Transylvania is most frequently associated with the legend of Dracula. On this 10-day tour around the wooded region, you'll learn plenty about Bram Stoker's masterpiece as you visit Dracula's Castle and other key landmarks. But you'll also see what else Transylvania has to offer, from wineries and medieval cities to hiking trails and some of the most beautiful castles in all of Romania. Delve into the mysteries and charms of this fascinating place on this itinerary that also includes sightseeing in Bucharest at the start and end of the trip.

Highlights

  • Step inside the largest building in Europe (and the heaviest in the world)
  • Visit spectacular Peles Castle & Corvinilor Castle
  • Spend a day exploring Sibiu, one of Romania's most beautiful cities
  • Taste wines in an ancient cellar in the Romanian countryside
  • Go hiking in Seven Ladders Canyon
  • Step inside Dracula's Castle (Bran Castle) & see Dracula's birthplace

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Bucharest Bucharest
Day 2 Sightsee in Bucharest Bucharest
Day 3 Taste Wines & Visit Bellu Manor Museum Bucharest
Day 4 Tour Dracula’s Castle Brasov
Day 5 Explore Seven Ladders Canyon & Rupea Citadel Viscri
Day 6 Discover Medieval Viscri & Sighisoara Sighisoara
Day 7 Get to Know Sibiu Sibiu
Day 8 Day-trip to Corvin Castle & Alba Iulia Sibiu
Day 9 Return to Bucharest Bucharest
Day 10 Depart Romania - End of Trip  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bucharest

Romanian Atheneum
Romanian Atheneum

Welcome to Romania! Begin your trip in Bucharest, the capital. After settling into your hotel, take some time to explore this interesting and complex city. Make the most of your first day by taking a walk around the newly-preserved Old Town, enjoying a stroll through the city's oldest and most charming park, Cișmigiu Park, or enjoying the impressive National Museum of Art. Then take a coffee break in one of the many specialty cafés that have popped all over the city.

Day 2: Sightsee in Bucharest

Parliament palace
Palace of Parliament

Take a guided tour of Bucharest today. This city is best understood through the eyes of its locals, especially those who lived through its recent turbulent history. Take an alternative tour of the city to learn more about how the effects of Communism still linger, and how a younger generation is breathing new life into the city. Later, you'll visit the Palace of Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world (the Pentagon is the largest). Also known as the "House of People" in Communist times, it's the largest building in Europe and the heaviest in the world. 

Day 3: Taste Wines & Visit Bellu Manor Museum

Belu Mansion
Outside the Bellu Manor Museum

In the first part of the day, you will discover the Bellu Manor Museum, part of an architectural complex that dates to the second half of the 19th century. At the museum, rich collections of art, ethnography, rare books, furniture, and weapons from the 18th and 19th centuries are on display. In the afternoon, you'll explore the Romanian Wine Road. Stop for a tour and tasting at a winery where you'll visit the cellar and sample a few of the twenty varieties produced onsite. 

Day 4: Tour Dracula’s Castle

Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle

Your first stop today will be Peles Castle in the picturesque town of Sinaia. Peles Castle is a masterpiece, considered one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Your next stop, Bran Castle — the famous Dracula’s Castle — is situated between Bucegi Mountains and Piatra Craiului Mountains, surrounded by enchanting scenery. Take some time to explore this famous landmark. Then continue through Rucar-Bran Pass on your way to the medieval city of Brasov. You'll spend the night here. 

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Day 5: Explore Seven Ladders Canyon & Rupea Citadel

Shepard in Romania
A Romanian shepherd at work

After breakfast, you'll go on a short drive from Brasov to Seven Ladders Canyon (Canionul Șapte Scări in Romanian), a mountainous canyon carved by the Șapte Scări Brook south of the village of Dâmbul Morii. Go on a hiking excursion, enjoying mountain views and a picnic lunch. Then continue on to Rupea Citadel, a medieval fortress built by Transylvanian Saxons and first mentioned in a document that dates back to 1324. Have dinner and spend the evening in the traditional village of Viscri.

Day 6: Discover Medieval Viscri & Sighisoara

Viscri Fortified Church
Viscri Fortified Church

Sightsee today in Viscri, stopping to see the Saxon fortified church in the village. The name comes from
the German "Weisse Kirche," meaning "White Church." Viscri Fortified Church is one of many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Romania. Then continue to the exquisite medieval town of Sighisoara, a perfectly intact 15th-century gem with nine towers, narrow passageways, cobbled streets, and ornate churches. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sighisoara is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Tepes), known as Dracula.

In the evening, enjoy Sibiu, a cultural capital of Romania known for its medieval charm, culinary traditions, and beautiful natural landscapes. Enjoy some of the city's highlights, including the fortification system, the old city center, and several historic churches, during a long walk.

Day 7: Get to Know Sibiu

Sibiu

Looking down over Sibiu

Take the whole day to enjoy Sibiu, one of the most beautiful cities in Romania. Fortified walls, old houses from the 17th century, a central square bordered by an art museum and Town Hall, a bridge where lovers make vows for eternity – you will find all these here, and more! Wander around, take photos, stop in cafés, and simply appreciate the charm of this medieval gem.

Day 8: Day-trip to Corvin Castle & Alba Iulia

Corvin's Castle
Corvin Castle

Today you'll day-trip to Corvin Castle, arguably the most beautiful castle in Romania. Tall towers, a moat with a bridge over, and a series of stone chambers create a magical atmosphere. Your guide will tell you all about the castle’s history. After lunch, visit Alba Iulia, the so-called "White Citadel” that dates back to the Roman period. During a guided tour you will learn how it has changed over the years. In the evening, return to Sibiu for dinner and another overnight.

Day 9: Return to Bucharest

Bucharest's Old City
Say goodbye to Transylvania and drive back to the capital. The rest of the day is free to sightsee, relax, and enjoy a few more hours of wandering through Bucharest's streets and enjoying the city's many cafés, bars, museums, shops, and restaurants.  

Day 10: Depart Romania - End of Trip

Looking down over Transylvania

Today the trip comes to an end. You'll head to the airport to catch a flight out. Safe travels!

More Romania Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Romania? Check out these other Romania itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights. 

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