Variously described as “Europe’s last wilderness” and “Europe’s best kept secret,” Romania remains one of the Continent’s most rewarding yet least discovered destinations. With its forested Carpathian Mountains, medieval Saxon towns, painted monasteries and traditional villages where horses and carts still outnumber tractors, it offers a glimpse of a Europe long since vanished elsewhere.
Sooner or later, it may be fully discovered, but for now, it remains the preserve of discerning travellers seeking authenticity.
Since 2009, Ffestiniog Travel has been one of the UK’s leading specialists to Romania through its partnership with owner-managed local operator My Romania. While rail remains central to many of our programmes, our expertise extends far beyond railway travel. We offer immersive Small & Traditional escorted tours and bespoke itineraries for both groups and independent travellers, focusing on culture, history, walking, wildlife and even wine!
Our small groups (typically 12–15 guests) stay in comfortable en-suite guesthouses and family homestays, enjoying home-grown meals and ensuring that almost all money spent goes directly into the local economy - supporting guides, accommodation owners and rural communities.
Below are the various ways to Experience Romania with Ffestiniog Travel:
Romania’s Danube Delta & the Carpathians – A Wildlife Paradise
This journey explores one of Europe’s great wilderness regions. After a guided introduction to Bucharest, we travel by train to Tulcea and continue by boat deep into the Danube Delta for birdwatching and tranquil cruises through reed-lined waterways. The tour also includes a bear sanctuary visit, Bran Castle in Transylvania and time in Braşov. The price will include rail and road travel, accommodation in hotels and character homestays, all breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners featuring local produce, excursions, UK tour leader and expert local guide.
Romania – West & Danube Valley
Combining culture, landscape and railway heritage, this tour visits Timişoara and Sibiu, explores the dramatic Danube Gorge and ventures into hidden valleys dotted with historic watermills. Highlights include Criscior rail workshops, a steam charter between Criscior and Brad, the Ghioroc Tramway Museum and a Danube cruise. The price will include flights, rail and road travel, B&B accommodation including family-run guest houses, some meals, excursions, UK tour leader and expert local guide.
Rural Romania – Where Time Stands Still
For those drawn to village life and enduring traditions, this immersive journey explores Transylvania, Maramureş and Bucovina. From Saxon fortified churches and Sighişoara’s medieval citadel to Bucovina’s painted monasteries, the tour includes stays in family homestays, two steam narrow-gauge railways and organic home-cooked meals. The price will include flights, rail and road travel, B&B accommodation, selected meals, excursions, UK tour leader and local guide.
Wines of Southern Romania – Vineyards, Heritage & Hidden Valleys
For those drawn to regional character, fine wines and landscapes rich in history, this immersive journey explores southern Romania’s celebrated wine regions alongside its medieval cities and dramatic river scenery. From elegant Timişoara and the Danube Gorge to Oltenia’s rolling vineyards and the restored Saxon cities of Sibiu and Braşov, the tour blends cultural discovery with five carefully selected wine tastings in rural surroundings. Highlights include a Danube cruise through the Iron Gates, visits to historic wineries, a chartered trip on the Hosman–Cornatel heritage railway and stays in characterful hotels and family guesthouses. The price will include flights, rail and private coach travel, hotel and homestay accommodation with en-suite facilities, all breakfasts, selected lunches and dinners, excursions, a UK tour leader and expert local guide.
Rambling in Romania – Railways, Villages & Mountain Meadows
For those who enjoy gentle walking combined with cultural discovery, this relaxed journey explores the landscapes and villages of scenic Transylvania. Blending easy rambles with characterful railway journeys, the tour takes in Turda Gorge, the Western Carpathians and the rolling hills between Saxon villages, where fortified churches and centuries-old traditions remain part of daily life. Highlights include stays in welcoming family-run homestays, walks to Biertan and Viscri (both UNESCO-listed), exploration of Sighişoara’s medieval citadel, time in historic Braşov and an easy ramble through the dramatic Zarneşti Gorge. Rail travel links Mediaş, Braşov and Bucharest, including a scenic main line journey over the Carpathians. The price will include flights, rail and private coach travel, hotel and en-suite homestay accommodation, all breakfasts, selected picnic lunches and evening meals, excursions, a UK tour leader and expert local guide.
Go Beyond the Tourist Trail
Romania offers something increasingly rare in Europe - authenticity. From Transylvania’s forests still home to bears and wolves, to Maramureş villages where centuries-old customs endure, this is travel with depth and meaning.
Go with the experts. Travel small. Travel sustainably. Discover Romania before the rest of the world does.
Visit our Small & Traditional tours webpage to see which Romanian tours are currently open to bookings.