Overview
An eight day, self-guided walking holiday along one of the seven segments of the Via Transilvanica, an ongoing long-distance trail that takes you through many of Romania’s natural and multicultural heritage highlights. Starting in Sibiu, one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities, and ending in the traditional Transylvanian village of Viscri, daily walks take you not only through nature reserves and uplands, but also to historic sites such as the Bishopric complex at Biertan and Sighisoara Castle, both UNESCO sites.
- Sibiu
- ASTRA National Museum Complex
- Saxon village of Viscri
- Biertan fortified church
- Sighişoara, the birthplace of Vlad Dracula
Highlights
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Sibiu
Arrival in Sibiu, considered by many to be the most beautiful town in Romania. The three squares are surrounded by Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque houses and churches. Visit the museums and fortifications but also have a stroll in the lower town, with its old steps and labyrinthine alleyways, as well as its iconic market.
- Accommodation: Jules Home or similar
Day 2: Richis – Biertan | 12km
After a transfer to the church castle of Richis (1h 15mins) walk to the old Bishopric of Biertan, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The heavily fortified castle houses a beautifully carved Renaissance altar with 28 panels and many other interesting details such as an old door with 13 locks and a marital prison. Couples were once interned there to iron out their problems in order to avoid divorce.
- Walking for the day: 12km, 4h, ↑200m ↓240m
- Accommodation: Complex Medieval Unglerus or similar
Day 3: Biertan – Malancrav | 15km
Today you walk to Copsa Mare and Nou Sasesc and then to Malancrav, a remote village with beautiful farmhouses, many of which were restored by the Mihai Eminescu Trust, formally under the patronage of the UK’s King Charles III, when he was Prince of Wales, and who still has an apple orchard in the village. Visit the church, a jewel of Transylvanian art, with Gothic mural paintings and a carved wing altar. The German-Saxons who remain in the village still attend mass in their ancient costumes.
- Walking for the day: 15km, 6h, ↑500m ↓430m
- Accommodation: Experience Transylvania Guesthouses or similar
Day 4: Malancrav – Stejarenii | 16km
On your way to Stejarenii, visit the castle of the noble Bethlen family in Cris. The old castle, first documented in 1305, is one of the most famous Renaissance buildings in Transylvania and sits on a hill about 200m away from the Caretaker’s house.
- Walking for the day: 16km, 6h, ↑350m ↓380m
- Accommodation: Experience Transylvania Guesthouses or similar
Day 5: Stejarenii – Sighisoara | 12km
Walk to the Natural Reserve on the Breite Plateau, with centuries old oak trees, then descend to Sighisoara, Europe’s largest lived-in castle and UNESCO World Heritage. The town is infamous for being the birthplace of Vlad Dracula, the 15th-century ruler of Wallachia and inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula. Look inside Dracula’s home and see the city’s burgher houses, historic towers and lavish churches. Climb to the top of the Clock Tower and admire beautiful views over the Old Town and Tarnava Mare Valley. Examine the tower’s ornate two-plate clock, decorated with figurines representing Peace, Law and Justice as well as pagan gods related to each of the seven weekdays. Visit Dracula’s birthplace, the 13th-century Venetian House, the Dominican Monastery and climb up the student’s staircase to the Church on the Hill, with its wonderful wing altars and mural paintings.
- Walking for the day: 12km, 5h, ↑190m ↓260m
- Accommodation: Casa cu Cerb or similar
Day 6: Sachiz – Crit | 14km
Short transfer to Sachiz, a carpentry and wood-painting centre. After visiting the impressive Baroque church, walk to Crit, an old Transylvanian village that feels as if it’s been almost forgotten by the outside world. Horse wagons laden with hay coming from the pastures can be still seen in this village.
- Walking for the day: 14km, 5h, ↑300 m ↓230 m
- Accommodation: Pensiunea Elena or similar
Day 7: Crit – Viscri | 14km
Walk to Viscri, one of the most beautiful villages in Transylvania. Visit the fortified church which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site here and stroll through the village, visiting local artisans like the blacksmith, charcoal or brick maker.
- Walking for the day: 14km, 5h, ↑280m ↓190m
- Accommodation: Experience Transylvania Guesthouses or similar
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast your tour comes to an end. Optional private transfer to Cluj or Sibiu airport and individual stay extensions are available upon request.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodations on this tour include a mix of 3 and 4-star hotels or family-run guesthouses. They include a mix of small, locally-owned hotels, B&Bs and traditional guesthouses. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria, including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
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Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast on all mornings and four evening meals are included. When no restaurant location is available en route, lunches and snacks should either be bought from local shops, or a packed lunch can be pre-ordered from your accommodation the night before.
Difficulty and terrain
This tour would suit a moderately experienced walker (no high mountain experience required) and requires an average level of fitness. The longest day is 16km. The walks have a relaxed pace with enough time to take in the views and surroundings (read more about difficulty grades). We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never try to shorten the path through the unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available from mid-April until end-October.
The weather is best in June – September.
The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your holiday on any date in the season.
Getting there
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By plane
Our recommended arrival airports for this holiday are Sibiu and Cluj. You can also fly into Bucharest and then by train to Sibiu.
By train or bus
Inclusions
Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights in hand-picked hotels or family-run guest-houses as listed in the itinerary
- 7 breakfasts
- 4 evening meals
- Holiday information pack including regularly updated route descriptions and road notes; maps with daily routes and optional hikes marked
- Via Transilvanica traveller’s booklet (to collect stamps of the accomplished stages)
- Daily luggage transport to the next hotel
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfares and land transfers
- Entrance tickets
- Lunch meals and 3 dinners
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a single room.
- This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Extra nights along the trail are bookable upon request
- Private airport transfers
Gallery
