Sibiu

Experience the charm of Sibiu on a sightseeing tour of the medieval city center and see why it was named the European Capital of Culture in 2007. Stroll down narrow streets and encounter colorful buildings, peaceful courtyards and mysterious passageways. Enjoy moments of quiet in historical churches and get an amazing view, framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Făgăraș Mountains. Admire the elegant architecture on Grand Square, pass the charming Renaissance-style Haller House, and see the Brukenthal National Museum in an Habsburg palace. Admire the symbolic Council Tower, take an enchanted walk up the Passage of the Stairs in the Lower Town, and join the hustle and bustle of Cibin Market. Discover the remains of the old city walls and pass the elegant Thalia Hall, where many of the city's concerts are performed. Be amazed by the Gothic façade of the Evangelical Lutheran Cathedral on Huet Square and much more.

Brasov (pronounced Bra-shov), known as Kronstadt in German or Brassó in Hungarian, is the 7th largest city in Romania. It is located almost in the center of the country and surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. The city provides a mix of wonderful mountain scenery in the nearby Poiana Braşov, and medieval history with German influences in the old town. Admire the beauty of Brasov through a 2-hour walking tour. During your medieval journey in the “Crown City” you will discover its historical and cultural sightseeings. Admire the Weavers' Bastion and go to the 4-foot-wide Rope Street (Strada Sforii). This was initially used as an access route by firefighters. Visit also Brasov Synagogue and see the Catholic Church, Post Orchard, White Tower and Black Tower. The city tour ends with some free time for you to explore on your own and have lunch. After the free time, depart for Bran Castle and the mysterious legend of Dracula, the last stop before the return drive to Sibiu via Brasov.

Go on a quest around Sibiu's famous towers by solving clues that will unlock fascinating stories and locations. You will follow a less crowded path around the old citadel, explore hidden passages, and discover the amazing life stories of the ancient locals. Each clue will lead you from one place to another, giving you exact directions, so you won’t need a map, a GPS or a guide. When you solve it and guess the answer, the secret story of that locations is unlocked. After you purchase the quest, you will receive an access code that you can use in the app. Along the way, you’ll find fascinating stories of the towers that strongly influenced the history and evolution of this city. This challenge takes roughly 1.5 to 2-hours to complete, but there’s no time limit, you can finish it at your own pace. The total length is about 3.5 km. You won’t need a guide, just download the app, go to the starting point and you’re ready to go on a city adventure. This is a fun and unique way to acquaint yourself with the city of Sibiu and a fun day out for you, your family and friends. If you are a large group, one person can purchase access for the entire group by selecting the number of people in the group. All group members will be able to play the city game on their smartphone. Alternatively, each person can purchase their own ticket. You can play as a group and solve the clues together as you walk, or you can split into smaller groups/teams and compete against the others. Each person can also play on their own, separate from the group, and meet the group at the end.

Visit Sighisoara, founded by Transylvanian Saxons during the 12th century. Depart from Sibiu in the morning and set off for Sighisoara, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore this perfectly intact 16th century gem with nine towers, cobbled streets, burgher houses and ornate churches which could rival the historic streets of Old Prague or Vienna. It is also the birthplace of Vlad Dracula, also known as Vlad the Impaler, ruler of the province of Walachia from 1456 to 1462 and the figure who inspired Bram Stoker's fictional creation, Count Dracula.  On your way back to Sibiu, you will cross Biertan village, one of the most important Saxon villages with fortified churches in Transylvania. Learn about this fascinating region from a specialized English-speaking guide. Visit the fortified church in Biertan, with its beautiful and mysterious atmosphere. Hear about its history as a seat of the Lutheran Evangelical Bishop in Transylvania between 1572 and 1867. After an exciting day of discovery, sit back and relax as your are transferred back to Sibiu. 

Treat yourself with a spa day adult package at Aria Center in Sibiu. Enjoy the center’s swimming and spa sections, Aria Aqua and Aria Spa, along with a 30-minute relaxing massage. Explore Aria Center’s three indoor swimming pools and other relaxing options including saunas, a hammam, jacuzzi, ice fountain, and saltwater swimming pool in the wellness and spa section. At Aria Center, the possibilities of your spa day are endless.

On the first day, you will travel from Bucharest, and onto Sinaia, Bran, Brasov, and Sighisoara. You will be picked up from Bucharest and be driven towards the beautiful Prahova Valley. The first stop will be at the imposing and magnificent palace of Peles. Built by the royal family of Romania during the 19th century, this palace offers an insight into 19th-century German Renaissance style of decorations. The next stop will be in Bran Castle, known also as Dracula’s Castle. The imposing construction watches over a valley from a strategic position, it was originally built as a fortress at the former border between Wallachia and Transylvania. Discover the connection between the legendary ruler, Vlad the Impaler, and the infamous vampire. In the afternoon, head to the city of Brasov, a city that retains its medieval charm with the help of its well kept historical center. The walking tour of this lovely town starts from the main square, admiring the old City Hall with its clock tower, the monumental Gothic Black Church, the fortifications, the two watch towers up the hill, the craftsmen guilds and the narrowest street in Europe. In the evening you will reach Sighisoara, where you will be accommodated. On day 2, you will travel from Sighisoara to Sibiu, and back to Bucharest. After breakfast, you will tour the medieval citadel of Sighisoara, one of the very few permanently inhabited citadels in Europe. This is also the birthplace of the legendary Vlad Dracula, whose house you will see, after which you will climb to the top of the 500-year-old clock tower for a fantastic view over the town. Next stop will be Sibiu, also known as Hermannstadt. This is the heart of the German community living in Romania, the German Saxons having lived here for over 800 years. A former European capital of culture, Sibiu boasts many great sights from medieval times when it was a citadel, such as the Great Square, the Brukenthal Museum, and the infamous Bridge of Lies. Afterward, drive along the spectacular Olt river valley going back to Bucharest.

During this tour, you can enjoy the stunning scenery of the Fagaras mountains as you visit Sibiu, the Astra Museum, and the Brancoveanu Monastery. Sibiu will fascinate you with its old buildings, Gothic architecture churches, and the Bridge of Lies - where witches were thrown from in the Middle Ages. Visit Sibiu's old center and see its main sights. Then, the Astra Museum will remind you of old times with its traditional old houses, water mills, and peasant farms. Next up is the Brancoveanu Monastery, a place of peace and meditation. It is located in Sambata de Sus Village, at the foot of the Fagaras Mountains. Enter the courtyard through an alley bordered by flowers to appreciate the Monastery in all its splendor.

Admire monuments such as Luxemburg House, the Pharmacy Museum, Bridge of Lies, and Huet Square. See the Evangelic Church, Brukenthal High School, Stairs Passage and Orthodox Cathedral. Visit the 3 towers of the Citadel Wall. Then go to Thalia Hall, Schiller Square, and The General's Tunnel, before ending at Big Square. Next, drive to the typical village of Sibiel to see the museum of icons painted on glass. After a walk in the village, enjoy lunch or dinner at a peasant's house. Then go to the village of Cristian, mostly inhabited by Landlers from Austria, before the return transfer to Sibiu.

Day 1: Two Castles and Brasov Today, you will head towards Transylvania region and cross the mighty Carpathian Mountains on your way. You will arrive in the mountain resort of Sinaia and visit the impressive Peles Castle. Next, you will arrive in Bran village, where Romania’s most visited sight awaits you - Dracula Castle. Your next stop will be in Brasov, where you will enjoy a guided city tour and visit the famous Black Church - the largest in country. Accommodation will follow in Brasov city. Note: Peles Castle and the Black Church are closed on Mondays, so you will visit Rasnov Citadel and the orthodox church in Brasov instead. Day 2: Heart of Transylvania   In the morning after breakfast, you will visit the unique Sighisoara Citadel with the famous Dracula house. Next, arrive in Biertan, where you will see the biggest fortified church in Romania. Then, head towards Sibiu city, one of the most beautiful in Transylvania. You will visit the astonishing Old Town and the beautiful Gothic church, one of the tallest in the country. End your day in Sibiu city. Day 3: Southern Transylvania  In the morning after your breakfast, start your way back to the capital city. Your journey will continue on toward the beautiful Olt Valley and make a stop by the charming Cozia Orthodox Monastery. Once you emerge from the mountains, stop in Curtea de Arges, once the capital of Vallachia and the headquarters of Romanian rulers. Here, you will see the beautiful Curtea de Arges Monastery, one of the most representative of the Romanian authentic style, and also the official burial place for the Kings and Queens of Romania. Arrive in Bucharest in the evening with a private drop-off at your hotel.  

You will start in the morning from your hotel and head north-west toward Pitesti and soon you will enter the Olt River Valley. One of the most beautiful river valleys in Romania has in it's beginning an architectural and historical monument: the Cozia Monastery, built in 1388 by Mircea the Elder, the Grandfather of Vlad the Impaler.  Next stop will be Sibiu, European Cultural Capital in 2007 along with the city of Luxembourg, when Romania joined European Union. Sibiu was also voted as Europe's 8th most idyllic place to live by Forbes. With its Large Square, Small Square and Huet Square was the largest fortified city of Transylvania in medieval times. You will take a walking tour discovering why the city is so famous and admire beautiful landmarks like the Brukenthal Palace, Jesuit Church, Old City Hall tower, Evangelical Church and Liars Bridge - the first iron cast bridge in the country.  Because your guide wants to show you the real life in the area, and especially in the countryside, your next stop of the day will be made in the village of Sibiel where locals teamed up and restored most of the houses here. In the same place you can find the largest glass icons museum in Transylvania which you have the pleasure to visit and hear more about how this tradition started in the area. You will follow the Olt River Valley back to Bucharest.