Discover the hidden gems of Eastern Europe on this 14-day adventure through Romania and Moldova. From Bustling capitals to village life, some of the most interesting nature and wildlife out there, with a sprinkle of Vlad the Impaler and extensive wine production, this tour won't disappoint. Romania being something of a tourist hub paired with Moldova, one of the least visited countries in Europe, provides a simply magical juxtaposition.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Fromage - Made in Moldova, Rezina
Your Foodie Moment: Cooking class in Trebujeni - Green Villa, Trebujeni
Your Local Living Moment: Gagauz Sofrası Meal and Experience, Congaz. Visit the town of Sinaia. Bran Castle entrance ticket. Free time in Brasov. Visit to the Berca Mud Volcanoes. CEO-led orientation walk in Mila 23. Full-day guided tour of the Danube Delta by speedboat. Chisinau orientation walk. Guided walking tour of Chisinau. Cricova Winery tour and tasting. Saharna Monastery visit. 'Fromage - Made in Moldova' project visit and light lunch. Orheiul Vechi Hike. Trebujeni cooking class. Guided National Gagauz History and Ethnographic Museum visit with cultural presentation. Comrat winery tour and tasting. Gagauz Sofrasi cultural and culinary complex visit with dinner. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Step into Dracula's legend at Bran Castle — home of Vlad the Impaler, Explore the canals of the Danube Delta by boat on the lookout for birds and wildlife, Explore the dynamic capitals of Bucharest and Chișinău on local walking tours, Taste your way through Moldova's local wine and cheeses, Be immersed in traditional culture in Moldova's Gaugazia region
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12
What meals are included in this trip?
14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, speedboat, flight, walking
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (8 nts), Guesthouses (3 nts), Eco Resort (2 nts)
Itinerary
Bucharest
Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on an evening orientation walk on the way to an optional group dinner.
Braşov
Explore the famous Transylvania region today, beginning in Sinaia, home to the iconic Peles Castle. Tour the castle on your own and spend time in the gardens before moving on to Bran Castle. Located on a rocky promontory and owned by Vlad the Impaler himself, this medieval castle is what you picture when you think of Bram Stoker's Dracula, a space shrouded by mystery and legend. Continue onward to Brasov and join your CEO on a late afternoon walk.
Braşov
Discover Brasov today with free time. Wander through the medieval streets and visit some of the city's most iconic sites to get the most of the region's beautiful architecture and vibrant history.
Buzău
Depart from Brasov this morning and drive to the lesser-known region of Buzău. Settle in to your guesthouse then continue on to the Berca Mud Volcanoes, a geological and botanical reserve located a short distance from the city. Take in the unique lunar landscapes and watch for eruptions before returning to Buzău for the night.
Danube Delta
After breakfast, head east to Tulcea, the gateway to the Danube Delta, and board a speedboat to the remote fishing village of Mila 23 - accessible only by water. Check in to your new home away from home and enjoy lunch on your own before setting out on foot with your CEO to explore the town. End the day surrounded by nature in one of Europe's last truly wild places.
Danube Delta
Today is dedicated to discovering the natural beauty of the Danube Delta. Board a speedboat on a guided excursion through the intricate network of canals, lakes, and reed beds that make up this ecological wonder. Keep an eye out for pelicans, herons, and egrets, as well as a variety of fish and plant life, and learn about the unique ecosystem and traditions of the Lipovan community. Visit the town and beaches of Sulina on the Black Sea before returning to the guesthouse for the evening.
Bucharest
Wave goodbye to the beautiful Danube Delta this morning and set off across the water, back to Tulcea. Transfer to a private vehicle and watch the world go by as you head back to Bucharest for the night.
Bucharest/Chişinău
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Chisinau, Moldova's capital city. In the evening, join your CEO for a short orientation walk on the way to an optional dinner out, before settling in for the next leg of the adventure.
Chişinău
Set out this morning with a local guide on a walking tour of Chisinau. Pass by some of the city's main sights and historical landmarks like the Parliament building and gaze at the beautiful architecture of the City Hall and St. Pantelimon Church. In the afternoon, visit Cricova Winery for a tour of the underground wine cellars and enjoy a tasting of some of the wines Moldova is famous for. Return to Chisinau for a free evening and optional dinner out with the group.
Chişinău/Butuceni
This morning, depart Chisinau for the North of Moldova. Stop at the Monastery of Saharna, a picturesque complex where you can relax in the shadow of a cascading waterfall, paired with ancient relics and deep history. Next, transfer to a local cheese factory in a small village for a light lunch sampling fresh cheeses, jams and wine. Learn how the initiative serves to support the community by providing employment and preserving Moldovan traditions. Continue to Butuceni Village for the evening.
Butuceni
This morning enjoy some light hiking to Orheiul Vechi, an area of natural beauty shaped by the river Raut as it cuts into the rocky hills of central Moldova. In medieval times, the river Raut served as a travel route for merchants from as far away as Greece. After free time in the village, join a cooking class at an agro-pension in Trebujeni, then stroll back to the eco resort in Butuceni. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon free to explore or relax.
Butuceni/Congaz
Embark on a day of cultural immersion into the Gaugazia region of Moldova. Start at the National Gagauz History and Ethnographic Museum and learn of the local wedding traditions with an interactive presentation. Continue on to Comrat for a winery tour and tasting, then visit Gagauz Sofrasi, a cultural and culinary complex where you'll learn about local traditions and indulge in a traditional Gagauz feast, featuring locally sourced ingredients and expertly crafted wines.
Congaz/Chişinău
Wave goodbye to Congaz this morning and depart for the drive back to Chisinau. The remainder of the day is free to explore Moldova's capital city before regrouping in the evening for an optional final dinner out with the group.
Chişinău
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
