Bună ziua! After settling into your hotel, enjoy a welcome dinner in a historic restaurant with the rest of your travel companions and your local guide. Then you can choose to get an early night’s sleep or go out and explore Bucharest by night. Ask your guide to recommend their favorite night time haunts in the city.

Get to know Bucharest this morning, on a walking tour of the capital city once dubbed “the Paris of Eastern Europe.” You’ll see the Romanian Athenaeum, wander around the old town, wander around Piata Unirii, one of Europe's largest squares, and explore the seemingly never-ending interior of the Palace of Parliament, also known as the People's House. Built by the Communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, the Palace boasts 1,100 rooms, hundreds of chandeliers, 220,000 square meters of carpet, and a total area of over 365,000 square meters. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to rest or explore further on your own.

Today you’ll visit two of Romania’s most impressive castles. First up, the striking 19th century Peleș Castle, nestled in the foothills of the Bucegi Mountains. This beautiful former summer home of the Romanian royal family boasts 160-plus rooms, including an enormous Weapons Room, Music Room, and a frescoed movie theater.  After a tasty lunch at a pretty winery in the Prahova Valley, known for its sparkling rosé, we'll continue on to Bran, a commune in Brașov County. As darkness approaches, we'll take a peek inside the imposing Bran Fortress, also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle.’ While this ancient fortress earned foreign fame thanks to the Irish novelist Bram Stoker, its history is more fascinating than any vampiric folktale. Spend the evening exploring picturesque Brașov by yourself before turning in for the night. 

Discover the delights of Brașov city center today. Visit the Gothic-style 14th century Biserica Neagră (Black Church), one of the largest churches in Romania, wander around the pretty town square lined with historic buildings, and take a  cable car up to Brașov’s version of the Hollywood sign. This afternoon, take some time to relax and wander on your own. Depending on your interests, your guide can suggest and help arrange optional activities—such as a nature trek in the Seven Ladders Canyon. Meet up with your group again in the evening for a meal at one of your guide’s favorite restaurants. 

Your first stop today is Rupea Citadel, one of the most spectacular and best-conserved medieval structures in Transylvania. This massive medieval fortress once sat on the frontlines of the Ottoman expansion into central Europe. You’ll then take a look around the UNESCO World Heritage listed 13th century fortified church in Viscri, a charming rural town in the Transylvanian countryside followed by a relaxed, homemade lunch with a local family. Make a quick stop at King Charles III’s house for tea before heading to the medieval city of Sighișoara. Built at the turn of the 13th century by a group of German settlers known as the Transylvanian Saxons, colorful Sighisoara went on to play a key strategic role in the region. The evening is yours to explore on your own and grab some dinner. 

Enjoy a guided tour of Sighișoara, a UNESCO world heritage site. See the 14th century Clock Tower that dominates the skyline (and offers 360 views from the top), and climb the 176 creaking covered steps that connect the upper and lower parts of town to reach the so-called Church on the Hill. The afternoon is yours for further exploration or relaxation. Meet up with your group in the evening for dinner. 

Salina Turda is a former salt mine-turned-art theme park, boasting more than 2,000 years of history. Mining here was introduced by the Romans and continued all the way until 1932. The space is now fitted with bright lights and pedestrian walkways, not to mention an amphitheater, ferris wheel, and underground lake. You’ll have an opportunity to row across the lake, which is 400 feet below the Earth’s surface, and possibly ride the ferris wheel too. After lunch, head to the unofficial capital of Transylvania - Cluj-Napoca. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Transylvanian feast. 

Explore the most haunted forest in the world today. There is an eerie atmosphere at Hoia-Baciu Forest. According to local legends, ghosts and spirits lurk among the crooked trees, but most modern-day Romanians ignore the myths and simply enjoy the beauty of the area, which has become a recreational space. Enjoy a bit of free time before another group dinner this evening. 

Discover the tranquil village of Coltesti in the Trascău Mountains this morning. Enjoy a guided walk around the village, which offers picturesque panoramas of the surrounding landscape. Then try traditional Szekler food for lunch. Visit one of the largest castles in Europe later today. Hunedoara Castle, also known as Corvinilor or Corvin Castle, was built in 1446 by Ioan de Hunedoara, ruler of Transylvania and Regent of Hungary. Roam the castle’s interiors, including its watchtowers, and bedrooms, and see the ‘bear pit,’ where prisoners and traitors were said to have been thrown in. The rest of your day is yours to delve deeper into the secrets of Hunedoara.

This morning, you'll travel to Sibiel, one of the oldest communes in the region. On the way, you’ll stop at Priest Zosim Oancea Museum, known for its unique selection of glassworks, and the ASTRA Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization, an open-air exhibition showcasing the art, architecture and historic objects of Transylvania. Sibiu is something of a cultural heavyweight, known for its creative, bohemian atmosphere, rich history and eye-catching architecture. You may notice various sets of eyes following you as you wander around. Look closely and you'll see that the houses are staring back at you.  Explore what remains of the city’s medieval walls and towers, cross the legendary Bridge of Lies and take in the grandeur of Brukenthal National Museum. Spend the evening exploring at your own pace. 

After a relaxing morning, you’ll begin the drive back to Bucharest. For much of the way, our route follows the picturesque River Argeș. After check-in at your Bucharest hotel, spend some time exploring the city, picking up souvenirs, and exploring areas you missed last time, before meeting with your group for your farewell dinner this evening.

This morning, it’s off to the airport or on to your next destination. Alternatively, stick around and spend a few more days exploring Bucharest. We love the Cărturești Carusel Bookstore, one of the most attractive bookstores in the world.