Transylvanian Tapestry

Welcome to Bucharest, a capital where East meets West. An afternoon walking tour takes in the monumental Palace of the Parliament, the tranquil Stavropoleos Monastery with its ornate Brâncovenesc architecture, and the cobbled lanes and Belle Époque façades of the Old Town.

Drive through the scenic Olt River Valley, a natural corridor through the Carpathian foothills used since Roman times. Stop at Cozia Monastery, founded in 1388 by Mircea the Elder, grandfather of Vlad the Impaler. Arrive in Sibiu, a former European Capital of Culture, for a walking tour of the Bridge of Lies, the Council Tower, and the Evangelical Cathedral.

Today explores Transylvania’s knightly past. Visit Corvin Castle in Hunedoara, one of the largest Gothic castles in Europe, with soaring towers and a dramatic drawbridge. Continue to Alba Iulia, the historic city of Romanian unification, to walk its star-shaped citadel and see St. Michael’s Cathedral, resting place of the medieval commander John Hunyadi. Return to Sibiu for the evening.

Journey through the rolling hills of the Hârtibaciu Valley to Biertan, a UNESCO-listed fortified church ringed by triple walls, and Mălâncrav, home to rare medieval frescoes. Enjoy a seasonal farm-to-table lunch in a Saxon home before arriving in Sighișoara, a UNESCO-listed citadel and the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler.

A day of slow travel through rural Transylvania. Visit the fortified church at Saschiz, then walk the lanes of Viscri, the Saxon village where King Charles III owns a restored home, and meet local artisans over a farm-to-fork meal. Stop at Prejmer, one of Europe’s best-preserved fortified churches, before arriving in Brașov.

Drive up to the mountain resort of Poiana Brașov, with the option of a cable car ride for panoramic Carpathian views. Continue to Bran Castle, the fortress forever linked to the Dracula legend, with an optional visit to a nearby bear sanctuary. Return to Brașov to see the Gothic Black Church, home to a celebrated 19th-century organ and a rare collection of Ottoman rugs.

Head south through the lush Prahova Valley to Sinaia and Peleș Castle, the Neo-Renaissance masterpiece of King Carol I and one of Europe’s most beautiful royal residences. Arrive back in Bucharest for a relaxed evening stroll through the historic center.

Enjoy a free day to explore at your own pace. Options include the open-air Village Museum, the Therme Bucharest wellness center, the city’s cafés and bookshops, or an evening concert at the Romanian Athenaeum.

After breakfast and hotel checkout, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA.