We were in Romania for about 10 days in summer of 2019. It was also a private tour . I think there is more tourism now, but at the time there really wasn;t much to select. It was sort of a genealogy tour for DH and his cousin.

It was definitely worth seeing but there was a bit too much miscommunication and inadequate planning on the tour guide's part.

We went to many of the usual hot spots, but also some fairly obscure towns where the family had been. I wish I could be more helpful. I can probably look up the guide's name as I would not recommend him. He was nice enough but there was a lot of disappointment. Hopefully you get more current and positie feedback!

OMG, was that really the reply? If so, that is hilarious. Even if it weren’t the reply, I can so identify with the last paragraph. There comes a point when all of the cathedrals, monuments, fortresses all run together!

P.S. I’ve never been to either of those countries, so I have nothing to share. Can’t wait for your trip report!

About two years ago we went to Timisoara, Romania after reading an article about it in the NYT. We were starting a river cruise in Budapest, and since we had already been there, looked for something new to see in the region. Timi was interesting and charming, also the site of the uprising that felled Ceaucescu. We also took a daytrip to Dracula's castle and a cute town I cannot recall the name of. There were more places I wanted to see but we only had a few days.

Why are you interested in this area?

Why are we interested in this area? I think CGPT says it well: "Bulgaria and Romania are a particularly interesting pairing because they offer something that has become harder to find in Europe: spectacular scenery, genuinely historic towns and villages, and major cultural sights without feeling as thoroughly tourist-oriented as Italy, France, or parts of Croatia." We're so over tourist-ridden destinations. I have issued one condition, however; that we include Switzerland in this itinerary as I absolutely love it and never tire of it. In my next life..... ;)