Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
The 1-Day Tour from Bucharest to Craiova Christmas Market offers a festive escape into one of Europe’s most beautiful holiday markets. For $69 per person, this 12-hour trip blends comfortable transportation with a full day of sightseeing, shopping, and holiday cheer. The tour departs from central locations in Bucharest and heads westward to Craiova, providing a scenic journey through Romania’s charming countryside. With a small group limit of 8 participants, the experience feels personalized, and the guided commentary is available in English, Italian, and Spanish, ensuring clear insights about the local traditions.
The tour’s standout feature is the Craiova Christmas Market itself, celebrated for its dazzling light displays, authentic handicrafts, and delicious Romanian cuisine. Visitors have the opportunity to explore over 100 stalls showcasing handmade gifts, including wooden toys, ceramics, and textiles. The market’s stunning illumination, featuring towering Christmas trees and glowing arches, creates an atmosphere rivaling the top markets in Europe. The free time at the market allows ample opportunity to shop, enjoy local food, and absorb the lively holiday ambiance.
Key Points
- Affordable price at $69 per person covers transportation and market access.
- Comfortable round-trip transport from central Bucharest, with small group size.
- Craiova Christmas Market is renowned for spectacular holiday lights and handcrafted Romanian gifts.
- Enjoy traditional foods such as sarmale, cozonac, and kürtskalács, along with warm mulled wine.
- Live entertainment includes carols, folk dancing, and cultural shows.
- Special activities for families include Santa’s Village and ice skating.
Scenic Journey from Bucharest to Craiova
The trip begins with a scenic drive from central Bucharest, offering views of Romania’s countryside. The bus or minibus provides a comfortable setting for the three-hour ride, giving travelers a chance to relax while enjoying the changing landscape. The departure points include central locations like Piața Victoriei and Radisson Blu Hotel, making it easy to join the tour without extra hassle.
The return journey also takes about three hours, returning travelers to the same convenient pick-up points in Bucharest. The small group size ensures a more intimate experience and allows for easier socializing and personalized attention from the guide.
While in Craiova, here are other experiences we've covered
Exploring Craiova Christmas Market
Upon arrival, the Craiova Christmas Market immediately impresses with its stunning holiday lights. The thousands of sparkling lights illuminate the city square, creating a fairy-tale scene perfect for photos. The market’s centerpiece is a massive Christmas tree, surrounded by shimmering ornaments and glowing arches that set a magical tone for the day.
The market stalls feature over 100 local artisans, offering handmade gifts that reflect Romania’s craftsmanship. Visitors can find wooden toys, ceramics, lacework, and textile crafts, ideal for holiday gift shopping. The authenticity of the crafts and the variety available are notable, making it a haven for those seeking unique Romanian souvenirs.
Romanian Food and Drink Sampling
The market is also a hub for traditional Romanian cuisine. Visitors can indulge in sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), cozonac (sweet bread), and kürtskalács (chimney cakes). The aroma of roasting meats and baked treats fills the air, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Warm mulled wine and hot chocolate are popular drinks to keep warm and complement the local snacks.
The food offerings give insight into Romania’s holiday traditions, and the local flavors add a delicious dimension to the visit. While food and drinks are not included in the tour price, there are plenty of stalls and cafes where visitors can purchase these treats at their leisure.
Live Entertainment and Cultural Shows
The market offers much more than shopping and eating. Throughout the day, traditional Romanian carols fill the air, accompanied by folk dancing performances. Live concerts showcase local musicians and cultural acts, providing an immersive experience of Romanian holiday customs. These performances are lively and contribute significantly to the festive spirit.
The cultural shows offer a chance to appreciate Romania’s musical and dance traditions, making the visit not just a market tour but also a vibrant cultural showcase.
More Great Tours NearbySanta’s Village and Ice Skating Fun
Families will find the Santas Village particularly charming. Here, children can meet Santa Claus and participate in holiday-themed activities. An ice skating rink is also available, giving visitors a fun, seasonal activity that adds to the festive feel. These attractions are included in the free time and are especially appealing to those traveling with kids.
The village and ice skating set the market apart as a family-friendly destination, offering entertainment beyond shopping and eating.
While you're exploring Craiova, here are other experiences we've looked into
Ice Sculptures and Artistic Installations
Adding a visual wow factor, the market features ice sculptures and holiday-themed art installations. These artistic displays elevate the market’s aesthetic, creating perfect backdrops for photos. The ice sculptures are especially notable in the winter setting, enhancing the market’s magical atmosphere.
These visual elements make each visit unique and add a special touch to the overall festive environment.
The Guided Experience and Practical Details
The tour is led by a live guide speaking English, Italian, or Spanish, ensuring clear narration about the market’s history and traditions. The audio guide options include German, Greek, French, Turkish, Chinese, and Hebrew, catering to a diverse group.
The small group size—limited to just 8 participants—ensures more personal attention and flexibility. The tour includes transportation, but food, drinks, and personal expenses are not included. Travelers are advised to arrive 15 minutes early at the meeting point for smooth departure.
The cancellation policy allows full refunds if canceled up to 24 hours in advance, adding peace of mind to booking.
Who Should Consider This Tour
This day trip appeals most to travelers seeking a convenient, guided way to experience Craiova’s holiday magic without the hassle of planning transportation or navigation. It’s ideal for those interested in Romanian culture, handcrafted gifts, or festive atmospheres. The small group setting and multilingual guides make it suitable for individual travelers, couples, or small families.
While the long ride may be tiring for some, the stunning market displays and cultural entertainment compensate for the travel time. The family-friendly activities also make it a good choice for visitors with children.
Final Thoughts on the Craiova Christmas Market Tour
This guided day trip offers a cost-effective way to explore Romania’s enchanting Craiova Christmas Market. The stunning holiday lights, handmade crafts, and traditional Romanian foods come together to create a cheerful, festive experience. The guided commentary and small group size enrich the visit, making it comfortable and engaging.
The long travel time is a consideration, but the scenic drive and full day of market activities make it worthwhile. For those eager to enjoy Romania’s holiday traditions and shop unique crafts, this tour delivers a solid mix of entertainment, culture, and seasonal magic.
✨ Book This Experience
1-Day Tour from Bucharest to Craiova Christmas Market
Frequently Asked Questions
Is transportation included in the tour price?
Yes, round-trip bus or minibus transportation from central Bucharest to Craiova Christmas Market is included.
How long is the tour at Craiova?
The free time at the market lasts about 4 hours, allowing ample opportunity for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the price, but there are plenty of stalls offering local Romanian treats and beverages.
What languages are available for the guide?
The live guide speaks English, Italian, and Spanish. An audio guide is available in German, Greek, French, Turkish, Chinese, and Hebrew.
Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the tour includes family-friendly activities like Santa’s Village and ice skating, making it a good choice for travelers with children.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
How accessible is the tour?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, accommodating a range of mobility needs.
Where does the tour depart from?
The tour departs from several central Bucharest locations, including Piața Victoriei and Radisson Blu Hotel.
Can I book this tour if I have limited time in Romania?
Yes, this full-day tour is designed to fit into a single day, with convenient departure and return points, making it suitable for those with tight schedules.
Is it a good value for the price?
Absolutely. For $69, the tour offers transport, guided insights, and access to Craiova’s festive market**—a great way to enjoy Romania’s Christmas traditions with minimal planning.
