Romania and Moldova - Discover the Cultural Heritage
This tour is ideal for those eager to explore the best of Romania and the Republic of Moldova. Romania enchants with its medieval castles, charming towns, and breathtaking landscapes untouched by mass tourism, offering a glimpse into the magic of Old Europe. Enjoy distinctive wines, delicious food, vibrant gypsy music and culture, horse-drawn carts, and a thriving agricultural tradition.
Moldova, in contrast, impresses with its rich winemaking heritage, including unique underground wine cities, and its Soviet legacy, still evident in the autonomous regions of Transnistria and Gagauzia, where nostalgia for the “old good times” remains. Meeting local people and artists will further enrich your experience, and you'll gain insight into the shared history of Romania and Moldova, which were once united before their separation in the 19th century.
Day 1
Bucharest - Brasov
Arrive in Bucharest, Romania, and continue your journey to Brasov, nestled in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains. If time permits, stop in Sinaia to admire the exterior of the renowned Peles Castle, the former summer residence of Romania’s Hohenzollern royal family. Then, visit the iconic Dracula Castle in Bran, a Gothic-style fortress dramatically perched on a rocky hilltop.
Enjoy accommodation at a 3-star hotel in downtown Brasov, followed by dinner at one of the city’s renowned restaurants.
Day 2
Brasov - Viscri - Sighisoara
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Brasov, visiting key landmarks such as the Black Church, Piata Sfatului, and the historic Schei District, said to be the oldest part of the city. Then, depart for Sighisoara, stopping along the way in the charming village of Viscri, known for its connection to Prince Charles, who owns several houses there. Lunch will be served in Viscri before continuing to Sighisoara, the most beautiful medieval citadel in Eastern Europe.
Tour highlights include the Guild Tower, Venetian House, Dracula House, Wooden Covered Staircase, and the Hill Church. Afterward, check in at a 4-star local hotel, with the evening free for dinner and leisure.
Day 3
Sighisoara - Bicaz Gorge - Bucovina
Today, we leave Transylvania and journey to the picturesque Bucovina region. Along the way, we will pass through Hungarian villages, famous for their distinctive gates. Our first stop will be at Bicaz Gorge, the natural connection between Transylvania and Moldavia, where we’ll visit the stunning Murder Lake (Lacu Rosu), a site of remarkable natural beauty. Enjoy lunch by the lake before continuing our drive into Bucovina, renowned for its magnificent painted churches.
On the way, visit Neamt Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries built during the reign of Stephen the Great. Upon arrival in Gura Humorului, check in at the charming La Roata 4* Hotel. Dinner is on your own for the evening.
Day 4
Bucovina Monasteries Tour
Today, we continue our journey through Bucovina’s rich religious and artistic heritage, with a special focus on its famous painted monasteries. Before visiting Moldovita Monastery, we will stop at the home of a local artist to learn the intricate art of painting Easter eggs. You’ll discover the symbolic meanings behind the designs and how this beautiful craft has been passed down through generations.
Next, visit Moldovita Monastery, renowned for its vibrant frescoes and spiritual significance. Afterward, enjoy lunch on the way before heading to Sucevita Monastery, where you’ll be captivated by its famous Staircase of Virtues fresco—a vivid depiction of the journey toward salvation.
If time permits, we will visit Voronet Monastery, one of the most iconic of Bucovina’s painted monasteries and a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning depiction of the Last Judgment and the famous “Voronet Blue.” Here, you’ll also gain insights into the region’s deep-rooted religious traditions.
Return to Gura Humorului in the evening for free time and dinner at your leisure. Overnight at the same accommodation, La Roata 4* Hotel.
Day 5
Gura Humorului - Iasi
After breakfast, we depart for Iasi, the cultural heart of Romania. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided city tour, visiting the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral and the stunning Palace of Culture, among other key landmarks that showcase the city’s rich history and artistic heritage.
Lunch is on your own, followed by free time to explore the city at your leisure.
In the evening, a special treat awaits! At a local monastery, savor blessed wine while listening to the enchanting sounds of Byzantine church music performed by a student choir from the Iasi Theological University. This unique experience is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Dinner will be served at the monastery, followed by check-in at a 4-star hotel for the night.
Day 6
Iasi - Soroca - Chisinau
After breakfast, we depart from Iasi and Romania, beginning our adventure in the Republic of Moldova. Our first stop is the town of Soroca, renowned for its sizable Roma minority. Upon arrival, we’ll visit Soroca Fortress, a unique example of defensive architecture in Europe. Another fascinating highlight of Soroca is the famous Gypsy Hill, where impressive Roma mansions stand on the city's only significant elevation, offering a unique cultural insight.
Enjoy lunch in Soroca before continuing our journey to Chisinau, the capital of Moldova. Upon arrival, check in at the 4-star Flowers Hotel. The evening is free for dinner at your leisure.
Day 7
Old Orhei - Curchi Monastery - Cricova Winery - Chisinau
After breakfast, we head to Old Orhei, an open-air natural reserve rich in history and beauty. We will visit the cave monastery St. Maria Dormata, carved into the cliffs and expanded over centuries by monks, still preserved in its functional state today.
Next, we visit the Curchi Monastery, a true gem of Moldova's religious heritage. Among the various churches you'll explore is the Virgin’s Assumption Cathedral, designed by the renowned architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli.
For lunch, we’ll stop at Cricova, one of the largest underground wine cities in Europe, opened in the 1960s. Here, we’ll enjoy a wine tasting and a delicious lunch amidst the vast underground wine cellars—one of the few positive legacies left by the Soviets.
If time allows, we will take a walking tour of Chisinau, the capital of the Republic of Moldova, before you enjoy a free evening for dinner.
Day 8
Transnistria - Et Cetera winery
Today, we invite you to explore Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria, where the old USSR is still very much alive. During the city tour, we will visit several monuments that highlight the region's Soviet legacy, and, if time permits, stop at the Museum of the Transnistrian Conflict for an in-depth look at the area's complex history.
In the afternoon, we’ll depart for Et Cetera Winery, where a delicious lunch awaits, followed by a tasting of their exceptional wines. Established in 2009, the winery is surrounded by 50 hectares of vineyards, offering a stunning view for visitors to enjoy.
Afterward, return to Chisinau and your accommodation at the same hotel. The evening is free for dinner at your leisure.
Day 9
Gagauzia
After breakfast, we depart for Comrat, the capital of the world’s smallest autonomous region, Gagauzia. During the city tour, we will visit key sites, including St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Black Horse Park, the Government Building, and the V. I. Lenin Statue, offering a glimpse into the region's unique culture and history.
Following the city tour, we head to Copceac to visit a “colhoz” (state-run collective farm), where you'll experience a slice of life from the communist era. Established in 1947, the Victory Collective Farm is the only surviving colhoz after the collapse of the USSR, and today leads the region in producing and exporting fruits and vegetables. Enjoy lunch at the farm, where you'll immerse yourself in this rare remnant of Soviet life.
Afterward, we return to Chisinau for free time to explore the city or do some last-minute shopping. Accommodation remains at the same hotel, and dinner is on your own.
Day 10
Departure Home
Transfer to the airport.