If departing from Budapest, you will visit Szeged, a city in South-Eastern Hungary, known as the “city of sunshine” and featuring beautiful Art Nouveau historic buildings.

On the other hand, on the way from Belgrade to Timisoara you can discover Novi Sad, a city built on the banks of the Danube and boasting a charming 18th-century architecture.

You will end the day with a guided tour of one of Romania’s most beautiful cities, Timisoara, chosen European Capital of Culture for 2021. Timisoara is known as the town from where the Romanian anti-communism revolution started but it is also known for its multiculturalism, here living for centuries important communities of Germans, Jews, Hungarians and Serbs. You will enjoy walking through the old town, admiring the rich Secession Architecture.

Overnight in Timisoara.

Next on your itinerary is Alba Iulia, a significant town in the history of Romania, as it was here that in 1918 the former regions of the country united. You will get a complete lesson on the origins of the Romanian people as you tour the Vauban-style citadel, since the first relics of the place date from Roman times.

Sibiu is a charming medieval town located in the heart of the country. You will have a guided walking tour through the center and discover its historic squares, fortification walls and towers.

Overnight in Sibiu.

Later in the day you will visit the famous Bran castle. Usually associated with Dracula for the resemblance it bears with the castle described in Bram Stoker’s novel, the 15th century former residence is actually a charming castle tastefully decorated by our queen Mary in the early ‘20.

If you are traveling between July and the end of September, you can add to this tour a drive on the scenic Trasfagarasan road. Called “the best road in the world” by Jeremy Clarkson – Top Gear –  Transfagarasan crosses the highest Romanian mountains; from the top you will have a breathtaking view of the mountains and the road’s sharp turns.

Overnight in Bran.

Placed in a fairy-tale like setting, at the edge of the forest, Peles Castle will introduce you to the royal atmosphere of the 19th century. You will visit unique rooms decorated in Florentine, Turkish, Moorish, French, and Imperial styles, fine art collections and fine furniture.

You have various options for things to do in the afternoon.

You can take the Cable Car and go up in the Bucegi Mountains, at more than 2000 m altitude from where you will have an amazing view of the surrounding valleys. There you will also see some interesting rock formations, carved by the nature in thousands of years. They are called Babele due to the resemblance that they have with some old bent ladies.

You can visit Rasnov fortress which was built by the local villagers to defend themselves from Turkish and Tartars invaders as it was the first fortress encountered by armies invading Transylvania through Bran Pass.

Lastly, you can go to a bear observatory and see bears in the wild, as Romanian has the largest population of such carnivores in the European Union.

Overnight in Bran.

Viscri is also known as a place where the traditional way of life can be observed. Therefore, you will be able to visit a craftsman, such as a brick-maker or a blacksmith, or see how bread is made the old way. On today’s list is also a visit to a sheepfold, which you will reach by horsecart. It will prove to be one of the most interesting experiences of this tour of Transylvania from Budapest or Belgrade, as you will learn about shepherds, how they take care of sheep and how they make cheese.

Overnight in Viscri.

Then you will go down in the spectacular Turda Salt Mine. While you breathe the healthy air you can enjoy taking a trip on the Ferris wheel, playing soft sports such as mini golf, table tennis and bowling or even rowing a boat on the underground lake.

You will end the day with a walk in Rimetea or Coltesti, two villages set at the foot of Trascaului Mountain. You will enjoy roaming the streets of these Hungarian heritage villages, admiring the white traditional houses and the beautiful nature that surrounds them.

Overnight in Coltesti or the Apuseni Mountains.