Overview
This journey through the historical regions of Transylvania and Bukovina opens a window into Romanian culture, spirituality and history. Discover the medieval Transylvania, Romanian rural countryside and some of the most iconic monasteries in Romania, sacred places of spirituality, faith and touching beauty.

The beauty of nature is impressive everywhere you go in Romania. This itinerary will take you across the Carpathian Mountains and the eastern part of Transylvania, and further north across the rolling hills of Moldova, to historical Bukovina.

Tour type: culture, history, heritage, rural

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Tour Information

Duration 6 days (5 nights)

Price estimate 1720 EUR/tour/1-2 people 

Activity level this is a moderately intensive tour; please consider that visit of Bran Castle and other medieval citadels and towers in Transylvania requires climbing stairs

What is included
– your guide & driver fee
– transportation by 2017 Volkswagen Golf, air conditioned
– all parking fees and fuel

What is extra
– traveler accommodation (5 nights)
– meals of your choice are not included; consider around 18 EUR/person a two-course meal with drink to a local restaurant.
– the entry fees to objectives (around 40 Eur/person)
– the optional photo fees to objectives or any personal expenses (souvenirs etc)

Highlights

Peles Castle – essential Romanian landmark, emblematic of the Romanian royalty, regarded as one of the most beautiful 19th century European royal residences
Bran Castle – famous due to its links with Count Dracula’s story, but fascinating for what it truly is, a genuine feudal castle, testimony of the turbulent history of the region
Brasov – founded by the Saxon settlers in the 13^th century, it was a very prosperous trade and cultural center throughout medieval ages and the Old Town preserves the medieval charm of the era
Sighisoara – romantic medieval citadel town with narrow cobbled lanes and colorful ancient houses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Viscri – the village and its Fortified Church are a UNESCO site. Viscri is a village preserved intact, providing a rare image of an older Europe. Prince Charles, a regular guest to Viscri, bought and restored one of the old houses.
The stunning Painted Monasteries of Bukovina – known for the external mural paintings particularly well preserved, they are masterpieces of ‘outstanding universal value’. Eight of them are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the monasteries of Voronet, Humor, Moldovita and Sucevita all part of the tour.
Jewish Heritage – visit of the wooden synagogue of Piatra Neamt, dating 1766, unique in Romania and Europe, and the beautiful Old Synagogue in Falticeni
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Program and details

Day 1 Bucharest – Sinaia – Bran – Brasov (total driving distance 216 km)

Set off from Bucharest, heading north towards the Carpathian Mountains. Arrival in Sinaia, popular mountain resort two hours drive north of Bucharest. Visit Peles Castle and admire the interiors and the exceptional collections of decorative art. After visit, we may enjoy a refreshing drink at the terrace cafe overlooking the castle and surrounding scenery.

Then we resume our journey crossing the Carpathian Mountains into Transylvania to Bran village area. After lunch, visit of Bran Castle, explore the intricate complex of rooms and passageways and learn the true story of Dracula, prince and local hero. Later we continue toward Brasov, hotel check in and evening at leisure. 

Day 2 Brasov – Viscri – Sighisoara (total driving distance 145 km)

After breakfast, tour of the historical center of Brasov before setting out to Sighisoara, on a journey through the plains and gentle hills of Southern Transylvania. Step back in time in the secluded village of Viscri and visit the Fortified Church, one of the most beautiful of this type in Transylvania. Later we continue to Sighisoara, hotel check-in followed by a tour of the citadel town. Enjoy the atmosphere of the narrow cobbled streets lined with centuries-old buildings. Climb the steps of the Clock Tower for views over the city and surrounding area. Overnight in Sighisoara.

Day 3 Sighisoara – Targu Mures – Bistrita – Borgo Pass – Gura Humorului (total driving distance 305 km)

Today we travel North toward Bukovina, with stopovers in the cities of Targu Mures (major city of Hungarian culture in Transylvania; stroll around the Roses’s Square, the city’s beautiful central square, and admire some stunning landmarks) and Bistrita (climb the tower of the iconic Evangelical Church in Bistrita for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape). Further, we cross the Carpathian Mountains into Bukovina, following the scenic route of Borgo Pass, where Bram Stoker placed the castle of his Count Dracula. We will stop at Hotel Castel Dracula to greet the Count (if you dare:) and enjoy a drink on the terrace. We continue our journey crossing the picturesque Poiana Stampei village area. Arrival in Gura Humorului where we spend the night.

Day 4 Bukovina: Humor, Voronet, Moldovita, Sucevita (round trip 150 km)

We spend the entire day enjoying the most beautiful Painted Churches of Bukovina -the monasteries of Humor, Voronet, Moldovita and Sucevita. Admire the exterior murals but also the treasures of sacred art they shelter, and learn about the historical and cultural context when they were created.

In Bukovina everything is colorful, from the folk costumes, the painted eggs (a local tradition), to houses and churches. You have the chance to buy local traditional handcrafts like the famous Romanian blouses, painted eggs, handmade rugs and embroideries etc. If time allows, visit of the interesting Wood Art Museum in the town of Campulung Moldovenesc. 

Day 5 Gura Humorului – Neamt Monastery – Agapia Monastery – Piatra Neamt (total driving distance 150 km)

Today our journey through the Moldavian world of spiritual and cultural treasures  continue with the visit of Neamț Monastery, one of the oldest in Romania and a jewel of Moldavian art. The region of Neamt is known for the high density of monastic settlements, oasis of beauty and serenity. The monasteries of Agapia and Varatec are famous for their carpet workshops and the craft of weaving. At Agapia monastery we have the rare occasion to learn about the monastic life by visiting a unique museum. Overnight in Piatra Neamț.

Day 6 Piatra Neamt – Buzau – Bucuresti (total driving distance 350 km)

Return to Bucharest. En route, we cross the traditional wine growing region of Vrancea, and won’t miss the opportunity to visit one of the local wineries. Learn about the wine growing tradition, visit the winery and have a wine tasting. Later, we stop in the town of Buzau, to visit the rich local farmer market, have lunch and get the famous ‘pretzels of Buzau’.