Often overlooked by the masses, Romania is a country of incredible natural beauty and deep-rooted traditional culture. Transylvania is best known for misty mountains, medieval towns, and its ties to the Dracula myth. Dracula’s Castle is a major highlight—perched high on a cliff, it captures the imagination of visitors with its eerie charm. We’ll explore this magical land of castles, and old-world villages in one of Europe’s most underrated destinations.
Thursday- Saturday May 14-16: Arrive in Bucharest May 15 on an overnight flight from the US (depart US on May 14). A driver will transfer you to the hotel from the airport.
Our hotel for the next two evenings is a 5-star boutique gem nestled in a quiet lane near Cişmigiu Garden—a serene escape in the heart of the city.
Bucharest has style – a lot of it. The city is an unusual mix of Art Deco and Nouveau hotels, monolithic Communist monuments, Gothic churches, trendy “garden bars” and romantic lakeside terraces. This afternoon, we’ll explore the city in a cultural food tour.
Sunday May 17: Today, we venture a few hours north. Our first stop is to visit and tour Peles Castle, one of the most stunning and iconic landmarks in Romania, located in the picturesque Carpathian Mountains. Built between 1873 and 1914, it was commissioned by King Carol I as a summer residence and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful castles in Europe.
We will visit a wine estate dating back to 1892, known for sparkling wine made using the traditional Champagne method (a second fermentation in the bottle), and once served to the Romanian Royal Court.
An hour away is Brasov, with its cobbled streets, colorful Baroque buildings, and fortified walls, a step back in time.
Set in a beautifully restored Art Nouveau building with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and Brasov Fortress from the rooftop patio.
Monday, May 18: Hot Air Ballooning in Transylvania offers a magical perspective on Romania’s storybook landscapes—rolling hills, medieval villages, and misty forests stretch as far as the eye can see. Our flight will take place at sunrise, when the light is golden and the winds are calm, creating a serene, dreamlike experience. Breakfast will be served following our ride.
After our morning excursion, rest at the hotel and explore Brasov.
Tuesday, May 19: This afternoon, we’ll visit Râșnov, a small, picturesque town in Transylvania, just 20 minutes from Brașov, best known for Râșnov Citadel, a 13th-century fortress built by the Teutonic Knights to protect against invasions. Perched on a rocky hill, it offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding valley.
Positioned high above a forested valley, Bran Castle (AKA Dracula’s Castle) seems torn from a page of a storybook. A five course dinner will be served before we begin an after hour tour of the castle in the dark with headlamps!
Wednesday, May 20: Today, we drive through the scenic heart of Transylvania. Tucked into the rolling hills of Transylvania, Viscri is one of Romania’s most charming and well-preserved Saxon villages. We’ll stop for lunch and a visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a rare glimpse into traditional village life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns, Sighișoara enchants with its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and hilltop citadel. Birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (the inspiration for Dracula), the town offers rich history, including the iconic Clock Tower, the Church on the Hill, and charming artisan shops. A walkable and atmospheric stop, perfect for history lovers and photographers alike.
An hour away is our lodging for the next two evenings; one of the first renovated castles from Transylvania that reflected the elegance of the past. The castle was built in the 17th century in Baroque style and has 13 guest rooms.
Thursday, May 21: Relax at the hotel this morning. In the afternoon, we will head to a local winery. Romania is the fifth largest wine producer in Europe; in fact, winemaking has been part of the country’s identity for more than 6,000 years.
Friday, May 22: After check out, we will drive an hour and half to a historic salt mine transformed into one of the world’s most unique underground attractions. Situated approximately 394 feet beneath the Earth’s surface, this subterranean marvel offers a blend of history, science, and entertainment including a ferris wheel and mini-golf.
After our visit, we will journey through the countryside to a place of complete peace and connection with nature. Our two night stay includes a panoramic deck to view all the beauty that the Transylvanian landscapes, mountains & nature can offer. Deer, foxes and even bears might be spotted. There’s a sauna and a cliff top Jacuzzi that is perfect for a sunset watch and a glass of champagne.
Saturday, May 23: Relax, hike, soak and enjoy a leisurely day!
Sunday, May 24: A driver will take us two hours to the Cluj-Napoca airport for our return flights home (flight departs at 1:50pm).
Cairn Travels 