Budapest to Bucharest

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
Budapest to Bucharest
Budapest to Bucharest
Budapest to Bucharest
Budapest to Bucharest
Budapest to Bucharest
Budapest to Bucharest
Budapest to Bucharest
Budapest to Bucharest
Budapest to Bucharest
Budapest to Bucharest
Budapest to Bucharest
Budapest to Bucharest
Budapest to Bucharest
Budapest to Bucharest
Budapest to Bucharest
10 Days
From AUD $3860
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Budapest to Bucharest

Budapest to Bucharest

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

From the beautiful Baroque churches of Budapest to the haunted castles of Transylvania, this ten-day journey across Eastern Europe provides a fascinating insight into an intriguing region.

Highlights

  • Sample the famous Hungarian bull’s blood in Eger – the wine that supposedly gave the Hungarian army supernatural strength during their battle against the Ottoman Empire.
  • Discover Romania's most traditional and colourful region on a daytrip through the countryside of Maramures. Don't be surprised if you see horse-drawn carts along the road!
  • Uncover spooky stories in Transylvania – the birthplace of Dracula. Then, visit Bran Castle in Brasov and learn how it became the inspiration for Dracula’s home.
  • Experience an authentic stay in the Saxon town of Viscri, immersing yourself in Romanian hospitality and indulging in some delicious home-cooked food.
  • Explore the historic past and artistic present of Bucharest – a city often underrated by travellers, but offering heaps of sights, sounds and smells to be discovered.

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Metro, Taxi

Guide Language

English

Starts

Budapest, Hungary

Finishes

Bucharest, Hungary

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Budapest
Szia! Welcome to Hungary. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Budapest. If you arrive early, maybe visit the historic Buda Castle or wander through the winding streets of the Castle District, which dates back to the 13th century. In the afternoon, maybe a cruise along the Danube to see the riverside Parliament Building, the Castle District and the bridges linking Buda and Pest. Tonight, maybe head out with your fellow travellers for dinner, then take a night walk along the Danube to see the buildings and bridges lit up in lights.

Optional Activities:

  • Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park (5000 HUF)
  • Budapest - Faust Wine Cellar Tasting (21 EUR)
  • Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from) (9400 HUF)
  • Budapest - Parliament Tour (13000 HUF)
  • Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour (10500 HUF)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Eger
This morning, take a train east to Eger. This beautifully preserved Baroque town is surrounded by hills and is home to some of the most renowned vineyards in Eastern Europe. Visit the wine cellars of the Valley of the Beautiful Women to sample some of the town's famous Bull's Blood red wine, which supposedly gave the Hungarian army supernatural strength during their battle against the Ottoman Empire. In your free time, maybe explore Eger's 13th-century castle – the site of the historic siege that thwarted the Ottoman Empire's advance into Western Europe. Here, you can visit the Gothic Palace, view a gallery of fine Hungarian art and tour underground passageways filled with archaeological finds. You may also like to check out the town's 19th-century cathedral, climb the northernmost medieval minaret in Europe for views of the city or visit the Minorite Church in Dobo Square.

Included Activities:

  • Eger - Wine Sampling

Optional Activities:

  • Eger - Castle (4000 HUF)
  • Eger - Minaret (800 HUF)
  • Eger - Astronomy Museum, Camera Obscura, Panoramic terrace in the Lyceum building (2600 HUF)
  • Eger - Town Under The Town (4500 HUF)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Maramures
After breakfast, travel to Debrecen. While here, you'll have time to explore Deri Square’s fountains, colourful buildings, museums and the golden Great Church. Continue by private vehicle across the central plains into Romania’s Maramures (mah-ra-moo-resh) region. This area may be modernising, but among the traditional wooden houses, churches, music and forests, you can still find parts of life unchanged since medieval times. When you arrive, settle into your room – your accommodation for the night is run by a local family. Sit down for a home-cooked dinner with your group and get to know the locals, their stories and their way of life.

Accommodation:

  • Pension (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Maramures
Today, you’ll discover more about the region of Maramures. Rich in tradition and folklore, the music, costumes, festivals and ancient superstitions of one of the last peasant cultures in Europe continue to thrive here. Maramures is particularly famed for its wooden churches, many of which are World Heritage-listed. Set out on a guided group tour to explore the region, visiting the unique Merry Cemetery in Sapanta, where the life stories of the deceased are displayed on colourful wooden crosses. You’ll also see other traditional villages, including the village museum in Sighetu – an assembly of beautiful local wooden architecture.

Included Activities:

  • Maramures - Day Tour with Local Guide
  • Maramures - Sapanta Merry Cemetery
  • Maramures - Barsana Monastery
  • Maramures - Distillery and Village Museum visit

Accommodation:

  • Pension (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Sighisoara
Begin the day with a scenic drive to Sighisoara – while the name may conjure up images of haunted castles, gothic churches and vampires, this is only a small part of what makes Transylvania such an enchanting and exciting destination. Another UNESCO World Heritage site, the town was first settled by the Romans but flourished under the Saxons from the 12th century. Take a walk around the Old Town, which coils up a narrow hill surrounded on all sides by fortified walls, and explore the 64 m tall clock tower that dominates the citadel. The town is famed as the birthplace of Vlad Dracul III, better known as Vlad the Impaler, whose name inspired Bram Stoker’s iconic Count Dracula. Vlad III is revered as a folk hero by Romanians for driving off the invading Ottoman Turks, whose victims are said to have numbered as many as 100,000. Tonight, maybe sit down for a traditional Romanian dinner at one of local restaurants.

Included Activities:

  • Sighisoara - Orientation Walk

Optional Activities:

  • Sighisoara - Church of the Dominican Monastery (10 RON)
  • Sighisoara - Covered Stairway - Free
  • Sighisoara - Church on the Hill (5 RON)
  • Sighisoara - The Clock Tower (16 RON)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Viscri
This morning, you have some free time in Sighisoara. After lunch, take a short drive to the village of Viscri – a small Transylvanian village originally inhabited by Saxons from the Luxembourg area. This village of red-tiled roofs is a UNESCO World Heritage site, virtually unchanged for 900 years. When you arrive, you’ll visit the town's fortified church, thought to be the oldest in Transylvania. After, sit down to a home-cooked dinner prepared by a local family, sampling fresh produce, homemade wines and schnapps. Tonight, stay in rustic houses that the locals rent out to visitors.

Included Activities:

  • Viscri - Local Home Cooked Dinner
  • Viscri - Fortified Church

Optional Activities:

  • Viscri - Prince Charles House (15 RON)
  • Viscri - Blacksmith demonstration (80 RON)

Accommodation:

  • Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Brasov
This morning, visit the famed Bran Castle, said to be the inspiration for the home of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Perched on a high cliff and surrounded by pine trees, you’ll explore the castle with your local leader and group. After, travel to Brasov and enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace – maybe visit the ornate churches, townhouses and squares surrounded by gingerbread-roofed merchants' houses. If you're looking for a bit of nightlife tonight, Brasov has plenty of funky bars and restaurants to enjoy once darkness falls.

Included Activities:

  • Bran Castle - Tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Brasov
Today is a free day to explore Brasov at your own pace. Also known by its German name, Kronstadt, the town is flanked by mountains and was once a major medieval trading centre. When you arrive, maybe explore the town's main attraction – the Gothic Black Church (Biserica Neagra), which took its name from its blackened appearance after a fire in 1689. Later, you might stroll along Strada Republicii, take a cable car up to Mt Tampa or or hike one of the forested trails that start right from the edge of town.

Optional Activities:

  • Rasnov - Fortress (20 RON)
  • Brasov - Walking Tour with Local Guide (200 RON)
  • Brasov - The Black Church (20 RON)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Bucharest
Take a train to Bucharest today – the city is increasingly known for its cosmopolitan vibe and energy. Romania's capital also likes big things and is home to one of Europe's largest squares. The Palace of Parliament is also the second largest building in the world! When you arrive, set off on a guided walking tour around town to help you get your bearings. The rest of the afternoon is then free for you to choose your own adventure. Maybe explore some of the sights further or enjoy traditional home-cooked Romanian food with your fellow travellers – a great way to celebrate a trip well-travelled!

Included Activities:

  • Bucharest - Walking Tour with Local Guide

Optional Activities:

  • Bucharest - Bike Tour (30 EUR)
  • Bucharest - Urban Adventures Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Tour (75 EUR)
  • Bucharest - Village Museum (40 RON)
  • Bucharest - Palace of Parliament Tour (60 RON)
  • Bucharest - Romanian Athenaeum (15 RON)
  • Bucharest - Former Ceausescu Residence (75 RON)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Bucharest
Today your adventure comes to an end. As there are no further activities planned, you’re able to leave your accommodation at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay to see all Bucharest has to offer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $3,860
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

From the beautiful Baroque churches of Budapest to the haunted castles of Transylvania, this ten-day journey across Eastern Europe provides a fascinating insight into an intriguing region.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 04 Jul 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Roland
Traveled, October 2023

11/17/2023

I was booked on the Bucharest to Kiev trip which for understandable reasons had to be cancelled so chose I this trip as a second best option to get to know Romania. I learned a lot so it was a good decision.

4.5
Jerrod
Traveled, October 2023

11/10/2023

Very fun and educational trip. Homestays were great!

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989