Transylvania & Bucharest

This morning, we’ll make our way to the village of Prejmer - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Transylvania’s most remarkable fortified churches. Built in the early 13th century, its walls once protected generations of villagers, who even had tiny tooms tucked behind the ramparts for use during sieges. Step through the long-arched entrance and you’ll find an oval courtyard wrapped in wooden stairways and storied passageways - a glimpse into centuries of Saxon resilience. Premjer endured more than 50 attacks and fell only once, so it’s fair to say it has a tale or two to tell! 

Later, we head back to Brașov for a guided tour through its charming old town. Although this former Saxon settlement is now Transylvania’s second-largest city, it still feels wonderfully intimate, with storybook squares, watchtowers and forested hills framing every view.

We’ll begin in Piaţa Sfatului – a handsome, Germanic‑influenced square watched by the Black Church. Its darkened stone and soaring Gothic lines whisper of the great fire in 1869, which scorched its walls but left its spirit very much intact.

Then it’s on to Bran to explore its famous 14th-century castle - the one forever linked to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, even if the real history is far less blood-curdling. Perched on a rocky rise, with towers and turrets straight out of folklore, it more than earns its legendary status. Step inside and you’ll find rooms still echoing with the tastes of Queen Marie of Romania, who once used it as her summer retreat. Today, its corridors showcase everything from royal keepsakes to medieval armour.

Please note: access to Bran Castle involves a sloping footpath, narrow passages and some steps. Guests may remain in Brașov for free time if preferred. (B) 

We begin the day winding through the story-filled landscapes of Transylvania – all rolling hills, peaceful meadows and the kind of Saxon villages where time seems to take its sweet time. Our destination is Viscri, one of the region’s most beautifully preserved rural communities.

Here, we’ll step inside the Viscri Fortified Church – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – before exploring the King Charles House Museum, so named in honour of his long-standing connection to Romania and his dedication to preserving Transylvanian culture. Here, we’ll enjoy a fascinating glimpse into centuries-old craftsmanship and village traditions.

Next, we enjoy a traditional lunch at the local farmhouse restaurant, a warm, rustic setting where regional dishes are prepared using local produce – ideal for an authentic taste of rural Transylvania.

After lunch, we travel on to the medieval citadel of Sighişoara – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We set off on a guided stroll through its hilltop stronghold, once a thriving Saxon settlement watching over the River Târnava Mare. Within these fortified walls, red-roofed houses lean across cobbled lanes, there are cosy little cafes perfect for lingering, and artisan shops where centuries-old craft traditions are still alive and well.

Our visits include the 14th-century clock tower, famous for its charming mechanical figures – with Day and Night keeping a watching eye over the lower town below. Just around the corner stands the house where Vlad Ţepeş (that’s Vlad the Impaler to you and I) is believed to have taken his very first steps.  

Later, we continue west to Sibiu, our home for the next three nights. (B,L) 

After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Sibiu, the former European Capital of Culture (2007) and one of the most beautiful medieval cities. Founded by Transylvanian Saxons in the 12th century, Sibiu grew into the wealthiest of the seven fortified citadels - a legacy still visible in its grand squares, steep‑roofed houses and remarkably preserved defensive towers.

Our guide takes us through both the Upper and Lower town, pointing out sights such as the Great Square, Little Square, Huet Square, the Council Tower, the Brukenthal Palace, and the iconic Bridge of Lies, as well as sections of the medieval walls that once protected this powerful stronghold.

This afternoon, you are free to continue discovering Sibiu on your own. You might wander through its elegant squares and cobbled streets, visit a museum or climb the Council Tower for views over the rooftops, or simply relax in a café and soak up the atmosphere of this enchanting medieval town. (B) 

This morning, we’ll drive to Hunedoara to explore the mighty Corvin Castle - a vast 15th-century fortress and one of the largest Gothic castles in Eastern Europe. With its pointed towers, echoing stone courtyards and dramatic entrance bridge, it’s the sort of place where stories practically rise from the flagstone.

As we wander through its halls, our local guide brings centuries of legend and intrigue to life, revealing the castle’s hidden details and the characters who once walked these same rooms.

After our visit, you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch at leisure before we continue. 

Arriving in Sibiel, a traditional Transylvanian village celebrated for its strong community spirit and its dedication to preserving local heritage. With our local guide leading the way, we visit the Sibiel Icons on Glass Museum - home to the largest collection of glass-painted icons - before wandering through the village to learn about its customs, stories and the gentle rhythms of daily life.

As evening settles over the valley, we’re welcomed into a local farmhouse for dinner - a relaxed setting where home-cooked dishes are paired with stories of peasant traditions and everyday life from those who know it best.

We return to our hotel in Sibiu after dinner. (B,D) 

We begin our day travelling south-east from Sibiu, following one of Romania’s most scenic routes. The gentle Transylvanian plains gradually give way to rolling hills, pockets of dense forests and the occasional fortified church standing sentinel over wide, open valleys.

As the road climbs, the landscape grows increasingly dramatic: distant ridgelines sharpen into the soaring peaks of the Carpathian Mountains, guiding us toward Sinaia - a graceful mountain resort long favoured by the Royal House of Romania for its fresh alpine air and spectacular setting.

We pause for lunch at the historic Palace Hotel, built at the request of King Carol I. When it opened in 1911, it was considered the most luxurious hotel in Eastern Europe, welcoming more than 3000 nobles and royals to its grand inauguration. Today, its refined interiors and close ties to the former royal household offer a fitting introduction to Sinaia’s rich heritage.

This afternoon, we’ll visit Peleş Castle - widely regarded as one of Romania’s most beautiful. Set against the dramatic slopes of the Southern Carpathians, this neo-Renaissance palace has all the elegance of a Bavarian schloss, with its timbered towers, sculpted facades and exquisite detailing. Built as the summer residence of King Carol I, it took more than 40 years to complete, and the craftsmanship shows in every room.

With our guide, we’ll step inside some of its most remarkable spaces: the walnut-panelled reception hall, the extraordinary weapons gallery displaying more than 4,000 pieces, and a series of ornate themed salons, from the Moorish to the Florentine halls - each a world of its own.

After our visit, we’ll continue south through forested mountain valleys towards Bucharest, where we stay for the next two nights. (B,L) 

This morning, we’ll begin exploring Bucharest - a city of striking contrasts where Brâncovenesc churches, neo-classical boulevards, Belle Époque façades and communist-era blocks all share the same streetscape. With our local guide, we’ll uncover some of these layers, including an inside visit to the extraordinary Palace of Parliament, the largest building in Europe, with vast marble staircases, glittering chandeliers and lavish ceremonial halls.

We’ll then continue to the Village Museum, an atmospheric, open-air collection in Herăstrău Park. Here, traditional houses, wooden churches and rural workshops from across Romania offer a vivid glimpse into village life long before Bucharest became the capital. 

After our visit, you’ll have free time to explore - perhaps the former Royal Palace, elegant Calea Victoriei or the landmark squares and Orthodox churches, including Revolution Square.

This evening, we’ll enjoy a gentle walking tour through the cobbled old town before gathering for a memorable farewell dinner in one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants. (B,D)