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A rural landscape with a dirt road, wooden fences, green fields, and houses in the background. 1
A group of horses grazing in a grassy field with mountains in the background. 2
Two pastries topped with whipped cream and red berry sauce on a white plate. 3
A rural landscape with a dirt road, wooden fence, and a small wooden house. 4
A dark-colored SUV parked on a grassy mountain road with an open door, a white car in the background, and a mountainous landscape under a clear sky. 5
By Medraft Indie
Free cancellation available
Price is €3,266 per adult* *Get a lower price by selecting multiple adult tickets
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Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 8d
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation

Overview

  • Romania invites you on a journey filled with unforgettable experiences. Its small villages, remote farms, dense forests, and majestic Carpathian Mountains reveal a remarkably peaceful corner of Europe. On a self-drive, off-road adventure, you’ll explore these timeless landscapes—places where life seems to have stood still. Taste homemade delicacies straight from grandma’s kitchen, savour fine local liqueurs, and meet warm-hearted people whose stories bring to life the region’s rich culture. From legends of Dracula to ancient forest myths, this is the authentic Romania waiting to be discovered.

    • Self-drive tour featuring off-road adventures in a 4x4 SUV vehicle
    • Navigational App: offline and seamless navigation, location based tips
    • Live support from a local expert during your trip
    • Perfect for families with teens seeking adventure and bonding time

Activity location

  • Bucharest
    • Bucharest, Romania

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport
    • 224E Calea Bucureștilor
    • 075150, Otopeni, Județul Ilfov, Romania

Check availability

Self-Drive Off-Road in Romania's Carpathian Mountains - 8 Days in English

  • Activity duration is 8 days8d
    8d
  • Opening hours: Fri 00:00-12:00
  • English
Language options: English
Price details
€3,266.00 x 1 Adult€3,266.00
Total
Price is €3,266.00

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Pre-trip advice session with a local expert
  • Inclusions
    Visit to a woodcarver's workshop on day 6
  • Inclusions
    Suv 4x4 Mitsubishi Pajero  or similar hire car for 8 days
  • Inclusions
    Daily breakfast at the accommodation
  • Inclusions
    On-trip support from local expert: daily 09:00-18:00, emergency 24/7
  • Inclusions
    2 lunches in local homes (on day 3 and day 6)
  • Inclusions
    Navigation & Guiding App: offline and seamless navigation, location based tips
  • Inclusions
    Winery tour in the Apuseni region on day 4
  • Inclusions
    7 nights in quality 3★–4★ hotels
  • Exclusions
    Flights
  • Exclusions
    Lunches and Dinners
  • Exclusions
    Any items that are not explicitly listed as included

Know before you book

    • Public transport options are available nearby
    • Specialised infant seats are available
    • Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
    • Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travellers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Car hire is subject to the terms and conditions of local rental companies, and local laws
    • Package price is based on sharing one vehicle
    • Drivers must be at least 24 years old
    • Our off-road routes follow only permitted trails that are already in use by local communities
    • In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
    • This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

Activity itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Bucharest

  • 1 stop
  • Meals: Not included
  • Accommodation: Overnight at a 4 stars hotel in Bucharest area

Bucharest

  • 10h
Arrive in Bucharest, where your 4x4 SUV will be waiting for you at the airport. Drive to your hotel and, if time allows, begin exploring the city. Discover grand palaces, stroll through the vibrant streets of the Old Town, unwind in lush parks, and enjoy traditional Romanian cuisine — all infused with the city’s rich history and dynamic culture. Recommended highlights include the Palace of the Parliament, the Old Town (Lipscani District), Calea Victoriei, the Village Museum (Muzeul Satului), and Herăstrău Park (King Michael I Park).

Day 2: Climbing into the Carpathians, Bucegi Ridge, Lake Bolboci, Sinaia Area

  • 1 stop
  • Meals: Not included
  • Accommodation: Overnight at a 4 stars hotel in Sinaia

Bucegi Mountains

  • 10h
Depart Bucharest and head north into the Carpathian Mountains, ascending through the scenic Prahova Valley and its picturesque villages. The journey takes you deep into the heart of the Bucegi Mountains, where forest landscapes, mountain roads, and hidden natural wonders await. Enjoy an off-road drive along the Bucegi Ridge, leading to the peaceful shores of Lake Bolboci, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by tranquility. Take a walk into a karst cave, tucked behind a remote mountain monastery, where a stream flows quietly through its chambers — a hidden gem of nature and mysticism. Continue your off-road adventure through traditional Roma (Gypsy) villages, past Lake Bolboci, and stop at a rustic cabin nearby that offers a lovely local restaurant — perfect for a warm lunch, or opt for a picnic near the dam with views of the lake.

Day 3: Into the Heart of Transylvania

  • 1 stop
  • Meals: Not included
  • Accommodation: Overnight at a 4 stars hotel in Alba Iulia

Alba Iulia

  • 10h
Enjoy a full day of authentic encounters as you travel through the forested hills of Transylvania, passing traditional villages, open fields, sheep-filled pastures, and winding streams. Stop at a working flour mill, still powered by a flowing stream, for a glimpse into timeless rural craft. In a charming Saxon village, visit a fortified medieval church, meet local artisans, and savour a homemade lunch in a peaceful courtyard. In the afternoon, set off on an off-road journey from Cinco to Alba Iulia, crossing vast open landscapes on your way to Alba Iulia, a historic city at the foot of the Apuseni Mountains, where centuries of Romanian heritage meet.

Day 4: Experiences on the Edge of the Apuseni Ridge

  • 1 stop
  • Meals: Not included
  • Accommodation: Overnight at a 4 stars hotel in Alba Iulia

Apuseni Natural Park

  • 10h
Begin the day in the Turda region, discovering natural wonders and local flavours. Descend into the surreal Turda Salt Mine, an underground world of vast chambers, salt formations, and a tiny subterranean lake. Then hike through the dramatic Turda Gorge, a limestone canyon with towering cliffs, wooden bridges, and soaring birds of prey. Stop at the Winery in the Rock for a tasting inside its cave-like cellar, known for crisp local whites. Arrive in Alba Iulia by evening and enjoy a relaxed stroll through its atmospheric old town, with centuries-old fortifications, elegant squares, and rich historical charm.

Day 5: Plenty of Off-Road Adventure! Ascent to the Apuseni Ridge

  • 1 stop
  • Meals: Not included
  • Accommodation: Overnight at a hotel in Albac

Albac

  • 10h
Begin your day ascending through dense forest, winding upward beneath a vibrant green canopy. As you climb, the trees give way to breathtaking panoramas of rolling hills and lush valleys stretching endlessly to the horizon. Continue along the ridge, passing remote mountain villages with charming straw-roofed houses where time feels frozen. This immersive off-road adventure takes you deep into the heart of the Apuseni Mountains, traversing rugged terrain amid dramatic rocky slopes and exploring hidden valleys dotted with isolated hamlets. Experience one of Romania’s most captivating and untouched regions, where nature, tradition, and solitude prevail.

Day 6: Apuseni Ridge Full of Life!

  • 1 stop
  • Meals: Not included
  • Accommodation: Overnight at a hotel in Albac

Apuseni Natural Park

  • 10h
Spend the day immersed in natural beauty and timeless traditions of the Apuseni Mountains. Begin with an off-road ascent to the Bihor Ridge, where sweeping 360-degree views from the top of Mount Bihor reveal a stunning panorama of peaks and valleys. Follow a scenic trail to the Ice Cave, a hidden wonder filled with year-round ice formations—a cool contrast to the warm mountain air. Continue to a countryside woodcraft workshop, where a local artisan carves furniture by hand, echoing the region’s deep-rooted traditions. Share a home-cooked lunch with a village family, including a hands-on chance to make palacinka (traditional pancakes). Conclude with a peaceful hike to a cascading waterfall, surrounded by the pure, untouched beauty of the Apuseni.

Day 7: The impressive Best Castle, The Bridge of Liars...

  • 1 stop
  • Meals: Not included
  • Accommodation: Overnight at a 4 stars hotel in Sibiu's Old Town

Sibiu

  • 10h
On the way back into the valley, visit an ancient gold mine and the fascinating Gold Museum, then cross to the other side to explore Romania’s most impressive castle. Enjoy a surprising off-road drive to Lake Jamuna, home to a village submerged beneath its waters—a hidden gem worth discovering. Next, explore Honodowara Castle, where exhibition rooms showcase fortifications, weapons, torture devices, and live music illustrating the life of Hungarian princes who once ruled the region. Finally, return to Sibiu’s old city for a stroll through its colourful squares, cross the famous Liars’ Bridge, and admire the pointed-roofed churches before parking the jeep for a relaxed walk around town.

Day 8: Transfăgărășan – The Famous Mountain Pass, Bucharest

  • 1 stop
  • Meals: Not included
  • Accommodation: Not included

Transfagarasan Highway

  • 10h
Climb the Transfăgărășan Pass, one of the world’s most famous roads, known for its dramatic twists and breathtaking views towards Transylvania. At the top, enjoy a walk along the shore of Bălău Lake—“the beautiful lake”—an alpine gem perfect for a scenic lookout and a warm drink. Descend through the Wallachian plains and return to Bucharest via highway, where you return your SUV 4X4. End of trip

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Bucharest
    • Bucharest, Romania

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport
    • 224E Calea Bucureștilor
    • 075150, Otopeni, Județul Ilfov, Romania

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