Discover Transylvania

Medieval Castles and Beautiful Villages

September 10 - 24, 2025

People, Sites, Food & Wine

Transylvania was the southern most region of the Austro Hungarian Empire until 1920 when Hungary ceded Transylvania to Romania at the signing of the Treaty of Trianon. With Transylvania's historic connection to Hungary, it is only fitting that our journey begins in Budapest, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Budapest is split by the majestic Danube River, with Buda on the west bank and Pest on the east. Established in 896, Budapest, often called the "Queen of the Danube," is renowned for its romantic ambiance and rich history. A significant portion of the city is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompassing architectural treasures and cultural landmarks. As Hungary’s capital and home to nearly 2 million residents, Budapest is the heart of the country's business, government, and entertainment sectors. It's also a cultural haven for writers, artists, and musicians, boasting some of the finest restaurants, cafés, and shops in the country.

Your guide

Your guide, Csilla Grauzer, is a native Hungarian with years of experience introducing travelers to the region. She is the Honorary Consul of Hungary to Minnesota, serving as an official cultural delegate between Hungary and the United States. Whether she is hunting for antique treasures in small towns or navigating the restaurant scene in Budapest, Csilla leads travelers with in-depth, insider knowledge, a personal touch, a passion for the culinary arts, and savvy travel style.

Csilla Grauzer

Tour Itinerary*

Day 1
Budapest

Upon your arrival at Franz Liszt International Airport (BUD), we’ll transport you to our centrally located hotel. In the evening, you’ll join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner, included in the tour.

Throughout our stay in Budapest, breakfast and one additional meal per day will be provided, leaving you time to explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene independently. We’ll offer recommendations for must-visit spots to experience Hungarian gastronomy.

"My husband and I have participated in several of Csilla's tours and there is no better way to experience the beauty this amazing part of the world. Each tour has been different, each has been expertly crafted to showcase the best of everything the country has to offer-food, scenery, and culture. A great value and a great way to travel."

Kathie - Minneapolis, MN

Hungary Tours 2005, 2015

Day 2 & 3
Exploring Budapest

You’ll be immersed in the history and charm of Budapest. Our tours may include visits to:

The Castle District of Buda: Stroll through the historic area, home to the Buda Castle.

Matthias Church: A striking Gothic structure with a colorful tiled roof.

Fisherman’s Bastion: Offering panoramic views of the city and the Danube River.

Private Tour of the Parliament Building: An architectural masterpiece and symbol of Hungarian democracy.

Hero’s Square: A grand plaza featuring the Millennium Monument.

Vajdahunyad Castle: A picturesque castle blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Andrássy Avenue: Budapest’s iconic boulevard, lined with historic buildings, shops, and cafés.

Famous coffee houses and cafés where you can relax and indulge in traditional Hungarian pastries.

Day 4
Timișoara

Journey to Transylvania

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll board our mini-coach and head southeast toward Transylvania, a region within Romania. Our first stop is Timișoara, known as Temesvár in Hungarian, often referred to as "Little Vienna" or the "City of Roses."

With its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and rich cultural scene, Timișoara is home to three state theaters, an opera house, and a philharmonic orchestra. As the first European city to install electric streetlights, Timișoara also has 36 parks, making it one of Romania’s greenest cities. We will meet up with our local expert Csongor Benedek, who will be our guide during our travels thruTransylvania.

Day 5 & 6

Sibiu via Deva

In Sibiu, we’ll explore the city’s Germanic architecture, a legacy of 12th-century Saxon settlers. Highlights include the Council Tower and the Brukenthal National Museum, which houses an impressive collection of European art.

The Cathedral is another must-see, with its medieval gravestones embedded in the walls. Sibiu is known for its creative, bohemian atmosphere and rich history.

We’ll get acquainted with the cobbled streets and squares, explore the remains of the city’s medieval walls and towers, cross the legend shrouded Bridge of Lies and sample the local culinary delicacies.

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Day 7 & 8

Brașov via Făgăraș

Our journey continues to Brașov( Brasso) passing through Făgăraș( Fogaras). This city is nestled in the foothills of the Făgăraș Mountains and offers stunning natural beauty. In Brașov, we’ll explore its historical landmarks, including the Black Church, the First Romanian School, and The Rope Street, Romania’s narrowest street. Brașov is steeped in history, with evidence of human settlements dating back to 9500 BCE.

We’ll visit Bran Castle-perhaps the region’s most famous attraction, given its association with the tale of Count Dracula. Vampire myths aside, the forest surroundings and lofty location of this 14th century castle is stunning.

Our tour of castles continues with Peles. Built in the late 19th century, this neo-Renaissance creation is as extravagant on the outside as it’s on the inside.

Day 9

Zabola Castle Estate

For an indulgent experience, we’ll spend Day 9 at Zabola Castle Estate, a luxurious retreat offering a glimpse into the tranquil countryside lifestyle of Transylvania. Here, you can relax with optional spa treatments, enjoy horseback riding, or explore the estate's beautiful grounds. Zabola offers a perfect blend of elegance and nature, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Day 10 & 11

Romania’s Salt Region

Our next stop is Sovata (Szovata) and Praid (Parajd) part of Romania’s unique Salt Region. Tucked away in the Carpathian Mountains, this area is known for its salt baths, mud pools, and a unique and quirky attraction like the Praid Salt Mine, which has been transformed into an underground amusement park.

These two days are dedicated to relaxation and exploring this beautiful land and lifestyle of the Szekely people.

Day 12 & 13

Cluj-Napoca via Turda Caves

We then head to Cluj-Napoca (or Kolosvár in Hungarian), the official capital of Transylvania. This vibrant city is known for its Gothic architecture, universities, and lively cultural scene. Surrounding the central Piața Unirii is the St. Michael's Church and the Matthias Corvinus Statue, dedicated to the 15th-century Hungarian king. Cluj is a cultural melting pot with a charming historic center, bustling nightlife, a stunning botanical garden and Ethnographic Park, an open air setting with many reconstructed farms, churches and installations dating back to the 17th century. Cluj also offers some of the best gastronomical offerings of the region.

One of the highlights of this leg of the journey will be a visit to Salina Turda, an awe-inspiring underground salt cave and park. The vast caverns and unique formations make it one of the most remarkable sights in Europe, a spectacular underground formation in the depths of Transylvania., a place where legend meets history. It contains an amphitheater, a spots field and a lake with boat rides.

On our penultimate day we’ll make our way back to Budapest for a final evening in the city. You may choose to join the group for a farewell dinner to reminisce about our shared experiences, or you can explore the city at your own pace and revisit your favorite spots.

Day 14

Return to Budapest

Day 15

Departure

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we provide a transfer to the airport for your departure. After an unforgettable journey through Budapest and Transylvania, you’ll return home with countless memories and stories to share.

JOIN US

Tour details
and pricing

This comprehensive tour promises a unique blend of history, culture, nature, and relaxation, offering an in-depth exploration of both Hungary and Transylvania. We look forward to welcoming you on this extraordinary adventure! A more detailed itinerary and list of activities will be provided one month before departure. All meals and activities on our journey thru Transylvania are all inclusive. Activities may include: cooking classes (bread making, Chimney cake making, brewery tour, bear watching, folk dancing/music demonstrations, wine tasting, cheese farm visit/cheese making, visit local artisans (bee keeping, flower farm), cooking with locals and learning about traditional foods, distillery visit and more…..

Included with every unique small group journey:

14 nights in hand selected luxury accomodations
English and Hungarian speaking tour director and local guides
Airport transfers
Full breakfasts daily
Select lunches or dinners daily
Ground transportation in air-conditioned mini bus
24/7 on call assistance from local tour director
Entrance fees, taxes, guides, scheduled activities and shows
Cooking class
Wine tastings as part of an activity

Tour does not include:

International airfare, passport and luggage fees
Alcoholic drinks, unless listed as part of an activity
Meals on your own
Gratuities
Optional excursions or extended travel
Travel insurance (required)

The tour will start and end in Budapest, Hungary. You must purchase your own international airfare and arrive in Budapest at Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) on the first day of the tour.

Pricing & Terms

Price: $5,900/person, double occupancy.

Single supplement: $950

Deposit: $2,000/person to reserve space

Tour limited: to 12 people!

Private tours with custom pricing are available throughout the year.

Travelers with American passports do not need a special visa.

Full payment due six weeks before departure.

Refund policies:

50% of deposit refunded if cancelled before due date.
No refunds after due date.
No refunds for no-shows or early return from tour.
We maintain the right to cancel the tour in which you will be given a full refund.
We are not responsible for any theft, accidents or insurance related incidents while traveling on the tour

* Tour itinerary is subject to change. Final itinerary will be provided 30 days before the tour begins.