Multicultural Transylvania Tour

Day 1

Arrive at Bucharest Henri Coanda Airport and transfer to the hotel. Depending on your landing time, we do a short sightseeing tour, discover the most representative landmarks of the city, or go directly to the hotel for check-in.

Accommodation in a 4-star downtown hotel.

In the evening, dinner will be included in a well-known restaurant in Bucharest.

Day 2

Starting our journey, in just 2 hours driving from Bucharest, we will first visit the famous Peles Castle, the summer residence of Romania's Royal Family. It is a masterpiece of design, with stunning exteriors and even greater wood decorations at the interior. The castle provides also unbelievable views across the mountains.

We will stop for lunch in a special location: a cellar that produces sparkling wine, the same which was served during King Ferdinand´s coronation party in 1922.

In the afternoon we will check in at a Hungarian manor, built centuries ago and which has recently been restored and transformed into a nice boutique hotel. After making yourself comfortable at the location, we will go for a cart ride through the village.

In the evening we will serve a special dinner at the location, enjoying local Hungarian cuisine.

Day 3

The day will be about uncovering the Hungarian minority traditions in the Eastern part of Transylvania. We will learn about their history by visiting a medieval fortress in Miercurea Ciuc. Miko Castle was built in 1631 by Ferenc Hidvegi Miko, an adviser to Prince Gabriel Bethlen. The construction was made in the late Renaissance style - it has a regular geometric surface and Italian bastions.

Next, prepare for a delicious beer tasting at one of the local factories. Beer produced here is mainly exported in Hungary and can rarely be found in local shops.

In the afternoon we will have free time, to rest and breath some fresh air at the guesthouse.

Day 4

Today we continue our tour in Transylvania and will start a new chapter of our trip: the Saxons. They are German-origin people colonized here by the Hungarian kings in the 12th - 13th century. Their main missions were related to salt extractions in the area, defending the new border of the Hungarian Imperium, and increasing the level of civilization in Transylvania. In exchange they received land and tax exemption, soon becoming a privileged nation in this area. By discovering their heritage and civilization, you will understand better the history of Transylvania.

First, we will stop in the village of Viscri, a place where time seems to have stopped centuries ago. It is Prince Charles' favorite place in Transylvania. Here we will visit the medieval fortified church and will have lunch in a local restaurant.

After check-in in Sighisoara, we will enjoy dinner with traditional dishes and taste some local wines.

Day 5

In the morning we will go for a tour of this beautiful citadel. The place was established by Saxons in the 13th century and soon became an important urban fortification allowing the community to develop and get rich. The architecture of the citadel is unique and was included in the UNESCO world heritage list, depicting merchant houses, narrow cobbled stone streets, and many defense towers.

Following the tour, we will visit some neighboring Saxon villages, discovering their local traditions and local architecture.

In the second part of the day, prepare for a special visit to a Roma family. Be prepared for a very open discussion, where you will get to know more about the Roma minority in Romania.

Day 6

In the third part of our tour, you will learn about Romanians in Transylvania. Since conquering the area in the 11th century, the Hungarian rulers imposed here their own legislation, language, and religion, so Romanians soon became a minority in their own country. We will find out how they managed to protect their identity and traditions in spite of the discouraging environment.

After visiting the Saxons' religious capital in Biertan, we will take a tour of the beautiful city of Sibiu, European Capital in 2007. We will discover unique architecture and great history by walking through the city's main squares and introducing you to its main buildings.

After check-in, enjoy a traditional Romanian dinner in a nearby village, at a local family.

Day 7

Today we will visit the famous Corvin Castle in Hunedoara and the impressive Vauban-style fortress of Alba Iulia, probably the best-preserved Vauban-style fortress in Europe. The city has a great significance for Romanian people, being in both settlements of an important Roman legion - XIII Gemina, a medieval fortress, and the City of the Great Union, which was signed here in 1918.

Since this will be our last evening together, you will enjoy a special farewell dinner.

Day 8

After breakfast we will drive to Bucharest and, depending on your departure flight, we will stop to some other attractions on our way.

It was a week full of mindful experiences and now you can tell your own Romanian story.