Off the Beaten Path in Romania

Arrive in the capital city of Bucharest where you will be greeted by your local guides and swooped up for your journey onward to the charming Transylvanian city of Sibiu. Named the 2008 European Capital of Culture, immerse yourself in this enchanting town full of history and culture. Start your journey in the square of Piata Mare as you take a stroll down Strada Nicolae Balcescu and marvel at the intricate pastel buildings that are bound to leave you charmed. 

Cross over the historically famous Bridge of Lies — and make sure you stay honest while you’re on it!  That’s because legends say that the bridge knows when someone is lying and creaks when it detects a lie. The story stems from the bridge’s history as a place where liars punished by being thrown off. Wander the lower town and explore some of Sibiu’s old fortifications as you enjoy the oldest area of the city where peasants and merchants called home. Catch the sunset from the Council Tower for breathtaking views overlooking the entire city, making for a picture worthy spot.

Rise early for a delicious breakfast and catch the sunrise from the tower of the majestic Orthodox Cathedral, catching incredible panoramic views of the city. Depart Sibiu and head to the town considered the spiritual capital of Romania, Alba Iulia! Pay a visit to the 18th-century Alba Carolina fortress through one of its seven grand gates. Before departing Alba Iulia, head over to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the fortified church of Calnic and explore this historical monument. 

Before reaching your final stop in Cluj, take a quick detour to the city of Turda to visit the coolest underground place on Earth known as the Turda Salt Mine! Don’t be fooled by the name, because this epic, UFO-shaped underground amusement park is actually a former salt mine. Head 400 feet underground and uncover the ancient history of the circa 50 BC salt mine. Get your game on with options to play mini golf, basketball, ping pong, or handball. After this underground adventure, continue your journey to the final stop to the dynamic city of Cluj. Go back into medieval towns as you wander the walls of the old citadel on Potaissa Street and enjoy a traditional Romanian lunch. Continue wandering until you reach Union Square and visit the statue of Matthias Corvinus and the Saint Michael Church.

Enjoy an early breakfast before departing to the unique village of Săpânța and visiting the ever-so unconventional Merry Cemetery and explore the exquisitely painted crosses boasting messages from the deceased to the living. Ready to get out of the grave? Continue onwards to unique wooden region of Bârsana and discover the famous the Bârsana Monastery displaying incredibly designed traditional wooden churches.

Wake early for breakfast before departing Bârsana to your next stop to the village of Voroneț. Visit the hidden gem of the Sistine Chapel of the East and marvel at the beautifully and intricately painted church that depicts various religious themes inspired by local beliefs and art.

Get ready for today’s journey as you depart Voroneț and head to Sighișoara, with stops along the way in Piatra Neamț and Bicaz Gorges. Visit the impressive city of Piatra Neamț in the Moldova region and visit the Neolithic Art Museum and the Cucuteni Culture Museum boasting some of the most significant Neolithic collections in southeastern Europe. Continue on your journey to Sighișoara with another stop in the spectacular Bicaz Gorges to get a breath of fresh mountain air. Once you arrive in Dracula’s birthplace of Sighișoara, visit the most preserved medieval citadel in Europe and get lost in its enchanting streets.

Get an early start to your morning with breakfast and head over to the Clock Tower to visit the small history museum and unique scale model of Sighișoara. Next up, catch a sweet panoramic view of the city before departing to Brașov! Become acquainted with the iconic landmarks in Brașov as you head out on a guided walking tour. Start your excursion in the medieval historic center of Piata Sfatului as you learn the unsettling history of public trials and executions that were held here in the Middle Ages. Visit the incredible Black Church that’s considered the largest Gothic church in Eastern Europe (hint: it’s not actually black!) Go wandering for one of the narrowest streets in all of Europe on Strada Sforii which is a mere 44 inches wide. 

End today’s voyage in Bran where you will see Dracula’s Castle. Learn the intriguing history of the castle that was never actually home to the famous vampire, but was instead owned by Queen Marie of Romania.

Spend the last day of your Romanian getaway in the mountain resort of Sinaia where you will visit the enchanting Peles & Pelisor Castles and prepare to be impressed by one of the most architecturally fascinating sites of Romania! Before departing, head over to the Sinaia Monastery, which dates back to the 1690s and where you can light a candle and admire the stunning oil paintings and ornate decorations.

Make your way back to the capital city of Bucharest and appreciate the vast contrast of 19th- and 20th-century influence among the Beaux-Arts-style palaces, churches, and palaces before catching your return flight home.