Best Spa Tours in Romania

Usually, when taking a spa vacation, you go in a certain place and care about yourself. All the people spoils you, but you are supposed to respect strictly the treatment procedures and a certain way of life (e.g. no more than a glass of wine at every meal. Let it be a Merlot from Recas!)

Such cures usually last for ever. I mean, after the scheduled 3 weeks, you are going to feel a deep relief. It is really a new life, and you will leave Romania richer with a few revelations. Try practicing yoga during your treatment, it is really  great! And, much more important, keep practicing afterwards, while keeping the same way of life. It is not very difficult, and will make you feel so great. There are so many possibilities for undergoing specialized treatments in Romania, starting from fighting rheumatism and up to the wellness rejuvenating cure. Ask about all the details whether me, or Karpaten Turism, the best Romanian incoming agency.

The exquisite Spa Hotel Belvedere in Govora

But, supposing you are very healthy, at the peak of your performance, wishing simply let the people spoil you in the Romanian spa and wellness resorts. Staying three weeks in only one location could seriously ruin your shape, and this is the reason for the proposition I am going to make you, namely a Romania Spa Tour. And I am sure it is the best possible, believe me, as I know what say.

Start your trip with a few days on the Romanian coast, in  Eforie Nord or Techirghiol. Even these days, off the season, a few exquisite spa resorts from these resorts are opened, welcoming their guests.  They will totally spoil you with spa, wellness, exquisite meals( never ask horse meat) and distinguished service. Play the King or the Queen, please! Leaving these hotels falls always tough, but we still have some destination to discover in Romania.

Hercules used to come in Herculane searching a  good rest

On the way from Constanta to Bucharest, have a longer or shorter break in Amara, by Slobozia. This is a small spa resort, off the beaten path, but its mud is really making wonders against rheumatism. Don't stay in Bucharest this time, drive rather to Ramnicu Valcea, and discover very close some renowned spa retreats, like Govora, Olanesti, Caciulata with their fantastic salt waters. Jump simply inside, and swim (there is practically no effort needed!) and you will be able to make the difference very soon!

But the crowned queen of the Romanian spa is Herculane, where Hercules himself used to have a break between its labours! Stay other few days there, in one of the old stylish spa hotels and enjoy the perfect atmosphere, a strange combination of Austrian monarchy and an overwhelming present. Very particular in Herculane is even the vegetation: typically subtropical. You can also discover it at your pace on the Domoglet mountain! The waters have been exploited here for 2000 years, and are mainly thermal and mineral.

If you think that the above mentioned places are not enough, I might have more, e.g. the renowned Felix and the smaller Bazna, off the beaten path! But believe me, there are a lot of things and to do during your Romania Spa Tour, no chance to get bored! Further, I can tailor the Tour according to your budget and wishes.

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The ugliest places in Romania

As I can't and I don't want to deny the evidences, I must accept the true : there some places in Romania which are not attractive, neither for the tourists, and not even for the locals. Maybe it is not the best publicity possible, but is the most sincerely. And before all I intend to inform you correctly, from inside, and not doing publicity at any price.

There is in fact another important mention to be made: it is a matter of taste. De gustibus non disputandum, would have say the Latins ("The taste is not a matter to be discussed"). E.g.: The most notorious issue about is the second large building worldwide, lieing in Bucharest. Ceausescu planned and build it in the peak of his power, and no one dared to say anything against, despite the huge destruction caused to the Downtown! After the fall and dissolution of Ceausescu's communist regime the building, known as Parliament's building, or People' house could have been completely demolished, as it reminds the old times. It turned to be the most controversial building in the all world, and I sincerely would like to know your opinion about it.

Allow me to introduce one of Europe's biggest  steel factories, in Galati

Another matter of fact: during the almost 50 years long ruling of the Communist Party has been followed a policy of forced industrialization, which brought waves of migrants in the growing cities, which have been lodged in uniform grey blocks of flats. Really living silos, these blocks constitute compact quarters in every Romanian city, no one escaped the phenomena! Bucharest and other major cities recommended as city breaks are completely different inside their Downtown or new towns. The communists quarters of blocks lack totally charm, personality and urban life.

Many of the Romanian cities lack on personality and urban life; Bacau is one of the worst  hit by this plague

Unfortunately, some industrial cities don't have at all a downtown. You can barely make the difference between those cities, and you must search a lot finding something specific belonging exclusively to one of it. You don't have necessary to avoid all these cities, sometimes is simply impossible because they are located on the main ways. And after this long introduction, let's see the places!

Focsani might not been very spectacular, lacking on a proper downtown,  but  hosts a wine festival, and epic wine tastings.

1. Copsa Mica, near Medias, is a little town having hosting for decades a chemical factory, which production process was not at all environmental friendly. The houses are all covered with a thin coating of black matter. You can imagine, the rate of lung cancer among the locals was very high. Today the factory is not working anymore, but the houses are still black!

2.Bacau is a typical industrial city, no downtown, suffering after the dissolution of the industrial production. Digging deeper, you can find a few museums. Be very careful, don't take it for Galati!

3.Galati has been hosting one of the Europe's biggest steel factory. The steel factory is still working, while some other have been closed, and you can't miss its huge proportions, no matter from what direction you are approaching. Ask about Domneasca/Royal  street, and find there the most interesting part of the city.

4.Focsani was 20 years ago an important industrial city, which turned nowadays to a small town, due to to the depopulation caused by the closing of the most industrial cities. There is practically no downtown, but the town is an important Capital of Romanian wines, and you can take part here to the wine festival in October, or to epic wine tastings.

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Top 10 most interesting small towns in Romania

Knowing Romania from inside, but also through the avid eyes of foreign tourists I am working with, gives me the happy occasion to be able making such classification and rankings. I take the chance for the possible mistakes, I must repeat: this is my personal opinion, and I am waiting for yours, if you have one!

 First of all, let's set up the basics. A town is a settlement of no more than 100 000 inhabitants. And a nice time, worth to your visit, time and money is simply a nice town. You can recognize it as you enter and see it. Might be very well kept, with very friendly people or with something really special, e.g. historic buildings, picturesque position or fantastic neighborhood. Many of the Romanian small towns have been destroyed during the communist time due to the forced industrialization policy.

After all this long, but necessary introduction, here you are! Please find bellow my favs among the Romanian small towns.

1. Sighisoara is maybe the most historic and touristic Romanian town, with an amazing Medium Age fortress, which is really unique as still inhabited. The many medieval festivals, street parties and budgets or exquisite hotels make this town a perfect winning choice for any occasion.

From this Suceava fortress, Stefan cel Mare ruled over the all Moldavia

2.Suceava. Make the right difference please between downtown and the industrial area, please. Don't miss the railway station, it is one century old, big, interesting and totally functional at today standards. Don't miss the Medieval fortress, where the legendary Stephen The Great had his headquarter, and try to figure the life in the Royal court! Around, in the neighboring area, on a 50 km range you can find the fantastic painted monasteries, an UNESCO protected heritage.

Tulcea port is the town's main hub, as all the town day or night life turns around.

3.Tulcea. Or translated in English. the gate to the Danube Delta. Maybe the town is not so spectacular, despite intense night life on the docks, but has many hotels, and is the bast place for discovering the breathtaking Danube Delta, Europe's youngest land!

4.Alba Iulia. It means a lot from any point of vue. The new town is charming, but the fortress is overwhelming. Alba Iulia has been for decade the Capital of Transylvania. At 1784 three Romanian leaders of an liberating uprise have been drawn on wheel. Further, during a huge popular assembly of 1918 the Romanian representatives decided and sealed the Unification with Romania. This is nowadays our National day, and is celebrated yearly in Alba Iulia at 1. of December.

Drobeta Turnu Severin is nice, well kept and bears a Historic charge

5. Drobeta Turnu Severin. Drobeta is the ancient Roman name. Here, at 100 a.C the Romans build a bridge, crossed the river and fought with the local Dacians, which had no chance but fought heroic and desperately! The Dacian King Decebal commited suicide, rather than falling alive prisonner to the Romans. Through the interesting mixing of those 2 people emerged the Romanian people and language.

Satu Mare and one of its many interesting architecture monuments

6.Satu Mare. Charming town, very close to the Hungarian border, with many wonderful historical buildings and museums.

Piatra Neamt, viewed from the Mountain Pietricica

7.Piatra Neamt. Very picturesque town, at the hems of Mountain Pietricica. Even on the Mountain Pietricica you can stay on the terrace of restaurant Popasul Gospodinelor, and enjoy the fantastic view. Not far, a few significant monasteries (Agapia, Secu, Bistrita), many hiking trails or the amazing Bicaz gorges, near lacul Rosu.

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Best Romania tour for seniors

A senior is in my approach  a 55+ person, which have worked all life long and now has reliable means for entertainment, providing a still good physical and mental shape.

If you belong to this category, be sure to rely on me, as I have been guiding elderly people in Romania for 30 years. I know the best corners for them, as also the best tips and tricks. I am myself not so young anymore (47) and that's why I am sure to be able helping you! My tourists came from Norway, Germany and all world!

If it is possible to gather more people together, I would recommend a bus trip. It is nice for socializing, costs effective and you have all the time someone pampering you! I already made a selection with the best highlights of Romania, so I have this unique proposition.

Itinerary: Bucharest Tour – Sibiu & Huniady Castle – Maramures Exclusive Programme – Bucovina Exterior Frescoed Monasteries – Bicaz Gorges – Transylvanian Highlights: Sighisoara & Brasov – Peles and Bran Castles
Duration: 11 Days

Tour Overview

This is an original, premium quality Romanian tour baseded on thorough investigations and many years of touring Romania.  The tour is meant to be a Window into the Romanian Culture. The itinerary encompasses all of the historic regions of the country with a focus on Transylvania, Maramures and Bucovina. Conveniently paced, with centrally located and full of character hotels, including meeting with local artists and artisans, exclusive talks, music and local dining, no less than two folklore shows, you go “behind the scenes” to experience the customs, color, traditions and daily life of this beautiful country. The tour is further customizable to fit your needs, time and interests. Guaranteed departures with a minimum of one traveler.

Bucharest

Bucharest downtown has fancy boutiques, and is easy comparable with Paris

 The Village museum is one of the first ethnographic museums in the world and the second ethnographic museum placed outdoors in the world.

Day 1: Bucharest, Romania
Arrival to Coanda International Airport in Bucharest. Meet and greet by your professional English speaking tour guide right after you exit Customs. Transfer to your downtown Bucharest hotel with a short orientation tour. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner and a Folklore Show.
T D Accommodation in Bucharest at Hotel Berthelot **** (centrally located boutique hotel)

Day 2: Bucharest Tour – Olt River Valley & Gorge – Cozia – Sibiu
Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. This morning take an Architectural Tour of Bucharest including the Revolution Square, the Parliament Palace – the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon, Cotroceni Quarter for its representative architecture, The Village Museum – one of the world’s most interesting open air museums with century old original peasant households from all parts of Romania. Before leaving for Sibiu visit a typical 1930s downtown Bucharest Residence: an authentic example of the pre war architecture and city life style. On route later, make a short stop to the 14th century Cozia monastery built by Prince Mircea the Old. Drive along the Olt River Canyon  crossing the mountains into Transylvania. Reach Sibiu. Brief orientation tour on the way to the hotel. Overnight in Sibiu’s famous Romans’ Emperor Hotel, first built at the end of the 18th century. Dinner on own. Suggested is Crama Sibiul Vechi, best cellar – restaurants in town, serving Transylvanian fares and excellent local wines.

Sibiu

Central Big square from Sibiu/Hermannstadt/NagySzeben

B Accommodation in Sibiu at Imparatul Romanilor Hotel ****
Hotel Imparatul Romanilor, located in the old part of Sibiu near the main square, in a 16th century building built in traditional Transylvanian Renaissance style, a former merchant’s hall transformed into hotel in the 18th century, with many famous guests: Emperor Franz Joseph II, composers Franz Liszt, Johann Strauss as well as Prince Charles and many others.

Day 3: Sibiu Walking Tour – Huniady (Corvin) Castle – Cluj Napoca
Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. Start your day with a leisurely walking tour of Sibiu (Hermannstadt), formerly the chief city of the Transylvanian Germans. The Great and Lesser Squares are the landmarks of the Old Town with the many merchant houses fearuring “”the sleepy eye” dormers. View the old surrounding defense walls and the remaining towers belonging to the merchant guilds. One of the landmarks of Sibiu is the Bruckenthal Museum assembled by Baron Bruckenthal, governor of Transylvania at the beginning of the 19th century and the second museum to ever open in Europe after the National Galley in London. Next is the Evangelical Cathedral completed in its actual shape in 1520 and featuring an exquisite fresco of the Crucifixion on the north wall of the choir dating from 1445. The tour ends with the original Pharmacy Museum located in a 15th century pharmacy.

Huniady Castle (Corvinilor Castle) – one of the most well preserved Gothic castles of Transylvania.

Before noon depart for Hunedoara for a guided tour of Huniady Castle – one of the most well preserved Gothic castles of Transylvania and home to the mighty Huniady royal family. This is one of the less visited castles of Transylvania but a gem of Gothic architecture. Late afternoon arrival to Cluj Napoca. Orientation tour followed by hotel check in.
B Accommodation in Cluj at Hotel Capitolina *** (or similar)

Cluj Napoca and its wonderful downtown at night

Day 4: Cluj Napoca City Tour – Baia Mare – Maramures
Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. This morning you will have a choice between a stroll in the Botanical Gardens of Cluj and a guided tour of the Ethnographic Museum. Later drive north towards Baia Mare and reach the splendid region of Maramures (northern Transylvania). Due to the relative isolation of their land, the people of Maramures developed a particularly strong community with a unique personality, traditions, culture, fashion and lifestyle unspoiled for centuries. Make a first visit to the early 1720′s Church of Surdesti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and until recently the tallest wooden structure in Europe. This is a good opportunity to learn about theUniate Church (Greek Catholic). Then stop in the villages of Giulesti to learn about the local dowry tradition and Mara for the wonderfully carved wooden gates. Accommodation in a private house (not a B& B) in the village of Iza. Dinner (and plum brandy) is included so that people get deeper into the local culture. Our hosts will join for dinner, this being a first hand cultural interchange.

The wooden churches and gates are a landmark of  Maramures

B D Home stay accommodation (modern villa) or Casa Maramures **** in Sighet (on request) two nights
Family home, with one section renovated into a modern villa with all modern facilities. The location is excellent, in a small village, quiet neighborhood, far away from the main street. The terraces offer a beautiful view on the village. Excellent home cooking.

The worldwide fame of Sapanta is due to the unique cemetery that has become an important tourist attraction. The original character of the cemetery is first of all suggested by its name: Cimitirul Vesel that means The Merry Cemetery.

Day 5: Maramures: Iza Village Walking Tour – Sighetul Marmatiei – Sapinta Village
After breakfast, take an exclusively designed walking tour of the village of Iza including an icon-on-glass workshop (learn about the technique), the local ancient type plum brandy distillery and a typical whirlpool still used by the local women to wash heavy woolen blankets. Enter the new Orthodox church of the village which in 2011/2012, will still be in the process of getting painted in fresco. Then drive to the nearby town of Sighetto mingle with the locals at the colorful fruit and vegetable market where you will have the oportunity to sample various produce from cheeses to sausage. Continue to the Anti Communist Memorial – a political prison in the Communist times. This is one of the main memorial sites of the continent, alongside Auschwitz Museum and the Peace Memorial in Normandy. The visit here provides a direct connection to Romania’s most recent history. Next is the house of Nobel Prize Winner, Elie Wiesel who was born in town. Continue west along Tisa River (very close to the Ukrainian border) and reach the village ofSapinta world famous for its “Merry Cemetery“. Here each wooden cross carries a funny epitaph about the person’s life. Before returning to Iza view what is the tallest wooden church in the world: Sapinta Pari. Late in the afternoon return dinner on an exclusively organized Maramures folklore show and accommodation.
B D Home stay accommodation (or hotel on request)

Day 6: Maramures: Iza Valley, Barsana & Ieud – Ciocanesti – Campulung – Gura Humorului (Bucovina)
Following breakfast continue exploringMaramures along the picturesque Iza Valley – an excellent oportunity to witness daily life in this corner of Europe and also meet locals. Stop in the village of Rozavlea for a visit to a famous master carver in his own workshop. He represented Romania at the 1999 Smithsonian World Folk Festival in Washington, DC. Next is the exquisiteBarsana Nunnery, a great example of Maramures wooden church architecture. Visit Ieud, the oldest wooden church there is dating back from the 14th century. Depending on the day of the week, visit a local animal market. In the village of Dragomiresti tour the local museum located in a 235 year old house. Cross the Carpathian Mountains through the picturesque Prislop Pass into the northern part of Moldavia called Bucovina and driving throught the village of Ciocanesti, famous for its unique house decoration. In the town of Campulung enjoy an exclusively organized interactive egg-painting demonstration by a local artist in her own home, this being one of the local traditions of the area. You will also have the chance to admire painted eggs from all over the world. After arriving in Gura Humorului, check into the hotel. Evening at leisure.
B Accommodation in Gura Humorului at Hotel Best Western Bucovina **** (two nights)

Orthodox church in Suceava

Day 7: Bucovina Painted Monasteries Excursion (UNESCO World Heritage Sites)
A la carte breakfast at hotel. Bucovina monasteries are gems of medieval Moldavian architecture and artistry. Begin your day with Voronet, the most famous out of all, known as the Sistine Chapel of the East and featuring one the best Last Judgment fresco in this part of the World. The newly open Customs and Traditions Museum of Gura Humorului is a must. Next is Moldovita Monastery where the UNESCO Golden Apple Award given to the painted churches in 1975, is kept. As a cultural connection, enjoy a traditional Bucovina lunch in the picturesque village of Sucevita. Later continue to the nearby Sucevita Monastery, which is the largest of all, looking more like a mighty fortress than a monastery. The Ladder of John of Sinai is considered one of the best of the frescoes of Sucevita, rarely present in medieval Romanian art. In the village of Marginea visit the black pottery workshop – they use a technique called “oxygen reduction”, there is the same technique in Mexico only! End your day with the Monastery of Humor, the only one without a belfry tower. Return to the hotel.

B L Accommodation in Gura Humorului at Hotel Best Western Bucovina ****

The Bicaz Canyon is part of the National Park “Bicaz Canyon”, which includes actually the following protected areas: The Red Lake, The Bicaz Canyon and The Hasmasu Mare Mountain.

Day 8: Gura Humorului – Piatra Neamt – Bicaz Gorges & Red Lake – Sighisoara
A la carte breakfast at hotel. Begin your day with a drive south to Piatra Neamtfor a tour of the only wooden synagoguein Romania (dating back from the 17th century) and built half underground. The same morning take a cable car ride from the town to Cozla Mountain. Later reachBicaz Gorges where the surroundings are dramatic. Oportunity for a short hike. Next is the Red LAke, former by a mountain sliding in the 1830s. Optional lunch in the resort (restaurants here specialize in naturally grown trout). Once passing the Red Lake you are back to Transylvania passing through an area inhabited mostly by the Hungarian Szeklers community, which actively maintains its peculiar culture and even script. In the village of Praid tour the local salt mine (the mine has an easy access by vehicle). Afternoon arrival to Sighisoara – World Heritage Site and the only still inhabited medieval citadel in Europe. Accommodation in either one of the three hotels in the Upper Town. Suggestion for dinner: the Birthplace of Vlad Dracula.
B Accommodation at Hotel Sighisoara *** OR The House with Antler *** (two nights)

Sighisoara.

Day 9: Sighisoara & Biertan – Gypsy Village Tour and Home Visit
Before starting your walking tour of oldSighisoara attend an exclusive lecture on Vlad the Impaler – Dracula, what is truth and what is fiction. Sighisoara is one of a kind. It was developed by the German settlers as of late 12th century. It stands on a network of tunnels and catacombs and, according to one version of the myth; this is where the Pied Piper brought the children of Hamelin after their ungrateful parents refused to pay him his due. The walking tour includes the two squares of the Citadel (Upper Town), the Scholars’ Staircase, the House with Antler, the Tower with Clock (climb up for a great view), the Torture Chamber and the Weapon Museum. Sighisoara is the place where the Vlad the Impaler Dracula was born in 1431. The Birthplace is one of the main tourist attractions. Then driverive to the fortified church of Biertan, a World Heritage Site for a visit of the former Seat of the Lutheran Bishops.Afternoon Optional Trip: Exclusive Visit a Gypsy village followed by a home hosted dinner in a Gypsy home: this is an unique opportunity to learn about this less known yet controversial ethnic group, about its culture, identity and lifestyle. You will have the chance to try fares of the Gypsy cuisine as well as get acquainted to their traditional costumes.
B Accommodation in Sighisoara

Bran Castle – Dracula’s Castle.

Day 10: Sighisoara – Brasov – Dracula’s Castle in Bran – Sinaia
Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. Leave Sighisoara in the morning. Journey south through the picturesque Transylvanian Plateau for a tour of medieval Brasov to admire the 14th century Black Church with its 4,000 pipe organ and over a hundred Anatolian prayer rugs given to the church as gifts by the rich Brasov merchants. Visit Schei Quarter and the First School in the Romanian language. Brasov has a wonderful pedestrian area around its Council Square. Time at leisure. Drive to the nearby village of Bran and enjoy cheese tasting. The locals are famous for the various types of cheeses from the smoked one to the cheese in wood bark. The attraction of the afternoon is Bran Castle also known as Dracula Castle. Initially a fortress by the Teutonic Knights, the castle was built in 1377 to safeguard the trading route between Transylvania and Wallachia, enlarged and restored a few times to become a royal residence for Queen Marie of Romania as of the 1920s. Later continue to Sinaia mountain resort. Named after St. Catherine Monastery on Mount Sinai, Sinaia became the unofficial capital of the Kingdom of Romania towards the end of the 19th century. The orientation tour of the resort includes a view of the famous Casino, inspired by the one in Monte Carlo. Evening at leisure in the resort.
B Accommodation in Sinaia at Palace Hotel **** (or similar)

Peles Castle, the most famous royal residence in Romania.

Day 11: Sinaia: Peles Castle – Bucharest
Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. In the morning take a guided tour of thePeles Castle and Gardens in Sinaia, the royal residence of King Charles I of Romania and known as one of the most beautiful summer royal residences in Europe. After the visit drive to Bucharest Coanda Airport for your return flight OR take our BULGARIA EXTENSION OR THE BLACK SEA & DANUBE DELTA EXTENSION. The tour is further customizable on request.

Included features:

·         8 nights at three and four star hotels

·         2 nights home stay in Maramures (or three/four star hotel on request)

·         fully insured sedan/minivan with climate control, for the entire distance

·         fuel & parking fees

·         all sightseeing tours & cultural connections

·         informal talks on: Vlad the Impaler – Dracula, Ceausescu and His Times, The Gypsies and Their Journey (all by the tour guide)

·         14 meals: 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

·         a professional English speaking tour guide (driving) to accompany you throughout

·         an exclusively organized folklore show in Maramures

·         an interactive egg painting demonstration in Bucovina

·         cheese tasting in Bran

·         Bucharest city tour, including a guided tour of the Palace of the Parliament

·         all transfers

·         admissions to museums and sites as per itinerary

PPrice 1300 Euros. Booking on the site you get 10 % off, and booking this year you get another 10 % off!

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