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.

• 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

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.

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.

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.

Accommodation in Sibiu.

Drive time: 1 h

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.

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.

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’

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.

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.

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

Drive time: 3h (option 1)

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.

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.

Accommodation in Viscri.

Drive time: 4h

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.

Accommodation in Viscri.

Drive time: 1h 30’

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.

 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’

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.

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

• 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)