There’s nothing like Romania during Halloween! This guide will help prepare you for your incredible adventure. Please read this carefully, and if there is anything we have not addressed, feel free to reach out at [email protected]. Can’t wait to show you this amazing country.
What to expect:
Physical level
There may be some uneven walks, but is not difficult to navigate for most travelers. Please be sure to bring supportive shoes. This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.
Please read the day-to-day itinerary carefully to find out more details on each day’s activities, and whether they are suitable for you. Activities can be opted out of if you don’t want to participate.
Inclusions
exclusions
Itinerary
Your general Romania itinerary can be found here or on the Romania Meetup Tour webpage. Daily schedules will be given by your guide when you arrive in Romania. Because the seasons, operating hours of inclusions, traffic, and many factors can affect the daily schedule, specific timing will be determined by your guide to give you the best possible experience. If you have questions about when to wake up, how long you will spend at a particular site, etc. please feel free to ask your guide at any time.
Our Romanian adventure begins as you arrive in Bucharest. We will pick you up from the airport, just look for your driver holding a sign with the SoFe Logo and your name. Try to arrive by 3pm for enough time to settle in before we meet for a welcome dinner. The rest of the evening is free to explore the buzzing nightlife or rest from the flight. Meals: dinner
This morning, we’ll explore Bucharest, the capital of Romania. We’ll stroll through the old city and explore the seemingly never-ending interior of the Palace of Parliament, the largest civilian administrative building in the world. Built by the Communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, the Palace boasts 1,100 rooms, hundreds of chandeliers, 220,000 square meters of carpet, and a total area of over 365,000 square meters. Rich with history, this building offers a perfect opportunity to learn more about Romania from our expert guide. Our food tour this afternoon showcases the uniqueness of Romanian wines and reflects the country’s winemaking heritage. We’ll taste our way through Bucharest with traditional wine and food pairings such as grilled meat and hearty cheeses. Tonight, hit the town for some optional Halloween parties. Meals: breakfast, wine tasting & snacks for lunch
Today, we bid farewell to Bucharest as we jump on a flight to Cluj, the vibrant heart of Transylvania. Enjoy a solo day in this historic city, and be sure to ask your guide for recommendations! You could explore the birthplace of King Matthias Corvin, a historical gem that will transport you to a bygone era. Or wander through the awe-inspiring Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Michael, a true architectural marvel and one of Romania’s largest Gothic churches. For art enthusiasts, the Bánffy Palace, now a magnificent fine arts museum, invites you to uncover its creative treasures. Cluj is also home to Babeș-Bolyai University, a renowned institution that embodies the spirit of contemporary learning. From discovering the world’s first institute of speleology to wandering through the botanical gardens (often celebrated as the richest in all of Romania), Cluj offers a unique blend of history and modernity. Meals: breakfast, dinner
Prepare for a a spooky day and we start to get into the Halloween spirit. Our first stop is at Hoia Baciu Forest, renowned as one of the spookiest woodlands on the planet. The heart of the forest, known as The Clearing, defies scientific explanation, luring Romanian witches, sword-wielding Americans, and even those attempting to cleanse the woods of evil through yoga. Local legends shroud the forest with tales of ghosts, spirits, alien encounters, and eerie occurrences. Stories of people vanishing and returning without memory, or shepherds and flocks disappearing, only add to the mystique. From here, we journey to Banffy Castle in Bontida, also known as the Electric Castle. This castle, considered one of the most haunted places in Romania, holds an integral place in Transylvanian aristocratic history. The castle’s history spans centuries and holds many paranormal phenomenons. Meals: breakfast
This morning, our journey takes us south to visit a vibrant Gypsy community. Our host and friend, Clara, will shed light on the challenges Gypsy women face when navigating society. She’ll show us life in her village and share stories, letting us into their world. Later, we’ll venture to the medieval gem, Sighișoara, where history comes to life. Stroll through the narrow streets, and as you make your way to the old city walls and bastions, you’ll be transported to another time. Dive into the history of the evangelical church, located just steps away from the citadel. Explore The Clock Tower and the house where the famous Wallachian king Vlad the Impaler, globally known as Dracula, was born in 1431. Discover Dracula’s humble beginnings and embrace the eerie side of the citadel during our special night tour. For those unafraid of delving into darkness and mystery, this experience promises to be an unforgettable adventure. The details of the night tour are a spooky surprise. Meals: breakfast, dinner
Our day kicks off with a short drive to Malancrav, where we’ll explore a workshop where local women skillfully craft traditional carpets. Get ready to immerse yourself in this age-old craft as you try your hand at crafting your very own carpet under the guidance of skilled artisans. After that, we return to Sighișoara where the afternoon is all yours to enjoy at leisure. Whether you choose to wander solo, people watch in a local café, or explore the many facets of this captivating city, the day is yours to savor. Meals: breakfast
Today we’ll make our way to Brasov with a stop in Viscri, a rural town that’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, we’ll explore the remarkable Viscri fortified church, a true architectural gem. As we approach Brasov, we find ourselves not far from Bran’s Castle, a medieval fortress with a legendary reputation. It’s believed to have once held Vlad Tepes, Dracula himself, as a prisoner. This link to the infamous Romanian ruler has made Bran’s Castle a captivating destination, drawing us into the history and allure of “Dracula’s Castle.” But that’s not all. Tonight, we’ll dive into the mysteries of Bran’s Castle during its most iconic time of year, Halloween. As darkness falls, we’ll dress up in costumes, explore the castle’s secrets, and enjoy a party that includes a “Vampire’s Feast”, transporting us back in time. Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Bask in the charm of Brașov’s City Center today with a special visit to the Biserica Neagră (Black Church), one of Romania’s largest churches. This magnificent Gothic-style church, built by Bulgarian workers in the late 14th century, is a testament to architectural beauty. Marvel at the massive six-ton church bell and experience the 1839 pipe organ, which still occasionally serenades lucky audiences. In the afternoon, take some well-deserved time to unwind and explore at your own pace. Then, as the evening approaches, we gather for a cooking class with our local hosts. We’ll learn to cook a fantastic 3-course Romanian feast. You’ll get to enjoy your culinary masterpiece at the dinner table, savoring Romanian treats rarely found on restaurant menus. To add to the experience, enjoy a shot of traditional Romanian palinca and homemade wine! Meals: breakfast, dinner
Embark on a journey south to Sinaia, where we’ll explore Peleș Castle nestled in the foothills of the Bucegi Mountains. It’s one of the most amazing castles in Romania for its history and exquisite architecture. Our adventure continues to Campina, where we visit haunted Iulia Hadeu Castle, a place steeped in a sad story of a Romanian writer who tragically lost his daughter when she was 19. It’s said that Iulia’s spirit guided her father in the construction of the castle and at night countless security guards have quit after hearing the piano playing and seeing a short in a white nightgown searching the property for daffodils. Our last stop today is Dealu Mare, where we’ll visit a local winery to savor some fine Romanian wines and relish our last dinner together. Meals: breakfast and dinner
The tour comes to a close today after breakfast with the Bucharest Airport so close by, you could even walk. Say farewell to your new friends, and if you’re like us, start dreaming about your next adventure! Meals: breakfast
Itinerary Disclaimer
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this guide may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travelers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour.
Joining Point
InterContinental Athenee Palace, Bucharest
Strada Episcopiei 1 – 3 Bucharest 010292 District 1
Joining Description
Your arrival airport is the Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP). We have organized an airport transfer for you according to your arrival time on Day 1. Our representative will wait for participants at the airport in the public area AFTER exiting customs. Look for a person holding a sign with the SoFe logo on it. The driver will take you directly to our hotel to check in. Your welcome meeting will be at 6pm that evening in the hotel lobby!
If you arrive before Day 1, an airport transfer is not included. We can arrange one for you at an extra cost. Please contact SoFe if you’d like to arrange an early airport transfer.
Check in for the tour is at 6pm in the lobby. You are welcome to check in to the hotel earlier independently. If you arrive before check-in, the hotel will hold your bags while you explore Bucharest. If the majority of travelers arrive after 6pm, your leader may reschedule your welcome meeting. You will be informed of any changes by the hotel staff.
Finishing Point
Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Airport
Bulevardul Aeroportului 13, Otopeni 075150, Romania
Finishing Point description
Fly out of the Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) anytime on tour end date.
A departure transfer is not included, but with the Bucharest Airport so close by, you could even walk.
Problems and emergency contact
While we always endeavor to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognize that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction – if this is the case, please ask the leader to speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still traveling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.
For emergency contact while in Romania, please call or text:
0040751537471
For general contact details please use the following page: https://thesolofemaletravelernetwork.com/contact-us
Payment schedule
You are required to pay a non-refundable $550 deposit at the time of reservation. This non-refundable deposit confirms your Meetup Tour booking and you will receive a confirmation email detailing the terms of your reservation. Once the confirmation email has been sent to you, a contract will exist between us from the date we issue the confirmation invoice.
Please refer to your booking confirmation for specific dates, deadlines and details regarding final payments for your Meetup Tour. For standard Meetup Tours, the program fee balance payment is due 90 days before the departure date. SoFe’s payment system allows you to input the dollar amount for each payment you submit, so you are welcome to make as many payments in any dollar amount as you prefer before the final payment is due.
The final payment deadline is 90 days before the Meetup Tour start date, with the exception of Antarctica and Polar destinations.
If you have not paid the full balance, requested a cancellation and/or transfer by the final payment deadline, your credit card on file will be automatically charged the remaining balance of the Meetup Tour program cost. A $100 late payment fee will also be levied. Additionally, SoFe reserves the right to treat your booking as cancelled.
Feedback
Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travelers like you. Share your experience with us by emailing [email protected]!
Before you leave
Important notes
Food and dietary information
Your group leader or representative will endeavor to cater for specific dietary requirements where possible, and vegetarianism and gluten intolerance will be catered for in most instances. We suggest bringing supplemental snacks like protein powders and bars just in case.
Please notify your booking consultant of any dietary requirements at the time of booking. For those suffering from particular food allergies, your group leader or representative will endeavor to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. It is, however, your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any foods to which you are allergic.
Vegetarians might find the menu selection in Romania less varied than they would see at home. Vegetarianism is not as common in this region and generally the choices are basic, involving vegetables, soups, salads, bread, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, eggs etc. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. However, there are still plenty of Romanian vegetarian dishes for you to enjoy, such as sarmale or stuffed peppers.
Money Matters
Spending money is a personal choice, and everyone will have different spending habits and needs. It is best to budget a reasonable amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. It’s always better to bring a little more than you think you’ll need. Please have a thorough look at the itinerary and at what is included so you will be prepared for what isn’t included. Our Meetup Tour is very inclusive, however some meals and extras are not included. This guide should make budgeting a little clearer.
Your Leader may suggest visits to different stores during your tour. Rest assured that these vendors have been selected by our team on ground. They provide good service and good quality products at fair market prices. Some visits may be included as part of your itinerary where we feel the making of the craft is relevant to the destination and interesting for everyone to visit. If this is the case you are under no obligation to purchase anything, simply enjoy the demonstrations and learning about the local craft. We also encourage you to enjoy shopping in the markets to compare prices and quality.
You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout Europe. Before leaving home, check if your bank will charge fees for using your card internationally. Card payments are not always accepted in stores and restaurants. We recommend you carry some cash for these purposes.
Tips are included on all SoFe trips, covering hotel staff, included experiences, included meals, and the people who will take care of you during your travels.
This amount does not include a tip for your leader or driver, so you may wish to set aside some funds for this. It may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry.
The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travelers:
Drivers: For your driver that will be with you for the entirety of the trip, $5-$8 per person per day is generally appropriate.
Your Group Leader/Guide: You may also consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $8- 12 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip.
Tipping in local currency equivalent is perfectly acceptable and often preferred.
There may be times when you find yourself exploring solo. When you’re out by yourself and you’re happy with the services, providing a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate.
Restaurants: Round your bill up to the nearest $1. In more up-market restaurants we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill.
The local currency in Romania is the Romanian New Lei (RON).
Climate information
October is fall in Romania. Temperatures are mild. There will be some rainfall, but in general, it is low. The average October temperature range throughout the country is between 42° and 64°F (6° and 18°C), which is a comfortable temperature for general sightseeing in the towns and cities.
passports, visas, and entry requirements
Many nationalities are able to travel to Romania without a visa for a maximum stay of 90 days, including the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada. Please check the Romanian visa requirements for your nationality before making travel arrangements.
You need a valid passport to travel internationally. Most countries require that your passport does not expire for at least 6 months after the date you enter. We require your passport details 45 days before departure. When booking your Meetup Tour, please enter your name as it appears on your passport and contact us immediately if there are any errors.
We recommend taking copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you as well as leaving copies at home with family or friends.
Packing
On this trip, you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and, although you won’t be required to walk long distances with your luggage, we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg/30lbs. Your itinerary includes a domestic flight, so please keep in mind that most domestic airlines have checked luggage limits of 15kg/30lbs.
You are welcome to bring whatever type of luggage suits your needs with the understanding that you will be carrying your bags in transit in many cases, so be sure you can manage.
- Travel documents: passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, air tickets or e-ticket receipts and a copy of this document.
- Photocopy of main passport pages, visa (if required), travel insurance and air tickets.
- Personal medical kit. We recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes and Band-Aids.
- Daypack
- Watch/Alarm clock or phone that can be used for both.
- Power adaptors
- Insect repellent
- Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Earplugs and eye mask
- Water bottle. We recommend at least a 1.5litre capacity. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 liter plastic bottle takes 2 liters of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.
- Warm clothes and layers
- Wind and waterproof rain jacket
- Clothes to dance in
- Toiletries
- Travel Towel
- Closed in, comfortable walking shoes. As most of our trips include some walking elements, we highly recommend that you take a pair of comfortable, closed-in walking shoes.
- Camera with spare memory cards and batteries
- Swimwear
- Costume for Halloween party
For Romania there are two associated plug types, types C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Romania operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory on all our Meetup Tours. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are traveling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travelers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader.
If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank’s name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
We recommend that you check your government’s advice in relation to the areas you will be visiting for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.
on the road
group leader and Guide
All tours with The Solo Female Traveler Network are accompanied by a guide who is with the group for the whole trip. The guide’s role is to be the local expert of the destination and coordinate a lot of the on the ground logistics. Premium leaders are SoFe’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime. Your guide will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At SoFe, we aim to support local guides who have specialized knowledge of the regions we visit. When not already included in your trip, your leader will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialized information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper.
Accomodation
We use a range of accommodation that we choose based on season, group size, and availability and because of this, we can not provide a confirmed list of hotels before the tour. However, here is a list of the accommodation we are most likely to use. Feel free to request a confirmed list of all accommodation from your guide on Day 1.
We do provide the confirmed start and end accommodation to help you plan transportation, pre/post travel plans, or visa needs. You can find this in the “joining point” and “finishing point” sections of this page.
Bucharest: InterContinental Athenee Palace
Cluj: Beyfin Hotel
Sighisoara: Fronius Residence
Brasov: Prinz Gregor
Bucharest: Hilton Garden Inn Airport Hotel
Rooms are twin share with an ensuite unless you upgrade to a private room, based on availability. The accommodation indicated on the webpage is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to lack of availability. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
In the base cost of the tour, a shared room is included. You may choose to upgrade to a private room for an extra charge as long as there is availability. Upgrading to a private room once in Romania is more difficult and may result in a higher cost than advertised on the webpage.
We will be staying in premium 4 and 5 star hotels, guesthouses, and boutique hotels. We have given you a list of hotels that will most likely be your confirmed hotels, but based on group size, availability, and season, these can change. The standard may be less than what you are used to in terms of design, facilities, and inclusions. If there is a problem with your accommodation, always alert your tour leader so it can be remedied, if possible.
Extra nights at our hotel may be available if you are arriving a day early or leaving a day late. You may have to switch rooms at the beginning or end of the tour. Contact us at [email protected] for details.
Optional Activities
A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travelers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn’t an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it’s recommended that travelers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organized independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist.
Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organizing these activities. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.
Transportation
Transportation throughout the itinerary will be in private air conditioned vehicles: Mercedes Sprinter or similar, not older than 3 years.
We will also travel by commercial domestic flight.
a few rules
Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while traveling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewelry at home – you won’t need it while traveling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you’ll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your SoFe itinerary, and SoFe makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it’s deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country.
We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before your departure and that you ensure your travel insurance covers you for all areas in your itinerary. The safety of our travelers and staff is our first priority. We continue to monitor the situation through official travel advisories and our local operations team, and we’re able to quickly change arrangements if for any reason we become concerned. If there should be any changes to the situation you will be advised immediately.
When not with your guide, we recommend the following:
- Do not walk in isolated areas or at night by yourself
- If hotel staff need to enter your room, arrange to be either on tour or in the lobby, so you are not alone.
- Respect the local customs, which may mean dressing more conservatively than you do at home.
- Do not hire a driver or guide for tours from the street. Always go with a reputable company or ask us to help you arrange any pre or post experiences.
- Do not accept any invitations for anything from random people on the street.
- Always carry your tour guide’s contact information and hotel address with you during solo time.
- Alert your guide of any inappropriate behavior or perceived risk to your safety
phone and internet access
While many of our hotels offer dependable WiFi, it’s important to note that relying solely on WiFi during your travels may not always be reliable. To ensure continuous connectivity, you should consider acquiring a prepaid SIM card upon arrival for data usage. Orange stands out as Romania’s predominant provider, and you can conveniently purchase a SIM card either at the airport or inquire with your guide for alternative locations.
Alternatively, ask your home service provider for international plans.
medical and health
All travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the opinion of our group leader or local guide any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements as they may not easily be obtained while traveling.
traveling with a group
With almost all of our travelers coming on the Meetup Tour solo, we have women from different countries, backgrounds, perspectives, and opinions. This is part of what makes our tours so special and what often leaves our travelers with couches to crash on around the world and even long time friendships. Like any group, especially one consisting of people of different ages coming from all corners of the world, this can also cause clashes in culture and disagreements. We promote an environment of kindness, empowerment, and communication, so certain behaviors will not be tolerated for the benefit of everyone’s experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don’t keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well – this takes just a little effort on your part. Bullying, threatening, and violence of staff, locals, and fellow participants will not be tolerated on our trips.
