Romania is a southeastern European nation renowned for its dramatic natural landscapes, anchored by the rugged Carpathian Mountains and the wildlife-rich Danube Delta along the Black Sea. Blending a rich Latin-rooted heritage with a vibrant modern culture, the country is famous for its charming medieval towns, historic Transylvanian castles, and its fast-growing capital, Bucharest.
Bucharest
Bucharest, the dynamic capital of Romania, is celebrated for its eclectic mix of 19th-century “Little Paris” architecture, imposing communist-era structures—most notably the giant Palace of the Parliament—and modern high-rises. Today, it stands as a bustling economic and cultural center known for its lively Old Town nightlife, sprawling green parks, and rich museum scene.
Transfăgărășan Highway
The Transfăgărășan Highway is a famous 90-kilometer scenic mountain road that winds through the Southern Carpathian Mountains, connecting the historical regions of Transylvania and Wallachia in Romania. Built in the 1970s as a strategic military route under Communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, the paved highway reaches elevations over 2,000 meters and features dramatic hairpin turns, sharp S-curves, and Romania’s longest tunnel. Renowned globally as one of the best driving roads in the world, it offers access to striking attractions like Lake Bâlea and Vidraru Dam, though high snow levels keep its peak sections closed for most of the winter and spring.
Sibiu
Sibiu is a historic city in Transylvania, Romania, renowned for its remarkably preserved medieval Old Town, colorful Germanic architecture, and signature house roofs with “eyes” overlooking its cobblestone plazas. Serving as a European Capital of Culture in 2007, the city remains a vibrant cultural and economic hub celebrated for its international festivals, rich Saxon heritage, and close proximity to the Făgăraș Mountains.
Alba Julia
Alba Iulia is a deeply historic city in central Transylvania, widely revered as the “spiritual capital” of Romania for being the site where the unification of Transylvania with the Kingdom of Romania was declared on December 1, 1918. The city is centered around the magnificent Alba Carolina Citadel, a vast, star-shaped 18th-century Vauban fortification that houses iconic landmarks including the Coronation Cathedral, the medieval Roman Catholic Cathedral, and centuries of ancient Roman ruins.
Haunted / Hoia Forest
Hoia Forest, located near the city of Cluj-Napoca in Romania, is internationally famous as one of the world’s most active hotspots for alleged paranormal phenomena, UFO sightings, and ghostly encounters. The forest is characterized by its eerie, uniquely curved trees and an unusual circular clearing where vegetation stubbornly refuses to grow, making it a legendary destination for thrill-seekers and mystery enthusiasts.
Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca, considered the unofficial capital of Transylvania, is a vibrant university city famous for its blend of historic Gothic and Baroque architecture, lush green parks, and a thriving contemporary arts and technology scene. As Romania’s second-largest city, it serves as a dynamic cultural hub celebrated for its major international events, such as the UNTOLD music festival and the Transilvania International Film Festival, along with its energetic youth-driven nightlife.
Salina Turda Salt Mine
Salina Turda is a ancient salt mine in Transylvania, Romania, that dates back to antiquity and was transformed into a subterranean theme park and halotherapy center over 100 meters underground. Set inside cavernous chambers lined with swirled salt walls, the futuristic complex features unique attractions including a panoramic Ferris wheel, an amphitheater, a bowling alley, and rowboats for navigating an underground salt lake. Beyond its amusement offerings, the mine maintains a constant cool temperature and microclimate rich in saline aerosols, drawing visitors worldwide for both its sci-fi aesthetic and natural respiratory health benefits.
Borșa
Borșa is a scenic mountain town located in the historic Maramureș region of northern Romania, nestled at the foot of the Rodna Mountains near the highest peak in the Eastern Carpathians. It serves as a popular year-round destination celebrated for its outdoor recreation, including skiing, hiking to glacial lakes, and visiting the famous Horses’ Waterfall.
This is Giuliano’s hometown!
Horses Fall Hike & Picnic
Horses’ Waterfall (Cascada Cailor), is Romania’s tallest waterfall, cascading over 90 meters across multiple limestone ledges into a dramatic mountain amphitheater. Giuliano’s mom and sister made a wonderful picnic of local Romanian meat and cheeses.
