Highlights of Romania incl Transylvania & Dracula’s Castle

Upon our late arrival in Bucharest, we meet with our local guide, before transferring by coach to our hotel near the airport.

After breakfast, we transfer by coach to Brasov and discover some fascinating places enroute. We discover the 13th century fortified Gothic Churches of Prejmer and Harman. These unique Saxon structures are still in existence today thanks to their thick fortified walls that protected the church and its inhabitants during times of war.  

Next, we stop in Bran and uncover the secrets of Bran castle, made famous by Bram Stokers novel Dracula! This castle was constructed by the Saxons in the late 14th century to defend Brasov from invasion by the Turks. Purchased by Queen Marie in the 1920s for use as a royal residence, its interior contains rich medieval furniture. Afterwards, we return to Brasov for a free evening, to further explore or relax. We will spend the next four nights here in Brasov. 

Join us for dinner tonight at a local restaurant in Brasov 

This morning we experience more of this mountain town, on a guided walking tour to discover the highlights and most fascinating sights of Brasov. 

Brasov’s main square, Piaţa Sfatului, is situated in the heart of the medieval quarter and is one of the finest Baroque squares in Romania. Here you can visit the 15th century Town Hall, with its quaint Trumpeter’s Tower on top, and the Lutheran Black Church (entrance included), the largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul. Also included is the entrance to the Museum of First Romanian School, which displays some of the first textbooks written in the Romanian language, printed in Brasov in the 16th century. During our tour, let’s also discover how Brasov plays a part in the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin! 

Soak up the fresh mountain air and relax in the old town square, the day is yours to uncover the charms of Brasov. Savour some tasty Romanian dishes like Papanasi a delicious donut, Mici a type of sausage, Cozonac (a sweet bread) and much more, your expert guide will be happy to tell you about places to see and visit. 

Join us on a guided walking tour through the cobbled streets of the UNESCO-protected Old Town, viewing the citadel, nine towers, ornate churches, burgher houses with fairy-tale rooftops and pass the iconic clock tower dating back to the 13th century. This town is also famous for being the birthplace of “Dracula”, Vlad Tepes. You can still see the house where he was born, although today it is a very busy restaurant. Sighisoara is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and a must-see for any visit to Transylvania. 

*In order to preserve the beauty and integrity of the iconic clock tower, restoration work is ongoing at this site. Some phases of the restoration involve scaffolding; thus a clear view of the entire clock tower may not be possible.

Let's see more of Transylvania We stop in the captivating rural village of Viscri, with its traditional houses and fortified 18th century church. Enjoy time to explore the church before returning to Brasov in the late afternoon. 

Today you will be free to delve into the hidden treasures of Brasov’s charming Old Town, at your own pace. Discover Strada Sforii (Rope Street) one of the narrowest streets in the city and allegedly one of the narrowest in Europe, located near Șchei Gate.

Take a cable car journey up Mount Tampa where the Brasov sign sits towering over the city or pick a prime spot at one of the many cafes near your hotel and soak up the atmosphere.

Discover the cultural capital of Transylvania and one of the region’s largest Saxon merchant towns on this optional full-day guided tour to Sibiu. Fall in love with the grand squares, fine buildings and churches. See more as we explore the Brukenthal Art Museum. Entrance to the museum and lunch are included today.

‘Minimum numbers apply for the operation of this tour’

This morning we say farewell to Brasov and transfer to Bucharest with a stop in Sinaia, known as the “Pearl of the Carpathians” due to its magnificent mountain scenery and Royal Castle. Your guide will take you on a walking tour, including Peles Castle (entrance included) and Sinaia Monastery, with their backdrop of verdant forests and towering peaks.

Discover more on arrival in Bucharest, as we enjoy a stop at the open-air Village Museum before continuing to our hotel where we will spend the next two nights.

Today can be spent sightseeing and shopping in Bucharest at your leisure. Take a stroll along its most famous historic avenue, Calea Victoriei, passing the George Enescu Museum, housed in the beautiful Cantacuzino Palace, and the Art Collections Museum. Visit one of the beautiful parks and gardens or pull up a seat at a pavement cafe and take in the sights and sounds of Bucharest.

Join us for dinner, let's gather together for our final evening in Bucharest and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Your guide will provide details of an optional excursion to Parliament House, one of Romania's most important buildings, with its beautiful ornate architecture, marble floors, and crystal chandeliers. It is the second-largest administrative building in the world, after the Pentagon.  Today, Parliament House is considered controversial as many people died during its construction.  However, it is well worth visiting this work of impressive ingenuity.

Bookable locally only.

Please note:  Due to the many levels and numerous staircases in Parliament House, this excursion is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility.

Venture outside Bucharest to partake in some wine tasting and visit Snagov Monastery where Vlad Țepeș is allegedly buried. During the tour, there will be a visit to a local winery where we have the opportunity to sample three types of wine.  The small but fascinating Snagov Monastery is located on a tiny island in the northern part of Snagov Lake and has well preserved, beautiful frescoes inside.

After the visit, return to Bucharest to relax and enjoy a final evening in this vibrant city.

‘Minimum numbers apply for the operation of optional tours’

Today we say farewell to Romania and all the memorable moments of a journey through this fascinating country.

Transfer from your hotel, with guide assistance, to Bucharest Airport for your return flight home.