Embark on a rich cultural journey that will take you from the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Bucharest to the time-forgotten cities of Southern Transylvania, passing through medieval castles, royal residences and peaceful villages. Allow yourself to be mesmerized by the Orthodox places of worship, that seem to be vying for preeminence with the fortified Gothic cathedrals in this land of intense mysticism but also of religious tolerance. Sleep in a baron’s residence and have a blast with the locals around the cooking pot on the sheepfold. Maximize your quality time by flying back to Bucharest over the snowy peaks of the Carpathians.

The visit of the Turda salt mine should be considered depending on the hour of your in-tour flight.

 

The tour includes:

– The company and expenses of an experienced, licensed and knowledgeable tour guide, fluent in your language, throughout your tour;

– Private chauffeured transport in new luxury sedan or van throughout your tour (including all local airport transfers);

– All transportation expenses;

– Airfare and airport taxes for the in-tour flight;

– 5 or 6 nights in 5* hotels and one in a former manor house;

– All entrance fees and non-professional photo taxes (including for the optional visits or others you decide to add to the tour);

– All breakfasts;

– One lunch and one dinner;

– Complimentary Wi-Fi internet in the vehicle.

The tour does not include:

– Airfare to and from Romania;

– Your meals other than specified;

– Gratuities for accompanying staff (only if satisfied and entirely up to your discretion);

– Fees for excess luggage on the in-tour flight.

7 to 8 Days. Bucharest and Transylvania Tour

START END
Arrival 4
Day 1

Arrival

4

Private chauffeured transfer from the Bucharest airport/border to your downtown hotel.

Day 2

Bucharest

14

Along with your tour guide, you will discover Bucharest’s wide squares and avenues, bordered by 19th century art nouveau French-inspired architecture, which during the age earned the city the nickname “Little Paris”. The political struggles of the last century have changed the city landscape, leaving behind a remarkable diversity, ranging from the palaces and concert halls of old to the worker neighborhoods  and megalomaniacal projects of the communist decades, who’s ultimate expression is the largest parliament building in the world. The colorful pedestrian Old Town offers a variety of choices for a leisurely evening, with its beehive of activity around its restaurants, bars and coffee shops.

  • Highlights:
  • Walking tour of Bucharest Old Town;
  • Visit of the three most representative buildings of the city (Palace of the Parliament, Romanian Atheneum and the Private Residence of the Ceausescu's);
  • Communist neighborhood.
  • CENTERPIECE :
    Visit of the biggest Parliament building in the world
    Bucharest 14
    To Brasov 28
    Day 3

    To Brasov

    28

    Passing through the ski resorts of the Carpathian Mountains, you’ll stop and visit Peles Castle, one of the most astonishing royal residences of Europe. Then, undeterred by Transylvania’s sinister reputation, cross into this mythical land named by the Romans and hectically fought over by Romanians, Hungarians, Ottoman Turks and Austrians. Once there, you will explore Bran Castle and find out about its true histories and Dracula legends. In the nearby walled city of Brasov, you will walk through the streets of the Medieval old town and be dwarfed by its majestic 14th century Gothic cathedral. In the evening, have your pick among the local restaurants whose cuisine reflects the ethnic melting pot of the region.

    • Highlights:
  • Peles Castle;
  • Bran Castle;
  • Walking tour of old Brasov.
  • CENTERPIECE:
    Visit of the breathtaking private residence of Carol I, the 19th century King of Romania
    Day 4

    To the Szekely Area

    39

    Start your day with the UNESCO peasant-built multi-story fortification complex of Prejmer, where the foremost local families had a refuge room to run to during the frequent invasions. Then we continue to Malomkert, a village inhabited predominantly by Hungarians. On this isolated enclave region, the bread is still done the old ways. You may witness how the flour itself is ground, the millstone turned by the force of the water. Find out more about the old technologies in the amazing (but virtually unknown) local museum, tended for four generations by the same enthusiastic family. Marvel at the extensive collection of agricultural machinery from the late 19th century, the cellar full of cooking stoves and step into the authentic homes (rebuilt on the property) full of items from past times. Meet the caretakers and hear their story. We then invite you for lunch: the local produce, cooked following centuries-old recipes, will reveal what true Hungarian food should taste like. In the early evening, check into an old baron’s estate turned into a cozy luxury hotel. Take a swim or just have some rest, waiting for your carriage ride over the fields to a sheepfold, where you will join the shepherds for a memorable dinner of their self-made cheese, moonshine and steaming stew around the open fire.

    • Highlights:
  • Prejmer fortification complex (UNESCO);
  • Traditional bread making workshop and lunch at the watermill;
  • Rural technology museum;
  • Dinner at the sheepfold.
  • CENTERPIECE :
    Traditional culinary experiences, savoring a variety of local Hungarian cuisine
    To the Szekely Area 39
    To Sibiu 36
    Day 5

    To Sibiu

    36

    Onwards to your next UNESCO site, the citadel of Sighisoara, a place so medievally correct that you could believe you’ve stepped back in time. You may still walk the cobbled streets and marvel at the defense towers. On one of them, the bullet marks from the last siege of the city are still visible. The real Dracula was born in Sighisoara in 1431 – the house is still well maintained. A short distance away, the church of Biertan, another UNESCO site, has impressed visitors for five centuries with its three distinctive lines of fortifications. Enter the reconciliation room, where couples about to divorce were being locked up. If you choose, we can also pay a visit to a local traditional gypsy craftsman. Meet the entire family and find out about the lifestyle of this unique ethnic group. In the afternoon, reach Sibiu. The streets of this German-looking town lie under the watchful “eyes” of the roof dormers. Despite its day-time tranquil feel, in the evening it becomes the host of numerous cultural events and festivals, especially since 2007, when it was the European capital of culture.

    • Highlights:
  • Walking tour of Sighisoara (UNESCO);
  • Biertan fortification complex (UNESCO);
  • Frequent addition: Meet the gypsies;
  • Walking tour of Sibiu.
  • CENTERPIECE :
    Visit of Sibiu. One of Europe’s most picturesque cities
    Add-On

    Add-On Day. View from the Peaks

    41

    Follow the Carpathian mountain chain and get your camera ready for some of the most spectacular sights you can imagine, from the road or cable car, while making your way up the Transfagarasan road. You can find it on all the lists of the most beautiful roads in the world. After enjoying the perspective from over 6000 ft., return to the Transylvanian plateau and visit the Fagaras fortress. It is one of the few in all of Europe that is still surrounded by its original water filled moat. Return in the evening to Sibiu.

    • Highlights:
  • Transfagarasan road (drive or cable car ascent to the mountain tops);
  • Fagaras Fortress.
  • CENTERPIECE :
    Climb, by car or cable car, the spectacular Transfagarasan Road to the scenic views close to one of the tallest peaks of the Carpathians
    Add-On Day. View from the Peaks 41
    To Cluj and Flight to Bucharest 32
    Day 6

    To Cluj and Flight to Bucharest

    32

    Before leaving the city, take a stroll through the bustling old market where the locals sell their produce every morning. As you advance further into the land, you discover Alba Iulia; ex-capital of Transylvania, surrounded by an impressive and wonderfully restored 18th century Vauban (star-shaped) fortification. This is where, a hundred years ago, Romanians from all across the country celebrated the union with Transylvania, in the purpose-built complex. Along with the thousand-year old Catholic cathedral and the Roman ruins, it provides the perfect background for the frequently performed battle reenactments. Depending on your flight schedule, later in the day you can choose to go underground and visit a former salt mine, turned into a futuristic-looking tourist attraction featuring a lake and an island. Continue North, to Cluj. The second largest city in the country is rapidly becoming known as “the Silicon Valley of Europe”. Get to know this vibrant cosmopolitan city, before your return flight to Bucharest. On arrival, private chauffeured transfer to your hotel.

    • Highlights:
  • Daily farmers' market;
  • Walking tour of Alba Iulia’s fortified city center and attending the changing of the guard;
  • Frequent addition: Turda salt mine;
  • Walking tour of Cluj-Napoca;
  • In-tour flight to Bucharest.
  • CENTERPIECE :
    Visit of the recently restored, fortified city center of Alba Iulia
    Day 7

    Departure

    Private chauffeured transfer to the airport, for your flight home. End of our services.

    Departure 19
    Pasarani Street no.5, Bucharest
    District 2, Romania


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