Begin your journey in Bucharest, where you'll meet the group early in the morning. Travel through the scenic countryside along the Bucharest – Pitesti - Horezu – Targu Jiu – Baile Herculane route. The first stop is Horezu Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning Brancovan style architecture and vibrant frescoes. Visit Master Potter Pietraru’s Workshop to witness traditional ceramic art, a craft unique to this region. Explore the Muerii Cave, famous for its fascinating limestone formations and historic significance as Romania’s first electrified cave. In Targu Jiu, admire the renowned Brancusi Sculptures, including the Endless Column, a masterpiece of modern art symbolizing the infinite nature of sacrifice. Conclude the day at Tismana Monastery, Romania’s oldest monastic site, before arriving at Baile Herculane for accommodation and dinner.
After breakfast, embark on a short journey to Orsova and the Danube Gorges. Begin with a walking tour of Baile Herculane, a historical spa town renowned for its thermal springs and Neoclassical architecture. Continue to the Iron Gates Hydropower Museum, showcasing the engineering marvels of this Romanian-Yugoslav hydropower collaboration and the natural and historical significance of the Danube. The highlight of the day is a boat ride along the majestic Danube Gorges, where you'll marvel at the Cazanele Mari and Mici formations, Decebal’s Rock Face, the Mraconia Monastery perched on the water, and intriguing caves such as Ponicova and Veterani. Return to Baile Herculane for a relaxing evening with accommodation and dinner.
Journey into the heart of Banat’s natural and cultural wonders. Visit the stunning Bigar Waterfall, a natural wonder characterized by its moss-covered rock and unique cascading water. Experience a historic ride on the Anina-Oravita railway, Southeast Europe’s oldest mountain railway, passing through tunnels, bridges, and breathtaking scenery. Explore Oravita’s cultural heritage, including the first theater built in Romania and the oldest pharmacy serving local miners. End the day back in Baile Herculane for accommodation and dinner.
Head to Timisoara, a vibrant city often referred to as the 'Little Vienna' for its charming Austro-Hungarian architecture. Explore the historic squares such as Union Square and Victory Square, marvel at the Metropolitan Cathedral with its distinctive mosaics, and enjoy the city’s lively cultural atmosphere. Learn about its pivotal role in the 1989 Romanian Revolution during a guided walking tour. Return to Baile Herculane for accommodation and dinner.
Travel to Hunedoara, home to the magnificent Corvin Castle, one of the most important Gothic-style castles in Eastern Europe. Discover the castle’s rich history, from its role as a military fortress to its association with legends such as Vlad the Impaler. Visit the Prislop Monastery, a place of pilgrimage and serenity, and explore the ancient ruins of Sarmizegetusa, a former capital of the Dacian Kingdom. Accommodation and dinner will be in Hunedoara.
Conclude your journey with visits to the Calnic Citadel, a well-preserved 13th-century fortress, and the Astra National Museum Complex in Sibiu, one of Europe’s largest open-air museums. The museum showcases traditional Romanian village life with exhibits of houses, tools, and crafts from various regions. Arrive back in Bucharest by evening, completing this unforgettable adventure.
Embark on a captivating 6-day journey through Romania's Banat region and along the picturesque Danube Gorges. This itinerary offers a perfect combination of history, natural beauty, and cultural experiences, making it an unforgettable adventure.
