Romania Revealed

Leave Bucharest behind and journey north towards the heart of Transylvania, travelling through some of Romania’s most scenic landscapes. As the route follows the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, you will discover a region rich in history, legends, and spectacular natural beauty.

One of the highlights of the day is Poienari Fortress, the real stronghold of Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure who inspired the Dracula legend. Perched dramatically on a mountain ridge overlooking the Argeș Valley, the fortress offers impressive views and a fascinating glimpse into medieval Romanian history. Guests may choose to enjoy a photo stop, while the more adventurous can climb the approximately 1,480 steps leading to the ruins, where stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests await.

En route to Sibiu, you’ll take one of southeastern Europe’s most famous roadways:  the Transfagarasan Road, a high military route built during the Communist regime. Your passage across the magnificent Carpathian Mountains will reach an altitude of 2054 m (over 6000 feet), and the scenery is some of the most breathtaking in existence. It’s easy to understand why the BBC Top Gear team declared the Transfagarasan “the best road in the world.”

You’ll arrive in Sibiu in the afternoon and check into your hotel. Follow your guide on a walking tour of the medieval Historical Center and explore the most elaborate and developed of the seven Saxon cities. As a crucial trading post and Transylvania’s most important German settlement, Sibiu was often attacked; seven concentric walls encircled and protected the city throughout the Middle Ages.

*Please note the Transfagarasan Road is open only between June and September. If your tour takes place outside this period, you will travel on the road going along the Olt River valley

Today, venture deep into the heart of Transylvania, a region renowned for its medieval towns, fortified churches, and rich multicultural heritage. Travelling through rolling hills, traditional villages, and beautiful countryside, you will discover some of Romania’s most iconic UNESCO-listed treasures.

Your first stop is the impressive Biertan Fortified Church, one of the finest and best-preserved Saxon fortified churches in Transylvania. Surrounded by massive defensive walls and towers, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating insight into the history of the Transylvanian Saxons, who settled the region more than 800 years ago.

Continue to the medieval citadel of Sighișoara, one of the best-preserved inhabited medieval towns in Europe and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. During a guided walking tour, wander through colourful cobbled streets, admire centuries-old merchant houses, explore the historic squares, and learn about the town's rich history and legends. Sighișoara is also famous as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure associated with the Dracula legend.

In the nearby village of Brateiu, enjoy a unique cultural experience as you visit a local Roma family. This special encounter offers the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Roma traditions, daily life, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage through genuine interaction and personal stories. The visit provides an authentic perspective on one of Romania’s most vibrant and often misunderstood communities.

Overnight in Sibiu, Hotel Art**** (located in the Old Town)

Leave Sibiu behind and travel north through the picturesque landscapes of Transylvania towards the traditional villages of Maramureș, a region where centuries-old customs and rural traditions remain an integral part of daily life.

Your first stop is Alba Iulia, one of Romania’s most important historical cities and the symbolic heart of the country's modern history. Explore the impressive Alba Carolina Citadel, a vast star-shaped fortress featuring grand gates, elegant squares, and beautifully restored buildings that tell the story of Roman, medieval, and Habsburg influences.

Next stop is the small town of Turda to visit the incredible salt mines. Salina Turda, one of the oldest mines in the area, features soaring, cavernous chambers filled with fabulous acoustics, underground lakes, and giant, illuminated machinery.

Your next stop is the city of Cluj Napoca, one of Transylvania’s major urban centers. It boasts one of the best universities in Romania and a youthful, vibrant street atmosphere. Join your guide for a stroll in the central area of Cluj.

Afterward, arrive in Maramures to view the famous wooden architecture and hand-carved gates, all surrounded by undisturbed forest, abundant wildlife, and vast, primeval woodlands. Visit the church of Surdesti (UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is, until recently, the tallest wooden church in the world.

Spend a full day exploring Maramures, where you’ll learn about the area’s culture, which has been uninterrupted since medieval times. Visit a plum brandy distillery and see a “vâltoare,” a manmade whirlpool still used by locals for washing their wool carpets.

Mingle with local people and sample exquisite traditional delicacies at a traditional open-air market (depending on the day of the week) before moving on to the Merry Cemetery in Sapanta. Since 1935, colorful wooden crosses painted in the naïve style have encrusted this landmark. Hand-painted imagery and brutally honest epitaphs describing the deceased’s lives impart a lighter view of death that may trace its lineage all the way back to the Dacians.

Later, stop at the tallest wooden structure in the world: the church at Peri. Recently built in a manner meticulously faithful to the old style, it stands as testimony to the extraordinary level of craftsmanship handed down through the centuries.

Drive to the nearby city of Sighetu Marmatiei and visit the Memorial to the Victims of Communism. Learn how the Communists, beginning in the late 1940s, carried out a reign of terror over common citizens, who were tightly controlled and could be punished for “thought crime.”

Leaving the traditional villages of Maramureș behind, today’s journey takes you across the scenic landscapes of northern Romania towards Bucovina, a region renowned for its painted monasteries, rich traditions, and beautiful countryside.

Your first stop is the impressive Bârsana Monastery, one of Romania’s most photographed religious sites. Surrounded by gardens and rolling hills, the monastery is a masterpiece of traditional wooden architecture, featuring elegant carved details and soaring wooden spires that reflect the craftsmanship for which Maramureș is famous.

Continue to the UNESCO-listed Wooden Church of Ieud, one of the oldest wooden churches in Romania and an outstanding example of the region’s unique architectural heritage. Built entirely from timber, this historic church has preserved centuries of local faith, traditions, and craftsmanship, offering a fascinating glimpse into rural life in northern Romania.

The route then crosses the picturesque mountain landscapes that separate Maramureș from Bucovina before reaching the colourful village of Ciocănești. Known throughout Romania for its beautifully decorated houses adorned with traditional folk motifs, the village resembles an open-air museum and provides a wonderful insight into the artistic traditions of Bucovina.

Arrive in the afternoon in Gura Humorului, a charming town nestled among forested hills and the ideal gateway to Bucovina’s famous painted monasteries. The relaxed atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it a perfect base for exploring one of Romania’s most fascinating cultural regions.

Overnight in Gura Humorului, Hotel Dukat****

Enjoy a full-day exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage painted monasteries. After breakfast, set out to discover Romania’s famous painted monasteries, each renowned for a specific fresco and color.

Start the day by visiting the monasteries of Humor and Voronet. Humor is famous for its vivid frescoes, with red as the predominant color, while Voronet, the “Sistine of the East,” is known for its Last Judgment.

In the afternoon, visit the remaining two monasteries at Moldovita and Sucevita. At Moldovita, the predominant color is yellow, and the most famous fresco depicts the Siege of Constantinople. The monastery at Sucevita, dating to the 17th century, is the largest and boasts an impressive fortification system.

Begin the day by exploring the enchanting village of Viscri, one of Transylvania’s most iconic UNESCO-listed Saxon settlements. Visit the impressive Viscri Fortified Church, a remarkable example of medieval defensive architecture that has stood at the heart of the community for centuries. Stroll through the village’s quiet lanes and gain insight into traditional rural life that continues to thrive here today.

During your time in Viscri, there may be the opportunity to visit a local blacksmith, where traditional techniques and centuries-old craftsmanship are still practised.

Continue to the legendary Bran Castle, dramatically perched on a rocky hilltop at the edge of the Carpathian Mountains. Known worldwide as "Dracula’s Castle," Bran combines fascinating history, medieval architecture, and breathtaking views. As you explore its winding staircases, hidden passages, and richly furnished rooms, you will discover the stories that have made it one of Romania’s most visited landmarks.

Later, arrive in Brașov, one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Romania. During a guided walking tour, explore the charming Old Town, with its colourful squares, elegant merchant houses, medieval fortifications, and lively atmosphere. Highlights include Council Square, the historic Black Church, one of the largest Gothic churches in Eastern Europe, and the picturesque streets that reflect Brașov’s rich Saxon heritage.

After a day filled with history, culture, and authentic local experiences, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Brașov at your leisure.

Overnight in Brasov, Hotel Schuster*** (located in the Old Town)

Today offers a wonderful combination of wildlife conservation, Saxon heritage, and time to enjoy one of Romania’s most charming cities at your own pace.

Begin with a visit to the Libearty Bear Sanctuary, the largest brown bear sanctuary in the world. Nestled in a beautiful forest near Brașov, the sanctuary provides a safe and natural environment for bears rescued from captivity and difficult conditions. During your visit, learn about the sanctuary’s important conservation work while observing these magnificent animals in spacious woodland habitats.

Continue to Prejmer, home to one of the most impressive fortified churches in Transylvania and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century and later expanded by the local Saxon community, the fortress-like church is surrounded by massive defensive walls and hundreds of storage chambers that once protected villagers during times of invasion. It remains one of the best-preserved fortified churches in Eastern Europe.

Return to Brașov in the afternoon and enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. You may wish to wander through the atmospheric streets of the Old Town, relax in one of the city's cafés, browse local boutiques, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere of Council Square beneath the backdrop of the Carpathian Mountains.