Tour of Transylvania from Cluj-Napoca

Guided Tour of Transylvania 

Private guided tour: nature & culture
10 Days

Start this guided tour of Transylvania from Cluj-Napoca, a vibrant city set in the heart of Romania.

This tour will take you to some of the most beautiful natural, rural and medieval sights in Transylvania and help you understand the rich and complicated history and multicultural flavors of Transylvania.

Cluj, caves, mountains, fortifications and castles, Sibiu, Viscri, bears and craftsmen are all included.

Highlights of the Guided Tour of Transylvania

  • Discover the charm of Transylvania’s medieval towns: Sibiu, Brasov and Sighisoara
  • Enjoy magnificent views in the Apuseni Mountains
  • Meet local communities of people and learn about their daily lives
  • Learn about the architecture specific to the Hungarian community
  • Take part in a horseback riding adventure
  • Observe bears in their natural habitat

 

Suggested Itinerary

This is a private guided tour. It will be organized for you only, so you will not be part of a larger group.

Day 1  
Upon arrival in Cluj-Napoca and depending on the time of your landing you can already start exploring Cluj-Napoca.

Accommodation in Cluj-Napoca.

 

Day 2  

Located in the heart of Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca is a lively city with historic buildings and a beautiful old center. In the first part of the day, you’ll have a guided tour through the streets of the city’s center, have lunch and then head south to your next destination.

The guided tour of Transylvania continues with Rimetea and Coltesti, two charming villages of Hungarian heritage. They are set in beautiful scenery so besides learning about the Hungarian influence in this part of the country, you will be able to admire the white traditional houses and the limestone mountains that watch them.

Tour of Transylvania from Sibiu

Accommodation in the Apuseni Mountains.

Drive time: 1h

 

Day 3 
Today you will explore the Apuseni Mountains, a favorite destination amongst those who love nature and picturesque landscapes.The region is known for having over 4000 karst formations and you will descend in Scarisoara cave, the biggest underground glacier in Romania.  

In the afternoon you can enjoy a hike in the mountains and admire the tiny villages and hamlets of the Motzi people spread out across the hills.

Accommodation in the Apuseni Mountains.

Drive time: 3h

 

Day 4  
Alba-Iulia is known as the “other capital of Romania” due to its importance in the events that led to the unification of the country in 1918. You can explore the medieval star-shaped fortified citadel and witness the change of guards that takes place every day at noon.

Close to Alba Iulia you can find Romania’s most impressive monument of Gothic architecture, Corvin Castle. Crossing the stone bridge that leads to the massive wooden entrance gate you’ll feel as if you have stepped back in a time of legends and mysteries.

Corvin Castle in Hunedoara

Last on your itinerary is a fortified church built in the 13th century. It was later transformed by the Saxons in a veritable defense fortification, with two rows of surrounding walls and an impressive Gate Tower.

Accommodation in a fortress.

Drive time: 4h

 

Day 5  

The fifth day of your Guided Tour of Transylvania from Cluj-Napoca is dedicated to exploring Sibiu, a charming medieval town and former European Capital of Culture.

You can stroll along the narrow streets of the Old Town and marvel at the beautiful squares, elegant buildings and imposing towers. Next, you will take a trip through Romania’s cultural heritage at the Open Air Village Museum, the largest of its kind in Eastern Europe. Here you can admire traditional houses from all regions of the country and learn about rural life in a peaceful natural setting.

Open Air Village Museum

Accommodation in Sibiu.

Drive time: 30′

 

Day 6  
Take part in a unique experience by exploring the authentic side of Transylvania through a horseback riding adventure. During a few hours you will ride along country roads, taking in the wonderful landscape and gazing at the imposing Carpathian Mountain rising in the distance.

As an alternative, you can drive on the Transfagarasan Road, chosen by Top Gear as “the World’s Best Road Trip”. Not only the views from the top are spectacular, with the winding road and sharp hairpin turns, but the drive itself is an exciting experience. The road is open between July and October.

The rest of the day will be spent in Brasov, another attractive medieval town. You can explore the Old Town, with its colorful houses and beautiful architectural monuments and hike to the nearby Tampa Mountain (or take the cable car) to admire the views.

Brasov

Accommodation in Brasov.

Drive time: 2h 30’

 

Day 7  
For the morning you have a few choices, depending on your interest: the Peles Castle, former residence of the Royal Family, a children friendly workshop (such as painting eggs, pottery, wood or glass, sewing or pumpkin decoration in autumn) or the Bear Sanctuary in Zarnesti.  

Zarnesti - Libearty Bear Sanctuary

Then you will visit one of the most known sights in Transylvania: Bran Castle. Known mostly for its association with Dracula, there is more to it than just a legend. Bran Castle is both visually impressive, built on top of rocks and surrounded by a dense forest, and historically fascinating.

In the afternoon you will travel to a bear observatory where you will have the opportunity to see bears in the wild. Watch as the animals come to eat in designated places in the forest and learn about their natural habitat.

Accommodation in Viscri.

Drive time: 1h

 

Day 8 
Viscri is one of the few places in Transylvania where rural life is still alive in its most authentic form and many occupations are still practiced like centuries ago.

Viscri Village

In the morning you will visit Viscri’s fortified church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Transylvanian Saxons in the 16th century. Then it will be time to meet the village’s blacksmith and brickmaker. You’ll witness their work process and learn about the importance of their crafts. Also, you’ll get to see how bread in the oven is made and have the opportunity to taste it.

Later that day you can choose between visiting a sheepfold located high in the mountains, cycle in the surroundings of the village or walk along the country roads of Viscri and observe people’s way of life.

Accommodation in Viscri.

 

Day 9  
Today you will travel to Sighisoara where you will visit the charming citadel dating from medieval times. Walk on the cobbled streets of the citadel, glance at the colorful houses and go up to the church on the hill to take in the views of the surrounding area.

Blacksmith

You will stop for lunch at an ecological farm. After exploring the place a little bit, you will be served with food made locally from organic ingredients.

Just before arriving back to back, prepare to have your pill of health as today you will go down in a salt mine, in the town of Turda. More than just breathing the healthy salty air you will be amazed at this huge mine and its alien-looking appearance.

Turda Salt Mine

Accommodation in Cluj.

Drive time: 4h

 

Day 10  

This is the last day of your roundtrip guided tour of Transylvania from Cluj. You will be transferred from the hotel to the airport from where you will pick up the flight back home.

 

Why travel with us

Suggested Itinerary Viewed On Map
Suggested Accommodation

Bella Muzica 3* – Brasov

Located in the Old Town of Brasov, the building which hosts the hotel dates back to  the XVIth century and has elegant interior decorations that help conserve the charm of old times. The hotel features 34 rooms, beautifully furnished, each one of them having a private bathroom. Guests can also enjoy spending time outside in a little, peaceful courtyard or eating at the hotel’s restaurant, which offers traditional and international dishes.

Casa Luxemburg 3* – Sibiu

Casa Luxemburg is one of the oldest buildings in Sibiu, with a rich history and beautiful 13th century architecture. Its privileged location, in the heart of the old town of Sibiu makes it a perfect choice if you are eager to explore the town just as you step out of the hotel door. Each of the 8 rooms has its own design and unique view, from your window you may see some of the most important attractions such as the Liar’s Bridge or the Council Tower. The quality of the accommodation together with the diversity of dishes will complete your stay in this unique boutique hotel.

Hotel Beyfin 4* – Cluj-Napoca

Known for its commitment to quality and attention to details, Hotel Beyfin offer to its guests accommodation in 31 rooms and apartments decorated with charming Italian furniture and having a high level of comfort. From some of the the rooms windows you can enjoy the views over the most important attractions of the city as the hotel is located in the very center of Cluj-Napoca. The distinctive elegance of the hotel can be also found in the restaurant and the upper terrace where you can delight with dishes from the Italian cuisine accompanied by local and international wines.
Raven's Nest

Raven’s Nest 3*

Raven’s Nest is a private village located in a spectacular natural landscape in the Apuseni Mountains. The three houses, now restored, date from the 18th-19th centuries and offer comfortable accommodation in double or twin rooms decorated in a traditional style. The guests can enjoy the available facilities like hammocks, an open-air cinema or a terrace built on rocks from where they can admire the beautiful sunset over the Transylvanian mountains. The restaurant serves authentic food made from local ingredients, which is paired with excellent wines and artisanal beers.  

Viscri 125 – Viscri

The 11 rooms of this rural guesthouse are located in traditional German Saxon buildings specific to this area and older than 100 years. The rooms are charming, comfortable and lack TV and internet access so you are encouraged to disconnect from the outside world. They offer set menus cooked from local ingredients and mostly by following traditional recipes. Walking out through the front gate you’ll feel like stepping back in time while exploring the village. Through the back door you will get to the hammocks area where you can relax or walk through the wildflower fields in the summer months.
Included Services
  • Trip planning and assistance before, during and after the tour
  • Certified English speaking tour guide (accommodation, relocation and meals are included)
  • Accommodation for 9 nights in standard double rooms with breakfast (B) included. For a group larger than 10, instead of Raven’s Nest you will stay at Conacul Secuiesc (Coltesti)
  • Private transfer on the above itinerary by sedan car or SUV for up to 3 people (Ford Mondeo or similar), minivan for 4-8 people (Renault Trafic, VW Caravelle or similar) and minibus for more than 8 people (Mercedes Sprinter, VW Crafter or similar); fuel, taxes and parking fees are included
  • 5 dinners (D): 2 in Salciua, 1 in Calnic and 2 in Viscri (set menu with home cooked traditional food)
  • Bear observatory visit

Services which are not included in the price of the Guided Tour of Transylvania:

  • Entrance tickets to tourist sites, except those mentioned above. Per person you are likely to spend up to 50-70 EUR
  • Meals, except those included above. On average you can pay for a meal 10-15 EUR
Prices
The prices are calculated for a private guided tour for groups of the sizes mentioned below. If you are interested in a self-drive tour, please let us know. 
Group Size
Price per person – EUR
16 persons
14 persons
12 persons
10 persons
8 persons
6 persons
4 persons
2 persons

1175 EUR

1225 EUR

1300 EUR

1400 EUR

1350 EUR

1550 EUR

1950 EUR

2600 EUR

Traveler’s Reviews
Matt and his father from Canada
“We count ourselves lucky to have toured Romania with Daniel. For each part, he diligently ensured that itineraries matched our interests in an authentic experience of Romanian culture. Tours were well-organized, accommodations well-chosen and interactions with Daniel so educational and enjoyable. With his connections to local people, Daniel gave us an unforgettable experience of monasteries, castles, farmers, artisans, natural places, and a culture that is unique in all the world. In short, Daniel’s tours are authentic and exceptional!”
Francis from UK
“It was an exceptionally interesting and rewarding tour of Transylvania. This is partly because Transylvania is fascinating and beautiful; and partly because our guide gave us a most imaginative programme which mixed important historic sites with experiences of rural life. He was known to many of the people running places we stayed in or visited and we were welcomed as friends. He was well informed on the history and was excellent company. We did some unusual things, for example visiting a bustling and colorful livestock market and enjoyed the whole experience enormously.”

Are you looking for something else? Check our other suggested tours focused on culture, history and traditions.