Fairytale Castles and Railways of Transylvania
Join us on an exciting journey taking us by coach and rail into the heart of Transylvania. Uncover a tumultuous history as we walk through the streets of beautiful medieval cities. Discover a fascinating multi-cultural heritage and UNESCO world heritage sites. Venture into the wilderness aboard historic steam trains and explore timeless rural landscapes for a gentler glimpse into the ancient Romanian way of life. Surrounded by breathtaking nature, Transylvania’s fairytale castles lend an aura of legend and mystery to this magical tour.
Your Tour Includes
- Return flights from London to Bucharest
- 10 nights’ bed & breakfast accommodation
- 5 dinners in restaurants including 1 on the famous Carpathia Express train and 1 at Bran Castle and 1 lunch in Moldovita
- Steam train ride through the Vaser Valley and on the Mocanita
- Services of an experienced local guide and our Tour Manager
Itinerary
To use our NEW itinerary, simply click a day below and a detailed overview will appear.
Overview
Today we fly to Bucharest where we’ll meet our local guide and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. This evening’s dinner, including wine, will be served in a local restaurant where you can enjoy traditional entertainment.
Includes Dinner
Overview
After breakfast we transfer by coach to the town of Calimanesti and board the train for the first of our rail journeys. Sit back and enjoy views of the Olt River and beautiful scenery of the Carparthian mountains as the train heads to Sibiu, one of the largest cities in Transylvania. On arrival we’ll experience some locomotive history at Sibiu’s Steam Train Museum. Now home to a collection of retired standard-gauge and narrowgauge steam locomotives and engines.
Includes Breakfast
Included Highlights
Overview
Founded by German colonists at the end of the 12th-Century, Sibiu is one of the oldest cities in Transylvania. Its Old Town has many famous squares and we’ll enjoy a guided walking tour. Dinner this evening is in the village of Sibiel where we join the locals for a traditional dinner including homemade wine and brandy.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
Once the residence of Hungarian Kings, Hunyadi Castle is often called one the of the ‘Seven Wonders of Romania’. This fairytale castle, with towers, balconies and oriel windows, is a place where legends turn to life. After a fascinating visit we’ll journey to Alba Lulia, a city steeped in history with a star-shaped Citadel at its heart. Our next stop is Turda where we visit one of the world’s oldest salt mines. Tonight’s dinner is served in our hotel in Cluj-Napoca.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
During the 18th and 19th centuries Cluj-Napoca was the capital of Transylvania when it was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Our guided walking tour takes in the two main squares where we’ll see the Catholic Cathedral of St. Michael, the equestrian statue of King Mathias Corvinus, the Orthodox Cathedral and National Theatre. We continue to the famous region of Maramures and enjoy a short panoramic tour of Baia Mare. In the small village of Sapanta we visit the ‘Merry Cemetery’ where the small wooden crosses are painted in bright colours with scenes from the life of the deceased. Tonight, we'll enjoy a traditional dining experience in this historical part of Maramures with most of the ingredients are from local farms. There will be 1 glass of wine/beer and tea/coffee included before an overnight stay in Viseul de Sus.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
Today we board a narrow-gauge steam train for a journey on the last remaining forestry railway in Europe. The Vaser Valley winds its way through a wilderness passing over bridges and through tunnels along the river. We’ll enjoy a barbecue lunch before visiting the wooden churches of Barsana and Bogdan Voda. Tonight, we stay in Bistrita.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Lunch
Included Highlights
Overview
This morning we visit Moldovita Monastery, one of eight painted churches included on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Its external walls, covered with frescos representing complete religious cycles, are a masterpiece inspired by 15th- and 16th-Century Byzantine art. We then enjoy a leisurely ride through gorgeous mountain scenery on the newly-restored, narrow-gauge steam train that runs alongside the Moldovita River. After lunch with homemade blueberry brandy we’ll visit Voronet Monastery. Built at the end of the 15th-Century in less than 4 months, it is also known as the ‘Sistine Chapel of the East’ for its magnificent fresco ‘The Last Judgement’
Includes Breakfast
Includes Lunch
Included Highlights
Overview
One of the most interesting towns in Transylvania, Targu Mures. The baroque-style Apollo Palace, 18th-Century Old Prefecture building, Teleki Palace and Orthodox Cathedral are just some of the city landmarks we’ll see during our guided tour. After seeing the birthplace of Count Dracula and the Church on the Hill we’ll board a local train to Brasov.
Includes Breakfast
Included Highlights
Overview
This morning we visit Brasov, known as the ‘Crown of Transylvania’. We’ll explore the beautiful centre on foot starting in Council Square. See narrow Sforii Street and the impressive Gothic-style Black Church seriously damaged by the great fire of 1689 that destroyed much of the city. We drive to Bran and visit the castle widely known as being the place where Bram Stoker’s fictional creation Count Dracula is set. Dinner is served in Bran Castle Tea House
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
Today we travel by rail to the mountain resort of Sinaia alighting at the Royal Train Station, which is also a stop for the famous Orient Express. We’ll visit this masterpiece of German newRenaissance architecture, undoubtedly one of the most stunning castles in Europe. After time at leisure for lunch in Sinaia we continue by coach to Bucharest and a panoramic tour showing us the Arch of Triumph and Kisseleff Boulevard. At a local restaurant in the Old Town we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner with entertainment and a glass of wine.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
After breakfast we include one final visit to Parliament Palace. After a short visit we transfer by coach to Bucharest Airport for our return flight to London. *Please note: You don't have to worry about travelling with your luggage throughout the holiday, as our coach will transfer this for you.*
Includes Breakfast
Accommodation
You will stay for one night at the Hotel Mercure Hotel Mercure Unirii, Bucharest; one night at the Hotel Golden Tulip in Sibiu; one night at the Golden Tulip Ana Done Cluj; one night at the Hotel Gabriela, Viseul des sus; three nights at the Hotel Metropolis Bistrita; then three nights at the Hotel Kronwell, Brasov.
Hotel Mercure Unirii
Situated right in the heart of Bucharest on Unirii Square, the 4-star Hotel Mercure Bucharest Unirii.Hotel Facilities
Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
Room
- TV
- Hairdryer
- Safe Box
- Air Conditioning
- Chargable WiFi
General
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
Accessibility
- Lift
Hotel
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
- Lift
Hotel Golden Tupil Sibiu
The 4-star Hotel Golden Tulip is situated in the city centre of Sibiu, within walking distance from the old town. Rooms feature state-of-the-art technology, spacious bathrooms and large windows. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.Hotel Facilities
Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
Room
- TV
- Safe Box
- Air Conditioning
- Free Wifi
- Iron or Trouser Press
Hotel
- WiFi Available
Hotel Golden Tulip Ana Dome Cluj
The 4-star Hotel Golden Tulip is situated in the city centre of Sibiu, within walking distance from the old town. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.Hotel Facilities
Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
Room
- TV
- Hairdryer
- Air Conditioning
- Free Wifi
Accessibility
- Lift
- Disabled Rooms Available
General
- Sauna or Steam Room
Service
- Gym
Hotel
- Lift
- WiFi Available
Hotel Gabriela
The 3-star Hotel Gabriela features fully equipped modern rooms, a wellness centre with indoor pool and spa facilities, plus an à la carte restaurant serving international cuisine and traditional Romanian dishes.Hotel Facilities
Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
Room
- TV
- Hairdryer
- Air Conditioning
- Free Wifi
General
- Indoor Swimming Pool
Accessibility
- Lift
- Disabled Rooms Available
Hotel
- Swimming Pool
- Lift
- WiFi Available
Hotel Metropolis
The 4-star Hotel Metropolis is located in the centre of Bistrita. The modern rooms are air conditioned and amenities include a sauna, gym, hot tub and indoor swimming pool. The Metropolis Restaurant serves traditional Romanian and international cuisine and has direct access to a terrace on the Bistrita River.Hotel Facilities
Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
Room
- TV
- Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
- Hairdryer
- Safe Box
- Air Conditioning
- Free Wifi
General
- Guest Lounge
- Restaurant
- Indoor Swimming Pool
Accessibility
- Lift
Service
- Gym
Hotel
- Swimming Pool
- Guest Lounge
- Restaurant
- Lift
- WiFi Available
Hotel Kronwell
The 4-star Hotel Kronwell features a stylish à la carte restaurant, state-of-the art facilities including an indoor pool, and free Wi-Fi.Hotel Facilities
Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
Room
- TV
- Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
- Hairdryer
- Safe Box
- Air Conditioning
- Free Wifi
General
- Guest Lounge
- Restaurant
- Indoor Swimming Pool
Accessibility
- Lift
- Disabled Rooms Available
Service
- Gym
Hotel
- Swimming Pool
- Guest Lounge
- Restaurant
- Lift
- WiFi Available
