9-Day Romania Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Timișoara traveling east to Arad, Hateg, Cluj Napoca, and Oradea
Description
Included
Description
Experience the freedom of the open road in Romania as you embark on an unforgettable 9-day road trip! This experience caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Timișoara, Arad, Sarmizegetusa, Hateg, Hunedoara County, Simeria, Geoagiu-Băi, Cluj Napoca, Gâlgău Almașului, Jibou, and Oradea.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Romania takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Timișoara, 1 night in Arad, 1 night in Hateg, 3 nights in Cluj Napoca, and 1 night in Oradea. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Romania. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Timișoara, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Romania on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Romania. Castelul Corvinilor (corvins' Castle) and Prislop Monastery are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Central Park Simion Bărnuțiu, learn more about the unique Victory Square, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden.
As you hit the open road and drive through Timișoara, Arad, Sarmizegetusa, Hateg, Hunedoara County, Simeria, Geoagiu-Băi, Cluj Napoca, Gâlgău Almașului, Jibou, and Oradea, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Romania. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Romania.
Throughout your road trip in Romania, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Romania.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in Romania fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Romania today!
Travel details
Set your travel details to find the best price
Flights
Compare and choose from the best flights to Timișoara
Car
Choose from the best car rental deals or see all options
Itinerary summary
See a summary of the itinerary that you can fully customize
Personalize your itinerary
Customize tours under each day and destination
Day 1
- Timișoara - Arrival day
- More
- Union Square
- More
Say hello to Timișoara! Your exciting road trip through Romania is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Timișoara for 1 night before you continue your adventure!
Timișoara is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Piața Unirii, or just taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Timișoara. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Timișoara, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Savor the flavors at Hotel Boutique Casa del Sole, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Rivière Brasserie beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Homemade. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Timișoara tonight.
Explore the vibrant nightlife at Scârț, A Chill Place after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to The 80's Pub for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, La Pisici Cafe is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.
Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in Romania!
Day 2
- Timișoara
- Arad
- More
Drive 54 km, 1 hour 14 min
- The Old Town of Timișoara
- Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral
- Victory Square
- Liberty Square
- Botanic Park
- More
On day 2 of your road trip in Romania, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Timișoara. In the evening, you’ll end up in Arad, where you will stay for 1 night.
Set out on a day brimming with fun adventures, romantic experiences, and scenic views. Start at the frequently visited The Old Town Of Timișoara, an enchanting public square in Timișoara. Next, go to "three Holy Hierarchs" Metropolitan Cathedral.
After visiting The Old Town Of Timișoara and "three Holy Hierarchs" Metropolitan Cathedral, have a stroll along Timișoara's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Victory Square. This culturally significant public square offers a unique experience. Libertății Square In Timișoara is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Botanic Park, one of the most serene places to visit in Timișoara.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Arad. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Arad's best restaurants.
Savor the flavors at Orizont Caffe, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, La Bottega Beer&Grill beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Noi Restaurant. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Arad tonight.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Club Nerv, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, One More Beer provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Old Lady's Pub offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Romania!
Day 3
- Arad
- Timișoara
- Hateg
- More
Drive 243 km, 3 hours 32 min
- Banat Village Museum
- Ion Creangă Children's Park
- Parcul Uzinei
- Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa
- More
Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Romania. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Timișoara and Sarmizegetusa. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Hateg. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Today’s route brings family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots. The first attraction of today is Banat Village Museum, Timișoara. This frequently visited museum is a picture-perfect place to see in Arad.
As you stroll around Arad, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Parcul Uzinei. This worthwhile park offers a majestic encounter with Arad. Next, make your way to Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa to add another highlight to your day. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Arad.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Hateg. Hateg offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Hateg's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Romania!
Day 4
- Hateg
- Cluj-Napoca
- More
Drive 250 km, 3 hours 55 min
- Prislop Monastery
- Castelul Corvinilor (Corvins' Castle)
- Arboretum Park Simeria
- Clocota Fall
- More
Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Romania. Today, you will make 4 stops and experience some of the highlights of Hateg, Hunedoara County, Simeria, and Geoagiu-Băi. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cluj Napoca, which will be your home away from home for 3 nights.
Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Hateg, featuring fun adventures, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots. Start at Prislop Monastery, a notable monastery in the town. Then, head to Castelul Corvinilor (corvins' Castle) and soak in the ambiance of this history-steeped castle.
There are many interesting places to see in Hateg, and when you are ready for more, go to Arboretum Park Simeria. This is one of the town’s most underrated respected spots of interest. After exploring the botanical garden, visit the increasingly popular Clocota Fall.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Cluj Napoca, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As you explore more of Cluj Napoca, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Roata, a highly-rated dining destination in Cluj Napoca. If you're eager to try something different, consider Dacian House Restaurant, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Jaxx. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Cluj Napoca this evening.
After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Yolka, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, La Țevi offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Cluj Napoca. L'autre Café is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Romania!
Day 5
- Cluj-Napoca
- More
Drive 170 km, 3 hours 1 min
- Grădina Zmeilor
- Grădina Botanică „Vasile Fati” din Jibou
- Wesselenyi castle in Jibou
- More
Wake up to day 5 of your extraordinary road trip in Romania. With 2 nights left in Cluj Napoca, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!
Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several fun adventures, natural wonders, and breathtaking views. Whether you decide to explore Cluj Napoca on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Grădina Zmeilor is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this visually striking rock formation before continuing your journey. Jibou Botanical Garden is your next stop. This underrated botanical garden is one of the best-rated sights in Cluj Napoca.
Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Wesselenyi Castle In Jibou. This culturally significant castle is a sight to behold.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Cluj Napoca.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Cluj Napoca. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Pizzeria Montana, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Pasta Nostra offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss KFC. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cluj Napoca.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Zipp It, known for its inviting atmosphere. Studio 26 is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Blériot provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Romania.
Day 6
- Cluj-Napoca
- More
Drive 4 km, 1 hour
- Cetățuia Park
- Central Park Simion Bărnuțiu
- Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden
- Centru
- Strada Republicii
- More
On day 6 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Cluj Napoca. You’ll stay in Cluj Napoca for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.
A top thing to do today is to explore Centru, a must-see neighborhood in Cluj Napoca. It's the perfect starting point for touring the top attractions in the area. You can also visit Strada Republicii, an ideal street for continued sightseeing.
Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Cluj Napoca today. One of the most interesting attractions included on the itinerary is Cetățuia Park. This visually striking park will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Central Park Simion Bărnuțiu and learn what makes this serene park unique.
Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the well-known Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden.
Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Romania is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Cluj Napoca's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Dine in style at Casa Maramureșeană, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Toulouse boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Restaurant Valachia. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Cluj Napoca.
Round off your dining experience by visiting Hardward Pub (hard Club), a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Che Guevara Social Pub, a bar catering to every mood and preference. London Pub likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.
As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Romania.
Day 7
- Cluj-Napoca
- Oradea
- More
Drive 155 km, 3 hours 11 min
- Mushroom Hill
- Moskovits Palace
- Parcul Libertatii
- Țării Crișurilor Museum
- More
Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Romania. Today you will explore Oradea, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Oradea. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and historic treasures. Whether you decide to explore Cluj Napoca on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Mushroom Hill is the first of them. Moskovits Palace is your next stop. This up-and-coming palace is one of the best-rated sights in Cluj Napoca.
Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Parcul Libertății - Liberty Park. This idyllic park is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Țării Crișurilor Museum.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Oradea. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Oradea. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Pizzeria Mamma Mia, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Via29 offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Steak HUB Oradea. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Oradea.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Gekko Pub & Banya Klub, known for its inviting atmosphere. Explore Gaming Pub is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Lord's provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Romania!
Day 8
- Oradea
- Arad
- Timișoara
- More
Drive 177 km, 3 hours 18 min
- Oradea Town Hall
- Black Eagle Palace
- Oradea Fortress
- Oradea Zoo
- Parcul Pădurice
- More
On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Romania, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Oradea and Arad. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Timișoara, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Oradea is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a city hall, a palace, a castle, a zoo, a park and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the worthwhile The City Hall Of Oradea and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, "the Black Eagle" Palace, a visually striking palace that draws visitors from far and near.
Continue your journey to Oradea Fortress, one of the city’s most interesting spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the locally appreciated Oradea Zoo. When you're finished at the zoo, Parcul Pădurice awaits your visit. This park is an eye-catching highlight on today's itinerary.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Timișoara. Timișoara offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Timișoara. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Neața Omelette Bistro, a popular restaurant in Timișoara. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Timișoara at Cafeneaua Verde, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Zaza Restopub. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Timișoara tonight.
Keep the evening going at Storia, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Charlatan's Pub, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Csíki Beer House, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Romania!
Day 9
- Timișoara - Departure day
- More
- Roses Park
- More
Day 9 of your road trip in Romania is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Timișoara before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Roses Park, Timișoara. This often recommended park is a popular place to see in the city.
Maximize your last day in Romania and go on a shopping spree in Timișoara’s shopping center, the lively Shopping City Timișoara. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in Romania.
Before you conclude your road trip in Romania, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Timișoara.
If you're in the mood for something new, try EL MAGUEY, another premier location with a delectable menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Timișoara. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Romania!
Similar travel packages
Discover other popular vacations in Romania
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.