Transylvania Explorer

Sibiu is arguably the cultural heart of Transylvania, offering museums, theatres and classic music to visitors, all amidst beautiful architecture. The city also has several attractive parks and squares, making it a lovely place to amble, relax, and people watch​

TMR RECOMMENDS: Depending on when you visit, you might want to spend an extra day in Sibiu and take the opportunity to drive what many auto journalists call ‘the best road in the world’: the famous Transfagarasan Highway.

Your day starts with a 140 kilometre train ride on board a Romanian InterCity service. The line to Brasov will take you east and you will be able to enjoy the scenery from your seat.

On arrival in Brasov, you will head to the Aro Palace Hotel (or similar) for a 2-night stay. Brasov offers visitors an exciting mix of modern bars and restaurants as well as more traditional pavement cafés. Much of the city’s best eateries are centred on the main square (pictured, left), Piata Sfatului.

Just south of your base in Brasov is Bran Castle, perhaps better known as “Dracula’s Castle”. This beautiful but eerie castle is said to have inspired Bram Stoker in his depiction of the famous vampire’s Transylvanian home. Your day trip to Bran includes entrance to the museum and an opportunity to explore the castle grounds.

Back in Brasov after lunch, you might want to take a cable car to the summit of Mount Tampa to drink in the dramatic views.

After a relaxing morning in Brasov, your train journey this afternoon will take you through stunning scenery along the banks of the Prahova River. This wonderful route will treat you to about an hour of spectacular views before delivering you to one of Romania’s most highly-regarded holiday resorts: Sinaia.

Having dropped your bags at the International Hotel (or similar), you’ll have time to explore this pretty town which is home to the impressive Peles Castle and its famous art collection.

It is your last morning in the Carpathian mountains so you may want to make use of the city’s ski lifts and take in the incredible views. Alternatively, you could investigate the impressive architecture of Sinaia Monastery (pictured).

Your afternoon train will take you towards Constanta and the Black Sea. From the Constanta station, make your way to Hotel Carol (or similar) where you will be staying for 2 nights.

Sitting on the western edge of the Black Sea, the ancient city of Constanta provides a fascinating mix of architecture for visitors to explore. From the numerous Roman remains you can visit, some of which include beautiful mosaics, through to the art-nouveau Constanta Casino (pictured), there’s something for almost every taste and interest. There are also a wide-range of local restaurants and you are close to vineyards and traditional Romanian villages.

From Constanta station, you will catch an InterCity train to Bucharest, checking into the K+K Hotel Elisabeta (or similar) for a 3 night stay.

As Romania’s financial, political and cultural hub, Bucharest has plenty to offer to visitors. The recently renovated old town allows you to imagine the city as it once was, whilst the enormous Palace of the Parliament, built during Nicolae Ceausescu’s dictatorship, is an incredible sight. The city also offers a vast array of dining options and even fine dining is relatively affordable, so it is a real chance to indulge yourself and finish your trip in style!

You have a final morning to explore Bucharest today before heading to the airport to catch your flight home. Alternatively, if you would like to take trains from Bucharest to another European city, please do let us know your requirements.