4-Day Private Romania Tour: Castles, Monasteries & Medieval Towns

Summary

Romania Private Tour: Dracula’s Castles, Saxon Fortresses & Hidden Gems

You’ll dive deep into Romania’s legends and landscapes—from Dracula’s castles to medieval towns alive with color and music. This private tour lets you explore at your own pace with a friendly local guide who knows all the shortcuts (and best snack stops). It’s flexible too—you can tweak plans as you go.

What’s the experience like?

The first morning kicked off with a quiet drive out of Bucharest. I remember the air felt damp and cool—classic for early spring here. Our guide, Andrei, had stories ready before we even reached Snagov Monastery. The place itself is tucked away on an island, and there’s this hush as you step inside. Supposedly Vlad Tepes’ remains are buried right in front of the altar—our guide pointed out the exact spot. It’s oddly peaceful for a site with such a wild history.

Peles Castle was next and honestly, it’s hard not to be impressed by all the carved wood and stained glass. We wandered through rooms that looked straight out of a movie set—except you can smell the old timber and polish. The gardens were just starting to bloom when we visited; you could hear bees buzzing around the flowerbeds. Sinaia Monastery is just down the road—a quick walk if you want—and it’s got this calm courtyard where monks still move quietly between prayers. You’ll notice how the mountain air feels sharper up here.

Brasov has its own rhythm—cobblestone streets echo underfoot and there’s always someone playing violin near Council Square. We grabbed lunch at a little café (I think it was called La Ceaun), then had time to wander past pastel-colored houses and peek into tiny shops selling local honey and cheese. Bran Castle draws crowds for good reason—it sits on a rocky hilltop, looking dramatic against the sky. Inside, it’s more maze-like than I expected; our guide shared stories about Vlad the Impaler that made us laugh and shiver at the same time.

Rupea Fortress stands alone on its basalt cliff—you can feel the wind whip around as you climb up. The views stretch for miles over rolling fields dotted with sheep. By evening we reached Sighisoara, which feels like stepping back centuries. The Clock Tower chimes every hour; I caught myself counting along while sipping plum brandy at a street-side terrace.

Biertan Fortified Church is perched above its village like something from a fairy tale—three thick walls circle it, and storks nest on nearby rooftops in summer. Alba Iulia surprised me with its star-shaped fortress; our guide explained how no one ever managed to conquer it thanks to those crazy angles and deep moats.

Sibiu was lively even early in the morning—locals setting up market stalls in Piata Mare (the Great Square), kids chasing pigeons between fountains. We toured old city walls and ducked into an Evangelical Cathedral where sunlight filtered through colored glass onto stone floors.

If you’re lucky enough to visit July through October, driving the Transfagarasan Road is pure adventure—hairpin turns open up to wild mountain views (and sometimes sheep blocking traffic). If not, Calimanesti Springs offers mineral water straight from ancient sources; locals swear by it for health (even Napoleon III drank here). Poenari Fortress is no joke: 1,400 steps up through forested slopes but worth every bit for that view—and bragging rights as “the real Dracula’s castle.”

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snagov Monastery & Sinaia Castles

• Visit Snagov Monastery
• Tour Peles Castle
• Explore Sinaia Monastery

Day 2 — Brasov & Bran Castle Tour

• Brasov City Tour and Lunch Break
• Visit Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle)
• Explore Rupea Fortress

Day 3 — Sighisoara & Alba Iulia Tour

• Sighisoara City Tour
• Visit Biertan Fortified Church
• Alba Iulia City Tour

Day 4 — Sibiu & Poienari Fortress

• Sibiu City Tour
• Visit Calimanesti Natural Springs
• Climb to Poienari Fortress
• View Vidraru Dam

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families or older travelers?

Yes! The itinerary is flexible and your private guide adapts pacing based on your group’s needs. There are some steps at Poenari Fortress but most sites are accessible by car or short walks.

Can we choose our own hotels?

Absolutely—you’ll get recommendations based on your budget and preferences, plus help booking them if needed.

What if we want to change something during the trip?

No problem—the tour is designed for flexibility so you can adjust stops or timing even after starting.

Are entrance fees included?

Your guide’s entrance fees are covered; your own tickets aren’t included but your guide will help arrange everything smoothly at each site.

What’s included

Your own private car (or minibus) with Wi-Fi so you can share photos instantly; an English-speaking licensed driver-guide who stays with you throughout; hotel recommendations tailored to your budget plus booking help; all car costs like fuel, parking, tolls; flexibility to change plans as you go; service animals welcome; public transport options nearby if needed; suitable for all fitness levels—even if some spots have stairs or hills.