Alba County

You will meet with our guide at the statue near the Romano-Catholic church in Union Square. First, we'll delve into the fascinating history of the Turda Salt Mine, one of the world's oldest and most unique salt mines. The mine has a rich history that dates back to the Roman Empire. Salt extraction from this mine began during the Roman occupation in 107 AD, and it continued to be a significant source of salt for the region for centuries. Step inside this remarkable underground world and marvel at the striking salt formations, massive halls, and impressive machinery. Learn about the mine's fascinating history and hear the stories of those who worked here centuries ago. Next, we'll make our way to the majestic Corvin Castle, one of Europe's most stunning castles. The castle was originally built by the nobleman Voicu of Hunedoara in the 14th century, but it was later expanded and transformed into a formidable fortress by his son, John Hunyadi. The castle played a significant role in defending the region against the Ottoman Empire, and it was a vital military stronghold for the Kingdom of Hungary. Step back in time as you wander through the castle's halls and courtyards, marvel at the intricate Gothic architecture, and learn about the castle's storied past. Marvel at its Gothic architecture, learn about its rich history and explore its numerous chambers, halls, and courtyards. Finally, we'll explore the grandeur of the Alba Carolina Fortress, a stunning example of Vauban-style military architecture. Discover the history of this impressive fortress and its role in Romania's past as we explore its many courtyards, ramparts, and bastions. In 1918, Alba Iulia played a pivotal role in the unification of Romania when the Great National Assembly, comprising over 1,200 delegates from all over the country, gathered in the city to declare the unification of Transylvania with Romania. This event is considered one of the most important moments in modern Romanian history and is celebrated every year on December 1st as Romania's National Day. You'll be amazed at the scale and detail of this magnificent structure. You will explore the massive walls, towers, and bastions. In the evening, you will return to Cluj-Napoca, and your day trip will come to an end.

Embark on an excursion from Cluj to visit three of Transylvania's notable sites. See an underground theme park that's nestled inside the Turda Salt Mine, go for a hike through the dramatic Turda Gorge, and encounter traditional rural life in a preserved Rimetea village. Start your experience with pickup and a short drive to the Turda Salt Mine. Take a guided tour and spend some time in its unique underground theme park. Try out the ferris wheel, play a round of minigolf, or ride a boat on its underground lake. Hop back in the vehicle and head for the Turda Gorge. Marvel at the 3-kilometer long canyon, with massive walls sculpted in weathered limestone. Hike through high cliffs with steep ridges, rock towers, caves, and lots of varieties of flora and fauna. Conclude your experience with a visit to Rimetea village. Enjoy strolling amongst traditional white houses with green windows. Get a feel for Transylvanian rural life in a preserved and beautiful location.

Depart from Cluj-Napoca and head to Turda, once the most important economic center of the region where salt, also known as “white gold,” has been extracted since the Roman age. Arrive at the Salina Turda salt mine and discover the history of salt mining in the town dating from the 17th century. Explore the site, including the Terezia mine, Rudolf hall, and the Franz Josef Gallery.  Afterwards, spend the afternoon in the Transylvanian western mountains in the village of Rimetea. The chalk-white houses and the harmonious structure of the village have earned it several distinctions. Considered to be one of the most beautiful village in Transylvania, it received the Europa Nostra Award for its architectural preservation.  Next up, take a 1-hour hike to the ruins of the Coltesti Fortress for an impressive view of the valley below. In the evening, head back to Cluj-Napoca where you’ll be dropped off at the starting point of your tour.

Operating days: Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday Day Itinerary 1. Starting Point: Sibiu • 09:00 from Parking Thalia Hall the drive takes approximately 2.5 hours by car, passing through scenic countryside, small towns, and beautiful landscapes 2. Corvin Castle (Hunyadi Castle): Located in Hunedoara, Corvin Castle is one of the most impressive Gothic castles in Europe and a true gem of Transylvanian architecture. The castle dates back to the 14th century and is famously associated with John Hunyadi, a Hungarian military leader and nobleman. • Main Attraction: o Architecture:the Gothic and Renaissance style of the castle makes it stand out, with its towering fortifications, turrets, and stone walls o The Legend of Corvin Castle: the castle is surrounded by myths and legends, one of the most famous being the story of the captive princess who was imprisoned in the Tower of the Captives and thrown into the castle’s moat. Her ghost is said to haunt the area. o The Castle's Role in History: John Hunyadi, a Hungarian noble and one of the most influential military leaders of the 15th century, is closely associated with the castle. His family used the castle as their residence, and it is often referred to as Hunyadi Castle... • Estimated Visit Duration: 11:30 AM - 01:00 PM • Free Time for Lunch: enjoy a break and explore the surroundings. You can grab a bite at a local restaurant or café ( 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM) 3. Alba Iulia - City Tour Alba Iulia is a historic city in Transylvania, renowned for its impressive fortress and its significance in Romania’s history. • Main Attraction: o Alba Iulia Fortress (Citadel) o Union Hall (Sala Unirii o Alba Iulia Cathedral o The Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Michael o The National Museum of Union o The Batthyaneum Library o The Orthodox Cathedral of the Reunification of Romania Learn about the fortress's historical significance, its role in Romanian unification, and the preservation of its defensive structures. After the city tour, you will have some free time to wander around or enjoy a relaxing coffee in Alba Iulia • Estimated Visit Duration: 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM 5. Return to Sibiu The drive from Alba Iulia to Sibiu covers about 75 kilometers and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. It offers a scenic route through the Transylvanian countryside, passing picturesque villages, rolling hills, and lush forests. Along the way, travelers can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. Arrival in Sibiu: 06:00 PM

Go in search of rare wildflowers, wonderful mushrooms, endemic plants and experience the pristine nature of the Apuseni Mountains on this tour from Cluj. Travel into the mountains to the village of Posaga de Sus, where you’ll begin an alpine hike through beech forest to Scarita peak, which sits at an altitude of 1384 meters (4541 feet). Due to the altitude and difficulty of the hike, participants require a moderate fitness level for this tour. Tour suited to those interested in flora and fauna, hiking, and photography Go at your own pace and ask all the questions you want on this private tour. The trip starts at 8 o'clock in the morning with a pickup from your accommodation in CLuj-Napoca. We will travel a distance of 79 km in 1 h and 30 min until we reach Posaga de Sus. Our hike started at Posaga de Sus village, followed by an abrupt path through a beech forest, which led to an alpine zone with an exquisite sight to the calcareous, white cliffs. We passed by some abandoned wood hovels, than climbed to the ridge, reaching the highest peak (Scarita) The views up here are worth it! The Scarita-Belioara is a botanical reserve. This natural wonder is home to a diversity of rare plants. Some of them have survived from the cold glacial periods: There are rare fauna elements, such as butterflies, but also the golden eagle, the largest raptor bird recorded in Romania nests on the abrupt cliffs. From there we could easily identify the valley of the Aries river, the Trascaului Mountains at the south, and the Muntele Mare plateau. On the hiking, route will be full of wildflowers and fungi which we will identify :) On our return if we have time left we will visit a beautiful waterfall that is called Sipote and Dumesti village in a remote location. In the evening we will take you back to your accommodation in Cluj-Napoca.

Start with pickup from Cluj-Napoca at 8:30 am. Begin with a visit to Turda salt mine. With a history of almost 2 millennia, the undergrounds will reveal themselves in a modern and unexpected way. Continue for the Alba Iulia, the star-shaped fortress. Hear stories about the conquering Romans, the Hungarian kings and queens, the Austrian Imperial family, the Vauban military architecture, the medieval cathedral construction, and the union of Transylvania with Romania. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, continue to the Hateg region, where you will arrive at Hunedoara. In Hunedoara you will discover the Corvin Castle, also known as Hunyadi Castle, named after its royal residents. Here, you’ll have the chance to hear of legends and stories about the royal family, the origin of the castle, and medieval fighting techniques. Return to Cluj in the late afternoon.

An enthralling trip through the wonderous meadous, peaks and secular forest of the Apuseni mountains, nature's best spots, great vantage pointe and easy treks. Starting from the Padis plateau and finishing on the same plateau, to gain more time in nature. Alternatively, starting from Oradea and including one 90 minute round trip. The routes take one through the undulating Onceasa valley, down to Glavoi stables, and continues on towards the highlight of the route, the Ponor (flooded) Plain. From there it climbs back up to Padis and it meanders up towards the vestigial Biserica Motului, for a scenic overview of the entire plateau. The entire route takes 3-4 hours for a reasonably fit person, with no more than 1000m of vertical gain. It's fairly light as it emphasizes connecting with nature rather than racing to see to many things at once. It's an introductory route design to open up one's appetite for hiking in one of Europe's last true wild areas. There is mobile phone reception all along the route, with 2 spots for eating, where one can pay cash. Loads of different local sirups, pies, mushroom soups are available should one omit to pack a sandwich. There's at least 2 different springs across the route so water access is covered. One may encounter shepherds with sheep and their protective dogs, these are usually gentle and accustomed to foreign humans.

Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Cluj at 8:30 am, starting your day with a fascinating journey into the depths of Turda Salt Mine, renowned as the most stunning salt mine in Romania. This ancient site has served many purposes over the years: an antiaircraft shelter during WWII, a cheese maturation facility in the communist era, and now a unique underground amusement park in Transylvania. As you explore, you’ll witness the millions of chisel and hammer marks left by miners—a testament to their labor and craftsmanship. A visit to Salina Turda promises to be an unforgettable experience in the heart of Transylvania. Next, as you venture into the Apuseni Mountains, you’ll discover Rimetea, a beautifully preserved Hungarian village harmoniously nestled in nature. Once famous for its iron mines and skilled blacksmiths, Rimetea offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Transylvania. The final stop of the day is the historic Alba Carolina Fortress, a star-shaped Vauban masterpiece in Alba Iulia. This former imperial military town boasts a wealth of history, from ancient Roman ruins and Hungarian royal tombs housed in Transylvania’s oldest church to the site of Romania’s pivotal unification with Transylvania in the 20th century. By evening, you’ll return to Cluj, wrapping up the perfect mini-tour of Transylvania, filled with unforgettable sights and stories.

Start with pickup from Cluj at 8:30 AM, after which you will make your way to the salt mine of Turda. Learn about the history of the salt mine with your guide through the various galleries and exhibitions. Enjoy the various activities inside the underground amusement park. Some of the features include an underground lake that may be explored with paddles and rowboats, a Ferris wheel, mini-golf, table tennis and pool tables. After discovering the spectacular salt mine, journey through the Apuseni Mountains to arrive at Rimetea. This is a Hungarian village wonderfully preserved in harmony with nature. For centuries, Rimetea was famous throughout Transylvania for its iron mines as well as for the skills of its blacksmiths. You will also have the opportunity to stop for lunch if desired. Heading back to Cluj, stop for a 2-hour walk in the Turda Gorge nature reserve, which is one of Romania’s most important places for rock climbing. Cross the canyon and admire the 200m high crags. See a small fortified cave used by brigands as a refuge over two centuries ago before returning to Cluj in the late afternoon.

Start with pickup from your hotel in Brasov by a professional guide. Begin your journey to Corvin Castle, enjoying the beautiful landscapes offered by the Transylvanian wilderness along the way.  Construction of the castle started in 1446, and has been continuously expanded and developed by various kings over the centuries. Built in a Renaissance-Gothic style, the castle is constructed on a rock overlooking the Zlaști River. See this large and imposing structure with tall towers, bastions, an inner courtyard, diversely coloured roofs, and myriads of windows and balconies adorned with stone carvings. Discover the fascinating history of the castle and its numerous royal figures, as your guide escorts you around the site. After some time exploring, travel next to Sibiu. Sibiu is a pedestrian-friendly city with two easily accessible levels: the Upper town, home to most of Sibiu's historic sights, and the Lower town, lined with colorful houses on cobblestone streets surrounded by imposing city walls and defense towers overlooking the river Cibin. Explore its unique mix of well-preserved architecture, medieval fortifications, monumental churches, of different faiths, boutique shops and narrow romantic streets.