4 Days Medieval Cities of Romania

Step back into the history and discover Romania's best preserved castles, medieval cities and fortified churches.

Day 1

It's time for the hotel pick-up that will start our journey!

To get a great memory from Romania, no tourist should miss Peles Castle. This unforgettable Neo-Renaissance castle with Gothic, Baroque and Saxon influences is a true landmark in the country within a peaceful landscape, surrounded by Carpathian Mountains. Be sure you visit the back gardens and take a closer look at the detailed construction which began in 1873, under the ruling of Carol the 1st. Step inside to enter a world of royalty, luxurious decorated rooms and but also a genuine feeling of warmth.

Surrounded in mystery, we like to leave each visitor decide what more attracts him or her towards this castle: the legend of Count Dracula associated with Vlad the Impaler or the spectacular building and setting of the castle which unfold before one's eye. In a both situations, a feeling of fascination arises and it goes back since 1377, since the castle started to being built on a 60m cliff, from a mix of stone and wood. As you can imagine, its role was military, commercial but it is also interesting, as during early 1920s, it was the Summer residence of Queen Mary, who left an important print in the decoration of the castle.

At 8 km away from Bran, between the popular villages, Moeciu de Sus and Moeciu de Jos, there are Cheile Gradistei, where we will be heading for lunch, to be surrounded by wonderful views and lots of fresh air.

After lunch, we will head to Brasov, one of Romania's most beautiful cities, where we will have dinner and sleep overnight.

Day 2

Get ready to visit medieval sites in Brasov, from towers and fortification walls, the largest Gothic Church in South Eastern Europe, the Black Church and enjoy walks along narrow streets filled with Saxon architecture. Among them, Rope Street is a must, the narrowest in Europe has a varying width between 111 and 135 cm. We will not miss the heart of the city, with the City Council, Piata Sfatului and lots of chic cafes and restaurants.

One of Romania's most popular expression, which best describes the Saxon village Viscri, is that time had stopped here.The village became famous in the last decade,being included in the UNESCO World Heritage and as well as being well promoted by Charles, the Prince of Wales. Walk along the large streets of the village, being surrounded by massive gates and brightly coloured houses, visit the fortified church and during warm season, enjoy a homemade glass of socata (elderflower juice).

We will stop for lunch and a well deserved break in Sighisoara. The city is the only living citadel in Europe and will impress you through its narrow streets and old houses.

Turda Salt Mine was considered by Business Insider Magazine, as one of the coolest underground location. The salt mine is now a recreation center but also an underground museum. If you are especially interested in halotherapy, this location is one of the best places to take deep breaths.

Our stop for the day will be Cluj, where we will have dinner and rest overnight

Day 3

Cluj is Romania's second largest city and has rapidly become the place of music festivals and important football matches. In few words, a vibrant city. We will explore it for a couple of hours, starting from Piata Unirii Square and St. Michael's Catholic church, which displays Transylvania's tallest church tower, to the Art and Pharmaceutical Museums.

Continuing our tour with Alba Iulia which is a great preserved and the largest citadel in Romania. It is of course, associated with the Great Union, in 1918. For the city tour, we will visit the impressive fortifications of and the Roman ruins.

The stop for the day will be Sibiu, where we will also dine. Just like a rundown of a movie, you will be amazed by the rural scenery in a unique carriage ride, to forever remember.

Day 4

Back in 2007, Sibiu was named the cultural capital of Europe and needless to say, it bloomed in the entire world. The opportunity to show its authenticity gave the visitors the certainty that it is a must travel destination. You will be amazed by the medieval walls, the cobbled streets and the large squares surrounded by historical monuments but also welcoming cafes and restaurants, where you can enjoy traditional Romanian food.

On the way back and depending on weather conditions, we can drive on what Jeremy Clarkson, the TOP GEAR presenter, called "the best road in the world" Transfagarasan.