3 day private tour available from Bucharest or Brasov
from Thursday to Sunday
All year round
Available only from Bucharest and Brasov
3 days
750 km
private
From 245 Euro/ person
Boutique Romania’s 3-Day Tour of Transylvania’s Landmarks focuses primarily on the historic cities of Brașov, Sighișoara and Sibiu. You will spend the majority of your trip within the dramatic, historic Carpathian mountains and travel the legendary Transfăgărășan Highway to enjoy rural villages; multiple UNESCO World Heritage Site castles and fortified churches and the region’s unmatched hospitality, culture and architecture.
You will be accompanied by the same highly experienced and reputable guide throughout your journey. All travel will take place in our top-of-the-line, Euro 6-ranked vehicles: We’ll handle all the transportation details and accommodations so you can rest comfortably and focus exclusively on enjoying your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Whichever Boutique Romania tour you choose, we guarantee you that you will be impressed with your guide’s unparalleled hospitality and knowledge of Romania’s extraordinary history. You will be surprised to discover just how unique Romania really is–and just how much of our rich, multi-ethnic legacy has remained intact and untarnished over all these years. His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is a frequent visitor in Romania, Prince Charles notes, “It’s the timelessness of [Romania] which is so remarkable, almost out of some of those stories one used to read as a child.”
We invite you to discover just how remarkable Romania truly is!
Your adventure will likely most begin in Romania’s capital: Bucharest (although you do have the option to customize the journey to start in Brașov). Wherever you begin, your guide will greet you at the airport--and this same guide will remain with you throughout your tour.
If beginning in Bucharest, your tour will begin with a personalized tour of the Palace of Parliament. Nicolae Ceauşescu built this enormous edifice--the single largest civilian administrative building worldwide and current home of Romania’s Senate, Chamber of Deputies, Legislative Council and Constitutional Court.
You will then leave Bucharest, driving north to Sinaia: a mountain resort located in the historical region of Muntenia. Named after Sinaia Monastery, the picturesque town is nestled between the Danube, the Carpathians (aka Transylvanian Alps), Moldavia and the Olt River. You will visit King Carol I’s stunning Peleș Castle. This landmark dates back to 1873 and blends Neo-Renaissance and Gothic Revival architecture, with a heavily Baroque-influenced interior loaded with luxurious linens and intricately carved woodwork.
Before reaching Brașov, you will also visit nearby Bran Castle. This landmark is a favorite among visitors because of its inaccurate association with Vlad Țepeș, aka Vlad Dracula. In reality, there is no evidence that Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula, was influenced by Bran Castle, and the fortress has no proven associations with Vlad the Impaler. Despite the Bran Castle’s questionable connection with the literary legend, the castle remains a worthwhile and historic destination. In fact, the original fortress on this site dates back to the early 13th century; however, Mongols destroyed the first wooden edifice in 1242. Louis I of Hungary granted local Saxons authority to build the stone castle at their own expense and labour in 1377, and the site is now a museum housing Queen Marie of Romania’s furniture and art collection.
You will arrive in Brașov that evening and are free to independently explore the bustling activity and plentiful dining options within the city’s Council Square. Encircled by beautifully preserved 18th and 19th century homes, Piata Sfatului has served as Brașov’s town market since the mid-14th century and has hosted merchants from all over the world.
After you’ve enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel to lead a walking tour of Brașov’s many historically significant landmarks. As a significant stop along historic trade routes between Western Europe and the Ottoman Empire, Brașov is widely regarded as the capital for the region’s Transylvanian Saxons, who were highly involved in crafts and trading.
Archaeologists in Brașov have unearthed evidence of advanced civilizations dating back to 9500 BCE, the Neolithic Age; and this region holds some of Romania’s earliest artifacts. After hearing more about the rich history of Council Square--which includes public humiliation of accused witches and the late 17th-century beheading of a guild leader, you’ll see the city’s famous Biserica Neagră. Named after Saint Mary, the celebrated church became known as The Black Church as a result of smoke damage sustained in The Great Fire of 1689. The original structure was built in 94 years (between 1383 and 1477) and was the biggest church between Vienna and Constantinople.
Your tour will take you down Rope Street, the narrowest passageway in Romania--and possibly all of Europe: Strada Sforii’s width varies between just 111 and 135 centimetres and continues 80 metres. You will see both Black Tower and White Tower, two of the city’s Old City Watch Towers, as well as Brașov’s only original city gate that has remained intact since the Middle Ages. Catherine’s Gate, aka Șchei Gate, sits immediately beside Poarta Ecaterinei.
From Brașov, your adventure will take you northwest to Sighişoara. This small Medieval city sits on top of a hill, peaked by a citadel on the highest summit and fortified by a formidable 930-meter ring of walls, 14 defense towers and five artillery bastions. After being invited by the King of Hungary, Transylvanian Saxons built their fortress on the Tarnava River during the 12th century in order to populate and defend the region. They were so successful here that Sighişoara became one of Transylvania’s culturally rich and profitable cities. Sighişoara’s Historic Center features opulent, well-preserved merchant houses, complete with charming pastel colors, Medieval German architecture and local craftsmen peddling their artistry. The Clock Tower looms as the tallest point in this magnificent city and dates back 700 years. The engineering masterpiece was built with walls more than two meters thick to safely store residents’ ammunition, historical archives and treasury.
During your walking tour of Sighişoara, you’ll also climb the 180-step Covered Staircase, Scara Şcolarilor or “Scholars’ Stairs,” to reach the Gothic-style Biserica din Deal, or Church on the Hill, and Saxon Cemetery. Most visitors will want to spend a good deal of time wandering the peaceful paths in this austere, sacred setting--reading well-preserved, artistically stunning headstones.
Of course, no visit to Sighişoara would be complete without seeing the 1431 birthplace of Vlad Tepes, the 15th century Prince of Wallachia that inspired Bram Stoker’s fictional Count Dracula. The historic site has since converted its ground floor into Casa Vlad Dracu, a restaurant that offers the opportunity for a lunch break and visit to the second-floor rooms that once housed the young prince.
From Sighişoara, you will drive further northwest to visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site citadel town. Biertan is one of the regions most important Saxon villages protected by fortified churches. In fact, Biertan’s Fortified Church served as Transyvania’s Lutheran Evangelical Bishop’s seat from 1572 to 1867. Transylvanian Saxons founded the town sometime between 1224 and 1283, and it served as an economically significant commerce role until declining in significance with the rise of the nearby cities of Mediaș, Sighișoara and Sibiu. Now recognized as one of the most frequently visited villages in Transylvania, Biertan hosts an annual reunion of the Transylvanian Saxons, many of whom now live in Germany, as well as the Luna Plină ("Full Moon") Horror and Fantasy Film Festival.
Continuing your exploration of Transylvania’s Saxon roots, your will then journey southwest towards Sibiu to visit the Hârtibaciu Valley. One of the finest regional examples of untouched rural living, more than 70% of Hârtibaciu Valley is protected; therefore, wildlife and untouched natural resources abound--in addition to magnificent fortified churches, charming villages and friendly locals. You’ll find life in these villages remains slow-paced and authentically bucolic, and each town prides itself on regional gastronomic specialties: Hamba’s honey, Boarta’s gingerbread, Hosman’s bread, Ighișu Vechi’s floștoroage and Țichindeal’s goat cheese.
After taking in all the local sights and sampling these delicious wares, you will next head to Sibiu. You will arrive in this architecturally rich medieval city in the evening, and your guide can recommend several highly rated and culturally rich dining options near your top-of-the-line accommodations.
Defined by a cultural legacy spanning more than 900 years, Sibiu was built by German settlers. Sibiu (aka Hermannstadt) served as the region’s capital for the Saxon demographic. The Transylvanian Saxons’ trade guilds amassed great wealth here, ultimately growing Sibiu into the largest, most prosperous of the nation’s seven walled citadels.
Sibiu’s Old Town remains strikingly German in appearance, and the area is still encircled by portions of the ancient medieval wall that once protected its citizens. Three of the city’s original 39 towers remain standing today. In Sibiu, you will also see other extraordinary landmarks, which include Great Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Brukenthal Palace, a late-Baroque architectural masterpiece housing one of Romania’s most impressive museums; the hopelessly romantic Bridge of Lies, Podul Minciunilor; Haller House, a beautiful preserved Renaissance residence with Sibiu’s trademark window structure; multiple visually striking and historically significant Churches and countless other potential destinations. Sibiu offers much to see and enjoy, and your guide will customize your experience around personal preferences.
If your trip takes place during July through September, we’ll then travel through Romania’s famous Transfăgărășan Highway. This aesthetically striking mountain road crossing though the southern section of the Romanian Carpathian, dissecting the nation’s highest peaks--Moldoveanu and Negoiu--and unifying Transylvania and Wallachia. If the Transfăgărășan Highway is not open, your guide will instead take you through the scenic Olt Valley, which is nestled between the Căpăţânii, Lotru and Făgăraş mountains. Romans forged this ancient trade route, which was later used by merchants of the Middle Ages as they journeyed deep into Transylvania.
Regardless of your route, after your rewarding day of sightseeing your guide will return you to Romania’s capital to prepare for your departure.
8 persons – 245 Euro/person
6 persons – 295 Euro/person
4 persons – 365 Euro/person
2 persons – 545 Euro/person
Contact us to get the special winter sales % for tours from 15.01 to 15.04.2024
To avoid frauds and for your own safety please visit the official website of the Romanian Ministry of Tourism and choose only a licensed tour operator.
Boutique Romania, property of Explore Bucovina Travel and Tours SRL is a fully licensed tour operator (license no. 1454) and insured (inssurance no. 2996) and all our tour guides are professional licensed tour guides.
Usually this is a private tour. However if we have specific requests from our guests we can provide a small group tour or a shared tour.
The best time to start this tour is 09.00 am, but we can also start at a mutually agreeded time.
The pick-up/drop-off can be at: your hotel or in any other point in Bucharest city and even nearby area.
The tour takes 3 days, each day approximately 8-9 hours but we can adapt to fit 100% your individual requirements.
At least 30% of the entire amount due, within 7 (seven) days after obtaining the traveler’s written confirmation for the reservation.
The remaining 70% will be paid at least 14 days before the trip by Paypal or bank transfer otherwise in cash on the spot to the tour guide.
Yes, you have included the accommodation for 1 night in Brasov and 1 night in Sibiu, 3* hotels, centrally located, in double room with BB basis.
No, the entrance fees are not included in the tour price. You will have to pay them on the spot.
For our tours, we accept both Euro and the local currency known as: Leu or Ron.
For all the other expenses (eg:entrance fees, lunch, souvenirs) we recommend you use the local currency.
We recommend visiting Romania all year round.
All four season bring a unique touch to Romania and Transylvania that should not be missed.
Dear Ovidiu,
two weeks have passed since we returned to Hamburg and I feel obliged to write you and give you our grand „Thank You” for organizing our wonderful tour through Bucovina and Maramures.
As you may have noticed at the beginning of our talks (February 2021) I was somehow reserved and cautious in giving you the assignment for the tour. This had a reason: two former assignments of guides had been total failures with really unprofessional persons who were not fitted for the job of tour guide.
So in your case, I had to take a bet and hoped that my fellow friends will get a better guide this year.
And INDEED !!! The choice to have you as our tour guide was a 100% HIT!!!
I do not have to repeat my friends in recognizing of all your merits in terms of deep knowledge of your presented subjects, sensitivity to the group requirements or even the perfect organization and scheduling (not so simple for a group of 15!!!). But what I think is most important is to feel during our common travel that you really love what you are doing and love your country and its people.
This was our big chance because by this means we could learn through your places and local „original” people which „normal/standard” tourists have little chances to see.
So all these points made our trip rich and unforgettable and therefore:
„Grand Merci!!” and „Thank You Ovidiu!!!”
If you should anytime need a recommendation please do not hesitate to mention my name.
I wish you and your family a successful year and your little boy plenty of pleasure in his new life in school.
Sincere regards
Luca Garabet
Ovidiu led group of friends around Romania on a very special and enjoyable custom tour in summer 2018. Our itinerary was crafted by two of the tour members – one Romanian, one French, who had long dreamt of sharing the wonderful Romanian landscape, people and cultures with friends from Europe and the USA. Ovidiu met us off the night train from Bucarest to Sighet, then led us as guide and driver through stops in Maramures, Bucovina, and Transylvania. We stayed in private accommodations full of character in villages and castles as we wound our way to churches, monasteries and other attractions including stops in Breb, Viseu de Sus, Viscri, Suceavita, Sighisoara, Crit, Brasov and Peles. Ovidiu is a charming, patient and highly knowledgeable guide with a deep love and understanding of Romanian culture and history. Highly recommended.
Review listed on Tripadvisor
July 2018
Thanks for making the Bucovina and Maramures part of our recent tour with our INSEAD colleagues so special.
Now the we are back in the rainy UK, Peta and I want to record our thanks for making the Bucovina and Maramures part of our recent tour with our INSEAD colleagues so special. It was a pleasure to get to know you and share in the passion and hope you have in your country.
This is the review I posted on TripAdvisor, which explains better our appreciation. As you know, I have some professional experience in the tourism industry and I genuinely believe that you have an exceptional gift for engaging your customers:
Ovidiu has detailed knowledge of all the paintings on the churches we visited in Bucovina and the wooden churches and monasteries we visited in Maramures. However, his special talent is to read his guests – in our case an international group of retired business school executives, and tailor his contextual description (history, art, culture…) to their interests. He was able to give us a living insight into the seesawing history of Romania and its invaders and occupiers as well of the minorities which still manage to thrive in this country. We gained a deep insight into the place of the Orthodox Church in Romanian society. We were able to share in his pride in his country and his hope for the future. As we returned back to our home countries, he had turned us into “Romanian Ambassadors”! Ovidiu is a truly outstanding designer of a visitor tour and an exceptional guide. We would recommend him and his company to anyone planning an “out of the ordinary” tour.
May we wish you and your family every blessing in the future and we hope that our paths may cross again in the future.
David and Peta Guillebaud
I just returned home from a vacation to Romania and Ukraine. I was with my 2 sisters and 2 nieces from the US. We spent several days touring Bucovina and surrounding areas in Romania with Ovidiu, our tour guide. I had been a bit reluctant to visit Romania, as I was unsure if the climate or culture of this Eastern European country would be friendly or hostile. I was in for an extraordinary surprise. Not only is Romania a very welcoming country to visit, but it has a history that will give you an appreciation for the strong spirit of the Romanian people. The diverse landscape of Romania will take your breath away. Be prepared to fall in love with this fascinating country, as demonstrated by your excellent tour guide.
Review listed on Tripadvisor
October 2018
We recently had the good fortune to have him lead my family on a personalized tour of several regions in Romania. I was travelling alone with my three children (aged 6-17). Ovidiu managed to keep all of us engaged and entertained while sharing his abundant and impeccable knowledge of history and the area. He is kind, professional, witty well-informed, accommodating and an overall extraordinary host. In addition to a wonderful tour, I sincerely feel that we have gained a friend from the experience. We miss Ovidiu and cannot wait to come back for another visit. If you are travelling in beautiful Romania, you would be very fortunate to have Ovidiu show you the sights!!!
Review listed on facebook
April 2017
We spent part of two days with Ovidiu Botoni, of Explore Bucovina, when we visited Transylvania. He proved to be an extremely intelligent guide who had done his research and was enthusiastic about his subjects. He welcomed our questions and showed great patience with our fascination with the Dracula story. The first day we arrived in Brasov in the afternoon, and Ovidiu was our guide for The Pelles Castle. He knew everything about the Castle, the woodwork, the history, the artwork. He even got us tickets to go to the upstairs where few tourists see. On the way to and from the Castle, he gave us valuable information about the region and the people. On the second day, he gave us a tour of Bran Castle. He knew how to time our arrival to miss most of the crowds, and he also found out that it was the first day of an added attraction: an elevator and hallway full of Dracula lore. He brushed away the Gypsies selling things we didn’t want and guided us to the souvenirs we were looking for. Later, he took us through Brasov and made the city interesting enough that we spent the next few nights exploring it. There were no mailboxes to mail postcards back to the U.S., so Ovidiu took the time to drive around and around the post office so I could run in and mail the postcards. After we were home, he sent us some additional information he had found about some of the things we discussed. My husband said, ” I could spend 2 more weeks learning about Romania from Ovid.”
Review listed on Tripadvisor
July 2018
We visited the four famous painted monasteries and, moreover, we did a 2-day excursion to the wooden churches of Maramures. Mr. Sorin was an excellent guide with a broad knowledge of all the paintings – and he was a very good driver. He also selected the local dishes and gave us a real overall Service. i highly recommend him as driver/guide for the Region mentioned.
Review listed on Tripadvisor
I booked their tour last minute. Fairly streamlined and transparent communication. A guide, Adrian, was more just a guide but someone who you’d hang out with. He was very knowledgeable and made my otherwise very difficult to maneuver monastery exploring a breeze.
Sights were very cold but it made the experience more interesting.
Review listed on Tripadvisor
January 2019
100% recommended! We had great time with Ovidiu in bucovina and maramures. The best was his knowledge about frescos in the differents monasteries and we are very greatful because he made our wishes true. We visited everything we wanted and more in record time. Thanks a lot for the efforts!
Review listed on Tripadvisor
October 2018
Our tour with Florin was great. We went to four painted monasteries and the pottery workshop. He knows a great deal about the monasteries, their history, and their art. He is a very pleasant and friendly person, and we enjoyed spending the day with him.
Review listed on Tripadvisor
September 2018
As we longed to visit Maramureș, just west to Bukovina, we contacted Mr. Ovidiu who planned a wonderful two-days tour to this region. A comfortable car, many kms run, but we were rewarded by the amazing wooden churches, monasteries, historical sites, the merry cemetery in Săpânța and two different though welcoming guesthouses on their suggestion to dine (local products and lavish meals) and spend the night. A professional, patient (very patient with us, indeed) and kind guidance going out of his way to surprise us. We’ll never forget Maramureș thanks to him. Until next time!
Review listed on Tripadvisor
August 2018
Romania has treasures well hidden in the countryside – from its imposing Carpathian mountains to the superb traditions and heritage that were declared UNESCO sites – and this boutique tour take you through an informative and fun alike exploration where you will have the opportunity to meet the people in their true unspoiled environment, observe how they have preserved their customs and learn about their history. Ovidiu is an amazing guide, extremely knowledgeable and very very passionate of sharing his love for these places with his tourists! Very friendly, professional, patient and approachable – with a degree in political history and international life experience, Ovidiu was for us the ideal guide! We feel so grateful to have been with him on this fascinating journey!!!!
Review listed on Tripadvisor
June 2019
Ovidiu was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic while showing us around Brasov. He had all the maps of how the town used to be, made it easier to visualize while he gave us a history of the town, the people, and the culture. He is a proud Romanian and it showed how much he wanted to show us his country. It was infectious because it made us wanted to absorbed all the knowledge that he possessed. Highly recommend him.
Review listed on Tripadvisor
June 2018
I took a day trip to the Bucovina Monasteries with Explore Bucovina and it was excellent. Gabriel, my guide, was an extremely nice person and very knowledgeable about the history of the region. Definitely recommended!
Review listed on Tripadvisor
June 2018
To see and share beautiful Romania with Ovidiu is a lifetime experience I am not going into great detail but do yourself a favor and do it with Explore Bucovina I guarantee you will have memories to last forever
Review listed facebook
June 2017
Brasov and Gura Humorului
On a recent trip to Romania and Ukraine with my family, we spent two wonderful days with Ovidiu as our tour guide. He was so open and funny and showed us a wide variety of attractions. From mountain tops to castles to recommending local dishes, he was smart with a broad understanding of the area. I would very highly recommend his services.
Review listed on Tripadvisor
October 2018
Out tour was aimed at finding the roots of my family in a very small village. Time was very limited. Our fantastic guide researched and took us straight to the village where with his help we were able to find exactly what we wanted to know. Our guide was knowledgeable about the history, a very safe driver, flexible with the timetable, booked great accommodation, and restaurants and entertaining. We felt very confident in his guidance and suggestion. Saw some great scenery and historic buildings and learned so much about România The trip was much more than we had hope for such a short trip. We highly recommend our guide and look to a future longer visit with him .
Review listed on Tripadvisor
August 2019
We spent a wonderful three days with Sorin Fodor as our guide. He figured out quickly how to adjust the planned itinerary to best meet our interests and had the contacts and detailed knowledge of the area to show us much that we would never have discovered on our own. We were particularly interested in Jewish life in the area, and saw the interior of four synagogues instead of one, plus three cemeteries, and the exteriors of at least six other synagogues. We didn’t neglect the other sites or learning about other aspects of Romania — Sorin just put in long and very full days with us.
Review listed on Tripadvisor
July 2019
We had great communication with Explore Bucovina and felt confident our tour would be suitable. Our guide, Mr Florin arrived on time and he took us on a relaxed and informative tour around the major sights. It was a professional service and we had a fabulous day. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this tour operator.
Review listed on Tripadvisor
August 2019
Mr Sorin Fodor from was an excellent guide for my day trip to the Painted Monasteries with Boutique Romania. He was the driver and knew the region well. This meant, for example, that he was able to guide us to a family-run restaurant in a village for lunch. But above all, he was knowledgeable about the monasteries, both their history and the motifs represented. He knew the details, but also the bigger picture He was not only well-rehearsed, but also ready to answer follow-up questions in depth.
I am used to travelling independently, but I could not have understood the monasteries in the same way if I had hired a car and visited the monasteries by myself. Mr Sorin’s knowledge certainly meant that I enjoyed my visit to the region much more.
Review listed on Tripadvisor
August 2019
I traveled with two friends and we concluded that this trip was a wonderful experience. We had a very personalized trip trough Prahova Vally, Bucovina, Maramures and Transylvania.
Ovidiu was an excellent guide: professional, knowledgeable ,passionate and fun to travel with.His history knowledge is impressive.The accommodation for the 9 days trip were chosen with care .
Not only that it left us with the taste of an “ encore”, but I will highly recommend this agency and guide to all my friends that want to discover the marvellous Romania.
Review listed on Tripadvisor
September 2019
Ovidiu is the best guide we’ve met! He is very knowledgable, articulate, and personable with a sense of humour. He has historical facts and figures and wonderful legends fables and quips. I cannot day enough about his wonderful services., Tom Taylor, Boston Mass.
Review listed on Tripadvisor
October 2019
We had a really good day this week with Sorin at the Classic tour. It was around 0 degrees this week, so if you come in “winter” time, make sure you wear warm clothes as you will spend some time outdoors. Car was heated to warm up though :-). Sorin gave us an in-depth explanation of the monasteries, the meaning of all the stories painted on the walls and we used the time in the car to talk about the Romanian society in general. It was a fantastic way to get to know this area of Romania and we can highly recommend the tour and Sorin as a tourguide, thanks a lot!
Review listed on Tripadvisor
November 2019
Our story goes back to 2009, with the founder of the agency: Ovidiu Boțoni, a very enthusiastic, passionate traveler that spent a lot of his young years in Western Europe. As a Romanian, Ovidiu was surprised to see that a lot of people who lived outside his country, didn’t really know many valuable things about Romania. They often associated his native country with different stereotypes such as:“the Communism / Ceaușescu”, “Dracula” or even “Gypsys”.
All of these reasons, made Ovidiu really determined to change how everyone perceived Romania. His started his journey as a travel guide working for different agencies but soon, he felt like he could offer much more on his own, so he decided to take everything to the “next level” and start a high quality travel agency with integrity and a focus on the client’s needs.
Today we are proud to say that we changed the perception of Romania for travelers coming from 5 different continents and over 100 countries.
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