21 days in Romania: a country full of history, culture and gastronomy

Morning: Visit the Dimitrie Gusti Village Museum, an open-air park that houses traditional houses from all regions of Romania. It's a great opportunity to see the cultural diversity of the country.
Lunch: Near the Village Museum, you'll find several lunch options, including La Plăcinte where you can try traditional Moldovan pies and other delicacies.
Afternoon: Spend the rest of the day relaxing in Herăstrău Park (also known as King Michael I Park), which offers walking trails, boat rental places and quiet terraces.
Evening: For dinner, explore the Victoriei Square or Dorobanți area for a variety of restaurants, including Romanian.

Morning: Start with a visit to the National Art Museum of Romania, located in the Royal Palace in Revolution Square, where you can admire Romanian and European artworks.
Lunch: Try Zexe Zahana for a lunch inspired by traditional cuisine, reinterpreted in a modern way.
Afternoon: Explore the Cotroceni district, visiting the Cotroceni Palace (home of the Romanian President) and strolling through its gardens.
Evening: End your stay in Bucharest with dinner at The Artist, a restaurant offering a contemporary dining experience, combining local ingredients with modern cooking techniques.

Morning: Start your day with a walk through the Old Town of Brasov. Admire the Council Square, the Black Church, the largest Gothic church in Romania, and Sforii Street, one of the narrowest streets in Europe.
Take the cable car up Tâmpa for a panoramic view of the city.
Lunch: For lunch, I recommend Sergiana, a restaurant known for its traditional Romanian dishes, located in the city centre.
Afternoon: Visit Brasov Citadel, accessible by a pleasant walk, to explore the city's fortifications and bastions.
If time allows, take a short trip to Poiana Brasov, a popular mountain resort, for nature walks or, depending on the season, skiing.
Evening: Dinner can be enjoyed at Ceasu' Rău, where you can try other local specialities in a unique medieval setting.

Accommodation: For these two nights, I recommend staying in Brasov, given the variety of accommodation options that fit into your budget of 30-40 euros per night. Brașov offers a wide range of hostels, bed and breakfasts and budget hotels, many of them located in or near the historic centre, which will give you easy access to most of the attractions mentioned.

Morning:Depart early from Brasov to Bran Castle, also known as "Dracula's Castle". It's a popular destination, so arriving early can help you avoid the crowds.
After visiting the castle, explore the Bran Market for souvenirs and local produce.
Lunch: In the Bran area, there are several options for a traditional Romanian lunch. Casa de la Șosea is a good choice for trying local dishes.
Afternoon: Continue exploring the surroundings with a visit to the Râșnov Fortress, an impressive fortification set on a hill, offering spectacular views of the surroundings.
If time permits, a stop at the Fortress Valley Cave can nicely round off the day, offering a unique natural experience.
Evening: Return to Brasov for dinner. La Ceaun is a great option to end the day, offering traditional dishes with a modern twist.

Morning:Start your day exploring Sibiu's Main Square and Small Square, two of the most beautiful medieval squares in Romania. Don't miss the Liars' Bridge and the Council Tower for some memorable photos.
Visit the Evangelical Cathedral, a symbol of the city with an impressive interior and a panoramic view from the tower.
Lunch: For lunch, I recommend the Old Sibiu Wine Cellar, where you can enjoy Siberian specialities in a traditional setting.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon visiting the Astra Museum, the largest open-air museum in Romania, located in the Dumbrava Forest. Here you can see traditional houses, handicraft workshops and windmills from different regions of the country.
If time allows, take a walk in the Zoo or relax in the Sub Arini Park.
Evening: End the day with dinner at Hermania Restaurant, known for its authentic Siberian dishes.

Accommodation: For accommodation, you have two options: head back to Sibiu or stay in one of the huts on the Transfăgărășan, such as Cabana Bâlea Lac. If you choose to stay on the Transfăgărășan, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the silence of the mountains at night.

Morning:Depart early from Sibiu to enjoy a day on the Transfăgărășan, the road that crosses the Făgăraș Mountains, offering spectacular landscapes. It is recommended to leave early to avoid the crowds and to have enough time at your disposal.
Your first stop can be at the Vidraru Dam, where you can admire the scenery and take short walks in the area.
Lunch: Have lunch at one of the huts or restaurants along the route, where you can try traditional Romanian dishes. The Bâlea Lac hut is an option where you can eat and enjoy the view of the glacial Lake Bâlea.
Afternoon: Continue exploring the Transfăgărășan with a stop at Lake Bâlea, a glacial lake located at an altitude of 2034 m. You can take a walk around the lake or, weather permitting, take the cable car up for even more spectacular views.
Try reaching the Bâlea Waterfall, accessible by a short walk from the road.
Evening: For accommodation, you have two options: return to Sibiu or stay in one of the Transfăgărășan's huts, such as Cabana Bâlea Lac. If you choose to stay on the Transfăgărășan, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the silence of the mountains at night.

Morning:Start your day with a walk through the Historic Centre of Cluj. Visit Unirii Square, where you can admire St Michael's Cathedral, an impressive example of Gothic architecture.
Explore the Cluj Art Museum, located in a Baroque palace on Unirii Street, to see collections of Romanian and European art.
Lunch: For lunch, I recommend Baracca, where you can enjoy international cuisine in a modern and elegant setting.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon visiting the Botanical Garden, a vast space to relax and explore, with plants from around the world. It's the perfect place for a relaxing stroll or reading a book in silence.
If you're passionate about history, the National Museum of Transylvanian History is a great option for learning more about the region's past.
Evening: End the day with dinner at Roata, a restaurant offering traditional Romanian dishes in a rustic and authentic setting.

Accommodation: For these two nights, I recommend staying in Cluj-Napoca, given the wide variety of accommodation options within your budget. Cluj offers a wide range of hostels, bed and breakfasts and budget hotels, many of which are located in or near the city centre, making it easy to reach the attractions mentioned.

Morning:Depart early from Cluj to Salina Turda, one of the largest and most impressive salt mines in the world, transformed into a museum and underground amusement park. The experience here is unique, combining history with entertaining activities such as the giant Ferris wheel, minigolf, and a boat on the underground lake.
Lunch: In Turda or near Salina Turda, you'll find several options for lunch. Restaurant Sarea-n Bucate offers traditional dishes in a setting that reflects the area's rich history.
Afternoon: After lunch, take a trip to the Turda Gorge, a spectacular nature reserve ideal for hiking and climbing. The trails here offer breathtaking views of the canyon and are accessible for all levels of experience.
Evening: Return to Cluj-Napoca for dinner. Matei Corvin is a good choice to end the day, offering a varied selection of local and international dishes in a pleasant atmosphere.

Morning:Depart early for Maramureș, a region that will capture your heart with its traditional villages and idyllic rural landscapes.
Your first stop should be the Bârsana Monastery, part of the UNESCO heritage, renowned for its distinctive wooden architecture.
Lunch: Near Bârsana Monastery or en route to your next destination, stop for lunch at a local guesthouse. Many of these places serve traditional dishes prepared with ingredients from their own household. Pension Ileana is an excellent choice.
Afternoon: Continue exploring the region with a visit to the Village Museum in Sighetu Marmației, where you can see traditional Maramureș houses and learn about rural life in the area.
If time allows, visit the Cemetery of Săpânța, known for its colourful crosses and humorous epitaphs.
Evening: Dinner at the guesthouse where you're staying, where you'll have the opportunity to taste some traditional Maramureșean cuisine, is the best option to end the day.

Housing: For these two nights, I recommend staying in a traditional Maramureș guesthouse. These guesthouses offer not just a place to sleep, but an authentic Maramures experience, with the opportunity to interact with locals and enjoy traditional home-cooked meals. Prices are generally very affordable and within your budget.

Morning:Start your day with a trip to Mocănița, the steam train that runs on the route Câmpulung Moldovenesc - Vișeu de Sus. It's a unique experience that gives you the chance to admire the Maramures landscapes from a special perspective.
Lunch: Have lunch at one of the restaurants or guesthouses near the Mocănița station. Many of these places offer hearty traditional meals.
Afternoon: After lunch, explore other attractions in the region, such as the Memorial Museum of the Victims of Communism and Resistance in Sighetu Marmației, a deeply moving and educational place.
Alternatively, you can choose to visit several wooden churches in Maramureș, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Evening: End the day with dinner at your guesthouse, enjoying the hospitality of the locals and the stories they have to share about local traditions and history.

Morning:Depart early for Voronez Monastery, often called the 'Sistine Chapel of the East' due to its impressive exterior frescoes, which include the famous Voronez blue.
Continue to Humor Monastery, where you will find other outstanding examples of medieval mural art.
Lunch: Near Humor Monastery or on the way to your next destination, stop for lunch at a local guesthouse or restaurant where you can try traditional Bucovina dishes.
Afternoon: Visit Moldovitsa Monastery, where the exterior frescoes depict biblical and historical scenes in a vibrant and colourful style.
If time permits, add Sucevitsa Monastery to your list, known for its impressive size and well-preserved frescoes.
Evening: Dinner at the guesthouse where you're staying, enjoying local hospitality and traditional dishes, is the best way to end the day.

Housing: For these days, I recommend you to stay in a traditional guesthouse in Bucovina, which will offer you an authentic and comfortable experience. Many pensions offer traditionally decorated rooms and meals based on local recipes, allowing you to enjoy the true essence of Bucovina.

Morning:Start the day with a visit to the Bucovina Village Museum in Suceava, to get acquainted with the traditional architecture and way of life in the region.
Explore the Citadel of Suceava, an important historical and political centre of medieval Moldavia.
Lunch: For lunch, choose a local restaurant where you can continue to explore Bukovina's gastronomy, with dishes such as "mămăliguța con formaggio e smântână" or "tocinița".
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon on a trip to the handicraft workshops in Marginea, where you can see how black pottery, specific to this area, is made.
Alternatively, you can choose a nature hike in one of the region's nature reserves, such as Călimani National Park or Rarău-Giumalău National Park.
Evening: End the day with a quiet dinner at your guesthouse, where you can listen to local stories and enjoy traditional music.

Morning:Dedicate this day to relaxing and immersing yourself in the local culture. One option would be to visit one of the resorts with spas and treatments based on the region's natural resources, such as Vatra Dornei.
Alternatively, take part in a traditional crafts workshop, where you can learn how to paint eggs in the Bukovina style or how to pipe.
Lunch: Choose a traditional lunch at your guesthouse or at a local restaurant, where you can try other specialities of the region.
Afternoon: Use the remaining time to explore any attractions or activities that you didn't manage to fit in during the previous days. A walk through the coniferous forests or a visit to a local museum can be a pleasant way to end your stay in Bucovina.
Evening: Spend your last evening enjoying the hospitality of your guesthouse, perhaps around a campfire, where you can sample local wines and listen to stories or traditional music.

Morning:Depart early for Tulcea, the gateway to the Danube Delta. From here, you'll be able to take a boat or a smaller boat to delve into the heart of the Delta.
Once in Tulcea, visit the Danube Delta Museum, where you can learn about the geography, biodiversity and culture of the region.
Lunch: In Tulcea, you have many options for lunch. Try Ivan Pescar & Scrumbia Bar, where you can eat fresh fish and delicious local dishes.
Afternoon: After lunch, board a boat to your accommodation destination in the Danube Delta. Many guesthouses and hotels offer organised excursions for their guests, so make sure you book in advance.
Evening: Relax at your guesthouse and enjoy dinner based on fish and other local specialities. Many places offer outdoor dining, where you can listen to the sounds of nature while you eat.

Holiday: Opt for accommodation in a traditional guesthouse in the Danube Delta, where you can experience local hospitality and have the chance to enjoy fresh, fish-based dishes. Many guesthouses offer packages that include accommodation, meals and boat trips, ensuring you make the most of your stay.

Morning:Start the day with an organised boat trip to explore the canals and lakes of the Delta. This is the best way to see the region's unique birdlife and scenery. Don't forget to bring your binoculars and camera.
Lunch: Many trips include a picnic lunch on an island or at a remote guesthouse. This is an excellent opportunity to sample freshly caught fish prepared in the traditional style.
Afternoon: Continue exploring the Delta. One option would be a visit to Letea, Romania's oldest nature reserve, where you can see the subtropical forest and wild horses.
Evening: Return to the hostel for dinner and rest. Many guesthouses organise evenings with traditional music and dancing, giving you a window into local culture.

Morning: Spend the morning relaxing at the guesthouse or exploring the surroundings on foot or by bike. Many guesthouses offer bikes for guests.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the guesthouse, trying other local specialities.
Afternoon: Use this day to visit a local fishing community, where you can learn about traditional fishing methods and life in the Danube Delta. Mile 23 is a popular destination for such experiences.
Evening: On your last evening in the Danube Delta, enjoy a leisurely dinner at the guesthouse, reflecting on the beauty and tranquility you have experienced in this unique region.

Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Museum of National History and Archaeology in Constanța, where you can see artefacts from the Greek, Romanian and Byzantine periods.
Continue with a stroll through the Old Town, visiting the historic Casino, symbol of the city, and the Carol I Mosque, from where you can get a panoramic view of the city and harbour.
Lunch: For lunch, try one of the waterfront restaurants, where you can enjoy fresh seafood. Corsarul is a popular option, offering a range of fish and seafood dishes.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon relaxing on Modern Beach, one of Constanța's most beautiful beaches, or explore the Constanța Aquarium, where you can see diverse species of marine life.
Evening: End the day with dinner at Haute Cup, where you can try Mediterranean dishes in a modern and elegant setting.

Accommodation: For these nights, I recommend choosing accommodation in Constanta or Mamaia, depending on your beach and activity preferences. There are options for all budgets, from luxury hotels to guesthouses and apartments for rent.

Morning: Head north to Mamaia, the most popular destination on the Romanian Black Sea coast. Here you can find beaches to suit all tastes, from quiet, family-friendly areas to lively beaches with bars and clubs.
Try water activities such as jet-skiing, windsurfing or a simple swim in the waters of the Black Sea.
Lunch: For lunch, choose one of the many restaurants on the beach. Nikos Greek Taverna offers an authentic Greek dining experience right on the beachfront.
Afternoon: Continue to enjoy the sun and sea or visit Aqua Magic, a water park located at the entrance to Mamaia, ideal for fun and relaxation.
Evening: Explore Mamaia's vibrant nightlife. Fratelli Beach & Club is one of the most popular party spots on the coast.

Morning: Spend the morning relaxing on the beach or taking part in a yoga session on the beach, if available.
Alternatively, take a trip to Histria Fortress or the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve if you prefer a quieter day in contact with nature.
Lunch: Try Cherhanaua Tasaul, located near Lake Tasaul, for a quiet lunch overlooking the water and fresh fish dishes.
Afternoon: Head back to Constanta to explore other attractions you didn't visit on your first day, such as the Planetarium or Dolphinarium.
Evening: Spend your last evening on the Black Sea coast enjoying a special dinner at Marco Polo, one of Constanta's finest restaurants with a gorgeous sea view.

Morning: Depending on your departure time, enjoy your last moments on the beach or take a last walk on the cliff. Don't forget to buy souvenirs to remember your trip to Romania.