We'll arrive in Bucharest, where history, legend, and lively urban life intertwine. Our orientation tour will take us through the Old Town, where cobbled streets echo with tales of merchants and revolutionaries. We'll step into the mysterious Princely Court (Curtea Veche), built by Vlad the Impaler himself—yes, the historical Dracula once ruled from here.
We'll admire the ornate Stavropoleos Monastery, a tiny gem of Brâncovenesc style, and stop for a panoramic view of the colossal Palace of Parliament.
Afterward, we'll check into our hotel and unwind before gathering for a welcome dinner featuring classic Romanian dishes, local wines, and a toast to the adventures ahead.
After breakfast, we'll leave Bucharest behind and travel into the hills of southern Romania. Along the way, we'll stop at Villa Vinea, a charming boutique wine venue in Curtea de Argeș, where we'll taste carefully selected Transylvanian whites and reds, savoring the flavors that express the region's sun-soaked terroir.
Later, we'll arrive at the iconic Curtea de Argeș Monastery, a masterpiece of stone craftsmanship and the final resting place of Romania's royal family. The monastery is wrapped in legend—most famously, the tale of Ana, the mason's wife, who was sacrificed and entombed within the walls to ensure the structure would stand. The blend of myth and royal history gives this place a unique and solemn beauty.
We'll check in to our local hotel, then enjoy a regional dinner.
Today, we'll enjoy a scenic drive through the Olt Valley, a beautiful route framed by mountains and rivers. Along the way, we'll stop at Cozia Monastery, a peaceful riverside retreat founded by Prince Mircea the Elder in the 14th century.
By afternoon, we'll arrive in Sibiu, one of Transylvania's most beautiful medieval towns. A walking tour will take us through the Great Square, lined with pastel townhouses and Gothic towers, and past the elegant Brukenthal Palace, now one of Romania's oldest art museums.
We'll enjoy a dinner of Transylvanian fare, rich with Saxon, Hungarian, and Romanian influences, before settling in for the night.
After breakfast, we'll head to Hunedoara to explore the dramatic Corvin Castle, one of Europe's greatest Gothic castles, complete with drawbridges, tall towers, and eerie legends. Said to be a former prison for Vlad the Impaler, it's a must-stop on Dracula's trail.
In the afternoon, we'll arrive at Alba Iulia, where we'll walk the vast star-shaped Vauban Citadel, an architectural marvel that played a key role in Romania's modern history.
We'll enjoy a relaxed wine tasting and dinner in a cozy cellar beneath the citadel walls, before retiring to our hotel nearby.
Today we'll head to Turda Salt Mine, a surreal underground wonder with massive chambers, an underground lake, and even a Ferris wheel—once a working mine, now a marvel of engineering and atmosphere. We'll enjoy lunch above ground before continuing our journey.
By afternoon, we'll arrive in Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania's largest city. We'll stroll through the Botanical Garden, then visit St. Michael's Church, one of the tallest Gothic structures in Romania.
After checking in, we'll enjoy a flavorful dinner of regional cuisine in a stylish local restaurant.
After breakfast, we'll stop in Bistrița, a city mentioned in Bram Stoker's Dracula as the place where Jonathan Harker begins his journey. Here, we'll take a short walk to the 13th-century Bistrița Fortress, once a vital part of the city's defense, offering a taste of real medieval atmosphere.
We'll then head to Sighișoara, one of Europe's best-preserved medieval citadels and the birthplace of Vlad Țepeș (Dracula). We'll explore the colorful clock tower, cobbled alleys, and hilltop churches before gathering for a folklore-themed dinner with music and regional dishes served in a centuries-old building.
Today we'll travel to the picture-perfect village of Viscri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its 12th-century fortified church and peaceful, rural charm. We'll visit craft workshops, where we'll watch local artisans spin wool, bake bread, and dye textiles using natural methods. Did you know that King Charles III owns a house in Viscri? We'll pass by it as we walk through the village.
In the afternoon, we'll arrive in Brașov, one of Transylvania's most beloved cities. Our guided walk will take us to the striking Black Church, the largest Gothic church in the region, and lively Council Square, ringed by medieval architecture.
Tonight's dinner in a traditional inn will be the perfect end to a rich and colorful day.
After breakfast, we'll visit the legendary Bran Castle, often called "Dracula's Castle" for its dramatic setting and connections to Vlad the Impaler. We'll explore its winding staircases, secret passages, and antique-filled rooms that evoke Gothic romance and mystery.
Next, we'll stop at Râșnov Fortress, a medieval hilltop citadel built to protect the region from invaders. After lunch, we'll continue to Sinaia, a serene mountain resort town.
We'll check in at our hotel and enjoy a cozy dinner surrounded by alpine beauty.
This morning, we'll visit the fairy-tale Peleș Castle, once the summer residence of Romanian royalty. With its timbered façade, carved interiors, and mountain setting, it's one of Europe's most enchanting palaces. We'll also explore nearby gardens and pathways.
After lunch, we'll make our way back to Bucharest, where we'll enjoy some free time—perhaps to explore local shops or visit the Village Museum, an open-air showcase of traditional homes from across the country.
On our final day together, we'll explore one last monument of epic proportions—the Palace of Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world and a symbol of Romania's communist-era ambition. With its grand halls, chandeliers, and marble staircases, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the country's more recent past.
After the visit, we'll return to the hotel for a relaxed lunch, followed by free time in the early afternoon. You may choose to stroll through Bucharest's parks, browse for local crafts and souvenirs, or perhaps stop by a café in the Old Town for a final taste of Romania's vibrant street life.
In the evening, we'll reunite for a farewell dinner, raising our glasses one last time to the legends, landscapes, and friendships we've discovered along the way. With stories of castles, citadels, and Dracula himself now etched into memory, we'll bid Romania a warm goodbye—or perhaps just a "see you next time."
