Bucharest & Craiova: Cultural Contrasts of Southern  Romania.

Meet the group at the airport and board our flight to Bucharest .

Upon our arrival we will transfer to the hotel the Zeus Essense Bucharest Venezia which is in the heart of the city and close to many of the main attractions. 

Breakfast is included each morning.

Throughout the tour we will be staying in twin rooms but there is an option to have a room to yourself for the trip. If you wish to have a room to yourself for the 6 nights the supplement will be £220. The supplement will be payable at the same time as the balance.      

The Travel Buddies trips work on the basis that as long as you are having a good time then that is what matters, if you don’t feel like coming on one of the excursions or joining the rest of the group for dinner one evening then that is absolutely fine. This is an adventure for everyone and there is nothing worse than having to go somewhere/do something that you don’t really fancy!

Feel free to do as much or as little research as you like, some members will know what they would like to visit as soon as they book the trip, Others will just turn up at the airport and have not researched at all. Either is absolutely fine. We all have different ideas as to what constitutes a great time away! 

After breakfast we are off to discover the many hidden gems of Bucharest on a half-day sightseeing tour. Our guide will meet us at the hotel, then we will  set off to explore. Learn about Press Square (Piata Presei Libere), see The Arch of Triumph (Arcul de Triumf) and Victoriei Square (Piata Victoriei) and take a rest at one of the city’s vistas. 

Learn about the history of this fascinating city, and visit Revolution Square (Romanian Atheneum, Revolution’s Memorial) and much more. Our tour includes an entrance ticket for a visit to the massively impressive Palace of the parliament.

Free afternoon to explore Bucharest as we please, peruse the shops of the old town (Lipscani district) and market stalls of the Christmas markets, Sit and watch the world go by with mulled wine or hot chocolate… 

We will enjoy dinner this evening at Cara Cu Bere, a wonderful traditional restaurant with a menu to suit all tastes and live music and traditional dancing to get into the festive spirit!

Today we venture deep into the heart of Transylvania to visit two of Romania’s most magnificent castles and the medieval town of Brasov on a full day trip. 

Step into the life of Romanian royalty at sumptuous Peles Castle, a fairytale-like retreat surrounded by forest and still adorned with immaculate period decor. 

Then, connect with the country’s notorious vampiric lore at Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle,’ thanks to its chilling Gothic chambers and turrets that seem to be plucked straight from a horror movie. Entrance fees to the castles are not included it  costs around £40 for both tours. 

During the day we will also visit the gorgeous town of Brasov. There will be a stop for lunch during the day (not included) 

Return transfers from Bucharest are included.

Today we are off for a full day of relaxation to the most talked about Spa in Europe. Therme Bucuresti is the largest relaxation and entertainment center in Europe, built green, a wellness concept for a modern lifestyle, dedicated to well-being. It features 10 thermal pools,16 waterslides,and a botanical garden with over 800,000 plants. 

There are bars and restaurants inside and plenty of places to relax.

Return hotel transfers and a full day entrance ticket are included. 

Dinner locally

This morning after breakfast and checking out we will take the train to Craiova.

(approximately 3 hours 50 minutes)

Upon arrival in Craiova we will check in to the gorgeous 4* Hotel Splendid 1900 where we will be spending 2 nights. 

Breakfast is included each morning.

Featuring eclectic decors with Art Deco influences, Hotel Splendid 1900 is located in a restored historic building dating from 1900. This accommodation is in the heart of the city of Craiova. It features free WiFi throughout the property.

Rooms have flat-screen TVs with cable channels, a dining table, an electric kettle and a minibar, the bathrooms include free toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, as well as a bath. (Please note that the solo rooms here have a single bed)

Guests have access to a free sauna, or we can use the fitness centre for a surcharge. 

A complimentary welcome kit with coffee and tea awaits us in the rooms, and complimentary water is offered upon check-in.  Or we can choose to unwind at the on-site bar. 

After some time to relax at the hotel we will head to a local traditional restaurant.

Let’s get wrapped up and go exploring. 

If you Love Chrittmas lights, cozy stalls and magic you are in the perfect place as Craiova was voted number 1 European  Christmas market destination in 2025 

There are  millions of lights, a giant ice rink in Piața Mihai Viteazul, and thematic, fairytale-inspired décor across 5 squares in the city centre, it even has the highest flying Santa’s sleigh in Europe too. 

Beyond the festive market, we can explore the Craiova Art Museum (housed in the neoclassical Jean Mihail Palace), visit the Oltenia Museum to learn about the history of southern Romania, and enjoy a winter walk in Nicolae Romanescu Park. 

After a leisurely breakfast and checking out we have some free time to explore or perhaps pick up some Christmas gifts before taking our  private transfer to the airport for our flight back to the UK.