Embark on a mesmerizing journey through Romania, starting in Bucharest, where the historic Old Town unveils centuries of culture. Enjoy a walking tour and a delightful dinner at the iconic Cara Cu Bere. Explore the Palace of Parliament and key architectural gems before moving on to Transylvania's Brașov. Here, discover the opulence of Peles Castle, the Libearty Bear Sanctuary, and the storied Bran Castle, while savoring local delicacies and wines.

Continue your adventure to Sighișoara, birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, and the tranquil Bethlen Estates in Criș. Uncover the fortified churches, historic castles, and the rich cultural tapestry of Sibiu. Experience the ASTRA National Museum Complex before concluding your journey in Cluj-Napoca, delving into the Turda Salt Mine and the city's vibrant history. Each day promises a blend of history, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic Romanian experiences, culminating in an unforgettable exploration of this captivating country.

Depart for Vienna

The adventure begins! Board your flight in the U.S. and land in Bucharest the following day. 

Daily Summary: 

Accommodation: Overnight flight

Meals: None

Arrive in Bucharest

Arrive in Bucharest by international flight. On arrival, you will be driven to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, we will take a walking tour of the beautiful, historical, and culturally rich Old Town of the capital of Romania. Dinner at Cara Cu Bere, the oldest restaurant that is still open in Bucharest.

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection
Meals: Dinner

Explore Bucharest

Bucharest, founded in 1459, is filled with history and culture. After breakfast, set out to take a tour of the Palace of Parliament, the second largest and most expensive administrative building in the world. We’ll see the mansion of Nicolae Ceaușescu, the former communist leader of Romania from 1965 to 1989, and some of the other architectural highlights of the city. And we will finish the day with an open evening to explore other parts of the city.

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Arrive Brașov, Transylvania

We will depart after breakfast and drive to Sinaia where we’ll explore Peles Castle, the summer home of the Romanian royal family from 1883 until 1947. After a tour of the castle, we’ll visit the Rhein cellar where sparkling wine has been made since 1892 for the Royal House of Romania. Lunch and wine tasting will be provided. Next, we’ll head to Brașov, a former Saxon colony and fortified city. A walking tour of the city will reveal its rich history and beautiful landmarks, such as the infamous Black Church. Dinner at La Ceaun.

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Brasov
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore Brașov

Depart after breakfast to Libearty Bear Sanctuary, the largest brown bear sanctuary in the world. We’ll spend time touring the sanctuary and learning about the work they do to save Romanian bears. Next, we’ll explore Bran Castle, built by the Saxons in 1377 for the Hungarian King as a fortress to defend against the Ottoman Empire. A tour of the castle will teach us its history and how it has been utilized by different groups of people over the years. Lunch at Conacul Törzburg, followed by a tour of a distillery in Rașnov that produces Țuica, the national drink of Romania. Return to Brașov for a visit to the beautiful JUNO Wine Garden and dinner at Sergiana.

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Brașov
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive Sighișoara 

After breakfast, we will be driven to Viscri for a tour of King Charle’s former residence and long-time Romanian getaway. King Charles has Romanian cousins and has visited since childhood. He has worked hard to preserve local communities and villages. We will tour the village’s evangelic fortified church built in 1100 AD now labeled a UNESCO World Heritage site. After lunch in Viscri, we’ll head to Sighisoara, a small, fortified Saxon city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sighișoara is the birthplace of Vlad III, known as Vlad the Impaler, a famous ruler of Romania. Known for his harsh ruling style, Vlad was the basis for the legend of Count Dracula, the terrifying vampire that resided in Transylvania. Our tour of this quaint village will include landmarks, such as the Church on the Hill as well as the Clock Tower.

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hilton Sighisoara-Cavaler
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Explore Sighișoara

After a relaxing free morning in this beautiful medieval village dating back to the 12th century, we’ll meet up for lunch in the UNESCO World Heritage Historic Centre of Sighisoara. Our guided tour will explore this well-preserved Transylvanian fortified medieval town which played an important strategic and commercial role on the fringes of central Europe for several centuries. Nearby is the Dracula House, the home and birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, or Vlad Dracula, the Wallachian prince who ruled three times between 1448 and his death in 1477. Vlad is also associated with the character in the successful novel Dracula, written by Bram Stoker, and is a national hero of Romania.

Daily Summary: 

Accommodation: Sibiu Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive in Sibiu

After breakfast we’ll depart for Sibiu with a stop at Criș,  a small village and home to Bethlen Castle, named after Gabriel Bethlen, the Prince of Transylvania from 1613-1629. The Bethlen family is a Hungarian royal family that still has a foothold in Criș. We will take a tour of the castle before heading to Sibiu with a stop for lunch.

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Continental Forum Sibiu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore Sibiu

After breakfast, we’ll visit the ASTRA National Museum Complex, a collection of museums of ethnography and history with recreated sites to immerse yourself in the past. We’ll return to Sibiu for some free time and optional afternoon activities.

Options:

• Visit the Medieval Pharmacy Museum and learn about how medical and pharmaceutical processes progressed during medieval times.
• Explore the beautiful Lutheran and Orthodox cathedrals, as well as the Catholic basilica. Learn about the variety of religious groups present in Sibiu throughout its history.
• Drive to Corvin Castle in Hunedoara to discover one of the largest castles in Europe.

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Continental Forum Sibiu
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Arrive Cluj-Napoca

After breakfast we’ll drive to Turda Salt Mine to explore one of the largest salt mines in Romania, and first mentioned as early as the 12 th century. We’ll learn about its mining history and about salt therapy, a service still provided in the mine. After lunch, we’ll head to Cluj-Napoca, the second most populated city in Romania known for its prestigious universities and cultural history. We’ll take a walking tour of the city to learn about its past and present. Farewell dinner.

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Cluj
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Departing Cluj

Depending on departure time, we will have morning activities and then departure transfer to Cluj International Airport.

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Cluj
Meals: Breakfast