Countryside Charms of Transylvania | SELF DRIVE

Begin your day with a deeper exploration of Bucharest. Visit the Palace of Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world, constructed during Nicolae Ceaușescu’s regime. Admire its grand halls, ornate chandeliers, mirrors, and intricate architectural details, including hidden passages. Continue to the Romanian Athenaeum, renowned for its impressive frescoes and elegant interior, followed by a visit to the National Village Museum, where traditional houses, crafts, and folk costumes showcase Romania’s rural heritage. Travel onward to Cozia to visit the historic Cozia Monastery, notable for its stonework and Byzantine frescoes. Proceed to Sibiu and check in for a two-night stay. (B)

Start the day with a walking tour of Sibiu’s Old Town, one of Eastern Europe’s most picturesque destinations. Highlights include the Lutheran Cathedral in Huet Square, with its 74-meter tower, and the Brukenthal Museum, known for its remarkable architecture. Enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace. Later, venture into the Carpathian landscape to admire its unspoiled natural beauty. Visit the 13th-century fortified church in Cisnădioara. Optionally, end the day with a traditional dinner featuring local wine and brandy in the mountain village of Sibiel before returning to Sibiu. (B)

Drive through scenic countryside to Mediaș, a historic Saxon town. Visit St. Margaret’s Church, dating from the 15th century, known for its 68-meter leaning tower—one of the most notable inclined towers worldwide. Continue to Biertan, a charming village home to one of Transylvania’s largest fortified churches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore this impressive structure before heading to Sighișoara for hotel check-in. (B)

Begin the day with a guided walk through Sighișoara, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by German settlers in the 13th century, it remains one of the few inhabited fortified citadels in the world. Visit the Clock Tower, the birthplace of Dracula, and the Church on the Hill. After some free time, continue to Viscri, a traditional Saxon village where life has changed little over the centuries. Visit its 13th-century fortified church, built on the site of a former Roman basilica. Continue to Brașov and check in for a two-night stay. (B)

After breakfast, explore Brașov’s medieval center. Visit key landmarks including the Black Church, with over 600 years of history, as well as the Black Tower, White Tower, Ecaterina’s Gate, and Rope Street. Enjoy free time in the Old Town. Travel to Prejmer to visit its fortified church, built by the Teutonic Knights in the early 13th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress contains 272 rooms, one for each village family, along with a church and school dating back to 1225. In the afternoon, head to Bran to visit the famous Bran Castle, often associated with the Dracula legend. Built in the 14th century as a customs fortress between Wallachia and Transylvania, it is now Romania’s most visited attraction. Return to Brașov. (B)

Travel to Sinaia to visit Peleș Castle, one of Europe’s most beautiful castles and the former summer residence of the Romanian royal family. The castle now serves as a museum, showcasing original furnishings, artwork, and décor. Stroll through its gardens and admire its Neo-Renaissance design. Also visit Sinaia Monastery, founded by Prince Cantacuzino in the 19th century, featuring Byzantine architectural elements and a collection of valuable artifacts, including one of the earliest Romanian translations of the Bible. Continue to Bucharest for an overnight stay. (B, D)

Transfer to Bucharest’s Otopeni International Airport for your departure. Safe travels!