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Towns & Villages of Transylvania Tour – 6 days
Off the beaten path of Transylvania
Dive into the fantastic realm of Transylvania and admire the forgotten villages and the daily rural life. Visit the medieval towns of Transylvania such as Sibiu, Sighisoara and Brasov. The tour starts in Bucharest where you’ll spend the first night. Besides Sibiu, you’ll experience several stunning traditional accommodations located in wonderful villages for the rest of the tour. The Towns and Villages of Transylvania Tour is a diverse tour of Romania.
Type: private, cultural
Distance: 890km / 553mi
Country: Romania
Accommodation: 4-star hotels and B&Bs
This tour is a private tour and can be scheduled based on your request. We kindly inform you that some of the sites included in the program might be closed so we suggest you contact us before booking your flights to Bucharest.
Group of 2-3 persons – €1361/person
Group of 4-8 persons – €1031/person
Single supplement: €205
Highlights of the tour:
Regions
- Wallachia
- Transylvania
Cities
- Bucharest
- Sibiu
- Brasov
Major Sights
- Poenari Citadel
- Transfagarasan Highway
- Vlad Dracul House
- Black Church
- Bran Castle
- Peles Castle
UNESCO Attractions
- Biertan fortified church
- Sighisoara
- Viscri
Day 1
OTOPENI AIRPORT – BUCHAREST (40min drive)
Arrival in Bucharest. You’ll be transferred to your hotel where you’ll receive more details about your tour. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Overnight in Bucharest: 4-star hotel
Day 2
BUCHAREST – CURTEA DE ARGES – POENARI – SIBIU (5h drive)
Departure to Curtea de Arges, the former capital of Walachia, and visit Curtea de Arges Monastery.
The Episcopal Church, known as the Church of the Curtea de Arges Monastery, was built by the Romanian ruler of Wallachia Neagoe Basarab in 1512-1517. A great legend is connected to this church. It is said Master Manole entombed his wife alive in the walls of the church so that they would never crumble. In 1875, the beautiful church was demolished and rebuilt by French architect Andre Lecomte du Nouy. The Episcopal Church of Curtea de Arges houses the tomb of its founder, Neagoe Basarab, and of other members of the royal family (Kings Carol I and Ferdinand, and Queens Elisabeth and Mary).
Further on, you’ll be taken to the fortress of Poenari*, located in the Transylvanian Alps. Perched on top of a mountain, be careful as there are 1480 steps to be climbed! The citadel was probably built in the 14th century by the first Wallachian princes. Later on, it was modified and extended by Vlad the Impaler, whom we also know as Dracula. In addition to all the stories and legends, the site offers great panoramic views of the mountain on both sides.
Then, you’ll take a drive along the famous Transfagarasan Highway. Built-in just 4 years, the highway passes the Carpathian Mountains. The landscape is stunning, and you’ll stop several times for pictures. Once on the top of the mountain, you’ll admire Balea Lake. (Between November 1st and June 30, Transfagarasan Highway will be replaced with the road along the Olt Valey).
Late in the afternoon, you’ll be in Sibiu, one of the most beautiful German towns.
* Because the Fortress of Penari is closed for renovation, this place will be seen from outside only.
Overnight in Sibiu: 4-star hotel
Day 3
SIBIU – BIERTAN – SIGHISOARA (2h drive)
In the first part of the day, you’ll enjoy a walking tour of Sibiu. Hermanstadt, to use its German name, was founded by Saxon colonists about 800 years ago. In a short time, Sibiu became one of the most important cities of Transylvania. Sibiu boasts several medieval squares, including the Great Square (Piata Mare), the largest of its kind in Romania. It is surrounded by old houses, impressive palaces such as the Brukenthal Palace, and religious constructions, including the Catholic Cathedral. The tour of Sibiu continues with the other squares, the oldest cobblestone streets, and you’ll find out more about the legend which surrounds the Bridge of Lies. The tour of Sibiu ends with the Evangelical Cathedral and the former medieval towers.
On the way to your next location, you’ll visit the UNESCO site of Biertan. Located in a beautiful rural area of Transylvania, the castle-church of Biertan is perched on a hill surrounded by old Saxon houses which preserve the medieval atmosphere. You’ll enjoy a tour of the fortress and church, where you’ll learn the history of this place as well as hear some funny stories.
You’ll overnight in one of the most beautiful medieval towns of Europe, the UNESCO site of Sighisoara.
Overnight in Sighisoara: 4-star hotel
Day 4
SIGHISOARA – VISCRI – BRASOV (2h drive)
The day starts with Sighisoara, another UNESCO site in Transylvania, the next stop on your trip. Built by the Germans about 800 years ago, the medieval citadel of Sighisoara looks like a perfect postcard. It is the best-preserved citadel in Romania, a stunning combination of cobblestone streets, medieval walls, massive watchtowers, and old architecture. Add to these the House of Vlad Dracul, allegedly the birthplace of Dracula. Next, you’ll visit the Clock Tower (closed on Mondays), the symbol of Sighisoara, and the Church on the Hill, one of the oldest buildings of the citadel.
It’s time to discover the forgotten world of the former Saxon villages. On the way to Sighisoara, we’ll make a detour to the remote village of Viscri, a great UNESCO site. There are just 2 or 3 dirt roads in Viscri, the main one being quite broad. This road is flanked on both sides with beautiful and traditional houses, built in the Saxon style. At the outskirts of the village, perched on a hill, there is the fortified church of Viscri, one of the oldest fortified churches in Transylvania. You will visit the church and the small museum located at the entrance.
In the afternoon, you’ll set off for Brasov, a city built by the German colonists 750 years ago; it boasts lovely medieval architecture. Surrounded by massive walls, towers, and gates, the city was also protected against different invasions by the steep hills of the mountains. Located on an important trade route, the city developed quickly. The residents built one of the most impressive Gothic churches between Vienna and Istanbul, today is known as the Black Church*.
* During the cold months between November and April, the Black Church will be seen only outside.
Overnight in Brasov: 4-star boutique hotel
Day 5
BRASOV – BRAN – SINAIA – BUCHAREST (4h drive)
The day starts with Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle. Built almost 800 years ago by the Saxons from Brasov, the castle was located at the medieval border between Wallachia and Transylvania, then controlled by the Hungarian Empire. At the end of WWI, the castle was offered to Queen Mary as a gift, and now it belongs to her grandchildren. Inside, you will admire Queen Mary, King Ferdinand, and Prince Nicolas' apartments, but we will also tell you the story of Dracula and its connection with this castle.
Then, you will continue to Peles Castle* (ground floor exhibition) that will impress you, for sure. One of the most beautiful castles in Europe, Peles Castle represents the former summer royal residence of the Romanian royal family. It was inaugurated in 1883 and extended until 1914. It was one of the most modern castles at the time. Electricity, central heating system, central vacuum cleaner, telephone, elevator are just a few of Peles Castle's facilities. Built-in a German Neo-Renaissance style and located in an idyllic environment, surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, the castle boasts one of the richest wooden work interior designs. It still has the original furniture. You will be overwhelmed by the Hall of Honor, King Carol’s weapon collection, or the Music Hall. At the end of the visit, you will also spend some time in the Royal Gardens.
In Bucharest, you’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of the city. You’ll be seeing the most important landmarks such as the Romanian Parliament, the Square of the Revolution, the Romanian Athenaeum, and the Arch of Triumph.
* Peles Castle is closed on Mondays. Rasnov fortress or the Cantacuzino Castle in Busteni may be used as alternatives.
Overnight in Bucharest: 4-star hotel
Day 6
BUCHAREST – OTOPENI AIRPORT (40min drive)
You’ll be transferred to the airport according to your flight schedule.
End of the tour
Price
Group of 2-3 persons – €1245/person
Group of 4-8 persons – €984/person
Single supplement: €205
Included:
- Airport/hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Transport by modern car
- Accommodation as per program
- Breakfast
- Licensed English-speaking tour guide/driver
- Entrance fees to sites included in the program
- Al taxes, VAT, parking fees
Not Included:
- Flight ticket
- Hotel extras (telephone, mini bar, etc.)
- Other meals except for those mentioned
- Photographing or filming fees at the visited sites
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses