Day 1 - UK- Bucharest

Today you will fly to Bucharest, from where we'll transfer you to your hotel. D

Day 2 - Bucharest - Mogosoaia - Sibiu

This morning we'll transfer to Mogosoaia and visit the beautiful Mogosoaia Palace, built in the 1600s by the famous Prince Constantin Brancoveanu. En route to Sibiu we'll stop in Curtea de Arges, home to a remarkable Romanian Orthodox monastery. We'll arrive in Sibiu in the evening. B

Day 3 - Sibiu - Sibiel

After breakfast we'll embark on a walking tour of Sibiu, which is as photogenic as any medieval town in Eastern Europe. We'll marvel at the 14th century Lutheran Cathedral, home to a looming spire and Romania's largest pipe organ, and the historic Bridge of Lies. We'll then meet a representative from the 'We Help!' charity, supported by the Travelsphere Cares initiative, and learn how they help Romania's disadvantaged children.
This evening sees us head to the mountain village of Sibiel, where we will sit down to a traditional Romanian dinner in a family home. B,D

Day 4 - Sibiu at leisure

An optional excursion this morning goes to the village of Biertan, home to a looming fortified church. Next we'll visit Sighisoara, the birthplace of one of Transylvania's most notorious sons, Vlad the Impaler – the real-life inspiration for Dracula. We'll ascend the 'Scholars Stairs' for spectacular views over the city and then you can visit the church at the top. Finally, we'll stop at a local vineyard, to learn about the local wine-making culture and, naturally, enjoy a few samples. B

Day 5 - Sighisoara  - Brasov

Today we're heading into the countryside to learn about rural Romanian life. We begin with a visit to a local apiary, where we'll savour some of the produce. In Avrig we'll relax in the gardens of the Brukenthal Summer Palace, an elegantly crumbling 19th century mansion. Then we'll proceed to the village of Lisa to meet skilled wool-weavers who make beautiful carpets using vintage machinery powered by a water mill. Tonight, we'll have dinner at a Slow Food restaurant in medieval Brasov. B,D

Day 6 - Brasov - Bran

This morning we'll set off to see the sights in Brasov, including the looming Black Church – an imposing building and the biggest triumph of Gothic architecture in Romania. Our next stop, Bran Castle, also known as Dracula Castle, takes the Gothic up a notch with its spires and rooftops rising dramatically from the forest - a breathtaking sight. Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner in the castle grounds – a really atmospheric experience. B,D

Day 7 - Bran - Bucharest

Our first stop today is the striking Sinaia Monastery. It's named after Egypt's Mount Sinai, but with its Brâncovenesc domes and archways, this 300-year-old monastery – still home to several monks – is distinctly Romanian. Next it's on to the fairytale Peles Castle, a magnificent Neo-Renaissance masterpiece in the Carpathian Mountains. Arriving in Bucharest in the evening, we'll enjoy a panoramic city tour, taking in iconic sights like the Arcul de Triumf and Patriarchal Cathedral, the seat of the Romanian Orthodox Church. We finish with a farewell dinner at a renowned Bucharest restaurant, with centuries-old Romanian recipes. B,D

Day 8 - Bucharest - UK

With Romania thoroughly explored, this morning we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the UK. B

To book call Travelsphere on 01858 415 405. To book online click here. To request a brochure click here.

Biertan, Sighisoara and wine tasting - from £30