I love Romania.
And after spending 10 days road tripping the country, I feel like it has SO much to offer. I’ve actually been twice to the country, and will definitely return in the future.
It’s a country filled with amazing attractions, (including, all things Dracula!), great wine (bet you don’t think of wine with Romania), wholesome food (think carb but flavour overload) and lovely people. A place where you’ve got Europe’s largest Spa, and where there are actually bears in the wild….
Seriously, Romania is COOL.
So if you’ve been on the fence about road tripping the country, let me start by saying, DO IT.
And to help you plan that awesome Romania road trip, I’m going to give you my full 10 day itinerary!
Just as a note, this 10 day Romania road trip itinerary does not include any of the Romania coast. Simply because I have not visited the coast yet! (but I do go over some options in the ebook!).
But, let’s get into it.
Pssssst, if you don't have a car sorted yet, then check out our Romania rental guide right here.
We’re starting our Romania road trip itinerary in Bucharest (the capital), which is conveniently located in the south of the country, so makes for a good starting point.
But BEFORE you rent your car (or you could just rent it already), I suggest you spend the day exploring Bucharest, and of course a full day dedicated to Europe’s largest spa, Therme Spa Bucharest, which I”ve been to twice (so far, we’re obsessed).
It’s probably the cheapest spa in Europe too, but the quality is high, the atmosphere is amazing, and honestly, you’ll never regret spending the day there.
But let’s deep dive into Bucharest a little more.
Therme Bucharest is one of the largest thermal wellness centers in Europe, located just outside the city (about a 30-minute drive from the center). It’s a massive tropical paradise with thermal pools, saunas, mineral baths, and relaxation areas—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring Bucharest!
Therme is divided into three main zones, each with its own vibe:
The Palm – Relaxation & Tropical Vibes
Elysium – Saunas & Deep Relaxation
Galaxy – Fun & Family-Friendly
As mentioned above, it’s amazing and you NEED to visit.
My top tip is, if you want to get any treatments done, you need to go early in the morning to book them, because they fill up quickly.
This is very true if you're visiting when it’s super busy, which to be honest, it often is, but weekends are more busy. We’ve visited during the week and on the weekend, and mid-week was SO much quieter, but we still couldn’t get a massage appointment!
One of Bucharest’s oldest and most elegant streets, lined with historical buildings, luxury boutiques, and fancy hotels.
Strolling down this boulevard, you'll see landmarks like:
Great for both daytime exploring and nighttime city lights.
At night, the area transforms into a lively hotspot, with rooftop bars, jazz clubs, and buzzing pubs. The nightlife is pretty good, we flew back out here for Brad’s 30th with a group of our friends. We rented a limo (which wasn’t expensive) and did a private bar crawl (which again, wasn’t expensive) and had a great night!
After you’re done exploring what Bucharest has to offer, then it’s time to hit the road!
It’s around 187km between the two spots, but with typical traffic it can take between 3 hours and 3.5 hours.
But, either way, get excited because you’re on the way to one of the coolest places in all of Romania, the land of vampires, and really cool castles.
There are sooo many great things to see in this area, and to really enjoy it, I’d say to give yourself 2-3 days.
Probably my favourite castle in all of Romania.
My gosh it’s beautiful! Also, a funny thing happened here.
We got one of those massive alerts on our phone (everyone got it), and we were wondering what was happening, was it a flood, a fire, but turns out, it was a bear in the area!
We didn’t see it, but it was exciting stuff!
Peleș Castle is one of Romania's most stunning and well-preserved castles, nestled in the Carpathian Mountains.
Built between 1873 and 1914 as a summer residence for King Carol I, this fairy-tale castle is a masterpiece of Neo-Renaissance architecture, blending German, Italian, and Gothic influences. Surrounded by lush forests and mountain views, Peleș boasts ornate woodwork, intricate stained glass, and lavish interiors filled with art, weaponry, and royal artifacts.
It was one of the first European castles to have electricity, central heating, and even a retractable glass roof! Today, it serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into Romania’s royal past.
Bran Castle, often called “Dracula’s Castle,” is one of Romania’s most famous landmarks, perched dramatically on a hill in Transylvania.
While the connection to Bram Stoker’s Dracula is more myth than fact, the castle’s Gothic towers, hidden passageways, and medieval charm make it easy to see why it inspires vampire legends. Built in the 14th century, it originally served as a fortress to defend against invaders, but today, it’s a museum showcasing Romanian history, royal artifacts, and eerie medieval weaponry. Whether you’re drawn by the spooky vampire lore or just want to soak in the breathtaking mountain views, Bran Castle is an epic mix of history, mystery, and fairy-tale vibes.
There’s lots of great places to eat around here, and you should definitely buy some of the Dracula wine, simply for the novelty of buying red wine from Dracula…
But don’t let that be the judge of all wines in Romania, the do other better wines, and it’s not expensive.
Try some when you’re dining in a restaurant.
Note: Prices are subject to change; it's advisable to check the official website before planning your visit.
April 1st – September 30th:
October 1st – March 31st:
Râșnov Citadel is a medieval fortress with epic mountain views, sitting high on a rocky hill in the heart of Transylvania.
Originally built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights, it served as a stronghold against invaders, offering protection to local villagers during times of war. Unlike a typical fancy castle, Râșnov is more of a rugged, battle-ready fortress, with stone walls, narrow alleys, and ruins that tell tales of medieval life. One of the coolest features? A legendary deep well, supposedly dug by prisoners in exchange for their freedom! Today, visitors can wander through the ruins, check out the old watchtowers, and take in stunning panoramic views of the Carpathian Mountains.
As of recent updates, Râșnov Citadel is undergoing rehabilitation, with the main fortress currently closed for renovations. However, visitors can still enjoy the Citadel Garden, which remains open to the public free of charge.
Visiting Hours for the Citadel Garden:
Inclined Lift Operating Hours (October 1, 2023 – April 30, 2024):
Inclined Lift Rates:
Nestled in the forests near Zarnesti, Romania, the Liberty Bear Sanctuary is a haven for rescued brown bears, offering them a natural environment after lives of captivity.
You can observe these majestic creatures roaming freely and learn about their stories through guided tours. This was a really interesting spot, and it is genuinely a caring place that is looking after bears who were rescued. Unfortunately Romania has a history of using bears in circus style exhibitions, and keeping them in small cages for humans to take photos off, and you know all the bad stuff associated with domesticating a ….BEAR.
But these guys are really looking after them, and there is a random bunch of celebrities that also “own” bears from there.
They also had this really random hybrid animal, which was part dog, part wolf, and basically the owners who bred them couldn’t look after them, because they were a bit unpredictable, being that they were also wolves! So it was super interesting to see and meet them too.
You’ll now be heading to another super unique attraction that Romania has to offer, and that’s Salina Turda!
BUT, on your way, you should definitely make a stop at Sighișoara Citadel and the town in general.
It’s about half way, so stop here for lunch!
If you make it to Salina Turda in time, you can visit that day, or if not, visit the next morning!
This is a fascinating salt mine transformed into a unique underground amusement park.
You can explore vast chambers featuring attractions like a Ferris wheel, mini-golf, bowling lanes, and even an underground lake with paddle boats.
It’s SO random, yet so much fun!
The mine's history dates back to 1271, and since its 1992 reopening as a tourist destination, it has become a must-see spot.
The temperature inside remains a constant 10-12°C, so make sure you bring a jacket.
Admission is approximately €6.45 for adults, with discounts available for children over three, students, and seniors; children under three enter free.
Sibiu is a fairy-tale city in Transylvania, known for its cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, and charming medieval squares. Once the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Saxons, it still holds a strong Germanic influence, with stunning baroque and Gothic architecture at every turn. The city is famous for its rooftops with “eyes”, giving buildings an eerie, watchful appearance. Voted Europe’s Cultural Capital in 2007, Sibiu is packed with history, culture, and fantastic food. Whether you’re into museums, hidden passageways, or just soaking up the relaxed atmosphere, this city is a must-visit!
1. Explore the Grand & Small Square (Piața Mare & Piața Mică)
2. Walk Across the "Liar’s Bridge" (Podul Minciunilor)
3. Visit the Evangelical Cathedral
4. Discover Brukenthal Palace & Art Museum
5. Get Lost in the Stairs Passage (Pasajul Scărilor)
6. Relax in Astra National Museum Complex
7. Try Traditional Transylvanian Food
Road 7C. Dubbed "the best road in the world" by Top Gear, the Transfăgărășan Highway is a breathtaking mountain road that winds through the Carpathian Mountains, connecting Wallachia and Transylvania.
Built in the 1970s under Nicolae Ceaușescu, this winding, hairpin-laden highway stretches for 90 kilometers (56 miles) and climbs to an altitude of 2,042 meters (6,699 feet) at its highest point.
Along the way, drivers and bikers are treated to jaw-dropping landscapes, steep cliffs, deep valleys, and stunning alpine lakes—including the famous Bâlea Lake, a must-stop destination.
The road is only open from late June to October due to heavy snowfall in winter. So whether you can drive the full thing will depend entirely on when you visit. BUT you can still drive part of it. Basically you can keep driving until you get to the gate in the road stopping you, then you’ll need to turn back.
But even that part of the drive is worth it, and there are some cool places to park your camper and stay overnight.
BUT remember, this is one of the main areas in Romania, where you can actually come across bears, so practice bear safety. Don’t leave any food lying around!
Before you get to the Sibiuon your way you can also stop at Scărişoara Glacier Cave.
It is a detour and may add time onto your trip, but it’s a pretty cool spot.
Tucked away in the Apuseni Mountains, Scărișoara Glacier Cave is home to one of the largest underground glaciers in Europe, estimated to be over 4,000 years old! The cave sits at an altitude of 1,165 meters (3,822 feet) and descends over 100 meters into the earth, revealing a frozen world of massive ice stalagmites, eerie chambers, and glistening ice formations.
The main attraction is the Great Hall, where visitors can marvel at the permanently frozen ice block, spanning over 75,000 cubic meters. Open to visitors year-round, the cave maintains a chilly temperature of around 0°C (32°F), so warm clothing and sturdy shoes are essential.
Time to make your way back to drop off your rental.
Of course, if you’re driving through Romania as part of a larger eastern european road trip, then you won’t be heading back south, you’ll likely be heading towards Hungary, (or that’s what we did), but you can still stop at all the points we’ve mentioned above!
So there you have it, my 10 day Romania road trip itinerary!
Of course this Romania itinerary doesn't take you through absolutely EVERYTHING there is to visit in the country, but it will certainly take you to a lot of the top spots, and you’ll have gotten great insight into what this country has to offer.
Let’s go over some final details of Romania in general before we finish!
But remember, I’ve got a full guide on visiting Romania, and it’s got lots more info!
Spring (March – May) – Best for Sightseeing & Nature
Mild weather (10-20°C) & fewer crowds
Blooming landscapes & great hiking
Best spots: Transylvania, Carpathian Mountains, Danube Delta
Summer (June – August) – Best for Festivals & Road Trips
Warm (25-35°C), peak season but lively
Transfăgărășan Highway opens, music festivals & beach trips
Best spots: Bran & Peleș Castles, Black Sea, Bucharest nightlife
Autumn (Sept – Nov) – Best for Hiking & Fewer Tourists
Stunning fall colors, mild weather (15-25°C)
Great for road trips & cultural villages
Best spots: Transfăgărășan, Bucovina, Maramureș, Piatra Craiului
Winter (Dec – Feb) – Best for Christmas & Skiing
Snowy castles, festive markets, ski resorts
Bâlea Ice Hotel & Poiana Brașov for winter sports
Best spots: Sibiu, Brașov, Sinaia, Bucharest Christmas vibes
Best Overall Time: Spring (April-June) or Autumn (Sept-Oct) for perfect weather & fewer crowds!
We've visited in both summer and winter!
Romania is a fantastic country for campervan travel, offering stunning nature, affordable campsites, and plenty of wild camping opportunities.
With vast mountains, rolling hills, and remote villages, it’s an ideal place for off-grid adventures, but there are some rules to be aware of.
✔ Legally, wild camping is in a gray area – not officially allowed, but generally tolerated in remote areas.
✔ National parks & protected areas forbid wild camping, and fines can apply.
✔ Rural & mountain areas are camper-friendly, and many locals are welcoming.
✔ Stay clear of private property unless you have permission.
✔ Watch out for wildlife! Romania has bears, wolves, and wild boars, especially in the Carpathians.
✔ Cheap & decent facilities – Expect to pay €5-€15 per night for a campervan.
✔ Many offer hot showers, WiFi, power hookups & even laundry.
✔ Eco-campsites are growing in popularity, especially in the mountains & near national parks.
✔ Most campsites are seasonal (April - October), with limited winter options.
✔ Apps like Park4Night & iOverlander help find sites & reviews.
So there you have it!
My 10 day Romania road trip itinerary. If you need more inspiration on where to visit in Romania, then check out my other guide.
Leave a comment
Let us know what you think!