Highlights of Romania incl Transylvania & Dracula’s Castle

Highlights of Romania incl Transylvania & Dracula’s Castle

Highlights of Romania incl Transylvania & Dracula’s CastleRomania
Fully GuidedFully Guided
77 Nights
Nights
-
B&B (+1)
Transport: Flights & TransfersFlights & Transfers

    Your Guided Group Holiday To Romania 

    Travel with us on this incredible holiday to Romania, the largest of the Balkan nations; a land of stunning mountain scenery, unspoiled landscapes and historic towns. On this week-long holiday, we'll experience two very different sides of this astonishing country, from traditional rural life and medieval streetscapes to the modern and rapidly changing character of the buzzing capital, Bucharest. We’ll travel through the fertile countryside of the Transylvania region and marvel at the spectacular backdrop of the Carpathian Mountains. Visit some of its picturesque medieval towns, with highlights including the impeccably preserved hilltop citadel of Sighisoara, Brasov’s Saxon walls and Baroque town square, see Premjer & Harman fortified Saxon churches and the Royal Castle at Sinaia. Of course, no stay in Transylvania would be complete without a visit to the imposing fortress of Bran Castle, better known as Dracula’s Castle! Top off your stay in Romania with two nights in its fascinating capital, Bucharest, where we can explore the impressive Old Town and admire the 17th & 18th century Orthodox churches, art nouveau villas and neoclassical palaces.

    Please Note: Some excursions on this holiday will involve walking on hilly terrain and uneven surfaces.

     

    Tour Map

    Trip Itinerary

    Activity Level 3

    Activity Level: Moderate

    What does this level mean?

    Day

    Travel to Bucharest Romania

    1

    Arrive in Bucharest

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

    Transfer to Brasov via famous Bran and Dracula’s Castle

    2

    Guided tour of Prejmer and Harman en-route to Brasov

    Time: MorningMorning

    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.  

    Guided tour of Dracula’s Castle

    Time: AfternoonAfternoon

    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 

    Discover Brasov

    3

    Guided Walking Tour of 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! 

    At Leisure

    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. 

    Guided tour of Sighisoara and Viscri

    4

    Walking Tour of Sighisoara

    Time: MorningMorning

    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.

    Guided Visit to Viscri

    Time: AfternoonAfternoon

    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. 

    At Leisure in Brasov

    5

    At Leisure

    Time: Full DayFull Day

    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.

    There may be an opportunity to visit the Bear Sanctuary, Libearty in Zarnesti, this excursion is sold locally, please ask your guide for details.

    Optional excursion Pre-Bookable to Sibiu

    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’

    Uncover Peles Castle, Sinaia & Transfer to Bucharest

    6

    Sinaia Guided Walking Tour

    Time: MorningMorning

    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.

    Transfer to Bucharest

    Time: AfternoonAfternoon

    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.

     

    Experience Bucharest At Leisure

    7

    Explore Bucharest at Leisure

    Time: Full DayFull Day

    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.

    Optional Excursion Bookable Locally - Parliament House

    Time: MorningMorning

    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.

    Optional Excursion Pre-Bookable - Wine Tasting & Snagov Monastery

    Time: AfternoonAfternoon

    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’

    Return Home from Bucharest

    8

    Depart Romania

    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.

    * We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.

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    Know before you go

    What if there is an emergency?

    We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.

    Do I need a Visa?

    Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements

    Will I be met at the airport?

    You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.

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