Join Dr. Ryan of Toldinstone for an extraordinary nine-day journey through Romania, exploring the rise, conquest, and enduring legacy of Ancient Romania.

From Bucharest and its full-scale replica of Trajan’s Column, we will travel across Transylvania, the Danube frontier, and the Black Sea coast, following in the footsteps of Emperor Trajan and the Roman legions. Along the way, we will explore ancient gold mines at Roșia Montană, the Roman city of Apulum at Alba Iulia, the thermal springs of Germisara and Băile Herculane, and the great provincial capital of Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa.

The journey also includes the remains of Trajan’s Bridge at Drobeta-Turnu Severin, a scenic cruise through the dramatic landscapes of the Danube, the monumental Tropaeum Traiani at Adamclisi, ancient Tomis in modern Constanța, and the remarkable Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins of Histria.

Combining archaeology, history, beautiful landscapes, traditional Romanian hospitality, and the expert insight of Dr. Ryan, this carefully designed expedition offers a rare opportunity to discover one of the Roman Empire’s most fascinating and least-explored provinces.

Whether you're a lifelong student of the ancient world or simply curious to explore one of Rome's most fascinating frontiers, this expedition was designed for travelers who want more than a typical vacation.

This journey is perfect for

• Fans of Toldinstone who want to experience history alongside Dr. Garrett Ryan.

• Lovers of Roman history eager to walk in the footsteps of emperors, soldiers, and settlers.

• Archaeology enthusiasts fascinated by ancient cities, fortresses, temples, and excavations.

• Students, teachers, and lifelong learners seeking a deeper understanding of the classical world.

• Curious travelers looking for an intellectually enriching experience rather than conventional sightseeing.

• Anyone who has ever wondered what life was really like on Rome's northern frontier.

No formal background in history or archaeology is required only curiosity, an open mind, and a passion for discovering the past.

Dacia is one of the most revealing destinations for understanding the ambition, military power, engineering skill, and cultural reach of the Roman Empire. Conquered by Emperor Trajan after two major wars, the province became one of Rome’s most strategically important and economically valuable territories, renowned especially for its gold mines and its position beyond the Danube frontier. Its fortresses, roads, bridges, mining galleries, cities, baths, monuments, and sacred sites tell the story not only of conquest, but also of how Rome transformed distant lands and integrated them into a vast imperial system.

Throughout the journey, Dr. Ryan, host of Toldinstone , will provide an invaluable and deeply enriching window into the world of Roman Dacia. Through his expertise, engaging storytelling, and ability to bring ancient places to life, travelers will gain a clearer understanding of the people, politics, warfare, architecture, and daily life behind the ruins. Visiting these sites in his company offers a rare opportunity to experience Dacia not simply as an archaeological destination, but as a living chapter in the history of the Roman world.

We strongly recommend that all participants have WhatsApp installed and active on the phone number provided during registration. WhatsApp will be the group’s primary communication channel before and during the trip due to its speed, reliability, and ease of use. Important updates, meeting times, schedule changes, and other relevant information may be shared through the group chat, so travelers should ensure they can access the app throughout the journey.

Closer to the trip’s departure date, we will create an official WhatsApp group for all registered participants. This group will be used for essential on-the-ground communication, including meeting points, departure times, schedule updates, reminders, and other important information during the journey.

This is far more than a conventional tour it is an immersive historical journey led by Dr. Ryan, host of Toldinstone.

As you explore the remarkable remains of Dacia, Dr. Ryan will provide the historical context that brings these ancient places to life, transforming ruins into stories of emperors, soldiers, and the people who lived on Rome's frontier.

The tour is designed to encourage discussion, questions, and thoughtful conversation at archaeological sites and throughout the journey. You'll also travel alongside a community of fellow history enthusiasts who share your passion for the ancient world.

With a limited group size, participants will enjoy numerous opportunities to interact personally with Dr. Ryan, making this a unique experience that goes far beyond a typical guided tour it is a traveling seminar through the Roman Empire.

We highly recommend exploring Dr. Ryan’s books before the journey. His writing offers an engaging and accessible way to deepen your understanding of the ancient world, helping you arrive in Dacia with greater historical context—and with even more questions to discuss during the trip.

His books include:

• Naked Statues, Fat Gladiators, and War Elephants: Frequently Asked Questions about the Ancient Greeks and Romans

• Greek Cities and Roman Governors: Placing Power in Imperial Asia Minor

• Insane Emperors, Sunken Cities, and Earthquake Machines: More Frequently Asked Questions about the Ancient Greeks and Romans

• Leaky Aqueducts, Battle Pigeons, and Mystery Cults: More Frequently Asked Questions About the Ancient Greeks and Romans

• On the Edge of Empire: A Modern Journey on the Roman Frontier

Reading any of these works will enrich the journey and make the places we visit even more meaningful. Travelers who purchase printed copies and bring them on the tour will also have the opportunity to ask Garrett to sign them during the trip.

This tour includes:

• Walking on uneven archaeological terrain

• Cobblestone streets

• Occasional stairs

• Some days with extended sightseeing

Participants should be comfortable walking several miles throughout the day.

The official currency of Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON).

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the country, including at hotels, restaurants, museums, and most shops. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards and can be used for the vast majority of purchases.

Please note that American Express is not widely accepted in Romania due to higher merchant processing fees. Travelers who rely exclusively on American Express may encounter difficulties, so we strongly recommend bringing a Visa or Mastercard as your primary payment method.

While card payments are convenient, it is also advisable to carry a small amount of Romanian Lei in cash for minor purchases, local markets, public restrooms, or small businesses that may not accept credit cards.

ATMs are widely available in cities and towns, allowing travelers to withdraw Romanian Lei using most international debit and credit cards.

Please note that WeTravel applies an external processing fee when payments are made through its platform. For those who prefer not to pay this additional external fee, we have enabled the following alternative payment options:

Zelle:
We recommend making payments via Zelle using the email address info@pilgrimgroupstravel.com. Please include your first and last name + “Ancient Romania with Toldinstone ” + any optional supplements you wish to include.

Bank check:
You may also make your payment by bank check, depositing it at Chase Bank payable to PILGRIM GROUPS TRAVEL LLC, account number 925327337, and routing number (if required): 267084131.

Credit card:
You may register and conveniently pay by credit card on the same page you are currently viewing. Please note that this payment method involves an additional bank fee as well as a platform fee. However, these additional charges can be avoided by choosing either of the two alternative payment options mentioned above.

After completing your payment, please send the proof of payment along with a scanned copy of your passport and the completed registration form to info@pilgrimgroupstravel.com or via WhatsApp at (305) 491-7562.

Your spot will be considered confirmed once you receive written confirmation of your registration, within 24 to 72 hours after the documentation has been submitted.

Please note that spaces are limited and subject to availability. Once maximum capacity is reached, no additional spots can be added. Likewise, if the minimum group size is not reached within the required deadlines, the group size may be reduced.

The included services are detailed in the official Ancient Romania with Toldinstone  program, which can be downloaded from this same link.

The following services are not included in the tour package and are arranged separately from the trip reservation.

Travelers who require additional accommodations, extensions, or assistance with flights may contact our team directly.

These services will be quoted, confirmed, and contracted separately according to each traveler’s individual needs and availability.

• Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Accommodations:

Travelers who plan to arrive before the official start of the tour or remain at the destination after the program ends may request additional hotel nights.

Accommodation is subject to availability and will be quoted separately according to the selected hotel, room type, and number of nights required. Transfers and other services are not included unless specifically requested and confirmed.

Please contact us as early as possible so we can assist with the arrangements.

• Tour Extensions:

Travelers interested in extending their journey before or after the main program may request a customized tour extension.

Extensions may include additional destinations, hotels, transportation, guided visits, meals, or private services.

Each extension will be designed and quoted separately according to the traveler’s preferences and availability of services.

Please contact us to discuss the destinations or experiences you would like to add to your trip.

• Flights to and from the Destination:

International flights are not included in the standard tour package, but our team can assist travelers with booking flights to and from the destination.

Airfare will be quoted separately based on the departure city, travel dates, selected airline, baggage allowance, and availability at the time of booking.

Airline prices and conditions may change until tickets are issued.

1. Organizer Information

Organizer: Pilgrim Groups Travel LLC
Registered in the United States
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1825, Ponce de Leon #193, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA
Contact Email: info@pilgrimgroupstravel.com

This trip is offered as a travel package in accordance with applicable United States regulations and international standards governing combined travel services. By making a reservation, the traveler fully accepts the terms and conditions set forth herein.

2. Included and Excluded Services

Included:

• 8 nights’ accommodation in selected hotels, according to the itinerary: Bucharest: centrally located 4-star hotel Sibiu: centrally located 4-star hotel, Alba Iulia: 4-star hotel, Hunedoara: 4-star hot

• Full board throughout the itinerary, from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 9, including: Daily breakfast at the hotels, Lunches in local r

• Private motorcoach transportation throughout the program.

• Professional English-speaking tour escort / accompanying guide throughout the itinerary

• Local guides when required for specific visits

• Entrance fees and tickets to the historical, archaeological, cultural and religious sites mentioned in the itinerary.

• 1.5-hour Danube cruise from Orșova, as mentioned in the itinerary.

• Visits and sightseeing according to the program, including Bucharest, Sibiu, Sibiel, Roșia Montană, Alba Iulia, Hunedoara, Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, Băile Herculane, Orșova, and other locations mentioned in the itinerary

• Hotel taxes and local service charges, unless otherwise stated.

• Assistance from our team before and during the trip.

• Basic travel assistance insurance as company policy

Not Included:

• International flights to and from Romania.

• Airline taxes, baggage fees, seat selection fees or any other airline-related Charges.

• Passport, visa or entry requirements, if applicable.

• Travel insurance, medical insurance or cancellation insurance.

• Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.

• Drinks during meals, unless specifically included.

• Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar, room service or porterage.

• Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, hotel staff or restaurant staff.

• Optional visits, activities or excursions not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.

• Any service not expressly mentioned under “Our Price Includes. ”

• Any additional costs caused by delays, flight cancellations, weather conditions, strikes, force majeure, schedule changes or circumstances beyond the organizer’s control.

• E-SIM cards, mobile data plans, roaming services, and access to cellular or internet networks are not included. Choosing and arranging phone or data service is each traveler’s personal responsibility.
  

3. Payments and Financial Conditions

A non-refundable deposit is required to secure the reservation. The amount is specified on the trip booking page.

Full payment must be completed by the deadline indicated in the booking confirmation.

Prices are based on the fares, taxes, fees, and exchange rates in effect on the date of publication. Significant changes may be passed on to the traveler.

4. Cancellations and Modifications

Cancellation by the Traveler:

• More than 90 days before departure: loss of the deposit.

• Between 89 and 60 days before departure: 25% of the total trip cost.

• Between 59 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total trip cost.

• Between 29 and 22 days before departure: 75% of the total trip cost.

• Fewer than 21 days before departure: 100% of the total trip cost.

Cancellation or Modification by the Organizer:

In the event of force majeure, including strikes, war, pandemics, natural disasters, government restrictions, or any other circumstances beyond the organizer’s reasonable control, Pilgrim Groups Travel LLC may:

• Refund the amounts already paid by the traveler; or

• Offer an alternative of equivalent quality.

5. Limitation of Liability

The participant acknowledges that:

Pilgrim Groups Travel LLC is not responsible for accidents, injuries, illnesses, lost belongings, delays, or cancellations caused by third parties or by circumstances beyond its reasonable control.

Certain activities may involve inherent risks, including extended walking, stairs, uneven surfaces, and adverse weather conditions. The traveler participates at their own risk.

The traveler confirms that they are physically and medically fit to undertake the trip.

6. Travel Insurance

Basic travel assistance insurance, known as Basic Plus, is included.

This insurance does not cover trip cancellation or pre-existing medical conditions.

Travelers are strongly encouraged to purchase additional insurance covering trip cancellation, repatriation, and expanded medical expenses.

7. Medical Declarations

The traveler declares that:

• They are physically and medically fit to participate in the trip.

• They have disclosed in writing any relevant medical condition.

• They are responsible for carrying and administering any required medication.

8. Data Protection

Personal information will be used solely for managing the reservation and providing the contracted travel services.

Data Controller: Pilgrim Groups Travel LLC.

Travelers may exercise their rights of access, correction, deletion, and data portability by writing to info@pilgrimgroupstravel.com.

Personal data may be shared only with essential service providers, including airlines, hotels, and insurance companies, when necessary for the operation of the trip.

9. Photo & Filming Disclaimer

By participating in this tour, you acknowledge that photographs and video recordings may be taken during the trip for promotional and educational purposes by Told in Stone, Pilgrim Groups travel LLC and Engrupo Viajes.

10. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Wyoming, United States.

Any dispute shall be submitted to the competent state or federal courts located in Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States.

This tour is offered on a full board basis, allowing us to enjoy not only Romania’s history and landscapes, but also its rich local gastronomy throughout the journey.

Meals are included from dinner on Day 1, June 8, through breakfast on the final day, June 16.

The program therefore includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the tour, except where the itinerary may specifically indicate otherwise.

• Whenever possible, meals will be selected to give participants the opportunity to experience traditional Romanian cuisine and regional specialties as part of the journey itself.

Please inform us in advance of any food allergies, intolerances, or important dietary requirements that we should be aware of.

We will communicate this information to the hotels and restaurants included throughout the itinerary so they can take it into consideration when preparing meals.

While we will always do our best to accommodate individual needs, the availability of suitable alternatives may vary depending on the restaurant, destination, and local circumstances.

We recommend arriving in Bucharest on this day, one day before the official program begins, to allow time to settle in and recover from the Transatlantic journey for those of you crossing the ocean.

Pre-tour accommodation and airport transfers are not included in the standard tour package but may be requested separately.

For travelers arriving one day before the official tour begins, we can arrange an additional hotel night in Bucharest on June 7, 2027. The final cost will be confirmed and communicated through the tour’s official channels as soon as possible.

Please select this add-on if you would like us to arrange your pre-tour accommodation. If you are interested, please let us know.

Independent arrival in Bucharest and transfer to the hotel on your own. Participants may arrive at any time throughout the day, depending on their individual flight arrangements.

The exact tour starting location including the hotel where group check-in will take place and the meeting time will be shared with participants through the official tour communication channels once all arrangements have been fully confirmed.

During the day, the group will meet Garrett Ryan and the local guide at the centrally located four-star hotel. A brief welcome presentation and meet-and-greet will also take place, either shortly before or after the official beginning of the tour, depending on the group’s arrival schedule.

Depending on arrival times, begin exploring Bucharest with a visit to the National History Museum, home to a full-scale replica of Trajan’s Column in Rome. Continue with a walking tour of Bucharest’s historic pedestrian center.

Dinner and overnight at the centrally located four-star hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. We begin our exploration of Bucharest with a visit to the Palace of Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. We will also visit the Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral, the spiritual center of the Romanian Orthodox Church in Bucharest.

Departure toward Sibiu, traveling through the scenic Olt Valley. Along the way, we will visit Cozia Monastery, an important medieval monastery founded in the late fourteenth century.

Lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Sibiu, one of Romania’s best-preserved medieval cities and a former European Capital of Culture.

In the evening, we travel to the traditional village of Sibiel, where we will enjoy dinner in the welcoming home of a local farming family.

Overnight at a centrally located four-star hotel in Sibiu .

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning tour of Sibiu, including the Grand Square, the Small Square, the famous Bridge of Lies, and the city’s three principal cathedrals: Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Lutheran.

We then continue toward Roșia Montană, a historic gold-mining region where we will explore ancient galleries associated with Roman mining activity.

Our journey continues to Alba Iulia, the site of ancient Apulum, one of the most important Roman military and administrative centers in Dacia and the capital of the province of Dacia Superior.

Lunch followed by a visit to the impressive Alba Carolina Citadel and the archaeological remains of the Roman fortress and settlement.

Dinner and overnight at a four-star hotel in Alba Iulia.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure toward Hunedoara. Along the way, we will visit Germisara, a Roman settlement renowned in antiquity for its therapeutic mineral springs and bathing complex.

We then continue toward Orăștie, the gateway to Sarmizegetusa Regia, the former political, religious and military capital of the Dacian Kingdom. Located amid the forested Orăștie Mountains, this extraordinary archaeological site preserves the remains of Dacian fortifications, sanctuaries and ceremonial spaces.

After the visit, lunch at a local restaurant.

Continuation to Hunedoara, where we will visit the spectacular Corvin Castle, one of the largest and most impressive medieval castles in Romania.

Dinner and overnight at a four-star hotel in Hunedoara.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, a Roman colony granted Italic rights and established as the capital of Roman Dacia. Visit the extensive archaeological complex and discover the monumental heart of the Roman province.

Continue toward the Danube, passing through Băile Herculane, a spa town founded by the Romans at the beginning of the 2nd century during the reign of Emperor Trajan. Its ancient thermal complexes, including the Baths of Apollo, date back to the Roman period.

Continue to Orșova and embark on a scenic 90-minute cruise along the Danube.

In the afternoon, arrive in Drobeta-Turnu Severin, situated on the banks of the Danube.

Dinner and overnight at the 3-star MyContinental Hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning visit to the archaeological remains of the Roman fortress of Drobeta and the surviving ruins of Trajan’s Bridge, the monumental structure built by the architect Apollodorus of Damascus to carry the Roman legions across the Danube during Trajan’s conquest of Dacia.

We then begin our journey back to Bucharest, crossing the Romanian Plain and passing through the city of Craiova.

Lunch en route.

Arrival in Bucharest, followed by dinner and overnight at a four-star hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure toward Romania’s Black Sea region. En route, we will visit the monumental Tropaeum Traiani at Adamclisi, erected following the Roman victories in the Dacian Wars and traditionally dated to the reign of Emperor Trajan.

We will also visit the Cave of Saint Andrew the Apostle, associated by Romanian Christian tradition with the introduction of Christianity to the ancient region of Scythia Minor and Geto-Dacia.

Continuation to Constanța, ancient Tomis, one of the most important Greek and Roman cities on the western coast of the Black Sea.

Lunch followed by a tour of the city, including the remains of the Roman Mosaic Building and other archaeological traces of ancient Tomis.

Dinner and overnight at a four-star hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning visit to Histria, founded by Greek settlers from Miletus in the seventh century BC. Under Roman rule, the city experienced a renewed period of prosperity and became an important commercial and military center on the Black Sea coast.

The extensive archaeological site preserves remains from several historical periods, including Greek temples, Roman baths, defensive walls, residential quarters and early Byzantine Christian buildings.

After the visit, lunch and return journey to Bucharest.

Dinner and overnight at a centrally located four-star hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. End of the program. Participants will make their own arrangements for transportation from the hotel to Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport, according to their individual flight schedules.