Romania Self Drive 1 - Transylvania - History and Mystery

Mediaeval castles & towns in the Carpathians

Summary

Discover the historic towns, medieval castles, and breathtaking Carpathian scenery of Transylvania on this self-drive holiday. Explore Cluj, Sibiu, Brașov, and Sighișoara, visit the legendary Bran Castle, and experience traditional village life in the rural Carpathian countryside, all at your own pace with carefully selected accommodations and optional guided excursions.

Activity code: ROFD01

Duration: 8-10 Days

Transylvania Fly-Drive – Castles, Countryside & Carpathian Scenery

This superb self-drive holiday takes you on a journey through the ancient heart of Romania – Transylvania. Explore historic towns, medieval fortresses, and world-famous castles, while also venturing off the beaten track into the region’s stunning northern countryside. Transylvania is a land of dramatic Carpathian scenery, rolling hills, and charming villages, where you can experience the traditional rural way of life and encounter locals who maintain centuries-old customs.

The circular route can start and finish at any of Transylvania’s main airports – Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, or Târgu Mureș – with minimal adjustments, and even Bucharest is possible as a start point. The itinerary can also be extended with extra nights in any location, or you may wish to explore the lesser-visited Maramureș region, known for its wooden churches and distinctive folk traditions.

A typical route might include:

  • Cluj-Napoca – Transylvania’s vibrant university city, with historic squares, Baroque churches, and lively cafes.

  • Sibiu – Renowned for its medieval walls, cobbled streets, and the grand Piața Mare, perfect for exploring on foot.

  • Sighișoara – One of Europe’s best-preserved fortified towns and the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, with a charming citadel.

  • Brașov – Nestled beneath the Tampa Mountain, a picturesque town with Gothic architecture and the famous Black Church.

  • Bran Castle – Often associated with the Dracula legend, perched dramatically atop a rocky hill.

  • Rural Villages & Countryside – Travel through the Carpathians, stopping in traditional villages to see wooden churches, quaint stone houses, and local crafts.

  • Optional extensions/detours - to Corvin Castle, the Făgăraș Mountains, or Maramureș for wooden churches and folk heritage.

Rediscover the World’s recommended fly-drives provide an insider’s perspective, combining the dramatic landscapes and historic sites with opportunities to stay in small, family-run guesthouses. These carefully selected accommodations enhance the journey, offering comfort, character, and genuine local hospitality.

This tried-and-tested self-drive itinerary gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace. Stay one night at each stop to see as much as possible, or linger for two nights or more to take side trips, hike in the Carpathians, or simply relax and soak up the local culture.

For those who prefer not to drive, we can arrange a private driver, or pre-book train tickets and guided sightseeing, meals, and additional activities to suit your itinerary. Flights from the UK and Europe can also be booked through us, providing full ATOL protection.

Prices are guideline “from” rates in UK Pounds, based on a minimum of two adults. Single supplements, child discounts, and third-adult sharing rates are available on request. We always aim to match a high-quality experience with exceptional value, with shared costs providing further savings for parties of three or more.

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Based upon 2 persons travelling.

Prices from £500 per person

What's included in your Fly Drive Holiday ?

  • 8 days fully-inclusive car rental.
  • Private airport transfers.
  • 8 nights accommodation on B&B.
  • Dinner on 3 nights (HB).
  • Fully detailed itinerary with driving routes & sightseeing suggestions.
  • All local taxes.
  • FREE travel app with all your documents, maps, weather & much more.
  • Fully protected for your peace of mind.
  • 24hr local representative services.

Highlights

Itinerary

Fly into Cluj Napoca International Airport; private transfer directly to your hotel in the centre of Cluj. Balance of day to explore historic Cluj on foot - the main centre of the old city is ideal for a walking tour including some important monuments and buildings, such as the Catholic Cathedral of St. Michael built in Gothic style, the Municipal Theatre and the Christian Orthodox Cathedral built in the Neo Byzantine style. Cluj is a big student city so has many interesting bars and restaurants catering for a more cosmopolitan taste than other cities.

After breakfast we suggest a route to the east through rolling countryside to Targa Mures for a short visit of the city, including the City hall, Cathedral and the impressive Cultural Palace. Lunch could be taken here to sample some great Hungarian cuisine or in one of the villages on your journey south through the hills to Sighisoara.

Sighisoara is the most beautiful mediaeval city in Romania, famed also for its atmosphere, its mysterious corners and narrow streets. The Sighisoara Festival of Medieval Arts and Crafts is held on the last weekend of July, a festival featuring troubadour music, costume parades, street entertainers, handicraft displays, open-air concerts and mediaeval ceremonies.

NB. accommodation availability during this period can be difficult and/or expensive.

Recommended places to stay

A full day to enjoy a visit of the historical centre of this fascinating old town, surrounded by towers and walls, among which stands the famous watch tower with its ancient clock. We recommend a walk up the wooden, covered stairway that leads to the old school and the "Church on the hill", with an excellent panoramic view of not just the old town but the lower city and surrounding countryside.

In the afternoon you may like to take a short drive westwards to visit the fortified church (included in UNESCO heritage list) at Biertan. This is an example characteristic of the fortress-church style and is one of the 300 fortified churches built between the 14th and 16th centuries in Romania.

In the morning set off for a pleasant drive to Brasov, another of the beautiful mediaeval cities in Transylvania. On the way we suggest visiting the beautiful villages of Viscri, Rupea and Saschiz with their fortresses, now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On his first visit to Transylvania, Britain's Prince Charles was immediately struck by the precious legacy of this area and said he was "totally overwhelmed by its unique beauty and its extraordinarily rich heritage"; in 2006 he bought and restored an 18th Century Saxon house in Viscri.

We recommend a walking tour of the historic centre of Brasov, its highlights include the Black Church, the Council Square, the old quarter, Europe's narrowest street (Rope Street) and the Katerina Gate that separated the Romanians from the Saxons in the Austro-Hungarian period. It is also possible to get the funicular railway to the top of the nearby hill for stunning views, some fresh air and a lovely walk. Onward drive at the end of the day to Zarnesti or Bran.

We suggest taking this part of your itinerary in a quiet location offering you such a wide range of sightseeing choices, countryside activities and opportunities for relaxation in this fabulous corner of Transylvania. Within easy reach of Zarnesti (or Bran) are the following: Bran Castle, Libearty Bear Sanctuary, Rasnov Fortress, Prejmer & Harman fortified churches, Rasnov fortified citadel (founded by the Teutonic knights and now re-opended with a funicular from the base of the hill).

You may also wish to take a scenic drive to Azuga and Sinaia to visit stunning Peles Castle or engage in some outdoor activities such as Hiking, mountain biking, the adventure park, bear watching & much more. We also recommend lunch in Azuga at the Rhein cellars with [optional] wine tasting.

After another fantastic home-cooked breakfast continue to Sibiu (the European Capital of Culture in 2007). On arrival you will have time to embark on an easy walking tour of the city centre which would include the Big Square with the Brukenthal Museum (Romania's premier museum), the Stairs Passage, the Small Square, the Ancient Romanian School, the Iron Bridge (aka "Liars Bridge") and the Huet Square with the Evangelic Church. There is a huge variety of choice for eating and drinking in Sibiu.

 

Recommended places to stay

In the morning you could use the new highway which will give you time to visit Hunedoara and to see the greatest Gothic-style castle in Romania, Corvinesti Castle. Heading north you should definitely make time to stop and visit Alba Iulia with its beautifully restored citadel, one of the most impressive in Europe (Alba Iulia was known in ancient times as Apulum, the largest military and economic centre during the Roman occupation).

In the afternoon, if you have time, you may wish to consider a stop to visit one of Romania's newest attractions - the Turda Salt Mine. A vast series of chambers with huge spaces underground housing activities such as mini-golf, a ferris wheel and a boating lake but marvelling at the sheer size of the place and breathing the clean, healthy air may be the most important souvenir you take away.

Private transfer to Cluj airport for flight home or drop off car at airport.

** As this route is a circuit it is straighforward to amend the itinerary if you were to arrive into Targa mures or Sibiu airports instead of Cluj Napoca.

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Flexible Tailor-Made Holidays

  • We believe passionately that no two holidays should be the same.
  • With our flexible tailor-made holiday options you can travel at your own pace.
  • Rediscover a city, a resort or an island in a weekend or longer.
  • Take a small group tour or embark upon a more adventurous trip.

Travel Knowledge

  • We have all travelled extensively and will be happy to share our experiences.
  • Personally-chosen hotels, riads, guest houses & apartments in places we know and love.
  • Individual sightseeing recommendations and route planning.
  • Add excursions, activities and food & wine experiences (one of our passions).

Why book a Fly Drive ?

  • Accommodation choices are small, independent or family-run properties which add significantly to your travel experience.
  • Stress-free arrival & departure transfer service.
  • Detailed driving directions, parking info, suggested routes & sightseeing ideas.
  • Fully protected for your peace of mind & financial security.