Romania is a country of mystery, medieval towns, and mountain landscapes. It’s a land where fortified churches rise from sleepy hamlets, where cobblestone streets whisper centuries of history, and where the legend of Count Dracula mingles with real-life royal castles. Beyond folklore, Romania is still relatively untouched by mass tourism, offering travelers a raw and authentic experience from Gothic cathedrals to winding alpine roads.
This 6-day journey takes you through the heart of Transylvania: lively Cluj, Saxon villages, Dracula’s castle, colorful Braşov, the jaw-dropping Transfăgărășan road, and the cultural gem of Sibiu.
Highlights
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Step back in time in Sibiu & Sighişoara, medieval towns frozen in time
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Follow the footsteps of Dracula in Bran Castle and Saxon fortresses
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Drive the legendary Transfăgărășan road, “the best road in the world”
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Wander through Transylvanian nature, villages, and alpine landscapes
Day 1: Cluj – The Treasure Chamber City
Arrive in Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania’s lively cultural capital. Nicknamed the “Treasure Chamber City,” Cluj mixes elegant Austro-Hungarian architecture with a youthful, creative vibe.
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Begin at Piata Unirii, the main square anchored by St. Michael’s Church.
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Admire landmarks like the National Theater and Avram Iancu’s statue.
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Stroll wide boulevards filled with cafés, street art, and trendy boutiques.
💡 Evening tip: Try traditional Romanian dishes such as sarmale (cabbage rolls) or ciorbă de burtă (sour tripe soup) in a cozy tavern.
Accommodation: Hotel Sunny Hill / Alex & George or similar
Day 2: Saxon Heritage – Biertan & Sighişoara
Head south to the fortified church of Biertan, a UNESCO site from Saxon times. Continue to Sighişoara, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns.
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Wander the cobbled streets of Sighişoara’s old town, also UNESCO-listed.
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Visit the birthplace of Vlad Ţepeş, the historical figure behind Dracula.
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Climb the covered wooden staircase to the Church on the Hill.
💡 Travel note: Sighişoara was European Capital of Culture in 2021, so its artistic energy is still vibrant.
Accommodation: Hotel Central Park Sighişoara / Hotel Bulevard Sighişoara or similar
Day 3–4: Braşov & the Castles of Transylvania
En route to Braşov, stop at Viscri, a charming Saxon village with another fortified church.
In Braşov, colorful baroque houses, Gothic churches, and mountain views set the scene.
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Visit the Black Church, a Gothic masterpiece.
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Explore the medieval ramparts, bastions, and market square.
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Wander narrow alleys like Strada Sforii (the Rope Street).
From Braşov, day trips take you to some of Romania’s most famous castles:
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Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle): A 14th-century fortress linked to the Dracula legend.
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Peleş Castle, Sinaia: A fairytale royal summer residence, considered one of Europe’s most beautiful castles.
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Râşnov Fortress: A hilltop citadel with sweeping valley views.
💡 Seasonal tip: From March–October, you can join a wild bear spotting tour. In winter, hit the ski slopes at Poiana Braşov.
Accommodation: Hotel Belvedere / Hotel Esprit or similar
Day 5: The Transfăgărășan Road & Sibiu
If traveling between late June and early November, drive the Transfăgărășan Road — a twisting, hairpin-bending alpine road crowned with the glacier lake of Bâlea Lac. Jeremy Clarkson once called it “the best road in the world.”
End the day in Sibiu, a former Saxon trading city that feels like a little Vienna.
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Wander the restored squares and pastel houses of the old town.
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Spot the “Eyes of Sibiu”, the watchful dormer windows on rooftops.
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Visit the Brukenthal Museum, home to works by Titian, Brueghel, and van Eyck.
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Just outside the city lies Astra Museum, Europe’s largest open-air museum, showcasing traditional Romanian life with windmills, churches, and houses.
Accommodation: Vila Bohemia / Levoslav or similar
Day 6: Return to Cluj
Drive back to Cluj-Napoca, where your Transylvanian adventure began. If time allows, stop in the charming riverside village of Râşnov or enjoy one last coffee in Cluj before your flight.
Why This Journey
This 6-day adventure through Romania takes you deep into the heart of Transylvania’s castles, culture, and landscapes. From Sighişoara’s medieval magic to Sibiu’s elegance and the dramatic Transfăgărășan road, it’s a trip that blends history, folklore, and stunning scenery all in a country that still feels undiscovered.
