Day 1: Otopeni Airport – Bucharest
- Arrival at Otopeni Airport: Upon arrival in Bucharest, you will be transferred to your hotel.
- Panoramic City Tour: On the way to the hotel, enjoy a city tour, passing through some of Bucharest’s most iconic landmarks:
- Arc de Triomphe: Built in 1922 to honor Romanian soldiers who fought in World War I, the Arc de Triomphe is made from Deva granite and stands 85 feet tall. There is an interior staircase that offers panoramic views of the city.
- Victoriei Street: One of Bucharest’s oldest streets, this historic route links the Old Princely Court to Mogosoaia Palace and is home to many important buildings, including the Cantacuzino Palace and National History Museum.
- Revolution Square: Famous for being the site of Nicolae Ceaușescu’s dramatic last moments in power in 1989. The square also features the Romanian Athenaeum, Royal Palace (now the National Art Museum), and the Kretzulescu Church.
- Kisseleff Street and Herastrau Park: A beautiful green area in the city, perfect for relaxing and observing local life.
- Romanian Athenaeum: Admire this beautiful neoclassical concert hall, famous for its stunning architecture and world-renowned acoustics. It was financed by public donations and remains Bucharest’s most prestigious concert venue.
- Lipscani District: This charming area of Bucharest is a mix of different architectural styles, including Baroque, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau. You will visit the narrow cobblestone streets, art galleries, antique shops, and coffeehouses, with a stop at Hanul cu Tei, a lovely courtyard full of art and antiques.
- University Square: One of Bucharest’s busiest and most important squares, surrounded by significant buildings such as the University of Bucharest and National Theatre.
Overnight in Bucharest.
Day 2: Bucharest – Iasi
- Breakfast & Check-out.
- Parliament Palace: A guided tour of the monumental Parliament Palace, formerly known as the People’s Palace. Built by the Communist regime, it is the second-largest administrative building in the world. The palace boasts 12 stories, over 1,100 rooms, a 328-foot-long lobby, and four underground levels, including a massive nuclear bunker.
- Village Museum: Visit this fascinating outdoor museum in Herastrau Park, which showcases traditional Romanian rural architecture. The museum features 50 buildings from different regions of Romania, including peasant homes, churches, and watermills.
- Berca Mud Volcanoes: En route to Iasi, visit the mud volcanoes in Buzau County, a natural phenomenon where small volcano-shaped structures formed by the eruption of mud and gases create a unique landscape.
- Arrival in Iasi: In the evening, enjoy a panoramic city tour of Iasi, known for its beautiful parks, churches, and vibrant cultural life.
Overnight in Iasi.
Day 3: Iasi – Capriana Monastery – Chisinau
- Departure for Chisinau: After breakfast, depart from Iasi and head to Capriana Monastery, Moldova’s oldest and one of its most significant religious sites. Founded in the 17th century, it was once the residence of the archbishop and was reopened in 1989 after being closed during the Soviet era. The monastery is an important symbol of Moldova’s national revival.
- Explore Chisinau: Continue your journey to Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, known for its greenery and welcoming atmosphere. During a panoramic city tour, see major landmarks like the Stefan Cel Mare Park, Triumphal Arch, and Nativity Cathedral.
Overnight in Chisinau.
Day 4: Curchi Monastery – Orheiul Vechi – Butuceni – Chateau Vartely Winery
- Curchi Monastery: Start your day by visiting the Curchi Monastery, built in 1810 with elements of baroque architecture. The monastery is often referred to as a fortress due to its high stone walls and towers.
- Orheiul Vechi: Continue to the Orheiul Vechi natural complex, an ancient site that dates back 40,000 years. Here, you can explore ancient caves, fortifications, and stone monasteries built by monks and hermits. The area also offers beautiful views of the Răut River and surrounding hills.
- Lunch in Butuceni: Stop for lunch at a traditional guesthouse in the village of Butuceni, where you can taste authentic Moldovan peasant cuisine.
- Chateau Vartely Winery: Visit this renowned winery, where you can learn about the production of Moldovan wines and taste a selection of their finest collections.
Overnight in Chisinau.
Day 5: Casa Olarului – Casa Parinteasca – Cricova Winery
- Casa Olarului: Visit Casa Olarului, the oldest pottery house in Moldova, located in Hoginesti village. You will learn about the local pottery tradition and have the chance to try making your own piece of pottery. Explore the museum that houses the largest amphora in Moldova.
- Casa Parinteasca Crafts Centre: Head to Palanca Village to visit this center showcasing Moldovan traditional costumes, crafts, and customs. You will also have the opportunity to taste traditional dishes served with homemade wine and herbal tea.
- Cricova Winery: Explore the underground wine cellars of Cricova Winery, where you can wander through 120 km of tunnels and discover over 2 million bottles of wine, including the oldest bottle from 1902. Hear the story of the Russian pilot Yuri Gagarin, who famously got lost in the tunnels during a visit.
Overnight in Chisinau.
Day 6: Milestii Mici Winery – Valeni Village – Galati
- Milestii Mici Winery: Visit the Milestii Mici Winery, known for having the largest underground wine cellars in the world. With 200 km of underground tunnels, the winery holds a collection of over 2 million bottles of wine.
- Lunch at La Gura Cuptorului: Enjoy a traditional Moldovan meal at a local guesthouse in the countryside, with a cultural performance by „Boonika bate doba” (the grandmother who beat the drum in Eurovision 2005).
- Travel to Galati: Cross the Romanian border into Galati, a city known for its cultural diversity and historical importance.
Overnight in Galati.
Day 7: Galati – Braila – Bucharest
- City Tour of Galati: Explore Galati, known for its Cathedral, History Museum, and riverside views along the Danube River.
- Optional Stop in Braila: If time permits, take a detour to visit Braila, a charming city with an old town full of history, including the National Theatre.
- Return to Bucharest: Arrive in Bucharest by evening.
Overnight in Bucharest.
Day 8: Bucharest – Otopeni Airport
- Breakfast & Check-out.
- Free Time: If time allows, spend your last moments in Bucharest shopping or exploring any remaining sights.
- Transfer to Otopeni Airport: Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.