romania
14 nights/15 days: September 7-21, 2025
detour with christoph
In 1998, nearly 10 years after the fall of the Iron Curtain, I found myself in Romania working for USAID. This was the beginning of a love affair with Romania itself. Traveling extensively throughout the country to collect impact data of USAID projects, my heart was won over by the large hearts of the Romanian people and the raw beauty of the Romanian landscape. I couldn’t get the country out of my system. In 2000 I returned to hike the length of the Făgărăș Mountains. Fifteen years later, I brought my family to share the love of this enchanting land of fairy-tale castles, mystical legends, and authentic people. I now invite you to join me on a detour through the heart of this fascinating country.
highlights include
Explore the Belle Époque architecture of Bucharest
Reach “Top Gear” on the Transfăgărășan Highway
Visit Romania’s most iconic castles: Dracula (Bran), Corvin, and Peleș
Experience village life in the last peasant culture in Europe
Meditate in Maramureș’ wooden churches
Marvel at the “Sistine Chapel of the East” in Bucovina
itinerary
“What comes to your mind when you think of the word Transylvania? What comes to my mind are mountains of savage beauty, ancient castles, werewolves, and witches - a land of magical obscurity. ”
Whisper Romania, and you’re sure to conjure images of bristling werewolves, seductive vampires, mystical mountains, and gothic castles. But beyond the legends, Romania is a land of cosmopolitan cities humming with a modern pulse. From Bucharest, the “little Paris of the East,” to Maramureș, the last remaining peasant culture in the north, we’ll explore breathtaking landscapes, medieval castles, painted monasteries, and wooden churches. We’ll wander the same cobblestone streets trod by Vlad Țepeș (of Dracula infamy), and scale the same alpine pass carved by Ceaușescu (of communist fame). We’ll dive into Romania’s complex past while connecting with its contemporary culture. Detour with us to the land cradled by the Carpathians to experience lore and life in the heart of Romania.
Day 1: welcome to “little paris”
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Often called the “little Paris of the East.” Bucharest’s tree-lined boulevards are reminiscent of Parisian elegance, adorned with Belle Époque architecture. The iconic Arcul de Triumf stands as a testament to its rich history while the old town’s cobblestone streets run like arteries through the city’s historic heart. We’ll gather at our hotel around 6 pm for a welcome reception followed by an orientation walk of our charming neighborhood en route to dinner together.
Bucharest is a 30-minute taxi from the Henri Coandă International Airport.
Hotel: Central Hotel | Activity Level: Light | Meals: D
day 2: București frumos (beautiful)
Monday, September 8, 2025
We start this morning with a guided visit to the iconic Palace of the Parliament, the world's heaviest building, delving into Romania's proud and layered past. We’ll wander through the historic Old Town, marvel at the architecture, and sample local cuisine at vibrant markets. We’ll make a visit to the Village Museum to experience traditional Romanian life, and discover the unique blend of medieval and modern at Stavropoleos Monastery. We’ll uncover the city's artistic side in the charming Lipscani district, known for its trendy cafes and art galleries, ending our morning at Herastrau Park’s serene lake. The evening is yours to enjoy the buzz of Bucharest.
Hotel: Central Hotel | Activity Level: Strenuous | Meals: B
day 3: top of the world drive
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
This morning we shift into Top Gear, traversing the Făgărăș Mountains on the Transfăgărășan Highway. This serpentining road was carved between 1970 and 1974 during the rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu to ensure quick military access across the mountains in case of a Soviet invasion. Today it’s a place of panoramic views, glacial lakes, and rustic cheeses. We’ll visit the Curtea de Arges Monastery and stop for lunch at 6,000 feet at Balea Lake before continuing through tunnels and hairpin turns past the majestic Balea Waterfall before descending to photogenic Sibiu. The evening is yours to take in the charm of the Old Town and savor local delights in Sibiu’s cozy cafes.
Hotel: TBA | Activity Level: Light | Meals: B
day 4: stylish sibiu
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Medieval Sibiu (Hermannstadt in German) was the largest and wealthiest of the seven walled citadels (Siebenburgen) founded in the 12th century by German settlers known as 'Transylvanian Saxons' and retains a distinctly Germanic feeling. We’ll explore its cobblestone streets and head to the outskirts of the city to explore ASTRA Village Museum. Set across 96 acres surrounding a sparkling lake, this open-air living museum seeks to preserve, showcase and celebrate Romanian folk culture and traditional ways of life. We’ll wander the grounds to discover reconstructed old dwellings, windmills and workshops. The evening is yours to explore Sibiu at leisure.
Hotel: TBA | Activity Level: Light | Meals: B
day 5: castles to citadels
Thursday, September 11, 2025
We bid Sibiu la revedere and head east to Corvin Castle. Nestled against the mystical Carpathian Mountains, Corvin Castle stands as a medieval marvel in Hunedoara, and according to some, was the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Hogwort’s. The Gothic-Renaissance building looks like a cross between Hogwarts and something from a German fairy tale, with a huge drawbridge and a cluster of cloud-piercing turrets. Once home to Transylvanian rulers, it boasts intricately adorned chambers, including the Knight's Hall and the Diet Hall. After lunch, we’ll press on to Sighișoara, Dracula’s stomping ground, where we’ll unpack for two nights in this fantastical fortified city.
Hotel: TBA | Activity Level: Moderate | Meals: B, L
day 6: vlad’s stomping ground
Friday, September 12, 2025
Pretty Sighisoara is a fairy tale village right out of the Grimm brother’s stories. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a tangle of cobblestone streets, pastel-hued houses, and iconic landmarks—one of which being the birth home of Vlad Țepeș, or Vlad the Impaler, the historic inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. We’ll enjoy our morning exploring its storied past before heading to the countryside for a hearty lunch and a visit to UNESCO-listed Biertan Fortified Church and its surrounding Saxon village. The evening is yours to explore Church Hill’s panoramic views, delight in Citadel Square’s buzzing cafes, and muse over Vlad’s early days in this colorful citadel.
Hotel: TBA | Activity Level: Moderate | Meals: B, L
day 7: getting salty in salina turda
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Today we head to Maramureș, Romania’s northernmost region. Prepare for an unforgettable underground experience as we make our way to the Turda Salt Mine. The gargantuan subterranean space was renovated and opened to the public in the early 1990s and resembles an alien planet or a Bond villain’s lair. Don’t forget to pack a sweatshirt – it gets chilly 350 feet below. Once we resurface, there are plenty of choices for lunch – including a nearby winery. Afterward, we’ll continue on to the village of Breb, home to the last remaining peasant culture in Europe, where we’ll unpack for three nights in our village hotel and enjoy a family style dinner together.
Hotel: The Village Hotel | Activity Level: Moderate | Meals: B, D
day 9: Merry cemetaries & wooden churches
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Maramureș is a vast open-air museum dotted with wooden churches and cheerful cemetaries. This morning we’ll head to Sapanta, visiting its unique Merry Cemetery where the life stories of the deceased are displayed on colorful wooden crosses. We'll explore the village museum and Communist Memorial in Sighetu Marmatiei , and visit the stunning monastery complex and church at Bârsana, with its UNESCO-listed church. Our last evening in Breb is free for you to savor in any way you like.
Hotel: The Village Hotel | Activity Level: Moderate | Meals: B, D
day 8: village life in breb
Monday, September 15, 2025
Tucked against the backdrop of rolling hills and traditional wooden gates, Breb preserves centuries-old customs and architectural heritage. Renowned for its well-preserved wooden houses adorned with intricate carvings, the village provides a glimpse into Maramureș' cultural richness. The wooden church, dedicated to Saint Paraskeva, stands as a testament to religious tradition. We’ll enjoy a serene escape from our vacation, visiting its wooden churches, local brandy distilleries, and learn the farming traditions and folklore of this last peasant culture.
Hotel: The Village Hotel | Activity Level: Moderate | Meals: B
day 10: aboard the mocanita express
Tuesday, October 16, 2025
Today we travel back in time as we board a narrow-gauge steam train, known as "Mocanița," and journey through the wild Carpathian Mountains. We’ll experience the remote beauty of the northern Romanian landscape during this half-day ride that includes a picnic lunch on the peaceful riverbank. Afterward, we’ll continue on to Bucovina, admiring the picturesque views along the way before we settle into our quaint hotel.
Hotel: Casa Poveste | Activity Level: Moderate | Meals: B, L
day 11: Bucovina’s painted monasteries
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, Bucovina’s painted monasteries are a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. These monastic gems, including Voronet, Humor, and Moldovita, feature exterior walls adorned with intricate, vivid paintings depicting biblical scenes and saints. These well-preserved murals are unique in Europe, each one carefully planned and executed to represent a full cycle of religious themes, and to blend in with the landscape. We’ll visit several of these marvels, including the “Sistine Chapel of the East” at Voronet. We’ll stop on our return to explore the art of black pottery, showcasing the traditional craftsmanship of local artisans. The evening is yours to explore.
Hotel: Casa Poveste | Activity Level: Light | Meals: B, L
day 12: bucovina to Brașov
Thursday, Septemberber 18, 2025
Today we return to Transylvania, to the “Hollywood of Eastern Europe.” Along the way, we’ll make a scenic stop at Bicaz Canyon for breathtaking views driving through towering rock formations. We’ll stop for a visit at the captivating Red Lake, with its unique hue, set in serene forested hills. We’ll savor these natural wonders before continuing on to photogenic Brașov. Nestled in the Carpathian Mountains with its Hollywoodesque sign perched above on Tampa mountain, Brașov is the perfect base for visiting some of Transylvania’s most iconic castles and exploring its wild Carpathian mountains.
Hotel: Hotel Apollonia | Activity Level: Light | Meals: B
day 13: parade of castles
Friday, September 19, 2025
Our parade of castles begins with Bran Castle, perhaps Romania’s most famous attraction, given its associations with the tale of Count Dracula. Vampire myths aside (it was never actually host to Vlad the Impaler or Bram Stoker) the forested surroundings and lofty location of this 14th-century castle will have us hypnotized. Then we’ll head to Râșnov Fortress for a taste of medieval life in one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in the country. The afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy Brasov.
Hotel: Hotel Apollonia | Activity Level: Moderate | Meals: B
day 14: Peleș Castle
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Our parade of castles continues this morning with visit to Peleș Castle en route to Bucharest. Located in Sinaia, Peleș is a masterpiece of German neo-Renaissance architecture, constructed between 1873 and 1914 for King Carol I. It is renowned for its stunningly intricate craftsmanship and luxurious interior, housing an impressive collection of art, armor, and rare books, making it one of Romania's most important and beautiful historical monuments. Once back in Bucharest, the afternoon is yours to enjoy one last stroll through Bucharest’s energetic streets before savoring our journey’s close over a farewell dinner together.
Hotel: Central Hotel | Activity Level: Moderate | Meals: B, D
day 15: la revedere
Sunday, September 21, 2025
Our detour ends after breakfast. We will help arrange transport to the airport or beyond depending on your destination. Whether returning home or continuing your journey in Romania or elsewhere in Europe, we are available to help with travel plans and can always add pre- & post- nights in Bucharest. Although our journey has come to an end, our memories will endure as we plan our next adventures together!
$4,995 per person (double/triple occupancy)
$5,695 per person (singe occupancy)
10% deposit
$300 early pay discount until January 7, 2025 with coupon: EARLYPAY
FAQs
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Each detour includes the price of all admissions to sights seen as a group; tours by local guides, meals as listed in the trip itinerary; accommodations each night of the detour including breakfasts; all transportation required for group activities from the first hotel to the last hotel of the detour (transportation for optional group activities and independent travel during the detour is not included), travel consultations and advice from our staff, guides, and vendors including suggestions, tips, and directions, and all trip leader, local guide, driver, and hotel tips. Prices do not include airfare to and from the detour, nor ground transportation to/from airports.
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Detour prices do not include international airfare or ground transportation to/from the airport.
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Each detour includes all breakfasts and about half of your lunches and dinners as indicated in the meal guide included in each itinerary: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner.
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Yes! Our detours are the perfect way for children (and adults) to learn in action. We welcome and celebrate multi-generational travel. History class was never so fun!
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Each detour begins the evening of Day 1 at our first hotel, where we will meet for a welcome reception. Meeting times vary by detour and are indicated on each itinerary.
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Our detour begins and ends in Bucharest. Please plan to fly into and out of the Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport.
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While this varies by detour, we generally plan to meet between 5-6 pm at our hotel on Day 1. If you plan to arrive a day early and want to stay in our trip hotel, please make arrangements with the hotel directly, indicating that you are part of our group.
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Each trip page has a “book now” button that links to our online registration and payment system. There you can pay the 10% per person deposit and choose to pay in installments or to pay the full amount.
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Deposits are refundable for 30 days from receipt. After 30 days they are nonrefundable.
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Final payment is due 90 days prior to detour commencement but you may pau in full any time prior to this.
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Cancellations are allowed without penalty (excepting deposit) until the final payment deadline. After the final payment deadline 100% of funds paid are nonrefundable.
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Each trip page has a “book now” button that links to our online registration and payment system. There you can pay the 10% per person deposit and choose to pay in installments or to pay the full amount.
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Yes, all published prices are per person, based on double occupancy, or when available, single occupancy. Please contact us for triple occupancy pricing.
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During the registration process you will have the opportunity to request single occupancy, if it is offered. Due to the boutique nature of our hotels, we are not always able to offer single accommodations, but are happy to pair you with another single traveler.
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Yes. You must be able to carry your own luggage up at least three flights of stairs and on uneven ground for up to a quarter mile.
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Dressler Detours are physically demanding. To enjoy the experience, you must be in good walking shape. The most active days may average 5 miles of walking (often over uneven surfaces and including lots of climbing/steps), lots of standing while listening to your guide during group sightseeing, and possibly stair-climbing while carrying your own bag up to your hotel room. We’ve included an activity guide for each day of our itinerary: light=mostly sedentary, moderate=walking 1-3 miles on mostly even ground, strenuous=walking 3+ miles on hills/uneven ground.