Private Sibiu Day Tour from Bucharest: Monasteries & Old Town

Summary

Sibiu Private Tour: Explore Romania’s Medieval Heart

You’ll travel from Bucharest to Sibiu with your own guide, stopping at centuries-old monasteries and exploring one of Romania’s most charming medieval towns. Expect real stories, quiet moments in ancient churches, and views you won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

We left Bucharest early, the city just waking up as we hit the road. Our guide, Andrei, had a playlist of old Romanian songs playing quietly in the background—kind of set the mood for the day. The drive north felt like slipping into another world; you notice the air gets fresher as you get closer to the mountains. First stop: Cozia Monastery. It’s right by the Olt River, with thick stone walls that have stood for over 600 years. There was this faint smell of incense when we stepped inside, and honestly, it felt peaceful—almost like time slows down there. Andrei pointed out some old frescoes I’d have missed on my own.

Not far from Cozia is Turnu Monastery—a real hidden gem tucked away in Valcea county. The place isn’t crowded at all (we saw maybe three other visitors), and there’s this old tower up on Teofil’s Peak that dates back to Roman times. The story goes that Roman legions built it during the 2nd century—pretty wild to think about while standing there. You can hear birds echoing off the hills if you pause for a second.

Sibiu itself feels like a movie set—cobblestone streets, pastel houses, little cafés spilling out onto squares. We wandered through the historical center with Andrei pointing out quirky details (like how some windows look like eyes watching you). If you’re into culture or just want to relax somewhere different, this place covers both bases. The Fagaras and Lotru mountains frame everything—it’s hard not to keep looking up.

The highlight? Climbing up the tower at Sibiu Evangelical Cathedral. It’s 192 steps (I counted), but totally worth it for the view at 55 meters high. My legs were shaking a bit at the top, but snapping photos up there is something else—you see rooftops stretching out forever. Andrei shared stories about local legends while we caught our breath before heading back down.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sibiu and Monasteries Tour

• Visit Cozia Monastery
• Explore Turnu Monastery
• Tour Sibiu Historical Center
• Climb Sibiu Evangelical Cathedral Tower

Top questions

How long does the tour take?

The full day runs around 12–13 hours including all stops and travel time.

Is climbing the cathedral tower difficult?

The stairs are steep but manageable if you take your time—there are handrails along most of the way.

Are meals included?

No meals are included, but your guide will recommend good local spots in Sibiu for lunch or coffee breaks.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes—it’s flexible and can be adapted for all ages and fitness levels. Infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your private tour includes comfortable air-conditioned transport with WiFi onboard, gasoline and parking fees covered, plus a friendly local guide/driver who’ll share stories along the way. Specialized infant seats are available on request, service animals are welcome, and public transport options are nearby if needed.