Transylvania is a region where dramatic mountain views, peaceful countryside and timeless traditions come together. Think rolling pastures, colourful wildflower meadows, and beautifully preserved Saxon towns and villages – all wrapped in the gentle mystery the area is famous for. Many people who have travelled there describe it as one of the last truly medieval landscapes in Europe, and it’s easy to see why.
Your journey begins with to nights in Bucharest, staying on a bed and breakfast basis. Romania’s elegant capital is known for its grand boulevards and striking pre-First World War architecture, which once earned it the nickname “Little Paris”. There’s plenty to enjoy at a relaxed pace, including a leisurely walking tour along Calea Victoriei, the city’s most celebrated avenue. This charming route takes you past the Romanian Athenaeum, the former Royal Palace, Revolution Square and into the characterful Old Town, where history and café culture blend together beautifully.
On day three, you will travel from Bucharest to the medieval merchant town of Brasov – your main base for the holiday. Brasov is a wonderfully atmospheric place, filled with ornate Saxon architecture, impressive churches and quaint, winding lanes. Today, the main square is one of Romania’s loveliest Baroque spaces, home to the 15th-century Town Hall, the charming Trumpeter’s Tower and the majestic Black Church. This is the biggest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul, complete with a six-tonne bell and a magnificent 4,000-pipe organ.
No visit to Romania would be complete without exploring Bran Castle, the famous fortress, long associated with the Dracula legend. Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop guarding a mountain pass, it was built in the late 14th century by the Saxons to protect Brasov from Turkish invasion. Inside, you’ll discover elegant Western European furnishings collected by Queen Marie in the 1920s, when the castle served as a royal residence.
As a whole, this holiday with walks is filled with scenic beauty, rich history and intrigue – the perfect blend for a relaxed, enriching and memorable trip.