Heart of the East: Romania & Moldova Adventure
14 days, Bucharest to Chişinău
Itinerary
Day 1Bucharest
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.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Bucharest Orientation Walk
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 2Braşov
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Peleș Castle Visit
Step into a fairytale during your visit to Peleș Castle. Set in the stunning foothills of the Bucegi Mountains in Romania, this sprawling fortress and its grounds are known to embody both the military interests and artistic inclinations of its original commissioners, King Carol I and his wife, Queen Elizabeth.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Bran Castle Visit
Visit the picturesque Bran Castle, impressively situated on a rock outcrop and dominating the valley. This 14th century castle is steeped in history and folklore and is an unmissable highlight. Sometimes called "Dracula's Castle", it served as a defense point to protect the border between Transylvania and Wallachia. Rumours abound regarding Dracula's interaction with the castle. You'll have to visit to find out the truth.
Walking Tour Brasov
Join your CEO and get to know the medieval architecture and iconic Black Church Brasov is famous for. Take in views of terracotta tiled rooftops against the lush Carpathian Mountains, and enjoy one of the most popular locations in Romania.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Braşov
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.
Free Time
Today is free to enjoy however you wish. Choose to visit the old town h or Catherine's Gate, perhaps.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Catherine's Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei) Visit
Get ready to go back in history with a visit to Catherine's Gate, built in 1559 and the only original gate to have survived from medieval times.
Schei District Visit
During the Saxon rule of Brasov, from the 13th to the 17th century, Romanians were forbidden from owning property inside the citadel walls and so they settled in the southwestern Schei district.
Walk up Strada Prundului to Piata Unirii and the beautiful St. Nicholas Church; then, wander around the small curving streets that gradually slope upwards against the hill. Continue to the southern end of Schei and you'll end up on the gravel road to the impressive Solomon's Rocks (Pietrele lui Solomon), a popular picnic area for locals during the weekend but relatively quiet all other times.
Black Church (Biserica Neagră) Visit
8RON per personThe Black Church is the biggest church between Vienna and Istanbul. It's a famous landmark of the town of Brasov, is Romania's leading Gothic church, and has the largest church bell in the country, weighing a hefty 7 tons (6,350 kg)! Explore its beautiful interior, including stained glass windows and its collection of 119 Turkish carpets, the largest in Europe.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Buzău
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Berca Mud Volcanoes
Experience the Berca Mud Volcanoes, a geological and botanical reservation located in Scortoasa, featuring small volcanoes that erupt with mud and natural gasses.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Danube 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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Speedboat
Cut swiftly through the water en route to the next stop (and hang on to your hat).
Mila 23 Walk
Join your CEO on a walk through the picturesque fishing village, located in the heart of the Danube Delta. This small community of approximately 450 people boasting traditional Lipovan architecture, great white pelicans (and several other bird species), and one of a kind sunsets.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 6Danube 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.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore or relax in the village.
Danube Delta by Speedboat
Board a speedboat and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere reserve, renowned for biodiversity and thriving birdlife. The Delta is a globally important stop for migratory birds, leading to unique bird watching opportunities. Not to be outshone by birdlife, the Delta is home to richly diverse communities of mammals, marine life, and flora throughout. Lucky travellers may even spot wild horses on the beaches near Sulina, one of the few places left in Europe to be able to see them.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 7Bucharest
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.
Speedboat
Cut swiftly through the water en route to the next stop (and hang on to your hat).
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Bucharest/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.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Orientation Walk Chisinau
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, ATMs and some of the main sights.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Chişinău
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.
Guided Walking Tour Chisinau
Head out on foot with a local guide and walk around downtown Chisinau. Visit the Nativity Cathedral, Central Square, home to the Government buildings, Park of Stephen the Great, etc. Learn about the unique architectural style featuring Gothic and Renaissance elements with strong Italian influences. Depart with a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the unique culture.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Cricova Winery Tour and Tasting
Explore one of the most popular underground wineries in Moldova and contains the largest collection of exclusive wines in the country. Moldova is home to three cellars located in limestone caves and this is located at a depth of 80 meters and spans 160 km in length. Witness more than 70 streets covering an area of 53 hectares, each bearing Bacchic names - Sauvignon, Cabernet, Cahor, as well as the oldest bottle in Moldova, dated from 1902. Enjoy a wine tasting in the cellars and learn of the process that makes these wines so special.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Chişinău/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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Saharna Monastery Visit
Set out on a self guided exploration of the Saharna Monastery, situated on the bank of the Nistru River. The picturesque Saharna offers views of soarkling waterfalls and lies in the shadow of rolling hills and lush forests. The relics of Saint Suvios Macarie are found in the complex and views of the chapel can be seen from the top of Grimidon hill. Legend has it that the footprints of the mother of God appeared in front of Saint Varfolomei in this location.
Your Local Living Moment: Fromage - Made in Moldova
Settle in for a light lunch and learn about Thierry Ernst, a frenchman who came to Moldova to offer humanitarian aid. He and his wife transformed an old school into an eco-friendly cheese factory using locally sourced milk and blending French and Moldovan traditions, creating employment, and directly helping local families. Learn about Thierry's program development beyond the cheese factory, and finish the experience by sampling locally produced cheeses, jams, and wine.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 11Butuceni
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.
Hike to Trebujeni Village
Hike your way around Orheiul Vechi, beginning at your Butuceni homestead. Explore the landscape around the Raut riverbed and the Cave Monastery where you'll be rewarded with beautiful vistas and ample birdwatching.
Free Time
Relax and unwind after a morning of exploration. Take a free afternoon to explore however you wish.
Your Foodie Moment: Cooking Class in Trebujeni
Take part in a cooking class and lunch at an agro pension in the village of Trebujeni. Learn to prepare local specialties like placinte, traditional pies with cheese, potatoes, cabbage and other seasonal ingredients. Savour the delicious flavours from fresh ingredients before returning to Butuceni.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 12Butuceni/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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
National Gagauz History and Ethnographic Museum Visit
Dive headfirst into the local culture as you join a mock traditional Gagauzian wedding ceremony located in the museum hall. Listen to local wedding songs and witness the gift giving traditions, one where women from both families unite and the mother-in-law provides an offering to her new daughter-in-law. Opt to participate in an artistic performance within the museum right in the hall where wedding dresses and the bride's dowry are exhibited.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Vinuri De Comrat Winery Tour and Tasting
Tour the facility and sample the local flavours of the Vinuri de Comrat winery, in operation for 120 years. Learn of the traditions passed from generation to generation that lead to the unique Moldovan flavours.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Local Living Moment: Gagauz Sofrası Meal and Experience
Enjoy Gagauz Sofrası, a cultural and culinary experience where you'll indulge in a traditional Gagauz feast, featuring locally sourced ingredients and expertly crafted wines. Enjoy a bread and salt greeting before your meal, alongside a short introduction to Gagauzian hospitality. Visit a traditional guesthouse, the ethnographic museum, the wine cellar, and the terrace. In the museum, you have the unique opportunity to try on Gagauz attire to immerse yourself deeper in the local culture.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 13Congaz/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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do; now is your chance to explore.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Chişinău
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.