Itinerary · 7 days
The Grand Tour of Romania in 7 days
Bucharest, the Prahova Valley, Brașov, Sighișoara, Sibiu and the Transfăgărășan, in a single loop
Duration
7 days
Distance
~950 km
Pace
Moderate
Best time
May–October (the Transfăgărășan opens July–October)
Best for
First-time visitors, couples, families
If you have a single week and want to see the essence of Romania, this is the route. Start in Bucharest, climb the Prahova Valley to the royal castles, spend two nights in Brașov with Bran and Râșnov within reach, cross medieval Transylvania through Sighișoara and Sibiu, then drive the legendary Transfăgărășan before heading back. It's a logical loop, with no backtracking, combining cities, castles, mountains and Saxon villages.
It's best done by car — many of the finest places aren't reachable by train. Rent a car at the airport and you have total freedom.
The key to this trip
Rent a car and drive it yourself
This route is built for a rental car — total freedom, no fixed schedules.
Day by day
- 1
Day 1 — Bucharest
Land, pick up the car and discover the capital: the Palace of Parliament, the Old Town, the Athenaeum and Calea Victoriei. First night in Bucharest.
- 2
- 3
- 4
Day 4 — Sighișoara
Drive to Sighișoara, Europe's only inhabited medieval citadel. The Clock Tower, cobbled streets and the house of Vlad Dracul. Night in the citadel.
- 5
- 6
Day 6 — The Transfăgărășan
Romania's most spectacular road: hairpins, Bâlea Lake, tunnels and dreamlike views. Descend south toward Curtea de Argeș and Poenari.
- 7
Day 7 — Back to Bucharest
An easy drive back to the capital, with time for last-minute shopping and the flight home.
Getting to Romania
Flights, transfer & car
Fly into Romania
Compare fares to Bucharest Otopeni (OTP) and regional airports — Cluj, Sibiu, Iași, Timișoara.
Airport transfer
Private, fixed-price door-to-door transfer — driver waiting from the moment you land.
Rent a car — see the real Romania
A rental car is the key to Romania: the Transfăgărășan, the painted monasteries of Bucovina, mountain roads and the villages of Maramureș that no train reaches.
Find a carExperiences
Tours & activities
Guided tours, day trips and hand-picked experiences via GetYourGuide — free cancellation on most.
See all experiencesStays nearby
Where to stay on this route
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car for this itinerary?+
Yes, absolutely. The Transfăgărășan, the castles and the Saxon villages can't be comfortably reached by public transport. A rental car is the key to this loop.
When is the best time?+
June–September. The Transfăgărășan is only open July–October; outside that window, the route can be adapted via the Olt Valley.
Other itineraries