- 12 Days
- Bucharest | Brașov | Făgăraș | Sighișoara | Sibiu | Horezu
“A tour centered around Romania's best UNESCO World Heritage Sites, all hidden away in the countryside“
Tour Highlights
Saxon Villages
The Transalpina Road
Wine Tasting
Transylvanian Castles
Dinner with the Locals
Fortified Churches
Meet a Local Shepherd
Monasteries
about this tour
about this tour
Romania is one of the few places in Europe where rural communities continue long standing traditions shaped by quiet village life and surrounding nature. In Transylvania, this connection to the past is especially strong, with settlements that feel unchanged for generations and landscapes that create a peaceful setting. Fresh produce, warm household stays, and a slower rhythm form an authentic introduction to this region and its customs. Begin in Bucharest, where the capital presents a thoughtful mix of historical sites and contemporary culture. From here, travel through scenic countryside into Transylvania, arriving in villages, castles, and UNESCO listed areas known for their long history and distinctive character. You will see Bran Castle, explore the medieval streets of Sighisoara, and visit fortified churches that reflect the region’s Saxon heritage. Time in rural communities such as Halmeag and Viscri adds a personal dimension, as meeting families, sharing meals, and learning about daily routines introduces you to a way of life shaped by farming, tradition, and strong local identity. Your route also takes you along the Transfagarasan and the Transalpina, where each turn reveals new scenery and expansive views. Days spent in towns such as Sibiu highlight the region’s cultural depth. With its blend of nature, heritage, rural life, and welcoming communities, this journey offers a detailed understanding of Romania and the traditions that continue to define it.
Stop for an outdoor brunch with regional dishes while taking in the quiet surroundings, and meet your host family and join their daily routine. Help bake fresh bread and prepare dinner, learning cooking methods passed down over time. If there’s time, visit a nearby monastery like Sâmbăta de Sus and the village’s Lutheran church. The area has preserved customs that have faded elsewhere, with food shaped by Ardeal, Transylvanian Saxon, and Hungarian influences.
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Arrival in BucharestAt 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.
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…2
Bucharest City TourYour 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.
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…3
Wine Tasting and a Transylvanian CastleToday, 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.
overnight
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…4
Brasov City Tour and Bran CastleAfter 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.
overnight
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…5
Halmeag Day Trip and Dinner with LocalsToday, 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.
overnight
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…6
Halmeag - Viscri - SighisoaraDepart 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.
overnight
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…7
A Walk to Fortified ChurchesToday, 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.
overnight
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…8
Sighisoara to SibiuToday, 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.
overnight
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…9
A Day in Sibiel VillageYou 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.
overnight
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…10
Sibiu - Transalpina Road - HorezuAfter 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.
overnight
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…11
Journey Back to BucharestAfter 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.
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…12
Departure DayIn the morning, you will be taken to the airport for your final flight returning home, after an insightful tour of beautiful Romania. Safe travels!
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!
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FAQs
1. What are the activities in the Saxon villages and traditional rural stops?
You spend time in Transylvanian villages where life still follows old rhythms. You walk streets lined with traditional houses, visit fortified churches at the centre of village life, and stay in simple but welcoming guesthouses that serve fresh, home-style food.
2. What happens at dinners with locals and when we meet a shepherd?
In the countryside you’re invited into local homes for shared dinners, where families cook traditional dishes and talk about daily life and customs. On another day you meet a shepherd, see the animals, and hear how pastoral life still works in the hills and fields.
3. What do we see at the Transylvanian castles and UNESCO sites?
You visit castles such as Bran Castle and towns like Sighișoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. You also stop at UNESCO-listed fortified churches and monasteries, which show how faith and defence shaped these rural communities.
4. How do the Transalpina and other mountain roads fit into the tour?
Part of the journey is spent driving along mountain roads such as the Transalpina and the Transfăgărășan. These sections link regions and villages, with stops for views of the Carpathian landscape, gorges, and valleys that frame many of the castles and rural towns you visit.
5. When do we do wine tasting and visit monasteries?
On the way you pause in a wine region for a tasting, hearing how local wines are connected to the surrounding countryside. You also visit monasteries, where you see how they fit into village life and hear stories behind their long traditions.
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