7-Day Transylvanian Odyssey: Castles, Peaks & Medieval Mysteries

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

Your journey into Transylvania's heart begins!  

After an 8:00 AM pick-up from Bucharest, we glide through the Olt Valley, where emerald forests hug winding river roads. Stop at scenic viewpoints before stepping into the spiritual serenity of Cozia Monastery, a 14th-century Orthodox gem with glowing Byzantine frescoes.  

By evening, arrive in Sibiu - a fairytale city of hidden courtyards and golden-stone squares. Your guided walking tour reveals:  

- Piața Mare (Grand Square) with its iconic "eyes" watching from rooftops  

- The legendary Liars' Bridge and its mysterious creaks  

- The towering Evangelical Cathedral - climb for panoramic views  

Evening delight: A **home-hosted dinner** in Sibiel village, where generations-old recipes and warm Saxon hospitality await.  

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

Day 2: Gothic Grandeur & Romania's Birthplace

Sibiu → Hunedoara Castle → Alba Iulia Fortress → Sibiel

Morning drama: Stand before the Gothic masterpiece of Corvin Castle (Hunedoara) - its drawbridge, towering spires, and Dracula's dungeon will ignite your imagination.  

Afternoon majesty: At Alba Iulia Citadel, walk the star-shaped Vauban walls where Romania's 1918 unification was sealed. Don't miss the changing of the guard at Union Hall.  

Evening tradition: Return via Sibiel to visit its unique Glass Icons Museum, where local artisans keep a luminous craft alive.  

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

Overnight: 3* hotel in Sibiu.  

Day 3: Transfăgărășan Highway - Europe's Most Breathtaking Road  

Sibiu → Transfăgărășan → Bâlea Lake → Sibiel 

Morning adventure: Buckle up for the "Road to the Sky" - the legendary Transfăgărășan Highway (open June-Oct). Wind through hairpin turns to Bâlea Lake (2,034m), where glacial waters mirror Carpathian peaks. Opt for a cable car ride or short alpine hike.  

Afternoon: Descend to Sibiel village for free time or an optional visit to:  

- ASTRA Open-Air Museum (traditional village life)  

- Local artisan workshops  

Dinner: At leisure (try Hochmeister for Saxon cuisine).  

Overnight: 3* hotel in Sibiu.  

Day 4: Saxon Secrets & Citadel Charms  

Sibiu → Mediaș → Sighișoara  

Morning discovery: In Mediaș, explore:  

- St. Margaret's Fortified Church with UNESCO-tentative frescoes  

- The medieval towers guarding this hidden Saxon gem  

Afternoon magic: Arrive in Sighișoara Citadel, where your guided tour reveals:  

- The Clock Tower Museum with its mechanical figurines  

- Vlad Dracul's House (birthplace of Dracula)  

- The Church on the Hill*, reached via the historic Scholars' Stairs  

Evening: Wander the lantern-lit lanes at your own pace.  

Dinner: At leisure (Casa Wagner for authentic Saxon dishes).  

Overnight: 3* guesthouse inside the citadel walls.  

Day 5: Saxon Villages & Living Traditions 

Sighișoara & Surroundings  

Flexible day options: 

✔ Viscri Village (UNESCO site & Prince Charles' favorite) + horse-drawn cart ride  

✔ Rupea Fortress - a dramatic hilltop stronghold  

✔ Traditional crafts workshops (pottery, woodcarving)  

✔ Self-guided citadel exploration  

- Climb the Covered Stairs

- Visit artisan boutiques  

- Café hop in Citadel Square  

Overnight: 3* guesthouse in Sighișoara.  

Day 6: Dracula's Lair & Brașov's Grandeur  

Sighișoara → Bran → Brașov

Morning legend: Explore Bran Castle - peel back Dracula myths in its winding staircases and secret passages.  

Afternoon elegance: In Brașov, your guided tour features:  

- The Gothic Black Church with its 4,000-pipe organ  

- Council Square's pastel merchant houses  

- Rope Street - Europe's narrowest alley  

Evening: Savor your last Transylvanian sunset from a café terrace.  

Dinner: At leisure (Sergiana for game specialties).  

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

Day 7: Royal Farewell 

Brașov → Sinaia → Bucharest

Morning splendor: Tour Peleș Palace, a Neo-Renaissance masterpiece where:  

- Hand-carved walnut rooms dazzle  

- Secret passages whisper royal intrigues  

- The armory displays 2,000+ historic weapons  

Afternoon: The scenic Prahova Valley carries you back to Bucharest, arriving by 6:00 PM.  

Why This Tour? 

✔ 3 Legendary Castles: Corvin, Bran & Peleș  

✔ 2 UNESCO Gems: Sighișoara & Viscri (optional)  

✔ Bucket-List Drive: Transfăgărășan Highway  

✔ Authentic Encounters: Home-hosted meals, Saxon villages, crafts workshops  

Budget Notes:  

- Allow €80-100 pp for entry fees & optional activities  

Packing Essentials:  

- Layered clothing (mountain weather changes fast)  

- Sturdy walking shoes for citadel climbs  

- Camera with extra memory - you'll need it!  

Ready to walk through living history? 🏰✨ Book your Transylvanian adventure today!

Tour availability: contact us

Tour duration: 7 days/6 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 - Sibiel - Sibiu
• Day 4: Sibiu - Medias - Sighisora
• Day 5: Sighisoara & surroundings
• Day 6: Sighisoara - Bran - Brasov
• Day 7: 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; 6 breakfasts; one home hosted0 dinner; free collection and return to your hotel in Bucharest, guided tour of Sibiu, guided tour of Sighisoara, guided tour of Brasov, guided tour of Medias, guided tour of Bran castle, guided tour of Peles Palace and Gardens in Sinaia, guided tour of Alba-Iulia citadel, guided tour of Corvin Castle in Hunedoara.

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

Tour price: from € 1050/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!}