4-Day Transylvania Tour: Castles, Bears & UNESCO Villages

Medieval castles, fortified Saxon villages and rescued bears across four days in the Carpathians.

A 4-day private tour from Bucharest explores Transylvania's castles, medieval towns and UNESCO villages with a dedicated English-speaking guide and hotel accommodation included. The itinerary moves from Peleș and Bran castles on day one through Rupea Fortress and the Saxon heritage sites of Viscri and Sighișoara on days two and three, then returns via the Libearty Bear Sanctuary and Snagov Monastery. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Bucharest bookend the journey.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Bucharest to Brașov: Castles and Old Town

• Pickup from Bucharest hotel or airport
• Visit Peleș Castle in Sinaia
• Explore Bran Castle and learn its history
• Guided walking tour of Brașov Old Town

Day 2: Brașov to Sighișoara: Fortress and Villages

• Visit Rupea Fortress and enjoy views
• Walk through Viscri village and fortified church
• Explore medieval citadel of Sighișoara

Day 3: Sighișoara to Sibiu: Fortified Church and City

• Visit Biertan fortified church and village
• Walk through Sibiu Old Town and landmarks

Day 4: Brașov to Bucharest: Bear Sanctuary and Monastery

• Visit Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zărnești
• Tour Snagov Monastery on Snagov Lake
• Transfer to Bucharest hotel or airport

The experience

Transylvania's two most famous castles anchor the first day: Peleș Castle in Sinaia, the Neo-Renaissance summer residence of Romania's royal family set at the foot of the Carpathians, and Bran Castle on its rocky hilltop, where your guide connects the medieval rooms and narrow staircases to the castle's history and the legends surrounding it. A walking tour of Brașov's Old Town follows, moving through Council Square and past the Black Church and the medieval city walls before an overnight in Brașov.

Days two and three shift focus to the villages and smaller fortifications that define Saxon Transylvania. Rupea Fortress sits dramatically on a rocky hill with panoramic views across the countryside. Viscri and Biertan are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with fortified churches, colorful houses and the rural atmosphere that has survived centuries. Sighișoara, one of Europe's best-preserved inhabited medieval towns, opens its cobbled streets and Clock Tower on day two. Sibiu on day three shows a different face of Transylvania's heritage: a larger historic city with the Large Square, the famous Bridge of Lies and the distinctive roofline of houses with "eyes" painted on them.

The final day turns toward nature and history's stranger corners. The Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zărnești houses rescued brown bears in a forested setting, with a specialized guide explaining their rehabilitation and the sanctuary's conservation work. Snagov Monastery, set on an island in Snagov Lake, closes the loop with centuries of history before the drive back to Bucharest for your final hotel or airport drop-off.

What’s included

• Private transportation throughout the 4 days.
• accommodation at 3-star hotels for three nights.
• a dedicated English-speaking guide.
• hotel or airport pickup and drop-off in Bucharest.
• entry to Peleș Castle, Bran Castle, Rupea Fortress, Sighișoara, Biertan, Viscri and Sibiu.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 90 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Transylvania Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a private guide setting the pace through castles and villages over four days, rather than moving quickly between highlights in a shared group.

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's included in the 4-day Transylvania tour from Bucharest?

The tour includes accommodation for three nights at 3-star hotels, private transportation throughout, a dedicated English-speaking guide, and entry to all attractions except the Bear Sanctuary and Snagov Monastery, which are paid on site. Hotel or airport pickup and drop-off in Bucharest are included.

Which castles do you visit on this Transylvania tour?

Peleș Castle in Sinaia, the former summer residence of Romania's Royal Family with Neo-Renaissance architecture and royal collections, and Bran Castle on its rocky hilltop overlooking the Carpathian Mountains, where the guide shares the castle's history and its connection to Vlad the Impaler.

What are the UNESCO villages on this tour?

Viscri and Biertan are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Viscri preserves traditional Saxon village life with colorful houses and a fortified church overlooking the settlement. Biertan features an impressive fortified church surrounded by massive defensive walls and towers, with a famous sacristy door known for its ingenious locking system.

How much time do you spend in Sighișoara and Sibiu?

Sighișoara, one of Europe's best-preserved inhabited medieval towns, is explored on day two with a walk through its cobbled streets, Clock Tower and historic guild towers. Sibiu is visited on day three, where you walk the Old Town, see the Large Square and Small Square, and view the distinctive houses with "eyes" painted on their rooftops.

What happens on the final day of the tour?

Day four includes a visit to the Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zărnești, where a specialized guide leads you through the forested sanctuary to meet rescued brown bears and learn about their rehabilitation. The tour then stops at Snagov Monastery on its island in Snagov Lake before returning to Bucharest for your final drop-off.