Transylvania and the Painted Monasteries

Transylvania is home to some of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns, stunning castles and fortified Saxon churches. Colourful centuries-old traditions still thrive in the villages and are delightfully apparent in the folk costumes, architecture, cuisine and music of the region.

Painted Monasteries • Carpathian Mountains • Dracula’s Castle • Peles Castle

Day 1 Fly from the UK to Bucharest and transfer to the overnight hotel in Focsani.

Day 2 Continue to Iasi, the former capital of Moldavia. Visit the Palace of Culture and Trei Ierarhi Monastery, built between 1637 and 1639, in a mix of architectural styles and renowned for its external decoration.

Day 3 Full day excursion to the painted monasteries of Sucevita and Humor. The last of 22 painted churches in Bucovina, Sucevita is a heavily fortified monastic complex. Massive eaves protect the outside frescoes, painted by local artists between 1602 and 1604. We continue to Humor, founded in 1530, with frescoes dating from 1535.

Day 4 A second day amongst the Painted Monasteries includes Moldovita and Voronet. Moldovita’s predominantly gold and blue paintings on the exterior walls. Its Siege of Constantinople frescoes were inspired by a poem dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Voronet is the most famous and stunning of the painted monasteries and widely known as 'the Sistine Chapel of the East'.

Day 5 Traverse the Carpathians to the legendary province of Transylvania via Bicaz Gorge before arriving in Brasov.

Day 6 Visit Dracula's Castle, Bran, linked to Vlad the Impaler and the vampires of myth and literature. Continue to the medieval city of Brasov for a guided city tour.

Day 7 Visit the medieval town of Sighisoara for a walking tour of the car-free walled centre. Continue to the village of Viscri with its fortified Saxon church.

Day 8 Travel to Sinaia with en route wine tasting before visiting Peles castle. Nestled at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains in the picturesque town of Sinaia.

Day 9 Transfer to Bucharest Airport for our flight back to the UK.

All tours are tailored to your requirements and can be adapted for travel by coach and/or air as you prefer. Occasionally itineraries change. Please see our current brochure or contact us for the latest version.

Hotel Roman, Focsani

This 70 bedroom 4 Star hotel is modern in style, inspired by the 'boutique hotel' concept. Facilities include a spa as well as a restaurant and bar.

BW Bucovina, Gura Humorului

This 130 bedroom 4 Star hotel occupies the most impressive building in the area. The Gothic styled bedrooms provide an intimate ambience and offer wonderful views of the surroundings.

Hotel Coroana Brasovului, Brasov

Situated within 10 minutes walk of the City Square and 5 minutes away from Schei Gate, this 42 bedroom 3 Star property offers a blend between history and the comforts of a modern hotel.

Hotel New Montana, Sinaia

Located in the heart of a small mountain and ski resort, this 4 Star hotel provides a cozy, relaxing atmosphere and top quality services. Each of the 175 bedrooms offers spectacular views of the Carpathian Mountains.

Your tour includes:

• Return flights from the UK to Bucharest

• Transfers and local coach services

• 8 nights accommodation with:
8 breakfasts, 7 dinners and 5 lunches

• Excursions/admissions as detailed in the itinerary

• Wine tasting en route to Sinaia

• English speaking guides

For a quotation, or to enquire about this tour, fill in our online form, send us an email or call us on 01432 277666.