Romania’s Transylvanian region offers a fascinating window into a lost Europe, with medieval castles, towns and churches that seem caught in a time warp. This trip takes you into the heart of the region for a fascinating look so don’t forget your camera!
Highlights
- Breakfast included
- Dinner included
- Free hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Private tour is operated only with you and our guide/driver
What You Can Expect
Explore Transylvania’s most impressive citadels and discover why the region is steeped in mysterious lore, on a fascinating 2 day private trip from Brașov. Immerse yourself in the legends of Transylvania with a visit to Bran Castle, visit a UNESCO World Heritage-listed church in the medieval village of Viscri, and wander through the fortified Saxon town of Sighişoara — known as the birthplace of the warlord who inspired Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula, learn the history of the imposing, 14th-century Rupea Fortress on a guided tour. Wandering through the medieval towns of Transylvania, it’s easy to forget what century you’re in. Finally, we visit the impressive Biertan fortified church and Sibiu medieval city. Declared for Cultural capital of Europe Sibiu was once the king of the Transylvanian Saxon towns, serving as capital and dominating cultural activity. Sibiu is home to the first hospital in Romania (1292), the first pharmacy (1494) and the oldest museum in Romania, the Brukenthal Museum, opened in 1817.
A short drive brings you to Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’ — a hilltop estate that conjures up visions of howling wolves and bats fluttering in the moonlight. Wander the castle’s Gothic chambers and learn about its ties to Bram Stoker’s undead antihero. Enter if you dare, after paying the site fee (own expense), and wander through the castle’s many well-preserved rooms and chambers with your guide. Gothic furnishings and details help set the scene for ghastly legends of all that happened here, including the imprisonment of Vlad the Impaler. This 15th-century prince was notorious for his bloodthirsty campaigns against invading Turks and is said to have inspired Stoker’s malevolent Count Dracula.
Than we drive about 1.5 hour to visit the hilltop Rupea Fortress, which was built for defense in the 1300s and later repurposed as a Saxon village in the 18th century. Head inside the walls for a guided tour (own expense), and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. After a short drive we visit the 14th-century village of Viscri, built by Saxon colonists. As you approach, admire the impressive whitewashed walls and red-roofed towers that surround the village, designed to protect early inhabitants from invading Turks. Wander the rustic streets of the village and visit its UNESCO World Heritage-listed church (own expense). Continue on to the remarkably well-preserved Sighişoara, so rich in history that the entire town is a UNESCO site. Hear about the medieval town’s legendary former resident Vlad the Impaler, a Wallachian prince and warlord who inspired Bram Stoker’s fictional character Dracula. Enjoy free time to explore Sighişoara’s cobblestoned streets, bell tower and citadel on your own, and visit a café to purchase lunch if you wish. We spend 1 night to a nice guesthouse in Sighisoara or nearby (depending of availability). Next day we drive to visit Biertan and Sibiu. Finally, we drive back to Brasov.
