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Transylvania Break Tour: History & Culture with TravelMaker - Bucharest

Transylvania Break Tour: History & Culture with TravelMaker

Bucureștieasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2 days

Fitness Level

Suitable for travelers with average fitness; involves moderate walking and stair climbs.

Overview

Journey into Romania’s legendary Transylvania on a captivating 2-day tour with TravelMaker. Visit royal castles, medieval towns, and fortified villages steeped in history and folklore.

București, București

Transylvania Break Tour

Min Age: 7+ • 2 Days • Small group shared tour

Bus Tour
History Tour

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About This Adventure

Embark on a captivating 2-day journey through Transylvania, exploring stunning sites like Peles Castle and the legendary Bran Castle. Experience the charm of Brasov and the medieval wonders of Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of this enchanting region while making new friends.

Transylvania Break Tour from Bucharest is a fantastic 2-day adventure into the “land beyond the forest”. Time will fly while you will discover incredible attractions such as the beautiful Peles Royal Castle in Sinaia, the famous Bran (Dracula’s) Castle, or the amazing medieval citadel of Sighisoara.

Duration

2 days

About

Transylvania is the last corner of Europe where you see true sustainability and complete resilience. There’s so much we can learn from it before it’s too late.

His Royal Highness Prince Charles of Wales

Day 1 Itinerary: BUCHAREST - SINAIA - BRASOV - SIGHISOARA (309 km)

You will meet the tour guide in the morning, in the lobby of your hotel.

Prepare to leave behind the region of Wallachia and step into the legendary land of Transylvania, the country beyond the forest where many myths were born and time still flows slowly for those living here.

On our way, we will stop at Sinaia, a very famous mountain resort known also as the “Pearls of the Carpathians”. Here, you will visit Peles Castle, the former summer residence for the first Royal couple of Romania, King Carol 1st, and Queen Elizabeth. Considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe, the construction is impressive thanks to the architectural style and decorations, but most of all thanks to the beautiful interior design (an interesting mixture of cultures in terms of furniture, the specific touch of the King, and Queen) and the modern facilities for the last half of the XIXth century (electricity, vacuum cleaner, electrical elevator, and central heating).

Here you will also find out the story of the Royal couples in Romania and their important influence on the history of our country. The visit lasts about 45 minutes, after which you will spend some time in the beautiful gardens of the castle.

The next stop is Brasov, Kronstadt (“the city of the crown”) under its German name. Yes, you are now officially in Transylvania! In Brasov, you will have lunch in a typical restaurant and enjoy a lovely walk on the narrow and cobblestone streets of the old city center. You will see the Council Square, the Council Tower, the famous Black Church (the largest Gothic construction in the Eastern part of Europe).

In the evening, head to Sighisoara for dinner and overnight in the medieval citadel. Do not miss a short walk in the citadel and admire the medieval buildings at the light of the lanterns. Prepare to step back in time!

Day 2 Itinerary: SIGHISOARA - BRAN - BUCHAREST (329 km)

In the morning, after breakfast, you will start the day by having a walking tour of the medieval citadel of Sighisoara. Considered one of the best-preserved inhabited medieval citadels in Europe and part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

Here time seems to run after other patterns, visitors feel like in a journey back in time when knights and fair ladies used to fall in love before dating, and freedom was the priceless treasure of the community.

The highlights of the citadel are:

The house where it is said that Vlad the Impaler (known as Dracula) was born, the Clock Tower (on the top of which you can take some beautiful panoramic pictures of the city),

The Covered Stairs also known as Scholar’s Stairs- this is the time for you to take a deep breath of air, grab a bottle of water and start climbing the no less than 176 stairs- you should be grateful though because initially there were 300 stairs.

The Church on the hill – the highest point of the citadel, built in the late 15th Century, with a very simplistic decor on the outside and magnificent paintings of the inside who have defied the passing of time.

Defense Towers – there are a total of 9 defense towers and they are distributed around the citadel to provide a good view of every corner of the city. Each tower belonged to a guild that was responsible for the administration at any time- either peace or war.

After the walking tour of the medieval citadel, you will head to Viscri Village. It is just around a 1-hour drive from Sighisoara and it is one of the most picturesque Saxon villages in Transylvania.

Around the 12 century when the Saxon community started to populate Transylvania, they built a small chapel that became later after many restorations, a Unesco World Heritage monument, and the well-known Viscri Fortified Church. Not only you can admire the magnificent fortress and the church but also you can enjoy the landscape of the countryside of Romania, you can take a walk on the streets and feel the atmosphere of the village or buy nice homemade souvenirs as hats from wool or products made of wood.

Viscri became one of the most important highlights of Transylvania thanks to Prince Charles who helped the community through his foundation “Mihai Eminescu”.

In the afternoon, you will head to Bran and visit Bran Castle, which became so famous thanks to the legend of Dracula. Here you will find out how this legend was born and why Transylvania is until nowadays related to it. Our advice: probably some garlic will be useful during the visit!

What to Expect

  • Small Group Tour for a more personal and intimate experience. A chance to discover the secrets of Transylvania while making new friends.
  • Funny, Friendly, Experienced Guide: Feel welcome, relaxed, and able to enjoy the tour to its fullest. Ask your burning questions and learn from your knowledgeable guide.
  • Visit Peles Castle, the former residence of the Romanian Royal Family and the most visited castle in Romania.
  • Discover the famous Bran castle also known as Dracula’s castle; It is considered that Bram Stocker’s novel was inspired by Bran Castle and Vlad the Impaler, one of the cruelest ruler of the Walachia region of Romania
  • Visit Brasov, a typical Transylvanian city with bohemian cafes, colorful streets, and Gothic style
  • Explore the medieval city of Sighisoara, UNESCO Heritage and the most well-preserved inhabited citadel in Europe
  • Visit Viscri - an amazing traditional village in the heart of Transyvania

Know before you book

  • At least 2 people are required for this activity to take place. If the minimum number of people is not reached, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund. If you make an online booking for a single traveler, the total amount will be blocked on your card and either charged if we can confirm the tour on your date or rejected if the tour cannot be confirmed for your date.
  • We cannot take children under 7 on our shared tours. We strongly recommend booking a private tour (with the same itinerary) in this case. Please call or send us an email.
  • Peles Castle is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays from October to March. For the rest of the year, Peles Castle is closed only on Mondays. On these days, Cantacuzino Castle in Busteni will be visited instead.
  • Single room supplement - €30 extra charge, mandatory for single travelers and payable to the guide at the start of the tour

Adventure Tips

Wear comfortable shoes

Cobblestone streets and castle grounds require sturdy, supportive footwear for walking and stair climbing.

Carry water and snacks

While meals are provided, having water and light snacks handy is helpful during walking tours and transfers.

Peles Castle closures

Beware that Peles Castle is closed Mondays year-round and additionally Tuesdays from October to March; alternative visits apply.

Prepare for uneven terrain

Some historic sites like Sighisoara involve steep stairs and uneven surfaces—take your time and use handrails where available.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • European brown bears in the Carpathian foothills
  • Various bird species like the Wallcreeper near mountainous areas

History

Transylvania’s layered history includes Saxon settlers from the 12th century, medieval guild towns, and royal legacies intertwined with folklore like Vlad the Impaler’s story.

Conservation

Efforts by organizations, including Prince Charles’s foundation, emphasize preserving traditional villages and sustainable tourism to protect Transylvania’s cultural and natural heritage.

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Adventure Hotspots in Bucharest

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Necessary for navigating cobblestones, uneven paths, and stairs throughout the tour.

Layered clothing

Essential

Transylvania’s weather can change rapidly, so layers allow for comfort during varying temperatures.

all specific

Rain jacket

Useful for sudden showers common in spring and fall, and occasional summer thunderstorms.

spring|fall|summer specific

Daypack

Convenient to carry water, snacks, camera, and personal items during day excursions.