Explore Bucharest, Romania’s dynamic capital
Visit the monumental Palace of the Parliament
Discover the royal summer residence of Peleș Castle
Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at Cantacuzino Castle
Walk the medieval streets of Brașov
Experience Dracula by Night at Bran Castle
Visit a traditional Romanian sheepfold and taste local cheeses
Stay at the tranquil Matca Hotel Relais & Châteaux
Step into a world where medieval legends, aristocratic castles, and dramatic mountain landscapes converge – welcome to Transylvania.
This journey offers a captivating introduction to Romania’s cultural heartland, blending iconic landmarks with immersive local experiences. Wander through the cobbled streets of Brașov, explore royal palaces nestled within the Carpathian Mountains, and uncover the stories behind the legendary Bran Castle after dark.
From Bucharest’s grand boulevards and vibrant art scene to the pastoral traditions of the Transylvanian countryside, this tour combines cultural discovery with moments of refined indulgence. Wine tastings in historic estates, encounters with local shepherds, and elegant boutique stays create a travel experience that is both immersive and memorable.
Whether standing beneath the towering halls of the Palace of the Parliament, walking through the medieval streets of Brașov, or exploring Bran Castle by lamplight, this journey invites you to discover a region where history, folklore, and landscapes intertwine.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
Private Departures 
Welcome to Romania. Your journey begins in Bucharest, a capital city shaped by centuries of cultural influence, grand architecture, and vibrant contemporary life.
Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Take time to settle in and relax after your journey before gathering this evening for a welcome dinner.
Dinner takes place at Gramont Société Gastronomique, located within the historic Suter Palace. Blending historic elegance with a contemporary culinary approach, this restaurant offers a refined introduction to Romanian cuisine. Carefully crafted dishes highlight fresh local ingredients, complemented by thoughtfully selected wines and attentive service. (D)
Overnight – Suter Palace or similar
After breakfast, set out to discover the highlights of Bucharest, a city where history and modernity exist side by side.
Begin with a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world. Explore its grand halls and opulent interiors while learning about its origins during Romania’s communist era.
Continue to the Spring Palace (Casa Ceaușescu), the former residence of Nicolae Ceaușescu. Inside, lavish décor, private art collections, and carefully preserved rooms offer insight into the extravagant lifestyle of Romania’s former leader.
From here, continue into Bucharest’s Old Town, where cobbled streets lead past historic landmarks such as Stavropoleos Monastery and Manuc’s Inn. The district’s lively cafés and boutique shops reveal the city’s contemporary energy while preserving its historic charm.
In the afternoon, gain insight into Bucharest’s modern creative scene with a visit to a contemporary gallery or cultural hub, where local artists and curators share perspectives on Romania’s evolving artistic landscape.
The evening is at leisure. (B)
Overnight – Suter Palace or similar
After breakfast, depart Bucharest and travel north into the Carpathian Mountains, where royal heritage and dramatic landscapes await.
Your first stop is Peleș Castle, the former summer residence of Romania’s royal family. Set against a forested mountain backdrop, this architectural masterpiece is renowned for its ornate wood carvings, stained glass windows, and impressive art collections.
Continue to Cantacuzino Castle, an elegant estate overlooking the Bucegi Mountains. Here, enjoy a refined lunch accompanied by a Romanian wine tasting, where regional cuisine is paired with carefully selected local wines in a historic setting.
Later, continue to Matca, a boutique retreat surrounded by peaceful alpine scenery. Upon arrival, settle in and enjoy time to relax within the tranquil surroundings of this exclusive mountain hideaway. (B,L)
Overnight – Matca Hotel Relais & Châteaux or similar
After breakfast, set out to explore the historic city of Brașov, one of Transylvania’s most charming medieval towns.
Walk through the beautifully preserved Old Town, where cobbled streets lead to Council Square (Piata Sfatului), framed by colourful baroque buildings. Visit the Black Church, the largest Gothic church in Eastern Europe, and stroll along Rope Street, one of the narrowest streets in Europe.
Later, visit a traditional Romanian sheepfold to gain insight into the pastoral traditions that have shaped rural life in the Carpathian Mountains for centuries. Learn about the practice of transhumance, where shepherds move their flocks between seasonal pastures, and enjoy a tasting of locally produced cheeses.
In the evening, travel to Bran Castle, widely known as Dracula’s Castle well after it has closed to the general public. With exclusive afterhours access, as night falls and the castle is illuminated by lamplight, explore its atmospheric corridors and hidden chambers without the crowds. A wine tasting accompanies your private visit, followed by dinner served in a private and atmospheric setting within the castle grounds. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Matca Hotel Relais & Châteaux or similar
After breakfast, depart the mountains and travel back toward Bucharest.
Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for a short stroll or final moments of exploration before your transfer to the airport.
Your Romanian journey concludes with a private transfer 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 2 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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