Travel tips: Should self-drive or take an organised tour in Romania?

IN MAY WE HAVE FLIGHTS INTO BUDAPEST AND WE'RE THINKING OF SPENDING 2½ WEEKS IN MOLDOVA AND ROMANIA. ANY ITINERARY ADVICE REGARDING SELF DRIVE VS ORGANISED TOURS? B. KEOUGH, EAST KEMPSEY NSW

All the major car-hire operators offer vehicles for hire in Romania and self-drive is a great way to go since the transport infrastructure still lags in rural areas, and that's where the heart of Romania lies. You might hire a local guide, and this is no problem to arrange through tourist offices.
It appears that Avis is one of the few car-hire operators prepared to allow its vehicles hired in Romania to be driven in Moldova. There is a small extra fee and also another fee for the Green Card, which you'll need to prove insurance cover. The border crossing can take some time.
Travis Tourism [travis.ro] is a Bucharest-based travel operator that can fit you out with a self-drive vehicle and organise pre-booked hotel accommodation. Several off-the-shelf itineraries are available and that's probably a trouble-free way to organise your trip.