Kristi

We're contemplating taking a privately guided tour that includes Bucharest, Sibiu, Sighisoara & Transylvania. Originally I was going to add on an extension for Bulgaria but the price is just too steep. If we decide to stay on for an extra few days, are there any day trips that we could take from Bucharest? At the end of May, would going out to the Black Sea coast be an option worth pursuing?

If we decide to go to Sofia, what's the best option for doing that? Is there an inexpensive way to fly? The train looks like it takes about 10 hours (one is overnight) and the bus information is a bit sketchy but it looks like it takes longer.

TheHills

Hi there,

Last year we took a private tour of Romania. We had the most wonderful free lance tour guide. He took care of everything: the itinerary, car (he drove), accommodation, meeting with some local artisans in the villages, etc. He speaks great English. Excellent value for the money payed. His name is Andrei Nicolau. E-mail address: [email protected]

He is definitely able to tell you about Bulgaria; as far as I remember he has a partner there.

Romania is beautiful, lots of great places to visit, warm and educated people. Not at all as poor as we would know. Definitely worth.

Let us know how it went.

Terry Hill

julies

Three or four years ago we visited Romania in May and just loved it, and went to all the places you have mentioned except Bucharest. The places that we felt were the highlights, however, are not included on your tour. If you want to extend i would suggest visiting the Bucovina area which has the painted monasteries and was lovely or the Maramures area (next to Ukraine) which in many ways truly is the Europe of pre WWII. We went on our own and and rented a car which is very doable. However, in the Maramures area we did a homestay in a rural village and hired the man whose house it was to act as our guide. It was a fascinating 3 days. We found him through the Vadu Iseu (?? sp.) tourist office. Do a search on my name from old posts & Romania and I think you might find some more info. ps. We had beautiful westher at that time of year.

TheHills

Yes, we went to Bukovina as well, great area. I suggest touring with a guide / driver since some roads could be tricky and not in good condition. In addition, the info you receive from a knowledgeable guide like we had, could not be topped by any travel guide book i.e Lonely Planet which is garbage.

Kristi

Thanks for the advice! I'm looking into Bucovina and the painted monasteries, it looks like I can get up there by train from Bucharest (5-7 hours) and then hire a guide once I get there. I'll also contact the guide you recommended and see what he has to say.