Sample Itineraries

1. Bucharest and Southern Transylvania

2. Discover Walachia

3. Bucharest and the Painted Monasteries

4. Bucharest to Budapest (Hungary )

5. Transylvania ’s ‘Siebenburgen ’ (Starting from Cluj-Napoca)

6. Transylvania: Sibiu - European Capital of Culture and Traditions

7. Transylvania - Medieval Towns, Castles and Traditions

8. Western Romania ’s Architecture (Starting from Timisoara)

9. The Painted Monasteries (Starting from Iasi)

10. Moldova: Architecture, Wines and Spiritual Life in Eastern Romania
   (Starting from Iasi)

11. Hiking , Caving and Rural Life in Central Romania
   (Starting from Budapest - Hungary or from Vienna - Austria)

12. The traditional Villages of Maramures

13.The Danube Delta – Europe ’s Everglades


1. Bucharest and Southern Transylvania

Itinerary: Bucharest - Sinaia - Brasov - Sighisoara - Sibiu
Duration: 5 days
Best way of transportation: train or car

» Day 1: Bucharest
Explore Bucharest, the capital of Romania. In the evening enjoy a concert by George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra or travel to Valea Calugareasca, one of the top Romanian wine regions. After wine tasting and dinner return to Bucharest.

» Day 2: Bucharest - Sinaia - Brasov (103 miles/ 166 km)
Drive or take the train to Sinaia and visit the Peles Castle. Built in 1883, Peles Castle is a masterpiece of German Renaissance architecture. The smaller Pelisor Castle features a unique collection of Viennese furniture and Tiffany glassware. Continue straight to Brasov or from Predeal take a 25 miles detour to the village of Bran to visit the 14th century Bran (Dracula’s) Castle then continue to Brasov. Overnight in Brasov.

» Day 3: Brasov - Sighisoara (72 miles/ 116 km)
Sightseeing in Brasov. Highlights include: the Council Square, the beautiful Saint Nicholas Church, Brasov Fortress, Franciscan Monastery. Do not miss the Black Church whose name is attributed to a fire set in 1689 by disgruntled invaders unable to breach the city’s walls. Ever since, the church and its red-tiled roof have been ash-stained. For a panoramic view of Brasov and the surrounding Carpathians Mountains take the cable car to Postavarul Peak in Poiana Brasov.

» Day 4: Day-trip to Sibiu (110 miles/ 178 km)
Sightseeing in Sibiu. Highlights include: Craftsmen’s Square, Huet Square and Evangelical Church, Bridge of Lies, Goldsmith Square, Great Square, Orthodox Cathedral, Roman Catholic Church, City Hall Tower. Take an afternoon train/ drive back to Sighisoara or continue to Brasov. Overnight in Sighisoara or in Brasov.

» Day 5: Return to Bucharest (175 miles/ 282 km)
or continue your journey to the Painted Monasteries in Bucovina.

Romania Itinerary Map (Bucharest and Southern Transylvania)

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2. Discover Walachia

Itinerary: Bucharest - Targoviste - Curtea de Arges - Brasov - Sinaia - Bucharest
Duration: 5 days
Best way of transportation: car

» Day 1: Bucharest
Explore Bucharest, the capital of Romania. Overnight in Bucharest.

» Day 2: Bucharest - Targoviste - Curtea de Arges (118 miles/ 191 km)
Drive to Targoviste and visit the Princely Court (the authentic Dracula’s Castle). From Targoviste continue to Curtea de Arges to visit the 16th century Curtea de Arges Monastery (Manastirea Curtea de Arges) and the 14th century Princely Court (Curtea Domneasca). Overnight in Curtea de Arges.

» Day 3: Curtea de Arges - Campulung - Bran - Brasov(81 miles/ 131 km)
From Curtea de Arges to Bran, drive over the Carpathian Mountains (through Bran-Rucar Pass). Visit Bran (Dracula’s) Castle. Spend a night in a private farm and enjoy homemade cheeses and grilled lamb pastrami or continue to Brasov (16 miles northeast).

» Day 4: Brasov
Stroll around Brasov’s medieval section and learn about the city’s rich history. Overnight in Brasov.

» Day 5: Brasov - Sinaia - Bucharest (103 miles/ 166 km)
Return to Bucharest via Sinaia, where Peles Castle, former summer residence of the Royal family, awaits. Wine enthusiasts can stop in the town of Azuga for lunch and wine tasting at Rhein Cellars.

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3. Bucharest and the Painted Monasteries

Itinerary: Bucharest - Suceava - Sighisoara - Brasov - Sinaia
Duration: 5 days
Best way of transportation: car or train and car

» Day 1: Bucharest to Suceava (282 miles/ 455 km)
Travel from Bucharest to Suceava - by express train (6 hours) or by car. Overnight in Suceava or in Gura Humorului. There are also non-stop flights from Bucharest or from Vienna (Austria) to Iasi (90 miles southeast of Suceava).

» Day 2: The Painted Monasteries (108 miles/ 175 km)
Visit the unique monasteries of Bucovina: Voronet, Sucevita, Moldovita and Humor (car rental or tour/ transportation arranged locally).

» Day 3: Return to Bucharest or Vienna
Travel to Suceava or Iasi for your flight back home
or continue to Bucharest on land, crossing Transylvania:
The Painted Monasteries – Sighisoara (182 miles/ 294 km) Take the scenic route to Sighisoara via Bicaz Gorges. En route to Sighisoara stop in Corund and visit the local pottery workshops. Overnight in Sighisoara.

» Day 4: Sighisoara - Brasov (72 miles/ 116 km)
Sightseeing in Sighisoara, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Spend the day seeing the sights, such as the Clock Tower, Church on the Hill, Scholars’ Wooden Staircase, Venetian House, Hermann Oberth Square. Travel to Brasov (train or car). Overnight in Brasov.

» Day 5: Brasov to Bucharest (103 miles/ 166 km)
Take the train or drive to Bucharest. En route to Bucharest stop in Sinaia to visit the Peles Castle.

Romania Itinerary Map (Bucharest and the Painted Monasteries)

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4. Bucharest to Budapest (Hungary )

Itinerary: Bucharest - Brasov - Sighisoara - Cluj - Oradea - Budapest
Duration: 5 days
Best way of transportation: car or train

» Day 1: Bucharest - Sinaia - Brasov (103 miles/ 166 km)
Travel from Bucharest to Sinaia and visit the Peles Castle. Continue to Brasov and see its Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance buildings, among other sights. Overnight in Brasov.

» Day 2: Brasov - Sighisoara (72 miles/ 116km)
Travel to Sighisoara; see one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns. Overnight in Sighisoara.

» Day 3: Sighisoara - Cluj-Napoca (100 miles/ 162 km)
Travel to Cluj-Napoca. Discover the city’s architecture. See paintings dating from the Middle Ages housed in the 18th-century Banffy Palace. Learn about the region at the Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania. Overnight in Cluj- Napoca.

» Day 4: Cluj-Napoca - Oradea (95 miles/ 153 km)
Drive or take the train to Oradea, a city known for its Art Nouveau architecture. Visit the “Church with Moon” and Museum of the Cris Rivers, housed in a 1770 Baroque palace. Overnight in Oradea.

» Day 5: Oradea to Budapest (Hungary) (155 miles/ 250 km)
Take the train to Budapest and explore the capital of Hungary or discover the traditional villages of Maramures (please see itinerary #9).

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Starting from Cluj -Napoca:

5. Transylvania ’s ‘Siebenburgen ’

Itinerary: Cluj - Sighisoara - Brasov - Sibiu - Cluj
Duration: 4 days
Best way of transportation: car or train

» Day 1: Cluj-Napoca - Sighisoara (100 miles/ 162 km)
In Cluj-Napoca, visit the Art Museum, housed in the 18th century Banffy Palace, to view collections of weaponry and Romanian paintings dating from the Middle Ages. Sightseeing: Old Town’s architecture, the Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania, St Michael Cathedral, the Botanical Gardens. Drive/ take the train to Sighisoara. Overnight in Sighisoara.

» Day 2: Sighisoara - Brasov (72 miles/ 116 km)
Discover Europe’s best preserved medieval town. Spend the morning seeing the sights, such as the Clock Tower, the Guild Tower; Venetian House, Antler House, Scholar‘s Wooden Staircase, Church on the Hill, Hermann Oberth Square. Have lunch in the house where Vlad tepes (Dracula) was born. Travel to Brasov. Overnight in Brasov.

» Day 3: Brasov - Sibiu (87 miles/ 141 km)
Explore Brasov’s outstanding old town built by Saxons in 1400s. Travel from Brasov to Sibiu (train, bus or car). Overnight in Sibiu.

» Day 4: Sibiu - Alba lulia - Cluj-Napoca (104 miles/ 168 km)
Visit Sibiu’s Bruckenthal Palace and its rich art collections. Other attractions in Sibiu include Little Square (Craftsmen’s Square), Bridge of Lies, Goldsmith’s Square, the Orthodox Cathedral, several centuries- old churches and the City Hall Tower. Visit the nearby traditional village of Sibiel. Return to Cluj-Napoca.

Romania Itinerary Map (5. Transylvania ’s ‘Siebenburgen ’)

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6. Transylvania: Sibiu - European Capital of Culture and Traditions

Sibiu—the European Capital of Culture in 2007 and one of Romania’s oldest and most charming cities—enchants visitors with its medieval architecture, centuries-old traditions and vibrant modern arts scene.

Itinerary: Sibiu - Sighisoara - Biertan - Sibiel - Sibiu
Duration: 4 days

» Day 1: Sibiu
Arrive in Sibiu; transfer to Hotel Ramada (four star).
Welcome reception followed by lunch. 
Afternoon guided walking city tour. Dinner at Crama Sibiana, in the Old Town, with the mayor of Sibiu. On the menu will be local sour soups flavored with cabbage juice, Transylvanian pork cutlets served with stuffed mushrooms, chicken paprikas and the Szekler’s goulash.

» Day 1: Sibiu - Sighisoara - Birtan - Sibiu
Day trip by car to Sighisoara.
Founded by Transylvanian Saxons during the 12th century, Sighisoara stands as one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. This perfectly intact 16-th century gem, with its nine towers, cobbled streets, burgher houses and ornate churches, is pure magic. Hunt for antique bargains and fine handmade products by local artisans and artists offered by tiny shops.
Medieval lunch at Vlad the Impaler’s House.
On our way back to Sibiu, we will make a short detour to Biertan to visit one of the largest and most impressive medieval, walled churches in Romania. From 1572 to 1867, Biertan was the seat of the Saxon Evangelical bishops of Transylvania.
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your hotel with great food and music.

» Day 1: Sibiu - Sibiel - Sibiu
Sightseeing and shopping in Sibiu.
Learn about Romanian customs! A traditional wedding will be re-enacted in the nearby village of Sibiel. Age-old traditions, customs and celebrations have been carefully passed down from generation to generation in the villages of this area. The parents, godparents and relatives of the bride and groom will be selected from the members of our group. The local wedding ceremony will be followed by a party that, sometimes, lasts all night.

» Day 1: Sibiu (departure or two day trip to Brasov)
After breakfast, transfer to Sibiu airport for departure to your next destination, or take a two-day trip to Brasov, Transylvania’s largest medieval town, located at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains.

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7. Transylvania - Medieval Towns, Castles and Traditions

Picture-perfect medieval towns and villages, cobblestones and castles, century-old traditions and much more in the course of a leisurely drive through the fabled Transylvania.

Itinerary: Bucharest - Sinaia - Brasov - Rasnov - Bran Castle - Sighisoara - Brasov
Duration: 4 days

» Day 1: Bucharest
Arrive in Bucharest, transfer to the 5-star InterContinental Hotel.
In the evening, enjoy a classical music concert, performed by Romania’s National Philharmonic at the Romanian Athenaeum.

» Day 2: Bucharest - Sinaia - Brasov
From Bucharest we will travel north toward Brasov.
Stop in the mountain resort of Sinaia to visit the Peles Castle, a masterpiece of German New-Renaissance architecture, commissioned by King Carol I in 1873.
Enjoy lunch with traditional Romanian food and learn about the art of making sparkling wine, after the Champagne method, at the Rhein-Azuga Cellars. Accommodation at the 5-star Aro Palace Hotel in Brasov.
In the evening, we will attend a pipe-organ concert at the 13th-century Black Church (Biserica Neagra), the largest Gothic church east of Vienna.

» Day 3: Brasov - Rasnov - Bran Castle - Brasov
Morning sightseeing and shopping in Brasov.
Trip to the nearby 13th-century Rasnov fortress. From Rasnov we travel to Bran for lunch at a local farm and a visit to the Bran Castle in Bran. Surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend, and perched high atop a 200-foot cliff, Bran Castle owes its fame to its association with Prince Vlad the Impaler who inspired Bram Stocker’s fictional Dracula.
The lunch menu will include local specialties, such as dry-cured lamb meat (Pastrama) and several types of fresh and aged cheeses: Branza in Coaja de Brad (cheese aged in fir-tree skin container) and Branza de Burduf (cheese aged in sheep’s skin pouch).
Return to Brasov for dinner, traditional music and dances at Cerbul Carpatin Restaurant in the Old Town of Brasov.

» Day 4: Brasov - Sighisoara - Poiana Brasov - Brasov
Day trip to Sighisoara.
Founded by Transylvanian Saxons during the 12th century, Sighisoara still stands as one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this perfectly intact gem with nine towers, cobbled streets, burgher houses and ornate churches is unmatched in its atmospheric magic.
Return to Brasov for dinner at Outlaws’ Hut (Cabana Haiducilor) in Poiana Brasov. The menu will include traditional Romanian dishes such as Sarmale (stuffed cabbage) and Bulz Ciobanesc (oven-baked mix of several types of ewe’s milk cheese, sour cream and polenta).

» Day 4: transfer to Bucharest (or extand your stay with a trip to Sibiu)
After breakfast, transfer to Bucharest airport for departure or continue your trip to Transylvania with a visit to Sibiu and the traditional villages in the neighborhood.

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Starting from Timisoara:

8. Western Romania ’s Architecture

Itinerary: Timisoara - Arad - Oradea - Timisoara
Duration: 3 days
Best way of transportation: car or train

» Day 1: Timisoara
A walking tour of Western Romania’s largest city starts in Union Square (Piata Unirii), a grand square built in Viennese style flanked by colorful 18th and 19th century buildings. The Freedom Square (Piata Libertatii) offers a great display of 19th century architecture. The town’s main gathering place is Victory Square (Piata Victoriei), lined with cafes, bookstores and shops. - Timisoara was the first European city to introduce horsedrawn trams (in 1869) and electrical street lighting (in 1889) - The Metropolitan Cathedral was built on a swamp and it has 5000 oak supports underneath it.

» Day 2: Timisoara - Arad - Oradea (102 miles/ 165 km)
Travel to centuries-old Arad to see some impressive turn-of-thecentury buildings, such as the neoclassical City Hall (1876), the Palace of Culture (1913) and the Red Church. Do not miss the Roman Catholic Church, with its Baroque interior; and the imposing Orthodox Cathedral. On Revolutiei Boulevard there is an Art Gallery exhibiting furniture from the 17th century on. Continue your journey to Oradea. Overnight in Oradea.

» Day 3: Oradea - Timisoara (102 miles/ 165 km)
Spend the day in Oradea, one of the most picturesque towns in western Romania. Discover the city’s “Sezzession” architecture. Return to Timisoara or continue northeast to Maramures, one of Romania’s most unique, traditional, rural areas.

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Starting from Iasi:

9. The Painted Monasteries

Itinerary: Iasi - The Painted Monasteries - Iasi
Duration: 3 days
Best way of transportation: car

» Day 1: Iasi
Fly in from Bucharest or from Vienna or take the express train from Bucharest to Iasi and rent a car. Drive to the centuriesold Cotnari vineyards. Take a wine tasting tour and try some of Romania’s finest sweet white wines: Grasa de Cotnari, Tamaioasa and Feteasca Alba. Enjoy dinner in a monastery and a Byzantine vocal concert by students at the Theological Institute of lasi. Overnight in lasi.

» Day 2: Iasi - The Painted Monasteries Area
Drive northwest to Gura Humorului and discover the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina. Visit the three best-preserved 15th century monasteries: Moldovita, Sucevita and Voronet, the latter known as the “Sistine Chapel of the East.” Overnight at a hotel in Gura Humorului or in one of the many B&Bs (Pensiune) in the nearby towns.

» Day 3: The Painted Monasteries Area - Iasi
Return to Iasi. Iasi is often overlooked by many visitors but the city continues to be one of Romania’s most important cultural centres and home to the country’s first university. In 1565, Iasi became the capital of the historic province of Moldova and for a short period of time, from 1859 until 1862, the capital of Romania. Iasi is among the very few cities in the world which have more than 100 Orthodox churches.

Romania Itinerary Map (The Painted Monasteries)

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10. Moldova: Architecture, Wines and Spiritual Life in Eastern Romania

The largest and most beautiful city in eastern Romania, IasI offers a unique combination of attractions and activities. Some of Romania’s most celebrated wines and a glimpse of Romanian Orthodox traditions will be part of this three-day trip to Eastern Romania.

Itinerary: Iasi - Cotnari - Harlau - Iasi - Golia Monastery - Iasi
(The Painted Monasteries - optional)
Duration: 3 days (two days extension optional)

» Day 1: Iasi
Arrive Iasi; transfer to Hotel Traian (4 star), built by the Eiffel Company in
late 1800’s.
Welcome reception followed by lunch.
Walking tour of Iasi.
Optional: Meetings with local business people and/or officials.
Dinner and entertainment at Bolta Rece restaurant.
The menu will include traditional Romanian dishes such as sarmale
(stuffed cabbage) and Placinte Poale in Brau (sweet cheese pie).
Wine presentation and tasting offered by a local sommelier.

» Day 2: Iasi - Cotnari - Harlau - Iasi - Golia Monastery - Iasi
Half-day trip to Cotnari and Harlau vineyards. Visit the wine museum in Harlau.
We will sample a few wines produced from Romanian grape varieties: Busuioaca de Bohotin, Sauvignon Blanc and Francusa.
Lunch and wine tasting at Cotnari, a vineyard best known for its white, sweet wines: Grasa, Francusa and Alb de Cotnari.
Return to Iasi early afternoon for shopping or rest.
Dinner at Monastery Golia with Romanian Orthodox Church leaders.
A unique music performance—featuring Byzantine music as well as traditional Romanian folk songs—will be offered by the Christian Orthodox Theological Seminary students’ choir.

» Day 3: Iasi (departure or two-day trip to Painted Monasteries)
After breakfast, transfers to Iasi airport for departure to your next destination or take a two-day trip to the Painted Monasteries (95 miles north of Iasi).
Most of the Painted Monasteries were built in late 1400’s. Set in a serene rural area, these UNESCO World Heritage Sites are known for their vivid Byzantine frescoes, which are unique in the world.

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Starting from Budapest (Hungary ) or FROM VIENNA (AUSTRIA)

11. Hiking , Caving and Rural Life in Central Romania

Itinerary: Budapest (Hungary) - Cluj - Campeni - Cluj - Oradea - Budapest
Duration: 4 days
Best way of transportation: car or train and car

» Day 1: Budapest - Cluj-Napoca (250 miles/ 403 km)
Leave Budapest in the morning, travel to Cluj. Approximate travel time: one hour by plane, six hours by car or eight hours by train. Overnight in Cluj.

» Day 2: Cluj-Napoca - Campeni (69 miles/ 111 km)
Rent a car in Cluj and take the scenic drive to Campeni, via Lake Fantanele. Drive (2 hours) through great mountain scenery and quaint villages. Sightseeing and hiking in the area (Apuseni Mountains). Overnight in a bed and breakfast in Campeni, Albac or any other village in the area.

» Day 3: Campeni - Scarisoara - Cluj-Napoca (94 miles/ 151 km)
Explore Scarisoara Cave (elevation 3,950 feet), home to one of the largest underground glaciers in Europe. Return to Cluj (2 hours by car) or travel to Oradea (3 hours by car) where you will spend the night. You may also choose to spend a second night in the Apuseni Mountains and prepare your next day visit to the Bears’ Cave (Pestera Ursilor).

» Day 4: Cluj-Napoca or Oradea - Budapest
(250 miles or 155 miles/ 403 km or 250 km) Return from Cluj or from Oradea to Budapest or, if you chose to extend your stay, explore the Bears’ Cave. Travel to Oradea (3 hours by car).

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12. The traditional Villages of Maramures

Itinerary: Budapest - Oradea - Satu Mare - Maramures villages
Duration: 4 days
Best way of transportation: car or train and car

» Day 1: Budapest - Oradea - Satu Mare (238 miles/ 384 km)
Leave Budapest and travel to Oradea (4 hours by train). Rent a car in Oradea or hire a local guide. Travel northeast to Satu Mare. Overnight in Satu Mare. Sightseeing in Satu Mare: the impressive Secession buildings in the Great Square.

» Day 2: Satu Mare - Sapanta - Botiza (94 miles/ 151 km)
After breakfast travel east to the village of Sapanta. Sightseeing: the Merry Cemetery. Continue 12 miles east to the town of Sighetul Marmatiei. Discover Maramures’ villages such as Vadul Izei, Barsana and Botiza. In Barsana visit the workshop of master wood-carver Toader Barsan, who represented Maramures at the 2001 Smithsonian Festival in Washington, DC. Observe rural life, the traditional costumes still worn by the villagers, and the specific architecture. Overnight in a Maramures village

» Day 3: Botiza - Oradea (177 miles/ 285 km)
Sightseeing: some of the area’s wooden churches: Poienile Izei - famous for its representation of Hell on its main door, Ieud - featuring the oldest church in the entire region, Bogdan Voda and Surdesti – the tallest wooden church in the world (steeple 160 feet high). Ovenight in Oradea.

» Day 4: Oradea - Budapest (155 miles/ 250 km)
Take the train or drive from Oradea to Budapest. This itinerary can be extended with one or two days to include the Painted Monasteries in Bucovina.

Romania Itinerary Map (The traditional Villages of Maramures)

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13.The Danube Delta – Europe ’s Everglades

A boat ride into the sunset, wine tasting at a monastery lost in time, a fishing trip with the locals and fresh caviar served on the banks of Lake Samova in the Danube Delta, one of Europe’s last unspoiled and remote wildernesses.

Itinerary: Bucharest - Tulcea - the Danube Delta
Duration: 4 days
Best way of transportation: train or car to Tulcea, then boat

» Day 1: Bucharest - Tulcea - the Danube Delta (195 miles)
Arrive in Bucharest. Transfer to Delta Nature Resort. The Delta Nature Resort is an elegant and luxurious retreat, recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the Top 10 eco-resorts in the world. Sunset boat trip along meandering channels of the Danube Delta while sampling local wines from the Sarica Niculitel vineyards, such as Aligote, Feteasca Regala and Pinot Noir. Relaxed dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, overlooking Somova Lake.

» Day 2: the Danube Delta
After breakfast, head out, by boat, to Saon Monastery. Built in 1846, this religious retreat is home to some 40 nuns who run an organic farm on the banks of picturesque Lake Parcheş. Lunch, prepared by the nuns from local organic products, at the monastery. Return by boat to the hotel, via Delta channels teaming with dozens of species of birds, including the largest colony of white pelicans in Europe. Traditional Danube Delta dinner: Caviar and fresh fish from the Danube River and nearby Black Sea. On the menu will also be the delicious local salad, Salata Dobrogeana, and Saramura, an entrée prepared from broiled carp served with polenta and garlic sauce. A selection of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Muscat Ottonel wines from Murfatlar vineyards will be served to quench the thirst.

» Day 3: the Danube Delta
After breakfast, explore some of the main channels and lakes of the Delta while fishing for carp, catfish, zander and perch. Hear the call of an egret, spot a group of pelicans lifting gracefully into the air or catch sight of other rare species, such as the pygmy cormorant or the red-breasted goose. For lunch sample the traditional fisherman’s soup prepared fresh in one of the villages en route. In the afternoon, visit the Danube Delta Natural History Museum in Tulcea where you will learn more about the Delta, the third most biodiverse in the world. Overnight in Tulcea.

» Day 4: The Danube Delta - Tulcea - Bucharest (195 miles)
After breakfast, departure to Bucharest for your return flight or continue your Romania Discovery Journey.

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