This tour is the perfect way to discover the Saxons story and step back time for only three days in the mysterious Transylvania!

Duration

3 days

About

The Saxon villages appeared in Transylvania around the XIIIth century when the Hungarian kings settled here German colonists. Their cultural identity was preserved thanks to the multitude of crafts and traditions despite the constant threat of the Ottoman Empire. Thus, the Saxons formed a strong community in Transylvania and managed to protect their land by creating fortifications around their churches. Nowadays, among 150 medieval fortified churches, 7 are part of UNESCO world heritage.

Day 1: BUCHAREST – SINAIA – BRAN – BRASOV (216 km)

Departure from Bucharest to Sinaia and visit one of the most beautiful castles in Europe,Peles Royal Castle. The second visit will allow you to travel back time, in the Medieval Age. You will see Bran Castle, the most visited castle in Romania also thanks to the legendary character, Dracula. The day will end in Brasov where you will enjoy a walking tour of the downtown in the Council Square and see the Black Church, a Gothic masterpiece, being the largest Gothic construction in Eastern part of Europe. Overnight in Brasov.

Day 2: BRASOV – PREJMER – RUPEA – VISCRI – SIGHISOARA (160 km)

Today you will see part of the Saxons’ heritage in Transylvania. In the morning you will leave Brasov and head to Prejmer to visit the fortified church which, due to the good preservation, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The day will continue with another medieval monument, this time a citadel, recently renovated, Rupea Citadel, followed by a visit at Viscri fortified church (UNESCO monument). In the evening you will arrive in Sighisoara. Overnight in Sighisoara.

Day 3: SIGHISOARA – BIERTAN – MEDIAS – SIBIU (112 km)

This day, we continue our trip on the land of Transylvania. In the morning you will enjoy a walking tour of the citadel & visit in The Clock Tower (for an interesting panoramic view). Let’s not forget that Sighisoara is the only citadel in Europe which is still inhabited, UNESCO monument, as well. You will leave this beautiful town and stop in the village of Biertan (UNESCO Heritage) where you will see the biggest fortified church in Transylvania and find out the unique method of the citizens to keep their marriages and avoid getting divorced. Prepare for a lovely surprise. Medias will be the second stop and in the evening you will arrive in Sibiu. Overnight in Sibiu.

Day 4: SIBIU – COZIA – BUCHAREST (275 km)

Sibiu was a German medieval citadel, with the first documentary attestation in 1191, and the old name Hermanstadt. Being so well preserved, in 2007, Sibiu gained the title of the European Capital of Culture. You will enjoy here a walking tour in the old town (the historical center of Sibiu) including The Large Square, The Small Square with the picturesque Liars Bridge, the old fortifications of the city, the Council Tower, etc. Later you will have a traditional lunch and head back to Bucharest. On your way you will stop in Cozia to visit Cozia Monastery, considered one of the most valuable monuments of national medieval art. In the evening you will arrive in Bucharest.

• During summer time, the itinerary will include instead Cozia, a drive from Sibiu on Transfagarasan and a visit to Poenari Citadel, the real citadel which used to belong to Vlad the Impaler, known as Dracula.

What to Expect

• Private tour for a more personal and intimate experience. A chance to discover the real story behind Dracula - Bram Stoker's character.
• Fun, 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 - one of the most beautiful castles in Europe
• Visit the famous Bran Castle - known as Dracula Castle - in Transylvania
• Explore and spend a night in the beautiful city of Brasov in Transylvania
• Visit Viscri - the little village that made Prince Charles fall in love with Transylvania
• Explore the medieval city of Sighisoara, UNESCO Heritage and the most well-preserved inhabited citadel in Europe
• Visit the impressive fortified churches of Prejmer & Biertan
• Discover Sibiu - considered the most beautiful town in Romania

Know before you book

• The tour includes accommodation in a 3-star hotel, a good standard within the Romanian hotel rating system. However, if you want, we can upgrade you to a 4-star or 5-star hotel for an additional fee
• Peles Castle is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays from September to March. For the rest of the year, Peles Castle is closed only on Mondays. On these days, we will visit Cantacuzino Castle in Busteni.
• Please note that the visits' order during the trip can vary depending on the weather, traffic conditions, and the visiting program switch from summer to winter