Budapest to Bucharest

10 Days | Explore Eastern Europe's historic Hungary and Romania

4.9 out of 5 based on 39 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
EUR €1,600
View dates and book

From the beautiful Baroque churches of Budapest to the haunted castles of Transylvania, this ten-day journey across Eastern Europe provides a fascinating insight into an intriguing region. Learn about the failed Turkish invasion of Eger and take a wine cellar tour in the Valley of the Beautiful Women. Become acquainted with traditional Romanian culture and customs in Maramures. Tour the medieval churches of Brasov, including Bran Castle and dine with a local family on an overnight homestay in Viscri. Visit Bucharest's 12-storey Palace of Parliament and enjoy free time to explore your favourite sites further. This jam-packed journey perfectly introduces two Eastern European treasures, soaked in fascinating history and featuring modern-day delights.

Trip overview

Map of Budapest To Bucharest including Hungary and Romania
Start
Budapest, Hungary
Finish
Bucharest, Romania
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Romania, Hungary
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
WMSB
This trip generates 28 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Sample the famous Hungarian 'Bulls’ Blood' in Eger – the wine that supposedly gave the Hungarian army supernatural strength during their battle against the Ottoman Empire.
  • Experience peasant life on a full-day tour through the countryside of Maramures – Romania's most traditional and colourful region. Don't be surprised if you see horse-drawn carts along the road!
  • Learn spooky stories in Transylvania – the birthplace of the world's most famous vampire, Dracula. Then visit Bran Castle in Brasov – the inspiration for Dracula’s home.
  • Enjoy a homestay with a local family in the Saxon town of Viscri, exposing you to Romanian hospitality and some delicious home-cooked food.
  • Delve into the communist past and the thriving, artistic present-day of Bucharest – a city often underrated by travellers but offering heaps of sights, sounds and smells to be explored.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Humana. Donations help provide job opportunities and education programs in sustainable fashion and textiles for people with disabilities.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Summer temperatures in Hungary and Romania can reach up to 40°C, which can be uncomfortable for those not used to the heat. Please consider the time of year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season. If travelling in summer, drink lots of water and remember to protect yourself from the sun. Bring layers to combat the heat, as well as sun block, shades and a hat.
  • Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart.
  • If you have more time to explore the region you can extend your trip by starting your travels in Vienna, taking in the best of Central Europe before heading to Romania. Check out our trip 'Journey through Central Europe & Romania' (trip code AMSCC). Alternatively you could head further south into Bulgaria with our 'Eastern Europe Explorer (trip code WMSEC). Most departure dates are designed to create these perfect combination trips.
  • On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

Itinerary

Map of Budapest To Bucharest including Hungary and Romania

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts, 3 dinners

Transport

Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Metro, Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Pension (2 night), Homestay with shared facilities (1 night)

Activities
  • Eger - Wine Sampling
  • Maramures - Day Tour with Local Guide
  • Maramures - Sapanta Merry Cemetery
  • Maramures - Barsana Monastery
  • Viscri - Local Home Cooked Dinner
  • Viscri - Sock Project
  • Viscri - Fortified Church
  • Bran Castle - Tour
  • Bucharest - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Add on activities
  • Eger - Castle - HUF2400
  • Eger - Minaret - HUF500
  • Eger - Astronomy Museum, Camera Obscura, Panoramic terrace in the Lyceum building - HUF2200
  • Eger - Town Under The Town - HUF1500
  • Sighisoara - Church of the Dominican Monastery - RON10
  • Sighisoara - Covered Stairway - Free
  • Sighisoara - Church on the Hill - RON5
  • Sighisoara - The Clock Tower - RON16
  • Viscri - Prince Charles House - RON15
  • Viscri - Blacksmith demonstration - RON80
  • Brasov - The Black Church - RON15
  • Brasov - Walking Tour with Local Guide - RON200
  • Rasnov - Fortress - RON20
  • Brasov - Cable Car to Mt Tampa - RON25
  • Bucharest - Bike Tour - EUR25
  • Bucharest - Urban Adventures Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Tour - EUR75
  • Bucharest - Village Museum - RON30
  • Bucharest - Palace of Parliament Tour - RON60
  • Bucharest - Romanian Athenaeum - RON10
  • Bucharest - Former Ceauşescu Residence - RON55

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable, excluding Day 6 (homestay), subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 39 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

Roland · Traveled October 2023
I was booked on the Bucharest to Kiev trip which for understandable reasons had to be cancelled so chose I this trip as a second best option to get to know Romania. I learned a lot so it was a good decision.
Review submitted 17 Nov 2023

Jerrod · Traveled October 2023
Very fun and educational trip. Homestays were great!
Review submitted 10 Nov 2023

Cindy · Traveled October 2023
Great trip, shared with fabulous people and an amazing tour leader. Great insight into Romania, visiting cities, towns and villages, lots of great food and conversation.
Review submitted 04 Nov 2023

Samantha · Traveled October 2023
The trip was amazing! Our guide was amazing and so helpful with everything. I’ve been wanting to go to Romania for years and actually being there made me fall in love with the country. All of the activities were great and having our free time was great. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone wanting to travel to Romania.
Review submitted 20 Oct 2023

Annette · Traveled October 2023
Hungary and Romania are wonderful destinations. The combination of city, town and villages gave me a great experience of the countries. Our tour leader was remarkable and was passionate about the destinations and what they offered. We had some exceptional food and drinks included and great recommendations in the other places.
Review submitted 31 Oct 2023
Budapest to Bucharest
From
EUR €1,600