Explore Transylvania

Travel to Transylvania

Afternoon

Depart Dublin for your flight to Bucharest, the capital of Romania.

Transfer to Sinaia

Evening

Upon arrival in Transylvania you will transfer with your expert local guide to Sinaia, a mountain town in Transylvania (Distance: 115 km / Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes including a comfort stop)

Accommodation

Overnight

4 star hotel in Sinaia (1 night)

Experience a Hike in the Bucegi Mountains

Morning

The Bucegi Mountains are the number one destination for mountain lovers in Romania, so grab your walking boots and get ready to explore the stunning landscape with an expert mountain guide. Your morning will begin with a transfer from Sinai to Busteni, where you will take a cable car ride up to Babele, famous for its mushroom shaped rock formations. 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, embark on a 7.5km guided walk along the Bucegi Plateau. The hike will take approximately 3 hours in total and involves walking over a combination of flat terrain, as well as some inclines and declines. It is essential that suitable clothing is worn for this hike. 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 that you can enjoy as a picnic along the Plateau. (Duration: 3 hours / Difficulty: Moderate / Distance: 7.5km)

Transfer to Sibiu

Afternoon

This afternoon, transfer by coach to Sibiu. Sibiu is arguably one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in Transylvania and will be your home for the next 2 nights.

Accommodation

Overnight

4 star hotel in Sibiu (2 nights)

Walking tour of Sibiu & Dumbrava Sibiului Public Gardens

Morning

This morning you will embark on a 2.5 hour walking tour of Sibiu. Setting off on foot from your hotel, explore the City Wall, some of the best preserved medieval-style towers, and Sibiu’s Large Square where the daily hustle and bustle can be seen, all with your expert local guide. Afterwards continue to Sibiu’s Small Square and the Bridge of Lies, where your guide will tell you of the many legends associated with this small, iron pedestrian bridge, built in 1859, before ending your walking tour of this beautiful medieval city at The Stairs Tower. Afterwards, continue to Dumbrava Sibiului Public Gardens and take a tram ride to the village of Rasinari. Here you will have the chance to embrace Transylvanian culture while trying traditional Romanian foods at a local guest house. Your lunch may include typical dishes such a goulash or a hearty stew, all served with local drinks.

Sibiu at Leisure

Late afternoon

After lunch in Rasinari, return to Sibiu where you will have the remainder of the day and evening to continue discovering this charming place at your leisure. Sibiu's Old Town has managed to maintain the grandeur of its medieval days, with colourful houses lining the cobblestoned streets, all surrounded by imposing city walls and defence towers which overlook the River Cibin. Your local guide will be happy to suggest activities to suit your preferences during this time of independent exploration. 

Explore Sighisoara

Full Day

This morning, depart Sibiu for Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. Upon arrival you will explore Sighisoara on foot with your local guide. The well-preserved medieval citadel of Sighisora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During your walking tour, 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. You can also immerse yourself in daily life during a visit to a local craftsman’s workshop. Here the traditional process of wood carving will be demonstrated so you can learn more about typical crafts in Transylvania.  In the afternoon, transfer to Viscri.

Visit a Local Blacksmith By Horse-Drawn Carriage

Evening

Viscri is a traditional Saxon village and one of the oldest villages in all of Transylvania. It is famous for the traditional houses that the Prince of Wales bought, restored and converted into guesthouses for tourists. This evening you will experience a 45-minute horse-drawn carriage ride to visit a local blacksmith. The blacksmith will show you how everything is still made in the traditional way - by hammer, without the help of any modern or electric tools. The making of horseshoes, artistic hinges for windows and doors and household utensils are just some of the things the blacksmith will demonstrate for you during your visit. Afterwards, return to your traditional homestay where you will spend the night and join your fellow travellers for a meal in a 19th century barn, prepared from local ingredients by your host.

Accommodation

Overnight

Homestay in Viscri (1 night)

Guided Walking Tour of Viscri

Morning

This morning you will explore the village of Viscri during a walking tour, taking in the atmosphere of this rustic settlement. Wandering the streets of Viscri feels like you are getting a glimpse into Romania’s rural past. There will be a visit to the well-known fortified church (entrance included) which, along with the surrounding village, is another one of Transylvania’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Afterwards you will transfer to Brasov, a medieval town surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains.

Please note for Sep 2022- the visit to Viscri fortified church will be replaced with a visit to the Prejmer fortified church

Explore Brasov

Afternoon

Brasov, with its ornate churches, Saxon townhouses, lively cafés and impressive Baroque square, makes the perfect base for your next two nights in Transylvania. On arrival in Brasov, take a short orientation walking tour with your guide before enjoying ample free time to discover the city at your own pace. You can independently visit the 15th century Town Hall, with its quaint Trumpeter’s Tower, the Lutheran Black Church or the Orthodox St. Nicholas’ Cathedral. There is also the option to take a cable car ride up Mount Tampa for an aerial view over the medieval city below, the choice is entirely yours. 

Accommodation

Overnight

3 star hotel in Brasov (2 nights)

Discover The Libearty Bear Sanctuary

Morning

Libearty Bear Sanctuary 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 almost 100 bears which are enjoying a new life following their rescue from the entertainment industry in Romania. The sanctuary was founded to rescue distressed bears that 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 your visit to the sanctuary, you will be able to see the bears as they free-climb the trees, swim in the pools and forage 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.

Please note for September 2022 your visit to Libearty Bear Sanctuary will take place on Day 5.

Guided Tour of Bran Castle

Afternoon

In the afternoon, visit 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. No visit to Transylvania would be complete without it! 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.

At leisure or Optional Brasov Cooking Class

Evening

Please note: Optional Brasov Cooking Class Excursion. This evening you can learn how to cook traditional food and experience traditional dining with a Romanian family. You can try out different types of cheese  plus plant-based and meat appetisers that are typically made in Transylvania, as well as learning the steps to prepare and present them. Enjoy all your freshly prepared appetisers with locally produced vegetables, potato bread, soft drinks and a shot of local spirit. Round off your evening with a short Romanian dance class. The service of a local guide is included. (Please note: This excursion is subject to minimum numbers)

Transfer from Brasov to Bucharest

Morning

This morning say goodbye to Brasov as you transfer to Bucharest, the country's capital and commercial centre. Bucharest is a dynamic, energetic and fun city, combining elegance with history and is the perfect place to spend your last night in Romania. Upon arrival in Bucharest you will have some time to settle in before embarking on an afternoon adventure.

Guided Cycling Tour of Bucharest

Afternoon

This afternoon, experience Bucharest from a different perspective as you take to the saddle for a cycling tour with your expert local guide. Cycling along mainly bicycle tracks and some city streets, you will see the Herastrau Park area as well as the Old Centre. There will be several stops made over the course of the afternoon to soak up the atmosphere of the city. (Distance: 18km / Difficulty: Moderate / Duration: 4 hours)

Accommodation

Overnight

4 star hotel in Bucharest (1 night)

Free Time to Explore Bucharest

Full Day

You will have time to get to know Bucharest even better today. Visit some of its iconic landmarks in your own time, or soak up the atmosphere in University Square, which is the heart of the city. Visit one of the many museums, stroll the parks or just hang out at a trendy café – the choice is all yours! Your expert local guide will be happy to make suggestions for activities to fill your final day.

Please note amount of free time can vary according to flight times. 

Return Home from Transylvania

Evening

In the evening, transfer to Bucharest Airport for your return flight home, following your week long adventure in Transylvania.