Best of Transylvania
€ 258
per personDiscover timeless Transylvania: descend into the underground and see the million years old salt deposits, visit the 3 most remarkable Saxon towns, explore the 2 most famous medieval castles, learn about local historical figures that played a role in European history.
Ever since the Middle Ages, Transylvania became a multicultural, multilingual and multiconfessional territory. These features were the result of the massive population migration which characterized Transylvania’s medieval history as part of the Kingdom of Hungary.
Two of the major nations established in Transylvania at the time were the Szeklers and the Saxons. Their considerable influence upon social administration, arts and culture, religion, agriculture and lifestyle is what differentiates Transylvania from the other regions in nowadays Romania.
This tour of Transylvania focuses on the Romanian and Saxon heritage, revealing medieval and modern aspects, and nevertheless, perspectives upon the make-believe story of ‘Count Dracula’.
Travel details
Destination
Transylvania
Start / End
Cluj-Napoca
Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Departure time
for private tours: any day of the week; for shared tours every Wednesday (April to October)
Service
guided
Seasonality
all year long
Tour type
discover
Dress code
for Turda salt mine: non slippery-shoes & appropriate warm clothing recommended (the constant temperature inside the salt mine is 10-12° C).
Visits
Turda salt mine; Alba Carolina fortress; Corvin Castle; Sibiu city center; Bran Castle; Brasov city center; Viscri fortified church (UNESCO); Sighisoara fortress (UNESCO)
Distance
about 770 km / 478 mi
Car transfer duration
see daily details in Tour Plan
Physical activity level
this tour involves moderate walking (2-3 hours). The terrain varies, from paved surfaces to uneven & grassy ground, cobblestones and city hills. Be prepared to descend & climb stairs. There will be between 300 to 500 steps (most of them without a handrail) every day; some of them can be avoided. Periods of standing during city walks or sightseeing stops are also common.
Notes
throughout the itinerary, participants are expected to manage their personal hand luggage independently. Please ensure your luggage is light and easy to handle for a smooth and comfortable travel experience.
Tour Plan
Day 1: Mining & monarchy – on the footsteps of Hunyad family
Begin your day with an 8:30 am departure from Cluj and journey into history and culture. Your adventure starts with an extraordinary underground exploration of the ancient Turda salt mine. Discover the captivating history of salt formation in Transylvania and its vital role in shaping the region’s development. Learn about the historical mining techniques used over the centuries while exploring key landmarks within the Turda Salt Mine, including the Franz Joseph Gallery, Joseph Mine Balcony, the Extraction Shaft Room, the Winch Room, the Call Room, and the iconic Rudolf and Terezia Mines. Top off your adventure with an unforgettable boat ride on an underground lake, a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you in awe.
*It is not recommended to visit the salt mine if you have heart, lungs, digestive and other health conditions. You can check them all here.
Next, head to Alba Iulia and uncover the fascinating stories of Alba Carolina Vauban Fortress. From the ancient Roman presence to the Hungarian royals, and the historic union of Transylvania with Romania, this site is rich in tales of the past.
After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, continue your journey to Hunedoara, home to the legendary Corvin Castle (Hunyad Castle). This Gothic masterpiece, once belonging to the illustrious Hunyad family, offers captivating stories about King Matthias the Just and his father, John Hunyad, medieval warfare and royal life.
End your day in Sibiu, a stunning medieval fortified town known for its vibrant culture. As the 2007 European Capital of Culture, Sibiu boasts rich history, charming streets, and exquisite local cuisine. Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant and relax overnight at a 3-star hotel.
Car transfers: approx. 4h, ~320 km / 199 mi
(no meals included)
Day 2: Southern Transylvania & the Saxons heritage
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Sibiu, a city rich in medieval charm. Discover its four historic fortifications, walk across the iconic Liar’s Bridge, and explore the vibrant Small and Big Squares that reflect the city’s cultural heritage.
Depart for Brasov, traveling alongside the stunning Carpathian Mountains. Pause for lunch at a local restaurant along the way.
Arrive in Bran to visit the legendary Bran Castle, often associated with the Dracula myth. Perched on a cliff, this medieval fortress, later modernized in the early 20th century, is among Romania’s top attractions. Uncover the truth behind its connection, if any, to the infamous character of Dracula.
Continue to the city of Brasov, once a Saxon stronghold known as Kronstadt in German and briefly renamed Stalin during the communist era. Explore the impressive Black Church, home to Europe’s largest collection of Ottoman carpets, and take in the sights of its medieval towers and bastions.
Conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant and an overnight stay at a 3-star hotel.
Car transfers: approx. 3h, ~175 km / 109 mi
(breakfast included; lunch & dinner not included)
Day 3: Of medieval princes & modern kings
Begin your day with breakfast before departing for Viscri, a picturesque Saxon village that stands as a model of preservation and tradition. Renowned as one of the best-preserved Saxon villages in Transylvania, Viscri offers a glimpse into a vibrant community where traditional rural businesses thrive amidst modern challenges. Notably, HRH King Charles III of United Kingdom owns a traditional Saxon house here, highlighting its cultural significance. During your visit, meet the local blacksmith (if available) and explore the 13th-century fortified church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Faced with constant threats and invasions throughout history, the Saxons adapted their places of worship into defensive strongholds, combining their faith with ingenuity to protect their communities.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on your journey.
Conclude your adventure with a visit to the medieval fortress of Sighisoara, one of the few still-inhabited fortresses in Europe. Surrounded by nine of its original fourteen defense towers, the fortress features stunning medieval architecture and captivating legends, including the tale of Vlad the Impaler, famously known as Dracula, who is supposed to have been born here.
Return to Cluj in the late afternoon, marking the end of your memorable tour.
Car transfers: approx. 4h, ~275 km / 171 mi
(breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included)
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Included:
Not included:
PRIVATE TOUR
from 258 EUR
SHARED TOUR
397 EUR
Prices shown are standard rates for pre-designed tours. D
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All prices are per person, based on 7 participants. For larger groups, please request a quote.