Embark on an excursion from Cluj to visit three of Transylvania's notable sites. See an underground theme park that's nestled inside the Turda Salt Mine, go for a hike through the dramatic Turda Gorge, and encounter traditional rural life in a preserved Rimetea village. Start your experience with pickup and a short drive to the Turda Salt Mine. Take a guided tour and spend some time in its unique underground theme park. Try out the ferris wheel, play a round of minigolf, or ride a boat on its underground lake. Hop back in the vehicle and head for the Turda Gorge. Marvel at the 3-kilometer long canyon, with massive walls sculpted in weathered limestone. Hike through high cliffs with steep ridges, rock towers, caves, and lots of varieties of flora and fauna. Conclude your experience with a visit to Rimetea village. Enjoy strolling amongst traditional white houses with green windows. Get a feel for Transylvanian rural life in a preserved and beautiful location.

Depart from Cluj-Napoca and head to Turda, once the most important economic center of the region where salt, also known as “white gold,” has been extracted since the Roman age. Arrive for a guided tour at the Salina Turda salt mine and discover the history of salt mining in the town dating from the 17th century. Explore site, including the Terezia mine, Rudolf hall, and the Franz Josef Gallery.  Afterwards, spend the afternoon in the Transylvanian western mountains in the village of Rimetea. The chalk-white houses and the harmonious structure of the village have earned it several distinctions. Considered to be one of the most beautiful village in Transylvania, it received the Europa Nostra Award for its architectural preservation.  Next up, take a 1-hour hike to the ruins of the Coltesti Fortress for an impressive view of the valley below. In the evening, head back to Cluj-Napoca where you’ll be dropped off at the starting point of your tour.

Today’s journey is going to take us to some of Transylvania’s most enchanting impressive underground treasures, to the Salt Mine of Turda and the medieval mining centre of Rimetea. Prepare yourselves for a great journey filled with lovely traditions, exciting stories, and breathtaking landscapes. Turda is located only 35 kilometres from Cluj and has held a very important role in Transylvanian history. It was the city where the “religious peace” was signed, where five Catholic and Reformed confessions were welcomed, Transylvania becoming one of the most tolerant states in Europe. The city lies at the foot of the Western Carpathians, perhaps the most spectacular mountains in Romania. Because of the limestone soil composition, the landscape is extremely spectacular, deep caves, wild gorges, and fast-flowing rivers can often be found here. Close to Turda, we will hike through the “Cheile Turzii” Natural Park, home of several rare species of animals and plants. After approximately one hour, we will reach the other side of the mountains and our buses will pick us up and drive us back to the city. Leaving the beautiful landscape of the Apuseni Mountains behind, we will return to Turda. In the Middle Ages, the city was very rich due to the local salt mines. Ever since Roman times, these mines have been exploited, the salt produced here being taken to Rome. During the Austrian domination, the mines became critical for the Transylvanian industry, large amounts of money being invested here. Starting with 2007 and benefiting from massive investments, the salt mine was transformed into an interesting museum and concert centre. We will go hundreds of meters below sea level, admire the large galleries and get the chance to find out more about this amazing place. In the afternoon we will depart from Turda and drive to one of Transylvania’s best-kept secrets: the small village of Rimetea. It was built by German and Hungarian miners in the 13th century and had, until the industrial revolution of the 19th century, a leading role in the Transylvanian economy. After that the village was almost deserted, leaving the beautiful houses, watermills and the whole village panorama unchanged. In the evening we will return to Cluj.