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From Budapest to Bucharest

10 Days / 9 Nights

Budapest, Sighisoara, Brasov, Bucharest

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This sample 10 day (9 nights) itinerary combines Hungary's capital Budapest with two highlights of neighboring Romania. You'll start in magnificent Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary. From there a short flight takes you to Sighisoara in the storied Transylvania region of Romania. The final stop on your tour is resurgent Bucharest, the capital of Romania. All of our tours are custom, and this is just a sample meant to give an idea of what our trips are like, and the opportunities our destinations provide.
One of our team members in the region will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (who you will meet in person) throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, and spacious apartments. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambience.
Route for Budapest, Sighisoara, Brasov, Bucharest tour

4 Nights in Budapest

4 Nights in Budapest

5 days in Budapest
5 days in Budapest

4 Nights in Budapest

The Paris of Central Europe, Budapest is the Queen of the Danube, a sprawling, regal city split in two halves by the mighty river. The city’s two UNESCO-listed halves, ancient Buda and modern Pest both have their charms and are linked by numerous picturesque bridges. From the Buda Castle to the Danube Embankment and the sprawling Andrassy Avenue, with its impressive architecture, there is plenty to keep you busy here, exploring and discovering this atmospheric city. It’s a little too big to explore only on foot, but the Pest side of the city is well laid out with broad avenues of the Parisian system, so it’s hard to get lost, and the public transportation, including the world's second oldest subway system, works well. Budapest has all the charm of Western Europe at a fraction of the price. Here you can taste excellent wines produced throughout the region, and even enjoy Michelin-star dining in various locations. We can offer you more than enough exciting activities in the city, from a visit to the incredible Parliament building to a boat cruise with dinner, or an exploration of Budapest’s communist past. The city also has a rich Jewish heritage, so you’ll find the perfect balance of history and modern culture here. Voted Best City in Europe in 2013 by Condé Nast Traveler readers and a regular in their top 3, Budapest really is a special city with activities to cater to every interest.

The Paris of Central Europe, Budapest is the Queen of the Danube, a sprawling, regal city split in two halves by the mighty river. The city’s two UNESCO-listed halves, ancient Buda and modern Pest both have their charms and are linked by numerous picturesque bridges. From the Buda Castle to the Danube Embankment and the sprawling Andrassy Avenue, with its impressive architecture, there is plenty to keep you busy here, exploring and discovering this atmospheric city. It’s a little too big to explore only on foot, but the Pest side of the city is well laid out with broad avenues of the Parisian system, so it’s hard to get lost, and the public transportation, including the world's second oldest subway system, works well. Budapest has all the charm of Western Europe at a fraction of the price. Here you can taste excellent wines produced throughout the region, and even enjoy Michelin-star dining in various locations. We can offer you more than enough exciting activities in the city, from a visit to the incredible Parliament building to a boat cruise with dinner, or an exploration of Budapest’s communist past. The city also has a rich Jewish heritage, so you’ll find the perfect balance of history and modern culture here. Voted Best City in Europe in 2013 by Condé Nast Traveler readers and a regular in their top 3, Budapest really is a special city with activities to cater to every interest.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Budapest

When you arrive at Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt Airport, a private driver will greet you and take you to your centrally located accommodation.

Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

Evening Sightseeing Group Cruise

I'm Checked-in, Now What?

Included in your vacation package price.

Budapest is known as the "City of Water" for a reason. For most of its history, the city was actually two separate cities, Buda and Pest, separated by the beautiful Danube River. If you would like to spend an unforgettable hour taking in its scenic views, we'll be happy to offer an evening sightseeing cruise. You'll see the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, Palace of the Arts, and more, while sipping a drink and listening to an audioguide. We suggest showing up a bit early for the best seats.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 1 hour

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Budapest

Pest Private Walking Tour

Budapest for the First Time

Included in your vacation package price.

Your private guide will meet you at your accommodations, then take you on a three-hour walking (and subway) tour to show you the highlights of the city's Pest side, where the majority of its history, landmarks, and hotels are found. You'll visit the exterior of the stunning Parliament, get to know the city's 20th century history in Liberty Square, and hop on the subway to the Opera House, Heroes' Square and City Park at the far end of Andrassy Boulevard. Then you'll return to the center, where St. Stephen’s Basilica awaits.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 3 hours

Buda Private Tour

Walk on the Buda Side

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

If you've seen enough of the Pest side of the city, walk across the river and explore the Buda side of Hungary's capital. In hilly Buda, you'll find several amazing baths, such as the famous Gellert Baths or the more hidden and local Kiraly Baths. Visit the Matthias Church, where Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth were coronated and stop at the Royal Palace, the home of Hungarian National Gallery. Don't forget to take a ride on the Buda Castle Funicular!


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 3 hours

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Budapest

Budapest Market, Food, Coffee Private Tour

Budapest Market, Food, Coffee Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

One of the best - and definitely a must - tours in Budapest if you consider yourself a foodie or would just simply like to have some delicious Hungarian food. Your guide will show some truly amazing local places, such as the Great Market Hall, a Hungarian restaurant and of course a beautiful coffeeshop.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

Bathe with the Locals

Suggestion to explore on your own

Is there anything more quintessentially Budapest than a visit to one of the legendary baths? With more hot springs than any other capital, the city lets you take your pick of various styles, from the old school Turkish Rudas Baths to the Art Nouveau Gellert Baths on the Buda side of the city, or even the Neo-Baroque Szechenyi Baths with a large outdoor pool in Pest’s City Park. These are very much for locals, don't expect day-spa luxury! We've written a handy roundup of Budapest's best baths here.

Bathe with the Locals

Day 4

Day 4 - Your Third Full Day in Budapest

Szentendre Artist's Village Private Tour

Had Enough of Budapest? See the Countryside!

Included in your vacation package price.

As Hungary's centrally-located capital, all roads (and trains) lead to Budapest, making it a good base for exploring the rest of the country. For wine lovers we recommend taking a trip to most famous wine regions, Eger or Tokaj. If you'd prefer to stay closer to Budapest, visit Szentendre, where the artistic heritage is reflected in its quirky decorations and many shops and galleries.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 4 hours

Day 5

Day 5 - Traveling to Sighisoara by Airplane

You'll leave Budapest and head south by plane for just one hour, covering what would be an arduous full day journey by road. Your final destination is Sighisoara and you will fly into Targu Mures airport, a short drive from this magnificant medieval citadel town. Please note that there is a 1 hour time difference between Hungary and Romania.


Suggested flight:
Departure:
Arrival:

Please note that the flight included in your package is non-refundable. In case you would prefer more flexibility, we can check the flexible fares for you and let you know about the price difference. In addition, the price of the flights is subject to change until we receive your deposit.

Sighisoara by Air (to Targu Mures)
We also offer the following excursions in Budapest

Alternative Budapest Small Group Tour
Moderate3 hours
Budapest Christmas Markets Private Tour
Moderate3 hours
Budapest Private City Tour by Car
Light3 hours
Budapest Private City Tour by Tuk Tuk
Easy2 hours 30 minutes

1 Night in Sighisoara

1 Night in Sighisoara

2 days in Sighisoara
2 days in Sighisoara

1 Night in Sighisoara

Even if you’ve never been to Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you know its most famous resident. Vlad the Impaler, Dracula's inspiration, once called the city home, and there are several architectural monuments dedicated to him, including his house. But it’s not all gory history here. Sighisoara is a magical city with towers and cobblestoned streets that give it an atmosphere all its own. You’ll find perfectly preserved buildings and works of art here, and much to do, both in and around the city. Some of the most impressive sites in Sighisoara include the Citadel, the Clock Tower, and the Scholars’ Stairs, as well as the Church on the Hill, featuring 500-year-old frescoes. There are also several vibrant museums where history and culture will come alive. But you’re also not far from wine country when staying in Sighisoara, so we highly recommend getting out of the city for the day to enjoy a guided tasting tour. Many of the other cities and villages within easy driving distance are very much worth exploring. It’s the best way to get a real insight into the special charm of the entire region.

Even if you’ve never been to Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you know its most famous resident. Vlad the Impaler, Dracula's inspiration, once called the city home, and there are several architectural monuments dedicated to him, including his house. But it’s not all gory history here. Sighisoara is a magical city with towers and cobblestoned streets that give it an atmosphere all its own. You’ll find perfectly preserved buildings and works of art here, and much to do, both in and around the city. Some of the most impressive sites in Sighisoara include the Citadel, the Clock Tower, and the Scholars’ Stairs, as well as the Church on the Hill, featuring 500-year-old frescoes. There are also several vibrant museums where history and culture will come alive. But you’re also not far from wine country when staying in Sighisoara, so we highly recommend getting out of the city for the day to enjoy a guided tasting tour. Many of the other cities and villages within easy driving distance are very much worth exploring. It’s the best way to get a real insight into the special charm of the entire region.

Day 5

Day 5 - Arrival in Sighisoara

Once you have landed at Targu Mures Airport our private driver will take you to Sighisoara. The drive is about one hour.

Sighisoara Medieval Private City Tour

Discover the Secrets of Medieval Sighisoara

Included in your vacation package price.

With its dazzling well-preserved medieval architecture, UNESCO-listed Sighisoara is one of Europe's most beautiful and authentic medieval towns. On this private walking tour, your guide will show you the symbols of the city such as the Clock Tower, Church on the Hill, Covered Stairway, guild towers, the house where Vlad the Impaler ("Dracula") was born, and many more.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

Day 6

Day 6 - Traveling to Brasov by Private Transfer

Your next stop is the shining gem of medieval Transylvanian towns, Brasov. You will be picked up at your accommodations in the morning by your private driver. Although Brasov is just over an hour and a half away a small detour will take you through the villages of Viscri and Saschiz, both villages with fortified churches and UNESCO World Heritage sites. In Viscri, Prince Charles purchased a traditional Saxon house which has been restored and functions as a guesthouse. For this transfer, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide. The journey takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes with stops at Viscri & Saschiz.

Brasov by Private Transfer with Stops in Saschiz and Viscri
We also offer the following excursions in Sighisoara

Follow in the Footsteps of Prince Charles Private Tour
Light6 hours
Traditional Transylvanian Lunch & Local Wine Tasting Private Tour
Easy3 hours
Transfagarasan Highway Private Tour
Moderate7-8 hours
Transylvania Hidden Countryside Private Tour
Light5 hours

2 Nights in Brasov

2 Nights in Brasov

3 days in Brasov
3 days in Brasov

2 Nights in Brasov

Brasov is a city of true medieval beauty, at the edge of which is the natural wonder of the Carpathian Mountains. This combination gives the place a truly unique feel, as history and the natural world come together here with astounding brilliance. The home of Romania’s largest Gothic church and the narrowest street in Europe, there is plenty here to enrich your visit. You can even take a gondola ride high above the city for new points of view. And, Brasov’s location makes it the perfect base for exploring some of Romania’s most magnificent castles. You’ll definitely want to spend a few days exploring the city, which offers everything from incredible architecture to excellent dining, a rich cultural program and fun outdoor activities. Day and night you’ll find something fun to do here, from the depths of the narrow Rope Street to the heights of Mount Tampa. Wine lovers will really enjoy a trip to the Rhein wine cellar just outside of Brasov. Here you can learn more about the local wine and of course taste it too. Bran Castle, Rasnov Fortress, Peles Castle, some of Romania’s most impressive castles, are all within distance for a perfect day trip. History, culture, architecture, the great outdoors: Brasov brings all of Romania’s greatest gifts together in one place.

Brasov is a city of true medieval beauty, at the edge of which is the natural wonder of the Carpathian Mountains. This combination gives the place a truly unique feel, as history and the natural world come together here with astounding brilliance. The home of Romania’s largest Gothic church and the narrowest street in Europe, there is plenty here to enrich your visit. You can even take a gondola ride high above the city for new points of view. And, Brasov’s location makes it the perfect base for exploring some of Romania’s most magnificent castles. You’ll definitely want to spend a few days exploring the city, which offers everything from incredible architecture to excellent dining, a rich cultural program and fun outdoor activities. Day and night you’ll find something fun to do here, from the depths of the narrow Rope Street to the heights of Mount Tampa. Wine lovers will really enjoy a trip to the Rhein wine cellar just outside of Brasov. Here you can learn more about the local wine and of course taste it too. Bran Castle, Rasnov Fortress, Peles Castle, some of Romania’s most impressive castles, are all within distance for a perfect day trip. History, culture, architecture, the great outdoors: Brasov brings all of Romania’s greatest gifts together in one place.

Day 6

Day 6 - Arrival in Brasov

Welcome to Brasov! After the drive, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodation.

Day 7

Day 7 - Your First Full Day in Brasov

Brasov and Bran Castle Private Walking Tour

Brasov and Bran Castle Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Enjoy a guided walking tour in Brasov while learning some general facts about the town itself and the Transylvania region. Start from Council Square, visit the Black Church, the largest Lutheran church in Southeastern Europe and then continue down on the narrowest street in Europe, called Rope Street. Next, there’s just a 30 minute drive to the famous Bran Castle – a place where the legend of Vlad Impaler meets the fiction of count Dracula. 


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 5-6 hours

Rhein Royal Wine Cellar Private Tour

Taste the Local Wines

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Romania has a lot to offer in terms of gastronomy. We recommend going on a private trip to the winery in Azuga to taste some of the finest sparking wines in Romania.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 4 hours

Day 8

Day 8 - Traveling to Bucharest by Private Car

Today you're headed back to the capital, Bucharest. A private driver will pick you up from your accommodations in the morning. Without stops, the drive should take about three hours but close to Brasov you'll stop at Peles Royal Castle where you will have a guided tour inside. The transfer with a stop at Peles takes about 6 hours. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon, or minivan. We can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee.

Bucharest by Private Transfer with a stop in Peles Castle
We also offer the following excursions in Brasov

Bear Watching Starting from Brasov
Moderate4-5 hours
Bran Castle Private Tour
Easy3 hours
Bran Castle and Fortified Churches Private Day Trip
Moderate6-7 hours
Bran and Peles Castle Private Tour with a Walking Tour in Brasov
Moderate8 - 9 hours

2 Nights in Bucharest

2 Nights in Bucharest

3 days in Bucharest
3 days in Bucharest

2 Nights in Bucharest

The capital of Romania, Bucharest is a truly intriguing city where modern sophistication meets a rich and varied history. The business center of the city definitely has a cosmopolitan feel, but farther afield Bucharest still feels a little rough around the edges. The restored Old Town with its resplendent buildings is simply magnificent, as is Nicolae Ceausescu’s Palace of Parliament. One of the world's largest buildings (and with all its marble, certainly the heaviest), we highly recommend a tour of its gilded interior. This "Paris of the East" also has some amazing cafes and delicious restaurants, especially near Lipscani Street. The city is no stranger to culture either, with numerous galleries, antique shops and concert halls. The most stunning landmarks are along Calea Victoriei, but you can see something impressive on just about every corner. After discovering the incredible variety of neighborhoods and architectural styles in the city, you might want to enjoy one of its cultural festivals, or take off for a unique day trip. If you’re ready for a full day, a trip to Transylvania including Peles Castle and Dracula’s Castle, will certainly be a memorable excursion, and very Romanian. We can also arrange for a private guide to show you around the city and the notable surroundings.

The capital of Romania, Bucharest is a truly intriguing city where modern sophistication meets a rich and varied history. The business center of the city definitely has a cosmopolitan feel, but farther afield Bucharest still feels a little rough around the edges. The restored Old Town with its resplendent buildings is simply magnificent, as is Nicolae Ceausescu’s Palace of Parliament. One of the world's largest buildings (and with all its marble, certainly the heaviest), we highly recommend a tour of its gilded interior. This "Paris of the East" also has some amazing cafes and delicious restaurants, especially near Lipscani Street. The city is no stranger to culture either, with numerous galleries, antique shops and concert halls. The most stunning landmarks are along Calea Victoriei, but you can see something impressive on just about every corner. After discovering the incredible variety of neighborhoods and architectural styles in the city, you might want to enjoy one of its cultural festivals, or take off for a unique day trip. If you’re ready for a full day, a trip to Transylvania including Peles Castle and Dracula’s Castle, will certainly be a memorable excursion, and very Romanian. We can also arrange for a private guide to show you around the city and the notable surroundings.

Day 8

Day 8 - Arrival in Bucharest

Welcome to Bucharest! Our driver will take you to your centrally located accommodation.

Dine and Drink on Your First Night

Suggestion to explore on your own

For your first night, it’s best to start with a short walk in the Old Town area to see a glimpse of how Bucharest looked and felt at its zenith, specifically during the 19th century when it was nicknamed the “Paris of the East”. Seek out a traditional dinner at one of the city’s historical Old Town restaurants: Manuc Inn, Hanul Berarilor or Caru cu Bere. Make sure you don’t miss the bean soup in a bread bowl, cabbage rolls, or pork stew. Save some room for dessert: the best option is Papanasi, a pastry shaped like a doughnut with a small sphere on top, filled with soft cheese, and covered in sour cream and sour jam. After dinner, you should definitely enjoy a glass of Romanian wine at one of the many rooftop bars located in the Old Town: Linea Closer to the Moon, Nomad SkyBar, or Pura Vida SkyBar. You’re in a Latin country, so get out there and enjoy the cheerful and happy vibe!

Dine and Drink on Your First Night

Day 9

Day 9 - Your First Full Day in Bucharest

Bucharest Private Walking and Palace of Parliament Tour

The Little Paris

Included in your vacation package price.

Bucharest is an eclectic city, a place of business, parties, arts, and contrasts. Nearly half a century of communist rule dramatically changed some aspects of the city, but traces of the old bohemian times can still be found. Discover the highlights of Bucharest on an amazing half-day guided tour, and marvel at the monuments of the historic city center. Some highlights of the tour include: the Romanian Athenaeum, Revolution Square, Old City with its beautiful 19th century buildings, and the Old Court from the times of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula. The tour will end with a visit inside the monumental Palace of Parliament, one of the world's largest buildings (and certainly the heaviest).


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 6 hours

Traditions in Bucharest: Village Museum and Wine Tasting Private Tour

Traditions in Bucharest: Village Museum and Wine Tasting Private Tour

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Discover Bucharest’s Village Museum – a medieval time capsule at the heart of an urban jungle. This outdoor park is the perfect reconstruction of the authentic Romanian village: water mills, churches, log cabins or wine presses brought here decades ago from all across the country and re-assembled on spot. After learning about traditions and folklore it’s time to actually experience them. Literally. End the tour in style with a wine tasting session at Bucharest’s first reopened wine bar since the fall of communism in 1989.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 5 hours

Day 10

Day 10 - Departure Day

Today, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and bring you to the Bucharest Henri Coanda Airport for your departing flight. The drive takes 40 minutes.

We also offer the following excursions in Bucharest

A Taste of Transylvania - Peles & Dracula’s Castles Private Tour
Moderate11 hours
Ashes of Communism Bucharest Private Walking Tour
Moderate3 hours
Beer Tasting Private Tour
Light4 hours
Bucharest Highlights Bike Group Tour
Moderate2 hours and 30 minutes

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Budapest

4 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Budapest Airport Transfer
Evening Sightseeing Group Cruise
Pest Private Walking Tour
Budapest Market, Food, Coffee Private Tour
Szentendre Artist's Village Private Tour
Budapest Airport Transfer
Budapest - Targu Mures Flight (Non-Refundable)

Sighisoara

1 Night Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Targu Mures Airport - Sighisoara Private Transfer
Sighisoara Medieval Private City Tour
Sighisoara - Brasov Private Transfer with Stops in Saschiz and Viscri

Brasov

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Brasov and Bran Castle Private Walking Tour
Brasov - Bucharest Private Transfer with a Stop at Peles Castle

Bucharest

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Bucharest Private Walking and Palace of Parliament Tour
Bucharest Airport Transfer

package excludes:


  • Flights to and from Europe.
  • Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
  • Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
  • Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
  • Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by  an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.
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