Uncover the Charms of Cluj

3 days

Duration

Transylvania

Regions

City Break, Cultural Tour, Private Tour, Short Tour

Tour Type

DISCOVER TRANSYLVANIA’S HIDDEN GEM ON A 3-DAY CLUJ TOUR

Experience the best of Cluj in just 3 days with our Uncover the Charms of Cluj tour. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning scenery of this fascinating city and its surroundings.

On day one, explore the city’s highlights, including St. Michael’s Church, the Palace of Justice, and the Art Museum. Enjoy a delicious lunch of local cuisine and sample some of the best wines in the region.

Day two takes you to the magnificent Banffy Castle, the peaceful Nicula Monastery, and a tasting of organic smoked bacon followed by a home-made lunch. Learn about the area’s Hungarian heritage and enjoy the serene surroundings of Sic Reed.

On day three, descend into the depths of the Turda Salt Mine and marvel at its breathtaking natural beauty. Explore the charming village of Rimetea, known for its traditional architecture and picturesque scenery. Finally, return to Cluj Napoca with unforgettable memories of your journey.

Join us on this unforgettable adventure and discover the true charm of Cluj. Our expert guides, comfortable transportation, and carefully selected itinerary ensure that you make the most of your time in this fascinating city.

The tour can be personalised according to your time and points of interest.

Itinerary: Cluj Napoca Airport – Cluj Napoca Walking Tour – Banffy Castle – Nicula Monastery – Hungarian Heritage in Sic village – Turda Salt Mine – Rimetea village – Cluj Napoca Airport

DEPARTURE/RETURN	Cluj-Napoca (or any other city at request)
TRANSPORTATION	Fully insured car/minivan with climate control
TOURIST GUIDE	Certified English-Speaker Tourist Guide (speakers of other languages at request)

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS AND UNIQUE CULTURAL CONNECTIONS

Explore the historical landmarks of Cluj, including St. Michael’s Church;
Discover the stunning landscapes of Turda Salt Mine, one of the oldest salt mines in Europe;
Visit the impressive Banffy Castle, a stunning example of Transylvanian Baroque architecture;
Taste the delicious organic smoked bacon and enjoy a homemade lunch in a traditional village;
Experience the peaceful serenity of Nicula Monastery, a 17th-century masterpiece of Romanian architecture;
Discover the traditional crafts and skills of local artisans;
Explore the charming village of Rimetea, known for its beautiful architecture and picturesque landscapes;
Learn about the fascinating history and culture of the Hungarian heritage in Transylvania;
Take a personalized tour tailored to your preferences for a flexible and unique experience;
Benefit from the exceptional knowledge and expertise of top-rated licensed tourist guides;
Travel sustainably and responsibly with a focus on supporting local communities;
Stay in comfortable and centrally located accommodations;
Enjoy all admissions included, not just guided walks;
Discover the rich history and culture of the region through our exclusively designed tours.

DEPARTURE/RETURN

Cluj-Napoca (it can be changed at your request)

TRANSPORTATION

Fully insured car/minivan with climate control

TOURIST GUIDE

Certified English-Speaker Tourist Guide (speakers of other languages at request)

INCLUDED

2 nights at a three-star hotel in Cluj-Napoca, centrally located	Breakfast every day
Exclusive organic smoked bacon tasting with lunch	Private airport transfers on arrival and departure
Fuel, parking fees and local taxes included	Entrance fees to museums and sites included as per itinerary
Guided tours at all sites	Detailed map of Romania
Certified English-Speaker tourist guide specialized in Romanian culture and history	Still/Sparkling water bottles in the car
Friendly talks with the guide about Vlad the Impaler – Dracula; Ceausescu and His Times and the Gypsies and Their Journey

NOT INCLUDED

Airplane tickets and health insurance	Souvenirs
Alcoholic beverages	Hotel extras (telephone, mini bar, etc)
Meals, other than those included in the itinerary	Gratuities of any kind
Photo/video fees at sites and museums

Day 1: Cluj Napoca Arrival – Cluj Napoca Walking Tour

On the first day of the Uncover the Charms of Cluj tour, you will arrive at Cluj Napoca airport, where your guide will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation at a comfortable 3-star hotel in the city center. After check-in, you will embark on a walking tour of the city, which will take you to some of the most iconic landmarks of Cluj Napoca.
The tour will start with a visit to the Hellmer & Felner Opera House, one of the most impressive cultural venues in Cluj, renowned for its excellent acoustics and elegant neo-baroque architecture. From there, you will continue to the Gothic St. Michael’s Church, a stunning masterpiece of medieval architecture, and the largest church in Transylvania. You will have the opportunity to admire the intricate details of the church’s façade and explore its interior, which houses some of the most valuable artworks in the region.
Next, you will visit the City Hall, a beautiful Baroque building located in the heart of the city, which houses the local administration and is an important symbol of Cluj’s cultural and historical heritage. Your guide will provide you with insights into the history and significance of the building and take you on a tour of its impressive interiors.
Finally, you will visit the birth house of Mathias Corvin, one of the most famous and beloved kings of Hungary, who was born in Cluj Napoca in the 15th century.
By the end of the walking tour, you will have gained a deeper understanding of the history, culture, and architectural legacy of Cluj Napoca, and be ready to enjoy the rest of your adventure in this enchanting city.

Day 2: Local market visit – Banffy Castle – Nicula Monastery – Organic Smoked Bacon tasting & home-made lunch – Hungarian Heritage & Sic Reed

On the second day of the tour, we’ll wake up early to have breakfast at the hotel before starting our day’s adventure. Our first stop will be at a local market where we can experience the vibrant colors and smells of the city’s fresh produce and local crafts. We’ll have the opportunity to chat with locals and learn more about the region’s culinary traditions.
We will continue with a visit to Banffy Castle, a stunning 18th-century baroque castle located in the nearby town of Bonțida. The castle, which has been recently renovated, boasts a beautiful park, a chapel, a theater, and an art gallery. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the castle’s impressive architecture and learn about its fascinating history.
After the castle visit, the tour continues to Nicula Monastery, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Romania. Nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by rolling hills, Nicula Monastery is renowned for its stunning frescoes and intricate wood carvings.
After the tour, you will head to a traditional 20th century village, where you can taste home-made smoked bacon and cheese and see how the bacon is made. A delicious home-made lunch will be served at the village.
In the afternoon, the tour takes a cultural turn with a visit to Sic village, a Hungarian settlement, where visitors can learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Hungarian minority in Transylvania.
Finally, the day ends with a walk in the reeds of Sic, where you can admire the flora of the reserve and, with a bit of luck, some of the fauna (especially birds, reptiles and amphibians, which you can find out on the boards in a pavilion at the entrance). This landscape can be admired over a wooden pontoon, about 1 kilometre long. Halfway along the route there is a wooden lookout tower from which you can admire the reeds and the surrounding green hills from above.
Later on we will reach Cluj and the rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Day 3: Turda Salt Mine – Rimetea Village – Cluj Napoca Departure

On the third and final day of the tour, we will visit two unique destinations before concluding the trip in Cluj Napoca. Our first stop will be the Turda Salt Mine, located approximately 30 km from Cluj. This fascinating underground attraction has been transformed into a museum and entertainment center, where visitors can explore the vast network of chambers and tunnels carved into the salt deposits over 2,000 years ago. You’ll be able to take a guided tour of the mine and learn about the history and science behind this incredible feat of engineering.
After our visit to the salt mine, we will head to the picturesque village of Rimetea. This quaint settlement is nestled at the foot of the Apuseni Mountains and is renowned for its well-preserved Transylvanian architecture. We will explore the village on foot, taking in the charming cobblestone streets, traditional houses, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the local museum and learn about the village’s fascinating history and culture.
Finally, we will drive you back to Cluj Napoca International Airport for your return flight, saying goodbye to your guide and ending your Uncover the Charms of Cluj tour.
NOTE: The tour is further customizable.