ROMANIAN FOOD & WINE EXPERIENCE

Farm to Table & Traditional Flavours Module

Duration: 2 nights

OVERVIEW:

Discover authentic Romanian cuisine beyond restaurants. Cook with local families, visit small producers, taste wines in family cellars, forage in forests, and learn recipes passed down through generations. This is food tourism at its most genuine - from garden to table, from vineyard to glass.

3-DAY PROGRAM:

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL & VILLAGE KITCHEN

Morning/Afternoon

· Transfer from previous location

· If your flight arrives in the morning, we can arrange a city tour before heading to the retreat.

· Arrive in a traditional village (Bran/Viscri/Mărginimea Sibiului area)

· Check in at the family guesthouse

· Meet your host - a local cook/grandmother

Afternoon

· Village garden tour - see where ingredients grow

· Local market visit (if market day)

· Introduction to Romanian ingredients and traditions

Evening

· Cooking Class #1: Traditional dinner preparation

o Sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls)

o Mămăligă (polenta)

o Seasonal salad from the garden

· Eat what you cook

· Țuică tasting (traditional plum brandy)

· Recipe cards to take home

DAY 2 - WINE COUNTRY & PRODUCERS

Morning

· Breakfast with homemade jams and bread

· Transfer to the ine region (Dealu Mare or local area)

· Visit a small family vineyard

· Walk through vines, learn about Romanian grape varieties

· Meet the winemaker

Midday

· Wine Tasting #1: Family cellar

o 5-6 Romanian wines (Fetească Neagră, Fetească Regală, Tămâioasă)

o Traditional cheese and charcuterie pairing

o Local bread and spreads

Afternoon

· Visit the second winery or the local cheese producer

· Learn about traditional cheese making

· Taste fresh sheep/cow cheese varieties

· Optional: participate in cheese making (seasonal)

Evening

· Return to the village

· Dinner at the guesthouse with wine from the day

· Stories about food traditions

DAY 3 - FOREST TO TABLE & BAKING

Morning

· Breakfast

· Foraging Experience (seasonal)

o Forest walk with local guide

o Identify edible mushrooms, herbs, and berries

o Learn traditional uses

o Collect ingredients for lunch

· OR visit local honey producer/beekeeper (winter option)

Midday

· Return and pack

· Farewell lunch - leftovers from cooking classes (optional)

· Recipe book gift

· Transfer to the next destination or airport

INCLUDED:

✅ Accommodation: 3 nights traditional guesthouse (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport: All transfers and visits ✅ Guide: English-speaking food expert throughout ✅ Meals: 3 breakfasts and 2 traditional dinners ✅ Cooking Classes: 2 hands-on sessions with recipes ✅ Wine Tastings: 2 winery visits with tastings (10-12 wines total) ✅ Producer Visits: Cheese maker, distillery, shepherd/beekeeper ✅ Foraging: Seasonal forest walk with expert ✅ Traditional Feast: Full evening with music ✅ Recipe Book: Traditional Romanian recipes in English

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS:

Meals:

· Lunch Day 1 - £15

· Lunch Day 2 - £20 (at winery)

· Lunch Day 3 - £18

Extra Experiences:

· Additional winery visit - £45

· Private wine tasting (premium wines) - £65

· Advanced cooking class (multi-course) - £55

· Truffle hunting experience (autumn only) - £85

· Visit to traditional mill - £25

· Pottery workshop + wine - £40

Drinks:

· Wine pairing for all dinners - £35

· Premium wine selection upgrade - £50

PRICING:

£395 per person

Includes accommodation, transport, guide, cooking classes, wine tastings, producer visits, recipe book, and 2 breakfasts

MODULAR EXTENSIONS - BUILD YOUR ADVENTURE

Add extra regions to your Hidden Romania base tour. Modules listed in logical travel order - start Brasov, end Bucharest

MODULE 1 EXPLORER: BRASOV & SURROUNDINGS (2 nights) - "Mountain Town Experience"

Add £270 per person

Highlights:

· Brașov Old Town walking tour

· Peleș Castle (royal residence)

· Sinaia mountain resort

· Râșnov Fortress

· Black Church

· Local craft beer scene

Included: ✅ 2 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Peleș Castle entrance - £12

· Râșnov Fortress entrance - £8

· Black Church entrance - £5

· Craft beer tasting - £20

· Lunches and dinners - £15-30 per meal

MODULE 2: SIBIU & SAXON VILLAGES (2 nights) - "Medieval Heritage"

Add £260 per person

Highlights:

· Sibiu Old Town (European Capital of Culture)

· Viscri fortified church (UNESCO) - Prince Charles village

· Biertan fortress (UNESCO)

· Sighișoara citadel (birthplace of Vlad the Impaler)

· Traditional Saxon guesthouse stay

Included: ✅ 2 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Viscri church entrance - £5

· Biertan fortress entrance - £5

· Sighișoara citadel tour - £10

· Saxon cheese tasting - £15

· Lunches and dinners - £15-25 per meal

MODULE 3: TASTE OF ROMANIA - FOOD & WINE (3 nights) - "Culinary Journey"

Add £380 per person

Highlights:

· Dealu Mare wine region - premium vineyards

· Traditional cooking class with a local family

· Cheese-making workshop with a shepherd

· Local market visits and food sourcing

· Farm-to-table dining experiences

· Pălinca (fruit brandy) distillery visit

· Romanian feast with live folk music

Included: ✅ 3 nights accommodation (guesthouse/wine estate) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking foodie guide ✅ 3 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Wine tasting (3 wineries) - £45

· Cooking class - £55

· Cheese making workshop - £40

· Traditional feast with music - £35

· Pălinca tasting - £25

· Lunches and dinners - £18-35 per meal

MODULE 4 GRAND: TRANSALPINA & SOUTHERN CARPATHIANS (3 nights) - "Scenic Routes"

Add £340 per person

Highlights:

· Transalpina Road (the highest paved road in Romania)

· Traditional villages of Mărginimea Sibiului

· Shepherd culture and sheep farming

· Hiking in Retezat National Park

· Mountain passes and panoramic views

· Authentic mountain accommodation

Included: ✅ 3 nights mountain accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 3 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Retezat National Park entrance - £8

· Shepherd visit and cheese tasting - £30

· Guided hiking tour - £40

· Lunches and dinners - £12-25 per meal

MODULE 5: APUSENI MOUNTAINS (2 nights) - "Wild Carpathians"

Add £240 per person

Highlights:

· Scărișoara Ice Cave (underground glacier)

· Turda Salt Mine (underground amusement park)

· Cheile Turzii gorges hiking

· Remote village Rimetea

· Mountain cabin accommodation

· Traditional shepherd culture

Included: ✅ 2 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Scărișoara Cave entrance - £8

· Turda Salt Mine entrance - £15

· Guided gorge hiking - £25

· Village cultural tour - £20

· Lunches and dinners - £12-20 per meal

MODULE 6: CLUJ & KALOTASZEG (2 nights) - "Culture & Crafts"

Add £250 per person

Highlights:

· Cluj-Napoca city tour (vibrant university town)

· Kalotaszeg region traditional villages

· Folk art and embroidery workshops

· Traditional costume demonstration

· Pottery village of Corund

· Local artisan visits

Included: ✅ 2 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Embroidery workshop - £35

· Pottery workshop - £30

· Traditional costume demonstration - £20

· Artisan visits - £25

· Lunches and dinners - £15-25 per meal

MODULE 7 SIGNATURE: MARAMUREȘ (3 nights) - "Living Traditions"

Add £330 per person

Highlights:

· Wooden churches (UNESCO)

· Merry Cemetery of Săpânța

· Traditional villages (Bârsana, Ieud, Botiza)

· Stay with local families

· Hand-carved wooden gates

· Artisan workshops (wood carving, weaving)

Included: ✅ 3 nights accommodation with local families (private room, shared bathroom) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 3 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Wooden church entrance (multiple) - £15 total

· Merry Cemetery entrance - £5

· Cooking class - traditional dishes - £45

· Wood carving workshop - £40

· Weaving workshop - £35

· Lunches and dinners - £12-20 per meal

MODULE 8: BUCOVINA (3 nights) - "Painted Monasteries"

Add £310 per person

Highlights:

· 5 UNESCO painted monasteries (Voroneț, Sucevița, Moldovița, Arbore, Humor)

· Icon painting workshop on glass

· Decorated eggs museum and workshop

· Traditional guesthouse stay

· Mountain hiking

· Local pottery village

Included: ✅ 3 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 3 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Monastery entrances (5 total) - £20

· Icon painting workshop - £40

· Decorated eggs workshop - £35

· Pottery village visit - £20

· Guided mountain hiking - £30

· Lunches and dinners - £12-20 per meal

MODULE 9: DANUBE DELTA (3 nights) - "Wilderness on Water"

Add £360 per person

Highlights:

· Boat exploration through channels

· Birdwatching (300+ species)

· Letea Forest - wild horses

· Traditional fishing village

· Sulina or Sfântu Gheorghe stay

· Fresh fish meals daily

· Sunrise/sunset boat trips

Included: ✅ 3 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport to/from Tulcea ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 3 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Boat trips (full day) - £45 per day

· Birdwatching guided tour - £50

· Letea Forest excursion - £55

· Fishing experience - £40

· Delta permits and fees - £10

· Lunches and dinners (fresh fish) - £15-25 per meal

MODULE 10: BUCHAREST (2 nights) - "Little Paris of the East"

Add £280 per person

Highlights:

· Palace of Parliament (world's 2nd largest building)

· Old Town (Lipscani) - vibrant nightlife

· Village Museum (open-air architecture)

· Communist history tour

· Traditional food tour - street food & markets

· Modern Romanian dining scene

· Therme Spa (optional)

Included: ✅ 2 nights central hotel (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Palace of Parliament entrance - £15

· Village Museum entrance - £8

· Traditional food tour - £45

· Communist Bucharest tour - £35

· Therme Spa visit - £25

· Lunches and dinners - £15-30 per meal

Final Day Return Transfer - £145 per vehicle (up to 8 people)

POPULAR COMBINED PACKAGES:

"Transylvania Complete" - 9 nights

Hidden Romania Base (2) + Brașov (2) + Sibiu & Saxon Villages (2) + Apuseni (2) £1,010 per person

"Food & Culture Journey" - 11 nights

Hidden Romania Base (2) + Taste of Romania (3) + Maramureș (3) + Bucharest (2) £1,350 per person

"Grand Romania Explorer" - 15 nights

Hidden Romania Base (2) + Brașov (2) + Taste of Romania (3) + Maramureș (3) + Bucovina (3) + Bucharest (2) £1,740 per person

"Mountains to Delta" - 13 nights

Hidden Romania Base (2) + Transalpina (3) + Apuseni (2) + Bucovina (3) + Danube Delta (3) £1,520 per person

"Ultimate Romania" - 18 nights

All modules - complete Romanian experience £2,380 per person

BUILD YOUR OWN:

Start: Hidden Romania Base (Bran/Rucar - 2 nights) Add: Any combination of modules End: Bucharest (optional - or return to start point)

Recommended:

· Short trip: Base + 1-2 modules (5-7 nights)

· Optimal: Base + 3-4 modules (9-12 nights)

· Grand tour: Base + 5+ modules (13+ nights)

Logical routes:

· West to East: Brașov → Sibiu → Apuseni → Cluj → Maramureș → Bucovina → Delta → Bucharest

· Food Focus: Base → Taste of Romania → Maramureș → Bucharest

· Nature Focus: Base → Transalpina → Apuseni → Bicaz → Delta

· Culture Focus: Base → Brașov → Sibiu → Maramureș → Bucovina → Bucharest

Group sizes: 2-8 people

All modules include accommodation, transport, a guide, and breakfasts. Entrance fees, activities, and most meals are optional add-ons for maximum flexibility.

COMBINE WITH:

This module works perfectly after:

· Hidden Romania 2-night base → Then Food & Wine

· Transylvania villages module → Then Food & Wine

Or before:

· Food & Wine → Maramureș traditions

· Food & Wine → Bucovina monasteries

REGIONS:

Primary location: Mărginimea Sibiului (Sibiu area)

· Best food traditions

· Excellent wine access

· Authentic village life

Alternative: Bran/Moeciu area

· Mountain cuisine

· Smaller scale but authentic

· Easy combination with base tour

Wine focus option: Dealu Mare region

· Romania's premier wine area

· More wineries, less village life

· Can be arranged on request

BEST TIME FOR FOOD & WINE:

�� SPRING (April-June) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

· Fresh spring vegetables

· Sheep milking season - fresh cheese

· Wild herbs and greens foraging

· Early wines from the previous harvest

☀️ SUMMER (July-August) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

· Peak produce season

· Outdoor cooking and dining

· Berry foraging

· Rosé wine season

�� AUTUMN (September-October) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

· BEST SEASON

· Harvest time - grapes, apples, plums

· Mushroom foraging peak

· New wine season begins

· Preserving and pickling traditions

· Abundance of everything

❄️ WINTER (November-March) ⭐⭐⭐

· Hearty traditional dishes

· Pork slaughter traditions (December-January)

· Preserved foods - pickles, jams, smoked meats

· Cosy cooking by the fire

· Mature wines

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

�� About Wine:

· Romanian grape varieties

· Wine regions and terroir

· Food pairing principles

· How to taste like a local

��️ About Food:

· Traditional cooking techniques

· Seasonal ingredient use

· Preservation methods

· Family recipes and stories

�� About Nature:

· Foraging safely

· Seasonal rhythms

· Traditional food sources

· Sustainable practices

WHAT MAKES THIS SPECIAL:

✨ Cook in real village kitchens, not cooking schools ✨ Visit family wineries, not commercial operations ✨ Learn from grandmothers, not professional chefs ✨ Forage in actual forests with locals ✨ Eat with families, not in restaurants ✨ Take home authentic recipes that work ✨ Understand food culture, not just taste it

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS:

We accommodate:

· Vegetarian (excellent options)

· Pescatarian

· Gluten-free (with advance notice)

· Dairy-free (limited but possible)

· Other allergies (please inform in advance)

Note: Traditional Romanian cuisine is meat-heavy, but vegetarian alternatives are authentic and delicious.

PERFECT FOR:

✅ Food lovers and home cooks ✅ Wine enthusiasts ✅ People who love cooking classes abroad ✅ Anyone interested in food culture ✅ Travelers who eat to understand a place ✅ Foodies tired of restaurant tours

Not for: Picky eaters, those avoiding alcohol completely, people uncomfortable with rustic kitchens

BOOKING NOTES:

· Minimum 2 people

· Maximum 8 people per departure

· Some experiences are seasonal (foraging, shepherd visits)

· Winter alternative activities provided

· Cooking classes adapt to group size

· Advance notice needed for dietary requirements

WHAT YOU TAKE HOME:

�� Recipe book with 20+ traditional recipes �� , Photos of your cooking �� Knowledge to find Romanian wines at home �� , Understanding of traditional food culture �� , Stories from Romanian grandmothers, �� Connection to land and seasons

Taste of Romania - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

DESPRE EXPERIENȚĂ

What is included in the Taste of Romania experience? The Taste of Romania experience includes hands-on cooking classes with local chefs, guided tours of traditional farmers' markets, authentic meals in family homes, regional wine tastings, visits to artisan food producers, and farm-to-table experiences across all Romanian culinary zones. You'll discover Transylvanian, Moldavian, Wallachian, and Banat specialities while learning traditional recipes and cooking techniques.

How long does the culinary tour last? We offer flexible durations to suit your schedule: single-day experiences (8-10 hours), weekend getaways (2-3 days), and comprehensive week-long culinary journeys (7 days). Each option is carefully curated to provide an immersive gastronomic adventure.

Which regions of Romania will we explore? Depending on your chosen package, you'll explore multiple Romanian regions, including Transylvania (hearty stews and pastries), Moldova (traditional polenta and wine), Muntenia/Wallachia (grilled meats and vegetable dishes), and Banat (multicultural fusion cuisine). Each region offers distinct flavours and culinary traditions.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or only experienced cooks? Absolutely suitable for all levels! Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced home cook, our expert chefs adapt the experience to your skill level. The focus is on enjoyment, cultural immersion, and learning at your own pace.

What makes this experience authentic and unique? We partner exclusively with local families, traditional chefs, and small-scale producers who have preserved authentic recipes for generations. You'll cook in real Romanian kitchens, use locally-sourced ingredients, and experience genuine hospitality—not tourist-oriented demonstrations.

BOOK THE EXPERIENCE

How do I book the experience? Simply fill out our booking form with your preferred dates, number of participants, and any special requests. We'll contact you within 24 hours to confirm availability and finalise your culinary journey details.

What is the cancellation policy? Free cancellation up to 14 days before your scheduled experience. Cancellations made 7-14 days prior receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 7 days are non-refundable, though we offer the option to reschedule based on availability.

When is the best time to visit for this culinary tour? Each season offers unique culinary experiences! Spring (April-May) features fresh vegetables and Easter traditions. Summer (June-August) brings abundant produce and outdoor dining. Autumn (September-October) is harvest season with wine festivals. Winter (December-February) showcases hearty comfort foods and holiday specialities.

Do you offer private or group tours? Yes, both! We offer small group experiences (maximum 12 people) for a social atmosphere, as well as private tours tailored exclusively to your group, family, or couple. Private tours offer more flexibility in itinerary and pace.

What is the minimum/maximum group size? Minimum 2 people for private experiences, minimum 4 people for group tours. The maximum group size is 8 participants to ensure personalised attention and an intimate, authentic experience.

DIETARRY RESTRICTIONS

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free)? Yes! We accommodate all dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other requirements. Romanian cuisine has rich plant-based traditions, and our chefs expertly adapt recipes. Please inform us of any restrictions when booking.

What should I do if I have food allergies? Please notify us of all food allergies when booking. We take allergies very seriously and will work with our partner chefs and restaurants to ensure your complete safety. All ingredients and preparations will be carefully monitored.

Will we be eating at restaurants or in local homes? Both! The experience includes meals in authentic family homes where you'll cook alongside locals, visits to traditional restaurants showcasing regional specialities, and outdoor farm-to-table dining experiences. This variety provides a comprehensive taste of Romanian food culture.

Is alcohol included in the experience? Wine tastings and traditional Romanian spirits (țuică, palincă) are included in most packages. Additional alcoholic beverages at meals can be purchased separately. We also offer non-alcoholic traditional drinks like compot and socată.

COOKING CLASSES

What should I bring/wear for the cooking classes? Wear comfortable, casual clothing and closed-toe shoes. We provide aprons, but you may want to bring an extra layer as some traditional kitchens can be cool. Bring a camera to capture your culinary creations and a notebook if you want to record recipes!

Is transportation included between locations? Yes! All inter-city transportation between culinary destinations is included in multi-day packages. For single-day experiences, we provide transportation to markets, farms, and cooking locations. Airport transfers can be arranged for an additional fee.

What level of physical activity is required? Moderate activity level. You'll be standing during cooking classes (2-3 hours), walking through markets and villages, and occasionally navigating stairs in traditional homes. Most experiences are accessible, but please inform us of any mobility concerns.

Do I need travel insurance? While not mandatory, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and personal belongings. Cooking and food experiences involve minimal risk, but insurance provides peace of mind.

What language will the experience be conducted in? All experiences are conducted in English by bilingual guides and chefs. Many local hosts speak English, and when they don't, our guides provide seamless translation, adding to the authentic cultural exchange.

TESTIMONIALS

Sarah & Michael Thompson - London, UK ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This was hands down the highlight of our European travels! Cooking mămăligă with Maria in her Transylvanian kitchen while hearing stories about her grandmother's recipes was magical. The market tour in Cluj opened our eyes to ingredients we'd never seen before. We've already recommended this to three friends!"

James Chen - San Francisco, USA ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "As a food blogger, I've done culinary tours worldwide, but Taste of Romania was exceptional. The authenticity is unmatched—no tourist traps, just real families sharing real food. The wine tasting in Moldova's countryside was spectacular. I filled two notebooks with recipes and came home 5 pounds heavier and infinitely happier!"

Isabella & Marco Rossi - Milan, Italy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "We thought we knew European cuisine, but Romanian food was a revelation! The sarmale we made with our host family was better than any restaurant. Our 10-year-old daughter still talks about making cozonac. It wasn't just a cooking class—it was a cultural immersion we'll treasure forever."#

2026 DEPARTURE DATES:

SPRING SEASON (Best for: Wildlife tracking, wildflowers, fewer crowds)

· May 9-11 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· May 16-18 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· May 23-25 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· June 6-8 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· June 13-15 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· June 20-22 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

SUMMER SEASON (Best for: Long days, all regions accessible, festivals)

· July 4-6 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· July 18-20 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· August 1-3 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· August 15-17 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· August 22-24 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

AUTUMN SEASON (Best for: Fall colours, harvest season, ideal weather)

· September 5-7 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· September 12-14 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· September 19-21 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· September 26-28 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· October 3-5 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· October 10-12 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· October 17-19 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

Custom dates available for groups

All extensions can be added to any guaranteed departure date

OUR GUARANTEE:

��️ Departure Guaranteed - All listed dates run with a minimum of 2 people - 8 people

��️ Quality Commitment - If accommodation doesn't meet our standards, we'll upgrade you at no cost

��️ Transparent Pricing - No hidden fees, all inclusions clearly listed

BOOK NOW:

Deposit: 30% at confirmation. Balance: 45 days before departure.

Cancellation Policy

• 31+ days before departure:
Full refund minus £50 administration fee

• 0–30 days before departure:
No refund (100% cancellation fee)