Highlights
- Ride along dramatic mountain highways
- Tour the Horezu Monastery
- Visit ancient Saxon villages
- Explore Bran Castle
- Learn the myth of Vlad Tepes, the man who inspired Dracula
- Take a day-trip to colorful Sighisoara
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cluj-Napoca & Transfer to Turda | Turda |
| Day 2 | Ride to the Apuseni Mountains | Alba Iulia |
| Day 3 | Ride Along the Transalpina Highway | Maldaresti |
| Day 4 | Ride Along the Transfagarasan Highway | Carta |
| Day 5 | Tour Bran Castle & Viscri | Viscri |
| Day 6 | Day-Trip to Sighisoara | Cluj |
| Day 7 | Depart Cluj-Napoca |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cluj-Napoca & Transfer to Turda
Welcome to Romania! You'll land in the city of Cluj where a driver will be waiting to drive you to your hotel in Turda. Once you arrive and check in, you'll be able to relax in your room or venutre out and begin exploring Romania. If you'd like, you can go ahead and collect your motorcycles from the rental company.
Day 2: Ride to the Apuseni Mountains
Today, you will take your first ride to discover the Apuseni Mountains, so you'll need to collect your motorcycle. You will have the choice between taking an asphalt road or a longer route with 15 miles (25 km) of dirt road that will allow you to see some remote villages. The Apuseni Mountains reach heights of 6,066 feet (1849 meters), with about 400 caves and diverse flora and fauna.
If you're traveling in spring and summer, you'll glimpse the open meadows blanketed by millions of flowers, with many species that are now extinct in Western Europe. Because of the difficult access roads, many mountain villages have remained unchanged for centuries, and you'll see their old water mills and farm buildings with straw roofs. Tonight, you'll stay in a hotel in Alba Iulia.
Today's ride: 2 hours, 73 miles (119 km)
Day 3: Ride Along the Transalpina Highway
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today, you'll ride along the highest road in Romania, the Transalpina Highway. This dramatic winding road reaches heights of over 7,000 feet in the Carpathian Mountains.
You'll be treated to dramatic views of the mountains and valleys below before you begin your descent to reach the towering, whitewashed Horezu Monastery. Founded in 1690, this masterful complex contains the Church of Bolnita as well as the Hermitage of St. Stephen. The name of the monastery comes from the Romanian word huhurezi, which is a species of owl with colored feathers. According to legend, the builders could only work on the church during the night when these birds were singing, as they were afraid of attracting the attention of the Turkish soldiers during the day.
The town of Horezu is also known for its pottery, so make sure you visit with some local potters and purchase some pieces to take home. At the end of the day, you will arrive in Maldaresti and spend the night in an old manor house.
Today's ride: 3.75 hours, 150 miles (242 km)
Day 4: Ride Along the Transfagarasan Highway
This morning, you'll begin your ride along the Transfagarasan Highway, where you can visit the Princely Church of St. Nicholas, which was founded in 1352 and fully restored in 1750. It's also the resting place of the Romanian royal family. You can also see the magnificent ruins of Poenari Castle, the 15-century fortress inhabited by Vlad the Impaler, the Romanian historical figure who is the basis of the legend of Dracula. Climb its 1,480 stairs for some breathtaking views. You'll end today's ride in Carta.
Today's ride: 2.75 hours, 101 miles (164 km)
Day 5: Tour Bran Castle & Viscri
Today's ride will take you to perhaps the most famous site in all of Romania: Bran Castle, also known as Dracula Castle. You'll be pleasantly surprised to see the bright, whitewashed walls and warm wooden beams that dominate this lovingly preserved castle's interior. History buffs and horror fans alike won't want to miss a guided tour, where you can learn exactly how this Transylvanian fortress came to be associated with the most famous vampire story.
In the afternoon, you will visit the beautiful medieval city of Brasov before ending your day's ride in the village of Viscri.
Viscri is home to one of the most spectacular Saxon churches in the world, the Viscri Fortified Church. Take a walk through this large village complex that dates back to the 13th century before heading to your hotel for the night.
Today's ride: 1.5 hours, 46 miles (75 km)
Day 6: Day-Trip to Sighisoara
Today, you'll ride to Sighisoara, a 12th-century medieval citadel that's one of the best-preserved medieval towns in all of Europe. You'll have a full day to walk through the narrow cobbled streets, see its nine towers, colorful houses, and intricately decorated churches that can compete with the best historic streets of Prague or Vienna.
Sighisoara is also the birthplace of Vlad Tepes (known as Vlad the Impaler), who was the Prince of Wallachia from 1456 to 1462. Visit his home to learn about how he served as Bram Stoker's inspiration for the fictional Count Dracula. You can also see the Church on the Hill with its 500-year-old frescoes, and climb the stairs of the main clock tower, which has the most magnificent views of the city. At the end of the day, you'll ride back to Turda to return your bike. A private driver will then drive you to Cluj-Napoca for your last night in Romania.
Today's ride: 3 hours, 108 miles (174 km)
Day 7: Depart Cluj-Napoca
It's time to say goodbye to Romania! After a leisurely breakfast and one last stroll around Cluj-Napoca, a private driver will meet you at your hotel to take you to the airport.