Located in the heart of Eastern Europe is Romania. A country famed for its delicious wines and fortified castles that have given birth to the legend of Dracula.
Join us as we embrace off-the-map experiences and discover the medieval traditions of this fascinating culture. Enjoy scenic hikes through the dense forests of Transylvania and explore the picturesque Carpathian Mountains.
Follow the footsteps of the first Saxons settlers as you wander Viscri, experiencing a horse drawn carriage ride through this beautiful Saxon style town. Discover what attracted royalty to Romania, and why a certain Prince of Wales decided to buy a house after just one visit. Still relatively unexplored, this is the perfect trip for those who are well traveled and seeking a more diverse experience in an often overlooked part of our world.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
Signature Tour 
Welcome to Romania! Upon arrival at Cluj International Airport, you will be met by your guide and start your journey to the beautiful region of Maramures (160 km, 3-hour drive).
On your way to Breb you will enjoy an amazing Lord of The Rings-like landscape while in Targu Lapus and stop to admire the beautiful virgin forest at Strimbu Baiut, the last secular virgin forest in Maramures and one of the forests that was entered the UNESCO Patrimony in June 2017.
Continue your journey to Hoteni, one of the few settlements in Maramures developed on the hills of Piedmont Gutâi. In the evening you will reach Breb, where you will have a traditional dinner and spend the night. (D)
Overnight – Veronica’s Guesthouse or similar
Today you will be spending time visiting Maramures an open-air museum. The locals have managed to overcome hardship, living by 2 principles: live your life to the full and cherish, above all, the richness of the soul. You will start exploring this wonderful region with Breb. The houses and old wooden churches in Breb are nowadays part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The people here are warm, and they will tell you about their life and even invite you into their house. For lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy fresh products and delicious fruity liqueurs.
Your next stop is Sapanta, the world’s one and only Merry Cemetery and after dinner, there will be time for you to have a nice walk through Sighetu Marmatiei before arriving back to your accommodation. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Veronica’s Guesthouse or similar
Today is an active day, trekking through the Iza Valley (8.5 km, 4-6 hours, easy-moderate) and continuing to explore Maramures with a visit to two ancient wooden churches that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Poienile Izei (Iza Meadows) and Barsana. Perfected across generations, the art of wood carving remains the chief craft of the local community, as you’ll see in an arts and crafts workshop.
After the presentation you’ll have the opportunity to taste the local products in one of the most picturesque and well-preserved regions in Romania. Your journey will continue to Botiza, the village known for its wool carpets, where you will visit a family that sews carpets. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Pensiunea Teodora Teleptean or similar
This morning will begin with a big breakfast, as you replenish your energy from the day before and get prepared for the spectacular day ahead. Your guide will drive you to Borsa, where you will take a chairlift deep into the beautiful Rodna Mountains.
Trek through the mountains (7.5 km, 4-5 hours, moderate) and take in the wonderful Romanian countryside, a true highlight of your journey will be when you first witness the magnificent Stiol Lake, a glacier lake from which the Bistrita river springs. In the evening you will be transferred to Sucevita (230 km, 4-hour drive).
Today’s trek starts with the first half through the forest, followed by a meadow which leads you to the lake in a gentle downhill decline. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Casa cu Cerbi or similar
Today begins in Sucevita, visiting Sucevita Monastery and Marginea Pottery Workshop will reveal the technique of handcrafting traditional black ceramics. You will have the opportunity to admire and purchase painted eggs with traditional patterns, as well as traditional blouses.
This will be followed by a visit to Voronet, a jewel of the UNESCO northern heritage whose frescoes, featuring an intense shade of blue, have become famous throughout the world. The exterior murals have preserved their hues despite centuries of inclement weather, but the ingredients used in preparing the paints are still a mystery.
You will be driven to Moldovita, to visit a second UNESCO Painted Monastery, and have a walk through the village. The visits at Sucevita and Moldovita Monasteries will be an unforgettably unique immersion into the medieval Byzantine art and monastic life. Today will also include a trek in a Hutsul village (5 km, 6 hours, moderate), before enjoying a relaxing picnic. On this journey, you’ll have the chance to interact with locals and craftsmen eager to share their lively stories and other truly amazing things. In the evening you will return to Sucevita. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Casa cu Cerbi or similar
Today you will experience “Nicolae Popa” Folk art museum in Târpeti, featuring an impressive collection of festival masks and traditional costumes, including biblical and Judaic references. If you wish to immerse more in the typical idyllic rural life of the region and to better understand the way the locals truly live, a visit with locals of the region can be organised.
Your guide will continue driving northwards, crossing the Bicaz Dam and around the east side of Lake Bicaz. When the sky is clear you can have some of the most stunning scenery in Romania – the lake with the ‘magic mountain’ Ceahlau Mountains in the background.
This afternoon, you will visit Red Lake. Red Lake is also known as ‘the Killer Lake’, partly because of the reddish, blood-like colour lent by the sediments carried by the river supplying it with water, and partly due to the legend saying that, at the time the mountain collapsed and formed the dam, a shepherd and his sheep were caught underneath. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Red Lake Inn or similar
This morning begins with trekking through Hasmas Mountains (4.7 km, 2-3 hours, moderate), crossing the Bicaz Bridge, the oldest construction in the region, built in 1926, which helped introduce tourism at Lacu Rosu. You will reach Suhard Lodge, following a trail on the south wall of the Small Suhard, to reach the belle viewpoint, from where you can admire the beautiful area and with a bit of luck, you will be able to see the local black goats.
In the afternoon, return to Lacu Rosu, before transferring to Viscri, for a very tasty lunch with Mama Gerda, the woman who made Prince Charles fall in love with Romanian food.
The first 200m are asphalt road, then we begin following a path which will lead us to a beautiful belleview point. Afterwards, we will follow a forest path and a 365m steep climb to the Suhardul Mic Plateau. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Guesthouse in Viscri
After breakfast, you will be introduced to a small village that was founded a millennium ago by the first Saxon settlers arriving from the area of Luxembourg. It is tucked away under the Transylvanian forests and sheltered from the busy roads, preserving its medieval charm. This is a place that once attracted royalty – the Prince of Wales. Charmed by the beauty of the area and by the simplicity of its life, he bought a house here and refurbished it, preserving its traditional style. Here you will experience a horse drawn carriage and wander through this beautiful Saxon village.
In the afternoon, you will head to Sighisoara, considered the only medieval fortress within UNESCO that’s currently inhabited. Walking up the winding cobble stone streets lined with historical buildings, reach the Clock Tower, a symbol of the city, atop of which you can admire the breathtaking views. The Tower shelters a museum of medieval weapons and the chamber of torture. After visiting the tower, climb the three hundred wooden steps up to the Church-on-the-hill, built in the XIV century. The remainder of the day will be free for you to explore Sighisoara. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Fronius Residence or similar
Today you will visit the Biertan Fortified Church, first mentioned in 1283 in a document concerning the taxes demanded from the Catholic priests of Saxon settlements by the Superior Board of Alba-Iulia. As far back as the late 14th century, Biertan was mentioned as an oppidum (borough). In 1418 it received the Ius gladii (the right to be a sword bearer) and the right to organise a weekly Saturday market in the main square.
Following your visit, you will then begin your final journey back to Cluj, stopping along the way to have a visit and wine tasting session at Bethlen (Jidvei) Castle. The twinning of different nations (Romanians, Hungarians, and Saxons) has led both vine cultivation and wine production to develop techniques and skills with amazing results. Considered to be the second motherland of the Traminer grape, Tarnave Vineyard owes this fact to the massive colonisation in the second half of the thirteenth century with Saxons from the Mosel–Rhine Valley who founded Seiden, the German name for Jidvei.
In the evening you will arrive in Cluj. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Hotel Beyfin or similar
Your last day in Romania will begin with a walking tour of the streets of the beautiful city of Cluj. The city seems to be destined for an intense and rich art scene, cultural events taking place almost weekly. To the bohemian atmosphere of Cluj contributes the picturesque architecture combining classical and baroque styles, mostly clustered around Union Square, in the heart of the city. Start in Cluj Napoca, the Union Square – festooned with Gothic and Baroque–style buildings. You will visit St Michael’s Gothic Cathedral and take a stroll down Mirror Street.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
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**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 4 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
Small group tours providing intimate connections to gain a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the community, tribes, cultures and lands explored.
Exploring the world’s most remote reaches and challenging destinations requires a high level of expertise which can only be learned from first-hand experience. We know because we go.
In an ever-changing global landscape of rules, regulations and restrictions, rest-assured you are being looked after by those in the know. Given the remote regions that we explore, our passengers safety is our top priority.
Stay up to date with the latest travel trends and new destinations opening up. To be the first to go, you need to be the first to know.
Travel professionals are welcome. For partnerships or agent enquiries, we recommend contacting us directly.
This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
More about out Tour Styles.
Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
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