Romania Tour – Grandeur of Bucharest and Tales of Transylvania

Titans VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your flight to Bucharest.

Romanias capital city is a trove of great museums, stroll-worthy parks and tempting eateries. Its turbulent political past is plain to see from the severe Stalinist architecture – but the organic curves of 17th and 18th-century churches and graceful La Belle poque-style villas can be found hushed away in hidden corners.

We waste no time in peeling back the layers of Bucharests history with a full-day tour, encompassing all the highlights including the beautifully restored historic centre. Well also enjoy a guided visit of the Palace of the Parliament.

• Guided city tour of Bucharest, including guided tour of the Palace of the Parliament (all day)

Today is free for you to explore the city under your own steam. Perhaps revisit some of the magnificent sites from yesterdays tour – or make your own discoveries. Seek out some of the citys charming treasures – we love Crtureti Carusel, one of the worlds most beautiful bookshops. Or perhaps stop for a taste of the local fare – juicy mici-pork rolls and aubergine salad are typical Romanian dishes.

Alternatively, you could join our optional excursion to former President Ceausescu’s Palace and the open-air National Museum of the Village.

Peles Castle – the summer residence of the Royal Family – is a neo-Renaissance masterpiece. Sharp spires, timber-framed panels, and detailed brickwork surrounded by thick forest in every shade of green – youll be forgiven for thinking youve walked straight into the pages of a storybook. But the inside is even more impressive, with every corner lavished in silk rugs, Murano glass and polished marble. Well enjoy a guided tour this morning.

Romania might not be the first country that springs to mind when you think of fine wines, but its known for its aromatic whites and full-bodied reds – and today well be treated to a sparkling wine tasting and lunch at one of the countrys most prestigious wineries. Nestled among the majestic Carpathian Mountains, the award-winning Azuga Wine Cellar offers incredible scenery as well as an interesting history as the official supplier of the Romanian Royal Family.

• Guided tour of Peles Castle (morning)
• Winery visit with sparkling wine tasting and lunch (afternoon)

Imagine a huddle of pastel-coloured baroque buildings encircling a sun-bathed pedestrianised square. Shoppers bustle from store to store browsing fabrics and local handicrafts, the sound of chatter and clinking glasses rings in the air from alfresco eateries. The forested Mount Tampa in the distance is stamped with Brasov in huge white letters. Its a delightful scene and it draws travellers from all over who want to simply be here.

We spend the whole day exploring this charming town together. We start with a guided visit to Prejmer fortified church; a superbly preserved complex encircling a Gothic church – the walls are an impressive 4.5-metres thick. This afternoon we discover the medieval parts of Brasov, including the Black Church, Rope Street and the Schei district as part of our guided tour.

Please note: Due to opening times, our 13 October 2022 departure will visit the Black Church on day 7.

• Guided tour of Prejmer fortified church (morning)
• Guided walking tour of Brasov medieval centre (afternoon)

The white walls of the Saxon village of Viscri are set against miles of vibrant green pastures. Best known for its white fortified church, Viscri is also an excellent example of traditional rural Transylvania and well spend some time getting to know the area before continuing to Sighisoara.

Walking through Sighisoaras twist of medieval streets is a tranquil, fairytale-like experience; youll feel utterly transported. But it wasnt always this peaceful and idyllic. In fact, its towers were once packed with weapons and emergency supplies in anticipation of Turkish attacks. Well spend the whole day exploring and learning about the history here – including the medieval weapon collection, Vlad the Impalers native house and the torture chamber.

This evening well enjoy a special dinner with wine tasting and a live folklore show at a local restaurant.

• Visit village of Viscri (morning)
• Guided tour of Sighisoara citadel (afternoon)

The morning is yours to spend as you please. Perhaps delve deeper into the secrets of Brasovs medieval old town or you might like to join an optional private visit to the nearby Libearty Bear Sanctuary – the largest animal welfare project in Europe.

Later this afternoon we take our much-anticipated visit to Bran Castle, or Draculas Castle as it has come to be known. Perched on a headland above Bran, youll see the castles conical towers rise above the thick green forest as we approach – and its simply thrilling. Our evening visit means well have the castle completely to ourselves for a private guided tour. Youll wind up the narrow staircases, wander through creaky-floored corridors and admire grand rooms decorated with bearskin rugs and antiques. Its undoubtedly atmospheric, but theres no whiff of vampires here. Our guide will explain the castles history – dating back to the 14th century – before a traditional Romanian feast in the restaurant below.

• Guided tour of Bran Castle (afternoon)

We transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.