Romania/Bulgaria Tour

I have traveled in Romania for a week and found it to be very easy to navigate and do not speak the language either. I rented a car and drove all over with no problems. I do remember we had trouble finding a detailed map once we were there, but did fine without it. I loved it there and would return again. The people were very friendly to us and somehow we communicated despite the language barrier (same as other small towns through Europe). In towns like Brasov there were plenty of people who spoke English.
I am a photographer and if you want to be convinced to see this beautiful country you can visit my website at terrykathrynlawrence.com. I dropped my car near the border of Hungary and took a train from Romania to Budapest. As far as foolish vs adventurous... I might be both, but this was not a foolish venture, although as with all travel it can b e a challenge, but no more than any other places I have visited. We went with no reservations and had no problem finidng reasonable rooms. It was a relatively cheap place to visit.

My husband & I spent 8 days driving through Romania in 2009. What a beautiful and interesting country!Language was never a problem. Many young people speak English. (German came in handy in Transylvania.) The people were very friendly and helpful. Driving allowed us to get out into the countryside and small villages. We did not go to Bucharest. We drove through Transylvania (stayed in Sibiu & Sighisoara), and then north to Bucovina and the painted monasteries, and then west to Maramures (very traditional area) and flew out of Cluj Napoca. Costs were inexpensive. We drove mainly secondary roads which were not in good condition. Roads are narrow & the Romanian drivers tend to pass whenever they want to, so it was sometimes a bit nerve-wracking.

I live in Romania and work in tourism; it is up to you if you prefer a customized tour with a local company, a self drive or to get from point A to point B by train. Language is not a problem; most people (especially young ones) speak English and are more than happy to help with information, directions etc. I recommend spending a day or 2 in Bucharest (perhaps get a guide as you will definitely get a better feel of the city- otherwise you might not be impressed and it's a shame as there are many wonderful things about the capital) and then move on to Transylvania (visit the main castles, some Saxon fortified churches, medieval cities), Maramures, to see the beautiful wooden churches and experience the local traditions), Bucovina (to visit the painted monasteries) and then back to Bucharest. If you have time, also spend 2-3 days in the Danube Delta. There are also companies who offer a few scheduled group departures a year if you are interested in that.

you don't need a week in bucharest. maybe just 1 day is enough to see the old town and some communist/1989 revolution sites. if you have time you should train/drive to brasov (sinaia), sighisora, or maybe sibiu. all together maybe a week to cover all these places. if you have extra time to Bulgaria, you should spend at most 1 day to see Sofia, then find a car hire to see Rila Monastery for 1 day. If you still have more time, then you should consider Valiko Tarnovo and Plovdiv. Both are 2-3 hrs from Sofia but have more things to see then Sofia, worth overnight. in my opinion I'd put Bulgaria in front of Romania.