Treasures of Transylvania | SELF DRIVE
Description:
Set out on a remarkable exploration of Romania—a country defined by its deep-rooted history, stunning natural scenery, and genuine hospitality. Your adventure begins in Bucharest, the lively capital, before transporting you into the heart of medieval Transylvania. Discover the atmospheric towns of Sibiu, Sighisoara, Brasov, and Alba Iulia, each brimming with centuries-old charm. Admire Romania’s architectural masterpieces, including the elegant Mogosoaia Palace, the legendary Dracula Castle, and the storybook-like Peles Castle. Visit UNESCO-listed treasures such as Biertan and Viscri, where fortified churches preserve the legacy of ancient Transylvanian communities. Throughout the journey, meet locals, enjoy traditional brandy, and take a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride through peaceful villages. This itinerary blends culture, heritage, and authentic encounters, promising memories to cherish long after your travels conclude.Trip Highlights:
Major cities:
Bucharest - the capital city of Romania
Castles & palaces:
Bran Castle, Peles Castle, Palace of Parliament, Mogosoaia Palace, Hunyadi Castle
Ancient or medieval cities:
Sibiu, Sighisoara, Brasov
Churches & monasteries:
Cozia Monastery, Evangelical Cathedral, Black Church, Church in the Hill
Citadels and fortresses
Biertan, Viscri, Alba Iulia
Activities:
Welcome dinner in a restaurant in the old town of Bucharest , Traditional brandy tasting in Sighisoara
Included Services
- 7 x overnights at 4**** hotels
- 7 x breakfast buffet at the hotel
- 1 x welcome dinner at historic restaurant from the Old Town of Bucharest incl. wine or beer
- 1 x brandy tasting in Sighisoara (4 types of traditional brandy)
- Local English-speaking guides (~3h): Sibiu – day 3 , Brasov – day 6
- Entrance fee: Palace of the Parliament, Mogosoaia Palace, Brukenthal Palace, Hunyadi Castle, Dracula Castle, Peles Castle; other entrance fees will be paid by the guests on the spot
- Transportation is NOT included
Pricing: From 795€
Country: Romania
Language: English
A day-by-day plan you can trust
After picking up your car at the airport, begin with a panoramic tour of Bucharest, known as “The Little Paris of the East.” Founded in the 15th century and once home to the infamous Count Dracula, the city showcases architectural gems such as the Unification Square with the Patriarchal Church, University Square, Roman Square, Victory Square, the Arch of Triumph, and Revolution Square. In the evening, stroll through the atmospheric Old Town, filled with cafes and historical charm, and enjoy a traditional dinner at the iconic “Caru’ cu Bere.” (D)
After breakfast, step inside the Palace of the Parliament—listed by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest and most expensive administrative building. Continue to Mogosoaia Palace, built at the turn of the 18th century by Prince Constantin Brancoveanu in his distinctive Brancovenesc architectural style. Your journey then leads to Transylvania, “the land beyond the forests,” with a stop at Cozia Monastery, an Orthodox landmark with over 600 years of history. Arrive in Sibiu and check in for a two-night stay. (B)
Join a guided walk through Sibiu, once the strongest and wealthiest fortified citadel established by German settlers in the 12th century. The town’s Upper and Lower levels are linked by the charming Stairs Passage and retain their medieval ambience. Featured by Forbes as one of the world’s most idyllic places to live, Sibiu was also Europe’s Cultural Capital in 2007. Visit Brukenthal Palace—home to one of Europe’s oldest art museums—along with the Grand Square, Little Square, the Liar’s Bridge, and the impressive Evangelical Cathedral. Enjoy free time before traveling in the evening to Sibiel for a warm encounter with a local family and an optional home-cooked dinner complete with local wine and brandy. (B)
Travel through scenic Transylvanian countryside and traditional villages. Your first stop is Hunedoara for a tour of Hunyadi Castle, a 14th-century Gothic fortress. Continue to Alba Iulia to explore the largest Vauban-style citadel in Transylvania. The journey proceeds to Biertan, where you will discover one of the most well-preserved fortified churches in the region, enclosed by three defensive walls and multiple towers. Arrival in Sighisoara for two nights. (B)
Begin the day with a trip to Viscri, the Saxon village where the Prince of Wales owns a traditional house. Surrounded by meadows and ancient oak and beech forests, Viscri hosts a 13th-century Saxon fortified church—now a UNESCO site. Wander the quiet lanes and admire the traditional homes. In the afternoon, explore Sighisoara, birthplace of Vlad the Impaler and one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval citadels. Rich in fortress walls, towers, and Gothic charm, Sighisoara is also recognized by UNESCO. Visit the Clock Tower, the Church on the Hill, and Dracula’s birthplace. Enjoy a tasting of four local brandies in a historic wine cellar during the tour. (B)
Head toward Bran to visit the world-famous Dracula Castle. Built by Saxons in the 14th century, the fortress served as a customs point between Transylvania and Wallachia and later became a royal residence offered to Queen Marie in 1920. Today it is the most visited site in Transylvania, enriched by legends and dramatic landscapes. Continue to Brasov for a guided tour beginning in Council Square (Marktplatz). Highlights include the Gothic Black Church—Romania’s most important Lutheran cathedral—and Rope Street, one of the narrowest streets in Europe. (B)
Travel to Sinaia to visit Peles Castle, regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful palaces and a masterpiece of Neo-Renaissance design built for King Carol I. Also tour the Sinaia Monastery, founded in 1695 and named after St. Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai. Enjoy leisure time in the alpine resort known as “the Pearl of the Carpathians” before returning to Bucharest for free time. (B)
Take advantage of one last stroll or relaxing moment in Bucharest before your drive to the airport. (B)
We select high-quality hotels to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
The final list of hotels is to be confirmed after the tour has been booked and paid.
