Transylvania self-drive holiday in Romania

Description of Transylvania self-drive holiday in Romania

Romania is known for its amazing natural environment, beautiful historic towns and links to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. On this Transylvania self drive holiday you can experience all of this, plus lesser known highlights such as Maramures, Viscri and the Bucegi Mountains.

The Transylvania self drive holiday is unique in allowing you to tailor the route to your personal interests. It is possible to combine the exciting city of Bucharest with atmospheric Transylvania and the hidden region of Maramures. Romania allows you to feel as though you have travelled back in time, and self guiding your holiday ensures you can maximise your time in the places which interest you most. Nevertheless, the whole tour will be filled with spectacular scenery, unique opportunities and fascinating history.

Highlights:
Transylvania is home to medieval towns that feel as though they have been lost in the mists of time. Explore steep, cobbled streets, climb to hilltop citadels and see the 14th century clock tower in Sighisoara, a picturesque medieval town. The region is most famous for the numerous dramatic castles which you can easily include in your tour, including the one that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Often overlooked by organised tours of Romania, is the bucolic region of Maramures in the northwest. Its low profile means the character and culture of the villages have been carefully preserved by the residents. As such it is an excellent place to get an insight into Romanian rural culture and crafts that have been passed down through generations. Churches in this region are made entirely of wood, including beautiful internal carvings.

Complementing Maramures' history and culture is the nearby province of Bucovina where its famous Painted Churches are particularly notable and unique to that area. Furthermore they are vibrantly decorated with intricate, colourful paintings dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, which narrate stories from the Bible. Seven of the churches in the area are UNESCO sites. Other rural crafts include handwoven carpets, colourful folk dresses and painted eggs, all created using traditional skills passed down through generations.

A more cosmopolitan side of Romania can be experienced by a visit to the capital. Bucharest boasts 55 museums and galleries, winding streets, and 22 theatres. The city’s existence was first recorded by Vlad Tepes in 1459, and it is full of character and interest.

This itinerary has been tried, tested and loved, as it allows you to truly experience the fascinating country of Romania, allowing time to pause and appreciate your surroundings whilst soaking up the atmosphere.

Departure information