BucharestMarvelous Romania
Discover Romania's medieval treasures on this private 9-day journey through Transylvania at a moderate pace. From Bucharest's Belle Époque elegance to Brașov's Gothic Black Church and the legendary Bran Castle, this tour weaves together UNESCO-listed fortified churches, cobblestone citadels, and scenic Carpathian drives. Perfectly suited for history enthusiasts and culture seekers who appreciate immersive storytelling, architectural heritage, and the charm of well-preserved Saxon villages.
Bucharest, Romania
3 days
Arrival
Welcome to the fabulous capital of Romania, a country admired by globetrotters for its outstanding castles and unique culture!
Upon arrival, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure — you may relax after the trip or start exploring the Romanian capital on your own.
Historic Highlights of Bucharest
After breakfast, you meet your private guide-driver and start a tour around the city's main attractions.
You begin your exploration of Bucharest from its Old Town, home to architecture which dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Among the places you see, today is the House of the Free Press, one of the most recognizable buildings in the city, as well as the symbol of Bucharest, the Arch of Triumph, which was erected to honour Romanian soldiers who participated in WWI.
Then you pass Bucharest’s major squares, including Victorei and Revolution Squares, see the Cotroceni Palace from outside, and stroll along old streets, such as the atmospheric Lipscani Street.
After the tour, you return to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.
Palace of the Parliament
In the morning after breakfast, you check out from the hotel, meet your private driver and head for one of the unmissable landmarks of Bucharest and the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon, the Palace of the Parliament.
After the group tour of the palace, you will be transferred to Brașov.
Please refer to the connection section for more details.
Car from Bucharest to Brasov
Description
You leave Bucharest and head for the Romanian city of Brasov with your private guide-driver. Along the way you make several stops to highlight your day. The first place on your agenda are the renown oil fields located in proximity to Ploiesti.
Next on your list is the gorgeous Peles Castle*. Located in Sinaia, this summer residence of the Romanian family has belonged to kings who were all of German Prussian origin from the Hohenzoller von Singmaringen family. The castle is also among the most visited destinations in the country today.
After the tour you arrive in Brasov.
*Please note: Peles Castle is closed on Monday and Thursday.
Brasov, Romania
3 days
Arrival to Brasov
Welcome to Brasov! Upon arrival, check in your centrally located hotel and have the remaining part of the day free.
Brasov City Tour & Trip to Dracula Castle
Following breakfast, you meet your private guide and go on a fascinating 3-hour walking sightseeing tour of Brasov - a true gem of Transylvania.
Often referred to as the “the city of the crown”, it was established in the Middle Ages, and today you get to explore its unmissable sights. During the tour you stroll the city’s medieval streets, stop by the Town Hall Square. Then you have an inside visit to the Gothic-style Black Church, or Biserica Neagra, built in 1542. You also see the Weavers Bastion which dates back to the 15th century as well as the massive White and Black Towers, they are over 5-storeys high and perched on top of rocks.
Following a lunch break, you are taken to the hallmark sight of Romania, the Dracula Castle, standing high up on a rock which is over 200 feet high. The official name of the gorgeous castle which has inspired many writers and painters is Bran Castle. Completed in 1382, this medieval castle was erected for defensive purposes. Interestingly, this mysterious Transylvania castle became famous after it was described as the home of Count Dracula by the author Bram Stoker.
After the private tour of the castle, you are taken back to your hotel in Brasov.
Departure
After breakfast, you check out from the hotel and depart from Brasov.
Car from Brasov to Sighisoara
Description
Your private guide-driver takes you first to Prejmer commune where you visit the renown Fortified Church. This historical must-visit was built in the early 1200’s and is UNESCO-listed. The Prejmer Church is surrounded by thick walls, has many bastions, and drawbridges.
Next, you head to Viscri, a petite Romanian village with much local heritage and traditional architecture. Actually, Prince Charles owns a house there! The traditional Saxon village is currently in process of restoration after being abandoned. Here you also see the main attraction - the beautiful white Viscri Fortified Church. This ancient Transylvanian structure is another UNESCO Heritage Site, dating back to the 1400’s.
Sighisoara, Romania
2 days
Arrival
Upon arrival, you check in your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure.
Departure
In the morning after breakfast, you check out from the hotel and depart from Sighisoara.
Car from Sighisoara to Sibiu
Description
Enjoy one more day devoted to the discovery of Romania’s rich UNESCO heritage and get a better understanding of what Transylvania’s cultural landscape is all about.
The first stop on your travel agenda is the former residence of Bishops, the 14th-century fortified church in Biertan. Located in one of the oldest Transylvania settlements, it is a fine example of Romanesque architecture, the church served as a shelter for people, regardless of religion, during the harsh times of attacks. Here you get to visit an old pharmacy and learn more about the church’s history.
Next, you make your way to Medias where you visit the Church Castle, believed to have been built around the 1400’s. This fortified complex gives the feeling that you are traveling back in time. One of the main attractions here is the Leaning Trumpeters’ Tower with the second biggest tilt in Europe after the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
As you continue to one more UNESCO treasure you pass Richis and Mosna along the way before reaching the Fortified Church in Valea Viilor, or Wurmloch. Standing among vineyards and dominating the skyline, this church was built around 1263 and later fortified in the 15th and 16th centuries. As you explore the church you see its unique well, set right in the middle of the church choir; this well was a major source of water for people who were hiding out in the church during sieges.
Sibiu, Romania
3 days
Arrival
Upon arrival to Sibiu, you check in and have the rest of the day free.
Discovering Sibiu & Museum of Icons on Glass in Sibiel
After breakfast, you meet your private guide-driver and start a sightseeing tour of the 2007 European Cultural Capital, the city of Sibiu and its nearby gems.
Among the main attractions you see today in the city are the Evangelical Church and the Council Tower. Then continue to the Large and the Small Squares, see the Liars’ Bridge, as well as the Peasants’ Market.
After a break with time for lunch, you are taken to Cristian, where you see the Fortified Church in Cristian. You find out interesting things about the towers of the fortress as well as its underground tunnels.
Next on your list is a visit to the unique Museum of Icons on Glass in Sibiel where you get to see the icons and learn more about this Transylvanian technique of reverse glass painting. As a tour highlight, you have dinner at a Romanian peasant family during which you get to meet the locals and taste a traditional homemade meal.
After the tour, you return to Sibiu and have the remaining part of the day at leisure.
Departure
Following breakfast, you check out from the hotel and depart from Sibiu.
Car from Sibiu to Bucharest
Description
Your private guide-driver takes you along the scenic Olt River towards the south of Romania.
One the way you make a stop to visit the Monastery Curtea de Arges which portrays and extraordinary blend of Islamic and Orthodox architecture. This religious edifice is like no other in Romania, you enter the monastery to see it from inside as well.
After the tour, you continue towards Bucharest via Pitesti.
Bucharest, Romania
2 daysArrival
Welcome back to Bucharest!
Upon arrival, you check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Departure
Following breakfast you check out and depart from Bucharest.
What's included
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