Saxon Villages, Carpathian Wildlife & Living Traditions

ARRIVAL OPTIONS:

Choose your gateway:

· Bucharest (OTP) - most international flights

· Brasov - closest to the tour area

· Sibiu - scenic route option

· Craiova - southern entry point

Arrival day flexibility:

· Morning flight: City tour + lunch (optional) → transfer to accommodation

· Afternoon/evening flight: Direct transfer to accommodation

3-DAY ITINERARY:

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL & BRAN/RUCAR AREA

Arrival & Transfer

· Pick-up from the airport/city

· Optional city walking tour (if morning arrival): Old Town, main square, local landmarks

· Optional lunch stop - traditional Romanian cuisine (optional)

· Transfer to Bran/Rucar area

Afternoon

· Check in at an authentic guesthouse

· Meet your host family

· Village orientation walk

· Explore Bran/Rucar area

· Local community interaction

Evening

· Traditional dinner with local products

· Stories and local culture sharing

DAY 2 - WILDLIFE & TRADITIONS

Morning

· Breakfast at the guesthouse

· Wildlife tracking experience in Piatra Craiului Mountains

· Learn about the Carpathian ecosystem

Afternoon

· Return to the village

· Hands-on craft workshop

· Lunch (optional)

Evening

· Traditional dinner

· Relaxation at the guesthouse

DAY 3 - DAMBOVICIOARA GORGES & DEPARTURE

Morning

· Breakfast

· Explore Cheile Dambovicioarei (Dambovicioara Gorges)

· Hiking through a spectacular limestone canyon

· Cave visit

· Natural beauty and photo opportunities

Afternoon

· Lunch (optional)

· Transfer to the airport/city

End of Tour

INCLUDED:

✅ Transport: Private vehicle (comfortable van, max 9 people) for entire tour ✅ Guide: English-speaking local expert guide throughout ✅ Accommodation: 2 nights in authentic guesthouse (private room with en-suite bathroom) ✅ Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners - traditional, locally sourced food  ✅ Workshop: 1 hands-on traditional craft session (pottery/weaving/wood carving) ✅ Entrance Fees: All sites, gorges, and caves ✅ Airport/City Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off included

NOT INCLUDED:

❌ International flights to Romania ❌ Alcoholic beverages ❌ Tips for guide and hosts (optional) ❌ Personal expenses and souvenirs

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS:

Bran Castle Visit - £25 per person

· Guided tour of the famous "Dracula's Castle"

· History and legends

· Can be added to Day 1 or Day 3

Extra Craft Workshop - £35 per person

· Additional hands-on session

· Choose a different craft from the main workshop

· Traditional cheese making, bread baking, or embroidery

Horseback Riding - £45 per person (2 hours)

· Ride through mountain trails

· Suitable for beginners

· Local horses and an experienced guide

Traditional Cooking Class - £55 per person

· Learn to make sarmale, mămăligă, or cozonac

· Cook with your host family

· Eat what you prepare

· Recipe book to take home

Extended Wildlife Experience - £65 per person

· Sunrise or sunset bear watching session

· Hide observation point

· Photography opportunity

· 4-5 hours total

Shepherd Experience - £75 per person (half day)

· Visit a working shepherd in the mountains

· See traditional cheese making

· Taste fresh dairy products

· Learn about pastoral life

Private Room Upgrade - £40 per night

· Larger room with mountain views

· Premium linens and amenities

· Available subject to availability

Wine Tasting - £35 per person

· Romanian wines selection

· Local vineyard or cellar visit

· Cheese and charcuterie pairing

Extra Night in Bran/Rucar - £85 per person

· Includes accommodation, breakfast, dinner

· Free day to explore at your own pace

· Guide available for additional activities (extra cost)

Photography Tour - £95 per person (full day)

· Professional photographer guide

· Best locations and lighting

· Photo editing tips

· Sunrise/sunset sessions

PRICING:

£395 per person

All add-ons are priced per person and can be booked in advance or during the tour (subject to availability)

ACCOMMODATION:

Bran/Rucar area - Traditional guesthouse

· Authentic Romanian architecture

· Family-run hospitality

· Private rooms with en-suite bathrooms

· Home-cooked meals

· Mountain views

· Clean, comfortable, genuine local experience

MODULAR EXTENSIONS - BUILD YOUR ADVENTURE

Add extra regions to your Transylvania Essentials base tour. Modules are listed in logical travel order from south to north

MODULE 1 EXPLORER: BRASOV & SURROUNDINGS (2 nights) - "Mountain Town Experience"

Add £270 per person

Travel: 170 km from Bran/Rucar (2.5 hours by car) Accommodation: Brasov city centre hotel

Highlights:

· Brasov Old Town walking tour (2-3 km on foot, flat)

· Peles Castle

· Sinaia mountain resort

· Rasnov Fortress

· Black Church

Included: ✅ 2 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Peles Castle entrance - £12

· Rasnov Fortress entrance - £8

· Black Church entrance - £5

· Craft beer tasting - £20

· Lunches and dinners - £15-30 per meal

MODULE 2: SIBIU & SAXON VILLAGES (2 nights) - "Medieval Heritage"

Add £260 per person

Travel: 145 km from Brasov (2 hours by car). Accommodation: Sibiu city or Saxon village guesthouse

Highlights:

· Sibiu Old Town (3 km walking, flat historic centre)

· Viscri fortified church UNESCO (1 km village walk, flat)

· Biertan fortress UNESCO (uphill 500m to fortress, moderate)

· Sighisoara citadel - birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (2 km walking, uphill to citadel)

Included: ✅ 2 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Viscri church entrance - £5

· Biertan fortress entrance - £5

· Sighisoara citadel tour - £10

· Cheese and wine tasting - £25

· Lunches and dinners - £15-25 per meal

MODULE 3: TRANSALPINA & SOUTHERN CARPATHIANS (3 nights) - "Scenic Routes"

Add £340 per person

Travel: 120 km from Sibiu (2.5 hours by car, mountain roads) Accommodation: Mountain guesthouse/cabin

Highlights:

· Transalpina Road - the highest paved road in Romania (2,145m altitude, scenic drive)

· Traditional villages of Marginimea Sibiului (village walks 1-2 km, gentle slopes)

· Shepherd culture and sheep farming

· Hiking in Retezat National Park (optional 5-15 km trails, moderate to difficult)

· Mountain passes and panoramic views

Included: ✅ 3 nights mountain accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 3 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Retezat National Park entrance - £8

· Shepherd visit and cheese tasting - £30

· Guided hiking tour - £40

· Lunches and dinners - £12-25 per meal

MODULE 4 GRAND: APUSENI MOUNTAINS (2 nights) - "Wild Carpathians"

Add £240 per person

Travel: 180 km from Transalpina area (3 hours by car, mountain roads) Accommodation: Mountain cabin or village guesthouse

Highlights:

· Scarisoara Ice Cave - underground glacier (300m descent into cave, stairs, moderate difficulty)

· Turda Salt Mine - underground amusement park (200m descent, easy access)

· Cheile Turzii gorges hiking (3-6 km trail, moderate, some steep sections)

· Remote village Rimetea (1 km village walk, flat)

Included: ✅ 2 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Scarisoara Cave entrance - £8

· Turda Salt Mine entrance - £15

· Guided gorge hiking - £25

· Village cultural tour - £20

· Lunches and dinners - £12-20 per meal

MODULE 5: CLUJ & APUSENI VILLAGES (2 nights) - "Culture & Crafts"

Add £250 per person

Travel: 90 km from Apuseni (1.5 hours by car) Accommodation: Cluj-Napoca city hotel

Highlights:

· Cluj-Napoca city tour (3-4 km walking, flat city centre)

· Traditional villages (village walks 1-2 km, gentle terrain)

· Folk art and embroidery workshops

· Traditional costume demonstration

· Pottery village of Corund

Included: ✅ 2 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Embroidery workshop - £35

· Pottery workshop - £30

· Traditional costume demonstration - £20

· Artisan visits - £25

· Lunches and dinners - £15-25 per meal

MODULE 6: MARAMURES (3 nights) - "Living Traditions"

Add £330 per person

Travel: 200 km from Cluj (3.5 hours by car) Accommodation: Local family homestay or traditional guesthouse

Highlights:

· Wooden churches UNESCO (short walks 200-500m to each church, mostly flat)

· Merry Cemetery of Sapanta (500m walk, flat)

· Traditional villages - Barsana, Ieud, Botiza (1-2 km village walks, gentle slopes)

· Hand-carved wooden gates

· Artisan workshops

Included: ✅ 3 nights accommodation with local families (private room, shared bathroom) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 3 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Wooden church entrance (multiple) - £15 total

· Merry Cemetery entrance - £5

· Cooking class - traditional dishes - £45

· Wood carving workshop - £40

· Weaving workshop - £35

· Lunches and dinners - £12-20 per meal

MODULE 7 SIGNATURE: BUCOVINA (3 nights) - "Painted Monasteries"

Add £310 per person

Travel: 240 km from Maramures (4 hours by car) Accommodation: Traditional guesthouse

Highlights:

· 5 UNESCO painted monasteries - Voronet, Sucevita, Moldovita, Arbore, Humor (short walks 100-300m at each, mostly flat)

· Icon painting workshop on glass

· Decorated eggs museum and workshop

· Mountain hiking (optional 3-8 km trails, moderate)

Included: ✅ 3 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 3 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Monastery entrances (5 total) - £20

· Icon painting workshop - £40

· Decorated eggs workshop - £35

· Pottery village visit - £20

· Guided mountain hiking - £30

· Lunches and dinners - £12-20 per meal

MODULE 8: BICAZ GORGES & NEAMT (2 nights) - "Dramatic Landscapes"

Add £255 per person

Travel: 110 km from Bucovina (2 hours by car, mountain roads) Accommodation: Mountain resort or guesthouse

Highlights:

· Bicaz Gorges spectacular drive (scenic route, no walking required)

· Red Lake - Lacul Rosu (lakeside walk 1 km, flat)

· Neamt Fortress (300m uphill walk, moderate)

· Ceahlau Massif hiking (optional 5-12 km trails, moderate to difficult)

· Traditional Moldavian villages

Included: ✅ 2 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Neamt Fortress entrance - £5

· Guided Ceahlau hiking - £35

· Wine and food tasting - £30

· Red Lake boat ride - £15

· Lunches and dinners - £12-20 per meal

MODULE 9: DANUBE DELTA (3 nights) - "Wilderness on Water"

Add £360 per person

Travel: 320 km from Bicaz to Tulcea (5 hours by car) + boat transfer Accommodation: Sulina or Sfantu Gheorghe guesthouse

Highlights:

· Boat exploration through channels (by boat, no walking)

· Birdwatching - 300+ species

· Letea Forest - wild horses (2-3 km walking, flat terrain)

· Traditional fishing village walks (1-2 km, flat)

· Sunrise/sunset boat trips

Included: ✅ 3 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport to/from Tulcea ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 3 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Boat trips (full day) - £45 per day

· Birdwatching guided tour - £50

· Letea Forest excursion - £55

· Fishing experience - £40

· Delta permits and fees - £10

· Lunches and dinners (fresh fish) - £15-25 per meal

MODULE 10: BUCHAREST (2 nights) - "Little Paris of the East"

Add £280 per person

Travel: 280 km from Danube Delta (4 hours by car) OR 530 km from Bran/Rucar (6 hours by car) Accommodation: Central Bucharest hotel

Highlights:

· Palace of Parliament (interior walking tour 1 km, stairs, moderate)

· Old Town Lipscani (2-3 km walking, flat)

· Village Museum (outdoor walking 2 km, flat)

· Communist history tour (by car and walking 2 km)

· Traditional food tour (2 km walking, flat)

· Vibrant nightlife option

Included: ✅ 2 nights central hotel accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Palace of Parliament entrance - £15

· Village Museum entrance - £8

· Traditional food tour - £45

· Therme Spa visit - £25

· Lunches and dinners - £15-30 per meal

AIRPORT TRANSFER OPTIONS:

Final Day Return Transfer - £145 per vehicle (up to 8 people)

Included: ✅ Direct transfer from your last accommodation to the airport ✅ Comfortable private vehicle ✅ English-speaking driver ✅ Luggage assistance

Flexible stops:

· Stop anywhere along the route for photos, refreshments, or sightseeing

· Visit additional attractions on the way to the airport (entrance fees not included)

· Flexible departure time based on your flight schedule

Available from any location to:

· Bucharest (OTP)

· Brasov

· Sibiu

· Craiova

POPULAR COMBINED PACKAGES:

"Complete Transylvania" - 9 nights

Starter (2) + Brasov (2) + Sibiu & Saxon Villages (2) + Apuseni (2) £1,010 per personTotal distance: ~700 km by car

"Spiritual & Wild Romania" - 10 nights

Starter (2) + Bucovina (3) + Danube Delta (3) + Bucharest (2) £1,110 per personTotal distance: ~850 km by car

"Grand Romania Explorer" - 13 nights

Starter (2) + Sibiu (2) + Maramures (3) + Bucovina (3) + Danube Delta (3) £1,450 per personTotal distance: ~1,200 km by car

"Mountain & Culture Journey" - 11 nights

Starter (2) + Brasov (2) + Maramures (3) + Apuseni (2) + Transalpina (3) £1,270 per personTotal distance: ~950 km by car

BUILD YOUR OWN:

Mix and match any modules to create your perfect Romanian adventure.

You can choose any combination:

· Start from any module

· Skip modules that don't interest you

· Do modules in any order that suits your travel plans

· Add or remove days as needed

Recommended minimum: Starter + 1-2 modules (5-8 nights total). Optimal experience: Starter + 2-3 modules (8-11 nights total) Grand tour: Starter + 4+ modules (12+ nights total)

EXTEND YOUR STAY:

Extra Days in Any Location

1 extra night - £85 per personIncludes: Accommodation, breakfast, dinner

2 extra nights - £160 per personIncludes: Accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Guide services (optional) - £50 per day, Driver services (optional) - £50 per day

Popular extensions:

· Extra days in Bucharest for city exploration

· Additional hiking days in the mountains

· More time in traditional villages

· Relaxation days at thermal spas

WHY CHOOSE US:

✨ Local Expertise - Born and raised in Romania, we know the hidden gems tourists never find

✨ Small Groups Only - Maximum 8 people for intimate, personalised experiences

✨ Direct Community Impact - Your money goes directly to local families, artisans, and guides

✨ Authentic Access - Exclusive connections with shepherds, craftspeople, and village families

✨ Flexible & Modular - Build your perfect adventure, your way

✨ English-Speaking Guides - Locals who share insider stories, not Wikipedia facts

WHO IS THIS FOR?

✅ Culture Seekers - Want to experience real village life, not staged performances

✅ Nature Lovers - Excited to track bears, hike wild mountains, explore untouched landscapes

✅ Conscious Travelers - Value sustainable tourism that benefits local communities

✅ Experience Collectors - Prefer hands-on workshops and local interactions over ticking boxes

✅ Adventure Spirits - Comfortable with authentic guesthouses over luxury hotels

✅ Curious Minds - Want to learn traditional crafts, cooking, and local customs

NOT for: Those seeking luxury resorts, nightlife, or fast-paced city tours

BEST TIME TO VISIT:

�� OPTIMAL: May (mid-late) & September (entire month)

· Perfect weather (15-25°C)

· Fewer tourists

· Best value

· All activities available

· Wildlife active

⭐ EXCELLENT: June & October

· June: Warm, lush, possible afternoon showers

· October: Autumn colours, harvest season, cooler temperatures

☀️ GOOD: July-August

· Hot weather (30-35°C)

· Long days

· Peak season (higher prices, more tourists)

· Great for mountain escapes

❄️ WINTER LOVERS: December-February

· Snow-covered landscapes

· Traditional winter customs

· Budget-friendly

· Limited wildlife viewing

Discover Authentic Transylvania - Testimonials

Catherine & John Miller - Boston, USA ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Transylvania exceeded every expectation! The Saxon villages are like stepping into a time machine. We tracked bears in the morning and explored medieval fortified churches in the afternoon. Our guide, Maria, was phenomenal—knowledgeable about both history and wildlife. The perfect blend of culture and adventure!"

Oliver Schmidt - Hamburg, Germany ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "As a German, visiting the Saxon heritage sites was deeply moving. Viscri and Biertan are beautifully preserved, and meeting descendants of Saxon settlers was fascinating. The wildlife safari was an unexpected bonus—we saw bears and eagles! This tour brilliantly combines Transylvania's dual treasures: culture and nature."

Emma & James Taylor - London, UK ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Forget the Dracula clichés—real Transylvania is far more interesting! The fortified churches, traditional villages, and warm hospitality blew us away. Staying in a guesthouse in Viscri and watching bears from a mountain hide the next day was surreal. Authentic, beautiful, unforgettable!"

Lucia & Marco Ferretti - Rome, Italy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "We brought our 12-year-old son, and he loved every minute. The castles sparked his imagination, the wildlife tracking was thrilling, and learning traditional crafts in a Saxon village was hands-on history. Educational and exciting—a rare combination! Transylvania is a hidden European gem."

Sophie Andersson - Copenhagen, Denmark ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I'm a photographer, and Transylvania is visually stunning. Misty Carpathian mountains, colourful Saxon houses, medieval towers—every corner is picture-perfect. The wildlife opportunities were fantastic, too. Our guide knew the best locations and timing for both cultural sites and animal watching. Simply magical!"

Robert & Linda Chen - Vancouver, Canada ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This tour captures Transylvania's soul. We explored Sighișoara's medieval citadel, hiked through pristine forests, tasted incredible local food, and witnessed traditions unchanged for centuries. The combination of UNESCO sites and wild nature makes this region unique in Europe. Highly recommended!"

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What is included in the Transylvania discovery tour?

The tour includes visits to UNESCO-protected Saxon fortified villages (Viscri, Biertan, Prejmer), medieval towns (Sighișoara, Brașov), iconic castles (Bran, Peleș), guided wildlife tracking in the Carpathians, traditional craft workshops, accommodation in guesthouses and hotels, most meals, expert bilingual guides, and all transportation between sites.

How much time do we spend on cultural sites versus wildlife activities?

The tour balances both experiences—typically 60% cultural heritage (villages, castles, traditions, crafts) and 40% nature/wildlife (bear tracking, mountain hikes, forest exploration). We offer flexible itineraries, so if you prefer more emphasis on one aspect, we can customise your experience accordingly.

What wildlife will we see, and is it guaranteed?

You'll have excellent chances of seeing brown bears, red deer, wild boar, and birds of prey. While we cannot guarantee wild animal sightings, our experienced guides know the best locations and times for observations. The Carpathians host Europe's largest bear population, giving you strong odds. Even without bears, the mountain landscapes and cultural experiences alone are extraordinary.

Which Saxon villages and castles will we visit?

Standard itineraries include Viscri (Prince Charles' favourite village), Biertan and Prejmer fortified churches (UNESCO sites), medieval Sighișoara (birthplace of Vlad the Impaler), Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle), and Peleș Castle (stunning royal palace). We can customise based on your interests—more remote villages, additional castles, or extended time in specific locations.

What is the best time to visit Transylvania?

Spring (April-May): Wildflowers, mild weather, fewer tourists. Summer (June-August): Warm, long days, all sites accessible, village festivals. Autumn (September-October): Peak season—stunning fall colours, active wildlife, harvest festivals, perfect weather. Winter (November-March): Snow-covered landscapes, Christmas markets, fewer crowds, though some mountain roads may be limited. We recommend May-June or September-October for ideal conditions.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes! Children ages 6 and above typically enjoy the castles, wildlife tracking, and hands-on craft activities. It's educational and engaging, with a good mix of active and cultural experiences. The medieval atmosphere captures children's imaginations. Children 6-12 receive a 50% discount. Some wildlife observation sessions require patience and quiet, so it's best for families with attentive children.

What should I pack for this tour?

Bring comfortable walking shoes (you'll explore cobblestone streets and hike forest trails), layered clothing (mountain weather changes quickly), a rain jacket, a camera, binoculars for wildlife watching, and sun protection. Transylvania has variable weather—pack for both warm days and cool evenings. We'll provide specific packing lists based on your travel dates and chosen activities.

How is this different from typical Dracula tourist tours?

We focus on authentic Transylvania—real history, living traditions, and natural beauty—not commercialised vampire myths. While we visit Bran Castle (associated with the Dracula legend) and Sighișoara (Vlad the Impaler's birthplace), we emphasise genuine Saxon heritage, medieval architecture, traditional village life, and pristine wilderness. You'll discover the real Transylvania is far more fascinating than the fiction!

2026 DEPARTURE DATES:

SPRING SEASON (Best for: Wildlife tracking, wildflowers, fewer crowds)

· May 9-11 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· May 16-18 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· May 23-25 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· June 6-8 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· June 13-15 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· June 20-22 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

SUMMER SEASON (Best for: Long days, all regions accessible, festivals)

· July 4-6 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· July 18-20 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· August 1-3 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· August 15-17 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· August 22-24 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

AUTUMN SEASON (Best for: Fall colours, harvest season, ideal weather)

· September 5-7 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· September 12-14 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· September 19-21 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· September 26-28 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· October 3-5 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· October 10-12 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· October 17-19 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

Custom dates available for groups

All extensions can be added to any guaranteed departure date

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Group sizes: 2-8 people

Walking difficulty levels:

· Easy: Flat terrain, 1-3 km

· Moderate: Some hills/stairs, 3-6 km

· Difficult: Steep terrain, 6+ km

All modules include: Accommodation, transport, a guide, and breakfasts. Optional: Entrance fees, activities, and most meals for maximum flexibility

Book with confidence: Create your perfect itinerary by combining any modules in any order!

OUR GUARANTEE:

��️ Departure Guaranteed - All listed dates run with a minimum of 2 people - 8 people

��️ Quality Commitment - If accommodation doesn't meet our standards, we'll upgrade you at no cost

��️ Transparent Pricing - No hidden fees, all inclusions clearly listed

BOOK NOW:

Deposit: 30% at confirmation. Balance: 45 days before departure.

Cancellation Policy

• 31+ days before departure:
Full refund minus £50 administration fee

• 0–30 days before departure:
No refund (100% cancellation fee)