Things to do in

Alba Iulia

First, visit Corvin Castle, the spectacular Gothic-style castle where Dracula is said to be imprisoned, referred to by many as "one of the seven wonders of Romania". Learn about the historical importance of this medieval castle as you journey through its 3 main areas: the Knight's Hall, which was used for feasts, the Diet Hall, which was used for ceremonies, and the circular stairway. Marvel at these beautifully decorated marble halls and listen to tales and legends of Dracula and Vlad the Impaler. Next, head to Alba Carolina Fortress, the largest medieval citadel of its kind in Romania. Soak up the medieval atmosphere of this Vauban fortress and learn about its history from your English-speaking guide. After your tour of the fortress, get dropped off back at your hotel in Cluj-Napoca.

Spend four memorable days on this guided tour from Bucharest to the capital of Hungary, Budapest. Witness where Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture intersects. Haunt Dracula's castle. Enter the heart of Transylvania, Sighisoara. See the Alba Carolina Citadel, and so much more. Leave for Sinaia in the morning and find Peles Castle, one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Enter next into the Bran Castle, better known for the haunting tale of Dracula. Explore the lively city of Brasov afterward, with a guided walking tour. Set off to the ancient UNESCO heritage site of Sighisoara, where Vlad Dracula was born. Arrive in the evening in Sibiu, Romania's most fascinating medieval city. Be enchanted by its superlative palaces and magnificent squares. Visit the historical city of Alba Carolina, known for its picturesque views, the citadel, and its museums. Find the Gothic Corvin's Castle and take in lovely sights. End the day at Timisoara, named the European Capital of Culture in 2021. Leave Romania to reach the extraordinary Hungarian capital, Budapest, dropped-off right at your hotel in the surrounding area of the city.

After meeting your guide in front of the Iancu de Hunedoara statue, your journey into the past will begin. Walking through the Third Gate, a new world will open in front of your eyes. You will soon progress onward to the Catholic Cathedral, which is believed to be the oldest functional church in Romania. The Episcopal Palace and Princes's Palace next door will complete this scenic setting. Walking towards the Third Gate you will admire the majestic statue of Mihai Viteazul, who is known for being the Romanian king who was the first to complete the unification of the Transylvania, Wallachia, and Moldavia regions. Finally, the Monetariei Wall and the Losenau and Custozza Monuments will add a bit of renaissance spice into an area that is already a breathtaking place. Your night will end with the Monastery and the Church of the Jesuits order and one of the most important Orthodox Cathedrals, the Cathedral of Coronation.

Day 1 After getting picked up from your hotel in Cluj-Napoca, begin your journey towards the south of Transylvania. Spend the first half of the discovering the region's fortresses and castles. At your first stop of the day, Alba Carolina Fortress, learn more about the fortress' cleverly-designed defense mechanisms and architecture, as well as admiring its breathtaking beauty. Next, head to the Gothic masterpiece that is Corvin Castle. Wander through the castle's impressive Knight's Hall, which was used for feasts and banquets, the ceremony hall and the circular stairway.  Finish your day in Sibiu, the former European Union’s Cultural Capital and one of Transylvania's best-preserved cities. On a guided city tour, explore the Main Squares, as well as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Bridge of Lies. At the end of the tour, your guide will leave you at the hotel and you will be free to spend the rest of the day at your leisure.  Day 2 With yesterday's visits to Alba Carolina and Corvin Castle fresh in your mind, deepen your knowledge of Transylvanian fortresses with a visit to Biertan Fortified Church. Admire the impressive fortifications and defense mechanisms of this 13th-century fortress.  Next, head to the highlight of the day, Sighișoara, the only inhabited medieval fortress included in UNESCO World Heritage Centre, and home to real-life notorious ruler Vlad Tepes, also known as Dracula. Get dropped off at your preferred location in Cluj-Napoca at the end of the day.