Transylvania and the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina

This morning, you travel toward Transylvania, Romania’s most famous region. You will make a short stop at Cozia Monastery, built in the 14th century, where you will visit one of the most valuable monuments of medieval art and architecture in Romania. At noon, you arrive in Sibiu, probably the most beautiful medieval town in Transylvania. Founded by German Saxons in the 12th century, Sibiu has preserved its charming Old Town, with colorful houses, large squares, and many legends. It was designated European Capital of Culture in 2007. Your walking tour begins in the Grand Square, where you can admire the Catholic Church and the Brukenthal Palace. Continue to the Little Square, the Liar’s Bridge, and Huet Square. Visit the Gothic-style Lutheran Cathedral, Sibiu’s landmark, built in the 14th century and housing an organ crafted by Slovak artisans in the mid-17th century. Other important landmarks include the 18th-century Catholic Church and the Byzantine-style Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. In the evening, you are invited to the village of Sibiel for a traditional dinner with wine and brandy. (B, D)

After breakfast, head to the picturesque Transylvanian village of Biertan. Here you will visit the largest fortified church among the nearly 300 built in Transylvania between the 15th and 16th centuries. Due to its historical and architectural significance, the Biertan fortified church is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At noon, you arrive in Sighișoara, a town founded by Transylvanian Saxons in the 12th century. Its medieval fortress, with nine towers, cobbled streets, and colorful houses, is still inhabited and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The walking tour includes the Clock Tower, the symbol of Sighișoara, as well as the birthplace of Count Dracula and the Church on the Hill. Transfer to Târgu Mureș for overnight. (B)

Today you explore one of Transylvania’s most interesting towns, Târgu Mureș, a blend of Romanian, German, and Hungarian cultures. During the city tour, admire landmarks such as the Baroque-style Apollo Palace, the 18th-century Old Prefecture building, and the Orthodox Cathedral, which features the largest painted surface in an Orthodox church in Romania. You then travel toward Bucovina, crossing the Carpathian Mountains via Borgo Pass. Bucovina is famous for its painted monasteries, built in the Middle Ages by powerful Romanian rulers. You will visit Moldovița Monastery, one of the most representative Orthodox monasteries in Romania. Dating from the 16th century, it features remarkable gold and deep-blue frescoes, including the famous “Siege of Constantinople.” Overnight in Gura Humorului (B)

Today continues the exploration of Bucovina’s painted monasteries with a visit to Sucevița Monastery. Built as a fortress at the end of the 16th century, it is the last of the 22 painted churches of Bucovina and contains the largest number of frescoes. The monastery also houses a museum with an impressive collection of religious artifacts. Next, visit Voroneț Monastery, the most famous in Romania. Built at the end of the 15th century by Stephen the Great, it is known worldwide as the “Sistine Chapel of the East” thanks to its stunning frescoes and the unique “Voroneț Blue.” Continue to the monastic village of Agapia, where you will visit the Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, dating from the 17th century. Transfer to Piatra Neamț. Check-in at the hotel. (B)

Enjoy a scenic drive through the Moldavian countryside and along the spectacular Bicaz Canyon, known for its dramatic road carved through the rocks. Stop briefly at the Red Lake, a picturesque natural dam lake. Continue back to Transylvania to the village of Prejmer, where you will visit the fortified church built by the Teutonic Knights in the early 13th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it includes 272 rooms—one for each village family—as well as a church completed in 1225 and a school. In the afternoon, explore the well-preserved Old Town of Brașov, discovering landmarks such as Council Square, St. Nicholas Church, the Black Church, and the Brașov Fortress. Check-in at the hotel. (B)

After breakfast, drive to Bran, a small village near Brașov, to visit the famous “Dracula’s Castle.” Built in the late 14th century by Transylvanian Saxons, the castle served as a customs post between Transylvania and Wallachia for centuries. Many legends associate it with Dracula. In the afternoon, visit Peleș Castle, built in the 19th century in German Neo-Renaissance style and considered one of the most beautiful castles in the world. Return to Bucharest for a farewell dinner at a historic restaurant in the Old Town, including entertainment. (B, D)

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some free time in the Old Town. Transfer to the airport and bid farewell to your guide. (B)