Transylvania - Romania and Hungary

Day 1: Arrive in Bucharest

Upon arrival in Bucharest, you are transferred to our hotel near the shore of the Danube. Tonight we have an orientation followed by dinner.

Overnight in Bucharest.

Day 2: Poiana via Sinaia , Peles Castle, Sinaia Monastery

Start in the morning with a guided city tour of Bucharest. Then we begin our journey to Poiana Brasov, crossing the Carpathians, our point of entry into Transylvania, the land of Magyar, Saxon, Secler, Romanian and Moc peoples.

We stop in Sinaia, named after Mount Sinai in Egypt. It is a mountainside town with winding streets and colorful houses. We visit Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle, a former royal residence. Built between 1875 and 1883, the castle contains many architectural styles, 160 rooms, and beautiful terraces. Overnight in Poiana Brasov.

Day 3: Brasov, the Black Church, Prejmer

This morning, we explore the downtown core of Brasov. With its well-preserved downtown square that is surrounded by beautiful buildings. (It is reminiscent of squares found in Prague.) We visit the Black Church, named so by a fire that blackened its walls. Erected in 1476, the Gothic cathedral has a 250-foot high tower and an organ with 4000 pipes. We also visit the first Romanian school with amazing old Slav manuscripts.

In the afternoon, we explore Prejmer, our first Saxon fortified church in a town outside Brasov. This church is exquisite in design and contrast, featuring thick walls with internal passages that were used to defend the inhabitants from attack. The Saxons were first invited to the area in the XIII century by the Hungarian King Geza the 2nd, mainly to develop and resettle the area after the Tartar invasions. The Saxons lived in this area until the revolution of 1989, when most of the population left. The Saxon heritage is most valuable from both a cultural and architectural point of view. Overnight in Poiana Brasov.

Day 4: Risnov, Bran Castle

This morning, our first visit is to the peasant fortress of Risnov with its stunning panorama of the surrounding area, and then on to Bran Castle, one of the most famous castles in Europe. Falsely attributed as a residence of Vlad Tepes and the Dracula myth, it is still a very impressive castle even if isn’t connected with infamy!

The castle was built in 1378 atop a cliff that served as a customs checkpoint and as a strategic point for protecting the pass. Its narrow stone stairways, the comfortable rooms, and its furnishings give one a first-hand look at the life of nobles that ruled the region in the 15th and 16th centuries. Overnight in Poiana Brasov.

Day 5: Poiana Brasov to Viscri

We say our goodbyes to Poiana Brasov, as we travel to Viscri through coniferous forests and steep rocky peaks.

We continue onto the village of Viscri, with one of the most impressive of all the Saxon citadels. From the tower, there is a view of the idyllic countryside and of the village, a classic Saxon Strassendorf, with a row of houses on either side of a single street and a brook running down the center. Hear the history of the village from one of the last Secler inhabitants. The village is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A favorite of Prince Charles, he visits frequently and even purchased a house here. We will learn about the traditions, culture and folklore of the local people. We will have a Saxon lunch with a local family before we have an afternoon free.

Overnight in Odorheiu Secuiesc.

Day 6: Biertan, Copsa Mare, Sighisoara

We head off to visit more Saxon heritage sites. Our first stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Biertan. This fortified church, which houses a magnificent altar made up of 28 panels, was built in the 15th century by the Saxons.

We then visit (if weather permits) the village of Copsa Mare to see the church, which was built in the 14th century. The church was attacked in the 16th century by the Turks and Tartars, but survived, only to be destroyed in 1605 in an attack by Szekely troops. After climbing the bell tower to enjoy the wonderful view, we will be ready for our picnic lunch. We then head to Sighisoara (Schassburg) the best preserved medieval fortified Saxon town in Europe.

Walk up to Citadel Hill along narrow winding streets crowned with a 200-foot clock tower that watches over the main gate. This 14th-century building contains old documents, weapons, coins and glass icons. Atop Citadel Hill, there is a Gothic cathedral with strange stone sculptures on the buttresses. You can also visit the house where Vlad Tepes “Dracula” was born — it’s now a pub! Overnight in Odorheiu Secuiesc.

Day 7: Underground salt mine, Charcoal Makers, Enlaka village

We begin our day with a visit to the Salt Mine at Parajd. Have you ever wondered what life in space might be like? This salt mine is one vision. Traveling by bus, we descend down into the mine far below the surface. The salt mine is a sanatorium for children who suffer from asthma. They come here to live and sleep for several weeks while they receive care for their conditions. The underground city is replete with a hospital and underground church.

Back on the surface, we stop at Korond village to shop. The inhabitants of Korond are the most famous handicraft makers in the country; more than 5000 families make a livelihood from producing ceramics and wooden crafts. Before having a picnic lunch we will see the work of a traditional charcoal maker, then continue on to the remote village of Enlaka. Enlaka is a traditional Unitarian village and a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the ancient traditions and architecture of its friendly inhabitants. After sightseeing and dinner in a barn of the local Unitarian minister, we return to Odorheiu. Overnight in Odorheiu Secuiesc.

Day 8: Odorheiu Secuiesc to Torda Gorge

This morning we drive to Torda gorge. We will have lunch upon arrival before we explore this wonderful gorge. We hike near Torda Gorge, one of the largest in Europe containing hundreds of endemic plants and insects.

According to one legend, the canyon was forged by the sword of St. Ladislas, a legendary Hungarian King of the 13th century who escaped the Mongolian Tatar hordes. We will see the giant nests of Golden eagles and with luck we might see them soaring overhead.

On our way to Rimetea, deep in the Apuseni Mountains, we will stop at a new Eastern orthodox monastery. Overnight in Rimetea (Torocko).

Day 9: Torocko Szent gyorgy hike, Moc villages

We begin with a walk around Rimetea known for its traditional old houses and small local museum, with a view of Secler Rock, which dominates the landscape. Then we drive to the next village to do a scenic hike to the castle ruins that over look Torocko szent gyorgy village far below the ancient fortification and surrounding mountains. The view is commanding.

After a picnic lunch we travel a short distance by bus to visit a traditional Moc village surrounded by large mountains. The Mocs are an ancient ethnic group who live a secluded life deep in the mountains, many without electricity or running water. The Moc people speak Romanian and many of the houses have conical thatched roofs.

We also visit a beautiful wooden carved monastery and try to meet with the local orthodox monks. This evening we will learn how to make the Hungarian specialty cake “Kurtoskalacs” in a local home. With dinner this evening, we have a chance to sample the famous local plum brandy, “Palinka”. Overnight in Rimetea (Torocko).

Day 10: Romania, Oradea Sightseeing, Sincraiu Village

We have an early start this morning as we travel to the Hungary border. En route - still in Romania - we visit a Calvinistic church of the magyar Sincraiu (Kalotaszentkiraly) village, where we will experience the local costumes and traditions.

Before we cross the border we will stop at the Oradea (Nagyvarad) to visit one of the most magnificent baroque churches in all of Central Europe, the burial place of the sacred Hungarian King, St. Ladislas. Overnight in Hajduszoboszlo (it’s an easy language!) in the heart of the Hortobagy.

Day 11: Hortobagy National Park, Godollo Royal Palace

After breakfast we will visit a local animal farm with many endemic domestic animals before we travel into Pusta.

The Pusta is a wide open flat area with unique vegetation. In terms of flora, the Pusta is Asiatic and is known as a small piece of Asia inside Europe. Hortobagy National Park is a World Heritage Site that preserves the unique natural and cultural treasures of this remote part of Europe. Here we travel by cart and are introduced to the life of the local herdsmen and horseriders.

After our lunch in a 150-year-old local restaurant, which was a former center of fairs and a favorite place of the famous Hungarian poet, Sandor Petöfi, we continue traveling westward to see the former royal palace of Godollo. Godollo was a palace of Emperor Franz Joseph, King Charles IV (the last Hungarian King), and Nicholaus Horthy, regent of Hungary between the two world wars. Partially restored over the last two years, the building and garden provide a glimpse into the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s regal past. Overnight in Budapest.

Day 12: Budapest Sightseeing — Heroes’ Square, Parliament, Basilica

The broad Danube runs through the middle of this stunning metropolis, dividing hilly Buda from the Pest plain, with nine beautiful old bridges and romantic islands.

Today, we explore mainly the plain side of Pest by foot and by bus, pointing out the highlights of Andrassy Street (a World Heritage Site) including Heroes’ Square, and the Parliament building — which is ranked as one of the most beautiful in the world.

En route we will have overviews of 2500-year-old amphitheaters from Roman times, know as Aquincum (City of Waters). We also visit the Basilica, the greatest of Hungarian churches.

After lunch, in a traditional Hungarian restaurant, enjoy some free time for strolling on the main shopping street. Tonight we have a chance to sample the famous Tokaj desert wine, known as the “Wine of the Kings.” Overnight in Budapest.

Day 13: Szentendre, Budapest Sightseeing - Buda, Castle District, Citadel Hill

We travel to the Serbian City of Szentendre and explore this legendary old town and open-air village museum. With its winding streets, church towers, colorful houses, Szentendre makes for fascinating exploration.

After lunch, we return to Budapest. Explore the Buda Castle District, a World Heritage Site that includes Mathyas Church, The Royal Palace, and the viewpoint at Fishermen’s Bastion. We have free time in the Castle District until dinner. Later, we drive up Citadel Hill to see the best panorama of Budapest. It is not difficult to see why Budapest is known as one of the most romantic cities in the world! Overnight in Budapest.

Day 14: Zsambek, Church of St. George, Vertes Hills with Alcsut Arboretum

We enjoy a day of exploring outside of Budapest. We begin with the Church of St George the Martyr, a former Benedictine Abbey, in the village of Zsambek. Begun in 1214 and dedicated in 1256, this architectural masterpiece holds artistic treasures such as Romanesque frescos and Gothic statues. The Abbey has a magnificent 12-layer portal and is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Hungary.

We will enjoy the nature and birdlife of the area today. We will visit the Alcsut Arboretum in the Danube- Ipoly National Park. We enjoy a walk through the arboretum to see many of the 540 different tree and bush species displayed in the landscaped park.

We will enjoy a picnic lunch on the way to Vertes Hills and it’s large nature reserve. We hope to see many of the birds who inhabit these wooded limestone hills. Don’t forget your binoculars today, as we will spend the late afternoon on a walk near the wetlands of Csakvar. An evening of looking back on a wonderful adventure with new friends at a farewell dinner.

Overnight in Budapest.

Day 15: Depart Budapest

Our adventure in Eastern Europe concludes as we depart for Budapest Airport to board our international flights homeward.