Beyond myths and legends, Dracula and blood sucking vampires, Transylvania is without doubt one of Europe’s best hidden secrets. We invite you to embark on a journey into a fairy tale world filled with medieval cities and castles, friendly people and unspoiled nature, where wolves and bears still rule over the forests of the Carpathian Mountains.

1. Cluj – Alma Vii – Sighisoara - Crit

Departing from Cluj, we will travel towards Southern Transylvania and after about 2 hours, will leave the main road behind and on a narrow path, with so good as no traffic at all and arrive in Alma Vii. It is one of Romania’s best kept secrets, a village built by German colonists over 800 years ago, with small and lively colored houses and also a superb fortified church, restored in the past 10 years with generous founding from the US-ambassy in Bucharest. After the visit, we will be spoiled by members of the local community with some delicious, seasonal specialties.

Departing from Alma Vii, we will drive to Sighişoara. It is considered to be the most beautiful medieval site in Romania and the city’s historical center has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List for many years now. The two gothic churches, the narrow streets and old craftsmen houses preserve an old, medieval atmosphere. It is said that Count Dracula was born in one of these houses – how much of it is true, we can only find out by visiting this lovely little city.

Later in the afternoon, we will arrive in the small village of Crit, where a lovely family awaits. We will be once again spoiled with delicious specialties and sleep in a small pension.

2. Crit – Viscri – Bran - Brasov:

In the morning we will enjoy a breakfast filled with delicious homemade dishes and depart towards Viscri. The village became famous due to the involvement of several charitable foundations in the preservation of the local culture and historical heritage of the area. One of these foundations, the Mihai Eminescu Trust is under the patronage of King Charles the 5th. The highlight of the village is for sure the fortified church, dating back to the 12th century, which was later enlarged with big walls and towers to protect the villagers from invading enemies. Nowadays, the old towers have been turned into an interesting museum. All restoration works were carried out with local labor and materials. Join us on a horse carriage ride through the most beautiful village ensemble in Transylvania, to visit the fortified church and take a journey into an almost forgotten world… We will also visit the local blacksmith and have a 100% private demonstration.

In the evening we will arrive in Bran, Romania’s most famous site… Erected between the 12th and 14th century it became famous as Dracula’s castle. How much of this legend is really true, one can only find out while visiting the castle during a private tour.

Dinner and accommodation are planned in Brasov.

3. Brasov – Zarnesti – Sibiu - Cluj:

In the morning we will depart from Brasov and drive towards the mountains. In a forest, close to the city of Zarnesti, we will discover one of Romania’s most important and interesting wildlife projects: Liberty Bear Sanctuary. Built by an NGO with help from the local community, it has become a new home for abused large carnivores (mainly Carpathian brown bears), who were living miserable lives in zoos, circuses or simply kept in small cages near touristic attractions... They now live in over 100 square hectares of Carpathian forests in similar conditions to the ones they would have in the wild. We will get the chance to visit the Liberty Bear Sanctuary and find out more about these magnificent creatures and maybe meet the founders of this exciting project...

Departing from Zarnesti, we will drive towards Sibiu. It was the 2007 European Capital of Culture and is considered to be one of Romania’s most beautiful cities. Join us in the discovery of the three main squares, with the patrician palaces, the guilds residences and the craftsmen workshops, the medieval fortification walls and defensive towers, of which many have survived intact until today or just relax with a glass of fine Transylvanian wine.

In the evening, we will return to Cluj.

Dates: 9th-11th of September

Price: 499 euro – price based on double occupancy. For single room occupancy, an extra 75 euro/person will be added

Included services:

- 1 night accommodation in a traditional pension in Crit, including breakfast

- 1 night accommodation in a 3* hotel in Brasov, including breakfast and dinner

- 1 x dinner in a gourmet Transylvanian restaurant in Brasov

- 1 x dinner with local specialties in Crit

- 1 x lunch with specialties in Alma Vii

- English speaking guide throughout the whole tour

- Transportation in modern van with AC

- All entrance tickets as described in the program

- Visit and live demonstration at the local blacksmith in Viscri

- Horse wagon ride in Viscri

- Private tour of Bran castle

Booking conditions:

- 30% advance payment (you will receive a payment link after completing the booking)

- Rest of the payment will be made 30 days prior to the beginning of the tour

Cancellation policy:

- 31 days prior to the start 100% refund

- 20-30 days prior to the start: 70% refund

- 10-19 days prior to start: 40% refund

- 10 days or less prior to start: 10% refund