Tour of Transylvania from Sibiu

Tour of Transylvania from Bucharest

Enjoy quaint towns and beautiful nature
8 Days

One of the best ways to tour Transylvania is from Bucharest, Romania’s capital and connected by flights with countries all over the world.

Transylvania itself is a natural fortress surrounded by mountains from all sides. You’ll discover what’s inside, the charming medieval towns, well-preserved rural life and beautiful nature.

Highlights of the Tour of Transylvania from Bucharest

  • Visit Transylvania’s most famous castle
  • Meet local communities of people and learn about their occupations and daily lives
  • Go down in a salt mine
  • Relax in beautiful natural surroundings
  • Visit the best preserved medieval fortress in Europe
  • Spend time in a bear sanctuary

 

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  

You will start your tour of Transylvania from Bucharest, Romania’s capital. After being transferred from the airport to the hotel you’ll have free time to relax or start exploring the town.

Accommodation in Bucharest.

 

Day 2  

You will meet your guide in the morning and set on the road towards Sibiu, an emblematic medieval town exuding a bohemian atmosphere and former European Capital of Culture.

Beautiful Sibiu Old Town

You will have a guided walking tour of Sibiu to discover the story of the place, its uniqueness and importance while exploring its historic squares and the imposing towers. Next you will tour the Open Air Village Museum and learn about Romania’s cultural heritage by admiring traditional Romanian houses and other examples of rural architecture and engineering. 

Optional, on the way from Bucharest to Sibiu, you can drive on the famous Transfagarasan Road, also known as “the path through the clouds”. The road zig-zags through beautiful landscapes and from the highest point you can enjoy amazing views. The road is open between July and October.

Panoramic view of Transfagarasan

Accommodation in Sibiu.

Drive time: 1 h

 

Day 3  

Today you will visit Corvin Castle, Transylvania’s most outstanding gothic castle built in the 15th century. Encircled by a river, the main access to the massive gate and tall defensive towers is made through crossing a stone bridge.

Corvin Castle in Hunedoara

Not far from here you will find Alba-Iulia, a small town but of a great importance in the history of the country, especially as 2018 is the year Romania celebrates its centennial. It was here when in 1918 the three main regions united to form the present Romania.

The town of Alba Iulia

You will then head towards Coltesti, a village of traditional Hungarian heritage and stop at the historic Coltesti Fortress, from where you can admire the beautiful natural surroundings.

Accommodation in Coltesti/Raven’s Nest.

Drive time: 3h 30’ – 4h 30’

 

Day 4  

Seeing as this tour of Transylvania is private, there is flexibility in planning it so for this day we offer you 2 options:

Option 1: You can make a day trip to Cluj-Napoca,a vibrant city in the heart of Transylvania and also have a walk in the Turda Gorge. Another highlight is the visiting the Turda Salt Mine, a place of exotic appearance where you can enjoy the salty air and marvel at the spectacular men-made structures.   You might have visited other salt mines, but nothing like this one.

Turda Salt Mine

Option 2: If you decided to spend the previous night at Raven’s Nest, a place surrounded by wilderness, today you can hike in the nearby mountains and explore the underground caves.

Hike in the mountains - Dumesti

Accommodation in Coltesti (option 1)/Raven’s Nest (option 2).

Drive time: 3h (option 1)

 

Day 5  

In the morning you will visit a Gypsy family of coppersmiths that passed down this craft from generation to generation and see them at work. You will then head to Biertan and admire the magnificent fortified church built by the Transylvanian Saxons and which is now part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Another option is the fortified church in Malancrav.

Roma family

A highlight of your tour of Transylvania from Bucharest will be the visit to Sighisoara, one of Europe’s best preserved medieval citadels. The town stands out through the colorful houses and tiny cobbled streets which will make you feel as if you have travelled back to the Middle Ages.

Sighisoara

Accommodation in Viscri.

Drive time: 4h

 

Day 6  

Today you will discover Viscri, a village of German Saxon heritage visited almost yearly by HRH Prince Charles of Wales who also owns a property here and established with own charity.

Of particular interest is the fortified church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which sits on a hill and overlooks the colorful houses. You will learn more about rural life in Transylvania by first meeting a blacksmith and seeing him at work, followed by a trip by horse cart to a nearby sheepfold found in the mountains.

Milking the sheep

Accommodation in Viscri.

Drive time: 1h 30’

 

Day 7  

It’s time to enjoy more of the cultural side of Transylvania, so you will visit the medieval town of Brasov and stop at the famous Bran Castle. In Brasov you will enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Town and admire the colorful historic houses and the imposing towers.

The imposing Bran Castle awes visitors from the moment it is spotted, perched on top of rocks and surrounded by a dense forest. Here you’ll learn more about its association with Dracula, though in reality it has no ties to the fictitious character from the novel.

Bran-Castle

 In the late afternoon you will spend some time in the middle of the nature and walk in the mountains near Bran.

Accommodation in Bran.

Drive time: 3h 30’

 

 

Day 8  

On the last day of your Tour of Transylvania from Bucharest you will travel to Zarnesti and visit the bear sanctuary. This is a place where previously captive bears are brought and offered improved living conditions. At present, the sanctuary is home to around 100 animals, and not only will you be able to see them, but also learn their moving stories.

Zarnesti - Libearty Bear Sanctuary

Last on the itinerary is another of Transylvania’s castle, Peles. Former residence of the Royal Family, Peles Castle is an impressive example of Renaissance architecture and a must-see for all art lovers.

You will then head towards Bucharest, from where you will fly back home or, if desired, spend an extra night in the city. 

Drive time: 3h

 

 

Why travel with us

Suggested Itinerary Viewed On Map
Suggested Accommodation

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.

Conacul Bratescu 4* – Bran

Bratescu is a charming boutique hotel located in Bran, very close to Bran castle, but in a quiet area. The building resembles an old traditional Romanian mansion while each of the 7 beautifully decorated rooms has its own story and design. The home-cooked meals and carefully chosen local wines from the restaurant will also contribute to a wonderful experience in a modern Romanian style.

Conacul Secuiesc 4* – Coltesti

Located at the foot of Piatra Secuiului hill, in a wonderful landscape, surrounded by greenery, Conacul Secuiesc is a modern hotel built in a Hungarian traditional style specific to Coltesti and Rimetea villages in Transylvania. The 23 rooms are comfortable, decorated with beautiful hand-painted furniture and traditional rural decorations. The rural experience will be completed by enjoying local home-cooked meals in the restaurant accompanied by local wines and the local palinca (strong fruit brandy).

Hotel Capitol 3* – Bucharest

Located in the heart of Bucharest and keeping the same appearance that had in the early 1900s, Hotel Capitol is known for its excellent services and comfort and for its long history in the capital. The 79 rooms are spacious and elegant and the perfect location will allow you to easily get to the main attractions of Bucharest. The hotel has also a restaurant providing different specialties of food from traditional Romanian dishes to classic international meals.
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.

Tour of Transylvania from Bucharest: 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 7 nights in standard double rooms with breakfast (B) included
  • Private transfer on the above itinerary by sedan car for up to 4 people (Ford Mondeo, Mitsubishi Outlander or similar), minivan for 5-8 people (Renault Trafic, VW Caravelle or similar; fuel, taxes and parking fees are included) and minibus for more than 9 people (Mercedes Sprinter, VW Crafter or similar)
  • 2 dinners (D): in Viscri (set menu with home cooked traditional food)

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

  • Entrance tickets to tourist sites (likely to spend up to 50-70 USD per person)
  • Meals, except those included above (on average you can pay for a meal 10-15 USD)
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

950 EUR

1000 EUR

1050 EUR

1120 EUR

1080 EUR

1250 EUR

1500 EUR

2250 EUR

Single room supplement: 420 EUR

Traveler’s Reviews
Francis from UK
“It was an exceptionally interesting and rewarding tour of Transylvania from Sibiu. 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!”
Diana and her family from Florida, USA
“From the moment I sent the request I was immediately called and we began a back-and-forth conversation about the itinerary. They suggested many wonderful things to do and see. During the trip we had the best chauffer and guide a family could ask for. My two pre-teen kids loved every second of this trip through Brasov, Sigishoara, Alba Iulia, Aninosa, Hateg, Hunedoara and Sibiu. From a very discerning mother/traveler, I cannot recommend True Romania Tours enough. Look no further for your Romanian guide because you have found the best. Multumesc!”

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