Romania Self Drive 1 - Transylvania - History and Mystery

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.

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.

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.