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2 weeks in Romania

Together with my wife we are thinking of going for a 2 weeks holiday in Romania in mid October 2014. We will land and depart from Bucharest. Do you think that I can visit for 2 weeks Transylvania on my own, using public transport and trains and may be some tours? I was thinking of Brasov, Sibiu, Cluj and may be Sighisoara. Any ideas? Thanks.

Posted by
41 posts

Yes, it can be done. In two weeks you can see the main sites in Transylvania and maybe do a brief trip to Maramures (a region just north of Transylvania, famous for its scenery and well preserved traditional lifestyle)

Head from Bucharest to Brasov by train, with a stopover in the mountain resort Sinaia to see Peles castle.
Use Brasov as a base for 4-5 days; do day trips to Sighisoara, to Bran castle and Rasnov fortress, to Harman and Prejmer fortress churches (all are easily accessible by public transport), as well as walks/hikes in the mountains next to the city.

Then catch the overnight train to Sighetu Marmatiei in Maramures and spend 3-4 days exploring the old villages in that region.

Afterwards catch a bus to Cluj, visit it (about a day) then either go into the Apuseni mountains (2-3 days; many caves, waterfalls etc.) or head directly to Sibiu.

Visit Sibiu, try to do day trips to the Olt valley monasteries and to villages in the Marginimea Sibiului area, then get to Bucharest.

Posted by
17549 posts

By many standards the public transportation in Romania is slow, antiquated and unreliable; but very interesting and a great experience. If you were coming from the states or staying for a shorter period I would say get a guide; they are inexpensive and can show you things that aren't in the guide books or aren't accessible by public transportation. Its a fabulous place so take your time and soak it all in. If you do want to consider a guide I have known this gentleman for a half dozen years or so and sent a number of clients to him, all of which have been very happy with him and very happy with the choice to use him: Daniel Gheorghita
http://covinnus.com/ covinnus@covinnus.com

Posted by
811 posts

i hvae been to all the places you mentioned except cluj and all that can be done in just 1 week. if you have a car and guide you can see more area with more time but with public transportation you're somewhat limited to the areas close to down. trains are ok, will probably need to deal with a couple of transfers (don't get scared by the look of the trains or the gypses who will commute with you). bus is good for short distance, and take trains for inter city travel.

Posted by
53 posts

As someone who has spent time in and around Brasov I want to concur with the first reply. Use Brasov as a base. Transport is ok. If you use a combination of train and bus you will have fun. Travel light if you can. October might be getting cold so take a warm coat. People are nice and food is cheap. Transylvania is a interesting place and you have chosen a good desitination.

Safe Travels

Posted by
3696 posts

I did the drive to most of the locations that you mention and it was a great way to see Romania. I rented the car in Bucharest, drove everywhere we wanted to visit, then ended in Timosara (sp) where we dropped the car, then took a train to Budapest for a few days and flew out of there. Romania is a wonderful place to visit. People were very friendly and we loved the food.