8 Days of Countryside in Transylvania

Meet your English speaking guide. Panoramic tour, including the Romanian capital’s highlights: Parliament Palace, Revolution Square, Romanian Athenaeum, Royal Palace, Arch of Triumph, Victoriei Avenue, etc. Visit the Parliament Palace, built 1984 - 1989, the second largest building in the world, after Pentagon, with unique marble decorations, wooded sculptures made of rare essence, also. Former house of Ceausescu, this building is impressive at first only by figures : 270 meters by 240, 86 meters high, 1100 pieces and 12 floors. Ceausescu wiped a big portion of the surrounding district in order to build this palace. It’s without a doubt that the interior surprises more than the outside : the Transylvanian marble that covers kms of walls, each and every piece is adorned. Walking tour in the old city centre, on the small streets that remind us of Paris. Wine tasting in a local wine bar. After the wine tasting, we invite you to try the Romanian cuisine, having a dinner in the most famous and traditional restaurant from this country. Overnight in Bucharest.

After breakfast, drive to Sinaia, named the Pearl of the Carpathians. Visit one of the most important tourist attractions of the country: Peles Castle, the former royal residence of King Charles I of Romania. Transfer to Azuga resort and visit Rhein Wine Cellar. The Rhein Wine Cellars date from 1892, and used to be the wine supplier of the Romanian royal family. They are also the oldest cellars where the Champaign method sparkling wine is produced continuously ever since the cellars settlement. We will visit the cellar and we will have a wine tasting, followed by a traditional lunch. Drive to Bran admire the famous medieval castle built as a fortress - The "Dracula's" Castle – for the citizens of Brasov with view to defence the city. Prince Vlad used the Castle as a general headquarters during his incursions in Transylvania . For many years, it has been an interesting medieval art museum. Surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend and perched high atop a 200-foot-high rock, Bran Castle was built on the site of a Teutonic Knights stronghold dating from 1212 and it was first documented in an act issued by Louis I of Hungary on November 19, 1377, giving the Saxons of Kronstadt (Brasov) the privilege to build the Citadel. Then, we can visit an alcohol distillery, where the most famous Transylvanian spirit is made: we will see how it is made, we will learn more about different kinds of alcohol obtained from fermented fruits, and of course, we can try it. But be aware, palinka is really strong ( stronger than whiskey or vodka). Arrival in Brasov. Overnight in Brasov.

Walking tour through the old town centre, including the Black Church, the Council Square, the Hirche House, the baroque style buildings from the Austro-Hungarian times. Visit the Black Church, the largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul. Traditional lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, we travel to Land of Fagaras, a land full of Romanian history and tradition, which lies around Fagaras Mountains. Stop in Ohaba village at” Moara cu Noroc” (Lucky Mill), a place detached from a fairytale, where we visit a mill that uses the power of water, the only one that stayed in operation in those places where locals are still processing their grains by traditional method. Find out the fantastic stories of wheat grinding from the mill owner. The family is maintaining the water-powered mechanism for many generations, so they are the best to tell the secrets of this place. Passing by Lisa village where we will admire a family household, located in a beautiful mountain area, with a facility that processes thick wool fabric, using hydraulic power and which is the family business for over 100 years, being transmitted from father to son and which reached its fifth generation. Drive back to Brasov. Dinner in a local restaurant where you will try Hungarian cuisine. Overnight in Brasov.

Drive to Viscri. Visit Viscri Fortified Church witch is one of a series of UNESCO-listed historic churches in Romania. It is first mentioned in a 16th century accounts book of the bishopric of the county of Rupea. The village of Viscri is famous for the fact that Prince Charles has bought 2 properties here. The Prince of Wales has bought and renovated properties to help protect the unique way of life that has existed for hundreds of years through the promotion of sustainable tourism. Carriage ride in the village to admire this romantic location. Homemade lunch with bio products in a family run guesthouse. Drive to Sighisoara, the best preserved medieval citadel in Europe. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this perfectly intact 16th century gem with nine towers, cobbled streets, burgher houses and ornate churches rivals the historic streets of Old Prague or Vienna for atmospheric magic. It is also the birthplace of Vlad Dracula, also known as Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler), ruler of the province of Walachia from 1456 to 1462. It was he who inspired Bram Stoker's fictional creation, Count Dracula. His house is just one of the many attractions here. Others include the Church on the Hill with its 500-year-old frescoes, the Clock Tower with its weapons museum, the 13th century Venetian House and the Church of the Dominican Monastery, known for its Transylvanian renaissance carved altarpiece, baroque pulpit, Oriental carpets and 17th century organ. Overnight in Sighisoara.

Drive to Biertan to visit its impressive Gothic fortified church (UNESCO heritage). Drive to Sibiel, an unique village that has received Golden Apple prize. We discover the village and visit the Icons glass Museum. Take your time to walk and to see the traditional way of living in Romania. Lunch in a local family home including meat and cabbage rolls cooking demonstration. You will have the unique chance to learn more about the local traditions in Romania and to discover the old ways of cooking. Proceed to Sibiu, a city in Transylvania, central Romania. It’s known for the Germanic architecture in its old town, the legacy of 12th-century Saxon settlers. It was awarded in 2007 with the title of European Capital of Culture. Around the city are the remains of medieval walls and towers, including the 13th-century Council Tower. Overnight in Sibiu.

Today, we will travel south, returning to Bucharest. Drive along the picturesque Olt Valley to Cozia, on the gorges of the river Olt. Visit the 16th century church Cozia built by Vlad Dracula’s grandfather, Mircea the Old, on the shore of the river. We continue to Dragasani, an area famous for its wine. Visit a local cellar and enjoy a wine tasting. You will also discover the Wine Museum in Dragasani. Drive to Bucharest. Farewell dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Bucharest.

Transfer to Bucharest airport. End of our services.