A Glimpse of Mediaeval Transylvania

Morning departure to Sibiu, located only 170 miles far from Bucharest. Stop over in Targoviste, former throne residence of Wallachia between 1396 – 1659. In the course of the centuries, the town was burnt down eight times. It is known for its Chindia Watch Tower, built in the 15th century, during the reign of Vlad Tepes “The Impaler”, nicknamed Dracula, and for the Princely Court (14th century). Continue on to Curtea de Arges, for a visit to the Monastery, built between 1512-1515. Master Manole’s Church is one of the outstanding churches in Romania, famous for its architecture, where, according to the legend, Master Manole, the builder, entombed his wife in the stone walls. A short drive from here will take you to the Vidraru Dam, an impressive construction on the Arges River. Pass by Poienari Castle, the real castle of Vlad Tepes, built around the 13th century, a real challenge for the visitors, being situated on a cliff of a canyon. In order to reach the castle and enjoy the amazing scenery, the visitors need to climb about 1480 steps. Lunch en route. Travel north through the beautiful Olt River Valley into Transylvania, translated from Latin as the “Land across the forest”. Late afternoon arrival in Sibiu, European Cultural capital in 2007. Dinner and accommodation in Sibiu

Morning walking tour of the old part of Sibiu, with its narrow streets; pass across Liars bridge, the Evangelic Cathedral and the Catholic Church, beautiful art monuments and discover this citadel built by Saxons, where history, art and folklore blend to tourists’ delight. It is home to the Bruckenthal Museum of Art and History, one of the largest in Romania. An hour drive will take you to Alba Iulia, known in ancient times as Apulum, one of the oldest settlements of Romania and the largest commercial center during the Roman Empire. Later it became an impressive Habsburg citadel called Alba Carolina. The newly restored citadel is a must to be seen. Traditional lunch en route. Afternoon return to Sibiu. Time at leisure before dinner and overnight.

Before noon head on to Sighisoara, the most beautiful and best preserved, still inhabited, medieval citadel in the central and South Eastern Europe, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a special native lunch in the city. Take a peek to the Vlad Dracul House, the very place where prince Vlad Tepes, the Impaler, was born; it has been turned into a museum-like restaurant full of old flavours and artifacts. Pay a visit to the Clock Tower Museum, climb the covered wooden staircase to the Church on the Hill, wander through the town’s narrow streets with beautiful original architecture, steep stairways, original towers and secluded squares; you will feel that, due to the quiet, peaceful atmosphere, time seems to stand still here, trapped in the Middle Ages. Late afternoon find you on your way to Brasov, the top tourist one in the country, through southern Transylvania. Dinner and overnight in Brasov area (in Brasov city or in Poiana Brasov mountain resort, about 15 min driving through the mountains).

This morning, after a healthy breakfast, you will find out that the main city of the area, Brasov, is situated at the meeting point of the three Romanian regions: Wallachia, Moldavia and Transylvania. Enjoy a walking tour of the old part of this beautiful medieval town, including the Council Square, the famous Black Church, the largest Gothic Church between Vienna and Istanbul and the extremely pleasant cobbled streets and alleys packed with boutiques, cafes, shops, cafeterias keeping the romantic atmosphere of the Middle Ages with just a small, necessary touch, of the modern facilities. A pleasant ride through the mountains will take you to the Bran Castle, widely known as Dracula’s Castle, after Bram Stoker’s famous novel inspired by these places and our harsh ruler, Vlad the Impaler. The castle, built at the beginning of the 13th century, was mainly used as a fortress and then by the Romanian Royal family. Later on was turned into a museum. Listen to the legends, find the history and enjoy the charm of the castle. Enjoy lunch en route. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Dinner with live music and tasty Romanian menu, at a native restaurant. Diner in Brasov area.

A pleasant morning drive will take you, through scenic landscapes across the Carpathian Mountains to Bucharest. Stop over in Sinaia mountain resort, well-known as “the Pearl of the Carpathians”, for visiting the Peles Royal Castle, a masterpiece of German New-Renaissance architecture, now, one of the most beautiful castles in Europe, set amidst sculpture gardens and fountains. It displays priceless collections of weaponry, hand woven silk rugs, furniture, ceramics and sculpture. Peles Castle is a unique look back at life under the monarchy. Lunch in Sinaia. A couple of hours drive will have you back to Bucharest..