Haunted Romania: Bucharest & Transylvania - 8 Days

Day 1: Welcome to Bucharest!

Welcome to Romania! Upon arrival in Bucharest, you'll be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. Known as Bucuresti ("city of joy") to locals, the country's capital traces its roots back to a village along the Dambovita riverside trade route. Its long history has given it a diverse architectural scene, spanning from medieval and Ottoman to neo-classical, Communist, and modern buildings. Spend the remainder of the day resting and relaxing after your flight, or head out and start getting acquainted with the city at your own pace.  

Day 2: Dark Secrets of Bucharest Tour

This morning you'll join your guide for a complete tour of the capital, starting with a visit to the vast Parliament Palace, the second-largest building in the world. Next, explore the atmospheric Old Town to see imposing buildings from the royal period and the ruins of the old court of Vlad the Impaler—the original inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula.

In the afternoon, a long walk takes you through the atmospheric Belu Cemetery, where your guide will share the place's many haunted stories and point out the remarkable artwork of the intricate tombs.

Day 3: Haunted & Historic Castles Tour, Transfer to Brasov

Today you'll transfer north of Bucharest towards Transylvania, visiting three magnificent castles en route. Start in Câmpani (a two-hour drive from the capital) to tour the mysterious Iulia Hasdeu Castle. Considered one of the most haunted castles in Romania, this 19th-century folly was built by the Romanian intellectual Bogdan-Petriceicu Hasdeu after the death of his young daughter. Obsessed with the practice of spiritualism, Hasdeu was said to have designed the castle with guidance from the spirit realm. Locals tell stories about the strange sights and sounds that emanate from the towers at night, and a slew of unusual deaths are connected to the spot.

Next, you'll drive into the dark and forested Carpathian Mountains to the picturesque town of Sinaia—home to Peles Castle. One of the most stunning castles in Europe, this spectacular Neo-Renaissance palace served as the summer residence for the Romanian royal family. 

Another hour north takes you to the iconic Bran Castle, which served as Bram Stoker's inspiration for Dracula's Castle. In real life, the fairytale dwelling once belonged to Queen Marie of Romania, a granddaughter of England's Queen Victoria. From its dramatic clifftop position, you can enjoy sweeping views over the neighboring hills, the Moeciu Valley, and Valea Bârsei. 

In the evening you'll continue to the Transylvanian city of Brasov and get settled into your hotel. Founded in the 13th century by Teutonic Knights, Brasov boasts a rich Saxon, Hungarian, and Romanian heritage and is teeming with historic sites. Discover the city's imposing medieval fortifications, visit the bustling town square, and be amazed by the soaring Gothic architecture of the famous Black Church. For dinner, find a cozy restaurant to grab a traditional meal. Due to its Germanic Saxon roots, the city has a delicious mix of both German and Romanian cuisine.

Day 4: Tour the Sinca Veche Caves, Transfer to Sighișoara

Today's explorations start with a visit to the Sinca Veche Monastery, a mysterious series of underground caves carved over 7,000 years ago. Continue to the exquisite medieval town of Sighișoara, famous as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. Considered one of the best-preserved citadels in Europe, you'll travel back in time as you walk the narrow cobbled streets, towers, and passageways, lined with brightly-colored houses dating back to the 12th century. As evening falls, get settled into your hotel and head out to find a cozy spot for dinner.

Day 5: Explore Banffy Castle, Transfer to Cluj Napoca

Today you'll transfer north to visit Banffy Castle in Bontida. Famous today as the site of the annual Electric Castle music festival, its rich and haunted history reaches back to the 14th century. Known as the "Versailles of Romania" for its vast size and sweeping beauty, the castle was used as a hospital during the second world war—with soldiers still said to haunt the grounds at night.

In the afternoon, you'll continue with your guide to nearby Cluj Napoca. Often referred to as just Cluj, this unofficial capital of Romania's Transylvania region is a lively university city known for its vibrant nightlife, trendy coffeehouses, and landmarks dating back to Saxon and Hungarian settlements.

Enjoy walking around the city's central core, home to Piața Unirii where you'll find the Gothic-style St. Michael's Church and the statue of the 15th-century king, Matthias Corvinus. This is a common meeting point where the city hosts several festivals and markets throughout the year. Visit the Old Town to view the Assumption Cathedral, which was built in the 15th century. After dark, the fountain in front of the cathedral performs a light and music show. On the other side of the fountain is the Cluj-Napoca Romanian National Opera, a brightly-colored building with an impressive exterior and interior design.

In the evening, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the city's numerous bistros and restaurants, famed as some of the best in Romania. Then have a drink at a wine bar or pop into a club for a little dancing.

Day 6: Visit the Haunted Hoia-Baciu Forest, Transfer to Sibiu

Journey into the misty depths of Hoia-Baciu Forest this morning, considered one of the most haunted forests on earth. Famous for its eerie setting, twisted trees, and unexplained phenomenon, the woods have been a rich source of local folklore for centuries.  

Afterward, you'll head southwest to end the day in the medieval jewel of Sibiu. Fortified walls, historic 17th-century houses, a grand square framed by the Art Museum and Town Hall, and a bridge where lovers make vows for eternity—you'll find all these and more on an afternoon walk through the city. After getting settled at your hotel, enjoy some of Sibiu's famed local gastronomy at dinner.

Day 7: Cisnadioara Monastery & Carta Cistercian Abbey, Transfer to Bucharest

Start today's tour just outside Sibiu at the fortified church of Cisnadioara. Dating back to the late 12th century, this Romanesque monastery has a reputation as one of the most haunted churches in Transylvania, and you'll learn about the legends and mysteries that surround it as you explore its fortified walls and many fascinating graves.

Your next stop will be in Carta to discover the ruins of Romania's only remaining Cistercian abbey. Famous as the shooting location for the horror movie The Nun, this amazing historic (and reputedly haunted) relic is a must-see.    

In the afternoon, you'll bid Transylvania farewell and transfer back to Bucharest, where you can enjoy a celebratory final dinner in the capital's atmospheric Old Town.

Day 8: Depart Bucharest

Your adventure draws to a close today as you say your goodbyes to Romania and transfer to the airport for your departing flight. Safe travels!

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