Round trip Transylvania (10 or 15 days): itinerary + tips and route around Romania
Would you like to travel around Romania? Use our mapped out roundtrip and don't miss out on anything!
Romania is a magical two-sided country. On the one hand there is the untouched nature and rural poverty while on the other hand you have the stark Soviet architecture and the new money. In Romania, horses and carts share the road with cars and medieval castles share the same view with modern tower blocks.
In the heart of Romania and in the grip of the Carpathian lies the region we know as Transylvania. This magical, mysterious region creates the stereotypical image we have of Romania. You would almost believe that vampires haunt the forests and mountains at night !
Of course it's impossible to see everything Romania has to offer in 10 or 15 days, however this round trip will bring you along all the best places, from popular to less known! Read on and let the adventure begin!
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Our mapped route will take you along all the must see places in Transylvania. Download our free preview travel guide Transylvania and Northern Romania to discover the region to its absolute maximum!
Map with round trip Transylvania
Day 1: Bucharest
The tour of Romania starts in the capital Bucharest. It is the largest city of the country and because the 2 most important airports of the country are located here, it is usually the first place in Romania that tourists get to see. Some highlights you must do in Bucharest are: the Parliament Palace (the second largest building in the world), the historical square Piaţa Revoluţiei and the Stavropoleos Monastery Church.
You will be able to see all the best highlights of Bucharest in one day, however if you can extend your trip by a day or two, we most definitely recommend it!
Day 2: from Bucharest to Râşnov
Distance: 173 kilometers
On day 2 you drive from Bucharest to the beautiful Râşnov. Along the way you will pass the famous Sinaia Monastery and the castles of Peleş and Pelişor. These are 2 fairytale castles that are perhaps among the most beautiful in Europe.
In the afternoon you will arrive in Râşnov. The city is especially famous for its citadel. The citadel is a gigantic castle on the hilltop of Râşnov. You can walk to it or take the cable car and enjoy the beautiful views along the way.
Day 3: from Râşnov to Braşov
Distance: 55 kilometers
On day 3 you will visit Braşov, one of the most beautiful cities of Transylvania. When on the road make sure to stop at Bran. Here you can visit the fascinating Dracula castle which is located high above the valley.
Once arrived in Braşov, be sure to stroll around the charming town and Piaţa Sfatului, an old square dominated by the Black Church. Other highlights in Braşov are: the historic city gates, a medieval watchtower, a cluster of interesting historical museums and a fifteenth century fortress. Also Strada Sforii, which is one of the narrowest streets in Europe, is worth a visit.
Day 4: from Braşov to Viscri
Distance: 151 kilometers
After visiting Braşov, your tour of Transylvania continues in the direction of Viscri. Make sure to stop at the fortified church of Prejmer and the monastery church of Şinca Veche along the way. Both very special buildings which are most definitely worth a visit!
Viscri is one of the most beautiful Saxon villages in Transylvania and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Viscri, which means "white church", got its name from the white church located in the centre of the village. This town makes you feel like you've gone back in time. It is a great place to walk around!
Day 5: from Viscri to Sighişoara
Distance: 103 kilometers
Day 5 of the tour takes you from Viscri to the epicenter of the Dracula legend: Sighişoara. Sighişoara is a beautiful sixteenth century city with 9 towers, cobbled streets, mansions and beautiful churches. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. It was the birthplace of Vlad Ţepeş (Vlad de Spietser), the inspirational figure for Count Dracula of Bram Stoker.
Near Sighişoara you should definitely stop at the fortified church of Biertan. An overview of more fortified churches can be found here.
Day 6: from Sighişoara to Cluj-Napoca (10-day route)
This day is for those who only have 10 days to explore Romania. If you are planning to do the 10 day route, follow this day up by day 12. For those who have more time, just follow along the itinerary and include day 7 to 11.
Distance: 162 kilometers
Today you drive from Sighișoara to Cluj-Napoca. Along the way you'll pass the impressive Salina Turda, an old salt mine that has been converted into one of the most unusual highlights in Romania. In this former salt mine you can visit an amphitheater and a Ferris wheel, play miniature golf or take a boat trip.
Day 7: from Sighișoara to Petru Vodă (15-day route)
De following five days featured in this guide, are optional routes to extend your stay in Romania.
Distance: 243 kilometers
To reach Petru Vodă, go north through the Bicaz Gorge, which is about 5 km long. This route connects Transylvania with Moldova. It is also a popular place to spot birds and other wildlife, so look around and discover!
The famous Romanian ecclesiastical figure Iustin Pârvu had the Petru Vodă Monastery built as a monument for the people who ended up in communist prisons. The monument was build in 1991, after Pârvu himself was liberated.
Day 8: from Petru Vodă to Voroneț
Distance: 220 kilometers
Today's tour through Transylvania will take you to the painted monastery church of Voroneț. The church is on the UNESCO world heritage list and is perhaps the most beautiful of all monastery churches in Romania. The frescoes all have the intense shade of blue known in Romania as 'Voroneţ blue'. The building was built in the 15th century and was inspired by Byzantine buildings and art works.
Day 9: from Voroneț to Moldovița
Distance: 165 kilometers
Day 9 of the optional route takes you to some of the most beautiful painted churches in the region. You drive past the monasteries of Humor, Sucevița and Putna. Another nice stop is the Painted Eggs Museum. The museum exhibits a collection of 3000 decorated eggs from all over the country, a special tradition in Romania.
Day 10: from Moldovița to Săpânța
Distance: 224 kilometers
The paintings in the Moldoviţa monastery are some of the most impressive paintings you will see in the Romanian monastery churches. After your visit to Moldoviţa you will drive on to the interesting town of Săpânța which is close to the border with Ukraine.
The highlight of the day is the cheerful cemetery. The unusual Merry Cemetery has a series of brightly colored, hand-painted epitaphs on the graves, all of which are darkly humorous and bear witness to the life stories, dark details and last moments of the people they commemorate.
Day 11: from Săpânța to Cluj-Napoca
Distance: 229 kilometers
Today the tour will take you through the region of Maramureş in the direction of Cluj-Napoca. Along the way you will pass by the famous Bârsana Monastery.
Cluj, officially called Cluj-Napoca, was founded by Germans in the 12th century on the site of a former Roman municipium. Fortunately, in contrast to many other Romanian cities, the historic core has remained relatively intact. Another must-see is the fascinating ethnographic park Romulus Vuia, a special open-air museum.
Day 12: from Cluj-Napoca to Sibiu
Distance: 314 kilometers
Day 12 of the round trip is a long drive. However, the route leading you to the next destination, takes you along some very interesting places. for example, the special Densuş church or the town of Deva.
An absolute must-see is the fairytale-like castle Castelul Corvinilor in Hunedoara, which was build in the 15th century in a Gothic Renaissance style.
If you would like to make some more stop along the way, the archaeological site Sarmizegetusa Regia or the fortress of Câlnic are definitely worth a visit as well!
Day 13: Sibiu
Sibiu is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Transylvania. The city is mainly known for its Saxon architecture in the old city centre, however there is much more to explore! You will, for example, find a large number of historical highlights such as the remains of the medieval walls or museums of world-class level.
Day 14: from Sibiu to Argeş
Distance: 161 kilometers
Take your time to travel south along the Transfăgărăşan route (7C) through the mountains. This winding and dramatic mountain road is described as one of the most spectacular roads in the world and without a doubt a must-do on your tour of Transylvania.
Before you reach the beautiful monastery of Argeş, you will also pass by the idyllic Bâlea waterfall and Lake Vidraru. Another must-do highlight is the ruins of Cetatea Poenari, the real castle of Dracula. You can reach the castle by climbing up 1480 stairs. This might take a while but the view is definitely worth it!
Day 15: from Argeş to Bucharest
Distance: 156 kilometers
The tour ends today! The last ride (of about two hours) brings you back to your starting point in Bucharest.
The mapped out route takes you with a 10 or 15 day road trip along all the best places of Romania. We definitely recommend to stay a little longer in the main cities if you can. By doing so, you will have more time to explore the city and the country a little better!
Video of the round trip through Transylvania
Wondering what Transylvania looks like? After watching the video you will get a better idea of what to expect, however if you want to experience it for yourself, you will have to travel to Transylvania!
Don't want to miss out on anything during your round trip in Romania?
Like most of us, you don't want to miss out on anything during your vacation in Romania. Well, we have some good news, because we already did the research for you and figured out what the best places are to visit! Buy our digital travel guide Transylvania and North Romania including a mapped out round trip of 10 or 15 days + 4 planned out city walks (+ GPS coordinates). Prefer to try it out first? Download your free preview travel guide Transylvania here.