Medieval Transylvania Tour – 3 Days

Description

MEDIEVAL TRANSYLVANIA TOUR – 3 Days

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

• Visit the beautiful Sinaia Mountain Resort and the former royal residence of Peles Castle
• Discover the castle that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula – Bran Castle
• Enjoy a walking tour of Brasov Old Town
• Walk on the cobbled streets of Sighisoara Medieval Citadel
• Stroll around the impressive Biertan Fortified Church
• See Sibiu Old Town the former capital of Medieval Transylvania
• Drive through the magnificent scenery of the Carpathian Mountains

“Let`s bring to life the medieval castles and citadels from the land beyond the forest. Step into the age of courage, strength and glory by joining us in a tour of the most famous fortresses and medieval cities of Romania.”

It includes pick-up and drop-of from and to your hotel or other location in Bucharest. 

Day 1 Bucharest-Sinaia-Bran-Brasov

 Morning drive north towards Medieval Transylvania, sheltered by the Carpathian Mountains with historic forests and abundant wildlife. In the charming mountain resort of Sinaia you will visit the fairy-tale Peles Castle, strongly connected with the flourishing period of Romania royalty.

Peles Castle – here is one of the best-preserved royal palaces in Europe. The castle is full of ornaments the inside as well as on the outside, and features elaborate wood sculptures and paintings representing scenes from the works of German composer Richard  Wagner.

Pass through the fabulous mountain scenery and once arrived in Bran Village, visit Dracula’s Castle, whose striking hilltop appearance stands at the basis of many myths and legends.

The first historical reference of Bran Castle – Dracula`s Castle, is a document issued on November 19, 1377 issued by Ludwig I d’Anjou, by which Brasov inhabitants received the privilege of building the a fortress “at their own work and expense”. Between 1920-1927 Bran Castle was restored under the supervision of Karel Liman, the architect of the Royal Court, who turned it in a beautiful summer residence surrounded by a park with promenade alleys, lake, fountains, arbors, and a tea house. In 1938 Queen Maria of Romania bequeathed Bran Castle with all its domains, to her daughter Princess Ileana, who owned it until 1948.

Next stop of the day is Brasov Medieval Town, which according to historical references from 1234 was called Kronstadt. Its history starts in 13th century and its walls, towers and a lot of buildings from the medieval times are still preserved. During the second half of the 14th century it was confirmed as the administrative and ecclesiastic center of the region of Tara Barsei, “the free Royal town”, one of the economic and cultural centers of Transylvania.

INFO! Brasov is a city in Romania and the capital of Brasov County. The city is located in the central part of the country, about 166 km from Bucharest. It is surrounded by the Southern Carpathians, and is part of the Transylvania region. Centrally located Brasov is a good starting point for trips around Romania. It is also the largest city in a mountain resorts area. The old city itself is very well preserved, and is best seen by taking the cable-car to the top of Tâmpa Mountain (995 m), a beautiful lookout.

Overnight in Brasov 3-star hotel/pension located in the heart of the old town; you’ll be enchanted by the medieval charm of the place.

Day 2 Brasov- Sighisoara- Biertan-Sibiu

In the morning we explore the Old Town of Sighisoara with cobbled streets, burgher houses and ornate churches. You will visit the Clock Tower, Church on the Hill and Dracula`s house where Vlad Tepes was born in 1431. The houses inside the Citadel of Sighisoara show the main features of a craftsmen`s town. There are some houses which belonged to the former town elite, like the Venetian House and the House with Antlers.

We leave Sighisoara, and stop in Biertan Village-UNESCO site in Romania, and one of the first German settlements in Transylvania. The fortified church of Biertan, surrounded by three rows of fortifications, was built by the German peasants in Medieval Transylvania and was used for nearly 300 years as the residence of the Transylvanian Archbishop. A room in the citadel was used for a long time as a reconciliation place for couples about to divorce (hear the full story on spot). The name “Biertan” was first attested in 1283. It had a township status.

We continue Medieval Transylvania Tour towards Sibiu. Sibiu is one of the most important fortified towns in Medieval Transylvania. The city is reminiscent of old European cities such as Nurnberg and it was founded in 1190 and grew to be the chief city of the Transylvanian Saxons. This amazing place, with the “Old Town” (The Big Square, the Small Square, the Ursuline Church, The Franciscan Church, The Staircase Tower, the Tanners Tower, the Liar’s Bridge , the House of the Butcher’s Guild and last but not least with the amazing Bruckenthal Museum) is a gorgeous place to visit.

INFO! Central Sighisoara has preserved in an exemplary way the features of a small medieval fortified city, it has been listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Each July, a Medieval Festival takes place in the old citadel.

Overnight in Sibiu 3-star hotel/pension located in the heart of the old town; you’ll be enchanted by the medieval charm of the place.

Day 3 Sibiu- Cozia Monastery – Bucharest

After a short sightseeing tour we leave Sibiu and cross the Carpathian Mountains on the Olt River Valley, one of the most spectacular valleys crossing the Southern Carpathians towards Bucharest. The fabulous journey ends with the arrival in Romania`s capital city. 800km

From 15 June to November Transfagarsan Scenic road is open and from Sibiu to Buchares this rout can be taken.