Scenic Romania self-drive tour with optional bear watching

Discover Bucharest and Transylvania on a spectacular road-trip through Romania, with breakfast, car hire, flights and optional excursions

Days 1-2: Bucharest (days 1-3 for nine-night tour only)

Today you’ll touch down in Bucharest, Romania’s ravishing capital frequently referred to as the ‘Paris of the East.’ A fixture on many a culture vulture’s bucket-list, this dazzling city exudes old-world splendour at every turn, and sports an eclectic blend of history and architectural beauty alongside a thriving cosmopolitan scene. Start by visiting the iconic Palace of Parliament, the world’s second-largest administrative building, before stopping by the golden-domed People’s Salvation Cathedral just next door. Just beyond, a stroll through the historic Lipscani district will have you ticking off plenty of local landmarks, and from there you can either venture north towards the National Art Museum, Royal Palace and magnificent Romanian Athenaeum, or explore the Jewish Quarter with its awe-inspiring Choral Temple. Along the way, peek inside spectacular Orthodox churches large and small, take a break in one of the city centre’s beautiful parks, and head to a local eatery to sample traditional delights. If you opt for the nine-night tour, you'll have an additional day at leisure to spend exploring the city.

Day 3: Sibiu (days 4-5 for nine-night tour only)

After city slicking in the capital, you’ll pick up your rental car and bid farewell to Bucharest, as you embark on a scenic five-hour drive to Sibiu, a magical medieval city in the heart of Transylvania. Founded by German settlers in the 12th century, the city’s fairytale historic charm draws visitors from far and wide, who flock to its beautifully-preserved Old Town to stroll down idyllic cobbled streets lined with pretty pastel-hued period buildings. Visit the enchanting Upper Town for unmissable highlights like the Clock Tower, the Brukenthal Palace (Romania’s oldest museum), and the city’s landmark, Catholic, Orthodox and Lutheran churches, before getting a taste of local life wandering the picturesque alleys of the Lower Town - you’ll find many a hidden gem here, from artisanal shops to beloved cafés and eateries. Opt for the nine-night tour for an additional night in Sibiu.

Day 4: Cluj-Napoca

Today, top up Old Town elegance with artsy vibes and a lively local scene as you drive towards Cluj-Napoca, also known simply as Cluj. On the way, perhaps stop by the otherworldly village of Rimetea, one of the country’s most beautiful rural spots and a European cultural heritage site. Once in Cluj, spend some time exploring the historic hotspots clustered around the Old Town’s three main squares - Unirii, Mihai Viteazul and Avram Iancu - before seeing a different side to this vibrant city by dipping your toe in its unconventional foodie, bar and cultural offerings: you’ll find everything from vintage shopping to underground art galleries and Insta-worthy brunch spots.

Day 5: Sighisoara

Head southeast today towards the next stop on your Transylvanian adventure: Sighisoara. Steeped in history, myth and tradition, a stay here will feel like stepping back in time, as you wind your way down narrow stone-paved streets past medieval merchants’ houses, soaring turrets and idyllic squares in the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Favourite sights include the Clock Tower, the Covered Staircase and the imposing Sighisoara Citadel - but no mention of the town would be complete without a nod to its most infamous inhabitant, Vlad the Impaler. The ruthless 15th-century prince is the inspiration for none other than the world’s most famous vampire, Count Dracula, and you even can visit the house where he is believed to have been born. Not your thing? No problem - stay safe with a visit to the beautiful Monastery Church in the town centre and Holy Trinity Church across the river, or perhaps take a short drive up to the Monastery of St Demetrius - a little slice of heaven just outside town.

Days 6-7: Brasov

The majestic Carpathian Mountains preside over the idyllic red roofs of Brasov, a postcard-perfect city about two hours’ drive south of Sighisoara. Expect more old-world charm and plenty of dreamy Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture - the city is known for its breathtaking churches, soaring medieval spires and awe-inspiring castles. Don’t know where to start? A bucket-list optional tour will take you to Bran Castle, one of Romania’s most visited spots and the inspiration for Dracula’s castle in Bram Stoker’s eponymous novel. The tour also goes by the imposing Rasnov Fortress, with an optional stop at the magnificent 19th-century Peles Castle, a real-life Disney if ever there was one.

The area around Brasov is also world-famous for its large population of brown bears, and while you’re here, you’ll have the option to add two fantastic bear-watching excursions to your itinerary. Get up close to these elusive creatures with a small-group bear-watching excursion, or learn more about local conservation efforts with a visit to the Libearty Brown Bear Sanctuary, which has rescued over 100 brown bears from captivity and allows them to roam in large semi-wild conditions.

Day 8: Bucharest - UK/Ireland

Say goodbye to Transylvania as you hop in the car for the final leg of your journey: a beautiful three-hour drive back to Bucharest. Once here, you’ll drop off your rental car and head to the airport, ready to catch your flight home.