Heart of the East: Romania & Moldova Adventure

Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on an evening orientation walk on the way to an optional group dinner.

Explore the famous Transylvania region today, beginning in Sinaia, home to the iconic Peles Castle. Tour the castle on your own and spend time in the gardens before moving onward to Brasov and join your CEO on a late afternoon walk.

Set off for the iconic Bran Castle this morning. Located on a rocky promontory and owned by Vlad the Impaler himself, this medieval castle is what you picture when you think of Bram Stoker's Dracula, a space shrouded by mystery and legend. After, discover Brasov with a free afternoon. Wander through the medieval streets and visit some of the city's most iconic sites to get the most of the region's beautiful architecture and vibrant history.

Depart from Brasov this morning and drive to the lesser-known region of Buzău. Settle in to your guesthouse then continue on to the Berca Mud Volcanoes, a geological and botanical reserve located a short distance from the city. Take in the unique lunar landscapes and watch for eruptions before returning to Buzău for the night.

After breakfast, head east to Tulcea, the gateway to the Danube Delta, and board a speedboat to an area close to the remote fishing village of Mila 23 - accessible only by water. Enjoy a short visit to the Ivan Patzaichin Museum – Community Innovation Center to better understand traditional building practices. After, check into your home stay and end the day surrounded by nature in one of Europe's last truly wild places. Please Note - During the colder months, Danube Delta has a smaller population of birds and other wildlife that can be spotted on tour.

Today is dedicated to discovering the natural beauty of the Danube Delta. Board a speedboat on a guided excursion through the intricate network of canals, lakes, and reed beds that make up this ecological wonder. Keep an eye out for pelicans, herons, and egrets, as well as a variety of fish and plant life, and learn about the unique ecosystem and traditions of the Lipovan community. Visit the town and beaches of Sulina on the Black Sea before returning to the guesthouse for the evening. Please Note - During the colder months, Danube Delta has a smaller population of birds and other wildlife that can be spotted on tour.

Wave goodbye to the beautiful Danube Delta this morning and set off across the water, back to Tulcea. Transfer to a private vehicle and watch the world go by as you head back to Bucharest for the night.

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Chisinau, Moldova's capital city. In the evening, join your CEO for a short orientation walk on the way to an optional dinner out, before settling in for the next leg of the adventure.

Set out this morning with a local guide on a walking tour of Chisinau. Pass by some of the city's main sights and historical landmarks like the Parliament building and gaze at the beautiful architecture of the City Hall and St. Pantelimon Church. In the afternoon, visit Cricova Winery for a tour of the underground wine cellars and enjoy a tasting of some of the wines Moldova is famous for. Return to Chisinau for a free evening and optional dinner out with the group.

This morning, depart Chisinau for the North of Moldova. Stop at the Monastery of Saharna, a picturesque complex where you can relax in the shadow of a cascading waterfall, paired with ancient relics and deep history. Next, transfer to a local cheese factory in a small village for a light lunch sampling fresh cheeses, jams and wine. Learn how the initiative serves to support the community by providing employment and preserving Moldovan traditions. Continue to Butuceni Village for the evening.

This morning enjoy some light hiking to Orheiul Vechi, an area of natural beauty shaped by the river Raut as it cuts into the rocky hills of central Moldova. In medieval times, the river Raut served as a travel route for merchants from as far away as Greece. After free time in the village, join a cooking class at an agro-pension in Trebujeni, then stroll back to the eco resort in Butuceni. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon free to explore or relax.

Embark on a day of cultural immersion into the Gaugazia region of Moldova. Start at the National Gagauz History and Ethnographic Museum and learn of the local wedding traditions with an interactive presentation. Continue on to Comrat for a winery tour and tasting, then visit Gagauz Sofrasi, a cultural and culinary complex where you'll learn about local traditions and indulge in a traditional Gagauz feast, featuring locally sourced ingredients and expertly crafted wines.

Wave goodbye to Congaz this morning and depart for the drive back to Chisinau. The remainder of the day is free to explore Moldova's capital city before regrouping in the evening for an optional final dinner out with the group.

Depart at any time.

Hotels (8 nts), Guesthouses (3 nts), Eco Resort (2 nts)

Private vehicle, speedboat, flight, walking