Tour of Transylvania and Maramures from Cluj-Napoca

On the first part of the tour we will explore Transylvania. We will pick you up at the airport in Cluj-Napoca and start the transfer to Sibiu. Depending on when you arrive, we may have time to tour the amazing Turda Salt Mine or the fortress of Alba Iulia. We will arrive in the afternoon in Sibiu, which will be our base for the next few days.

Driving time:2.5 hours
Driving distance: 200 km
Overnight: Sibiu

Sibiu: old town

The iconic Bran Castle, the top Romanian tourist site for Dracula enthusiasts, will be our first stop on the second day of our Transylvanian part of journey. Arrived at Bran, we will discover that the castle is more than the perfect setting for a Halloween party. The castle has a seven-century-old history and starting in 1922 the adored Queen Maria of Romania transformed it into a charming summer retreat for her and her family.

After visiting the castle we can explore the beautiful Saxon city of Brasov or we can have a short hike through the mountain villages near Bran Castle.

Distance: 320 km, driving time: 4.5 hours
Overnight: Sibiu

Bran Castle

This day is reserved for a day trip on Transfagarasan, the stunning mountain road that spans the Carpathian mountains. Depending on the season, we will get to 2000 meters altitude by car or by cable car, to admire the gorgeous alpine scenery filled with waterfalls, steep ravines or sharp cliffs covered by clouds. If the tourists are interested, we can have a short hike, from Balea Waterfall to Balea Lake.

In the afternoon, we will return to Sibiu where we can explore the city during a guided walking tour or we can use the time for shopping and leisure.

Distance: 200 km, driving time: 3 hours
Overnight in Sibiu

Aerial view of the Transfagarasan road

It’s time to leave Sibiu and start our transfer to Maramures. Romania is a big country so we will need 2 days to arrive in Maramures, but the time will be well spent with visits and leisure.

We will leave early from Sibiu and head to Hunedoara, where we will visit the fairy-tale-looking castle built in the 15th century by the great military leader, John Corvin. After the visit, we will have a 3-hour long ride to ne of Romania’s top spa destinations known for its thermal baths – Baile Felix. So, the afternoon will be dedicated to leisure, benefiting from the spa treatments or just enjoying the pool.

Distance: 330 km, driving time: 5 hours
Overnight in Baile Felix

Corvin Castle

The first stop of the day will be in Oradea, often known as Transylvania’s Art Nouveau city. We will have a brief guided tour of Oradea’s historic district where we will see the refined palaces built in the 19th century along the banks of the river Crisul Repede.

From Oradea, we will continue our trip to Maramures and after 3 hours drive, we will arrive in Sapanta to discover the unique Merry Cemetery. After a stroll through the colourful wooden crosses, we will head to the village where we will spend the next 2 nights. In the late afternoon, we have the possibility for a walk through the narrow streets of the village, to get accustomed to the rural life of Maramures.

Distance: 280 km, driving time: 4.5 hours
Overnight in Breb

Aerial view of Oradea, photo credit visitoradea.com

Using a steam train, we will go deep within the Carpathian Mountains today. The nearly 21-kilometre track follows the valley of the Vaser river. There is a 1.5-hour break at the last stop, which may be used for a quick hike or to enjoy a folklore show of dance and music.

Distance: 120 km, driving time: 2 hours
Overnight in Breb

The Steam Train in winter

On the last day of our trip we will visit the famous wooden churches of Maramures and admire the extraordinary skill of the Maramures woodworkers. Then we will return to Cluj-Napoca where we will have a guided tour of the historical quarter.

Distance: 250 km, driving time: 4 hours
Overnight in Cluj-Napoca

Maramures wooden churches