Explore Transylvania
Your Guided Adventure Holiday Transylvania
On our Romanian guided group adventure holiday Romania, uncover the region steeped in history. The name “Transylvania” may instantly conjure images of spooky castles, swarms of bats and bloodthirsty vampires, but the dark past that has inspired this picture is just one of the many reasons to visit this fascinating and beautiful region of central Romania. On this 5-night small group adventure holiday to Transylvania, we’ll explore the real Transylvania, as we visit the historic towns of Sighisoara, Viscri & Brasov, hike through incredible natural rock formations, stop at Dracula’s Castle, and even come face to face with some rescued bears! We’ll stay in colourful local hotels and spend one night getting to know a Romanian family in a traditional homestay, before ending our journey with a night in the cool and modern capital of Bucharest. Join us on this unforgettable holiday to Transylvania to discover how bewitching it can truly be.
Holidays to Transylvania from Ireland
Our holidays to Transylvania from Ireland depart from Dublin airport. Flights and transfers, accommodation and tours with a local guide are all included, so get ready for your next adventure.
Trip Itinerary
Activity Level: Active
Day
Travel to Cluj, Romania
Travel to Transylvania
Let's get ready for our adventure in one of Europe's last remaining hidden corners of Transylvania, Romania. Let's depart Dublin for our flight to Cluj. On arrival in Cluj International Airport, we will be met by our local representative who will escort our group to the coach. we will then travel with our local guide to our hotel in Cluj. Approximate transfer time: 30 minutes
Accommodation
4 star hotel in Cluj (1 night)
Sighisoara & Viscri
Explore Sighisoara
This morning, let's after checking out of our hotel, we will depart by coach to explore more of Transylvania. our first stop will be Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, where we will discover this unique city on a guided walking tour. The well-preserved medieval citadel of Sighisoara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During our walking tour, we will wander through the cobbled streets and discover the town’s highlights, which include the Church on the Hill and the impressive Clock Tower, dating all the way back to the 13th century. Each day a different wooden figure emerges from the belfry on the stroke of midnight, and a drummer strikes every hour. There will also be some free time to explore the citadel independently.
Visit Viscri & Overnight in a local homestay
In the afternoon, we will depart Sighisoara by coach and transfer to the famous Saxon village of Viscri. This traditional village is one of the oldest in all of Transylvania and is sure to delight. Viscri became famous for the traditional houses that King Charles bought, restored, and converted into guesthouses for tourists. Join us today for an afternoon walking tour of Viscri, taking in the atmosphere of this quaint and unique town. During our tour, we will visit the well-known fortified church (entrance included) which, along with the surrounding village, is another one of Transylvania’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We will spend the night at a traditional homestay and enjoy a meal, prepared by your host from local ingredients, in a 19th Century barn.
Accommodation
Homestay in Viscri (1 night)
Brasov
Uncover Brasov
After breakfast we say goodbye to our homestay and depart by coach for charming Brasov, a medieval town surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. With its ornate churches, Saxon townhouses, lively cafés and impressive Baroque square, Brasov makes the perfect base for our next two nights in Transylvania. After arriving in Brasov, we will have a short orientation tour with our local guide before enjoying free time to uncover the city at our own pace. You can choose to wander the cobbled streets or independently visit some of the city’s best sights, the choice is entirely yours. The 15th century Town Hall, with its quaint Trumpeter’s Tower, the Lutheran Black Church or the Orthodox St. Nicholas’ Cathedral are all good options. There is also the option to take a cable car ride up Mount Tampa for an aerial view over the city below.
Accommodation
3 star hotel in Brasov (2 nights)
Libearty Bear Sanctuary & Bran Castle
Libearty Bear Sanctuary
Come with us this morning to the Libearty Bear Sanctuary, which occupies a 160-acre site in an oak and hazel forest in the Carpathian Mountains, close to the town of Zarnesti. It is home to over 100 bears, which are enjoying a new life following their rescue from the entertainment industry in Romania and other Balkan countries. The sanctuary was founded to rescue distressed bears, which were being held captive in small, rusted cages at restaurants and petrol stations throughout the city. It was also set up in the hope of changing the public’s attitude towards the exploitation of bears. During our visit to the sanctuary, we will be able to see the bears as they free climb the trees, swim in the pools and forage the vegetation. The sanctuary has given hope of a better life to these once-captive bears and is a symbol of optimism for the protection of Romania’s rich natural environment.
Guided tour of Bran Castle
In the afternoon, let’s explore one of Transylvania’s most iconic landmarks. A large and imposing complex, Bran Castle certainly lives up to the Gothic fairytale image that Bram Stoker’s famous novel Dracula evokes (entrance included). Bran Castle is a medieval fortress, situated on the edge of Bran Gorge, dating back to the 13th century. Today the castle is open to the public and houses a display of art and furniture collected by Queen Marie during the fortress’ time as a royal residence between 1920 and 1948.
Accommodation
3 star hotel in Brasov (2 nights)
Bucegi Mountain Walk & Bucharest
Hike on Bucegi mountain plateau
This morning, we will depart by coach transfer from Brasov to Busteni. Here we will take a cable car ride up to Babele, famous for its mushroom shaped rock formations, with our local expert mountain guide. Babele is located at 2000m above sea level and so conditions may be cold at this elevation. It is not unusual to encounter snow throughout the year. From Babele, we will embark on a 7.5km guided walk along the Bucegi Plateau to Sinaia, known as the “Pearl of the Carpathians” due to its magnificent mountain scenery and Royal Castle.
The hike will take approximately 3 hours in total and involves walking over a combination of flat and rocky terrain, as well as some inclines and declines. It is essential that suitable clothing is worn for this hike, and it is extremely important that you have strong sturdy footwear such as walking boots, along with a backpack, and warm layers. You should also have suitable fitness levels to partake in this activity. This hike is graded as moderately difficult. A packed lunch will be included for us to enjoy as a picnic along the Plateau. Depending on weather conditions, our local expert mountain guide may alter the route of this hike. Any changes made to the hike locally are always made with the best intention of the group’s wellbeing.
Visit Peles Castle
Following our morning hike, let's visit Peles Castle, a large royal palace set in a landscaped park. It was built in the late 19th century for Romania’s first monarch, King Carol I, and took 39 years to complete. From the outside it resembles a Bavarian Schloss, in the German Renaissance style, with a host of turrets. It has over 100 rooms richly decorated in ebony, mother of pearl and leather, and each room is styled on a particular country. There are over 800 stained glass windows in the building, while its rooms are full of Renaissance armour and weapons, Murano chandeliers and Persian carpets.
Farewell meal in Bucharest
Afterwards continue to Bucharest, where we will spend our final night in Romania.
Let's get together for a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
Accommodation
4 start hotel in Bucharest (1 night)
Bucharest City Tour & Depart for Home
Return Home from Transylvania
On our final day in Transylvania, let's discover the historic and fascinating city of Bucharest on a walking tour. After let's see more on a panoramic city tour by coach, with some photo stops along the way before departing for Bucharest Airport for your return flight. (Please note: any city tour will be dependent on flight times)
* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.
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Know before you go
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.