Wines of Southern Romania

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Flight to Timişoara

Afternoon flight from London for a late evening arrival in Timişoara. Overnight hotel stay in the central area of the city.

Day 2 – Timişoara

City tour followed by short drive out of town for lunch and our first wine tasting at the Recaş Winery.

Day 3 – Orşova on the Danube

Afternoon train to Orşova, a pleasant riverside town. Our small guest house is on the river bank at the entrance to the Danube Gorge and we stay here for 3 nights on half board.

Day 4 – Drobeta Turnu Severin & Roman Ruins

The Romans crossed the Danube at Drobeta Turnu Severin when they invaded Dacia. They even built a bridge which they destroyed when they finally retreated. Nowadays there is a huge hydro electric power station (Iron Gates 1) which we visit and we have a tasting at the Oprişor Winery.

Day 5 – Danube Cruise

Relax as we take a 2 hour cruise through the impressive Danube Gorge followed by a scenic drive further along the river valley.

Day 6 – Oltenia

Drive to the district of Oltenia, another important wine producing area. We spend 2 nights on half board at the Maldar Manor House.

Day 7 – Horezu & Drăgăşani

Explore this historic area including Horezu Church and the old defensive houses (cule) built in the 16th Century in defence against the Turks. Our next wine tasting is in nearby Drăgăşani close to the Olt river.

Day 8 – Sibiel

Drive up the scenic Olt Valley to our next destination, the tiny village of Sibiel where we are made welcome by the owners of a small family guest house who will have prepared a tasty evening meal.

Day 9 – Narrow Gauge Heritage Line & Sibiu

Part of the former narrow gauge line between Sibiu and Agnita has been preserved as a volunteer-run heritage line and we charter a diesel train this morning for a 7kms trip between Hosman and Cornatel. We continue to nearby Sibiu, a beautifully restored former Saxon medieval city with a pleasant traffic-free central area containing two cathedrals and a wonderful selection of old buildings and towers. Finally we drive (or take the train as an option) out of town to Apoldu de Sus for wine tasting and evening meal with a local family before returning to Sibiel for an overnight stay.

Day 10 – Braşov

A little free time to explore Sibiu followed by train at mid-day to Braşov, arriving late afternoon. Braşov is another former walled Saxon city, now restored and our small hotel is adjacent to the central square. There will be time for a short guided walk here to see the main sights.

Day 11 – Across the Carpathians

Drive across the mountains, pausing at the resort of Sinaia with sufficient time to enable an optional visit to Peleş or Pelişor Castles (former royal summer residences). Overnight at Conac Ceptura, a winery with its own hotel. Enjoy dinner and wine tasting this evening.

Day 12 – Bucharest to London

Transfer to Bucharest airport for flight to London, arriving early afternoon.

Due to the limited number of rooms in “homestay” accommodation, this tour will be limited to 12 persons.