UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Treasures of Romania
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Romania are divided into six sections: the fortified churches in Transylvania, the Horezu Monastery, the churches in Moldavia, the fortifications of the Dacians, the Wooden Churches of Maramures and the Historic Centre of Sighisoara. On our trip, we will learn about each type and visit most of them.
Day 1 Arrival in Sibiu
Upon arrival we make a comprehensive and entertaining walking tour of Sibiu / Hermannstadt. The medieval core was restored and it is a beautiful mix of traditional buildings with charming old shops and beautiful cafes. Dinner and overnight in Sibiu.
Day 2: Calnic Sibiu - Biertan - Sighisoara
After breakfast we leave Sibiu and drive 30 km away to Calnic, where we will visit the first UNESCO heritage site on our list. The journey continues north to Birthälm / Biertan, one of the most secure fortified churches of the Transylvanian Saxons. After the visit we continue to the Sighisoara citadel, where narrow streets and colorful houses invite you to explore it. Dinner and overnight in Sighisoara.
Day 3: Sighisoara - Saschiz - Viscri - Sighisoara
Today we take a day trip to Viscri and Saschiz. The first village, Viscri, was founded in the 11th century by the Székelys. Enchanted by the beauty and authenticity of this place, Prince Charles has purchased a house here a few years ago and visits it every year. Before we return to Sighisoara, we will make a stop in Saschiz to see the fortified church and citade. Dinner and overnight in Sighisoara.
Day 4: Sighisoara - Bistrita - Borgo - Radauti
Right after breakfast we head towards Bistrita, the northernmost city set by the Transylvanian Saxons. We take a city tour, with the newly restored Protestant church as the highlight.. Through the Borgo Pass (made famous by Bram Stoker in as the gate to the realm of Count Dracula) we travel on to Bukovina and in the evening we reach Radauti. Dinner and overnight in Radauti.
Day 5: Radauti - Moldova Monastery - Voronet - Moldovita Humor - Radauti
Enjoy a full day visiting the famous painted monasteries of Bucovina: Moldovita, Sucevita and Voronet – the “Sistine Chapel of the East”, famous for the peculiar blue color used on the background of its frescoes. In the evening we eat with a local family in the area. Overnight in Radauti.
Day 6: Radauti - Prejmer - Brasov
In the early morning we start driving South through the spectacular scenery of the Eastern Carpathians. In the late afternoon we arrive in Brasov. The settlement founded by the Teutonic Knights is now one of the largest cities of the country. Dinner and overnight in Brasov.
Day 7: Brasov - Peles - Rasnov - Brasov
In the morning we take a detailed walking tour of Brasov. The main attraction is the Black Church, which is considered the largest Gothic hall east of Vienna. At noon we are in Tartlau / Prejmer. The fortified church here (a UNESCO site) was never conquered by the Ottomans, as it was protected with circular walls comprising 270 rooms that could host the citizens in case of attack. The last stop on our agenda is Peles, a Neo-Renaissance castle built by King Carol I of Romania over 100 years ago. Dinner and overnight in Brasov.
Day 8: Brasov - Sibiu and departure
After breakfast we leave Brasov. Before departure, you can still enjoy some leisure hours in Sibiu.