Explore Transylvania - Bran Castle & Carpathian Mountains

Let's get ready for our adventure in one of Europe's last remaining hidden corners of Transylvania, Romania. Let's depart Dublin for our flight to Cluj. On arrival in Cluj International Airport, we will be met by our local representative who will escort our group to the coach. we will then travel with our local guide to our hotel in Cluj. Approximate transfer time: 30 minutes

4 star hotel in Cluj (1 night)

This morning, let's after checking out of our hotel, we will depart by coach to explore more of Transylvania. our first stop will be Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, where we will discover this unique city on a guided walking tour. The well-preserved medieval citadel of Sighisoara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During our walking tour, we will wander through the cobbled streets and discover the town’s highlights, which include the Church on the Hill and the impressive Clock Tower, dating all the way back to the 13th century. Each day a different wooden figure emerges from the belfry on the stroke of midnight, and a drummer strikes every hour. There will also be some free time to explore the citadel independently.

In the afternoon, we will depart Sighisoara by coach and transfer to the famous Saxon village of Viscri. This traditional village is one of the oldest in all of Transylvania and is sure to delight. Viscri became famous for the traditional houses that King Charles bought, restored, and converted into guesthouses for tourists. Join us today for an afternoon walking tour of Viscri, taking in the atmosphere of this quaint and unique town. During our tour, we will visit the well-known fortified church (entrance included) which, along with the surrounding village, is another one of Transylvania’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We will spend the night at a traditional homestay and enjoy a meal, prepared by your host from local ingredients, in a 19th Century barn.

Homestay in Viscri (1 night)

After breakfast we say goodbye to our homestay and depart by coach for charming Brasov, a medieval town surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. With its ornate churches, Saxon townhouses, lively cafés and impressive Baroque square, Brasov makes the perfect base for our next two nights in Transylvania. After arriving in Brasov, we will have a short orientation tour with our local guide before enjoying free time to uncover the city at our own pace. You can choose to wander the cobbled streets or independently visit some of the city’s best sights, the choice is entirely yours.  The 15th century Town Hall, with its quaint Trumpeter’s Tower, the Lutheran Black Church or the Orthodox St. Nicholas’ Cathedral are all good options. There is also the option to take a cable car ride up Mount Tampa for an aerial view over the city below.

3 star hotel in Brasov (2 nights)

Come with us this morning to the Libearty Bear Sanctuary, which occupies a 160-acre site in an oak and hazel forest in the Carpathian Mountains, close to the town of Zarnesti. It is home to over 100 bears, which are enjoying a new life following their rescue from the entertainment industry in Romania and other Balkan countries. The sanctuary was founded to rescue distressed bears, which were being held captive in small, rusted cages at restaurants and petrol stations throughout the city. It was also set up in the hope of changing the public’s attitude towards the exploitation of bears. During our visit to the sanctuary, we will be able to see the bears as they free climb the trees, swim in the pools and forage the vegetation. The sanctuary has given hope of a better life to these once-captive bears and is a symbol of optimism for the protection of Romania’s rich natural environment.

In the afternoon, let’s explore one of Transylvania’s most iconic landmarks. A large and imposing complex, Bran Castle certainly lives up to the Gothic fairytale image that Bram Stoker’s famous novel Dracula evokes (entrance included). Bran Castle is a medieval fortress, situated on the edge of Bran Gorge, dating back to the 13th century. Today the castle is open to the public and houses a display of art and furniture collected by Queen Marie during the fortress’ time as a royal residence between 1920 and 1948.

3 star hotel in Brasov (2 nights)

This morning, we will depart by coach transfer from Brasov to Busteni. Here we will take a cable car ride up to Babele, famous for its mushroom shaped rock formations, with our local expert mountain guide. Babele is located at 2000m above sea level and so conditions may be cold at this elevation. It is not unusual to encounter snow throughout the year. From Babele, we will embark on a 7.5km guided walk along the Bucegi Plateau to Sinaia, known as the “Pearl of the Carpathians” due to its magnificent mountain scenery and Royal Castle.

The hike will take approximately 3 hours in total and involves walking over a combination of flat and rocky terrain, as well as some inclines and declines. It is essential that suitable clothing is worn for this hike, and it is extremely important that you have strong sturdy footwear such as walking boots, along with a backpack, and warm layers. You should also have suitable fitness levels to partake in this activity. This hike is graded as moderately difficult. A packed lunch will be included for us to enjoy as a picnic along the Plateau. Depending on weather conditions, our local expert mountain guide may alter the route of this hike. Any changes made to the hike locally are always made with the best intention of the group’s wellbeing.

Following our morning hike, let's visit Peles Castle, a large royal palace set in a landscaped park. It was built in the late 19th century for Romania’s first monarch, King Carol I, and took 39 years to complete. From the outside it resembles a Bavarian Schloss, in the German Renaissance style, with a host of turrets. It has over 100 rooms richly decorated in ebony, mother of pearl and leather, and each room is styled on a particular country. There are over 800 stained glass windows in the building, while its rooms are full of Renaissance armour and weapons, Murano chandeliers and Persian carpets.

Afterwards continue to Bucharest, where we will spend our final night in Romania. 

Let's get together for a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

4 start hotel in Bucharest (1 night)

On our final day in Transylvania, let's discover the historic and fascinating city of Bucharest on a walking tour.  After let's see more on a panoramic city tour by coach, with some photo stops along the way before departing for Bucharest Airport for your return flight. (Please note: any city tour will be dependent on flight times)