Transylvania and Hungary Culture Tour with Castles and Folklore

Day 1 – Thu. Hometown – Bucharest: Hotel Razvan 3 or similar* Arrival at Bucharest Airport, meet and greet with the tour guide, and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Romanian dinner with a folklore show at Hanul lui Manuc.

After breakfast, city tour of Bucharest with insights into the architecture and history of the Romanian capital. Continue into the Carpathian Mountains to Sinaia, where you’ll visit the historic Sinaia Monastery, an important spiritual center from the 17th century. Afterward, exterior visit of the Peleș Castle – a stunning neo-Romanesque royal residence surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Drive on to Predeal. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

In the morning, drive to Hărman to visit the well-preserved fortified church – a striking example of Saxon defensive architecture. Continue to Brașov, one of the most beautiful cities in Transylvania. City tour with highlights including the Catherine’s Gate, the Old Town Hall, and the Black Church – a Gothic masterpiece featuring the largest organ in Southeastern Europe and a unique collection of oriental carpets. In the afternoon, visit Bran Castle, dramatically perched on a rocky hill and famously associated with the Dracula legend. Return to Predeal. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Morning departure to Sibiu, European Capital of Culture 2007 and one of the most charming towns in Transylvania. Walking tour including the Evangelical Church, the Great and Small Squares, and the Bridge of Lies – one of Romania’s oldest cast iron bridges, surrounded by legends. In the afternoon, continue to Bazna. Dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, drive to Biertan to visit the impressive fortified church – a UNESCO World Heritage site and former seat of the Transylvanian Saxon bishops. Continue to Sighișoara, one of the last inhabited medieval citadels in Europe. Visit the Church on the Hill with its Gothic frescoes, and the birthplace of Vlad Țepeș, the historical figure behind the Dracula legend. In the afternoon, return to Bazna. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride to the fortified church of Boian – an authentic countryside experience.

Depart westward after breakfast. Stop in Cluj-Napoca, a vibrant university city with a rich cultural heritage. Highlights include the St. Michael’s Church and the Matthias Corvinus Monument – an iconic landmark of the city. Continue to Oradea, known for its elegant Art Nouveau architecture and restored historic avenues that recall the charm of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Afterward, cross the border into Hungary and head to Gyömrő. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, excursion to Budapest and panoramic city tour of the Hungarian capital. Visit the impressive Heroes’ Square, the majestic St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Fisherman’s Bastion with spectacular views of the Parliament and the Danube. Then enjoy a stroll along the elegant Váci Street, Budapest’s famous shopping avenue. The afternoon is free for individual exploration of the Old Town. In the evening, return to Gyömrő. Dinner and overnight.

Free time until transfer to the airport and return flight.