel that marks Romania’s modern unification, before arriving in Sibiu, a beautifully restored Saxon town of pastel facades, cobbled squares, and “eyes” on rooftops that seem to watch your every move.

Your medieval adventure continues with Sighișoara, one of Europe’s last inhabited citadels and the legendary birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. Wander through narrow lanes, climb its iconic clock tower, and soak in the romantic charm. Then travel to Brașov, ringed by mountains and Gothic churches, where you can enjoy both history and vibrant café culture. A day trip to Bran Castle, long associated with the Dracula legend, and Râșnov Fortress, a hilltop bastion built to withstand invasions, adds a dose of legend and mystery to the tour.

The final leg brings you to the Prahova Valley, home to the elegant Peleș Castle, a Neo-Renaissance jewel nestled in the forest, and the nearby Cantacuzino Castle, offering art exhibitions and panoramic views. End your journey in Bucharest, a city of striking contrasts—Belle Époque palaces, monumental communist architecture, and a dynamic arts scene. A guided city tour unveils the capital’s layered past, from the sprawling Parliament Palace to the charming Old Town.

Throughout the tour, you’ll stay in a mix of 3- and 4-star hotels and locally run guesthouses, savor traditional meals in rural households, experience authentic wine tastings, and be guided by local experts eager to share the stories, flavors, and spirit of their homeland. This is more than a sightseeing tour—it’s an in-depth cultural experience across borders, time periods, and landscapes, offering a rare chance to connect with the soul of Eastern Europe.

Day 1-2: Moldova – Chisinau

• Arrival at Chisinau airport and meet your guide

• Transfer to a comfortable 4-star hotel

• Day 2: Explore Chisinau including a visit to the elegant Castel Mimi winery with wine tasting and cellar tour

Day 3: Chisinau – Cricova Cellars – Orheiul Vechi – Soroca

• Visit the famous Cricova underground wine cellars with tasting

• Explore Orheiul Vechi archaeological site, a unique monastery complex in a dramatic canyon

• Continue to Soroca, renowned for its medieval fortress on the Dniester River

Day 4: Soroca – Stanca-Costesti Border – Suceava (Romania)

• Cross the border into Romania at Stanca-Costesti

• Arrival in Suceava, historic capital of Moldavia and gateway to Bukovina region

Day 5: Suceava – Cotnari Cellars – Agapia Monastery – Gura Humorului

• Visit Cotnari winery for wine tasting and cellar tour paired with lunch

• Explore Agapia Monastery, a masterpiece of Romanian Orthodox art

• Overnight in Gura Humorului, the heart of Bukovina

Day 6: Gura Humorului – Painted Monasteries – Gura Humorului

• Full day visiting Bukovina’s UNESCO Painted Monasteries such as Voronet, Sucevita, and Moldovita, famous for their vivid exterior frescoes

Day 7: Gura Humorului – Vatra Dornei – Barsana Monastery – Sapanta (Merry Cemetery) – Sighetu Marmatiei

• Scenic drive through the Carpathians to Vatra Dornei

• Visit Barsana Monastery with impressive wooden architecture

• Explore the unique Merry Cemetery in Sapanta, known for colorful tombstones with poetic epitaphs

• Overnight in Sighetu Marmatiei

Day 8: Sighetu Marmatiei – Desesti Church – Cluj Napoca

• Visit Desesti wooden church, another UNESCO World Heritage site

• Continue to Cluj Napoca, Romania’s vibrant university city

Day 9: Cluj Napoca – Turda Salt Mine

• Guided tour of Cluj Napoca’s historical center

• Visit the spectacular underground Turda Salt Mine, featuring galleries, lakes, and recreational areas

Day 10: Cluj – Alba Iulia – Sibiu

• Explore Alba Iulia’s historic citadel, a symbol of Romanian unity

• Arrival and overnight in Sibiu, a medieval city with Saxon heritage

Day 11: Sibiu – Sighisoara

• Explore Sibiu’s charming old town and cultural sites

• Travel to Sighisoara, one of the best-preserved medieval citadels in Europe, and Vlad Tepes’s (Dracula) birthplace

Day 12: Sighisoara – Brasov

• Travel to Brasov, nestled in the Carpathian foothills

• Explore the medieval city center, including Council Square and the Black Church

Day 13: Bran – Rasnov – Brasov

• Visit Bran Castle, famously linked to the Dracula legend

• Explore Rasnov Fortress with panoramic views

• Return to Brasov for overnight stay

Day 14: Peles Castle – Cantacuzino Palace – Bucharest

• Visit the fairy-tale Peles Castle in Sinaia, former royal summer residence

• Explore Cantacuzino Palace in Busteni

• Arrival in Bucharest, Romania’s dynamic capital city

Day 15: Bucharest Departure

• Transfer to the airport for your departure flight

15 days

• Discover Moldova’s renowned wine cellars including Cricova and Castel Mimi
• Explore the archaeological treasure of Orheiul Vechi and medieval fortress of Soroca
• Visit Bukovina’s famous Painted Monasteries, marvels of religious art and architecture
• Experience the wooden churches and unique cultural heritage of Maramures region
• Witness the extraordinary Merry Cemetery in Sapanta with its colorful folk art

Prices start from 1640 EUR (exact pricing may vary based on group size and additional services).

• Professional English-speaking guide throughout the tour (other languages on request)
• Private modern air-conditioned vehicle with fuel and parking included
• Airport pick-up and drop-off in Chisinau and Bucharest
• 14 nights accommodation in 4-star hotels and traditional guesthouses
• Daily breakfast plus traditional home-made lunches at local guesthouses in Orheiul Vechi and Sibiel (including alcoholic drinks)
• Wine tasting and cellar visits at Cricova and Cotnari wineries
• Entrance fees to all sites included in the itinerary
• Farewell dinner in Bucharest
• City tours in all major stops

• Some rural roads may be unpaved; comfortable shoes recommended
• Weather can vary greatly between regions and seasons; pack accordingly
• Some monasteries and churches require modest dress (shoulders and knees covered)
• This tour combines cultural, historical, and scenic highlights with moderate physical activity
• Optional extensions and customizations available upon request