Romania

Transylvania

A tapestry of cultural treasures

Transylvania is a rural, Romanian tapestry of verdant vales and cultural treasures. Woven into the popular imagination by Bram Stoker and his tales of Dracula, there is much more to this region than mythic vampires. A variety of fascinating castles spiral out from the landscape, baroque buildings line grand squares, and Saxon villages harbour fortified churches. Transylvania’s medieval past sits at the surface in its beautifully preserved towns, rich with ancient buildings. Bucharest, Romania’s capital city and the gateway to the region, is a dynamic city with a vibrant café culture, compelling museums and unusual architecture.

TREASURES OF TRANSYLVANIA

Castles and culture in a hidden corner of Europe

  • Bucharest – explore this intriguing city with a chequered past, and visit the vast Palace of the Parliament
  • Bran Castle – separate the myths from the facts at ‘Dracula’s Castle’
  • Braşov – discover this baroque and beautiful city
  • Sighişoara – a medieval delight with a forbidding history
  • Peleş Castle – a masterpiece of neo-Renaissance architecture
  • Hărman & Prejmer fortified churches – unique and fascinating basilicas in the heart of Transylvania
  • Return flights included
  • Dinner included on two nights
  • Lunch included on one day
  • 2 nights bed & breakfast accommodation in Bucharest
  • 5 nights bed & breakfast accommodation in Braşov

Price on request

Best time to go

April, May, June, September, October

Suggested Hotel

Golden Tulip Victoria, Bucharest

  • A 4-star hotel in the heart of the city
  • Wonderful views of historic Bucharest
  • Contemporary bedrooms with modern facilities
  • Restaurant, lounge bar and outdoor terrace

Not the hotel for your group? Other hotels are available, contact us.

Suggested Hotel

Hotel Coroana Brasovului, Braşov

  • A comfortable, 3-star hotel in central Braşov
  • Close to the main tourist attractions of the town
  • Spacious bedrooms with modern facilities
  • A Victorian-style ‘English Bar’ to relax in during the evening

Not the hotel for your group? Other hotels are available, contact us.

Attractions:

  • Bucharest
    Central city fountain in Bucharest capital of Romania

    Truly a city of contrasts, Romania’s capital is vibrant, fun and cosmopolitan. Home to a number of interesting museums, it is also a place of incredible architectural diversity, where Orthodox churches and elegant belle-époque buildings rub shoulders with severe Stalinist constructions and the scars of brutal communist rule. Bucharest’s most iconic building is the vast and vainglorious Palace of Parliament, commissioned by the megalomaniac Nicolae Ceauşescu during his years as Romania’s dictator.

  • Bran Castle
    Bran Castle Romania Medieval fortification in Transylvania known for Dracula myth Brasov County Romania

    Step past the stalls of vampire paraphernalia to explore the real history of Bran Castle, also known as ‘Count Dracula’s Castle’. With spires that pierce dramatically upwards, atmospheric interiors and dimly-lit crevices, it’s easy to see why this small citadel inspired Bram Stoker’s spooky tale. Perched upon a rocky outcrop, the castle looks out over thickly forested hills and is filled with antique furniture.

  • Braşov
    Old Brasov city buildings roof and The Council House clock tower

    Baroque buildings, pastel façades, and a rather incongruous Hollywood-style sign define the skyline of pretty, medieval Braşov. Cafés line its spacious central square, next to which is the famous Black Church. Named for a fire that almost consumed it during the 17th century, this Gothic church is not as foreboding as its name suggests. Inside the impressive building is a magnificent collection of cultural treasures. Nearby, the St Nicholas Church is a Romanian Orthodox church dating back to medieval times, known as an architectural masterpiece which displays Gothic, baroque and Byzantine influences. Braşov is also the home of the First Romanian School Museum, a centre of education since the 16th century with a wonderful collection of antique books.

  • Sighişoara
    Panoramic view over the medieval fortress Sighisoara city Transylvania Romania

    A medieval maze of alleyways, lined with historic cafés, colourful merchants houses and glittering spires, form the UNESCO-listed heart of stunning Sighişoara. Its ancient citadel is surrounded by battlements and fortifications, and lurking beneath this show of splendour is the bloodthirsty story of Vlad the Impaler, alleged to have been born here.

  • Peleş Castle
    Peles castle Sinaia Romania

    A masterpiece of neo-Renaissance architecture, the sculpted spires of Peleş Castle bask against a beautiful backdrop of frosty mountains and emerald forests. The former summer residence of the Romanian royals, this castle dates back to the 19th century and its interior is filled with exquisite furnishings, elaborate weapons and skilled wood-carvings.

  • Hărman & Prejmer Fortified Churches

    The Saxon Church of Hărman is a fascinating fortified church, with two of its three concentric walls remaining and seven towers. Inside the Romanesque basilica, spectacular frescoes are a highlight. Close by, the church of Prejmer is also fortified and is quite spectacular. UNESCO listed, it has a dramatic vaulted gallery and portcullis at its entrance and there is an interesting alterpiece inside.

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