Things to do in

Biertan

Visit Sighisoara, founded by Transylvanian Saxons during the 12th century. Depart from Sibiu in the morning and set off for Sighisoara, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore this perfectly intact 16th century gem with nine towers, cobbled streets, burgher houses and ornate churches which could rival the historic streets of Old Prague or Vienna. It is also the birthplace of Vlad Dracula, also known as Vlad the Impaler, ruler of the province of Walachia from 1456 to 1462 and the figure who inspired Bram Stoker's fictional creation, Count Dracula.  On your way back to Sibiu, you will cross Biertan village, one of the most important Saxon villages with fortified churches in Transylvania. Learn about this fascinating region from a specialized English-speaking guide. Visit the fortified church in Biertan, with its beautiful and mysterious atmosphere. Hear about its history as a seat of the Lutheran Evangelical Bishop in Transylvania between 1572 and 1867. After an exciting day of discovery, sit back and relax as your are transferred back to Sibiu. 

Your tour will start in the morning when you will be picked up from your hotel and taken on a 2-hour road trip to Medias. Take a short walking tour of the city and get a glimpse of the Citadel of Light and of the beautiful medieval buildings, most of which were built in the 15th century. You will then head to Biertan in order to visit the Biertan fortified church, a monument included in the UNESCO patrimony as part of Transylvania’s villages with fortified churches. The church is surrounded by thick medieval walls which were built in the 15th century, and the front door is equipped with 19 locks and bolts. Your next stop will be in Sighisoara. The medieval Sighisoara Citadel is the only inhabited citadel in Europe and it is surrounded by 9 towers, the Clock Tower being the most important of all. The Clock Tower was destroyed by a fire, but it was rebuilt in the 16th century, and it is now home to a history museum that includes a torture chamber. The Sighisoara Citadel was built in the 12th century, and it had a significant role throughout Transylvania’s history, Sighisoara being one of its 7 independent cities. In Sighisoara, you will also visit the Hill Church, a holy site that you can reach by climbing 175 wooden steps, as well as several other buildings such as the Stag House and a Venetian House. If Transylvania were to be described in one word, the word diverse would be chosen. This historical land was home to numerous isolated villages, and you will find traces of its Romanian, Hungarian, Gypsy and German communities, all living in harmony for hundreds of years. Gypsies first settled in Romania more than 800 years ago, after being forced away from their lands by the Mongol invasion. Today, you will visit an isolated community of Gypsies who earn their living through various crafts such as copper smithing. Because they are a slightly isolated community, the access is permitted only to those accompanied by someone they trust. On your way back to Cluj, you will take a different route in order to explore some of the stunning landscape of Transylvania. You will be back in Cluj by night, the duration of the trip being affected by traffic.

Day 1: Bucharest to Bucovina You will be picked up by a professional guide from either your hotel in Bucharest or Otopeni Airport. From there you will endure a long drive to Bucovina, but you will benefit from a luxury Mercedes Vklass van or a similar car, making your entire vacation comfortable. You will begin by visiting the Humor Monastery and the Voronet monastery, before an overnight in Gura Humorului in a 3-star hotel (with breakfast included). Day 2: Gura Humorului, Vatra Moldovitei, Sucevita, Marginea, and Sucevita On your second day, you will visit the Moldovita Monastery, Ciumarna Passage, the Sucevita Monastery, and the Marginea Black Pottery. At the conclusion of your day you will overnight in Sucevita Village at a guest house, where you enjoy both dinner and breakfast which will consist of traditional local products. Day 3: Sucevita, Arbore, Gura Humorului, Bicaz Gorges, the Red Lake, and Brasov Your third day will begin with the Arbore Monastery, before you advance towards Bicaz Gorge, the Red Lake, and Brasov (including its old historic center). At the conclusion of your day, you will overnight in Brasov's downtown area. Day 4: Brasov, Viscri, Sighisoara, Biertan, and Brasov Day 4 will begin with a tour of the Viscri Saxon Village and fortified Saxon Church. You will then move on to explore the Sighioara Fortress, Dracula's "birthplace", and the Biertan Village. At the conclusion of your fourth day, you will once again overnight in Brasov. Day 5: Brasov, Prejmer, Poiana Brasov, Rasnov, Bran, and Moieciu Today you will visit the Prejmer Peasants Fortress, before exploring the Poiana Brasov Ski Resort and the Rasnov Fortress. You will then discover the magnificent Bran Castle, which is connected with the Dracula legend. Towards the end of your day you will explore Moieciu Village, before you once again overnight in Downtown Brasov. Day 6: Brasov, Azuga, Sinaia, Snagov, and Bucharest Your final day will begin with a Royal Rhein Winery tour in Azuga. From there you will discover Peles Castle, which is the summer residence of the royal family of Romania. Moving on, you will encounter the Snagov Orthodox Monastery, where the dreaded prince Vlad Tepes is buried. Your day will eventually conclude with your exploration of Lake Snagov, before you end your tour in Bucharest.

Trek across Romania and admire the remarkable architecture and natural beauty of this richly historical region. From views of the vast Carpathian Mountains, to bone-chilling church grounds at Biertan, to a charming night in Brasov City. Your guide will lead you on the trip of a lifetime. Marvel at the magnificent Peleș Castle, and watch out for Dracula at the famous Bran Castle. Feel blessed at the serene grounds of Sinaia Monastery, cared for by Christian monks. Spend the night at Brasov, and take a stroll on the cobbled streets. Rest-up for your trip back in time, to the medieval town of Sighișoara. The nearby church at Biertan is a testament to the skill of ancient settlers. Explore the charming city of Sibiu, before viewing the masterfully built monastery and tomb in Cozia. Let your guide take the hassle out of getting around, and enjoy the picturesque scenery. You won't want to miss a minute.

Day 1 After getting picked up from your hotel in Cluj-Napoca, begin your journey towards the south of Transylvania. Spend the first half of the discovering the region's fortresses and castles. At your first stop of the day, Alba Carolina Fortress, learn more about the fortress' cleverly-designed defense mechanisms and architecture, as well as admiring its breathtaking beauty. Next, head to the Gothic masterpiece that is Corvin Castle. Wander through the castle's impressive Knight's Hall, which was used for feasts and banquets, the ceremony hall and the circular stairway.  Finish your day in Sibiu, the former European Union’s Cultural Capital and one of Transylvania's best-preserved cities. On a guided city tour, explore the Main Squares, as well as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Bridge of Lies. At the end of the tour, your guide will leave you at the hotel and you will be free to spend the rest of the day at your leisure.  Day 2 With yesterday's visits to Alba Carolina and Corvin Castle fresh in your mind, deepen your knowledge of Transylvanian fortresses with a visit to Biertan Fortified Church. Admire the impressive fortifications and defense mechanisms of this 13th-century fortress.  Next, head to the highlight of the day, Sighișoara, the only inhabited medieval fortress included in UNESCO World Heritage Centre, and home to real-life notorious ruler Vlad Tepes, also known as Dracula. Get dropped off at your preferred location in Cluj-Napoca at the end of the day.