Transylvania & the Monasteries of Bucovina

Day 1 - Sun. Bucharest - Brasov

Arrival in Bucharest, capital of Romania. Pick up from the airport or from your hotel and departure to Brasov. Nestled below steep, craggy, tree-clad mountains, this beautiful town is the most visited city in Romania after Bucharest. Overnight at the Bella Muzica hotel 3*. (D)

Day 2 - Mon. Bran Castle and Prejmer Citadel

After breakfast, tour of the old town of Brasov, a blend of centuries-old buildings and trendy chill out bars. Continue to Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle, a favorite among fans of romantic Transylvanian castles. Bran Castle is in excellent condition and its crenulated towers are a picturesque sight from miles away. Even if you are not great admirer of vampire stories, you should definitely cross the castle door. Not far from Bran Castle, we take time to visit the Saxon fortified church of Prejmer, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Return to Brasov. The remainder of your time is at leisure to explore this exciting town and enjoy the excellent dining opportunities. Overnight at the Bella Muzica hotel 3*. (B)

Day 3 - Tue. Brasov - Bicaz Gorges - Northern Moldavia

We travel northwards into Moldavia to the unforgettable painted monasteries. Moldavia is a rural paradise: picturesque villages, bucolic scenery and colorful inhabitants. Its painted churches are among the greatest artistic monuments in Europe and UNESCO World Heritages Sites. Drive through the Bicaz gorges, on one of Romania's most staggering and spectacular road. The gorge twists and turns steeply uphill, cutting through sheer, 300m-high limestone rocks on its journey through the mountains. A short stop to enjoy the breathtaking scenery in the Red Lake resort. Spend two nights at the Best Western Bucovina hotel 4* in Gura Humorului. (B, D)

Day 4 - Wed. Painted Monasteries of Bucovina

After breakfast, we take a tour of the most spectacular painted monasteries: Suceavita, Moldovita, Voronet and Putna. The painted exterior walls, decorated with 15th and 16th-century frescoes, are considered masterpieces of Byzantine art. Far from being merely wall decorations, the paintings represent complete cycles of religious murals on all facades. Their outstanding composition, elegant outline and harmonious colors blend perfectly with the surrounding landscape. Discover a little more about the local culture in the village of Marginea, renowned for its black earthenware and visit a pottery workshop. (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Thu. Sighisoara

We make our way into the heart of Transylvania to find fascinating medieval towns, legendary castles, fortified churches and dramatic mountains peaks. Arrival in Sighisoara. The best preserved and continuously inhabited medieval city in Europe, Sighisoara Citadel will make you feel like you're floating through another time and space. Enjoy a walking tour of the citadel. Afternoon at leisure to explore this exciting medieval town and enjoy the excellent dining opportunities. Overnight at the Sighisoara hotel 3*. (B)

Day 6 - Fri. Biertan - Sibiu

Our agenda today takes us to Biertan. Set high up on a hill, Biertan's Saxon church is the most prominent and best-known of the fortified churches that dominate many of the Transylvanian villages. Continue to Sibiu, one of the most beautiful and well preserved historical towns in Romania and European Capital of Culture in 2007. We take a walking tour of the historic centre, dating from the 12th century. You have the opportunity to enjoy Sibiu's nightlife. Spend the night at Ana hotel 3*, in Sibiu. (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Sat. Bucharest

Return to Bucharest. Short sightseeing tour that will give you an overall impression of the most significant sights in Bucharest. Transfer to the Opera hotel 3*. In the evening you may decide to dine in the renowned Caru cu Bere Restaurant, Bucharest's oldest beer hall, dating from 1875, with Romanian folk music and dances. (B)

Day 8 - Mon. Bucharest

A last opportunity for city sightseeing and shopping (your own arrangements). Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)