From the 18th century, large parts of present-day Romania belonged to the Habsburg Empire — Banat, Transylvania, Maramureș and Bukovina. It was a golden age for many cities along the great trade route connecting the Orient with northwestern Europe. This journey follows that arc: from the beautifully preserved Saxon towns of Transylvania to the extraordinary painted monasteries of Moldavia, whose frescoed outer walls are among the most remarkable works of medieval art in Europe.
Afternoon arrival at Sibiu / Hermannstadt airport. Your guide meets the group and transfers everyone to the centrally located hotel. A leisurely city walk introduces the main sights of this beautifully preserved medieval town. Dinner in the old town.
A full morning in Sibiu — the great squares, the medieval fortifications and the ASTRA open-air museum. After lunch, a short detour to Cisnădioara (Michelsberg), a hilltop village with a Romanesque fortified church. Afternoon arrival in Sighișoara / Schäßburg, one of the best-preserved medieval citadels in Europe. Overnight in Sighișoara.
Morning free to explore Sighișoara's clock tower, cobblestone lanes and the church on the hill. Then a long and scenic drive northeast through the Eastern Carpathians into Moldavia, arriving in the Rădăuți area — the gateway to the painted monasteries of Bucovina.
A full day dedicated to the painted monasteries of Bucovina — a UNESCO World Heritage ensemble unique in Europe. Each monastery has its own colour palette and iconographic programme painted on the exterior walls: vivid theological narratives that served as an open-air bible for the local population. Your guide brings the stories to life.
Morning departure south. A stop at Agapia, a beautiful Orthodox monastery set in a wooded valley in the Neamț area, home to one of the largest communities of nuns in Romania. Long afternoon drive back into Transylvania, arriving in Brașov by evening.
Morning exploring Brașov — the Gothic Black Church, the old town square and the medieval bastions. Afternoon excursion to Bran Castle, the dramatic hilltop fortress associated with the Dracula legend, with its surprisingly intimate interiors. Return to Brașov for dinner.
A spectacular drive west over the Transfăgărășan mountain road — one of the most dramatic roads in Europe — stopping at Bălea Lac, a glacial lake at 2,034m surrounded by high-alpine scenery. Descent into the Olt Valley and return to Sibiu. Farewell dinner.
Transfer to Sibiu / Hermannstadt airport for departure flights. End of programme.
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