Itinerary

1. Day 1: Introduction to Transylvania - Bucharest to Sibiel

   • Meet our tour guide in the morning at your hotel in Bucharest or the airport for arrivals in the morning.
   • Optional: On request, we can include extra nights and travel services in Bucharest.
   • Start our Transylvania tour with a panoramic tour of Bucharest. Highlights: Parliament Palace, Revolution Square, Athenaeum, Royal Palace, Triumph Arch, Victoriei Avenue, etc.
   • Continue on the way to Transylvania. We will cross the Carpathian mountains through the scenic Olt River Valley. A short stop at Cozia monastery, dating since the 14th century.
   • We will spend the afternoon in one of the most attractive rural areas of Transylvania where old architecture and traditions are well preserved.
   • Visit the icons painted on the glass museum.
   • You will have the opportunity to visit a local household.
   • Enjoy a horse-driven wagon tour in the old village and a homemade dinner with traditional products.

   Dinner and overnight in a local guesthouse from Sibiel village.

2. Day 2: Roman Heritage and Medieval Grandeur - Sibiel to Hunedoara

   • The first stop of the day will be at Alba Iulia, a town having its origins in ancient times, founded by the Romans under the name Apulum.
     • Visit the ruins of the Roman castrum (2nd century), medieval fortifications (16th century), and the Vauban-type fortifications (18th century).
     • Alba Iulia has a great place in Romanian history as here was proclaimed the Union of all the Romanian regions in a single country.
     • Visit the Union Museum and Reunion Cathedral.
     • Another highlight of the city is the Catholic Cathedral, one of the oldest religious buildings in Transylvania.
     • At 12.00, witness the changing guard's festivity, a nice local tradition.
   • Next, leave on the way to Hunedoara to visit Corvin’s castle (Hunyad castle), the biggest medieval castle in Romania, dating since the 15th century.
     • The castle was built in the time of John the Huniade, a famous Transylvanian Governor, and of his son – Matei Corvin, the king of Hungary.
   • Return to Sibiel.

   Dinner and overnight in a local guesthouse.

3. Day 3: Multicultural Sibiu and Medieval Charm - Sibiu to Sighisoara

   • In the morning, we will go to Sibiu and have a walking tour of the Sibiu’s Old Town. Dating since the end of the 12th century, Sibiu is one of the largest and most prosperous medieval towns. In the mid-17th century, it had the same size as Vienna.
     • Our tour of Sibiu will include the big Square, the Little Square, Towers, and fortifications.
     • Transylvania is a multicultural region where several nations and religions have lived together since ancient times. In Sibiu, we will see three important cathedrals belonging to the three most popular Christian denominations in Transylvania: Evangelical-Lutheran Cathedral, Catholic Cathedral, Orthodox Cathedral.
   • We will continue our Transylvanian tour driving through a very scenic rural area. Admire the beauty of the Transylvanian green rolling hills and the old charming Saxon villages scattered among the hills and alleys.
     • Almost all the villages in the south of Transylvania had a type of fortification to protect the local community.
     • We will visit the Biertan village, an important trade center in the Middle Ages, and the Biertan fortified church (UNESCO site), built in the 15th-16th century. Here was the headquarters of the Evangelical Bishops for about 300 years.
   • End the day in Sighisoara (UNESCO), also called “the Pearl of Transylvania”. The city has its origins in the 12th-13th century and is the best-preserved medieval town in Transylvania.
     • The Renaissance-style architecture, colorful houses, narrow streets, towers, and medieval wall make the charm of this amazing place.
     • Church on the Hill and the Clock Tower are the most important buildings.
     • We will see all this on our walking tour of Sighisoara.

   We will stay overnight at Sighisoara Hotel*** or similar, located in the medieval citadel.

4. Day 4: Exploring Transylvanian Heritage - Sighisoara to Brasov

   • We will continue our tour in Transylvania visiting more attractions, part of the German heritage in Transylvania.
     • In the village of Saschiz, we will see (outside only) the UNESCO 14th-century church.
     • Next, we will stop to taste local jams and chutneys, made with natural fruits from the area.
   • Rupea Fortress, dating since the 14th century, is an excellent sample of a Transylvanian fortress.
     • It has an impressive structure of 11,000 sqm of towers, bulwarks, 3 concentric fortified walls, and 3 interior precincts.
     • It had an important role in the territorial administration of Transylvania.
   • Viscri village is one of the most known and charming villages of Transylvania which preserves the authentic houses and way of living.
     • Viscri fortified church (UNESCO) is the oldest and most important building.
     • We will visit the church, fortifications, and the museum.
     • Enjoy a nice walk on the village streets, take a look at the local hand-made products, and experience the rural life of the past times.
   • The last visit of the day will be at Feldioara (Marienburg) fortress, former headquarters of the Teutonic Knights in Transylvania.

   We will end the day in Brasov and stay overnight at Bella Muzica Hotel*** or similar, located in the Old Town.

5. Day 5: Castles, Churches, and Fortresses - Brasov Exploration

   • In the morning, we will visit the most famous castle in Romania – Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s castle.
     • It was built at the end of the 14th century to control access to Transylvania and to be a customs point along the most important commercial route.
     • The castle lies in a great position surrounded by the mountains.
     • Optional: We can have a drive to see the village Pestera and the spectacular landscape.
   • The next stop will be at Prejmer fortified church (UNESCO), the biggest fortress of its kind and a great example of a combination between religious and defensive structures.
   • The afternoon is reserved for a walking tour of Brasov.
     • The first written document mentioning the city is dated in 1235.
     • Brasov was one of the most important and prosperous trade centers in the Middle Ages.
     • It was probably the most fortified city, and many towers, bastions, and a big part of the wall are still preserved and we will see them along the tour.
     • Other highlights include the Black Church, the biggest Gothic cathedral east of Vienna, Council Square, Ecaterina’s Gate, Museum of the First Romanian School, and St Nicholas Cathedral.
   • Optional: You can book our special Brown Bears Watching Tour.

   Overnight at Bella Muzica Hotel*** or similar, located in the Old Town.

   • OPTIONAL: Just before sunset, we will go into the forest assisted by a ranger, and we will wait in a special watchtower to see the brown bears in their natural habitat.

     • The program is about 2 hours long but depends a lot on the bear's activity. These bears are truly wild, and we have a 90 – 95% chance of seeing them at the hides.
     • However, we cannot guarantee the success.
     • Note: The optional activity can be organized on any other day when we stay overnight in Brasov.
     • Prices are from 39 euros/person

6. Day 6: Farewell to Transylvania - Brasov to Bucharest

   • It is the last day of our tour in Transylvania. We will leave Brasov and Transylvania and cross the Carpathian mountains on the way back to Bucharest.
   • On the route, we will have the last visit of our Transylvania tour, at Peles Castle. It is a former summer royal residence built at the end of the 19th century by King Carol I.
     • The standard tour is included.
     • Optional: You can upgrade the visiting ticket to see other parts of the castle.
   • Our journey will end in Bucharest.
     • A drop off at the airport (approx 13.00 hrs) or in downtown Bucharest (approx 14.00 hrs).