Day Tours and Trips from Bucharest

Romania’s dazzling capital, Bucharest, has plenty to keep any traveler occupied, from religious monuments to war memorials and everything in between. However, those who wish to experience a more authentic view of Romania should consider looking beyond this metropolis and exploring a number of the country’s other intriguing destinations.

Day trips and tours from Bucharest come in all shapes and sizes, and include spooky lairs, such as Dracula’s Castle, as well as regal castles and historic monasteries.

Dracula’s Castle

Officially named Bran Castle, this Gothic construct, located just a stone’s throw from Brașov, is nicknamed for its resemblance to the vampiric lair described in Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel “Dracula.” However, any associations between the novel and the castle are purely coincidental as the author never made any reference to the attraction, and there is no evidence he was even aware of its existence.

This does not stop Dracula’s Castle day trips from educating visitors on the region’s notorious history with the nocturnal blood-suckers and providing a thrilling experience through its 15th-century royal quarters, and torture museum.

Brașov

One of the most popular cities in Romania, Brașov is brimming with historic attractions and enchanting architecture. Founded by the Teutonic Knights at the start of the 13th century, the city has remained one of the country’s most significant destinations ever since.

The main attractions you’ll see on a Brașov day tour from Bucharest include Black Church, which is so named for its sooty exterior, thought to have been caused by a 17th-century fire that devastated much of the city. You also may see the Black and White Towers, which provided the city’s residents with protection against possible attacks from Turkish troops, as well as quaint squares featuring local markets.

Peleș Castle

Commissioned by King Carol I of Romania in the 19th century, Peleș Castle served as a summer royal residence for more than 60 years before it was conquered by communists. Today, the castle, located just outside the town of Sinaia, is open to the public, and features 170 opulent rooms.

Visitors on a day trip to Peleș Castle from Bucharest can explore original furnishings, gold artifacts, artworks and sculptures as they move through several of the castle’s grandest rooms, admiring the Neo-Renaissance architecture of the impressive landmark.

Transylvania

Often associated with vampires, Transylvania is one of the largest regions in Romania, covering over 100,000 square kilometers in the center of the country. While vampire legends haunt these lands, the area features a smattering of charming medieval towns and villages that are far from spooky.

Transylvania day tours from Bucharest vary significantly, but usually include the most iconic destinations across the region, such as Dracula’s Castle, the UNESCO-listed Sighișoara, which is the last inhabited fortress in Europe, and Brașov.

Bulgaria

Alternatively, if you wish to explore Southeastern Europe beyond Romania’s borders, you should consider participating in a day trip to Bulgaria, located just over 70 kilometers south of Bucharest. These excursions highlight the cultural differences between the two nations and there are plenty of destinations to choose between.

One of the most significant sites you may explore on a Bulgaria day tour from Bucharest is the UNESCO-listed city of Veliko Tărnovo, which features a 12th-century fortress, and several religious monuments. You may instead head to the bustling city of Ruse, located along the banks of the Danube River, often referred to as “Little Venice” for its Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture.

Transfăgărășan Road

Named the “Best Driving Road in the World” by former “Top Gear” presenter, Jeremy Clarkson, Transfăgărășan Road has been on the radar of motorheads for many years. The highway is one of Romania’s main attractions and stretches for more than 150 kilometers through the Carpathian Mountains.

Not for the faint-hearted, the road features 80 hairpin bends, bound to keep any traveler on their toes. Transfăgărășan Road day tours from Bucharest are epic road trips through this spectacular corner of the country, admiring the lofty mountains that surround the highway and looking out for the brown bears that find shelter there.

Constanța

Situated along Romania’s coastline, Constanța is the oldest inhabited city in the country, with roots that date back around 2,500 years. The destination’s glimmering sands and dazzling seas attract a multitude of national, and international tourists throughout the summer. However, the city’s beach isn’t the only attraction to keep visitors occupied on a Constanța day tour from Bucharest.

The beach resort is home to Romania’s oldest mosque, constructed by King Carol I at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as a grand casino that has been abandoned for more than 30 years. Other sights to see include the 19th-century Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, and several fascinating museums.

Sinaia Monastery

While Peleș Castle often steals Sinaia’s crown, the town is home to a multitude of historic landmarks that are worth a visit, including its monastery, named after the destination. Nestled in the Prahova Valley, this sacred worship spot was founded at the end of the 17th century and is still home to an order of devout Christian Orthodox monks.

The monastery was fortified to provide protection from Turkish troops and its church is constructed in a Byzantine style. Sinaia Monastery day trips from Bucharest cover a variety of sites, from the charming city of Brașov to the Gothic Bran Castle.

Mogoșoaia Palace

Located along the banks of the Mogoșoaia Lake, just a few kilometers northeast of Bucharest, is Mogoșoaia Palace, commissioned by Constantin Brâncoveanu who served as the Prince of Wallachia between 1688 and 1714. The palace was erected at the turn of the 18th century in the Brâncovenesc style that was typical of the time and today houses a museum, and art gallery.

The history of the attraction is colorful and you can find out about the executions, invasions, and bombings that have been associated with the site over the centuries on a Mogoșoaia Palace day tour from Bucharest.

Snagov Monastery

Located on an island of the same name north of Romania’s capital, Bucharest, lies the supposed tomb of Vlad the Impaler at Snagov Monastery. The notorious ruler was known for his brutal torture methods and murder, which is why his burial ground piques the interest of many history buffs wanting to learn more about the unconventional ruler.

The inspiration behind the iconic vampire, “Dracula,” Vlad the Impaler is said to have been ambushed and executed near the monastery, and found by an order of monks who retrieved his body to give him a holy send-off. Snagov Monastery day trips from Bucharest enable you to admire the site’s collection of beautifully-preserved 16th-century frescoes and learn more about the man behind the “Dracula” legends.

Muddy Volcanoes

The Berca Mud Volcanoes — often referred to as the Muddy Volcanoes — are situated in Buzău County in Southeast Romania. The mud volcanoes are a natural phenomenon, created more than 3,000 meters underground and formed of a combination of clay, and water.

Mud volcanoes are uncommon in Europe, with the majority of these peaks found in Central Asia. Day trips to the Muddy Volcanoes from Bucharest include Unirea — the largest salt mine in Europe — and many also enable you to taste local tipples from this corner of the continent.

Danube Delta

The second-largest river delta in Europe, the Danube spans more than 4,000 kilometers and 18 countries. This body of water is best known for its bountiful skies, with more than 300 species of birds found in the area, including lesser spotted eagles, little egrets and great white pelicans.

Danube Delta day trips from Bucharest provide a slice of tranquility to weary travelers who can float along its waters, listening to the call of a white-tailed eagle or searching for its host of freshwater fish species.