9-Day Slow-Paced Transylvanian Discovery: Castles, Culture & Carpathian Vistas 

Day 1: Bucharest → Olt Valley → Cozia Monastery → Sibiu  

Your Transylvanian fairytale begins...  

After a leisurely 8:30 AM pick-up from Bucharest, we meander through the Olt Valley, stopping to admire the river-carved gorges and Turnu Roșu Pass viewpoints.  

At Cozia Monastery, step into a 14th-century Orthodox sanctuary where Byzantine frescoes glow in candlelight. Enjoy a relaxed lunch (own expense) at a riverside tavern before continuing to Sibiu.  

Evening discovery: A gentle guided stroll reveals:  

- Piața Mare's pastel baroque buildings  

- The whimsical "eyes" watching from rooftops  

- Liars' Bridge and its amusing legend  

Dinner: Home-hosted meal in Sibiel village (included), where generations-old recipes tell stories.  

Overnight: 3* boutique hotel in Sibiu's historic center.  

Day 2: Gothic Splendor & National Heritage 

Sibiu → Corvin Castle → Alba Iulia → Sibiel 

Morning marvel: At Corvin Castle, wander through Gothic halls where Dracula was imprisoned, crossing its iconic drawbridge.  

Afternoon significance: In Alba Iulia Citadel, witness:  

- The star-shaped Vauban fortress walls  

- Union Hall where Romania's 1918 unification was signed  

- The dramatic changing of the guard ceremony  

Evening tradition: Stop in Sibiel to admire the Glass Icons Museum's folk artistry.  

Dinner: At leisure (Hochmeister for Saxon dishes).  

Overnight: Sibiu.  

Day 3: Transfăgărășan Highway - Above the Clouds 

Sibiu → Transfăgărășan → Bâlea Lake

Full-day alpine adventure: Journey along Europe's most spectacular road (open June-Oct), stopping for:  

- Photo ops at Bâlea Waterfall  

- A lakeside lunch (own expense) by glacial Bâlea Lake (2,034m)  

- Optional cable car ride or short nature walk  

Evening: Return to Sibiu for relaxation.  

Dinner: At leisure (Crama Sibiul Vechi for local wines).  

Overnight: Sibiu.  

Day 4: Saxon Trails & Living History  

Sibiu → Mediaș → Sighișoara 

Morning: In Mediaș, discover:  

- St. Margaret's Fortified Church (UNESCO-tentative)  

- The medieval towers guarding this sleepy Saxon town  

Afternoon: Arrive in Sighișoara Citadel, where your guide reveals:  

- The Clock Tower's mechanical figurines  

- Vlad Dracul's Birthplace  

- The Scholars' Stairs leading to hilltop views  

Dinner: At leisure (Casa Wagner''s 16th-century cellar).  

Overnight: 3* guesthouse within citadel walls.  

Day 5: Cultural Tapestry of Târgu Mureș

Sighișoara → Târgu Mureș

Leisurely day exploring:  

- The Culture Palace's stunning stained glass  

- Teleki Library's 17th-century treasures  

- Rose Garden promenade  

- Hungarian and Romanian influences in architecture  

Evening: Return to Sighișoara's cozy lanes.  

Dinner: At leisure (Gasthaus Altepost for Transylvanian stews).  

Overnight: Sighișoara.  

Day 6: Fortified Churches & Hilltop Ruins 

Sighișoara → Saschiz → Rupea → Brașov 

Morning: Visit Saschiz's UNESCO-listed fortified church and artisan workshops.  

Midday: Explore Rupea Fortress' sprawling hilltop ruins with panoramic views.  

Afternoon: Arrive in Brașov for a relaxed evening stroll around:  

- Council Square's pastel buildings  

- The narrow Rope Street  

Dinner: At leisure (Sergiana for game dishes).  

Overnight: 3* hotel in Brașov's historic center.  

Day 7: Castles & Mountain Retreats  

Brașov → Bran → Râșnov → Poiana Brașov 

Morning legend: At Bran Castle, separate Dracula myths from royal history.  

Midday: Explore Râșnov Fortress with its sweeping valley views.  

Afternoon: Breathe in mountain air at Poiana Brașov resort:  

- Optional chairlift ride  

- Forest walks or café relaxation  

Dinner: At leisure (Sub Tâmpa for traditional fare).  

Overnight: Brașov.  

Day 8: Rural Charms & Fortified Treasures  

Brașov → Prejmer → Intorsura Buzaului 

Morning wonder: At Prejmer, enter Europe's best-preserved fortified church (UNESCO).  

Afternoon authenticity: In Intorsura Buzaului, experience:  

- Traditional wool weaving demonstrations  

- A countryside picnic lunch (included)  

Evening: Return to Brașov.  

Dinner: At leisure.  

Overnight: Brașov.  

Day 9: Royal Finale

Brașov → Sinaia → Bucharest  

Morning grandeur: Tour Peleș Palace, Romania's royal masterpiece.  

Leisurely return: Scenic drive through Prahova Valley, arriving in Bucharest by 6:00 PM.  

Why You'll Love This Slow-Paced Journey 

✔ 5 Iconic Castles/Fortresses

✔ 4 UNESCO Sites (including optional Viscri)  

✔ Authentic Encounters: Home-hosted meals, artisan visits  

✔ Flexible Exploration Time at each location  

Packing Tips:  

- Comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets  

- Layers for mountain microclimates  

- Journal to record unforgettable moments  

Ready to experience Transylvania's soul? 

🏰✨ Book your immersive journey today!

Tour availability: contact us

Tour duration: 9 days/8 nights

Tour itinerary:

• Day 1: Bucharest - River Olt Valley - Cozia Monastery - Sibiu
• Day 2: Sibiu - Hunedoara Castle - Alba Iulia Fortress - Sibiel - Sibiu
• Day 3: Sibiu - Transfagarasan Highway - Lake Balea - Sibiu
• Day 4: Sibiu - Medias - Sighisora
• Day 5: Sighisoara - Targu Mures - Sighisoara
• Day 6: Sighisoara - Saschiz - Rupea - Brasov
• Day 7: Brasov - Bran - Rasnov - Poiana Brasov - Brasov
• Day 8: Brasov - Prejmer - Intorsura Buzaului - Brasov
• Day 9: Brasov - Sinaia - Bucharest

Tour start location: location of your choice, within Bucharest city limits

Tour inclusions: your own dedicated professional English speaking tour guide; one suitable vehicle with climate control; fuel, road & parking tax for the entire trip;  accommodation in centrally located hotels/guest houses; 8 breakfasts; one home hosted dinner; one picnic lunch; free collection and return to your hotel in Bucharest.

Tour exclusions: other meals than stated; admission tickets to museums and attractions; photo/video fees; personal expenses; gratuity.

Tour price: from € 1350/per person*

_{*According to your party size, tour duration & itinerary length, attractions & sites included, meals included
*At Tours in Romania, we don't do shared tours, we only do private tours of Bucharest, private tours of Romania and private short trips from Bucharest , so the price is influenced only by the size of your group. If you'd like a tour of Bucharest, a tour of Romania or a short trip from Bucharest together with a bunch of strangers, each one with his own agenda, pace and good or bad habits, there are plenty of other travel agents out there happy to accommodate you.
*At Tours in Romania, we don't do free tours, we only do private tours of Bucharest, private tours of Romania and private short trips from Bucharest at a fair price. With Tours in Romania you can enjoy the comfort of an air conditioned vehicle, while visiting many more attractions than during a "free" walking tour of Bucharest.
Anyway, a private tour of Bucharest, a private tour in Romania or a private short trip from Bucharest doesn't necessarily mean an expensive tour. Please take a moment to review our prices. You'll find private tours of Bucharest, private tours of Romania and private short trips from Bucharest at the price of a shared tour or cheaper!}