ROMANIA
Rolandia Bespoke
Why has Romania spent so long under the travel radar?
Honestly, we have no idea - especially after meeting Rolandia Bespoke DMC. With a deep knowledge born and bred in this magical land, their passion for sharing its incredible beauty and culture shines like a star, with personalised, authentic travel experiences designed to flip the perspective, change the narrative and showcase their country’s true soul.
With sustainable practices that honour Romania’s natural and cultural heritage, their itineraries are crammed with ethereal landscapes, cultural exploration and adventures that range from the mystical to the heart-pumping. For a European experience like no other, including the highlights with a twist as well as off-the-beaten-track gems, we can’t recommend Rolandia highly enough.
Why Romania has our hearts…
With its perfect balance of the untamed and the cultured, Romania is a place whose contemporary heartbeat pulses in its cities while echoes of time whisper through its mist-clad forests and whirl around ancient fortresses perched high above. In Bucharest, the “Paris of the East”, Belle Époche buildings mingle with a modern energy - a buzz of excitement that emanates from its dynamic arts scene, thriving nightlife and fabulous eateries.
Elsewhere, the legends and idyllic pastoral lifestyles of Transylvania entwine with the breathtaking beauty of the Carpathian Mountains, a mystical landscape that feels plucked from a fairy tale. And in Romania’s rural heart, a true magic unfolds. Forget the trappings of modern life. Here, things are far simpler - think picture-perfect villages nestled in rolling hills that reveal a way of being untouched by time, where horse-drawn carts navigate cobbled roads and locals break from the harvest to celebrate ancient festivals in stunning traditional costume.
From the imposing Gothic grandeur of castles like Bran, irretrievable from the Dracula lore that surrounds it, to the the brown bears, wolves and lynxes of the Carpathians; the serenity of monasteries tucked into mountain enclaves to the rare birds and abundant wildlife of the UNESCO-protected Danube Delta, this is a place where the past feels vividly alive and unspoilt nature is everywhere, ready for pure immersion.
Wide-Ranging Wonders
Romania is a country brimming with breathtaking highlights and hidden gems that reward those willing to venture off the beaten path. Culture lovers will adore its cities, beginning with Bucharest and moving to Transylvania to explore Brașo and Sibiu, with their blend of rich history and modern vibrancy that mixes mediaeval squares and impressive churches with vibrant arts scenes.
Into the Carpathians, and we’re in castle country - a mythical, mountainous land of dense, wildlife-rich forests, towering cliffs and architectural marvels that range from the Gothic magnificence of Bran through the Neo-Renaissance royal opulence of Peles; the imposing Mediaeval turrets of Corvin to the ancient Dacian fortresses around Orăștie. Bran Castle, that most iconic of landmarks, is of course a must-see, its towers and mediaeval architecture deeply intertwined with vampiric myth and historic legends. And yes, it is possible to escape the crowds - Rolandia Bespoke suggesting a night tour that takes guests through the shadowy halls by moonlight.
Moving North is to step off-the-beaten-track into a land that time forgot, where the rhythms of nature still dictate the pace of life. Maramureș offers one of the best-preserved traditional landscapes in Europe, where wooden churches, horse-drawn carts, and age-old customs prevail, while the UNESCO-recognised painted monasteries of Bucovina are renowned for their vibrant exterior frescoes depicting biblical scenes - their vivid colours and intricate details still remarkably intact in a testament to their creators' skill and devotion.
And heading South too is to find a natural wonderland in the Danube Delta. One of Europe’s last great wetlands, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a breathtaking, untouched wilderness, home to a labyrinth of waterways, marshes and islands and boasting a stunning array of biodiversity, making it a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Wildlife Animal Tracking Adventure
An unforgettable experience, this exhilarating adventure takes guests deep into the forests of the Carpathian mountains to track wolves, bears and lynxes in their natural habitat, led all the while by expert guides. This is home to Europe’s largest population of big mammals, including bison - recently reintroduced to Romania by the non-profit, Rewilding Europe.
A Day with an Authentic Gypsy Family
This is a fabulously immersive day filled with music, good food and memorable cultural exchange, where guests spend time with a Gypsy family learning about their crafts, their daily lives and their uniquely vibrant and fascinating perspective on the world.
Incredible Adventures
A Rolandia Bespoke itinerary is packed with Romanian adventure, with countless fabulous choices at your guests’ fingertips. There truly is something for every taste and travel type, from exclusive access to landmark destinations to art and culture exploration; food and wine experiences to thrill-packed days - with horseback riding, sports car racing and helicopter rides over the mountains all on the table. With far too much for us to list, here are three handpicked by our team - one nature-based, one culturally immersive and one sure to get the adrenalin pumping!
Drive a Sports Car on the Transfăgărășan Road
The ultimate experience for any petrolhead! Test drive a high-performance sports car on the legendary Transfăgărășan highway. Dubbed the “world’s best road” by Top Gear, this is a thrilling combination of speed and breathtaking mountain scenery, winding up over 90 km of twists and hairpin turns high into the Carpathian Mountains and passing alpine meadows, sparking glacial lakes, waterfalls and mediaeval fortresses on the way.
Where to stay?
Of course, Rolandia Bespoke have a handpicked selection of high-quality stays that cover the whole of Romania, from upscale City stays to premium boutiques offering uniquely personalised service and a more distinctive local flavour. Here are just a smattering of our favourites:
Just steps from Cismigiu Park in the heart of Bucharest, the Epoque Hotel (Relais Chateaux) is an elegant 5-star boutique retreat. With 45 refined suites, an intimate high-class restaurant and a fabulous spa, this urban hideaway is dedicated to offering guests an exclusive lifestyle experience - a sanctuary of sophistication and personalised service that’s perfect for those looking for luxury in Romania's vibrant capital.
Singureni Manor, near Bucharest
Just outside Bucharest, Singureni Manor offers a luxurious countryside escape with equestrian activities, fine dining and elegant accommodations - a retreat just perfect for those seeking tranquillity and adventure combined. Guests can unwind in the grand house or the cosy inn, both offering private pools and saunas. And Singureni Manor’s inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide ensures a top-tier experience in Romanian luxury.
Bethlen Estates, Transylvania
In the idyllic countryside of Criș, the Bethlen Estates offers an enchanting blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Renovated by the family of Count Miklós Bethlen after their return to their ancestral home, the beautifully restored villas of this boutique property include the charming Caretaker’s House, a thoughtfully appointed and oh-so serene haven. Here, guests can savour gourmet dining, explore the scenic landscape on horseback or enjoy personalised hiking tours, all while experiencing the stunning scenery of Transylvania’s timeless villages.
And why explore Romania with Rolandia?
We’ve already spoken of Rolandia Bespoke’s home-grown knowledge, their passion for sharing the soul of their homeland and their peerless expertise in tailoring the kind of authentic, handcrafted itineraries that will delight your guests, from individual travellers and private city tourers to small groups and corporate clients. But what we also love - and we know you will too - is their modest perfectionism, their honesty and dependability and their sheer creativity in seeking out the most memorable experiences that respect the nature and culture of this stunning land. Having begun as a pipedream of sharing the magical beauty of Romania more widely, Rolandia Bespoke’s commitment to quality and strong relationships with local suppliers have turned those hopes into a reality - one which your guests are sure to fall for.
Love to learn more about Rolandia Bespoke and Romania? Get in touch and we’ll introduce you to the team.