Transylvania and the Moldavian Monasteries

Drive north through the Prahova Valley. Morning at the spectacular Peleș Castle — the summer residence of Romanian royalty. Afternoon at Bran Castle, the dramatic hilltop fortress associated with the Dracula legend. Evening stroll through Brașov's old centre and visit to the Black Church — the largest Gothic church in south-eastern Europe. Overnight in Brașov.

Drive northeast through the Eastern Carpathians. Visit the fortified church of Prejmer — a UNESCO World Heritage site just east of Brașov. Continue past the Red Lake (Lacul Roșu) and through the dramatic Bicaz Gorges into Moldavia. Overnight in the Bucovina region.

A full day with the painted monasteries of Bucovina — a UNESCO World Heritage ensemble. Voroneț, Humor, Moldovița and Sucevița, each with its own colour palette painted on the exterior walls. Your guide explains the theological narratives in detail.

Drive west back into Transylvania via the legendary Borgo Pass. Morning stop in Bistritz — the Saxon market town that fired Bram Stoker's imagination. Afternoon in Sighișoara — the medieval citadel and birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. Overnight in Sighișoara.

A day through the rolling Saxon landscape: the fortified church of Biertan (UNESCO) and arrival in Sibiu — the finest medieval city in Romania. Afternoon free to explore the Grand Square and the iconic Liars' Bridge.

Drive south through the Carpathians back to Bucharest. Stop at the monastery of Cozia — one of Wallachia's oldest sanctuaries. Guided city tour of Bucharest including the colossal Palace of the Parliament. Farewell dinner.

Transfer to Henri Coandă International Airport for departure flights. End of programme.