Itinerary:
Day 1: Bucharest. Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on an evening orientation walk on the way to an optional group dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: MyContinental Bucharest (or similar) - Hotel
Today's activities:
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
- Bucharest Orientation Walk: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Day 2: Braşov. Explore the famous Transylvania region today, beginning in Sinaia, home to the iconic Peles Castle. Tour the castle on your own and spend time in the gardens before moving onward to Brasov and join your CEO on a late afternoon walk.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Central Residence Annapolis Brasov (or similar) - Hotel
Today's activities:
- Private Vehicle: Bucharest - Sinaia, 2 hours. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
- Peles Castle Grounds Visit: Step into a fairytale during your visit to the grounds of Peles Castle. Set in the stunning foothills of the Bucegi Mountains in Romania, this sprawling fortress and its grounds are known to embody both the military interests and artistic inclinations of its original commissioners, King Carol I and his wife, Queen Elizabeth.
- Private Vehicle: Sinaia - Braşov, 2 hours. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
- Braşov Orientation Walk: Join your CEO and get to know the medieval architecture and iconic Black Church Braşov is famous for. Take in views of terracotta tiled rooftops against the lush Carpathian Mountains, and enjoy one of the most popular locations in Romania.
If you wish to visit Peles Castle from the inside, we strongly recommend booking your tickets in advance for the 11:00am-12:45pm time slot. Tickets often sell out quickly, and last-minute tickets are usually unavailable. Entrance tickets can be purchased at Peles.ro.
Day 3: Braşov. Set off for the iconic Bran Castle this morning. Located on a rocky promontory and owned by Vlad the Impaler himself, this medieval castle is what you picture when you think of Bram Stoker's Dracula, a space shrouded by mystery and legend. After, discover Brasov with a free afternoon. Wander through the medieval streets and visit some of the city's most iconic sites to get the most of the region's beautiful architecture and vibrant history.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Central Residence Annapolis Brasov (or similar) - Hotel
Today's activities:
- Private Vehicle: Braşov - Bran, 30 minutes. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
- Bran Castle Visit: Visit the picturesque Bran Castle, impressively situated on a rock outcrop and dominating the valley. This 14th century castle is steeped in history and folklore and is an unmissable highlight. Sometimes called "Dracula's Castle", it served as a defense point to protect the border between Transylvania and Wallachia. Rumours abound regarding Dracula's interaction with the castle. You'll have to visit to find out the truth.
- Private Vehicle: Bran - Braşov, 30 minutes. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
- Free Time: Today is free to enjoy however you wish. Choose to visit the old town or Catherine's Gate, perhaps.
Day 4: Buzău. Depart from Brasov this morning and drive to the lesser-known region of Buzău. Settle in to your guesthouse then continue on to the Berca Mud Volcanoes, a geological and botanical reserve located a short distance from the city. Take in the unique lunar landscapes and watch for eruptions before returning to Buzău for the night.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Complex Turistic Măgura (or similar) - Hotel
Today's activities:
- Private Vehicle: Braşov - Măgura, 3 hours and 30 minutes. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
- Private Vehicle: Măgura - Pâclele, 30 minutes. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
- Berca Mud Volcanoes: Experience the Berca Mud Volcanoes, a geological and botanical reservation located in Scortoasa, featuring small volcanoes that erupt with mud and natural gasses.
- Private Vehicle: Pâclele - Buzău, 30 minutes. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 5: Danube Delta. After breakfast, head east to Tulcea, the gateway to the Danube Delta, and board a speedboat to an area close to the remote fishing village of Mila 23 - accessible only by water. Enjoy a short visit to the Ivan Patzaichin Museum - Community Innovation Center to better understand traditional building practices. After, check into your home stay and end the day surrounded by nature in one of Europe's last truly wild places.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Paradise Delta House (or similar) - Hotel
Today's activities:
- Private Vehicle: Buzău - Tulcea, 3 hours. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
- Speedboat: Tulcea - Danube Delta, 1 hour. Cut swiftly through the water en route to the next stop (and hang on to your hat).
- Ivan Patzaichin Museum: Visit this unique, eco-friendly museum to see a brilliant example of modern design inspired by local tradition. The building serves as a community center and is constructed entirely from natural materials like wood, reed, clay, and hemp - showing how traditional delta building styles can be beautifully reimagined for today.
Day 6: Danube Delta. Today is dedicated to discovering the natural beauty of the Danube Delta. Board a speedboat on a guided excursion through the intricate network of canals, lakes, and reed beds that make up this ecological wonder. Keep an eye out for pelicans, herons, and egrets, as well as a variety of fish and plant life, and learn about the unique ecosystem and traditions of the Lipovan community. Visit the town and beaches of Sulina on the Black Sea before returning to the guesthouse for the evening.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Paradise Delta House (or similar) - Hotel
Today's activities:
- Free Time: There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore or relax in the village.
- Danube Delta by Speedboat: Board a speedboat and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere reserve, renowned for biodiversity and thriving birdlife. The Delta is a globally important stop for migratory birds, leading to unique bird watching opportunities. Not to be outshone by birdlife, the Delta is home to richly diverse communities of mammals, marine life, and flora throughout. Lucky travellers may even spot wild horses on the beaches near Sulina, one of the few places left in Europe to be able to see them.
Day 7: Bucharest. Wave goodbye to the beautiful Danube Delta this morning and set off across the water, back to Tulcea. Transfer to a private vehicle and watch the world go by as you head back to Bucharest for the night.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: MyContinental Bucharest (or similar) - Hotel
Today's activities:
- Speedboat: Danube Delta - Tulcea, 1 hour. Cut swiftly through the water en route to the next stop (and hang on to your hat).
- Private Vehicle: Tulcea - Bucharest, 4 hours. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 8: Bucharest. Depart at any time.
Meals included: Breakfast
Today's activities:
- Departure Day: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.
Next Steps
Ready to go? Simply request a spot via your MyIVHQ profile, and our team will reach out with availability and seasonal pricing details.
This tour can be completed before or after your volunteering experience in Romania, we'll help with recommendations to bridge any gaps between your volunteer program and the tour. These arrangements are your responsibility and we can provide you with personalized transit and accommodation advice to make your travel straightforward.
Best of all, you’ll be in great hands with our trusted partners who have led sustainable, community-first travel for 30 years. Your adventure makes a real, positive difference every step of the way.
Please note that exact activities and timing can vary depending on the season and availability. Don't worry, your tour provider will share your final, confirmed itinerary once your dates are set!
Let’s get your journey started!
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