As seen on
Transylvanian Heritage & Landscapes
Romania
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Essential info
- Packing list
Grade:
Entry Level
Type:
Cultural
Transfers
Duration:
9 Nights
4 - 12
Group size
Leaders
Highlights
- Explore the medieval towns of Brasov, Sighisoara & Sibiu
- Characterful, boutique accommodation with a story to tell
- Bear watching from a wildlife hide
- UNESCO Site of Viscri, lunch with Romanian family
Add on Adventures
This itinerary has options for you to extend & customise your experience before &/or after your holiday. See Itinerary for details.
In the depths of the Transylvanian countryside discover the medieval soul of Romania as you explore foreboding gothic castles and the UNESCO Heritage Saxon village of Viscri. Pause in the wilderness of the Carpathian Mountains for the chance to see brown bears roaming free. Our local connections allow us to offer you unique experiences away from the tourist trail; with stays in quality, authentic and often historic, hotels and guest houses, this adventure is a delightful, responsible and gently paced immersion into the legends of Transylvania.
Renowned for its undisturbed mountain forests overlooked by dramatic castles with towering spires, swathes of Romania continues at a pace and style of living unchanged for centuries. Discover thriving Bucharest, with an insight into Romania’s recent Communist history, and enjoy guided walking tours of the colourful and creative medieval towns of Brasov, Sighisoara and Sibiu.
Join us for a slow and responsible, small group, guided adventure to Transylvania, in the heart of this beautiful country, learning directly from experts and locals, about its medieval and modern history, its religion, food & culture.
Add on Adventures
This itinerary has options for you to extend & customise your experience before &/or after your holiday. See below for details.
Day 1: Arrival into Bucharest
Transfer
Dinner
4 star hotel
Arrive into Bucharest and be transferred to your excellently located 4* boutique hotel to freshen up and relax (we are staying here for 2 nights). If you chose to add our Maramureş mini-adventure onto the beginning of your holiday, then you will be arriving in from Cluj-Napoca, and will already have acclimatised to Romania.
Take time to relax or explore the area around your hotel independently before meeting your English speaking Romanian guide this evening. Meet the rest of our group and enjoy a welcome dinner of traditional Romanian dishes at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Walking Tour of Bucharest
Transfer
Breakfast
4 star hotel
Our adventure begins in earnest this morning with a fully guided walking tour of this fascinating city, known for its wide, treelined boulevards and glorious Belle Epoque architecture, and striving forwards with energy, from its relatively recent turbulent history.
Enjoy the Old Town Lipscani area and view the city’s major landmarks including Revolution Square, the Romanian Athenaeum and the National Art Museum.
Some of the most striking sites are those that tell the story of Romania’s Communist era. You will be awed by the sheer size of the Palace of Parliament which represents one of the most extravagant and expensive building projects in the world. A guided tour will ensure you gain a full insight into the history of the building and politics it represented. Further insight is given by a visit to Ceausescu’s Home, now a museum.
Day 3: Peles & Bran Castles
Transfer
Breakfast
4 star hotel
This morning we travel to Sinaia (1hr 45m), a village on the medieval route that linked Transylvania and Wallachia, to visit the first of 2 stunning castles.
Peles is a masterpiece of German Neo-Renaissance style from the late 1800s, built by an international team of Italian masons, Greek stone masons, Hungarian carpenters, Polish engineers and Czech engravers! It was constructed as a summer residence for the Romanian Royal Family (King Carol 1). The castle is in an excellent state and houses some fine European Art.
The second castle of the day, Bran Castle, is the number 1 tourist attraction in Romania and a National Monument. This could be a reason to avoid it, however, there has been a castle on this site since 1212 and the citadel, renovated in the 1920s, is now a wonderful museum displaying art and furniture collected by Queen Marie of Romania. Legend links Bran Castle to Dracula and the stories surrounding Vlad have been a huge part of the attraction of this atmospheric building.
In the late afternoon we travel to the beautiful medieval town of Brasov (1hr 15m). Your guide will ensure you are comfortably checked in to your hotel and you can get your first impressions of Brasov eating out this evening with the group.
Day 4: Brasov & Bear watching
Wildlife
Breakfast
4 star hotel
Brasov is the gateway to Transylvania and the first of several stunning medieval towns we explore during our holiday. You may feel it is familiar, and indeed a number of films (including unsurprisingly, some Dracula themed movies) have been made on location here.
It sits at the foot of Mount Tampa, and we highly recommend the hours walk or cable car ride (10€return journey/person) to the peak at 975m for a magnificent view of the town and surrounding Southern Carpathian mountains. We will take you on a guided walking tour of the town in the morning, before some freedom to explore independently and enjoy lunch out.
In the afternoon we head the countryside for a trip highlight - the incredible opportunity to see bears in the wild. It isn’t a sanctuary; this is a bear watching experience and as such there is no control over nature, but we will have every chance of seeing these incredible creatures in their natural landscapes from some well positioned hides, with input from an expert wildlife guide.
Day 5: Agrotourism in Cobor
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Guest house
The small village of 200 inhabitants in the Ticusu Vechi commune of Transylvania was first inhabited by the Saxons. In recent years it was on the verge of abandonment when, in 2015, an environmental project started focusing on a mix of biodiversity conservation and organic farming.
Here, species thrive that have disappeared from other areas of Europe. Cobor is part of the Foundation Conservation Carpathia (FCC) a Romanian NGO that seeks to create a wilderness reserve for the benefit of biodiversity and local communities.
We travel to Cobor (1hr 25m) for a wonderful agrotourism experience, a delicious lunch of local products and to stay in a traditional and historic farmhouse converted into a deluxe rural guesthouse.
Day 6: Viscri Village & Sighisoara
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
4 star hotel
Transylvania is famous for its Saxon villages, and Viscri (1hr drive from Cobor), is the oldest. Its fortified Lutheran church is a UNESCO Heritage site and a popular attraction for those wanting to explore further into Romania. Viscri has been saved and renovated by the ceaseless activity of the local foundation Mihai Eminescu Trust. We enjoy some free time to wonder around the village, a local traditional lunch and a unique chance to watch local artisans at work.
In the afternoon we drive to the colourful medieval town of Sighisoara (45m). A guided walk gives us our bearings, and a chance to see the Clock Tower, main square and on to Scholars Stairs (175 covered steps) to enjoy the view of the medieval Citadel from the top.
Tonight is another highlight, as you spend the night in the Fronius Residence. It is a legendary house in the heart of the citadel itself, built by an old Transylvanian Saxon family. The building was spared by the devastating fire in 1676 and has been lovingly renovated with each room boasting a different style, packed with original features.
Day 7: Learn about the Rroma culture in Brateiu
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Guest house
After a stroll around Sighisoara, we drive to the village of Brateiu to visit a typical Rroma village and learn more about the real culture of this 3.8million strong ethnic group (30min drive). We observe their crafts including copper products; the art of working copper has been passed from generation to generation and the Rroma people are justifiably very proud of their work.
Moving on to the village of Sibiel (1hr 30m), surrounded by forests, and one of 18 traditional Romanian villages with a special cultural, architectural and historical heritage, away from the toursist trail, we enjoy a home cooked lunch by a local family before driving to the elegant city of Sibiu (20m). Its narrow streets lead you to vast squares dominated by imposing and striking churches.
We stay in the beautiful Old Town, in a medieval guesthouse.
Day 8: Sibiu & ASTRA Outdoor Museum
Breakfast
Guest house
It would be a crime not to linger in Sibiu to explore it a little further so we enjoy a guided tour of the city followed by some downtime so you can enjoy the wonderful grandeur at your leisure.
In the afternoon, there is the option to visit the ASTRA village museum, the largest open air museum in Europe. It showcases traditional architecture and crafts with over 400 reconstructed buildings of wood, stone & brick.
Tonight we return to Sibiu for a second evening enjoying the warm ambiance.
Day 9: Transfagarasan Highway, Balea Lake & Curtea de Arges Monastery
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
4 star hotel
The stunning Faragas mountains (reaching up to 2000m altitude) stand between us and Bucharest, and the Transfagarasan Highway (open July - Oct) is an incredible way to cross them! Featured in the season premiere of the 14th series of Top Gear, it is a contender as one of the worlds greatest driving roads.
1hr 30m into our journey, we stop at Balea Lake Vidraru Dam, the highest dam in Romania, which affords long and amazing views and a photo opportunity (or two!)
Also definitely worth the stop, 2hrs further into our journey to the capital, is the Romanian Orthodox Cathedral and Monastery of Curtea de Arges. The imposing Cathedral was built in the Byzantine style with ornate turrets - very photogenic.
For our May departure, snow will still be blocking the Transfagarasan Road so we head back to Bucharest via the scenic lOt Valley, stopping off at Cozia Monastery, one of the most valuable monuments of national medieval art and architecture in Romania.
On arrival in Bucharest we settle into our familiar hotel and enjoy a celebratory meal and reminisce on the last evening of the adventure.
Day 10: Flight home
Transfer
Breakfast
Presuming you have not chosen to extend your time in Romania by signing up to our Danube Delta Add-on Adventure, after breakfast at the hotel, we transfer you to the airport for your flights home. Time to plan your next escape!
Adventure Optional Extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is only available for part of the trip.
Extra night in Bucharest (Twin/Double Room)
Should you want to arrive a little early for your adventure, or stay on for a night after your adventure, to have longer to explore Bucharest, or to fit in with convenient travel, we can book accommodation for you in our starting Hotel in Bucharest.
Extra night in Bucharest (Single Room)
Should you want to arrive a little early for your adventure, or stay on for a night after your adventure, to have longer to explore Bucharest, or to fit in with convenient travel, we can book accommodation for you in our starting Hotel in Bucharest.
Not Included
- International flights & airport taxes
- Insurance cover
- Tips (allow approx £100)
- Some meals, drinks & snacks - see itinerary
Adventure Optional Addons
Maramures Wooden Churches (before main adventure)
300yr-old UNESCO Heritage wooden churches. Merry Cemetery & stark reminder of recent history with Victims of Communism Memorial. 3 night optional extension.
Addon Optional extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is only available for part of the trip.
Danube Delta (after main adventure)
Small boat tour to see abundant wildlife of the UNESCO Danube Delta. Explore harbour town of Tulcea at the gateway to the Delta and historic Costanta. 2 night/3 day optional extension.
Addon Optional extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is only available for part of the trip.
Contents
Accommodation
This adventure showcases some very special accommodation indeed.
Whilst we always choose hotels based on cleanliness, comfort, safety, proximity to our route (to avoid unnecessary travel) and a warm client welcome as well as reliability in their service to us, this itinerary offers a very high standard of authentic, boutique and unique accommodation. This is reflected in the price of the adventure.
From the sleek modern Belfort Hotel in Brasov, to the rustic guesthouse in Cobor village, to the unique and historic residence in Sighisoara citadel, the accommodation choices are central to your adventure. Due to the small nature of some of the hotels, we can only offer single rooms on a first come, first served basis. As the special accommodation is a significant cost on this adventure, the single supplement is higher than for many of our other adventures (£350). Single rooms may be available for some nights at a proportional cost.
We fully believe in, and practice, Responsible Tourism, using hotels run by locals. The accommodation on this adventure really accentuates your experience. We put time and effort into building our relationship with accommodation suppliers to ensure you have a great trip.
The list below gives information on our first choice of accommodation for this adventure. Where hotels and refuges are fully booked or unavailable, we will use an alternative of a similar standard, and equally well situated. We will provide you with an accurate list of accommodation, with contact information to leave with relatives, prior to departure on your adventure.
Bucharest: (Day 1, 2 & 9): 4* hotel: Siqua or Moxa, depending on availability. Ensuite with Wifi
Brasov Old Town (Day 3 & 4): Belfort Hotel (www.belfort.ro) - Sleek & contemporary hotel. Address: Strada Constantin Dobrogeanu Gherea, nr.4, 500003, Brasov. Email: contact@belfort.ro Wifi, Bar & Lounge
Cobor (Day 5): Cobor Village Farmhouse - Authentic & Rustic guesthouse in the village, converted from the original farmhouse. Ensuite guestrooms.
Sighisoara Citadel (Day 6): Fronius Residence (http://www.fronius-residence.ro). Boutique hotel in medieval building of historic interest. Address: Strada Scolii nr. 13, 545400 Sighisoara. Email: contact@fronius-residence.ro
Sibiu Old Town (Day 7 & 8): 4* Centrally located Accommodation: Art Hotel or Continental Forum, depending on availability
Facilities
Unless you have booked a single room (where they are available) and paid the single room supplement for those nights, you will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender).
Extra nights
If you need an extra night in Bucharest before or after your adventure, then please select this option when you book the adventure (online booking). You will be able to book a twin/double room (for 2 people) or a single room (for 1 person).
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you on your holiday will be a local, English speaking Romanian guide. They will be joined by other expert local guides at various stages of the trip, for example a wildlife guide will joint the group during the bear watching experience.
We work closely with our Romanian Tour Operator partners both before and during your adventure to ensure that they understand your needs and the standard that YellowWood Adventures expects. We believe that it is a very important positive aspect of Responsible Tourism, to employ the expertise of local suppliers, as well as offering you a much more informative and authentic experience.
Your Group
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 4, up to a maximum of 12 clients. This number works really well with the ratio of guides, and ensures the optimum level of service to you during your adventure.
We get clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you have a group of friends or family who are interested in having their own customised trip, then please let us know and we can cost it for you.
Am I fit enough?
Although you will be visiting the heart of one of the mountainous areas of Romania, the focus of this holiday is a cultural exploration. To get the most of out of this adventure, you need to be in good physical condition and able to walk for around 3 - 4 hours (the city tours are on foot). You also need to be comfortable on woodland and field paths which may be narrow or uneven, in order to enjoy the rural and wildlife aspects of the adventure. Any walking is at the natural pace of the group, with regular stops.
Travel
Your YellowWood adventure starts at the airport in Bucharest. We understand that arriving into an unfamiliar airport can be daunting, so we aim to give you as much information here as possible to help you prepare.
Finding flights
Flights are not included in the cost of your holiday, and whilst we are happy to help advise you, responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you. We recommend that you use a comparison tool when searching for flights, such as skyscanner. Or www.momondo.co.uk.
We will send you a Flight Information Sheet with further pointers on which flights to book for your adventure.
Travel by Train
Although the most cost effective way to get to Romania is to use a low cost airline, there is much joy to be found in incorporating your travel into your adventure and choosing the lower carbon footprint option of the train. You can travel direct on the train from Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Sofia or Tehssaloniki, as well as a multitude of destinations having indirect routes.
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. As the situation in our destination countries can change, please do ensure you check regularly before your adventure. We also receive notifications direct from the FCDO so we are always aware of the ‘status’ in our destination countries.
Brexit
We have put together a journal post with a short summary of Brexit Advice for Travellers to Europe.
Airport & Arrival Information
All group specific final details on where to meet your guide will be sent to you prior to the start of your adventure. If you are arriving ahead of the group and have some time spare in Bucharest, we can send you information to help you spend your time wisely.
Flights
Otopeni Henri Coanda International Airport (Bucharest) is 16km North of Bucharest’s city centre. It is a fully functioning, bustling airport welcoming flights from Europe and further afield. Airport services include Duty Free, ATMs, Currency Exchange, Fee Wifi and a Post Office.
On arrival at the airport you will go through passport control to baggage reclaim. There is then a huge door through to Arrivals where you will be met by a driver / guide with a YellowWood Adventures sign.
Alternatives to Flying
As an alternative to flying it is of course possible to travel from the UK to Bucharest by bus or train. Both involve extending your adventure by several days as the fascinating journey route takes you through some of the highlights of Europe! The train route for example, starting in London, stops at Brussels, then Frankfurt, Budapest and then Bucharest. Total journey time (if you don't do the obvious thing of breaking it to visit some of these wonderful places!) is around 34hrs. A bus is also an option though it is 30 hours, taking you through Belgium, Austria, Hungary and finally into Romania.
Hotel Arrival
On arrival at your 4* hotel, please head to reception where you will be greeted warmly and checked in to your room. You will meet your guide this evening before a welcome dinner, so depending on your arrival time, take your time to relax in your room or explore. We will provide you with more details before your adventure.
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow Wood Adventures. Unfortunately anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend sorting your insurance when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered, particularly in the light of effects that the pandemic has had on travel.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hr emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
Your insurance needs to cover you for moderate hiking with the following fairly standard inclusions:
- Medical Expenses
- Coronavirus linked expenses (these may be country specific, so please ensure you know what the requirements are relating to the country you are visiting)
- Repatriation
- Helicopter rescue & Air ambulance
We would also recommend that you have cover for the following optional items:
- Cancellation
- Loss or damage to property
General information on Romania
For information on Romania, such as climate, weather, language, social norms, food & drink etc, please have a read of our Country specificinformation.
Compulsory
- € Currency or US$ / £GB to exchange
- Passport & insurance documents
- Credit / Debit card for ATM use
- Prescription medication
- First aid kit: paracetamol, anti-diarrhoea tables, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer & blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape).
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitiser (70% alcohol) & min of 2 reusable & 10 disposable face coverings
- Washbag & usual contents - small travel bottles please! Biodegradable multi purpose soap can be used for washing clothes & self.
- Flannel & Towel (ideally quick drying travel towel)
- 'On the go' Toilet kit: toilet roll, wet wipes & ziplock bags for carrying paper out. Biodegradable wet wipe brands: Canny Mum, Close Pop & Travel Buddy
- Torch with spare batteries
- Sunglasses & high factor suncream
- Sun hat or baseball cap
Items for Walking / Sightseeing
- Small (20L or so) rucksack, ideally with waist strap for comfort
- Waterproof jacket (GoreTex or similar quality)
- Waterproof stuff sacks / plastic bags to keep daypack contents dry
- Reusable filtration water bottle (approx 2 litres) eg Aqua Pure Traveller water bottle
- Buff or neck gaiter for cold weather / sun protection. Light scarf useful for church visits
Clothing
- Socks / underwear, plus walking socks as required
- Suitable clothes / pjs for sleeping in at night
- Light clothes for day time - long & short sleeved tops.
- Trousers / shorts / skirts
- Walking Sandals & / Trainers
- Warm jacket / fleece - cool evenings, and at altitude
- Warm hat & gloves
Optional
- Camera & charging cables / plug
- Phone & charging cables / plug
- 2 prong adaptor
- Bum bag / grab bag for essentials
- Walking poles
- Umbrella
This trip supports
Need a little help?
Not sure which adventure is best for you? Dates or itinerary not quite fit?
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates & add any extras or 'Add on' adventures. Complete our Booking Form
Check out our Covid-19 friendly booking conditions & check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
'Make Booking': You will be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit (£300/$400/person) payment (receipted), if booking >56 days before your adventure or full payment if 56 or <56 days before your adventure. Your monies are held securely by the Travel Trust Association.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Enter booking information for all guests in your party.
We will be in touch as soon as we are able, to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Do not book transport/flights until we have emailed you to confirm your booking (receipt of your booking form is not confirmation). We will change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding', when it becomes payable online.
This payment is due 56 days before departure date (we send reminders).
Contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking.
+44 207 846 0197
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Enquiry Process
Get in touch via our Enquiry form to check our availability, discuss the adventure and check we can meet your needs.
Complete our Enquiry Form; contact details, additional requirements (eg diet or health requirements) & questions you may have. Include as much information as you are able to, so we can help you with the detail you are looking for
Click on 'Send Enquiry' (receipted).
We will be in touch as soon as we are able, to answer your questions and help you plan your adventure.
+44 207 846 0197