4-Day Transylvania Cultural Tour with Saxon Villages and Castles

• In the morning, meet your guide at your hotel in Bucharest or at the airport for flights arriving up to 11:00. On request, extra nights and travel services in Bucharest can be included.
• Continue your Transylvania tour with a visit to the famous Bran Castle. Also called Dracula's Castle, it gained its fame from Dracula's legend, written in 1897 by Bram Stoker and later made into a film by Francis Ford Coppola. The first documents mentioning Bran Castle date from 1377. After the visit, you can spend some time shopping for souvenirs before departure.
• End the day in Brasov with a visit to the medieval centre of the city. The main sites include Council Square, the Black Church, the White and Black Towers, Weaver's Bastion, Ecaterina's Gate, St Nicholas Church, and Rope Street. Brasov dates back to the 13th century and was one of the most important trade centres, as well as one of the most fortified towns in the region. Part of its medieval buildings can still be seen on our tour.
• We will end the day by driving back through Brasov, either on the fast road if you want to spend more time in the city, or on the slower countryside road to pass picturesque mountain villages.

Overnight in Brasov. Accommodation is at Bella Muzica Hotel *** or a similar hotel in the Old Town.

• Breakfast. Depart from Brasov to explore the Saxon heritage of the region. The first stop is Prejmer Fortified Church (UNESCO), one of the best-preserved churches of its kind in Eastern Europe. Dating from the 13th century, it is an excellent example of the combination of religious and defensive architecture. Built as a shelter for local communities, fortified churches are characteristic of southern Transylvania and formed part of the regional defensive system. Almost every village in the area had some type of fortification, and the most important ones are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• Next, drive to one of the most charming Transylvanian villages - Viscri. The village preserves the authentic architecture of its houses, the old way of life, traditions, and crafts. It is considered a great example of the Saxon/German heritage of Transylvania. Enjoy a walk through the village and visit the Viscri Fortified Church.
• Continue to Rupea Fortress, an impressive citadel with three concentric fortified walls and three interior precincts.
• In the afternoon, arrive in Sighisoara, the best-preserved medieval town in Transylvania. The main sights include the Clock Tower and History Museum, the Birthplace of Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler), the Covered Stairs, the Church on the Hill, and the town's towers and fortifications. Enjoy a walk along the narrow streets paved with river stones. Sighisoara is a must-see destination for any traveller touring Romania.
• Return to Brasov.

Accommodation in the same hotel.

• Breakfast. In the morning, drive to Sibiu. Sibiu was the biggest medieval town in Transylvania and today is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Romania. Highlights include the Big Square, Little Square, the Orthodox and Lutheran-Evangelical Cathedrals, the Liars' Bridge, and the medieval walls. Sibiu is a vibrant city with a charming old town, and a walk here reveals parts of the local history and culture. It is considered one of Europe's most romantic places to live and visit.
• At lunchtime, drive to the villages around Sibiu, places with a long history and strong traditions. One of the best ways to discover village life is by horse-driven wagon. Enjoy the scenery and the village architecture. Then, a home-made traditional lunch will be served in a local family guesthouse. This is also a chance to see a typical Transylvanian household and understand how a peasant family lives.
• Return to Brasov.

Overnight in Brasov, in the same hotel.

• Breakfast. Leave Brasov and travel toward Bucharest.
• Stop in Sinaia to visit Peleș Castle, the former summer residence of the Romanian kings. Peleș Castle is considered one of the best castles in Europe and was one of the most modern buildings of its time.
• Drop-off at the airport or at a hotel in Bucharest at approximately 2:00 PM.