Citadels of Transylvania & UNESCO Painted Monasteries

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.

Next, visit one of the most famous sites in Romania: Bran Castle, which holds a strong link in the popular consciousness with the legend of Dracula. Built in the middle ages by the merchants of Brasov to defend a crucial mountain pass, it was donated to the Romanian Royal family at the beginning of the 20th century and turned into a comfortable residence for Queen Marie of Romania. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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