Citadels of Transylvania & UNESCO Painted Monasteries
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Duration
Languages Support
English
Tour Description
Your exploration of old Romania’s priceless treasures begins at the opulent 19th-century Peles Castle, famous for its sumptuous décor. In Brasov’s medieval Old Town, admire the Black Church, the Old Town Square, and St. Nicholas Church.
Proceed to Bran Castle, a former military fortress lovingly renovated in the 1920s by Maria, second queen of Romania. Visit the famous UNESCO World Heritage painted monasteries, renowned for their kaleidoscopic frescoes. Continue your journey along the magnificent Bicaz Gorges and discover the ancient art of egg painting.
In the living citadel of Sighisoara, take in the magnificent view from the 800-year-old Clock Tower. Ascend to the Gothic Church on the Hill via a covered staircase built in the 1600s. Later, stop for coffee at the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. You’ll visit the home of a family of Romani people—a unique opportunity experienced by a select few.
In Sibiu, tour the most secure of the region’s Saxon strongholds. At its height, Sibiu boasted seven protective walls around the city. The Saxons also built Biertan and other “peasant fortified churches” to protect themselves during the tumultuous Middle Ages.
At Curtea de Arges, visit the breathtaking 14th-century monastery teeming with tales of desperation and human sacrifice. Finally, take photos of Vlad the Impaler’s Poienari Fortress, which provides the ultimate strategic view over the landscape below.
If you’re looking for different tour options in Romania or have specific preferences, feel free to explore our alternative tours in Romania or reach out to us for a personalized experience tailored just for you!
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Tour Itinerary
Arrive in Bucharest, meet up with your guide, and rejuvenate after your flight at the Capitol Hotel, situated right in the center of town. It’s a wonderful starting point for an investigation of the city’s deep history and diverse culture.
Traditionally a center for intellectualism, the arts, and avant-garde thought, Bucharest experienced a significant interruption with the advent of Communism in Romania. The present-day capital still holds obvious remnants of this epoch in Ceausescu-related monuments constructed on a grand scale. Surviving French-influenced architecture exists side-by-side with cool, modern office buildings to complete Bucharest’s current incarnation.
Follow your guide on a panoramic city tour, and glean an exclusive perspective on the daily life of this outstanding city.
*should you travel to Bucharest on a flight that arrives late in the afternoon or evening, the city tour can also be done the next morning
Overnight in Bucharest, Hotel Concorde Old Town****
After breakfast, depart directly for Transylvania. Stop off at Peles Castle, the magnificent 19th-century royal palace. The original outfitting of the décor left no stone unturned, and today, it remains exactly as it was: dripping with marble, crystal, and priceless accouterments carved of exotic wood. Next, take a short side trip to view the Sinaia monastery, the Romanian Orthodox church that inspired this high resort town’s name.
Overnight in Brasov, Hotel Schuster*** (located in the Old Town)
This morning, you’ll have the chance to discover the picturesque city center of Brasov on a guided walk through the Old Town. Explore the vast Black Church and the Old Town square, surrounded by beautifully-preserved medieval houses. A visit to the old city walls and fortifications completes your experience.
Next, press on to Bucovina by way of the heart-stopping Bicaz Gorges. The view is truly unbelievable, and you may stop along the way to peruse the local souvenir shops’ offerings.
Arrive in Gura Humorului in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Gura Humorului, Hotel Buchenland****
After breakfast, set out to discover Romania’s kaleidoscopic painted monasteries, each celebrated for the use of a certain predominating color. Begin at the monasteries of Humor, celebrated for its vibrant reds; and Voronet, where you’ll learn about Saint Daniil the Hermit.
At midday, you’ll stop at a local museum, established by a world-renowned egg-painting artist. This form of art, exacting and complex, remains one of the most important traditional art forms in Bucovina. You’ll discover how to identify both secular influences and religious symbolism within the intricate designs.
Later in the day, you’ll tour the remaining two monasteries: Moldovita, dominated by the use of yellow, and Sucevita, featuring extensive medieval fortifications.
Return to Gura Humorului in the afternoon.
Overnight in Gura Humorului, Hotel Buchenland****
Before leaving Bucovina, diverge from the beaten path to discover the extraordinary Nicolae Popa Ethnographic Museum, located in the renowned Naïve sculptor’s home. The incredible collections document Romanian peasant tradition and represent a cultural labor of love carried out by the artist.
Next, you’ll set out in the direction of southern Transylvania. On the way, stop for a fascinating cultural adventure in a Romani (Gypsy) village. Learn more about these enigmatic, sometimes misconstrued nomads as you are welcomed at the home of the Gabor family. It is truly uncommon for Gypsies to open their lives to outsiders. Still, you will be given the exclusive opportunity to discover the details of their cultural history, day-to-day lives, customs, and traditional costume—which you’ll be invited to try on. As the afternoon progresses, you may find yourself deep in conversation over coffee and cake as you receive explanations to all of your queries about Gypsy life.
Following this rare and wonderful experience, proceed to medieval Sighisoara, where you’ll be taken on an abbreviated orientation walk before dinner.
Overnight in Sighisoara, Fronius Residence***** (located inside the citadel)
When you awaken, delight in a guided walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town center in Sighisoara. You’ll find yourself in the middle of a perfectly-preserved medieval citadel, surrounded by fortifications and filled with the secrets of the past. Visit the History Museum inside the Clock Tower, and climb the unusual, centuries-old covered staircase to the Church on the Hill, a lovely surviving example of the Middle Ages’ Gothic architecture. Sighisoara is also known as the 1431 birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, merciless warlord and fierce defender of Wallachia against the Ottoman Turks.
Next, take an engrossing tour of the Biertan Church, a significant UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Saxon townspeople did not skip steps when it came to the protection of their villages. Through a complex system of fortifications, thick doors, and multiple locks, they could secure both themselves and their valuables successfully. Today, you’ll witness Biertan, a gorgeous example of the “peasant fortified church” and the very last of its kind.
Afterward, drive on to exquisite Sibiu, arriving in the late afternoon. After you check into your hotel, meet your guide for a relaxed walking tour of the medieval old town, the most heavily fortified of all Saxon cities. As a critical trading post, Sibiu experienced frequent assaults, and the townspeople responded ingeniously.
Overnight in Sibiu, Hotel Art**** (located in the Old Town)
Today, you’ll strike out for Bucharest – you’ll travel along the breathtaking Transfagarasan road, which crosses the Carpathians at an altitude of over 2000 m (6000 ft) – making two fascinating stops along the way.
First, stop for photos of the ruins of Poenari Castle, the evocative cliff-side home of Vlad the Impaler. The cruel prince of Wallachia chose the location for its inaccessibility, used forced hard labor to fortify it, and ended up with an eagle’s eye view of an oncoming attacker.
Next, take a small expedition to the monastery at Curtea de Arges, a living architectural phenomenon and the dreamlike inspiration for local archetypes, myths, and legends.
Continue to Bucharest, arriving in the afternoon.
*Please note that you will travel on the Transfagarasan road between June and September. Outside this period, the road is closed due to snow for the rest of the year, and you will use the road going along the Olt river valley
Overnight in Bucharest, Hotel Concorde Old Town****
This will be your last day in Romania. You will say goodbye to the friends you’ve made here and head on to the airport for your flight home.
Included / Excluded
✅ Personalized Itinerary – We’re happy to customize your itinerary before the tour starts, completely free of charge!
✅ Flexible Daily Plans – Plans can change, and that’s okay! You’ll have the freedom to adjust your daily itinerary even after the tour begins.
✅ Private Licensed English-speaking Guide/Driver—Your dedicated, friendly, and knowledgeable guide/driver will keep you safe throughout the journey.
✅ All Guide Expenses Covered – No hidden costs here! Your guide’s meals, accommodation, and other expenses are fully included.
✅ Comfortable Private Transportation – Relax and travel in comfort with your own air-conditioned vehicle.
✅ All Vehicle Costs Included – Gas, parking, and road tolls are all taken care of—one less thing to think about!
✅ Free Wi-Fi in the Vehicle – Stay connected with complimentary wireless internet access while on the road.
✅ Entrance Fees & Guided Visits – All entrance fees in the itinerary are covered, with your guide ready to share insights at each stop. Want to add a new spot along the way? Just ask!
✅ Carefully Selected Accommodation—Stay in handpicked, centrally located hotels from our recommended list, or let us know if you’d like us to suggest other options that match your style.
✅ Daily Breakfast – Start each day right with a delicious breakfast included at your hotel.
✅ Seamless Airport Transfers – Private transfers to and from the airport will make your arrival and departure easy and stress-free.
❌ Additional Meals & Beverages—Meals or drinks other than those listed in the itinerary are not included, so you have the freedom to explore local cuisine at your own pace.
❌ Credit Card Processing Fee (3.25%) – To help you avoid extra fees, we offer the option to pay via domestic bank transfer (available for the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK).
❌ Photo Fees at Certain Sights – Some attractions charge a small fee (usually €2–€3) for taking photos. These fees are typically minor but worth noting.
❌ Gratuities for Your Guide – A gratuity for your guide is not included and is a meaningful way to acknowledge their hard work in making your trip memorable.
Tour Information
Duration
Languages Support
English
Places Visited:
Total Distance Traveled:
Tour Fees:
- Single traveler: from €3605 per person
- 2 travelers: from €1905 per person
- 3 travelers: from €1485 per person
- 4 travelers: from €1530 per person
- For a different number of travelers, don't hesitate to contact us