Welcome to Transylvania At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
Includes meal(s): Dinner
Authentic Transylvania This morning, join a local guide for a fascinating tour of Sibiu, one of Transylvania’s most beautiful medieval cities. Discover highlights including Piata Mare (Grand Square), the city’s impressive medieval towers, and the legendary Bridge of Lies. Later, visit the ASTRA Open-Air Museum, where traditional homes, workshops, and windmills bring Romania’s rural heritage to life. Continue to Rășinari, a picturesque mountain village renowned for its rich traditions and authentic Transylvanian character. During the festive season, the village is especially charming, offering a glimpse into cherished Christmas customs and local culture. Return to Sibiu, where the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure amidst the city's magical Christmas atmosphere. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
During the festive season, the ASTRA Open-Air Museum feels like a Christmas village brought to life. Traditional cottages, windmills, and workshops from across Romania are decorated for the holidays, while local artisans showcase age-old crafts and festive customs. With the aroma of seasonal treats in the air and centuries-old traditions on display, it's one of the most enchanting places to experience the authentic spirit of a Romanian Christmas
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Storybook Sibiu Enjoy a full day at leisure in charming Sibiu, home to Romania’s first Christmas Market. Stroll through beautifully decorated medieval squares, browse festive market stalls, savour local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the enchanting holiday atmosphere at your own pace.
(B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
Step into the magic of Sibiu at Christmas, where sparkling lights, festive decorations, and beautifully adorned medieval squares create an enchanting winter wonderland. Cross the iconic Bridge of Lies, one of the city’s most beloved landmarks, and discover the local legend that it creaks in protest when someone tells a lie. Elegantly illuminated during the festive season, the bridge adds an extra touch of charm to Sibiu’s unforgettable Christmas atmosphere
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Bites & Delights Drive to the beautifully preserved medieval town of Sighișoara, where a guided walking tour reveals its UNESCO-listed citadel, colourful cobblestone streets, ancient houses, and impressive defensive walls punctuated by 11 historic towers. Free time to stroll along the cobbled streets lined with festive markets stalls, and sample some of the local treats. Continue to Brașov, a charming medieval city nestled beneath the Carpathian Mountains, renowned for its elegant town square, Baroque architecture, lively cafés, and festive atmosphere. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Famous as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the ruler whose legend inspired Bram Stoker's Count Dracula, Sighișoara blends medieval history with irresistible charm. During the festive season, its colourful streets, fairy-tale towers, and beautifully decorated squares are illuminated with Christmas lights, creating a magical atmosphere that feels worlds away from the darker tales for which the town is known
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Fangs & Festivities Begin the day with a guided walking tour through the enchanting medieval heart of Brașov, exploring the historic Schei District and the impressive Black Church, one of Eastern Europe's finest Gothic landmarks. Later, journey to the legendary Bran Castle, famously linked to the Dracula tale, where centuries of history, folklore and intrigue await. Return to Brașov and enjoy an evening at leisure, with time to wander the city's atmospheric squares, admire its beautifully illuminated streets and festive decorations. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Transylvania may be forever linked with vampires thanks to Bram Stoker's legendary novel, Dracula, but the region's real history is every bit as fascinating. Built in 1377, Bran Castle is an impressive medieval fortress associated with Vlad the Impaler, the Wallachian prince whose reputation and legacy helped inspire the Dracula legend
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Castles & Christmas Take a scenic drive through the stunning Prahova Valley to Sinaia, home to the magnificent Peles Castle, the former summer residence of Romania's royal family and widely regarded as one of Europe's most romantic castles. After exploring its opulent interiors and impressive architecture, return to Brașov and enjoy free time to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. Browse charming Christmas market stalls, savor traditional holiday favorites such as sweet cozonac, freshly baked chimney cakes (kürtőskalács) and hearty sarmale, or perhaps join an optional evening excursion featuring a visit to a local distillery, a traditional brandy tasting, and a dinner showcasing regional Transylvanian cuisine.
(B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
From the very beginning, Peles Castle was one of the most modern in Europe. It was the first castle on the continent fully supplied by electrical power – it had its own electrical unit – and one of the few with a central heating system, an elevator, and the best comfort of the time. The castle was a museum from its first years, and the ticket sales were used to finance Romania’s Queen Elisabeth’s charity works. After the castle was confiscated by the communists, it was used only as a museum from 1953 to 1975, escaping the destructive whims of ruling dictator, Ceausescu
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
A Capital Christmas Drive to Bucharest, Romania's elegant capital, and join your Local Guide for a tour of its highlights, including Victoria Palace, the Royal Palace, the CEC Palace, and the impressive Palace of the Parliament. Later, enjoy free time to explore the festive Christmas markets, admire the dazzling lights and giant Christmas tree, and soak up the holiday atmosphere. This evening, celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner alongside your fellow travellers. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Known as the “Little Paris of the East” in the early 20th century, Bucharest earned its reputation through its elegant architecture, grand boulevards and vibrant cultural life. Dominating the city skyline is the impressive Palace of the Parliament, the vast former project of communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. Renowned as the world's heaviest building and the second-largest administrative building after the Pentagon, it provides a striking backdrop to Bucharest's main Christmas market, where festive lights, seasonal treats and holiday traditions create a magical winter atmosphere
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
