The "Eat Well in Oltenia" Route
Craiova → Horezu → Segarcea → Drăgășani
The "Eat Well in Oltenia" route is dedicated to those who want to discover the region through authentic tastes, traditional recipes, and quality local products. From the urban refinement of Craiova to the authentic cuisine of Horezu and the gastronomic experiences associated with wine in Segarcea and Drăgășani, this route offers a complete immersion into the culinary identity of Oltenia.
It's a relaxed route, suitable for a long weekend or a 2-3 day trip, where every meal becomes part of the cultural experience.
Information
Total duration: 2–3 days
Approximate distance: ~180 km
Route type: car, gastronomic–cultural
Difficulty level: easy
Suitable for: couples, families, gastronomy enthusiasts
Ideal season: April – October
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Craiova
Stop 1: Craiova – urban gastronomic experience
Craiova is the ideal starting point for this route, offering a diverse culinary scene with modern and classic restaurants that reinterpret traditional dishes.
What you'll find here: -restaurants in the old town -reinterpreted traditional dishes -contemporary urban cuisine
Visiting time: half a day
Meal break:
-restaurants in the historic center
Average price: 60–90 lei / person
Day 2 – Craiova → Horezu
Stop 2: Horezu – traditional Oltenian cuisine
Horezu is where gastronomy returns to its essence: home-cooked food in inns and local guesthouses, with recipes passed down through generations.
Recommended dishes: -leek soup -traditional stews -pies and homemade desserts
Visiting time: 2–3 hours
Meal break:
-local restaurants / guesthouses
Average price: 40–60 lei / person
Day 3 – Horezu → Segarcea → Drăgășani
Stop 3: Segarcea – gastronomy & wines
Segarcea offers a refined gastronomic experience, where dishes are carefully paired with quality local wines.
What you'll find here: -gourmet menus -culinary pairings with local wines -organized gastronomic experiences
Visiting time: 1.5–2 hours
Stop 4: Drăgășani – tradition and boutique wineries
The Drăgășani area combines culinary tradition with local products and artisan wines, offering a relaxed and authentic atmosphere.
What you'll find here: -simple, locally-inspired dishes -traditional products -tastings at boutique wineries
Visiting time: 2 hours
Gastronomy specific to the route
-Oltenian home-cooked food -local products: cheeses, vegetables, wines -traditional desserts
When to take the route
Ideal season: spring and autumn
Periods to avoid: very crowded holidays
Alternative: indoor experiences (restaurants, tastings) on rainy days
Estimated budget
Transportation: 200–250 lei
Accommodation: 120–200 lei / night
Meals: 300–400 lei
Tastings: 80–120 lei
Estimated total / person: 700–850 lei
Useful tips
Reservations: make them in advance, especially for popular restaurants
Local products: ask what you can take home
Mistakes to avoid: standard tourist menus, without local specifics
The "Eat Well in Oltenia" route is a complete culinary experience, bringing together people, traditions, and local tastes. It is ideal for those who want to discover Oltenia through gastronomy, in an authentic and relaxed way.