Hunedoara

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.

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

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.

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.

Experience the historical and legendary places related to the man and the legend behind Dracula on this six-day guided tour. Visit Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace in the medieval citadel of Sighișoara, the imposing Hunyadi Castle, the ruins of Poenari Castle, Dracula Castle, and more. Day 1: Bucharest - Curtea de Argeș - Poenari Castle - Vidraru Dam - Transfagarasan Road - Capra Waterfall - Balea Glacier Lake - Sibiu - Sibiel See the Curtea de Arges Monastery and Poenari Castle from the outside. Drive to the Vidraru Dam and along Transfagarasan Road. Stop at Capra Waterfall and Balea Lake before heading to Sibiel Village. Enjoy a 3-course dinner at Ramona Pension. Savor the pension breakfast in the morning. Day 2: Sibiel - Hunyadi Castle - Alba Iulia - Sibiel Start your second day with a visit to Hunyadi Castle, or Corvins' Castle, and the star-shaped fortress, Alba Iulia Citadel. Hunyadi Castle is one of the largest castles in Europe and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Romania. Return to Sibiel to enjoy dinner.  Day 3: Sibiel - Sibiu - Turda Salt Mine After breakfast, head to Sibiu’s old town to see the Big Square, Little Square, Bridge of Liars, Romano Catholic Cathedral, and the oldest house in town. Visit the Turda Salt mine, named one of the top 10 underground wonders in the world by National Geographic. Overnight in Turda town at Casa Ratiu. Day 4: Turda - Biertan Fortified Church - Sighisoara Enjoy breakfast and then visit the Fortified Church of Biertan, a UNESCO world heritage site. Visit Sighisoara’s medieval town, including the Clock Tower, the house where Vlad the Impaler was born, and the Church on the Hill. Overnight in Sighișoara. Day 5: Sighisoara - Prejmer Fortified Church - Bran Castle - Rasnov Fortress - Brasov After breakfast, discover the history of the Prejmer Fortified Church, Bran Castle, and Rasnov Fortress. Continue to Brasov and overnight at Casa Timar Pension. Day 6: Brasov - Peles Castle - Snagov Monastery - Bucharest Savor the pension breakfast before starting your final day with a visit to Peles Castle and Snagov Monastery. End your trip with a transfer to your hotel in Bucharest or the airport.

Meeting in the morning with the tour guide and driver. The day starts with a live commentary from the tour guide about the day schedule. You will travel to Corvin's Castle in Hunedoara, one of the most amazing castles in the world. The tour guide will teach you every historic detail of this place. After visiting the castle, we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Drive to Alba Iulia. Here you will find the oldest and most valuable monument of architecture in Transylvania, the Batthyaneum Library, the Orthodox Cathedral and the Babilon Building. Alba Carolina citadel is a must visit place if you travel in Romania. You will leave full of energy from this place and for sure you will come back one day. Drive back to Sibiu in the after-noon.

Day 1 Your Transylvanian journey starts with a pick-up from your Cluj-Napoca hotel, heading towards Sibiu. Bask in the charm of this former European Union’s Cultural Capital, exploring its vibrant Main Squares, the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral, and the myth-shrouded Bridge of Lies. The day continues with an immersive visit to Bran Castle, the atmospheric fortress tied to the legend of Dracula. Meander through its enigmatic passages and halls, drinking in its historic allure. The first day concludes with an evening in Brasov. Here, you'll enjoy a captivating city tour highlighting the monumental Black Church and the lively Council Square, before retiring for the night at your Brasov accommodation. Day 2 Awake in Brasov, ready for a day filled with historical discoveries. Your first stop is the medieval city of Sighișoara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the birthplace of the infamous Vlad Tepes, or Dracula. Following Sighișoara, you'll marvel at the commanding Rupea Fortress, a symbol of Transylvania's resilient past, set atop a hill with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The final destination of your tour is Biertan Fortified Church, an impressive 13th-century stronghold that echoes with history. Immerse yourself in its tales before returning to Cluj-Napoca, bringing your enriching two-day journey to a close.

In this one day trip a pickup from hotel is planned to be done. Private transportation is provided with a personal car or with a rented one. First visit will be done to Hunedoara where the Corvin Castle will be admired from outside and inside. Lunch break will be done in a Hunedoara downtown restaurant. Then the UNESCO monument, the fortified church of Calnic will be visited. The last activity will be the walking tour in Sibiu downtown where citadel walls will be admired, together with some citadel towers, bastions, and the medieval buildings from the three main squares of Sibiu: Piata Mare, Piata Mica and Piata Huet. Main visits: Catholic Cathedral Saint Trinity, Evangelic Cathedral, Orthodox Cathedral, Turnul Sfatului (tickets included), City Hall. Diner will be served in a restaurant from Sibiu downtown. Then return to Timisoara and drop off to the hotel of the participants.

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the heart of Transylvania and uncover the truth behind the world's most famous vampire with the "Dracula Beyond the Legend" private tour. This eight-day adventure takes you to 14 eerie destinations throughout Romania, immersing you in the dark and mysterious history of the region. The journey begins and ends in Bucharest, a city shrouded in myth and legend, with a rich history dating back to the 15th century. From here, you'll be transported to some of the most haunted and mysterious landmarks in Romania, including the real Dracula's castle, where you'll learn about the twisted history of the bloodthirsty count. Throughout the tour, your expert guide will take you on a bone-chilling adventure through the most haunted and strange locations in Transylvania. Every step of the way is designed to evoke the ominous aura of the vampire that has captivated imaginations for centuries. From the frightening forest where the count is said to have roamed to the macabre town of Sighisoara where he was born, you'll experience the true terror of Dracula's legacy. The in-depth cultural experience of this tour is not for the faint of heart. You'll stay in a hotel with an eerie past, and your meals, transportation, and other amenities are all included. Throughout the journey, your senses will be overwhelmed by the spooky atmosphere that permeates every location you visit. At every destination, your guide will bring to life the dark and twisted history of Transylvania. You'll hear stories of the vampire's wickedness, his thirst for blood, and the terror that he brought upon the people of the region. You'll discover the origins of the legend of Dracula and how it has evolved over the centuries to become one of the most enduring and captivating myths in popular culture. At the real Dracula's castle, also known as Bran Castle, you'll experience the chilling atmosphere that inspired Bram Stoker's famous novel. From the castle's eerie corridors to the dark and forbidding dungeon, you'll be transported back in time to the era when Dracula ruled the land. The tour also includes visits to other landmarks that are steeped in legend and mystery, such as the fortified churches of Biertan and Viscri, the spooky Hoia Baciu Forest, and the medieval town of Brasov. You'll have the opportunity to explore these locations at your leisure, soaking up the atmosphere and discovering the hidden secrets of Transylvania. The tour plan: Day 1: Bucharest OTP Airport - Bucharest City Day 2: Bucharest – Targoviste Royal Court – Poenari Castle Day 3: Poenari citadel – Transfagarasan Highway – Sibiu Day 4: Sibiu – Corvin Castle – Sarmizegetusa Regia – Densus church – Deva Day 5: Deva – Alba Carolina – Turda Salt Mine – Cluj-Napoca Day 6: Cluj-Napoca – Hoia Baciu Forest - Biertan – Sighisoara Citadel Day 7: Sighisoara – Bran Castle – Brasov Day 8: Brasov - Snagov Monastery - Bucharest city or airport

As the day is shorter in winter time, the car ride is planned to start at 6.00 am (will last for 3 hours); but beautiful landscapes wait to be admired on Retezat mountains! So let's not be in a hurry to go in the mountains! Then when arriving in Carnic, the hiking will begin towards the Gentiana chalet, where a warm tea or coffee as a welcome drink is waiting... together with beautiful landscapes with the surrounding mountains peaks, covered by snow! After a short break, the hiking goes on towards the lake Pietrele (translated from Romanian as lake Stones), near the Retezat main ridge, for 2 hours. Then depending on the local snow and weather conditions a short ascent on the main ridge could be tried. After hiking around 1000m from 1005 m altitude, the way back will be done using the same path.