Region
Wallachia
The Prahova Valley, Peleș and the home mountains
Muntenia, the great historic province of southern Romania, blends the regal peaks of the Carpathians with the wide plain and the old capitals of Wallachia. The Prahova Valley, the country's most beloved mountain destination, strings together elegant resorts — Sinaia, the "Pearl of the Carpathians," with the sumptuous Peleș Castle, summer residence of Romania's kings, then Bușteni and Predeal, gateways to the heights of the Bucegi.
Landscapes and landmarks
The Bucegi massif lifts alpine plateaus toward strange wind-sculpted formations such as the Sphinx and the Babele, reached by cable car and rewarded with sweeping views. Farther west, at Curtea de Argeș, stands the legendary monastery of the master builder Manole and the royal necropolis, and above it Poenari Citadel, the true castle of Vlad the Impaler, is won by climbing thousands of steps. Târgoviște, a former capital, keeps its Sunset Tower and Princely Court.
Curiosities and reason to go
Near Buzău, the mud volcanoes create a lunar landscape, cones of grey mud bubbling cold. The cuisine is generous — grilled mici, cabbage rolls, sour soups and wines from Dealu Mare, one of the country's great vineyards. A traveller comes to Muntenia for its blend of royal grandeur, mountain adventure and princely history, all just a few hours from Bucharest.
Destinations in Wallachia
All destinations →Sinaia
The 'Pearl of the Carpathians' in the Prahova Valley, around Peleș Castle.
Bușteni
Below the Caraiman, in the heart of the Bucegi.
Predeal
Romania's highest mountain resort.
Curtea de Argeș
The royal necropolis and Dracula's real castle.
Târgoviște
The old capital of Wallachia and Vlad the Impaler's seat.
Câmpina
The Iulia Hasdeu Castle and the Grigorescu museum.
Buzău
The gateway to the Buzău Land — the mud volcanoes.
Brăila
The Danube port with a neoclassical centre.
Slănic Prahova
The spectacular salt mine and the Salt Mountain.
Câmpulung Muscel
The first capital of Wallachia.
Giurgiu
A Danube port town, near Comana Nature Park and the bridge to Ruse.
Slobozia
A Bărăgan plains town, near the Amara spa resort.
Călărași
A town on the Danube and the Borcea branch, in the Bărăgan plain.
Alexandria
The seat of Teleorman, a town planned in 1834 on the southern plain.
Snagov
A lake and monastery north of Bucharest, with the reputed grave of Vlad the Impaler.
Not to miss in Wallachia
MountainMuntele Piatra Mare
Piatra Mare Mountain is a limestone massif of the Curvature Carpathians, near the resort of Predeal and the town of Brașov, prized by hikers for its varied scenery and the spectacular trails that cross it. The main crest, which exceeds 1800 metres, offers broad views over the neighbouring massifs, among them Bucegi, Postăvaru and Ciucaș, as well as over the surrounding valleys and forests. The mountain is renowned for its remarkable natural features, among them the Seven Ladders Canyon, a narrow defile of successive waterfalls equipped with metal ladders for passage, and the Ice Cave, where ice persists even in the warm season. The forested slopes, steep cliffs and springs add to the diversity of the landscape, and the area shelters a rich flora and fauna typical of the mountain environment. The hiking trails set off from Predeal, Timișul de Sus and other nearby villages, demanding good fitness and proper equipment. Piatra Mare remains a favourite destination for day trips in the heart of the Carpathians.
LandmarkCrucea Caraiman
The Caraiman Cross, also known as the Heroes' Cross on Caraiman Peak, is an imposing monument built in the 1920s on a ridge in the Bucegi massif, at high altitude, in memory of the soldiers who fell in the First World War. With its metal structure tens of metres tall, set on a massive concrete base, the cross is visible from a great distance and, being lit at night, can be seen from Busteni and across the whole Prahova Valley. It has been recognised as the tallest cross in the world placed on a mountain peak. Its construction at such an altitude, in harsh conditions, was a genuine engineering feat of the era. The site offers a dizzying panorama over the mountains and the valley below. Practical note: it is reached by cable car from Busteni to the Bucegi plateau and then along a marked trail, or by a more demanding hike; proper mountain gear is needed even in summer.
MountainVârful Omu
Omu Peak is the highest summit of the Bucegi Mountains and one of the most important points of the Southern Carpathians, rising above 2500 metres. Set at the meeting of the main ridges of the massif, above the resort of Sinaia, the peak offers spectacular panoramas towards the surrounding summits, the Piatra Craiului Mountains and, on clear days, impressive distances. On the summit stand a chalet and a weather station, among the highest in the country. Access is exclusively on foot, along marked trails starting from Busteni, Sinaia or other points, demanding hikes that cross the alpine plateau and rocky ground. As this is a high-altitude peak, the weather is harsh and can change suddenly even in summer, with strong wind, fog and cold. Full mountain gear, good physical condition and caution are required. Omu Peak is a reference destination for hikers and mountain enthusiasts.
WineryCrama Ceptura
At Ceptura, in the heart of the Dealu Mare region, the winery bears the name of the village that became synonymous with good wine in Wallachia. On the sunny hills here, with clay-and-limestone soils at the same latitude as Bordeaux, it works both native grapes — Fetească Neagră, Fetească Albă, Tămâioasă — and international ones, in balanced, accessible wines. Ceptura is one of the most frequent stops on Prahova's "Wine Road", less than two hours from Bucharest: tastings, walks among the vines and often accommodation and dining on site. It's a comfortable, pleasant choice for a weekend escape in the country's most popular red-wine region, and a good one for a first-ever winery visit.
WineryLacertA Winery
LacertA is the boutique winery on the hilltop at Fântânele, in Dealu Mare, where the name (lacerta, the lizard) comes from the creatures that bask among the vines — a sign of a clean, carefully worked vineyard. The Fabian family estate bets on small quantities and attention to detail: Cuvée X, its signature blend, alongside single varietals of Fetească Neagră, Cabernet and aromatic whites. The view from the tasting terrace, with the vines rolling down toward the plain, is among the finest in the region. Visits include a cellar tour, a guided tasting and often lunch with local produce. It's the choice for anyone after an intimate experience, far from the factory-wineries, less than two hours from Bucharest.
WineryVitis Metamorfosis
Vitis Metamorfosis is the winery born from the meeting of Dealu Mare and one of the world's great winemaking families — the **Antinori** Marquesses of Tuscany, with over six centuries of wine history. From this Romanian-Italian partnership, on the hills of Ceptura, come wines of great finesse that blend the native Fetească Neagră with Tuscan know-how, in ranges such as Cantus Primus and Via Marchizului. The result is an elegant, mature style, with fine tannin and serious ageing potential. The estate welcomes visitors for tastings and tours among the vines, in a setting that breathes refinement. It's one of the most interesting addresses in Dealu Mare for anyone who wants to taste what happens when Romanian tradition meets the Italian school of wine.
Regional flavours
Tours & experiences in Wallachia
Experiences
Guided tours in Wallachia
Day trips, walking tours and hand-picked experiences across Wallachia — free cancellation on most.
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Stays nearby
Hotels & stays in Wallachia