Romania Tour Packages

1. About Romania
2. Tidbits
3. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Romania
4. Our Best Budget Romania Tour Packages
5. Romania At A Glance
6. Top Reasons To Visit Romania
7. Best Time To Visit Romania
8. Top Things To Do In Romania
9. Shopping In Romania
10. Dos and Don’ts For Indian Travellers
11. Top Cities To Visit In Romania
12. Foods To Try Out In Romania
    
13. Art And Culture In Romania

In 1923, the Jewish residents in Romania were granted citizenship as a result of the new constitution. A fascist political movement started in the country in the 1930s and Romania formed an alliance with Germany in 1940. Romania and Germany joined hands to form an army so as to invade the Soviet Union. The country came under the control of Soviet troops by 1944.

A new constitution came into being in 1965, which changed the country’s name to the Socialist Republic of Romania. In 1991, a new non-Communist constitution was adopted after the Ceausescu government was overthrown in 1989. The country became a part of the European Union in 2007.

• The name of the country comes from the Latin word ‘Romanus, meaning ‘citizen of the Roman Empire.’
• The Palace of the Parliament in Romania is the second-largest building in the world.
• Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is also known as ‘Little Paris’.
• The Romanian language is 1,700 years old.
• There are four Nobel Prize laureates who hail from Romania, namely Herta Müller (literature), Stefan Hell (chemistry), Elie Wiesel (peace), and George Emil Palade (medicine).
• Romania is one of the countries with the fastest internet connection speeds.
• The first electrified castle in Europe is located in Romania.
• The best-preserved delta in Europe, the Danube Delta, is in Romania.
• Romania has the largest rock sculpture in Europe.
• The largest open-air museum in Europe, the Astra Museum, is situated in Romania.

• In order to travel to Romania from India, you will need a short-stay visa that will allow you to stay in Romania for up to 90 days.
• Most of the ATMs around the country accept international credit and debit cards, but you will be charged a fee while withdrawing money.
• If you want to get your currency exchanged, you should do so only at banks, hotels, and recognised exchange shops.
• Take care of your valuables and stay vigilant in crowded areas so as to save yourself from petty theft.
• The tipping culture is quite prevalent in Romania, and it’s common to tip someone anywhere between 5% to 15% for their services.
• Buses and trains are widely available across the country and are pretty affordable. If you’re getting a taxi, make sure to go for registered companies and stay away from unlicensed street cabs.
• Make sure to learn a few basic Romanian phrases so as to have a conversation with the locals if needed.

Parks, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, river deltas; you name it, and Romania has it. Abounding in natural beauty, almost every corner of Romania is like a pretty postcard. Whether you’re hiking through the Carpathians or kayaking along the Danube Delta, Romania has the perfect balance of wilderness and tranquillity.

The diverse nature of Romania’s architecture is evident through its structures that have medieval, post-war, and contemporary influences. Witnessing the country’s architecture is almost like going back in time and experiencing its history being unravelled through its medieval towns, ancient churches, castles, and museums.

The cuisine of Romania is an integral part of the country’s culture. Flavours are mixed with traditions to create some truly unique dishes that will have you craving for more. When you visit a Romanian home, the warmth and hospitality of the hosts will be accompanied by generous portions of comfort food.

The architectural beauty, history, and spirituality of Romania combine to reflect the cultural heritage of the country. The spirituality of Romania can be explored through its monasteries and churches. Be it the traditional outfits and crafts or the customs that date back to centuries, the cultural heritage of Romania has been preserved in most of its regions.

If you’re a night owl who wishes to enjoy the distinct culture of every place you visit, then the dazzling nightlife of Romania is sure to entice you. Places such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timisoara have an infectious energy, with the streets being home to several pubs, lounges, and clubs. From live jazz to electronic music, you can enjoy various kinds of music at these spots that welcome tourists with open arms.

Based on your budget and travel requirements, you might want to pick a time to visit Romania accordingly. Let’s take a look at what every season brings about in Romania so that you can choose the appropriate time to grab our Romania tour packages:

Spring covers Romania with lush greenery and the temperature remains between 6 degrees Celsius to 17 degrees Celsius. While March still remains slightly colder, it begins to get warmer from April. Frequent rainfall is seen during May as it is one of the wettest months of the year in Romania. If you book our Romania tour packages in advance, then you could get some discounts as the flights and accommodation are comparatively cheaper from March to mid-May.

Not only is summer the peak tourist season in Romania, but it’s also the best time to visit the country. The temperature ranges from 21 degrees Celsius to 23 degrees Celsius at this time, with low humidity and warm days. This is why several tourists can be found relaxing at the beach or escaping to the hill stations as summer sets in. It’s also the perfect time to visit the remote villages located in places such as Maramures, Rașnov, and Transylvania.

There are numerous festivals to be enjoyed in the country at this time with our Romania tour packages. This includes the Neversea Festival, Electric Castle Festival, and Untold Festival.

Autumn brings along occasional rainfall, and the temperature remains between 6 degrees Celsius to 18 degrees Celsius. Many tourists go swimming until September, as the weather remains comfortably warm before it starts getting colder in October.

The events and festivals one can experience during fall in Romania include the Titu Autumn Fair, West Side Hallo Fest, and Bucharest International Film Festival. This is also the ideal time to go on walks around the parks in Romania, such as the Cișmigiu Park and King Mihai I Park.

If you have never witnessed a bitterly cold winter or don’t prefer colder climates, then you might want to avoid visiting Romania during the winter season. The frequent snowfalls and cloudy days mean that the country doesn’t have many tourists at this time.

The weather is dry during the winter months and snowfall makes driving difficult, which is why it’s advised to stay indoors. However, if you do travel to Romania amidst the winter, then you can enjoy outdoor activities such as ice skating and skiing. Get ready to experience the temperature to range from -1 degree Celsius to 1.4 degree Celsius.

Whether you enjoy our Romania tour packages with your spouse, your kids, or all by yourself, the country offers plenty of activities to fill your days. Be it historical locations or thrilling outdoor adventures, here are the things that absolutely must be on your itinerary:

If you have read Bram Stoker’s famous novel, Dracula, then you probably know Bran Castle as the residence of the titular character. In reality, this 14th-century castle is located on the border of Transylvania and Wallachia and is a museum that displays the furniture and art collected by Queen Marie. The medieval castle has a fairy tale-like quality and is also home to an open-air museum featuring Romanian peasant structures.

The Romanian Athenaeum is known to be the most prestigious concert hall in the city of Bucharest in Romania. It was inaugurated in 1888 and was declared a historical monument in 2004. This architectural jewel was designed by Albert Galleron, and the structure resembles an ancient Greek temple with six ionic columns and a dome that is 41 metres high. In 1914, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony was played for the first time on Romanian ground at this concert hall.

The Palace of the Parliament is the second-largest administrative building in the world and is also believed to be the heaviest. The structure of the building was designed by Anca Petrescu, who worked along with 700 architects. It took 13 years for the construction of this edifice to be completed, which was ordered to be built by Nicolae Ceausescu. Sprawled over an area of 365,000 square metres, the building houses three museums, including the National Museum of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Communist Totalitarianism.

Merry Cemetery is not like any other ordinary cemetery, as it’s a major tourist attraction and an open-air museum filled with wooden crosses and colourful tombstones that celebrate the lives of the deceased. The tradition was started by a woodcarver named Ioan Stan Patras in 1935 who marked the graves by carving crosses on them. He painted the crosses in blue, the colour of freedom and hope, and wrote a unique epitaph on each of them. About 800 people are buried in this cemetery.

Sprawled over an area of 4,152 square kilometres, the Danube Delta is Europe’s second-largest river delta. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to 45 freshwater fish species and more than 300 species of birds. You can find various kinds of waterbirds at this spot, including pelicans, cormorants, storks, terns, and herons. As you explore this delta with our Romania tour packages, you will come across floating reed islands, lakes, streamlets, and marshes.

The Stavropoleos Monastery, which is also known as the Stavropoleos Church, was built in 1724. Having a Brancoveanu architectural style, the church has the biggest collection of Byzantine music books in Romania. A Greek monk named Ioannikios Stratonikeas had built the church during the rule of Nicholas Mavrocordatos. The monk was buried in the church after he passed away in 1742.

The interior of the church is decorated with gilded icons and frescoes, with old tombs filling its courtyard. As you walk around the church, you will witness its tilted domes, carved wooden doors, and stone columns.

The Historic Centre of Sighisoara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which represents the old historic centre of the town of Sighisoara. Transylvanian Saxons established the town during the 12th century. Sighisoara is populated with narrow streets and colourful stone buildings and is a fine depiction of the cultural heritage of Romania. It’s widely known for being the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, from whom Bram Stoker derived the inspiration for Dracula.

Corvin Castle, which also goes by the name of Hunyadi Castle or Hunedoara Castle, is a Gothic-style castle and one of the Seven Wonders of Romania. Built by John Hunyadi in the 15th century, the castle sits atop a hill and has three main sections, namely the Knight’s Hall, the Diet Hall, and the circular stairway. While the Diet Hall was used for formal receptions and ceremonies, the Knight’s Hall was where feasts were held. After being neglected for decades and suffering a major fire, the current structure now stands as a result of a restoration campaign.

The Transylvanian Alps, also known as the Southern Carpathians, is a mountainous region located in southern Romania. The average elevation in this group of mountain ranges is between 4,920 to 5,740 feet, with the exception being Mount Moldoveanu, which stands at 8,346 feet and is the highest point in Romania. This is the perfect spot for hiking during the summer season and to go skiing during the winters.

The Wooden Churches of Maramures are a set of eight churches situated in northern Transylvania’s Maramures region. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built between the 17th and 19th centuries. They were built for the followers of the Christian Orthodox faith who were forbidden by Catholic Austro-Hungarian authorities to erect stone churches. Of the 300 wooden churches that were built, about 100 of them are currently in existence and eight of those are open to visitors.

• Hiking
• Trekking
• Skiing
• Camping
• River rafting
• Ziplining
• Kayaking
• Mountain biking
• Paragliding
• Horse riding

From delicious foods and beverages to unique souvenirs, there is plenty you can buy for yourself and your loved ones when you book our Romania tour packages. The following are the variety of mementos you can purchase from Romania and the best markets to check out in the country:

Romania has a history of wine making that is about 2,000 years old. The country’s ancestors, the Dacians, produced delicious wine by cultivating grapes, and this ancestral tradition has now turned into a lucrative business. The Old Town in Romania offers wine-tasting sessions after which you can select a wine or more of your choice.

If you enjoy the taste of dry red wine, then you must try Feteasca Neagra which is crafted by a winery named Crama Basilescu. Some of the most popular types of wine to buy from Romania include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grasă de Cotnari, Tamaioasa Romanesca, and Busuioaca de Bohotin.

The tradition of hand painting Easter eggs is very popular in Romania, especially in the historical region of Bukovina. Various motifs are painted on the eggs, with each of them telling a different story. The symbols that are most commonly seen on these Easter eggs include religious symbols, symbols related to household items, and symbols associated with nature. Not only do these serve as fabulous souvenirs, but the Romanians also gift them to one another during the Easter holidays.

The symbols and colours visible on the eggs differ from one region to another. However, there are certain colours that are usually constant, namely red, black, yellow, blue, and green. Red represents love, yellow symbolises youth, blue is for sunny skies and health, green is for nature, and black stands for eternity.

Handmade pottery is an old Romanian tradition, with Horezu pottery being the most popular. In December 2012, it became a part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. You can grab various kinds of Horezu ceramics during your trip, such as trays, plates, bowls, and cups. All of these ceramic pieces contain distinct motifs and patterns, including designs of animals and plants. Every piece you pick up is unique, having a personality of its own and painted in vivid hues of blue, green, red, and dark brown.

Both men and women contribute to the production of these ceramic pieces and perform distinct jobs. While the men are responsible for the extraction process, the women are responsible for decorating the items using special tools and techniques.

Romania is one of the major producers of honey in Europe, and tradition of making honey dates back to over 2,000 years. The activity of beekeeping and honey-making was started by the Dacians, who eventually polished their skills of extracting honey over time.

A series of melliferous plants exist in Romania that contribute to its high honey production. In addition to being a natural sweetener, this honey has several health benefits, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the different kinds of honey you can buy during your holiday with our Romania tour packages are acacia, linden honey, colza honey, and polyfloral honey.

The traditional Romanian blouse known as ‘ie’ is considered as a part of the country’s identity. Back in the day, peasant women wore this blouse during special events, such as christenings and weddings. Some of the young women of Romania still wear it as a sign of beauty, freedom, tradition, and connection to their ancestors.

The finest cotton or linen threads were used to make these blouses, with the exquisite ones consisting of blue or gold silk threads. Not only was this blouse once present in almost every household in Romania, but some even hung it on the walls of their homes as a piece of decoration.

When you visit a Romanian home, chances are that you will be served homemade jam along with hot coffee and a glass of cold water. Making jam is a tradition that is very nostalgic among the Romanians, adding a whole different flavour to your toasts and crackers.

There are a variety of jams you can choose from while in the country, such as ones made from walnuts, peaches, plums, and apricots. If you like jams that are slightly sour, then you can get the ones made from red berries and sour cherries. Interestingly enough, Romania also has jams that are made using chilli peppers and onions.

Romanian women are often seen pairing their attires with traditional Romanian jewellery around their wrists or necks. These are usually beaded jewellery that are available in the form of rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets for tourists to purchase.

Tuica or palinka is the name of the plum brandy that is often consumed in Romania before a meal. While this brandy is commonly made using plums, there are other flavours available as well, such as those made from pears, apples, sour cherries, grapes, and peaches. Although this strong drink is sold at several souvenir shops and supermarkets, it’s recommended to buy it from a local market or rural areas.

Traditional Romanian masks serve as just the kind of souvenirs that will add to the beauty of your living room. These masks are often used during dances, rituals, or major celebrations. In the rural areas, people wear these masks during special occasions to protect themselves against evil spirits.

Carturesti Carusel: For books, wine, stationery, notebooks.

Band of Creators: For accessories and designer clothes.

Floraria Florens: For flowers, plants, and bouquets.

Unirea Shopping Centre: For textiles, painted eggs, rugs.

AFI Palace Cotroceni: For branded and designer clothes.

Baneasa Shopping City: For cosmetics, electronics, clothes, shoes.

Mega Mall: For souvenirs, cosmetics, clothes, electronics, accessories.

Lipscani Street: For cafes, souvenirs, boutiques.

• Bucharest is the country’s primary shopping hub.
• While most of the establishments in Romania accept card payments, it’s best to always carry cash with you.
• Bargaining is quite common in Romania’s markets.

• Remember to always cover your mouth while yawning in Romania.
• When someone sneezes, remember to wish them good health or good luck.
• Always offer your seat to an older person when the situation calls for it.
• Remove your hat before walking into a building.
• When you speak to someone of a higher status, remember not to keep your hands in your pockets or chew gum.
• When you meet someone for a professional meeting, it’s preferable to dress more formally.
• Tipping is very common in Romania, so remember to tip anyone who offers you their services.
• Always remove your shoes before entering someone’s home.
• While eating with other people, make sure to not rest your elbows on the table.
• If someone has invited you to their home, try to finish everything on your plate as a way of appreciating their kindness.
• Make sure to always praise and thank the person who cooks and serves the food when you’re at a Romanian’s home.
• Don’t criticise the culture or people of the country in front of Romanians.
• If you give flowers to someone, ensure that it’s an odd number of flowers, since an even number of flowers in a bouquet is usually linked to funerals.
• Don’t discuss the communist past of the country with the locals.

Bucharest is Romania’s largest city in addition to being its capital. It was once popularly known as ‘Little Paris’ due to its elegant architecture and the predilection of the citizens towards French culture. The nightlife of the city draws people in as much as its street art and wide array of festivals.

Brasov is among the most well-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, the town has a fairy tale-like appearance, owing to the presence of medieval watchtowers, Gothic churches, and baroque buildings.

Sibiu is a medieval town located in central Romania that is well-known for its Germanic architecture. Geza II, who was the King of Hungary, had invited Saxon settlers to Transylvania, who then colonised the town in the mid-12th century. Lovers of theatre and opera can catch some dazzling performances in Sibiu and also visit some of its popular museums, such as the ASTRA Museum and Brukenthal National Museum.

Sinaia is a mountain resort and town that is located in the historical region of Muntenia. If you get a chance to visit this quaint town, make sure to visit the Peles Castle and Sinaia Monastery. In case you travel during the winter season, you will get the chance to go skiing as the colder months turn Sinaia into a winter wonderland.

Timisoara is a vital educational centre in Romania and is home to six universities that provide education to almost 40,000 students. The origin of this city can be traced back to the 13th century. Famous for its gardens, parks, lavish municipal squares, and churches, it’s the third largest city in Romania and is often known as ‘Little Vienna’.

While Romania may be better known for Dracula and Transylvania, the diversity of Romanian cuisine is yet to be discovered worldwide. The cuisine of the country is largely influenced by Balkan, Hungarian, German, Serbian, and Turkish cuisines. Despite the similarities with its Balkan neighbours, Romanians have discovered products and ingredients that give Romanian cuisine a distinct flavour. Let’s dive into the delicious dishes you should try out while travelling the country with our Romania tour packages.

Sarmale is widely regarded as the national dish of Romania. They are stuffed cabbage rolls that are commonly served during special occasions and celebrations, such as weddings, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.

The filling of the rolls consists of minced meat, which is usually pork, and it’s then mixed with onions, rice, and spices. This mixture is rolled up in fermented cabbage leaves. The rolls are then simmered in a sauce made using tomato juice and sauerkraut juice, among other ingredients. Certain regions in the country replace cabbage leaves with vine leaves. The vegan versions often contain a mix of chopped mushrooms, grated carrots, and ground nuts.

Mamaliga is one of the most beloved side dishes in Romania, resembling the Italian polenta. Known to have a peasant origin, it is created using unrefined corn flour, giving the dish its yellow hue. The flour is mixed with salt and water and seasoned with sheep’s cheese. Back in the day, it was usually eaten by people belonging to slightly more impoverished backgrounds. Today, however, it is present in almost every restaurant in the country and is usually served with stews and gravies. You can even consume it with warm milk.

Mici refers to grilled minced meat rolls that are popular both as street food and at public events. The Romanians also make them at home in a hot pan, and it’s common to see people grilling them on the side of the road as they explore the country.

Minced pork and beef are usually mixed with spices and garlic along with a dash of sodium bicarbonate. The mixture is then created into sausage-like pieces before they are grilled. The result is that the dish remains crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It is often served along with fresh bread.

Ciorba de Burta is one of those Romanian delicacies that must be tried if you wish to be a little more adventurous during your trip. It basically is beef tripe soup, which may not sound too appetising, but is very popular during the winter season. Containing chicken, veal, fish, and vegetables, the base of it is made using chilli pepper and smântâna, which resembles sour cream.

The reason this dish is unique is because it is made from a cow’s stomach, after which it is combined with special bones and vegetables. Garlic and vinegar enhance the taste of the soup. It’s somehow both sour and sweet at the same time and should be consumed when it’s still velvety and hot.

When you’re in the mood for a dessert as you go around sightseeing with our Romania tour packages, try papanasi. They are deep fried pastry dumplings that are a mixture of semolina and cheese. These dumplings are lathered with jam and sour cream. The non-traditional form serves this dish along with chocolate and whipped cream.

Cozonac is a dessert that is commonly prepared during festivals such as Easter, Christmas, and New Year in Romania. It is available in fairs and stores around the country throughout the year and is also made at several Romanian households. The dessert is a kind of sweet bread which is made using flour, milk, eggs, butter, poppy seeds, chopped nuts, and sugar. In addition to Romania, this Balkan dessert is found in Albania, Macedonia, and Bulgaria.

Drob de miel or lamb haggis is a Romanian dish that is commonly made during Easter. It looks like meatloaf that is stuffed with boiled eggs. The recipe of this varies from one region to another and every family has a recipe of their own too.

In order to make this dish, a mixture of eggs, green onions, bread dipped in milk, and minced lamb offal are baked together. The other ingredients include garlic, parsley, and dill. Chicken livers or pork are often added to the dish as well. Drob de miel is either served as an appetiser or as a main course.

Rasol is a traditional Romanian stew that is quite similar to Portuguese stew and is commonly prepared during Romanian winters. Meat and vegetables form the central part of this dish, and meat that is used could be poultry, beef, or pork. This meat is boiled along with vegetables, such as onions, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, celery roots, and peas.

The cooked meat is served on a plate with the tender vegetables and a bit of the soup. It’s a filling and rich dish that is often served alongside sour cream, horseradish sauce, and mujdei, which is a spicy Romanian sauce.

Romania has traditional as well as contemporary art for tourists to witness. There is the Museum of the Romanian Peasant with its proud display of traditional art, and the National Museum of Contemporary Art which showcases contemporary artworks.

Various types of festivals take place in Romania throughout the year. There is the Bucharest International Street Theatre Festival, which is the only festival of its kind in Bucharest. The Sibiu International Street Art Festival aims to support young artists and promote street art. There is the George Enescu Festival, which is held in honour of George Enescu, the revered Romanian composer. If you have a passion for photography, then you might want to experience the Photo Romania Festival.

The traditional sport of Romania is oina, which is similar to baseball and is played using a bat and a leather ball. The most popular sport in the country is football, with all the major cities having teams in the national professional league. Some of the other sports that the Romanians participate in through club memberships include handball, football, martial arts, rugby, tennis, and cycling.