From Bucharest: Craiova Christmas Market Day Trip

Discover Craiova's festive Christmas Market with twinkling lights, local treats, Santa's Village, and ice skating, all on a comfortable day trip from Bucharest.

A perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit in Romania, the From Bucharest: Craiova Christmas Market Day Trip offers a scenic and festive escape. Priced attractively, the tour costs a reasonable fee with luxury transportation included. The trip lasts 10 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the evening, making it ideal for those seeking a full day of holiday cheer. With a small group limited to 8 participants and a friendly English-speaking driver, it promises a personal and relaxed experience.

The tour begins with hotel or accommodation pickup, simplifying logistics. It’s well-rated at 4.5 by the provider, MatDan Eco Tours, reflecting consistent quality. Perfect for families or anyone eager to enjoy Romania’s Christmas traditions, this trip combines scenic drives, lively markets, and fun activities like ice skating and visiting Santa’s Village.

Key Points

  • Comfortable full-day trip from Bucharest to Craiova Christmas Market
  • Luxury transportation and hotel pickup included for ease
  • Explore Craiova’s dazzling holiday lights and festive market stalls
  • Family-friendly activities like Santa’s Village and ice skating
  • Sample traditional Romanian foods such as sarmale, cozonac, and mulled wine
  • Shop for authentic Romanian crafts at various stands
You can check availability for your dates here:

The Journey from Bucharest to Craiova

This tour departs from nine convenient pickup locations in Bucharest, including prominent hotels like the Grand Hotel Continental and the Sheraton. The van journey lasts about 3 hours, providing a comfortable ride through scenic landscapes. The round-trip logistics are straightforward, with drop-offs at the same locations you were picked up from, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

The transportation is described as luxury, emphasizing comfort, and the small group size ensures a more personalized atmosphere. The departure times are flexible, with availability checked when booking, but the total duration remains around 10 hours, making it suitable for a full day’s outing.

Exploring Craiova’s Christmas Market Lights and Atmosphere

Once in Craiova, the highlight is the thousands of Christmas lights illuminating the city square. These dazzling light displays create a festive, fairy-tale setting perfect for photos. The market features various light installations, which are a major draw, especially in the evening, when the glow transforms the city into a winter wonderland.

The market’s holiday ambiance is filled with festive music and the aroma of baked treats. Walking through, visitors encounter a lively scene of street stands and light displays, making the entire town feel magical and inviting.

Santa’s Village and Ice Skating Fun for the Family

A family favorite is Santa’s Village, designed for children to meet Santa Claus and participate in holiday-themed activities. This dedicated area makes the trip especially appealing for families with young kids seeking interactive and joyful experiences.

The ice skating rink adds a lively, fun element to the market. Skating enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy this activity, which enhances the festive vibe and offers a bit of outdoor winter adventure.

Culinary Delights: Romanian Food and Warm Drinks

Culinary experiences are a big part of the Craiova Christmas Market. Visitors can indulge in local Romanian cuisine, including sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) and cozonac (sweet bread). The aroma of roasting meats and baked goods fills the air, heightening the holiday mood.

The market also features mulled wine and hot chocolate (dark or white), perfect for warming up while enjoying the festive surroundings. These drinks are complemented by the scent of baked treats and roasted meats, creating a multisensory holiday experience.

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Shopping for Authentic Romanian Crafts

Beyond food and lights, the market offers a variety of stands selling traditional Romanian crafts. These include handcrafted gifts, decorations, and souvenirs, making it a great opportunity to pick up unique holiday presents. The craft stalls showcase local artisans, adding authenticity and charm to the shopping experience.

The Evening Return and Reflections on a Magical Day

After a full afternoon of exploring Craiova’s market and enjoying the festive activities, the tour provides a relaxed three-hour drive back to Bucharest. The evening ride offers a chance to reflect on the day’s highlights amid comfortable surroundings, culminating in drop-offs at your hotel or accommodation.

This trip balances sightseeing, culture, and fun activities, making it a well-rounded holiday outing from the capital city.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This day trip is ideal for families, holiday enthusiasts, and anyone wanting an accessible, well-organized way to enjoy Romania’s Christmas festivities. The small group size fosters a warm atmosphere, while luxury transportation ensures comfort during the journey. Visitors with an interest in local food, crafts, and festive lights will find this trip particularly rewarding.

While the tour is generally accessible, it’s not suitable for those over 95 years old. Packing a camera is recommended for capturing the beautiful lights and market scenes.

The Sum Up: A Festive Day Trip Worth Booking

The From Bucharest: Craiova Christmas Market Day Trip offers a practical and enjoyable way to experience Romania’s holiday traditions. With luxury transport, family-friendly activities, and the chance to shop for authentic crafts, it packs a lot into a single day. The dazzling lights, delicious food, and lively market atmosphere make for a memorable outing during the festive season.

This tour is best suited for those seeking an easy, all-inclusive day trip with a friendly guide and a cozy group setting. While the journey is relatively long, the comfortable vehicle and engaging stops make it worthwhile. For anyone eager to see Craiova’s famed Christmas market without the hassle of planning, this option is a solid choice.

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From Bucharest: Craiova Christmas Market Day Trip

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour from Bucharest to Craiova?
The entire trip lasts 10 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and free time at the market.

Are hotel pickups included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Bucharest, making logistics smooth.

What activities are available in Craiova’s market?
Visitors can enjoy the Christmas lights display, visit Santa’s Village, go ice skating, and browse craft stalls.

What food can I expect at the market?
The market features local Romanian dishes like sarmale and cozonac, as well as mulled wine and hot chocolate.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children will enjoy Santa’s Village and ice skating, making it a family-friendly outing.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more intimate experience.

How is the transportation described?
Participants travel in luxury vans that prioritize comfort for the 3-hour drive each way.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
A camera is recommended to capture the market’s festive scenes and light displays.

Is it accessible for seniors?
The tour is not suitable for people over 95 years old due to the physical demands of the day.

You can check availability for your dates here:
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