Start the day by crossing the Carpathian Mountains on the best road in the world, as declared on the show Top Gear. Marvel at breathtaking views driving up the twisting road to the Alpine Lake Balea. Our stops include Curtea de Arges Monastery, Poienari Castle, and the Vidraru Dam. Once at the top of the road, at over 2000m altitude, view the mountain peaks reflecting in Lake Balea and the Transfagarasan road winding through the steep mountain valley below. Our descent into Transylvania takes us to the unique Cistercian Monastery of Carta which seems to be straight out of a fairytale. Our accommodations for all 4 nights will be in the Fagaras region at a 3* family-run pension in a beautiful, rural setting.

Wander through the cobbled streets of Sibiu, while discovering the main landmark of the city: the towering Evangelical church. Climb the Council Tower to look out over the winding streets and be watched by the “houses with eyes” and stand on the Bridge of Lies, but be careful what you say! After a complete tour of this beautiful medieval city, enjoy a late lunch at one of its chic, outdoor terraces. Next, visit the Clay Castle in the Valley of the Fairies, a mythical place in a stunning setting that will cast a spell on you.

Explore the Fagaras region in detail, starting at the most important Lipizzaner stud in Romania. Founded in 1874, it breeds 7 different Lipizzaner bloodlines. Next, visit the most famous Orthodox Monastery in this area. Built by an important prince at the end of the 17th century, this place of worship was closed down by the Austrian authorities for centuries, only to reopen and flourish once again in recent history. Experience authentic history and culture at a rural museum of textiles, where you find out how the peasants used to produce, decorate, and wash their clothes in the olden days. We finish the day with a visit to Fagaras Citadel, a place with a very complex history ranging from royal balls and sieges to being a prison. The photo opportunities are vast here, as the medieval castle reflects in the surrounding water, its large moat making it unique in Romania.

Explore the unique medieval fortress of Sighisoara that has been continuously inhabited since its foundation. Visit Vlad the Impaler’s childhood home, the famous clock tower, the covered staircase, and even the church on the hill. Later, immerse yourself in a Transylvanian Saxon village, a typical village where the houses are colourful, the locals are welcoming, and the chickens roam the dirt road. Our guide will give you a tour of the Fortified Church of Viscri, an important UNESCO heritage site. Lastly, visit one of the oldest archeological sites in Romania. Known as Rupea Citadel, this spot hosted a Dacian fortress which was conquered by the Romans. The current structure dates back to the 14th century and its location offers views over Transylvania as far as the eye can see.

Our last day begins with the visit of a small and unique monastery, one that was carved into the side of a hill. The SincaVeche Monastery impresses by its simplicity, ingenuity, and peaceful atmosphere. We continue the day with a stroll through the narrow cobbled streets of Brasov. Admire the 16th century Transylvanian Saxon merchant houses, the largest gothic church east of Vienna, the Black Church, and the original fortifications of this medieval commercial hub. Our final attraction is the Bran Castle, a 13th century castle set high atop a cliff. It was the perfect setting for Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel and it later became the summer residence of Romania’s Queen Mary. Say goodbye to Transylvania as we cross the Carpathians back towards Bucharest.