19 days in Europe Itinerary

Reminiscent of the height of the bourgeoisie and retaining much of its medieval architecture, Sibiu is Romania's cultural gem.

Visiting Transfagarasan Highway and Moldoveanu Peak will get you outdoors. Get some historical perspective at Lutheran Evangelical Cathedral & Tower and Citadel of Alba Iulia. There's much more to do: take a stroll through Old Town, examine the collection at Brukenthal National Museum, take in panoramic vistas at Turnul Sfatului (The Tower of the Council), and steep yourself in history at Passage of Stairs.

For reviews, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Sibiu trip itinerary planner .

Toronto, Canada to Sibiu is an approximately 13.5-hour combination of flight and bus. You can also do a combination of flight and shuttle. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to Eastern European Time, which is usually a 7 hour difference. Expect a daytime high around 3°C in December, and nighttime lows around -5°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Fri) to allow enough time to take a bus to Brasov.

With the dramatic Carpathian Mountains as backdrop, Brasov is the largest city in a region of mountain resorts.

Popular historic sites such as Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle) and Peles Castle are in your itinerary. Yekaterina's Gate and Fortified Church of Harman are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Get out of town with these interesting Brasov side-trips: Sinaia (Pelisor Castle & Sinaia Monastery). There's lots more to do: fly down the slopes at Poiana Brasov, wander the streets of Brasov Historical Center, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sinagoga Neologa, and learn about winemaking at Natura in Bucate.

For ratings, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Brasov day trip site .

Take a bus from Sibiu to Brasov in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Cap off your sightseeing on the 31st (Mon) early enough to travel to Chisinau.

Chișinău Etymology and namesThe origin of the city's name is unclear, but in one version, the name comes from the archaic Romanian word chișla (meaning "spring", "source of water") and nouă ("new"), because it was built around a small spring, at the corner of Pușkin and Albișoara streets.The other version, formulated by Ștefan Ciobanu, Romanian historian and academician, holds that the name was formed the same way as the name of Chișineu (alternative spelling: Chișinău) in Western Romania, near the border with Hungary. Do some cultural sightseeing at Old Orhei Archeological Complex and Curchi Monastery. Hancu Monastery and Church of St. Nicholas will appeal to history buffs. Get out of town with these interesting Chisinau side-trips: Capriana Monastery (in Capriana), Condrita Monastery (in Condrita) and Asconi Winery (in Ialoveni). There's much more to do: do a tasting at Cricova Winery, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Dormition of the Theotokos, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at The Metropolitan Cathedral “Nativity of the Lord”.

To see reviews, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Chisinau trip builder app .

Traveling by combination of shuttle and flight from Brasov to Chisinau takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Thu) so you can travel to Saranda.

A popular summer destination for its inexpensive accommodation and stony Mediterranean beaches, Saranda has become a favorite of both Albanian and foreign travelers.

On the 4th (Fri), explore the wealth of natural beauty at Butrint National Park. On the 5th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, explore the historical opulence of Lekuresi Castle, and then take a stroll through Butrint.

To find maps, traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Saranda route planner .

Traveling by combination of flight and ferry from Chisinau to Saranda takes 9 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and car; or drive. In January, daytime highs in Saranda are 16°C, while nighttime lows are 5°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sat) so you can drive to Tirana.

Tirana, the largest city in Albania, represents one a lively and fast-paced metropolis.

Kick off your visit on the 6th (Sun): explore the historical opulence of Kruja Castle, don't miss a visit to Skanderbeg Square, learn about all things military at BunKart 2, then brush up on your military savvy at BunkArt 1, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Et`hem Bey Mosque. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 7th (Mon): get engrossed in the history at Bektashi World Center, see the interesting displays at Museum of Secret Surveillance, then stroll through Grand Park (Parku i Madh), then relax in sumptuous surroundings at local Arab baths, and finally take an in-depth tour of National History Museum.

To find maps, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Tirana route site .

Getting from Saranda to Tirana by car takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a shuttle. Traveling from Saranda to Tirana, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Expect little chillier evenings in Tirana when traveling from Saranda in January, with lows around 1°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Mon) so you can travel to Belgrade.

The capital and largest city of Serbia, cosmopolitan Belgrade sits on the confluence of the Sava and the Danube rivers.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Saint Petka's Chapel and Crkva Svetog Marka. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Kalemegdan and Cathedral Church. Next up on the itinerary: learn about all things military at Military Museum, wander the streets of Skadarlija, soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, and get a taste of the local shopping with Knez Mihailova.

To see maps, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Belgrade trip planner .

You can fly from Tirana to Belgrade in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and flight. In January, Belgrade is little chillier than Tirana - with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.