4 days
Duration
Transylvania
Regions
Cultural Tour, Private Tour, Short Tour
Tour Type
- Accommodation
- Attractions
- Exclusive Tour
- Fortified Churches
- Holiday in Transylvania
- Holiday to Romania
- Medieval Castles
- Medieval Cities
- Medieval Fortresses
- Private Tour
- Saxon Villages
- Short Tour
- Tours in Transylvania
- Traditional Food
- Traditional Villages
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites
A 4 DAY CULTURAL PRIVATE TOUR IN THE MEDIEVAL TRANSYLVANIA
Experience the best of Transylvania with our 4-day Transylvania Treat tour! Visit the iconic Peles and Bran Castles, walk the charming streets of Brasov and Sibiu, and explore the fascinating Saxon villages with their impressive fortified churches. Meet rescued bears at the LiBearty Bear Sanctuary, and learn about the lesser-known Gypsy culture on an exclusive home visit. Discover the historic center of Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, and admire the stunning frescoes at Cozia Monastery. With comfortable accommodations and knowledgeable guides, this tour offers a perfect mix of culture, nature, and history. Join us and discover the true essence of Transylvania!
The tour can be personalised according to your time and points of interest.
Itinerary: Bucharest – Peles and Bran Castles – Brasov Walking Tour – LiBearty Bear Sanctuary – Historic Center of Sighisoara – Saxon Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania – Exclusive Gypsy Home Visit – Sibiu Walking Tour – Cozia Monastery – Bucharest
| DEPARTURE/RETURN | Bucharest (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) |
| 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one on the Tentative List | Historic Center of Sighisoara Biertan Fortified Church (Villages with Fortified Church in Transylvania) Saschiz Fortified Church (Villages with Fortified Church in Transylvania) Viscri Fortified Church (Villages with Fortified Church in Transylvania) Historic Centre of Sibiu and its Ensemble of Squares (Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage Sites) |
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS AND UNIQUE CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
- Benefit of complete flexibility of having the tour tailored on your requirements, in terms of the route, the duration and the features of the tour;
- No more than two days in the same location;
- Enhance your experience through our choices of tours to match your particular interests and traveling style;
- Visit through our exclusively designed tours and cultural connections in Transylvania no less than 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites;
- Be guided by knowledgeable and experienced local guides, who will provide insight into the history, culture, and legends of Transylvania;
- Take the unique chance of meeting Gypsies in their own community in Transylvania and discover their particular culture and see what good skills they have at crafts;
- Meet local people in traditional market;
- Discover the daily life, self-sufficiency and sustainability in the remote Saxon villages of Transylvania;
- Meet & interact with locals in all home hosted experiences and local market on our authentic cultural connections;
- Make the most of your tour experience through our exclusively designed tours with all admissions included and not just only guided walks.
| DEPARTURE/RETURN | Bucharest (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 |
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| NOT INCLUDED |
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1
Day 1: Bucharest – Peles & Bran Castles – Brasov Walking Tour
The first day will take you on a picturesque drive from Bucharest to Sinaia, known as the unofficial capital of the Kingdom of Romania. Here, you will see the famous Casino building and take a guided tour of the Peles Castle, the summer residence of King Carol I of Romania. Marvel at its stunning architecture and learn about its rich history, including its connection to the Orient Express.
Next, cross the mountains to Bran Castle, also known as Dracula Castle, built to safeguard the trading route between Transylvania and Wallachia in 1377. This medieval structure has been enlarged and restored over time and was even used as a royal residence under Queen Marie of Romania in the 1920s. Explore the castle and enjoy some time for souvenir shopping before heading to Brasov, one of the oldest cities in Europe dating back to 1235.
In Brasov, you’ll discover the Old Town, including the impressive Black Church, the largest Gothic-style church in South-Eastern Europe, and Council Square. The tour will also take you to Catherine’s Gate, the Guild Towers, and the charming Rope Street.
You will then check into your hotel in the lovely pedestrian area of the Old Town, where you can enjoy the many restaurants and outdoor cafes at your leisure, an optional dinner in a nearby village can be arranged.
***An optional dinner in a nearby village can be arranged.
Next, cross the mountains to Bran Castle, also known as Dracula Castle, built to safeguard the trading route between Transylvania and Wallachia in 1377. This medieval structure has been enlarged and restored over time and was even used as a royal residence under Queen Marie of Romania in the 1920s. Explore the castle and enjoy some time for souvenir shopping before heading to Brasov, one of the oldest cities in Europe dating back to 1235.
In Brasov, you’ll discover the Old Town, including the impressive Black Church, the largest Gothic-style church in South-Eastern Europe, and Council Square. The tour will also take you to Catherine’s Gate, the Guild Towers, and the charming Rope Street.
You will then check into your hotel in the lovely pedestrian area of the Old Town, where you can enjoy the many restaurants and outdoor cafes at your leisure, an optional dinner in a nearby village can be arranged.
***An optional dinner in a nearby village can be arranged.
2
Day 2: LiBearty Bear Sanctuary – Saxon Village of Saschiz & Viscri with the Fortified Churches – Exclusive Viscri Village Tour & Traditional Lunch – Sighisoara
On the second day of the Transylvanian Treat tour, we will start with a visit to the LiBearty Bear Sanctuary. Our guide will introduce us to the over 100 bears that reside there and each of their unique stories. We’ll watch the bears as they roam in their spacious enclosures, climb trees, and take dips in pools, which will make you feel extraordinary. The sanctuary has given these bears, who come from bleak backgrounds, the chance to enjoy a normal, happy life. From the front of the sanctuary, we’ll have a great 360-degree panorama that reveals superb views of the Bucegi Mountains and the Kings Stone Mountains.
Next, we’ll continue north to Sighisoara, with a stop in the traditional Saxon village of Viscri. We’ll visit the Fortified Church, built around 1100 by the Szekler population and taken over by Saxon colonists 100 years later. Here you’ll meet a traditional blacksmith in his workshop, and he’ll show you how he works in a traditional blacksmith workshop. After the visit, we’ll enjoy lunch prepared by our host from local ingredients in their traditional Saxon house. The tour in the village will be made with another type of transportation, in a horse cart.
Our next stop will be in Saschiz Village (UNESCO World Heritage Sites) with the imposing clock tower and the fortified church, which is the most important landmark of the village. On the route, enjoy an exclusive tasting of organic Transylvanian “like Grandma used to make” jams.
We’ll end the day with accommodation in the Upper Town of Sighisoara, where an optional Transylvanian wine tasting in a 500-year-old cellar is available.
***Optional: Transylvanian wine tasting in a 500-year old cellar in Sighisoara
Next, we’ll continue north to Sighisoara, with a stop in the traditional Saxon village of Viscri. We’ll visit the Fortified Church, built around 1100 by the Szekler population and taken over by Saxon colonists 100 years later. Here you’ll meet a traditional blacksmith in his workshop, and he’ll show you how he works in a traditional blacksmith workshop. After the visit, we’ll enjoy lunch prepared by our host from local ingredients in their traditional Saxon house. The tour in the village will be made with another type of transportation, in a horse cart.
Our next stop will be in Saschiz Village (UNESCO World Heritage Sites) with the imposing clock tower and the fortified church, which is the most important landmark of the village. On the route, enjoy an exclusive tasting of organic Transylvanian “like Grandma used to make” jams.
We’ll end the day with accommodation in the Upper Town of Sighisoara, where an optional Transylvanian wine tasting in a 500-year-old cellar is available.
***Optional: Transylvanian wine tasting in a 500-year old cellar in Sighisoara
3
Day 3: Sighisoara Walking Tour – Saxon Village of Biertan with the Fortified Church – Exclusive Gypsy Home Visit – Sibiu
On the third day of the tour, after the breakfast before embarking on a journey through some of the most fascinating historical and cultural sites in Transylvania.
We’ll explore the two squares of the Citadel, the Scholars’ Staircase, the Tinsmiths’ Tower, the House with Antler, and the Tower with Clock, soaking in the ambiance of the town, and admiring the picturesque buildings and impressive fortifications.
Next, we’ll head to the fortified church of Biertan, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a visit to the former seat of the Lutheran Bishops of Transylvania. With its three belts of fortification, this is the most impressive fortified church in Transylvania. You’ll have the chance to explore this historic and cultural gem with a guide, learning about its significance and unique features.
Later, we’ll visit a Gypsy home in an exclusive home visit where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about this less-known yet controversial ethnic group, its culture, identity, and lifestyle. Afterward, we’ll head to Sibiu, where we’ll take a brief orientation tour before checking into a 4-star hotel in the center of the city.
Dinner will be on your own, and we suggest the Crama Sibiul Vechi, the best cellar-restaurant in town, or La Taifas restaurant, which serves delicious traditional cuisine.
We’ll explore the two squares of the Citadel, the Scholars’ Staircase, the Tinsmiths’ Tower, the House with Antler, and the Tower with Clock, soaking in the ambiance of the town, and admiring the picturesque buildings and impressive fortifications.
Next, we’ll head to the fortified church of Biertan, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a visit to the former seat of the Lutheran Bishops of Transylvania. With its three belts of fortification, this is the most impressive fortified church in Transylvania. You’ll have the chance to explore this historic and cultural gem with a guide, learning about its significance and unique features.
Later, we’ll visit a Gypsy home in an exclusive home visit where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about this less-known yet controversial ethnic group, its culture, identity, and lifestyle. Afterward, we’ll head to Sibiu, where we’ll take a brief orientation tour before checking into a 4-star hotel in the center of the city.
Dinner will be on your own, and we suggest the Crama Sibiul Vechi, the best cellar-restaurant in town, or La Taifas restaurant, which serves delicious traditional cuisine.
4
Day 4: Sibiu Walking Tour – Cozia Monastery – Bucharest
On the final day of the Transylvanian Treat tour, you’ll discover the charming town of Sibiu on a walking tour. This was once the chief city of the Transylvanian Saxons, and you’ll see landmarks such as the Great and Lesser Squares, merchant houses with the famous Sibiu eyes, and defence walls and towers belonging to merchant guilds. You’ll also visit the Evangelical Cathedral and the colourful fruit and vegetable market in the town’s open-air market.
Leaving Transylvania, you’ll cross the mountains to Wallachia and make a stop at the 14th century Cozia Monastery built by King Mircea the Elder, featuring a superb late 17th century Last Judgment fresco.
Finally, you’ll drive south to Bucharest, where your tour ends. You’ll be transferred to your hotel or the airport, and say goodbye to your guide. Optionally, you can extend your tour with a Bucharest City Tour, which requires one extra day.
***Optional: You can choose a Bucharest City Tour (requires one extra day)
NOTE: The tour is further customizable.
Leaving Transylvania, you’ll cross the mountains to Wallachia and make a stop at the 14th century Cozia Monastery built by King Mircea the Elder, featuring a superb late 17th century Last Judgment fresco.
Finally, you’ll drive south to Bucharest, where your tour ends. You’ll be transferred to your hotel or the airport, and say goodbye to your guide. Optionally, you can extend your tour with a Bucharest City Tour, which requires one extra day.
***Optional: You can choose a Bucharest City Tour (requires one extra day)
NOTE: The tour is further customizable.
Extra full day Bucharest City Tour
After the breakfast, we will start the visit of the capital city of Romania. The day starts with a visit to the Village Museum, one of the most impressive open-air museums in Europe with century old original peasant households from all parts of Romania.
After, we will visit the world’s largest, heaviest and most expensive administrative building, the Palace of Parliament. Between the two communist landmarks, we will have a panoramic tour of the city with Victory Square and Avenue, Royal Palace and Revolution Square and a short stop and visit of the Romanian Athenaeum. Next, we will attend a visit to the former residence of Ceausescu family, the last communist leader of the Socialist Republic of Romania. In contradistinction with the Ceausescu former residence we will have an incursion back in time, in the communist time, where you will have the opportunity to experience life in the 80’s with the help of authentic decor and furniture, working appliances and household accessories, local drinks and homemade snacks and historical and archive footage.
Before arriving in the old city center we will stop in the Cotroceni Neighborhood where we will visit the Presidential Palace and a typical 1930s Bucharest Residence.
In the late afternoon, we will reach Bucharest’s Old Town, with the ruins of the Old Princely Court, known as Dracula’s residence, where the legend says that Vlad the Impaler was keeping his prisoners. We will take a sightseeing tour of this part of the city, filled with lively cafes and street food to see why the nickname of Bucharest is “The Little Paris”. The rest of the evening is on your own.
Two day Black Sea & Danube Delta Extension with Danube Delta Private Cruise accompanied by certified skipper
1
Extra Day 1: Bucharest – Constanta Walking Tour – Histria Fortress – Tulcea
Begin your extension tour of the Black Sea and Danube Delta with an early morning departure to the Black Sea Coast, to Constanta – the largest seaport on the Black Sea, established in the 4th century BC as a Greek colony. The drive from Bucharest will take approximately three hours, crossing the Danube into the region of Dobrogea and driving along the famous Danube-Black Sea Canal. The city tour of Constanta will take you to the Secession style Casino and the Genoese Lighthouse. In the National Museum of Archaeology, we will see the fabulous Glykon Serpent and the wonderfully restored Roman Mosaic – one of the largest in this part of Europe. In the afternoon drive to Mamaia – Romania’s largest sea resort, established by King Carol I of Romania in the second half of the 19th century and then continue north to the ruins of the ancient town of Histria. In the early evening we will arrive to Tulcea located right at the entrance in the Danube Delta. Hotel check in. Dinner on your own.
2
Extra Day 2: Danube Delta Private Cruise with Lunch – Bucharest Airport
After the early breakfast, you will explore, in your private boat the youngest territory in the world, the Danube Delta started to form just 10,000 years ago and is still in the process of formation. On your exclusively cruise you will have the chance to admire the Danube scenic beauty and wildlife – it is known as the birdwatchers paradise, so simply relax while browsing through the narrow channels. A fauna specialist tour guide and skipper, who knows all the channels, will lead your tour. A great opportunity for you to watch birds and to admire nature. The Delta cuisine is certain to provide an interesting lunch experience, the lunch will be served on the ship.
After the tour we will drive back to Henri Coanda International Airport for your afternoon return flight.
After the tour we will drive back to Henri Coanda International Airport for your afternoon return flight.
Tour Reviews
We did a 4 day tours of Transylvania in August 2017 with Dan as our guide and driver. Dan was a fabulous guide and driver, he has our highest recommendation. Everything went very smoothly, we had great weather and will always have fond memories of our time in Romania.
We loved the tour, Dan took us places that all the other tour companies could only watch us do. We had an awesome time. Liviu was fun, had a great personality and you can tell he loves doing this. Next time we come to Transylvania we will definitely do this again. Thanks for a great time!
We were three women travelling with a 2 year old to Romania with a keen interest in visiting Transylvania. I contacted Holiday to Romania through a web search. Firstly, their response time back to me was very impressive and Dan provided a very comprehensive 4 day tour outline. We booked our trip with him and I have to say, we had the most amazing time. He has perfect English, is a very safe driver and his knowledge of the country and the sights he took us to was outstanding. He is very friendly and relaxed and accomadated our changing of plans to suit the toddler. We will definitely use Holiday to Romania and Dan again. Can’t recommend him highly enough.
We spent a week in Romania just before Christmas. We knew very little about this country but it fit into our travel plans nicely and we were hoping to see some snow at that time of the year.
I made contact with Dan and he patiently helped us put an itinerary together and organised it all.
As we arrived after a long haul flight into Bucharest we spent a day there before meeting up with him. He picked us up at the hotel and what we learned on the short drive out of Bucharest in his company, was more then we had found out the previous day which we spent wondering around on our own.
Dan’s knowledge about his home country is amazing and he will answer all questions in great detail without being boring. We traveled with our 16 year old son in tow and I often saw him and Dan engaged in some discussion. Therefore, I can recommend Dan as a guide for any traveler, families included.
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