Romania, with its picturesque landscapes, vibrant culture and historic landmarks makes for an excellent starting point for a leisurely cruise across the breathtaking European coastline. While Romania offers a diverse array of experiences, a European cruise provides a wonderful way to explore some of the continent's diverse and beautiful destinations. This especially created itinerary, will not only allow you to make the most of Romania, but discover new horizons on the waterways of Europe.

Days one to three: Bucharest

You will begin your trip at the bustling capital of the country, Bucharest, often referred to as “The Paris of the East” where you will spend the first three days. The city is known for its stunning architecture and vibrant nightlife. Explore the city's famous landmarks such as the Palace of the Parliament, the Old Town, the Roman Athenaeum and the National Museum of Art.

Days four and five: Transylvania

After Bucharest, head to the legendary region of Transylvania, famous for its mediaeval towns, stunning landscapes and fortified churches. Spend two days here to explore the charming town of Brasov, surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains and take the cable car to Mount Tampa, to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Visit the Bran Castle of Count Dracula fame, located in a dramatic setting and learn about the fascinating history of vampires.

Day six: The Danube Delta

The Danube Delta, is one of the most diverse regions of Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site of repute. The maze of canals is a paradise for nature lovers and a superb bird watching destination. Explore the area's rich flora and fauna by boat and make sure you enjoy any of the fresh fish dishes such as the Danube Delta Fish Soup (Bors de Peste) before beginning your cruise.

romania-danube-river-delta-pelicans
Danube Delta Pelicans, photo courtesy Mircea Bezergheanu
Day seven: Constanta

This coastal city on the Black Sea is the main seaport of Romania and has a rich history behind it. Visit the Roman Mosaic to learn about the city's past and the Archaeological Museum.

Days eight to fifteen: European cruise

Constanta will be the starting point for your European to explore the Black Sea,the Mediterranean and some other places of Europe. There are a number of cruise options available, depending on your interests. Before booking the cruise, be sure to check the availability of shore excursions which can greatly enhance the cruise experience at every port of call.

These excursions often include guided tours, cultural interactions, wine tasting tours, cooking classes and adventure sports, which offers a convenient way to explore the destination. Your popular one week cruise from Constanta will take you to the iconic Greek islands, with stops at Mykonos, Santorini and Crete. Here you can relax on sun-kissed beaches, explore ancient ruins and enjoy the sumptuous Greek island cuisine. A fantastic option is to cruise along the Adriatic Coast with stopovers at Croatia, Montenegro and Dubrovnik, referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. For those wishing to cruise in cooler climes, consider a cruise through Northern Europe, stopping at Copenhagen, Scandinavia or even the fjords of Norway. With proper planning, your journey through Romania and the European cruise can turn out to be an enriching experience.