Heart of the East: Romania & Moldova Adventure

Duration

14 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Discover the hidden gems of Eastern Europe on this 14-day adventure through Romania and Moldova. From Bustling capitals to village life, some of the most interesting nature and wildlife out there, with a sprinkle of Vlad the Impaler and extensive wine production, this tour won't disappoint.

Includes

Activities

Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Fromage - Made in Moldova, Rezina Your Foodie Moment: Cooking class in Trebujeni - Green Villa, Trebujeni Your Local Living Moment: Gagauz Sofrası Meal and Experience, Congaz
Visit the town of Sinaia
Bran Castle entrance ticket
Free time in Brasov
Visit to the Berca Mud Volcanoes
CEO-led orientation walk in Mila 23
Full-day guided tour of the Danube Delta by speedboat
Chisinau orientation walk
Guided walking tour of Chisinau
Cricova Winery tour and tasting
Saharna Monastery visit
'Fromage - Made in Moldova' project visit and light lunch
Orheiul Vechi Hike
Trebujeni cooking class
Guided National Gagauz History and Ethnographic Museum visit with cultural presentation
Comrat winery tour and tasting
Gagauz Sofrasi cultural and culinary complex visit with dinner
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Hotels (8 nts), Guesthouses (3 nts), Eco Resort (2 nts)

14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, speedboat, flight, walking

Group Leader

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

Highlights

Step into Dracula's legend at Bran Castle — home of Vlad the Impaler
Explore the canals of the Danube Delta by boat on the lookout for birds and wildlife
Explore the dynamic capitals of Bucharest and Chișinău on local walking tours
Taste your way through Moldova's local wine and cheeses
Be immersed in traditional culture in Moldova's Gaugazia region

Heart of the East: Romania & Moldova Adventure

Trip Details

Duration

14 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, speedboat, flight, walking

Guide Language

English

Starts

Bucharest, Romania

Finishes

Chişinău, Moldova

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Classic, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

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

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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.Activity - 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.Accommodation - MyContinental Bucharest

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 on to Bran Castle. 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. Continue onward to Brasov and join your CEO on a late afternoon walk.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Step into a fairytale during your visit to Peleș 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.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - 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.Activity - Join your CEO and get to know the medieval architecture and iconic Black Church Brasov 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.Accommodation - Central Residence Annapolis Brasov

Day 3: Braşov

Discover Brasov today with free time. 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

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Today is free to enjoy however you wish. Choose to visit the old town h or Catherine's Gate, perhaps.Accommodation - Central Residence Annapolis Brasov

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

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Experience the Berca Mud Volcanoes, a geological and botanical reservation located in Scortoasa, featuring small volcanoes that erupt with mud and natural gasses.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Complex Turistic Măgura

Day 5: Danube Delta

After breakfast, head east to Tulcea, the gateway to the Danube Delta, and board a speedboat to the remote fishing village of Mila 23 - accessible only by water. Check in to your new home away from home and enjoy lunch on your own before setting out on foot with your CEO to explore the town. End the day surrounded by nature in one of Europe's last truly wild places.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Cut swiftly through the water en route to the next stop (and hang on to your hat).Activity - Join your CEO on a walk through the picturesque fishing village, located in the heart of the Danube Delta. This small community of approximately 450 people boasting traditional Lipovan architecture, great white pelicans (and several other bird species), and one of a kind sunsets.Accommodation - Paradise Delta House

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,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore or relax in the village.Activity - 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.Accommodation - Paradise Delta House

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

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Cut swiftly through the water en route to the next stop (and hang on to your hat).Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - MyContinental Bucharest

Day 8: Bucharest/Chişinău

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Chisinau, Moldova's capital city. In the evening, join your CEO for a short orientation walk on the way to an optional dinner out, before settling in for the next leg of the adventure.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, ATMs and some of the main sights.Accommodation - Bernardazzi Grand Hotel

Day 9: Chişinău

Set out this morning with a local guide on a walking tour of Chisinau. Pass by some of the city's main sights and historical landmarks like the Parliament building and gaze at the beautiful architecture of the City Hall and St. Pantelimon Church. In the afternoon, visit Cricova Winery for a tour of the underground wine cellars and enjoy a tasting of some of the wines Moldova is famous for. Return to Chisinau for a free evening and optional dinner out with the group.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: ActivityTransport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Explore one of the most popular underground wineries in Moldova and contains the largest collection of exclusive wines in the country. Moldova is home to three cellars located in limestone caves and this is located at a depth of 80 meters and spans 160 km in length. Witness more than 70 streets covering an area of 53 hectares, each bearing Bacchic names - Sauvignon, Cabernet, Cahor, as well as the oldest bottle in Moldova, dated from 1902. Enjoy a wine tasting in the cellars and learn of the process that makes these wines so special.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Bernardazzi Grand Hotel

Day 10: Chişinău/Butuceni

This morning, depart Chisinau for the North of Moldova. Stop at the Monastery of Saharna, a picturesque complex where you can relax in the shadow of a cascading waterfall, paired with ancient relics and deep history. Next, transfer to a local cheese factory in a small village for a light lunch sampling fresh cheeses, jams and wine. Learn how the initiative serves to support the community by providing employment and preserving Moldovan traditions. Continue to Butuceni Village for the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Set out on a self guided exploration of the Saharna Monastery, situated on the bank of the Nistru River. The picturesque Saharna offers views of soarkling waterfalls and lies in the shadow of rolling hills and lush forests. The relics of Saint Suvios Macarie are found in the complex and views of the chapel can be seen from the top of Grimidon hill. Legend has it that the footprints of the mother of God appeared in front of Saint Varfolomei in this location.Activity - Settle in for a light lunch and learn about Thierry Ernst, a frenchman who came to Moldova to offer humanitarian aid. He and his wife transformed an old school into an eco-friendly cheese factory using locally sourced milk and blending French and Moldovan traditions, creating employment, and directly helping local families. Learn about Thierry's program development beyond the cheese factory, and finish the experience by sampling locally produced cheeses, jams, and wine.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Eco-Resort Butuceni

Day 11: Butuceni

This morning enjoy some light hiking to Orheiul Vechi, an area of natural beauty shaped by the river Raut as it cuts into the rocky hills of central Moldova. In medieval times, the river Raut served as a travel route for merchants from as far away as Greece. After free time in the village, join a cooking class at an agro-pension in Trebujeni, then stroll back to the eco resort in Butuceni. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon free to explore or relax.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Take part in a cooking class and lunch at an agro pension in the village of Trebujeni. Learn to prepare local specialties like placinte, traditional pies with cheese, potatoes, cabbage and other seasonal ingredients. Savour the delicious flavours from fresh ingredients before returning to Butuceni.Activity - Hike your way around Orheiul Vechi, beginning at your Butuceni homestead. Explore the landscape around the Raut riverbed and the Cave Monastery where you'll be rewarded with beautiful vistas and ample birdwatching.Free_time - Relax and unwind after a morning of exploration. Take a free afternoon to explore however you wish.Accommodation - Eco-Resort Butuceni

Day 12: Butuceni/Congaz

Embark on a day of cultural immersion into the Gaugazia region of Moldova. Start at the National Gagauz History and Ethnographic Museum and learn of the local wedding traditions with an interactive presentation. Continue on to Comrat for a winery tour and tasting, then visit Gagauz Sofrasi, a cultural and culinary complex where you'll learn about local traditions and indulge in a traditional Gagauz feast, featuring locally sourced ingredients and expertly crafted wines.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Dive headfirst into the local culture as you join a mock traditional Gagauzian wedding ceremony located in the museum hall. Listen to local wedding songs and witness the gift giving traditions, one where women from both families unite and the mother-in-law provides an offering to her new daughter-in-law. Opt to participate in an artistic performance within the museum right in the hall where wedding dresses and the bride's dowry are exhibited.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Tour the facility and sample the local flavours of the Vinuri de Comrat winery, in operation for 120 years. Learn of the traditions passed from generation to generation that lead to the unique Moldovan flavours.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy Gagauz Sofrası, a cultural and culinary experience where you'll indulge in a traditional Gagauz feast, featuring locally sourced ingredients and expertly crafted wines. Enjoy a bread and salt greeting before your meal, alongside a short introduction to Gagauzian hospitality. Visit a traditional guesthouse, the ethnographic museum, the wine cellar, and the terrace. In the museum, you have the unique opportunity to try on Gagauz attire to immerse yourself deeper in the local culture.Accommodation - Gagauz Sofrasi

Day 13: Congaz/Chişinău

Wave goodbye to Congaz this morning and depart for the drive back to Chisinau. The remainder of the day is free to explore Moldova's capital city before regrouping in the evening for an optional final dinner out with the group.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - There's plenty to see and do; now is your chance to explore.Accommodation - Bernardazzi Grand Hotel

Day 14: Chişinău

Depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
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.

From
AUD $5899

AUD $5,014

(Tour only)

Offer ends 01 Apr, 2026 Per Person Standard

Duration: 14 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Check Availability Brochure

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

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Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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