Sighișoara

Nature & Adventure

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. 

Drive across Transylvania towards the city of Sighisoara. Here, admire the beautiful medieval cityscape in Romania. Visit the clock tower, giving you an insight in the city's history with an impressive view of the citadel, the former defensive towers and walls of the city. Admire the birthplace of the Walachian leader Vlad Dracul, who would later become known as Count Dracula. Discover his house of birth, and sample a shot of Romanian schnapps. In the afternoon, drive to Bran Castle, an impressive fortification and residence of the Romanian family. The castle is also known as Dracula's Castle. In the late afternoon, go back to Cluj-Napoca.

Your tour will start in the morning when you will be picked up from your hotel and taken on a 2-hour road trip to Medias. Take a short walking tour of the city and get a glimpse of the Citadel of Light and of the beautiful medieval buildings, most of which were built in the 15th century. You will then head to Biertan in order to visit the Biertan fortified church, a monument included in the UNESCO patrimony as part of Transylvania’s villages with fortified churches. The church is surrounded by thick medieval walls which were built in the 15th century, and the front door is equipped with 19 locks and bolts. Your next stop will be in Sighisoara. The medieval Sighisoara Citadel is the only inhabited citadel in Europe and it is surrounded by 9 towers, the Clock Tower being the most important of all. The Clock Tower was destroyed by a fire, but it was rebuilt in the 16th century, and it is now home to a history museum that includes a torture chamber. The Sighisoara Citadel was built in the 12th century, and it had a significant role throughout Transylvania’s history, Sighisoara being one of its 7 independent cities. In Sighisoara, you will also visit the Hill Church, a holy site that you can reach by climbing 175 wooden steps, as well as several other buildings such as the Stag House and a Venetian House. If Transylvania were to be described in one word, the word diverse would be chosen. This historical land was home to numerous isolated villages, and you will find traces of its Romanian, Hungarian, Gypsy and German communities, all living in harmony for hundreds of years. Gypsies first settled in Romania more than 800 years ago, after being forced away from their lands by the Mongol invasion. Today, you will visit an isolated community of Gypsies who earn their living through various crafts such as copper smithing. Because they are a slightly isolated community, the access is permitted only to those accompanied by someone they trust. On your way back to Cluj, you will take a different route in order to explore some of the stunning landscape of Transylvania. You will be back in Cluj by night, the duration of the trip being affected by traffic.

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.  

Day 1: Bucharest, Sighisoara At 10:00 AM, your English-speaking guide will collect you from Moxa Boutique Hotel. From here transfer to the Medieval Saxon Citadel of Sighisoara, founded by Saxons during the 12th century. Sighisoara is also the place where Vlad the Impaler, the Romanian ruler also known as Dracula, was born. That evening, get ready for a Halloween party. You can enjoy a delicious traditional Romanian festive dinner, washed down with fiery spirits and excellent Romanian wine. During dinner, you can enjoy a special program including the Killing of the Living Dead ritual and many more. That evening, spend the night in a 3-star hotel located in the very heart of the Medieval citadel. Day 2: Sighisoara, Brasov, and Bran Your first stop of the day will be to the Medieval Saxon City of Brasov, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, and home to the impressive Black Church. Here you can also explore Transylvania’s famous symbol, Bran Castle, which owes its fame to both its unique charm, and to the myth Bram Stoker created around Dracula. The impressive edifice dates back to 1377, and Queen Maria of Romania, the niece of Queen Victoria of Great Britain, turned the castle into a beautiful summer residence. Cheese tasting here is strongly recommended, as the village is renowned for the delicious homemade traditional cheese assortments produced here. That evening, you can prepare for an ultimate Halloween party at Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle. You will enjoy an unforgettable night tour of the castle, meeting wicked fairies and getting lost in euphoric dance along with a glass of local red wine. Later on in the night, there will be an after-party in the castle's courtyard until 4:00 AM. Day 3: Bran and Bucharest Transfer to Bucharest Airport for your journey home, arriving in Bucharest after 5:00 PM (depending on traffic).

On your first day, start your tour in the morning at 08:00 AM with pickup from your hotel. Then head towards the Transylvania Region and cross the mighty Carpathian Mountains on your way. Arrive in Sinaia mountain resort and visit the impressive Peles Castle. Next, continue to Bran village, where Romania’s most visited sight awaits: Dracula Castle! Then head to Brasov, where you will enjoy a guided city tour and visit the famous Black Church - the biggest in the country. Then spend the night in Sighisoara city. On your second day, start in the morning after breakfast with a visit to the unique Sighisoara Citadel and the famous Dracula House. Next, visit Biertan, where you will see the biggest fortified church in Romania! Then make your way towards Sibiu City, one of the most beautiful cities in Transylvania. Visit its astonishing Old Town and afterwards continue to the beautiful Olt Valley, where you will make a final stop by the charming Cozia Orthodox Monastery. Arrive back in Bucharest in the evening, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Drive through the Transylvanian highlands towards Sighișoara. Visit the medieval town center of Sighișoara, which is very well preserved and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the citadel and visit among others the emblem of the town, the Clock Tower, the Church on the Hill, the Citadel, the fortified walls and towers of the city and also the birthplace of the Wallachian leader Vlad Dracul, who later became known as Count Dracula in Gothic literature and film. In the afternoon, drive to the Biertan, a small village in a secluded Transylvanian valley. Visit the imposing fortified church in Biertan (also belonging to the UNESCO World Heritage Site). Then, return to Cluj-Napoca.

Meet your guide in front of the historic Clock Tower museum to begin the tour. Together, wander through the narrow streets of the old citadel and admire the colorful houses as you learn about the rich history of the city. Walk through the Covered Stairs to the visit the Church on the Hill, famous for its beautiful frescoes. Then, explore the old city walls to see some of the oldest towers and bastions still standing. Listen to your guide tell you all about the tales of the area and the secrets hidden within the city walls. Next, visit the place where Vlad III Dracula was born, and learn about the dynasty of kings that he was part of. At the end of the tour, receive a ticket for the Clock Tower to climb to the top and admire the amazing view across the city.

Biertan is one of the most important Saxon villages with fortified churches in Transylvania, having been on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1993. Visit the Biertan fortified church which was the see of the Lutheran Evangelical Bishop in Transylvania between 1572 and 1867 and has one of the largest Saxon populations in the region. Next, you will travel to Malancrav, small village dating from the early years of the 14th century and an absolute must for the travelers curious to discover a place, surrounded by beautiful landscapes, where time almost stands still. You will also visit a fortified church here. You will return in Sighisoara in the aftermoon.

Day 1 After getting picked up from your hotel in Cluj-Napoca, begin your journey towards the south of Transylvania. Spend the first half of the discovering the region's fortresses and castles. At your first stop of the day, Alba Carolina Fortress, learn more about the fortress' cleverly-designed defense mechanisms and architecture, as well as admiring its breathtaking beauty. Next, head to the Gothic masterpiece that is Corvin Castle. Wander through the castle's impressive Knight's Hall, which was used for feasts and banquets, the ceremony hall and the circular stairway.  Finish your day in Sibiu, the former European Union’s Cultural Capital and one of Transylvania's best-preserved cities. On a guided city tour, explore the Main Squares, as well as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Bridge of Lies. At the end of the tour, your guide will leave you at the hotel and you will be free to spend the rest of the day at your leisure.  Day 2 With yesterday's visits to Alba Carolina and Corvin Castle fresh in your mind, deepen your knowledge of Transylvanian fortresses with a visit to Biertan Fortified Church. Admire the impressive fortifications and defense mechanisms of this 13th-century fortress.  Next, head to the highlight of the day, Sighișoara, the only inhabited medieval fortress included in UNESCO World Heritage Centre, and home to real-life notorious ruler Vlad Tepes, also known as Dracula. Get dropped off at your preferred location in Cluj-Napoca at the end of the day.