Ah, Transylvania. The mere mention of the place summons images of Count Dracula, medieval castles and eerie forests. But beyond its spooky reputation, Transylvania offers so much more for travellers looking for adventure and history alike.
From medieval towns to winding roads through the gorgeous countryside, there’s truly something for everyone in this stunning part of Europe.
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You could visit Brasov, the old Saxon city in Transylvania's mountains, where cobbled streets lead to a fairytale-like town square, and the nearby castles delight history buffs.
Or venture out into Transylvania's stunning scenery, where you can spot wild bears roaming the Carpathian Mountains. Or marvel at Romania's wonders like the Transfagarasan highway - famously dubbed "the world's best road" by former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson.
Whether you're drawn by its legends or marvelling at its beauty, Transylvania should definitely be an option for your next holiday. But how do you get there?
How to get to Romania from the United Kingdom
Getting to Romania from the United Kingdom is easy. You can fly direct to the capital, Bucharest, from several of our airports.
EasyJet flies to Bucharest from Gatwick, while British Airways and Air Tarom fly to the city from Heathrow. WizzAir is another popular choice, flying to Bucharest from Luton, Birmingham, and Doncaster.
You can also fly direct to Bucharest from Bristol, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Liverpool airports.
And with the average direct flight to Bucharest lasting just over three hours from the UK, you could set off in the early morning and make it to Romania in time for lunch.
Your trip doesn't have to cost a fortune, either. You can bag direct return flights to and from Bucharest for under £100, and with over 100 weekly departures from the UK, it should be pretty easy to find a flight that suits you.
What to see in Transylvania
There are plenty of things to see and experience in Transylvania - from medieval castles haunted by vampires to gorgeous winding routes through breathtaking countryside. Here are a few sights you should take advantage of the opportunity to visit on your trip to Transylvania.
Peles Castle
Built in the late 1800s, this stunning palace was commissioned by King Carol I as a summer residence for himself and his wife. But this isn't just any old castle - it features exquisite architectural details fused with elements of different styles. In addition to its breathtaking exterior, Peles Castle also boasts an impressive collection of artwork and antique furnishings.
Located just 40 miles away from the historic city of Brasov, Peles Castle offers plenty of history for the history buffs among us.
Brasov
Nestled in a beautiful mountain setting, Brasov offers a mix of medieval architecture and modern amenities. The historic city centre is filled with colourful buildings and winding streets and makes for a lovely place to take a stroll. At the heart of the old town is Piata Sfatului, or Council Square, where visitors can enjoy live music, browse artisan markets, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many outdoor cafes.
For history buffs, the Black Church is an example of gothic architecture and one of Brasov's most famous landmarks.
Bran Castle
The famous fortress, also known as "Dracula's Castle," has a long history that includes ties to Vlad the Impaler and inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula novel. As you explore the breathtaking architecture and secret passageways of Bran Castle, it's easy to let your imagination run wild with thoughts of vampires and dark mysteries.
And even if the supernatural isn't your thing, Bran Castle offers an unparalleled glimpse into Romanian history and culture. Its history dates back to 1211 when the Teutonic knights who settled in the area created the fortress and named it “Bran”.
Saxon villages
It's also worth visiting some of the Saxon villages in Transylvania, where traditional Saxon architecture, culture, and customs continue to thrive. These villages were built way back in the 13th century by the Saxons and offer a unique opportunity to see medieval residences and fortified churches that have been perfectly preserved for centuries. Popular Saxon villages include Viscri, Crit, and Biertan.
Medieval citadel of Sighisoara
Have you ever dreamed of walking through a medieval citadel? Look no further than Sighisoara! This walled city was once home to Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors can explore its winding streets and climb the ancient clock tower for stunning views. Even better, during summer, the citadel hosts the Sighisoara Medieval Festival with jousting tournaments, traditional crafts, and mouthwatering delicacies from Medieval times.
A visit to Sighisoara citadel is like stepping back in time - a truly unforgettable experience. Plus, who wouldn't want to say they've seen the stomping grounds of an infamous vampire?
Libearty Bear Sanctuary
This non-profit sanctuary consists of 69 hectares of oak forest where rescued bears roam freely.
The organisation rescues bears from captivity and provides them ample space to roam, swim, forage for food, and live as they should in their natural environment. Over 130 bears call the sanctuary home.
Visitors can observe the bears in their habitats, learning about these incredible creatures and the conservation efforts underway at Libearty. Plus, entry fees go directly towards maintaining and improving the sanctuary's facilities and care for the rescued animals.
Transfagarasan
If you're looking for a scenic road trip that offers more than just sprawling fields and open highways, look no further than Transfagarasan. Located in Transylvania, this winding road cuts through the majestic Carpathian mountains, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks and pristine lakes.
But Transfagarasan is way more than just a pretty drive. It also boasts thrilling hairpin turns, tunnels, and even a drastic elevation change from its lowest point at 604 meters to its highest point at 2034 meters.
Whether you're a petrolhead or simply an admirer of breathtaking landscapes, Transfagarasan is definitely worth the visit. And who knows - maybe you'll catch a glimpse of Count Dracula while you're at it!
If these incredible places have awakened the wanderlust inside you, you might wonder how best to explore Transylvania. And that's where Untravelled Paths come in.
The Transylvania Experience: A trip to remember with Untravelled Paths
While some intrepid travellers enjoy the spontaneity of booking an aeroplane ticket to an unfamiliar destination with no plan in mind, others prefer more routine and structure. That's where Untravelled Paths comes in.
Untravelled Paths' seven-day tour of Transylvania incorporates sightseeing, walking tours, and visits to all the best locations of this beautiful region of Romania. And with an intimate group size of just 16, you'll be able to get the most from this guided tour.
Your package will include all accommodation and transfers between different regions of Romania, all breakfasts, two additional meals, and several excursions with a bilingual guide.
You'll also get advice on booking flights and travel insurance if you need it. Just keep in mind that your travel package will not include flights or travel insurance, so you'll have to budget for these separately.
But don't worry! There are plenty of direct flights that'll take you to Romania in no time. So whether you're travelling from London, Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, or Edinburgh, you can find a non-stop flight to Bucharest for a stress-free trip.
And if you want to spend a few extra days basking in the mystical regions of Transylvania, Untravelled Paths will be able to arrange this for you, too.
Where will you go as part of the tour?
Untravelled Paths' 7-night, 8-day tour includes several destinations in Transylvania. The trip includes visits to Brasov, Peles Castle, Bran Castle, Libearty Bear Sanctuary, the Medieval Citadel of Sighisoara, Sibiu, and the famous Transfagarasan.
What kind of activities will you take part in while on the tour?
Transylvania is known for its many castles and mysterious, haunting charm. On this trip, you'll have the opportunity to explore this enchanting region with guided tours and entry to various attractions.
You'll start with visits to Bran Castle, made famous by Bram Stoker's Dracula, and the picturesque Peles Castle. Next, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a walking tour through historical Sighisoara before visiting the ASTRA Outdoor Folk Museum, showcasing Transylvania's traditional rural life.
You'll also visit Libearty Bear Sanctuary - where rescued bears can roam freely in their natural habitats.
There are additional excursions that can be arranged too! For instance, while you’re in Brasov, you could visit a bear hide and see wild bears in their natural habitat. This excursion comes at an additional cost but can be arranged if you speak to Untravelled Paths ahead of your trip.
Your accommodation is included as part of your travel package. From hotels to quaint guesthouses, you won't have to worry about finding somewhere comfortable to stay during your Transylvania experience.
And last but certainly not least, if you're visiting in the summer months, you'll embark on a road trip along Transfagarasan, one of the world's most beautiful and thrilling drives.
These are just some of the incredible experiences you'll have on the trip, all planned out for you by Untravelled Paths!
Visiting Transylvania
Transylvania is a land full of mystique and wonder - and not just because of the vampires. This region of Romania offers stunning natural beauty, with rolling hills, dense forests, and the Carpathian Mountains providing a picturesque backdrop.
Transylvania is also rich in history and culture, with medieval castles, fortified churches, and beautifully preserved old towns. So whether you're seeking outdoor adventures or immersing yourself in Transylvanian culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this unique and fascinating destination.
And with more than a hundred direct flights from the UK to Bucharest every week, visiting this unique place doesn’t have to be difficult.
To get the most out of the experience, consider a guided tour with Untravelled Paths. Their seven-day Transylvania experience includes plenty of sightseeing with an experienced travel guide and the opportunity to see all the best sights this region has to offer.
