6-Day Christmas Markets of Transylvania Tour

Discover Romania in winter on a 6-day journey combining some of the country’s best-known Christmas markets with medieval towns, castles, fortified churches and Carpathian mountain scenery.

The tour starts in Bucharest before continuing north into Transylvania, with visits to Peleș Castle, Brașov, Bran Castle, Sighișoara, Biertan and Sibiu. Along the way, you will explore historic town centers decorated for the festive season, taste seasonal products, meet local vendors and experience the atmosphere of Romanian Christmas markets.

Weather permitting, the itinerary also includes a winter excursion to Bâlea Lake in the Făgăraș Mountains, reached by cable car when the upper section of the Transfăgărășan Road is closed for winter.

The tour ends with a scenic drive back toward Bucharest through the Olt Valley and a visit to Curtea de Argeș Monastery.

Tour Highlights

• Visit Christmas markets in Bucharest, Brașov and Sibiu
• Discover Peleș Castle, the former summer residence of Romania’s royal family
• Visit Bran Castle, one of Transylvania’s most famous medieval landmarks
• Explore the historic center of Brașov
• Walk through the UNESCO-listed medieval citadel of Sighișoara
• Visit Biertan Fortified Church, part of Transylvania’s Saxon heritage
• Enjoy Sibiu’s historic squares and Christmas market
• Travel through the winter landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains
• Reach Bâlea Lake by cable car, weather and operating conditions permitting
• Visit Curtea de Argeș Monastery on the return journey to Bucharest

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Bucharest – Bucharest Sightseeing & Christmas Market

Welcome to Romania.

Depending on your arrival time, the first day can include either a more extensive sightseeing tour of Bucharest or a panoramic introduction to the Romanian capital.

Once known as “Little Paris” because of its elegant architecture and French influence during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Bucharest offers an interesting mix of historical buildings, monumental communist-era architecture and modern city life.

One of the main stops will be Constitution Square, in front of the Palace of Parliament, where Bucharest’s main Christmas market is traditionally organized during the festive season. Here you can spend time among decorated stalls, try seasonal food and local products, enjoy a cup of mulled wine and listen to Romanian Christmas music.

The sightseeing tour can also include the Village Museum, an open-air museum featuring hundreds of traditional buildings and structures illustrating rural architecture from different regions of Romania.

You will also see the Arch of Triumph, built to commemorate Romania’s participation in the First World War and the creation of Greater Romania.

During the Christmas season, smaller festive markets and decorated areas can be found throughout the city. In the evening, a drive along Bucharest’s main boulevards offers the opportunity to see the seasonal illuminations.

Overnight in Bucharest at Hotel Berthelot or a similar 4-star hotel.

Day 2: Bucharest – Peleș Castle – Brașov Christmas Market

After breakfast, leave Bucharest and travel north toward the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania.

The first major stop is Sinaia, one of Romania’s best-known mountain resorts and home to Peleș Castle.

Built in the 19th century for King Carol I of Romania, Peleș Castle became one of the principal residences of the Romanian royal family. Its richly decorated interiors combine carved wood, paintings, decorative arts and architectural influences from different parts of Europe.

The castle remains one of Romania’s most important royal landmarks and provides a good introduction to the period in which modern Romania developed as a European monarchy.

Continue through the mountain scenery toward Brașov, one of the most important historic cities of Transylvania.

Brașov developed significantly after German-speaking Saxon settlers established themselves in the region during the Middle Ages. The city’s location on important commercial routes helped it become a major trading and defensive center.

During a walking tour of the historic center, discover the atmosphere of old Brașov before spending time at the city’s Christmas market. Seasonal stalls usually offer food, sweets, hot drinks, handicrafts and festive decorations.

In the evening, enjoy some free time to explore the market and the surrounding pedestrian streets.

Overnight in Brașov at Casa Wagner Hotel or a similar 3-star hotel.

Day 3: Brașov – Bran Castle – Sighișoara

Leave Brașov in the morning and drive toward Bran Castle, located approximately one hour away.

Often promoted internationally as “Dracula’s Castle,” Bran has become strongly associated with the Dracula legend and is today one of Romania’s most visited landmarks. Its actual history, however, is connected primarily with medieval defense, trade routes and the historical development of Transylvania.

The castle was built in a strategically important location controlling access between Transylvania and Wallachia.

The connection between Bran Castle and Vlad III Dracula, also known as Vlad the Impaler, is much more limited than popular culture sometimes suggests. Historical traditions and later tourism promotion helped transform Bran into the castle most widely associated with the Dracula story.

After the visit, continue deeper into Transylvania toward Sighișoara.

Sighișoara is one of Europe’s best-preserved inhabited medieval citadels. Its narrow streets, towers, colorful houses and medieval architecture preserve the character of an old Transylvanian craftsmen’s town.

Take some time to walk through the citadel and discover the atmosphere of the old town.

Overnight in Sighișoara, in a 3-star hotel or guesthouse located in or near the historic citadel.

Day 4: Sighișoara – Biertan Fortified Church – Sibiu Christmas Market

The morning begins with a more detailed walking tour of Sighișoara Old Town.

Walk along the cobbled streets of the citadel and discover some of its most important landmarks, including the Clock Tower, the Church on the Hill and the house traditionally associated with the birthplace of Vlad III Dracula in 1431.

The historic houses inside the citadel reflect Sighișoara’s development as an important medieval town of craftsmen and merchants. Among its notable buildings are the Venetian House, the House with Antlers and several former residences belonging to prosperous local families.

After the visit, leave Sighișoara and continue through the Transylvanian countryside toward Biertan.

Biertan Fortified Church

Biertan is one of Transylvania’s historic Saxon villages and is known for its impressive fortified church complex.

The church is surrounded by several defensive walls and towers and reflects the system of fortified settlements developed by the Transylvanian Saxons.

For almost three centuries, Biertan was also an important ecclesiastical center and served as the seat of the Lutheran bishops of Transylvania.

One of the site’s best-known stories is connected with a small room traditionally used for couples who wanted to separate. According to local tradition, they were temporarily confined together in an attempt to encourage reconciliation.

After visiting Biertan, continue toward Sibiu.

Sibiu Old Town & Christmas Market

Founded and developed by Transylvanian Saxons, Sibiu became one of the most important fortified towns of medieval Transylvania.

Its historic center still preserves an architectural character influenced by the German-speaking communities that shaped the city for centuries.

During the walking tour, explore landmarks such as:

• the Large Square
• the Small Square
• the Evangelical Church
• the Bridge of Lies
• medieval towers and former guild buildings

The day ends at Sibiu Christmas Market, traditionally organized in the Large Square in the heart of the Old Town.

Enjoy some free time among the festive stalls, decorations and historical buildings surrounding the square.

Overnight in Sibiu at Casa Luxemburg or a similar 3-star hotel.

Day 5: Sibiu – Bâlea Lake – Făgăraș Mountains – Sibiu

Today is dedicated to the winter landscapes of the Făgăraș Mountains, part of Romania’s Southern Carpathians.

Weather and operating conditions permitting, leave Sibiu and drive toward the northern section of the famous Transfăgărășan Road.

During winter, the high-altitude section of the road is normally closed to vehicles because of snow and avalanche risk. The journey therefore continues as far as the cable car station at Bâlea Cascadă.

From here, you can take the cable car toward Bâlea Lake, situated at approximately 2,000 meters above sea level.

The cable car ride climbs through the dramatic glacial landscape of the Făgăraș Mountains and provides a very different perspective on the Carpathians in winter.

At Bâlea Lake, you can enjoy the snowy mountain landscape and stop for a hot tea or coffee at one of the mountain facilities.

Depending on the season and operating conditions, the area may also feature the well-known seasonal Ice Hotel.

After the mountain excursion, return to Sibiu.

The evening is free for another visit to the Sibiu Christmas Market, a walk through the Old Town or dinner in the historic center.

Overnight in Sibiu at Casa Luxemburg or a similar 3-star hotel.

Day 6: Sibiu – Olt Valley – Curtea de Argeș – Bucharest

After breakfast, leave Sibiu and begin the return journey toward Bucharest.

The route crosses the Southern Carpathians through the Olt River Valley, one of the major natural passages connecting Transylvania with southern Romania.

The drive offers winter views of the mountains and the narrow valley before continuing toward Curtea de Argeș.

Curtea de Argeș Monastery

The main visit of the day is Curtea de Argeș Monastery, one of Romania’s best-known Orthodox religious monuments.

Built in the early 16th century, the monastery is distinguished by its elaborate exterior decoration and architectural combination of Byzantine traditions with additional decorative influences.

The church is also closely associated with Romanian royal history and with one of the country’s best-known legends: the story of Master Manole, which became an important theme in Romanian literature and folklore.

After visiting Curtea de Argeș, continue toward Bucharest, where the six-day journey comes to an end.

Overnight in Bucharest at Hotel Duke Armeneasca or a similar 3-star hotel.

Christmas in Transylvania

A winter journey through Transylvania offers a different perspective on some of Romania’s most visited destinations.

Medieval squares are decorated for Christmas, mountain landscapes are covered with snow, and cities such as Brașov and Sibiu combine their historic architecture with seasonal markets and festive events.

At the same time, the itinerary includes several of Romania’s major cultural attractions, from Peleș and Bran castles to Sighișoara, Biertan and Curtea de Argeș.

If you are considering a winter trip to Romania, this itinerary combines Christmas markets, cultural sightseeing and Carpathian scenery within a compact six-day tour.

Interested in the 6-Day Christmas Markets of Transylvania Tour?

Contact Romania Tour Store for availability, itinerary details and additional information about the tour.

Travellers interested in spending more time exploring Romania during the colder months can also consider our 6-Day Winter Tour of Transylvania.