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:
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Cluj-Napoca – Transylvania’s vibrant university city, with historic squares, Baroque churches, and lively cafes.
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Sibiu – Renowned for its medieval walls, cobbled streets, and the grand Piața Mare, perfect for exploring on foot.
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Sighișoara – One of Europe’s best-preserved fortified towns and the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, with a charming citadel.
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Brașov – Nestled beneath the Tampa Mountain, a picturesque town with Gothic architecture and the famous Black Church.
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Bran Castle – Often associated with the Dracula legend, perched dramatically atop a rocky hill.
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Rural Villages & Countryside – Travel through the Carpathians, stopping in traditional villages to see wooden churches, quaint stone houses, and local crafts.
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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.