Rural Romania

At the airport, you will be greeted by your guide who will take you to your hotel via private transfer, where you can check in and have an evening at your own pace. You may opt for a tour of Bucharest before your overnight stay.

Romanian Flag

Bucharest

Palace of the Parliament

Airport

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The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection®

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Your first full day in Bucharest starts with a tour of the city with a local guide. Your guide will take you to all the key hotspots the city has to offer including Revolution Square, the Patriarchal Church, and the famous Palace of Parliament - one of the largest buildings in the world. In the afternoon together with your local guide, walk around the downtown of Bucharest discovering the layers that history has left for us to see. In the decades since the ’89 Revolution, Bucharest capital city has reinvented itself as a confident and cosmopolitan capital. It has developed a unique personality which has given rise to its own special way of doing things. With friendly locals, great museums, green areas or forgotten industrial places, amazing cafés and restaurants and the overwhelming People’s Palace, you will enjoy a great experience.

Parliament Palace

Bucharest

Bucharest

Romanian Athenaeum

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The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection®

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Today, you will depart from Bucharest, and make your way to Brasov via private transfer with some stops along the way. After leaving Bucharest, you will make your way to Dealu Mare, a region renowned for producing some of Romania’s finest wines. With its rolling vineyards and favorable climate, it has long been a haven for winemakers. You will stop at Crama Ferdi, a boutique winery known for its small yet outstanding production. Here, you will enjoy a guided wine tasting, sampling exquisite selections paired with a carefully prepared lunch that highlights local flavors. Your journey continues into the heart of Transylvania, a region shrouded in legend and known for its striking scenery. Beyond the famous Dracula myth, it has drawn the admiration of King Charles, who first visited in 1998. His passion for this land led him to support conservation efforts, restoring historic farmhouses and working to preserve the charm of its rural villages. You will then stop in Sinaia, a picturesque mountain town often referred to as the “Pearl of the Carpathians.” Its most famous landmark, Peles Castle, stands as one of the most breathtaking royal residences in Europe. Built in 1875 as a summer retreat for Romania’s Hohenzollern royal family, the castle’s stunning architecture and opulent interiors offer a glimpse into the country’s regal past. Finally, arrive in Brasov for your overnight stay.

Peles Castle

Brașov Square

Local Wine

Peles Castle Landscape

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Aro Palace

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After breakfast, you will set off on a guided tour of Brașov, once the wealthiest and most influential city in Transylvania. By the 15th century, it had become the region’s largest town, maintaining strong trade connections with the Middle East. The city’s charm lies in its rust-colored rooftops set against forested hills, creating a striking contrast. At its heart is Piața Sfatului, a lively square often used for concerts and festivals. A key stop is the Black Church, Romania’s largest Gothic-style monument. This impressive landmark, originally built in the late 14th century, earned its name after a devastating fire in 1689. It remains the most recognizable symbol of Brașov. Next, you will visit Bran Castle, famously linked to the legend of Count Dracula. This fortified Gothic structure, dating back to the 14th century, once served as a defensive stronghold against Ottoman invasions. Today, it houses a museum displaying Romanian and international furniture and artwork spanning the 14th to 19th centuries. You will then travel to Halmeag, a small Saxon village, where you will spend two nights experiencing traditional rural life.

Brasov

The Black Church

Bran Castle

Saxon Village

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Pensiune Confort Morosanu

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Today, you will step back in time in the small hamlet of Halmeag. The day begins with a guided hike through the surrounding landscape, where you will observe local wildlife and native plants. The trail leads to the well-known pyramids of Halmeag and Sona, offering stunning views of the area. Along the way, you will stop for a memorable outdoor brunch, enjoying regional specialties while taking in the peaceful surroundings. In the afternoon, you will return to your host family and take part in their daily routine. You can lend a hand in baking fresh bread and preparing dinner, learning traditional cooking methods passed down through generations. If time permits, there will be an opportunity to visit one of the nearby monasteries, such as Sâmbăta de Sus, as well as the village’s Lutheran church. This region has held onto customs that have slowly disappeared elsewhere, preserving traditions that reflect its diverse influences. The cuisine combines elements from Ardeal, Transylvanian Saxon, and Hungarian cooking, creating flavors unique to this part of the country. This will be a day of meaningful connections, offering a chance to experience both the natural beauty and the traditions of rural life.

Romanian Food

Romanian Landscape

Romanian Flowers

Romanian Food

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Pensiune Confort Morosanu

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Depart for Sighișoara, stopping along the way to visit Viscri Fortified Church, a remarkable example of Saxon architecture. The journey continues to the village of Albești, where you will enjoy a special lunch with a Romanian family that has been making traditional cheeses for generations. Transylvania’s food culture reflects its layered past, blending influences from various communities that have shaped the region over centuries. Arriving in Sighișoara in the late afternoon, you will take a guided walking tour of this well-preserved medieval town. Founded by Transylvanian Saxons in the 12th century, Sighișoara remains one of the most impressive medieval settlements in Europe. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town retains its 16th-century character, with fortified walls, nine towers, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved burgher houses. Its historic charm is often compared to that of Old Prague or Vienna. Sighișoara is also the birthplace of Vlad Țepeș, known as Vlad the Impaler, the ruler of Wallachia from 1456 to 1462. His legacy later inspired Bram Stoker’s fictional character, Count Dracula. Continue to Sighişoara, where your recommended accommodation is at Dracula Domaine, offering a stay in a setting steeped in legend.

Viscri Fortified Church

Sighișoara Hills

Sighisoara Streets

Albesti Homes

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Hotel Central Park Sighisoara

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Today, you will visit two fortified churches which you will walk to via a hiking trail, before having some lunch at a local manor. After breakfast, take a relaxing walk through the woods along a section of the Via Transilvanica hiking route, leading to the Breite oak tree reserve. This area is home to centuries-old oak trees and provides a peaceful setting to start the day. Continue to the villages of Biertan and Mălâncrav, where you will visit two of Romania’s most well-preserved fortified churches. These impressive structures, scattered throughout the countryside, were built to protect communities from invaders such as the Mongols and Ottomans. Their thick stone walls and defensive towers stand as reminders of a time when villages had to defend themselves against constant threats. A highlight of the Mălâncrav church is its collection of original medieval frescoes, which remain remarkably well-preserved. Hidden within its interior, these paintings provide a rare glimpse into the artistic traditions of the past. In Biertan, explore another fortified church, once the seat of the Lutheran bishops of Transylvania. Its imposing gates and intricate wooden door with a unique medieval locking mechanism reflect the craftsmanship of the time. Enjoy lunch at Apafi Manor, a beautifully restored estate that offers a tranquil setting to appreciate the region’s heritage before continuing your journey.

Biertan Church

Biertan Village

Malancrav Church

Via Transilvanica

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Hotel Central Park Sighisoara

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Today, you will leave Sighișoara and travel to Sibiu, a picturesque town with views of the snow-capped Carpathians. Along the way, stop in Mediaș to visit St. Margaret’s Church, the most significant landmark of the former citadel. This Gothic structure stands as one of the most impressive buildings in Transylvania, with its fortified walls and well-preserved medieval features. Upon arrival in Sibiu, known as the “City with Eyes,” check in to your hotel before setting out on a guided walk. While the medieval architecture is striking on its own, having a local guide will reveal further details including the origins of the town’s rooftop windows. The tour will take you through the heart of the historic center, which was named European Capital of Culture in 2007. You will explore landmarks such as the Small Square, the Big Square, the Liar’s Bridge, and the imposing Lutheran Cathedral. The city’s Germanic influences, brought by 12th-century Saxon settlers, are evident in its buildings and layout, making it one of the most historically significant towns in Romania.

The Grand Square

St Margaret Church

Sibiu

The Bridge of Lies

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Noblesse Boutique Hotel

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You will step into village life with a visit to Sibiel, a small community known for its craftsmanship and traditions. Your first stop is the Museum of Glass Icons, home to one of the largest collections of painted glass in the region. This distinctive art form became part of local culture in the 17th century, following a miraculous event tied to a painted glass image. The collection reflects the strong Orthodox heritage of the area, with most pieces depicting religious figures such as Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. After exploring the museum, you will have the chance to create your own glass icon, a meaningful keepsake from your time in Romania. Later, enjoy an excursion into the mountains, either by hiking or in a horse-drawn cart. Along the way, visit a shepherd’s farm and sample different types of cheese. This region has long been shaped by shepherding, with generations crossing the Carpathians to maintain connections between communities. Beyond cheese-making, sheep farming also supported wool and leather craftsmanship, trades that remain part of local life today. Return to Sibiu in the evening.

Sibiel Village

Carpathian Mountains

Romanian Cheese

Sibiel Locals

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Noblesse Boutique Hotel

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After breakfast, depart from Sibiu toward the Horezu region, traveling along the Transalpina Road, Romania’s highest mountain pass. Open from mid-May to mid-October, depending on weather conditions, this scenic route winds through the Carpathian Mountains, reaching its highest point at 2,145 meters in Urdele Pass. Known locally as "The King’s Road" ("Drumul Regelui"), it was originally built under King Carol II and officially opened in 1938. Later, during World War II, German troops reinforced the road for military use. For many years, it remained difficult to access, but recent improvements have made it one of the most breathtaking drives in the country. Along the way, stop at a family-owned property where shepherding has been a way of life for generations. Experience this tradition firsthand by sampling fresh sheep’s milk and homemade cheese. The visit offers insight into the craftsmanship behind these dairy products and the challenges of maintaining a practice that has sustained communities in this region for centuries. Continue the journey toward Horezu, where you will stay, surrounded by the tranquility of the countryside.

The Transalpina Road

Local Shepherd

Horezu Monastery

The Transalpina Road

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Hotel Palace

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After breakfast, visit Horezu Monastery, one of Romania’s most remarkable religious landmarks, set against a backdrop of mountain scenery. Built between 1693 and 1697 by Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Brâncoveanu, a strong supporter of Orthodox Christianity and the arts, developed a unique architectural style that blended Romanian, Islamic, and Venetian influences. His defiance of the Ottoman Sultan led to his execution, but his legacy endures through this artistic movement. Continue to Olari, a district of Horezu known for its pottery, recognized by UNESCO as an example of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Walk through the village and observe artisans shaping and painting ceramics, a craft passed down for generations. Next, stop in Măldărești to visit Cula Greceanu, an 18th-century fortified house. These structures, built by noble families, served as shelters during Turkish raids. Characterized by thick stone or brick walls, they often included watchtowers and strategic balconies. On the way to Bucharest, make a final stop in Curtea de Argeș to visit its famous monastery. Known for its striking architecture, it has served as the royal necropolis since 1914. Arrive in Bucharest for an overnight stay.

Monastery

Romanian Orthodox Church

Horezu Monastery

Olari District

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The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection®

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In the morning, you will be taken to the airport for your final flight returning home, after an insightful tour of beautiful Romania. Safe travels!

Happy Travels!

Arch of Triumph

Airport

Flight Home

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The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection®

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