Romania Highlights in 10 Days
Romania
Overview
This loop covers Romania's strongest highlights — the Saxon towns of Sighișoara, Braşov and Sibiu, the castles of Bran and Peleș, and the Transfăgărășan mountain road — starting and ending in Bucharest. A car is essential; distances are longer than the map suggests.
- Duration
- 10 days
- Pace
- Fast-paced
- Transport
- Rental car
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- €620–€880
Route
1. Bucharest2. Sinaia3. Braşov4. Sighișoara5. Sibiu6. Bucharest
Highlights
- Sighișoara's fortified medieval citadel
- Bran and Peleș castles
- Driving the Transfăgărășan
- Sibiu's Saxon old town
Worth knowing
- Long driving days between some stops
- Transfăgărășan is only fully open roughly June–October
- Rural fuel stops can be sparse — plan ahead
Day by day
Day 1
BucharestMain activities
- Arrive
- Old town and Palace of the Parliament
Overnight: Bucharest
Day 2
Bucharest → SinaiaMain activities
- Drive to Sinaia (~2h)
- Peleș Castle
~2 hoursOvernight: Sinaia
Day 3
Sinaia → BraşovMain activities
- Bran Castle en route
- Braşov old town
Optional additions
- Rasnov fortress
~1.5 hoursOvernight: Braşov
Day 4
Braşov areaMain activities
- Drive the Transfăgărășan road
- Bâlea Lake
~4 hours round tripOvernight: Braşov
Day 5
Braşov → SighișoaraMain activities
- Drive to Sighișoara (~2h)
- Citadel and clock tower
~2 hoursOvernight: Sighișoara
Day 6
Sighișoara → SibiuMain activities
- Drive to Sibiu (~2h)
- Old town squares
Optional additions
- ASTRA open-air museum
~2 hoursOvernight: Sibiu
Day 7
SibiuMain activities
- Free day exploring Sibiu and surroundings
Optional additions
- Cisnădioara fortified church
Overnight: Sibiu
Day 8
Sibiu → BucharestMain activities
- Drive back to Bucharest (~4h)
~4 hoursOvernight: Bucharest
Day 9
BucharestMain activities
- Village Museum
- Free afternoon
Optional additions
- Herăstrău Park
Overnight: Bucharest
Day 10
BucharestMain activities
- Departure
Overnight: Bucharest
Alternatives
Shorter version · 7 days
Drop Sibiu and return to Bucharest directly from Sighișoara.
Longer extension · 14 days
Add Bucovina's painted monasteries in the north-east.