Romania At a Glance – Transylvania Tour

Today, you’ll travel into the mountainous, spectacular region of Transylvania to experience the stunning medieval city of Sibiu. On the way, take a break at the Curtea de Arges Monastery, an architectural wonder that seems to defy the laws of physics. This 16th-century marvel, built under intense time constraints, inspired multiple legends of love, loss, and premature death.

After your tour, ascend the Carpathians to capture photos of the forbidding ruins of the 13th-century Poienari Fortress, perched on the edge of a sheer cliff that drops straight into the Arges River. Legends passed down from the 15th century say that he terrorized the Boyars into the hard labor necessary to rebuild and fortify the existing structure; most of his prisoners ended their days as exhausted slaves.

Continuing your drive to Sibiu, you’ll journey along the high Transfagarasan Road, constructed by the Communists at an altitude of 2054 m (over 6000 feet). The scenery is absolutely breathtaking.

This afternoon, arrive in Sibiu and check into your hotel. Your guide will lead you on a fascinating, in-depth walking tour of the medieval Old Town. This settlement was built by ethnic German Saxons, who were meticulous in constructing defense systems that included thick walls, high watchtowers, and secret passageways.

Depart from the magnificent town of Sibiu and proceed to Biertan Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The Saxon villagers took the protection of their towns very seriously, constructing fortified churches throughout the medieval era. Interestingly, the townspeople were solely responsible for the construction and maintenance of these structures, a tradition they have upheld to this day. Saxon roots in Transylvania run deep, with some present-day families tracing their lineage back to the 1100s. The Biertan Church, built between 1486 and 1524, represents the final expression of this particular architectural style.

In the late morning, continue your journey with a visit to Sighisoara. The UNESCO World Heritage Old Town exemplifies a living citadel, and most of its medieval fortifications remain relatively untouched by time. Tour the famous Clock Tower, a widely recognized and beautiful symbol of medieval Transylvania. A picturesque covered wooden staircase leads you to the iconic Church on the Hill, from which you’ll gain a stunning view of the surrounding area.

Historical records note Sighisoara as the birthplace of the infamous Vlad the Impaler, the cruel Prince of Wallachia known for brutally torturing his enemies. The house of his birth looks much the same today as in 1431 and now serves as a distinctive restaurant.

In the afternoon, travel to Brasov, a quintessential Transylvanian town.

Today, let your guide lead you on a captivating walk through Brasov’s Old Town, amid the evocative homes of affluent medieval merchants. Discover the Black Church, a grand 14th-century Gothic cathedral that hosts a museum and Lutheran services each Sunday. Stroll along the town’s impregnable city walls and bastions before departing for the renowned Bran Castle, which was redecorated by Queen Marie in the 1920s after a period of neglect and abandonment.

Next, travel through breathtaking mountain scenery with spectacular views to reach Sinaia, a charming town in the Carpathian Mountains. Visit Peles Castle, the opulent 19th-century residence of Romania’s first king. The castle features a luxurious interior adorned with exquisite crystal, oriental rugs, magnificent wood paneling, and valuable mirrors. Nearby, take a moment to tour the Sinaia Monastery, named after the ancient Mt. Sinai of biblical times.

Arrive in Bucharest in the evening.