What do see, do and experience in Romania

Steeped in medieval history and blessed with beautiful mountain scenery, Romania is a great destination for touring, city breaks and skiing. And as one of the first countries to announce it would welcome back vaccinated Brits, and with a European Capital of Culture on the horizon, it’s one to watch. Here are some top recommendations for clients planning a future trip there

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Medieval towns
While capital Bucharest is best known for its communist-era history (most infamously dictator Nicolae Ceausescu’s vast palace, now the Palace of Parliament), the mountainous Transylvania region has no fewer than seven Saxon towns. They can be visited on countrywide tours or as two- or three-day trips from Bucharest. Several of these towns (most now cities) have cobbled, car-free centres. Among the most beautiful are Sibiu, Sighisoara and Brasov, which sits below a ski resort. Another heritage city, Timisoara, has many Art Nouveau buildings. It will be European Capital of Culture in 2023, delayed from 2021 due to the pandemic. Ffestiniog Travel visits Sibiu, Timisoara, Brasov and the Danube Valley on its Wines of Southern Romania tour.

Painted monasteries

In rural Romania, clients will find some staggering religious and folk art. The famous Unesco-listed painted monasteries at northeasterly Bucovina have colourful frescoes dating to the 15th and 16th century depicting biblical scenes. Historic Iasi, Romania’s second largest city, is a natural gateway. Meanwhile, across Maramures in Romania’s north-west, are a hundred wooden churches, eight of them Unesco-protected. romaniatourism.com

Brown bears
Romania is home to 60% of Europe’s brown bear population, most of them living wild in the Carpathian mountains. It’s possible, if you’re very lucky, to see wolves and lynx besides. Clients can hang out in a national park hide on Wildlife Worldwide’s Bears in the Carpathian mountains tour. Or, tip the odds in your favour with a day trip from Bucharest to Libearty Bear Sanctuary at Zarnesti, with a side trip to Bran castle, with Viator (from £86.67pp).