Romania is an exciting destination waiting to be explored by Italian travellers. Picture medieval castles on dramatic hilltops, mouth-watering dishes that taste like home, and vibrant university cities buzzing with life. This easy-to-follow five-day road trip through Transylvania will have you exploring the best of Romania, from charming towns to scenic landscapes. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly where to go, what to taste, and how to make every moment count. So, let’s get started and kick off your Romanian adventure!
Stepping off your flight into Cluj-Napoca feels like entering a place where history and modern life blend seamlessly. Within fifteen minutes of collecting your luggage, you can drive into the compact city centre. Cluj’s Old Town unfolds around Unirii Square, a pedestrianised plaza dominated by the soaring Gothic spire of St Michael’s Church. Sidewalk cafés spill onto the paving stones, students drift between lectures, and the faint strains of live music often rise from a nearby bar.
By mid-morning you will crave a coffee. Seek out a café where a single espresso costs less than two euros. As you enjoy your drink, you might recognise familiar words in Romanian—it shares Latin roots with Italian, though the pronunciation has its distinct sound. After your caffeine boost, wander down streets such as Matei Corvin and the Vatican, peeking into boutique shops selling local ceramics or handcrafted leather.
For lunch, choose a traditional bistro and order ciorbă de fasole cu ciolan – a smoky bean soup with ham hock – served with a hunk of crusty bread. This dish has the comforting weight of a minestrone but with a distinctively Romanian twist. A local craft beer pairs perfectly.
The afternoon invites you to discover the Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania. Housed in a grand villa, it displays folk costumes in vivid colours, hand-woven carpets, and wooden tools used by peasants for centuries. Just across the road lies the Botanical Garden, where winding paths lead you beneath chestnut trees, past a serene Japanese Garden pond, and into a heated greenhouse filled with cacti and orchids. It is the perfect peaceful interlude before evening.
As evening approaches, look for a restaurant where Italian cooking meets Romanian ingredients. You might try fresh pasta with wild mushrooms from the Apuseni Mountains or risotto made with local sheep’s cheese. End with papanasi, fried cheese doughnuts topped with sour cream and berry jam, and you’ll see why Romania’s desserts are just as tempting as those in Italy.
On your second morning, set off southwards through rolling farmland toward Brașov. The journey covers roughly 160 km and takes about two and a half hours via the E60. Along the way, small villages cling to hillsides and roadside stalls sell sweet plums and jars of honey. In late summer you may even spot families harvesting grapes for ţuică, the local plum brandy.
Before reaching Brașov, make a detour to Sighişoara. Italy’s hill towns are not so different from this fortified citadel, which happens to be the birthplace of Vlad Ţepeş – the historical figure behind Dracula’s legend. Brightly painted houses lean over cobbled lanes, and the clock tower museum offers panoramic views across red-tiled roofs. A quick espresso in the main square will revive you for the drive on to Bran.
Bran Castle stands boldly on a rocky ridge overlooking a forested valley. Often linked to the Dracula legend—despite Bram Stoker never visiting—it exudes a haunting atmosphere. Old wooden stairs groan underfoot as you explore shadowy rooms filled with medieval weapons, royal furnishings, and lifelike wax figures in period attire. Take sweeping views of the valley, where wolves roam silently after dark from the ramparts.
You might find lunch nearby includes mici—grilled rolls of spiced minced meat typically served with mustard and pickles. This simple street food is a local favourite and popular with everyone. A local plum brandy or a draught local beer will warm you for the next leg of the journey.
By mid-afternoon, you will arrive in Sinaia, where Peleș Castle stands amid terraced gardens. Built for King Carol I in the lateb its Neo-Renaissance turrets and marble staircases feel more like a mountain château than a Balkan fortress. Every room is richly decorated with wood carvings, stained glass, and oriental rugs. The surrounding Bucegi Mountains provide a spectacular backdrop.
As evening approaches, drive to Brașov and check into a guesthouse near Piața Sfatului (Council Square). Dine in a cosy taverna and sample ciorbă rădăuțeană – a creamy chicken soup – before strolling under the medieval city gates. The Black Church looms overhead, its dark gothic façade lit dramatically at night.
Rise before dawn to experience one of Europe's most thrilling drives — the Transfăgărășan. This winding mountain road climbs above 2,000 metres, cutting through the Făgăraș range with hairpin bends and tunnels hewn from solid rock. If you time it right, you will reach Bâlea Lake at sunrise. The mirror-calm water reflects rugged peaks, and the crisp air feels invigorating.
A short walk brings you to Bâlea Waterfall, where glacial melt plunges into a rocky pool. In summer you may find a pop-up café serving hot chocolate; in autumn, the area is ablaze with coppery foliage. Spread a simple picnic of bread, cheese, and cured meats purchased in Brașov, and you have a view worthy of any Italian dolce vita moment.
Continuing west, you descend towards Sibiu. This city was a Saxon stronghold for centuries, and its Large Square (Piața Mare) is framed by pastel-coloured merchant houses and baroque façades. The Lutheran Cathedral towers above, its green copper roof gleaming in the afternoon sun.
For dinner, sample the Saxon legacy with goulash served in a bread bowl, washed down with a regional white wine. The cosy cellars beneath the old town host live music on summer evenings. Overnight in Sibiu allows you to savour the medieval ambience when the day-trippers have gone.
Your morning in Sibiu begins at the farmers’ market near Piața Mică. Stalls groan with pumpkins, apples, jars of honey, and wheels of soft sheep’s cheese called brânză de burduf. Friendly vendors will urge you to taste before you buy, and you can assemble a picnic of fresh produce in just a few minutes.
Leaving Sibiu, drive north to the fortified town of Mediaș and east to the village of Cisnădie. Here, a slender church tower rises above timber-framed houses, and the fortified church walls still stand guard. The quiet lanes are perfect for an unhurried stroll, and you might glimpse a craftsman carving wood or weaving wool as locals have done for generations.
For lunch, find a family-run guesthouse in Cisnădie, where you're likely to be served comforting local dishes like mămăligă, a cornmeal porridge; tocană de ciuperci, a rich mushroom stew; and plăcintă cu brânză, a warm cheese-filled pastry. Over the meal, the conversation often turns to local legends — don't hesitate to ask about the ghosts said to haunt the old watchtower.
In the afternoon, continue your drive to Alba Iulia, a city deeply tied to the formation of modern Romania. At its heart lies a striking star-shaped Vauban fortress, home to massive bastions, fortified walls, and the Coronation Cathedral—where King Ferdinand was crowned in 1922. Take a sunset walk along the ramparts for sweeping views over the Târnava River valley. Head back to Cluj-Napoca and unwind with a late-evening coffee or gelato.
On your final morning, explore Cluj’s cultural highlights. The Cluj-Napoca Art Museum, housed in the Baroque-stle Banffy Palace, features a collection of Romanian and European paintings. Alternatively, visit the History Museum in Piața Unirii, where you can learn about the region's history, from the Dacian fortresses to modern student protests.
You might be ready for a modern twist on Romanian cuisine by midday. Dishes like pumpkin soup served in a carved-out pumpkin or slow-cooked pork belly with apple compote bring fresh, seasonal flavors to the table while still reflecting the region’s farming roots.
If you’ve got a bit of time left before heading out, squeeze in one last adventure. About 30 minutes west of Cluj lies Hoia Forest, famous for its twisted trees and stories of mysterious happenings. Or drive 40 minutes southeast to Salina Turda, a massive salt mine transformed into an underground amusement park. Inside, you’ll find a Ferris wheel, mini-golf course, and glowing chambers carved from salt—an otherworldly setting unlike anything above ground.
As the afternoon fades, return your hire car at one of the convenient city-centre locations, and enjoy a final covrig (Romanian pretzel) or gelato on your way. If you have an evening flight, relax with a final espresso and watch Cluj’s university students pass by, as vibrant and curious as when you arrived.
Having dependable transportation is essential to make the most of this itinerary. Finalrentals offers a variety of vehicles, from compact city cars to spacious SUVs perfect for mountain roads. All rentals include Collision Damage Waiver, theft protection, and unlimited mileage. You can also add GPS, child seats, or additional drivers during booking.
With convenient pick-up and drop-off locations, 24/7 support, and a straightforward fuel policy— return the car with the same amount of fuel—you can enjoy peace of mind throughout your journey. No hidden fees will appear on your bill. Visit the Finalrentals website and rent a car in Romania with Finalrentals for your next adventure.
Romania’s currency is the Romanian leu (RON). While some tourist spots accept euros, paying in lei will give you better value. ATMs are common in cities but less frequent in rural areas, so withdraw enough cash before venturing out. Road signage is primarily in Romanian, but here are a few key terms to help you navigate:
Main highways (drumuri naționale) are typically well maintained, though secondary roads can have potholes or loose gravel. Always drive defensively, be cautious of livestock on mountain lanes, and avoid driving after dark outside of towns. Romanian hospitality is known for its warmth—locals often offer help if you look lost. A few Romanian phrases can go a long way:
Many younger Romanians speak English, and a surprising number understand Italian, making communication easier for Italian travellers.
This five-day itinerary highlights why Romania is the ideal road trip destination for Italian travellers. Explore medieval citadels, savor dishes that blend the familiar with the new, and drive through some of Europe's most breathtaking landscapes. With the freedom of a rental car, you can take your time—pausing for a village lunch, wandering through a mountain meadow, or chasing the sunrise over a glacial lake.
Ready to start your adventure? Rent a car with Finalrentals and make your Transylvanian journey unforgettable. Safe travels and buon viaggio!
