10-Day Grand Transylvanian Journey: Castles, Canyons & Cultural Treasures 

Day 1: Bucharest → Olt Valley → Cozia Monastery → Sibiu 

Your Transylvanian odyssey begins! 

After an 8:30 AM pick-up from Bucharest, we glide through the breathtaking Olt Valley, stopping to admire the river-carved gorges and Turnu Roșu Pass viewpoints.  

At Cozia Monastery, step into a 14th-century Orthodox sanctuary where Byzantine frescoes glow in candlelight. Enjoy a relaxed lunch (own expense) at a riverside tavern before continuing to Sibiu.  

Evening discovery: A gentle guided stroll reveals:  

- Piața Mare's pastel baroque buildings  

- The whimsical "eyes" watching from rooftops  

- Liars' Bridge and its amusing legend  

Dinner: Home-hosted meal in Sibiel village (included), where generations-old recipes tell stories.  

Overnight: 3* boutique hotel in Sibiu's historic center.  

Day 2: Gothic Grandeur & National Heritage 

Sibiu → Corvin Castle → Alba Iulia Citadel → Sibiel  

Morning marvel: Stand before the Gothic masterpiece of Corvin Castle - its drawbridge, towering spires, and Dracula's dungeon will ignite your imagination.  

Afternoon majesty: At Alba Iulia Citadel, walk the star-shaped Vauban walls where Romania's 1918 unification was sealed. Witness the dramatic changing of the guard at Union Hall.  

Evening tradition: Return via Sibiel to visit its unique Glass Icons Museum.  

Dinner: At leisure (Crama Sibiul Vechi for Transylvanian wines).  

Overnight: Sibiu.  

Day 3: Transfăgărășan Highway - Europe's Most Spectacular Road  

Sibiu → Transfăgărășan → Bâlea Lake → Sibiel

Full-day alpine adventure: Journey along the legendary "Road to the Sky" (open June-Oct), stopping for:  

- Photo ops at Bâlea Waterfall  

- A lakeside lunch (own expense) by glacial Bâlea Lake (2,034m)  

- Optional cable car ride or short nature walk  

Evening: Return to Sibiu for relaxation.  

Dinner:* At leisure (Hochmeister for Saxon cuisine).  

Overnight: Sibiu.  

Day 4: Saxon Trails to Turda 

Sibiu → Mediaș → Turda 

Morning discovery: In Mediaș, explore:  

- St. Margaret's Fortified Church (UNESCO-tentative)  

- The medieval towers guarding this sleepy Saxon town  

Afternoon: Continue to Turda, gateway to tomorrow's underground wonders.  

Dinner: At leisure (Casa Romaneasca for traditional fare).  

Overnight: 3* hotel in Turda.  

Day 5: Underground Marvels & Cultural Cluj 

Turda → Turda Gorges → Turda Salt Mine → Cluj-Napoca  

Morning adventure: Hike through the dramatic limestone cliffs of Turda Gorges, a natural cathedral of stone.  

Afternoon wonder: Descend into the Turda Salt Mine, where:  

- Underground lakes shimmer in subterranean light  

- A surreal amusement park operates 400 feet below ground  

- The therapeutic microclimate rejuvenates  

Evening: Arrive in vibrant Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania's cultural capital.  

Dinner: At leisure (Roata for traditional dishes).  

Overnight: 3* hotel in Cluj city center.  

Day 6: Multicultural Mosaic to Medieval Magic 

Cluj → Târgu Mureș → Sighișoara 

Morning culture: In Târgu Mureș, discover:  

- The stunning Culture Palace with its stained glass  

- Teleki Library's priceless manuscripts  

Afternoon: Arrive in Sighișoara Citadel, where your guide reveals:  

- The Clock Tower's mechanical figurines  

- Vlad Dracul's Birthplace  

- The Scholars' Stairs to panoramic views  

Dinner: At leisure (Casa Wagner's historic cellar).  

Overnight: 3* guesthouse within citadel walls.  

Day 7: Saxon Villages & Living Traditions

Sighișoara & Surroundings

Flexible day options: 

✔ Viscri Village (UNESCO site & Prince Charles' favorite) + horse-drawn cart ride

✔ Biertan Fortified Church (UNESCO) with its famous "marriage prison"  

✔ Traditional crafts workshops (pottery, woodcarving)  

✔ Self-guided citadel exploration 

Dinner: At leisure (Gasthaus Altepost for Transylvanian stews).  

Overnight: Sighișoara.  

Day 8: Dracula's Lair & Brașov's Grandeur 

Sighișoara → Bran → Brașov  

**Morning legend:** Explore **Bran Castle**, peeling back Dracula myths in its winding staircases.  

Afternoon elegance: In Brașov, discover:  

- The Gothic Black Church with its 4,000-pipe organ  

- Council Square's pastel merchant houses  

- Rope Street - Europe's narrowest alley  

Dinner: At leisure (Sergiana for game specialties).  

Overnight: 3* hotel in Brașov's pedestrian center.  

Day 9: Fortified Churches & Rural Life  

Brașov → Prejmer → Intorsura Buzaului → Brașov  

Morning wonder: At Prejmer, enter Europe's best-preserved fortified church (UNESCO).  

Afternoon authenticity: In Intorsura Buzaului, experience:  

- Traditional wool weaving demonstrations  

- A countryside picnic lunch (included)  

Evening: Return to Brașov for relaxation.  

Dinner: At leisure.  

Overnight: Brașov.  

Day 10: Royal Finale 

Brașov → Sinaia → Bucharest 

Morning splendor: Tour Peleș Palace, Romania's Neo-Renaissance masterpiece with:  

- Hand-carved walnut rooms  

- Secret passages (ask your guide to reveal one!)  

- The stunning armory collection  

Leisurely return: Scenic drive through Prahova Valley, arriving in Bucharest by 6:00 PM.  

Why This Comprehensive Tour Stands Out 

✔ 4 Legendary Castles (Corvin, Bran, Peleș, Dracula connections)  

✔ 3 UNESCO Sites (Biertan, Prejmer, Viscri optional)  

✔ Unique Experiences: Salt mine, Transfăgărășan, Saxon villages  

✔ Perfect Pace: Ample time at each location  

Packing Tips:  

- Layered clothing for mountain microclimates  

- Sturdy walking shoes for citadel climbs & gorges  

- Camera with extra memory - you'll need it!  

Ready for the ultimate Transylvanian experience?

🏰✨ Secure your journey today!

7Tour availability: contact us

Tour duration: 10 days/9 nights

Tour itinerary:

• Day 1: Bucharest - River Olt Valley - Cozia Monastery - Sibiu
• Day 2: Sibiu - Hunedoara Castle - Alba Iulia Fortress - Sibiel - Sibiu
• Day 3: Sibiu - Transfagarasan Highway - Lake Balea - Sibiel - Sibiu
• Day 4: Sibiu - Medias - Turda
• Day 5: Turda - Turda Gorges/Turda Salt Mine - Cluj
• Day 6: Cluj - Targu Mures - Sighisoara 
• Day 7: Sighisoara & surroundings
• Day 8: Sighisoara - Bran - Brasov
• Day 9: Brasov - Prejmer - Intorsura Buzaului - Brasov
• Day 10: Brasov - Sinaia - Bucharest

Tour start location: location of your choice, within Bucharest city limits

Tour inclusions: your own dedicated professional English speaking tour guide; one suitable vehicle with climate control; fuel, road & parking tax for the entire trip;  accommodation in centrally located hotels/guest houses; 9 breakfasts; one home hosted dinner; one picnic lunch; free collection and return to your hotel in Bucharest.

Tour exclusions: other meals than stated; admission tickets to museums and attractions; photo/video fees; personal expenses; gratuity.

Tour price: from € 1500/per person*

_{*According to your party size, tour duration & itinerary length, attractions & sites included, meals included
*At Tours in Romania, we don't do shared tours, we only do private tours of Bucharest, private tours of Romania and private short trips from Bucharest , so the price is influenced only by the size of your group. If you'd like a tour of Bucharest, a tour of Romania or a short trip from Bucharest together with a bunch of strangers, each one with his own agenda, pace and good or bad habits, there are plenty of other travel agents out there happy to accommodate you.
*At Tours in Romania, we don't do free tours, we only do private tours of Bucharest, private tours of Romania and private short trips from Bucharest at a fair price. With Tours in Romania you can enjoy the comfort of an air conditioned vehicle, while visiting many more attractions than during a "free" walking tour of Bucharest.
Anyway, a private tour of Bucharest, a private tour in Romania or a private short trip from Bucharest doesn't necessarily mean an expensive tour. Please take a moment to review our prices. You'll find private tours of Bucharest, private tours of Romania and private short trips from Bucharest at the price of a shared tour or cheaper!}