Day 01: Arrive Bucharest
Meet-assist at airport & transfer to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Tour of Bucharest and then drive to Moieciu
After our Leader does an introductory briefing, we go on a city tour of Bucharest. A remarkable blend of turn-of-the-century elegance and Communist excess can be observed through its architecture. We visit the old quarter of the city to see some of the buildings that earned it the reputation as the Paris of Eastern Europe and see the Palace of Parliament; the magnificent but blatantly excessive palace of ex-President Ceausescu.

Leaving Bucharest we drive (3hrs) to Bran for our included visit to the castle (known as Dracula’s Castle). Perched on a crag in a valley between two high mountain ranges, the castle controlled an international trade route, but it is now a rural backwater. After our tour, we make our way the short distance to our guesthouse in Moieciu, located on the eastern side of the Piatra Craiului mountains.

Day 03: Cycle Piatra Craiului National Park to Bucium
Today is our first full day in the saddle. We start cycling on the edge of Piatra Craiului National Park along a beautiful forest valley. Then we cycle mainly downhill with spectacular views of the Transylvanian Alps to Bucium, we were spend the night. On the way, there is the option to stop at a wooden flourmill and Roman monastery, which gives an insight of how life would have been in days gone by.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 55km, with about 395 metres total ascent and 525 metres descent.

Day 04: Visit the Sambata Monastery, cycle via Arpasu to Albota
Today we continue cycling with great views of the Fagaras Mountains – the longest, highest ridge of the Carpathian Mountain range. Stopping for our picnic, we visit the ancient water barrel whirlpools, traditionally used for felting cloth and washing large fabrics. In the afternoon we plan to visit the Romanian Orthodox Sambata Monastery, dedicated to the Domitian of the Virgin Mary. Continuing by bike along the valley, we pass through Arpasu to our final destination in Albota set by the water at the foot of the mountains.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 53km, with about 340 metres total ascent and 150 metres descent.

Day 05: Cycle the Olt River Valley to Talmaciu, drive to Sibiu
Departing Albota on our bikes, we cross the plain to join the river and then use gravel tracks to follow the watercourse. Passing villages, dams and herds of water buffalo, we arrive in Avrig to visit the 18th century Orangerie and the park of the summer residence of the former governor of Transylvania. Today’s ride ends in Talmaciu, we then drive by bus (30 minutes) to the city of Sibiu for a walking tour that takes in the 15th century city walls and bastion fortifications. Sibiu is known as the red city due to its brick construction and is the most fortified town in the Principality of Transylvania. We then check into our accommodation.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 55km, with about 120 metres total ascent and 160 metres descent.

Day 06: Drive to Carta, ride via Agnita to Dealu Frumos
After a short drive this morning, we arrive in Carta, an area in which time seems to have stood still. The farmers here still use traditional methods including scythes and sickles to farm their land and horse drawn wagons to move their hay. We visit the ancient church and ruins of an old Cistercian Abbey. Back on the bikes, we cycle into the Hartibaciu Valley through local villages. Passing Agnita, where the fortified church still hides a few secrets from its shady past, there is a final hill climb to arrive at our accommodation for the night in Dealu Frumos.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 38km, with about 385 metres total ascent and 220 metres descent.

Day 07: Cycle to UNESCO listed Sighisoara
For our final day on the bikes you have the option to make an early start and cycle (37km) to Biertan. The bus will drive to Biertan with those clients who prefer not to ride this section. There is time for an optional guided visit of the UNESCO-listed 15th century fortified church in Biertan. From here we ride to Sighisoara. Upon arrival we check in to our hotel and the rest of the day is left free to allow exploration of the town on foot. The UNESCO protected castle is thought to be one of the largest lived-in castle in Europe and other sites include the old town fortifications, the Church on the Hill, covered stairs and the clock tower.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 37 km, with about 450 metres total ascent. A further 37km optional cycling is possible.

Day 08: Visit Peles Castle, drive to Bucharest
Today we drive to Bucharest, a journey of about 6 hours but we will make plenty of stops including the wonderful Peles Castle. Built for the Hohenzollern monarch Carol I, Peles resembles a Bavarian chateau and is richly decorated with stained glass, Persian carpets, Renaissance weapons, ebony and mother of pearl. Our journey ends back in the capital. We spend our last night in Romania here and reflect on a great week of cycling in Transylvania before heading home in the morning.

Day 09: Depart Bucharest
Transfer to airport for flight back to home. 

Day 01: Arrive Bucharest Airport; drive to Sinaia
Arrive Bucharest, meet-assist at airport. We will transfer to hotel in Sinaia which will take approximately two hours.

This is a beautiful mountainous region, at the foothills of the Bucegi Mountains in the Prahova Valley. Sinaia is one of the oldest and most famous mountain resorts, often referred to as ‘The Pearl of the Carpathians’.

Day 02: Hike through the Bucegi mountains to the Omu Mountian Hut
After breakfast we visit in the Peles Castle (optional) which is considered by many as one of the most beautiful castles in all of Europe. It was the final resting place for several Romanian monarchs including King Carol I, who died here in 1914. Then we take a short cable car ride to the Bucegi Plateau. From here we start our walk through the Bucegi mountains which make up part of the southern Carpathians and walk for approximately 4 hours gaining about 500 meters in elevation to the highest peak, Omu Peak 2505m. Wind and rain have turned some rocks in to spectacular figures such as the Sphinx.

We will finish the walk at the Omu Mountain Hut where we spend the night. The dorm rooms in the hut are communal with a stove in the centre, we are allocated two beds per person to allow for extra space. The simple toilets are located just outside of the main building, there is no running water and no washing facilities, although its possible to buy drinks. Although very basic the location at 2,505 metres on top of Bucegi Mountains in the Carpathian Range makes it worth it for one night. Our main luggage is transferred by road and will not be with us so we have to carry what we need for the night.

Today’s moderate 13 kilometre trek is expected to take around four hours with 775 metres of ascent and 320 metres of descent. If we arrive early enough at Omu Hut there is the option to extend this walk with an additional one and a half hours trek to summit Bucsoiu a nearby peak.

Day 03: Walk from Omu Hut descending through the Bran Valley to Moeicu
We start our descent, including 50m on a scree path, to the Bran Valley with some stunning views of the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Today we walk from the peak of the Bucegi range to Moeciu and on our way will see natural monuments, various alpine flora and fauna, which could include the edelweiss, mountain wild rose, capercaillie and chamois. This area is also home to the European brown bear but a sighting would be rare. The wild beauty of this area is truly special. Today we walk with some steep sections and rough terrain, good walking boots are essential. The last part of the trail leads us to the guest house through their orchard. Here after a long day we will be welcomed with hot delicious food, locally brewed alcohol and a well deserved hot shower.

Today’s challenging 20 kilometre trek is expected to take around six hours with 350 metres of ascent and 2000 metres of descent.

Day 04: Walk towards the Piatra Craiului Mountains
Today we start our day with an optional trip to the castle at Bran. The truth behind ‘Dracula’s Castle’ is even more fascinating than its myths! Earlier this century it was the home of the remarkable British born Queen Marie of Romania, grand daughter of Queen Victoria. Vlad the Impaler, the heroic 15th century ruler of Wallachia never lived here and there is no connection with the excellent novel by Bram Stoker – who never came near Transylvania. Perched on a crag in a valley between two high mountain ranges, it controlled an international trade route, but is now a rural back-water. From here we start our walk to the Piatra Craiului mountains. Piatra Craiului (The Royal Rock) is probably Romania’s most loved mountain especially by hikers and nature lovers. The shining glow of this huge white limestone ridge can be seen from afar and it is probably the source of its unusual name. The mountain ridge has the biggest bio-diversity of the country. Not surprisingly, it is a national park. The wildlife is very diverse and there are still black chamois on the high cliffs and brown bear, wild boar, deer and stag, foxes, wolf and even lynx in the forests. The Piatra Craiului Mountains are further known for the abundance and diversity of flowers and plants. We walk today for between five and seven hours and end at a mountain hut where we spend the next two nights.

The wooden Curmatura hut is located at 1,470 metres in Piatra Craiului national park. There is more space in this hut, with dorms rooms solely for the group and a large outdoor terrace. Washing facilities are limited as there is no running water, but a fresh water spring nearby, the toilet is located outside of the main building.

Today’s challenging 18 kilometre trek is expected to take around five hours with 1,340 metres of ascent and 660 metres of descent.

Day 05: Piatra Craiului Ridge walk
Today we take a circular walk from our mountain hut to the Piatra Craiului’s beautiful limestone ridge, which is about 25km long, from where we have superb views over the surrounding country. The walk today is challenging in parts with the odd section where you may need to scramble over rocks or through dense forest. Once we are up on the ridge the views of the southern Carpathians are spectacular. After around six hours of walking we will return to our mountain hut for a well deserved hot meal and refreshments. Note: During the walk on the ridge there is a section approximately two metres in width which will require holding on to a chain to cross. Vertigo sufferers may wish to opt out of this walk. There will also be a descent of 300m on a scree path. Besides this, today’s walk will not operate if it is raining or if there is a threat of rain. If this is the case an alternative walk in the area will be arranged.

Today’s moderate seven-and-a-half kilometre trek is expected to take around four hours with 800 metres of ascent and descent.

Day 06: Walk from Curmatura Hut through the Zarnesti Gorge to Moeciu
Today we leave the mountain hut behind and walk to our guesthouse in Moeciu. Today’s walk takes us through more beautiful countryside including the Zarnesti Gorge which has been used as a filming location for a number of movies including Cold Mountain.

Today’s moderate 18 kilometre trek is expected to take around five hours with 470 metres of ascent and 1,100 metres of descent.

Day 07: Drive to Bucharest to explore the capital
This morning we drive to Romania’s capital, a remarkable blend of turn of the century elegance and communist excess. Situated on the Danube plain and set amid a series of lakes and spacious gardens, remnants of more gracious days still exist to charm the visitor. We visit many of the older parts of the city to see some of the buildings that have earned it the reputation as the Paris of Eastern Europe. After the city tour we have free time for shopping, relaxing or more sightseeing.

Day 08: Trip ends in Bucharest
Transfer to airport for flight back to home.

Day 01: Bucharest – Curtea de Arges – Transfagarasan* – Sibiu
The first day your tour starts with a road trip from Bucharest to Curtea de Arges, the historical capital of Wallachia. Visit Curtea de Arges Monastery, built by Voivode Neagoe Basarab between 1512 and 1517. Today, the monastery is one of the most important historical monuments in Romania, and it is the final resting place for several members of the Romanian royal family.

Drive along the spectacular Transfagarasan Road, one of the most beautiful roads in Europe. The road enters the Southern Carpathians via the tallest mountain pass in Romania, the Fagaras Pass, reaching the height of 2042m. Take some stunning photos of the surrounding areas.

The last destination for the day is the medieval city of Sibiu, which has a rich history of more than 900 years. Sibiu is a superb destination throughout the year. In the summer season, it is home to the International Theatre Festival. While during the winter, this place is home to one of the most impressive Christmas markets in the whole of the country.

Taking a walking tour of Sibiu’s old town before heading for your hotel. Check in at your accommodation.

*The Transfagarasan route is only available between June and November.

Day 02: Sibiu – Hunedoara – Alba Iulia – Turda – Cluj
The second day of our Romanian tour starts early in the morning. Travel to Hunedoara and tour Corvin Castle, a monument with a particular charm. Also known as Hunyad Castle after its resident, John Hunyadi, it is one of the largest castles in Romania.

Our next stop is Alba Iulia, a town that was home to one of the most important events in Romania’s History, the union of Transylvania with Romania. Visit the Alba Carolina Fortress, built between 1715 and 1738 in the Vauban architectural style by more than 20,000 Romanian peasants.

Enjoy your drive from Alba Iulia to Turda, a small village which is home to one of the coolest underground attractions in the world (according to Business Insider): the Turda Salt Mine. At the end of its 13 underground floors, you will find a spectacular theme park equipped with a Ferris wheel, mini golf course, tennis court and a lake.

Reach Cluj-Napoca, the largest city in Transylvania and one of the most popular study destinations in Romania, in the evening. Enjoy a walking tour of its old town and explore its bohemian restaurants and cafes.

Day 03: Cluj-Napoca – Bistrita – Voronet
On our way to Bukovina, we will stop in Bistrita, a city located in the foothills of the Bargau Mountains, not far away from Pasul Tihuta. This is the place where Bram Stoker’s character, Jonathan Haker, stayed before meeting Count Dracula. After taking a short sightseeing tour of Bistrita (you also have the option of tasting some delicious products from a local bakery) leave Transylvania for Bukovina.

Visit Voronet Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The monastery was built by Stephen the Great in 1488 and it is well known for its unique shade of blue, which goes by the name of the ‘Blue of Voronet’. Check in at the hotel in the evening.

Day 04: Voronet – Moldovita – Sucevita – Iasi
Drive north until you reach Moldovita Monastery, one of the oldest monastic settlements in the country. The monastery was built between 1532 and 1537 and became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993.

Visit yet another painted monastery, Sucevita. Built in 1585, legend says that all the materials used in its construction were brought by a woman, using only a cart pulled by oxen, who wanted to redeem herself of her sins.

Romania’s painted monasteries are deemed by many to be true masterpieces of the Byzantine art. Their beautiful frescoes depict various biblical scenes as well as the life stories of several important religious figures. Decorated with beautiful ornaments and blending in perfectly with the surrounding landscape, they are unique throughout Europe.

Reach Iasi, the largest city in Northern Romania, in the evening. This city is also the birthplace of several famous Romanian personalities. After a short tour of this romantic and historical city, check in at the hotel and prepare for dinner.

Day 05: Iasi – Targu Neamt – Piatra Neamt
Tour the city of Iasi, making your first stop at the Palace of Culture. Built in a Neo-Gothic style between 1906 and 1925, it is home to the Moldova National Museum Complex, which hosts an art museum as well as Moldavia’s History Museum, the Ethnographic Museum of Moldavia, and the Science and Technology Museum.

Take a trip to the Metropolitan Cathedral, one of the most famous buildings in Iasi. The current Cathedral was built atop two older churches, The White Church and Stratenia Church, in 1833. Over the years, the cathedral deteriorated in the face of harsh weather conditions and lack of maintenance. But today, a restoration project is close to its end and the beauty of the cathedral is there again for everyone to enjoy. Another important landmark of Iasi is the Three Hierarchs Church, which was built by Voivode Vasile Lupu between 1637 and 1639.

Your final stop in Iasi will be the Vasile Alecsandri National Theatre, the first national theatre in Romania. Travel to Targu Neamt next. Tour the Neamt Citadel, built during the reign of Peter I (1375-1391). Reach Piatra Neamt in the evening and enjoy a cable car ride before checking in at the hotel.

Day 06: Piatra Neamt – Bicaz – Corund – Biertan – Sighisoara
Head for Transylvania, passing through the impressive Bicaz Gorges to reach Red Lake, known for its unusual color. The lake formed in 1837 when a series of heavy storms caused Mt. Ucigasu to fracture, with part of it coming down and blocking several streams. The river deposits that formed there imparted their color to the water that pooled into a lake.

Stop in Corund next. This place is one of the most important pottery centers of Transylvania. Besides pottery, the locals also deal in woodworking and trades. Travel to Biertan, one of the famous UNESCO villages with fortified churches in Transylvania. The Saxons settled here for the first time in the 13th century, mainly because of its rich soil that was perfect for winemaking.

Visit Sighisoara, a city that is home to the last inhabited citadel in Europe. Built by Saxon colonists in the 12th century, Sighisoara’s unique features have earned it a spot in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Day 07: Sighisoara – Viscri – Brasov
Start your day by exploring Sighisoara, a city where each building has a story worth telling. Visit the Sighisoara Citadel, passing through the main gate and by the Clock Tower, which is also home to Sighisoara’s history museum. The basement of the Clock Tower is also home to a torture chamber, and the tower is beautifully decorated with numerous sculpted ornaments as well as a clock on each side.

Drive to Viscri next. A village that charmed the heart of Prince Charles through its simplicity and the way in which the locals have managed to preserve their traditions, Viscri is also known for the culinary skills of its womenfolk. Additionally, it is one of Transylvania’s villages with fortified churches.

Explore the charming Viscri Church before heading for Brasov, one of the most beautiful cities located in the middle of Romania. Take a short walking tour of the city before checking in at the hotel.

Day 08: Brasov – Bran – Sinaia – Bucuresti
Continue with your Brasov city tour. Visit Council Square, a place that was once famous for its markets filled with traders of all nations. Take a tour of the Black Church, a major Gothic-style monument in Romania and the largest Lutheran place of worship in the region.

Thirty minutes away from Brasov is Bran, a small village known as the location of Dracula’s Castle. With the history of more than 6 centuries, Bran Castle is also popularly known as Dracula’s Castle, after Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’. Discover the history of Vlad the Impaler and the connection between Vlad Tepes and Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Stop in Sinaia next and visit the first fully electrified castle in Europe. Peles Castle stretches over the surface of 3200sq. meters and has 160 rooms and over 30 bathrooms. The castle was home to one of the most important collections of paintings in Europe, and it is well known for its large collection of over 4,000 European and Oriental weaponry.

Reach Bucharest after the night falls. Enjoy some free time for yourself before going to bed.

Day 09: Bucharest city tour
This is your second-last day of the Romanian tour. Know more about the capital of Romania during a full-day city tour. Visit the famed Palace of the Parliament, the second-largest building in the world. Also known as the People’s House, the building was part of a larger project created by Nicolae Ceausescu during his reign.

The building was designed to house all the organs of the state while also acting as a safe house, able to withstand earthquakes and nuclear attacks. After touring the Palace of the Parliament, visit Bucharest’s Old Town where you can have your lunch.

Explore the Bucharest Village Museum. Opened for the first time in 1936, the museum stretches over a surface of 14ha and is home to 380 monuments, 60,000 traditional objects and over 250,000 archived documents, all related to the traditional Romanian life.

Day 10: Departure
Today, you will be transferred to the airport according to your flight departure schedule. We hope you had a wonderful stay in Romania.

Day 01: Bucharest
Welcome to Bucharest. Often called the ‘Little Paris of the Balkans’, Romania’s capital is known for its Belle Epoch architecture, thumping nightlife and communist sites. After the welcome meeting this evening, you might like to get a head start and explore the city by night, or perhaps head out for a group dinner to get a first sample of Romania’s unique cuisine.

Day 02: Bucharest / Brasov
This morning meet your local guide for a private tour of Bucharest. After taking in the recently restored old town of Bucharest, visit some of the more significant sites of the revolution of 1989, which culminated in the ousting and execution of communist leader Ceausescu, and the end of Romania’s 42-year communist rule. Bucharest likes big things – the tour will also stop by the huge Piata Unirii, one of Europe’s largest squares, and continue on to the ‘Ceausima’, Bucharest’s 12-storey Palace of Parliament. The palace is the second largest building in the world (after the Pentagon). The former dictator ordered the construction of this monster, a building of staggering scale and opulence that includes 1,100 rooms and 4,500 chandeliers. In the afternoon, travel by train to the 13th-century Saxon city of Brasov. Also known by its German name of Kronstadt, this town flanked by mountains and city walls was once a major medieval trading centre.

Day 03: Bran Castle / Brasov
No trip to Romania would be complete without a visit to the famous Bran Castle. The castle was built by the Saxons in 1382 to defend the Bran pass against the invading Turks. With its fairy-tale turrets and whitewashed walls, it’s far from menacing and spooky, but is undeniably impressive, perched on a high cliff top and surrounded by pine trees. Afterwards, return to Brasov and enjoy a guided walk around town, checking out the ornate churches, townhouses, old city walls, and squares surrounded by gingerbread-roofed merchants’ houses. Visit Brasov’s main attraction, the gothic Black Church (Biserica Neagra), which took its name from its blackened appearance after a fire in 1689.

Day 04: Viscri / Sighisoara
In the morning, travel by private transport to Viscri, less than 2 hours away (but it’ll feel like you’re entering another world). The small Transylvanian village of Viscri was originally inhabited by Saxons from the Luxembourg area, and the whole scene is picture-postcard rural. This idyllic village of red tiled roofs is a World Heritage site, virtually unchanged for 900 years. You’ll visit the town’s fortified church (thought to be the oldest in Transylvania) and learn about the Sock Project, which supports the local Roma community. After a home cooked lunch at the house of a local family continue to the 12th century town of Sighisoara (approximately 1 hour). After a quick orientation walk you have all afternoon to explore the city.

Day 05: Sighisoara / Cluj Napoca
Medieval Sighisoara is likely to seduce visitors more than any other place in Romania. The town is famed as the birthplace of Vlad Dracul III, better known as Vlad the Impaler, the ruler of Walachia province from 1456 to 1462 and whose name was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s iconic Count Dracula. Walking through the town is like taking a trip back in time to the medieval age, and it’s easy to image streets crowded with vampires, evil counts, wolves, peasants riding through the untamed countryside on horse-drawn carts and crooked old men doddering along the narrow streets. After a morning of exploring Sighisoara in your own time, travel by train through pastoral fields and untouched Saxon towns to Cluj Napoca, the unofficial capital of Transylvania. Perhaps enjoy a stroll around the Gothic streets of the 2000-year-old down before getting dressed up in your spookiest costumes for a Halloween party with your group.

Day 06: Turda Salt Mines / Cluj Napoca
In the morning, visit the Turda Salt Mines, a former salt mine converted into an underground amusement park, complete with ferries wheel. You can even hire a row boat and play bowling. There is also a fascinating museum showcasing the history of salt mining in the region. Salt is a common protective tool against all sorts of evil beings; legend has it that if you pour an unbroken line of salt across the entranceways to your house, vampires and demons won’t be able to get in. After your salt mine visit, return to Cluj for a city tour with a local guide. The remainder of the day is yours to explore. Perhaps meet up with your group for a final dinner tonight.

Day 07: Cluj Napoca / Bucharest
After breakfast drive to Bucharest. On arrival transfer to hotel. free relax.

Day 08: Depart Bucharest
Transfer to airport for flight back to home.

Day 01: Start Cluj Napoca
The trip starts in Cluj Napoca. Those on the group flight will be met at the airport and transferred to the start hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you will have time to explore one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in Romania. During the dualist Austro-Hungarian period Cluj experienced significant urban development, benefiting greatly from western influences. This is visible in the architecture of the city, making it very different from Bucharest.

Day 02: Travel north to the Maramures region
This morning we leave Cluj behind and make our way towards Maramures. The woodwork in this region is a result of a secular tradition passed down from generation to generation. In the afternoon we visit centuries‑old, UNESCO-listed wooden churches.

This evening we stay in the rural village of Botiza at a local guesthouse. Before we dine, we’ll have a weaving demonstration from one of the locals. You may notice a few recurrent symbols, such as the rope of life, the sun, vegetal motifs, and folk dances. All have are deeply symbolic for the villagers, representing daily chores, religion, ancestral beliefs, and even death.

Day 03: Visit the ancient capital of Maramures and Barsana Monastery
We continue discovering the Maramures region. We start with “the Memorial of the Communism victims” in the ancient capital of Maramures; Sighetu Marmatiei. We will visit a museum situated in the former political prison, which will give you a sad testimony of the Romanian dark years. This afternoon we visit the incredible Barsana Monastery, a convent set up in the 1990s, it is one of the greatest masterpieces of Maramures crafts. We conclude today by paying a visit to a renowned craftsman, famous for his woodwork.

Day 04: Visit the medieval town of Sighisoara
Today we leave Maramures to explore new regions in Romania. We head south for Sighisoara. This medieval citadel, one of the best-preserved in Europe, will give you the feeling of travelling back in time, as you walk through the narrow cobbled streets. This fortified town is characterized by the presence of towers that were formerly managed by the congregations of artisans. The Tailor’s tower is a real wonder of the medieval architecture.

Day 05: Discover Transylvania; overnight in Sibiu
Today we drive into the heart of Transylvania with its fortified churches. From the top of the towers, you will have beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and colourful traditional houses. We will drive through Biertan, famous for its double-wall fortification, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the evening we will arrive in Sibiu, the most beautiful city in Transylvania. A medieval city outstandingly well preserved and restored, it was elected the European capital of the culture in 2007, due to its unique architectural style and atmosphere.

Day 06: Drive to Viscri via Sambata de Sus monastery
We continue driving through the highest mountains in Romania, the Fagaras Mountains. On our way we will visit the impressive ruins of a 12th-century Franciscan monastery in Carta, then stop at Sambata de Sus, the only monastery in Transylvania built in a Walachian style. Here, we will have lunch at a traditional guesthouse. This afternoon we will continue to the Valtori complex in the village of Lisa, a wool processing workshop powered by hydraulic energy; a technique passed down for generations. In the evening we arrive in the secluded village of Viscri. Our last activity of the day is visiting the tiny charming fortified church of Viscri, which is definitely one of the Transylvanian “pearls”. This church was restored with the help of Prince’s Charles Foundation.

Day 07: Walk through Viscri; Continue to Brasov
In the morning, we’ll have a walk through the village, visiting two craftsmen along the way: the brick-maker and the blacksmith. Besides assisting the needs of the villages, they also have contributed to the restoration of the village. Leaving Viscri, we go to Brasov. This city (Kronstadt in German) was founded in the 13th century when the Teutonic Knights were sent here by the order of Andrew II of Hungary to fortify the border. The city has a rich Saxon, Hungarian and Romanian heritage, manifested in a lot of sights worth visiting; The White and the Black Towers, the Black Church, the Council House, St. Nicholas Church, the first Romanian school, narrow streets and colored houses, all very well preserved within the old city walls and towers. This evening we stay in the small village called Vulcan, we will enjoy dinner at the local Saxon church where we will also spend the night.

Day 08: Explore Dracula’s castle; continue to Rasnov
Today we visit Bran Castle, better known as “Dracula’s Castle”. For many years the castle was home to Queen Marie of Romania, Queen Victoria of England’s granddaughter. We will have lunch at a mountain guesthouse which is at the foot of the Carpathians, delicious traditional dishes will be waiting for us. We continue driving to Rasnov, a citadel built in the 13th century in order to protect Transylvania from the Turkish attacks. It is built on the top of a hill and offers an impressive overall view on the surroundings. We’ll end the day with a great dinner and a campfire.

Day 09: Arrive in Bucharest stopping at Peles Castle en route
Today we head to Romania’s capital, Bucharest. On our way, we will stop and visit the exterior of Peles Castle, the former residence of the Romanian Royals, and one of the most beautiful architectural examples.  We then continue our drive to discover the Romanian capital. Sometimes known as “the Eastern Paris” with a mix of 18th and 19th-century buildings, socialist “blocks”, and modern buildings. We will have the opportunity to visit the gigantic Palace of Parliament, the second biggest building in the world. This evening we say goodbye to our local guide.

Day 10: Depart Bucharest
You will be transferred to the airport for flight back to home.