Transylvania

Transylvania
Land that fascinated Prince Charles of Great Britain
Fortresses and fortified churches

8 days / 7 nights


Transylvanian villages with fortified churches provides a lively cultural landscape of southern Transylvania. These villages are characterized by a pattern of settlement and organization of farms, preserved since the Middle Ages. Localities are dominated by their fortified churches, which illustrate building periods XIII century until the sixteenth century. Once the number of 300, the fortified churches have played a role both religious and military role for more than five centuries. At nearly 150 buildings in the early twenty-first century, the fortified churches in Transylvania form one of the densest system of medieval fortifications in Europe very well kept.

Day 1: Arrival in Bucuresti
Arrival to Bucharest. Transfer to a 4* hotel, centrally located.

Day 2 : Sinaia – Rasnov – Bran
Breakfast. Departure on Prahova Valley, to Sinaia mountain resort, where we visit : Sinaia Monastery - dubbed the 'Cathedral of the Carpathians', located in a wonderful natural environment, dating from the seventeenth century and represents the historical identity of the city, the first building in this area and Peles Castle - the summer residence of the kings of Romania, one of the most important historic edifices in Romania, with unique character with its historic and artistic value, one of the most important monuments of this kind in Eastern Europe second half of the nineteenth century.
After lunch,leaving for the medieval fortress Rasnov - one of the best preserved peasant fortress in Transylvania, built in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries by inhabitants of the settlement of the same name, with the main goal to defend against attacks Tartars.
Arrival to Bran . Dinner and accommodation

Day 3 : Bran – Brasov – Bran
Breakfast. Visit Bran Castle - historical and architectural monument built by the Teutonic Knights between 1211-1225, strengthened and expanded in 1427. Then, go to Brasov, the most important medieval city in Transylvania and visit the medieval fortress city, the Black Church - symbol of the city- the largest evangelical church in Transylvania, built around 1380, in the Gothic style and walk in the historical center, lunch and shopping. Return to Bran. Dinner and accommodation.

Day 4 : Prejmer - Harman – Sanpetru – Viscri – Saschiz – Sighisoara
Breakfast. Departure to visit the peasant fortresses and fortified churches, founded during the Teutonic domination and fortified over time, is part of the UNESCO world cultural heritage, Prejmer, Harman and Sanpetru.
Continue to the heart of Transylvania, to see the wonderful land that fascinated even Prince Charles of Great Britain.
Miclosoara, Viscri, Saschiz
Visit the saxon fortifcations Viscri and Saschiz. Viscri, is one of the most spectacular fortified churches, besides being one of the six UNESCO World Heritage listed. Peculiarities of this settlement attracted the attention and goodwill Mihai Eminescu Trust, a foundation under the patronage of Great Britain Crown Prince –Prince Charles himself who renovated the church and some houses in the village. Is where Prince Charles is often taking holidays in the area.
Arrival at Sighisoara. Dinner and accommodation.

Day 5 : Sighisoara – Biertan – Sighisoara
Breakfast. Visit the medieval fortress. Sighiṣoara is considered to be the most beautiful and well preserved inhabited citadel in Europe, with authentic medieval architecture. In Eastern Europe, Sighiṣoara is one of the few fortified towns that are still inhabited .The houses inside Sighiṣoara Citadel show the main features of a craftsmen's town. However, there are some houses that belonged to the former patriciate, like the Venetian House and the House with Antlers.
After lunch, departure to Biertan.Biertan is one of the most important Saxon villages with fortified churches in Transylvania, having been on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, since 1993. It was the see of the Lutheran Evangelical Bishop in Transylvania between 1572 and 1867.
Return to Sighisoara. Dinner and accommodation

Day 6 : Alba Iulia – Sibiu (European Capital of Culture in 2007
Breakfast. Departure to Alba Iulia - the capital of Transylvania between 1541 and 1711 and the first capital of Greater Romania. Visit Reunification Cathedral of Alba Iulia Fortress, the Roman Catholic Cathedral and Bathyaneum Library, founded in 1798, which houses ancient works, since 1561, the early years of the occurrence pattern
After lunch, departure to Sibiu - one of the most important and flourishing cities of Transylvania, one of the main centers of German colonists settled in the area. Sibiu was the European Capital of Culture in 2007, together with Luxembourg.
Along the way, we stop at Sibiel - Icons on glass Museum . Departure to Sibiu. Lunch
Dinner and accommodation to Sibiu

Day 7 : Bucuresti – through Fagaras Mountains
Breakfast. Departure to Fagaras and crossing the mountain on Transfagarasan. This spectacular road climbs to 2,034 metres altitude . After lunch departure to Bucharest.
Dinner and accommodation.

Day 8 : Bucuresti
Breakfast. Bucharest city tour. Transfer to the airport.


Services included:

2 nights accommodation with breakfast in 4 * hotels
5 nights accommodation with halfboard in 3* hotels and traditional pensions
Bucharest city tour
Transfer airport - hotel - airport
English speaking guide and 3* coach.