The most popular destinations on a 3-day journey across the southern part of Transylvania with your personal guide and private car

‘Transylvania is in the midst of the Carpathian mountains; one of the wildest and least known portions of Europe.’ (Bram Stoker – ‘Dracula’). For many, Transylvania has still remained that far-away, mysterious realm of Dracula. You will find that feeling of mystery and awe, in the presence of mountains, medieval citadels, old ruins… but there is much more. This 3-day private tour takes you in the heart of that legendary Transylvania, to discover and appreciate it beyond myth, for what it truly is: the remarkable survival of its traditional rural landscape and the unspoilt natural beauty that makes Transylvania unique, ‘a European treasure’.

Tour type: culture, heritage, rural, historical

Highlights

Sighisoara – atmospheric citadel town with cobbled lanes and colorful ancient houses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sibiu – a vibrant city of culture, known for the historic architecture, cathedrals, its squares lined with pavement cafes and lively atmosphere.

Peles Castle – essential historical landmark in Romania, former summer residence of the Romanian royal family, regarded as one of the most beautiful 19th century European royal residences.

Bran Castle – famous due to its links with Bram Stoker’s character Count Dracula, but outstanding for what it truly is, a genuine feudal castle witness to the history of the region.

Brasov – the Old Town of the Saxon medieval burg of Brasov is one of the most attractive and popular in Romania.

Transfagarasan Highway – If season allows it, return to Bucharest following the Transfagarasan Highway, spectacular switchback road crossing the Carpathians at over 2000 m altitude,  (*fully open between July and October).

“I visited the Saxon Villages area of Transylvania and I was deeply impressed by the natural beauty and cultural richness of what I saw. The area represent a lost past for most of us – a past in which villages were intimately linked to their landscape. The culture, traditions, art and architecture of the Saxons of Transylvania are a truly remarkable survival.”

Prince Charles of Wales

TOUR INFORMATION

DURATION 
3 days/2 nights

PRICE 
830 EUR/ tour (for up to 3 people)

ACTIVITY LEVEL 
This is a moderately intensive tour. Please consider that visit of medieval castles and citadel towers involves climbing quite cramped stairs.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
• hotel pick-up and drop-off
• private transportation by 2017 Volkswagen Golf, air conditioned
• all parking fees and fuel
• guiding services

WHAT’S EXTRA
• traveler accommodation is not included (I will be happy to make hotel suggestions)
• the cost of food, drinks, snacks you choose to buy; consider around 18 EUR/person the cost of two-course meal with drink at local restaurant;
• admission fees (around 90 Lei/adult, equivalent of 20 EUR/adult; reduced tickets available at Peles Castle and Bran Castle for seniors age 65+ and students with student card)
• cost of the optional photo fees at Peles Castle (35 Lei/camera)

Program

Day 1 Sinaia & Peles Castle – Bran Castle – Brasov (overnight Brasov, total driving distance 230 km)

Set off leaving Bucharest behind, heading north towards the Carpathian Mountains. Arrival in Sinaia, popular mountain resort in Romania. 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 stairways and learn the true story of Dracula, prince and local hero. Later we continue the tour toward Brasov, check in at hotel followed by rapid orientation tour of the city and evening at leisure.

Day 2 Brasov – Rupea Citadel – Sighisoara – Sibiu (overnight Sibiu, total driving distance 220 km)

After breakfast we set out to Sighisoara, on a journey through the plains and gentle hills of Southern Transylvania. This is the region of the Saxon villages, known for the traditional villages, the Fortified Churches and for providing a rare image of an older Europe. Visit of the medieval citadel of Rupea for a feeling of the past and panoramic views over the area. Arrival in Sighisoara where we have lunch to a fine local restaurant followed by tour of the medieval citadel. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of its narrow cobbled streets lined with centuries-old buildings. Climb the steps of the Clock Tower for views over the city and surrounding area. In the late afternoon we continue to Sibiu where we spend the night.

Day 3 Sibiu – return to Bucharest* (total driving distance 275 km)

We spend the morning wandering around and enjoying the old town of Sibiu. Its beautiful squares and picturesque passageways to the lower town provide wonderful photo opportunities. Climb the steps of the Council Tower for the best views of the city. Main highlights: The Grand Square, The Council Tower, The Small Square, the Evangelical Church, the Goldsmiths’ Passage. In the afternoon, return to Bucharest following the scenic Olt River Valley*. En route, stop over to visit the iconic Cozia Monastery.

*During summer and early autumn season (from July to October) it is possible to return to Bucharest following the famous TRANSFAGARASAN HIGHWAY that crosses the highest section of the Romanian Carpathians up to 2034 m. 

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To request a guided tour or get more information, please use the form below. I will answer every message personally within the next 24 hours, providing details of availability, booking and payment. 

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