Romania Christmas Markets Tour (Transylvania & Maramures)

This Romania Christmas markets tour takes you to the most charming markets in the country and gets you into the Christmas spirit. Moreover, in Transylvania region you will also visit medieval towns like Sighisoara, Brasov and Sibiu, well preserved traditional villages like Viscri, the Bran and Peles castles and a bear sanctuary. In Maramures region you will also travel by a steam train and marvel at the traditional wooden architecture, quaint rural life and traditions.

We can organize this tour anytime* between Nov 30 and Dec 30.

Day 1: Start in Cluj, visit the Merry Cemetery and Barsana monastery in Maramures

Day 2: Travel with the steam train on the Vaser Valley in Maramures region

Day 3: Meet Roma coppersmiths and visit Sighisoara medieval town

Day 4: Tour Viscri, Prejmer fortified church and the Christmas market in Brasov

Day 5: Peles and Bran castles (optional bear sanctuary)

Day 6: Sibiu old town, open air village museum and Christmas market

Day 7: Corvin Castle in Hunedoara, Alba Iulia fortress, Turda salt mine and Cluj Christmas market.

Day 8: Farewell

Besides the sights mentioned in the itinerary, you can also expect to encounter Christmas traditions like carolers, bear-dancers, the Goat, locals going to church in traditional clothes (if you happen to be on a Sunday in Maramures) and many more. It is definitely the time with most traditions in Romania so you will be in for a serious treat.

You will start the tour in Cluj-Napoca where you will meet your guide in the morning and start the adventure. After that you will travel to Maramureș region, often referred to as “The Land of Wood.” This charming area is renowned for its traditional wooden houses and UNESCO-listed wooden churches.

First, you will stop at the Merry Cemetery in Săpânța, known for its colorful crosses that feature scenes from the lives of the deceased, along with short poems. It’s also a unique look into the local life and traditions of Maramureș, where customs are still an important part of life.

Next, you will visit the wooden monastic complex in Bârsana, where you’ll take in views of the surrounding countryside and explore the unique wooden architecture.

Overnight in Ieud

Drive time: 5h

Day 2

From Maramures you will travel back to the Transylvania region. If this day happens to be a Sunday, we definitely recommend going to a church to see how locals practice their Orthodox faith, some dressed in traditional clothes.

Along the way you’ll visit a local Roma family, the main being known coppersmiths. Watch them at work and learn about their craft, passed down through generations, and discover their unique cultural heritage.

Upon arriving in Sighisoara, enjoy a guided tour of one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns. Stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets, beautifully adorned with festive Christmas lights and decorations. Moreover, the hilltop town offers stunning views, and the colorful, historic buildings—part of the UNESCO World Heritage site—create a magical atmosphere, especially during the holiday season.

Overnight in Sighisoara

Drive time: 5h

You will explore Viscri, one of the oldest and best-preserved Transylvanian villages built by German Saxon settlers. Additionally, it is a favorite place of King Charles III, who visits almost yearly and owns a house here. You will visit the 8 centuries old fortification and the local blacksmith.

Next, you will travel to Prejmer village, home to the largest fortified church in Transylvania, a UNESCO site. Here, you can also explore the impressive structure, which features over 200 rooms within its surrounding walls, designed to shelter locals during extended sieges.

Finally you will arrive in Brașov, beautifully situated between the mountains and renowned for its historic center, defensive walls, and towers, including the famous Black Church. During the holiday season, the town surely becomes a festive wonderland hosting one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Romania set in the heart of the old town. Furthermore you’ll find themed stalls selling local produce and handcrafted goods, along with entertainment like Santa’s workshop, a merry-go-round and a huge Christmas tree.

If you’re quite active, consider taking an hour-long hike up Tampa Mountain for a truly stunning panorama of the town and its surroundings, or opt for the cable car for a more leisurely ascent.

Overnight in Brasov

Drive time: 2h 30’

Today, you’ll visit some of the most famous castles in Romania, which are even more atmospheric in the winter months.

Peleș and Pelișor are two picturesque castles set in wonderful natural settings, surrounded by forests and mountains. They impress with their intricate outdoor decorations and give a sense of how a royal family used to live.

Bran Castle, which is usually associated with Dracula, is actually a beautiful medieval castle in Transylvania, tastefully decorated by our queen in the 1920s. Among the many rooms of the castle, you will encounter a room named after “Bram Stoker” where you can find out the story of Vlad the Impaler, the man behind Dracula’s legend.
Optional: In the morning you can visit a bear sanctuary where previously captive bears now enjoy a good habitat.

Overnight in Brasov

Drive time: 2h30

​Your Chrismas markets tour of Romania would not be complete without a visit to Sibiu, home to the best Christmas market in Romania. It is also the most complete, having Ferris wheel, a Santa’s workshop, and an array of Christmas houses selling food, treats, and decorations. Additionally, you can enjoy skating on the ice rink, immersing yourself in the holiday spirit.

Stroll across beautifully decorated squares, each adorned with twinkling lights that create a magical atmosphere. Don’t miss the Bridge of Lies, stunningly illuminated during the holiday season.

As you explore, admire Sibiu’s impressive architecture, including historic churches and museums. Furthermore, to deepen your understanding of Transylvania’s traditions, you’ll also visit the open-air Village Museum, where you can discover traditional rural architecture and have a wonderful walk outdoors.

Overnight in Sibiu

Drive time: 3h

On your way back to Cluj, you’ll first visit the majestic Corvin Castle, a Gothic masterpiece that becomes even more captivating in the winter. Built in the 15th century, this imposing castle is framed by a winding river and towering defensive walls, with its grand entrance bridge leading you into a world of knights and legends.

Next, you’ll explore Alba Iulia, a fortress designed in a Vauban star shape and which holds great historical significance, as it was here in 1918 that Transylvania united with the rest of Romania.

Your journey brings you also to the Turda Salt Mine, a unique underground experience. Additionally, you’ll be able to row a boat on the underground lake, take a ride on the Ferris wheel, or enjoy some fun activities like mini-golf, table tennis, or bowling. While breathing the healthy salty air you will be amazed at this huge mine and its alien-looking appearance.

Finally, you will arrive in Cluj-Napoca in the evening, just in time to experience the city’s Christmas market. Enjoy the festive atmosphere with Christmas carols, delicious treats, and ice skating one more time.

Overnight in Cluj-Napoca

Drive time: 4h

We definitely hope you’ve enjoyed our specially crafted Christmas markets tour of Romania and that you will have many wonderful memories to take back home with you. Your tour will end here and we will organize the transfer from the hotel to the airport.
Our suggestion is to start and finish the tour in Cluj Napoca as it is closer to the Maramures region and this way you can visit this region also. But we can adjust the tour to start or end from Bucharest or any other city in Romania. Bucharest itself has a Christmas market and cities like Timisoara, Craiova, Oradea also have such markets. That is to say, we’ve only included the nicest ones (from our perspective).