Transylvania evokes images of towering gothic castles perched on misty mountains, thick, verdant forests and historic mediaeval towns. Our tour begins in beautiful Bucharest, where you'll stay in the heart of the Lipscani district, the city's historical centre that brims with old town charm.
You'll then head into the mysterious Carpathian Mountains of Transylvania, one of Eastern Europe's most enchanting regions, which separates Transylvania from the rest of Romania. Covered by pristine forest, it's home to Europe's largest bear population, as well as lynx, chamois and wolves.
Throughout your trip, you'll stay in stylish, well-equipped, and comfortable hotels, well-located for exploring Transylvania's captivating cities, historic towns and atmospheric rural regions.
You'll stay in Brașov, a beautiful city known for its mediaeval Saxon walls, imposing gothic-style Black Church and lively cafes and bars, before travelling to the rural town of Sibiu and Saxon village of Viscri.
Our fully escorted tour visits one of Romania's most charming medieval towns, the UNESCO-listed Sighişoara, and two of Transylvania's most famous castles, the legendary Bran Castle, inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula and the equally impressive Peleş Castle.
Your journey begins where it ends; in beautiful Bucharest. You'll have time to get to know Romania's vivacious capital city, which combines stark, utilitarian architecture - a legacy from the communist era - with elegant belle-époque villas, a throwback from the hedonistic 1900s when Bucharest was nicknamed 'the Paris of the East'.
With all this and more on the itinerary, a visit to enchanting Romania is certain to be an unforgettable adventure.
Today, you'll arrive in Bucharest and transfer to your boutique accommodation in the Lipscani district, where you'll be greeted with a coffee or glass of wine before you head out into the old town to explore the plethora of local restaurants and bars.
After breakfast, you'll journey into Transylvania, stopping for a tour around the divine Peles Castle before checking into your hotel in Brașov. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the charming mediaeval Saxon town and getting to know your surroundings.
There's more free time today to explore beautiful Brașov. Maybe you'll head to the gothic-style Black Church or wander along the mediaeval city walls. There will be optional extra activities such as walking tours and even an opportunity to see wild bears in a nearby hide (optional excursion).
Today you'll visit the Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zarnesti. This impressive sanctuary is now the home of 100 brown bears, rescued from miserable living conditions, and is recognised by many specialists as the most ethical bear sanctuary in the world. It spans 69 leafy hectares of coniferous forest near Brasov.
Afterwards you'll travel to Bran Castle. Better known as Dracula's Castle, this imposing fortress is believed to have inspired the castle in Bram Stoker's famous novel.
After visiting the castle, you'll travel to Amfiteatrul, a traditional inn on a hilltop site with panoramic mountain views. Spend some time here soaking in the stunning rural countryside.
Today you'll stop at the picturesque rural village of Viscri, where King Charles owns a property. Take a horse and cart ride through the village, exclusively for Hearst readers and enjoy a tour and an authentic lunch at a local house.
Watch the cows come home in the evening then prepare for a heart-warming authentic Transylvanian dinner (included), home-cooked by your local hosts.
Today, you'll travel to the mediaeval citadel of Sighișoara for lunch (not included). This citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features perfectly-preserved mediaeval stone streets and buildings.
Later, you'll travel to the beautiful town of Sibiu and check in to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day to explore the town at your own pace.
This morning, you'll visit the outstanding ASTRA Outdoor Folk Museum, one of Europe's biggest outdoor museums and gives a fantastic insight into traditional rural Romanian life around the country.
You'll then travel via the 'best road in the world' (according to Jeremy Clarkson), the Transfagarasan, up to the peace and quiet of Balea Lake. You'll enjoy lunch (not included) and a wander before returning to Bucharest, where you'll check in to your boutique accommodation in the heart of the Lipscani district.
Today, you'll transfer to Bucharest airport as your holiday comes to an end.
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