Romania - the treasures of the west

Airport to hotel transfer by taxi at your own expense.

Cluj, the largest city in Transylvania, is one of the most important university, cultural and industrial centers in the country. If you arrive around noon, you will have time to discover the old city center, which is remarkable for the wealth of its Gothic and Baroque architecture: the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Michael, one of the oldest religious monuments in the city, the birthplace of Matei Corvin, Banffy Castle - built in the 18th century in Baroque style, which today houses the Art Museum. You can also admire the Orthodox Cathedral, the National Theatre and the Opera in Baroque and Rococo style.

You will leave Cluj heading towards Oradea.

To begin your journey, we first suggest a stop in Sîncraiu - (Kalotaszentkirály in Hungarian), one of the most beautiful villages in the Calata region, built on both banks of the Calata river, approximately 6km from Huedin. The village's Reformed church is remarkable for its coffered ceiling, dating from the 13th century, representative of the ecclesiastical architecture of this region. It is still used by the Hungarian Reformed community and can be visited.

You will arrive in Oradea around noon, so you should take the opportunity to see all the wonders of Secession style: Palatul Vulturul Negru (Black Eagle Palace), Primaria (the Town Hall), Turnul cu ceas, Republicii Street, and much more.

To reach Arad and then Timisoara you will take the road that crosses the western plain, skirting the border with Hungary.

Arad is a modern city, an industrial center and a communications hub, which has many remarkable buildings. The Vauban citadel of Arad was built on the left bank of the Mureș river, during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa between 1762-1783. It cannot be visited....but a short stop in the old center where there are some lovely Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings is worth the effort.

In early afternoon you will arrive in Timisoara, so plenty of time to discover this lovely city, symbol of the 1989 revolution and European capital of culture in 2023!

Route towards Sarmizegetusa Ulpia Traiana, the Daco-Roman capital, after the conquest of Dacia following the war of 105-106 AD. Besides the amphitheatre, you can stroll through the forum and discover the ruins of several temples, workshops (glass, ceramics), the gladiators' school… but many parts are still buried (orchards, fields, houses).

Continuation to Densus. Visit of Densus church, built in the 13th century, interesting in its appearance and structure. Stones from the ancient Roman city Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, used as building material, explain its particular appearance

Before heading to your accommodation we strongly recommend a detour to Hunedoara to visit Corvins Castle which is an impressive monument of Medieval architecture. It is built in Gothic style, with Baroque and Renaissance elements, the largest Castle in Roumanie.

Finally, the citadel of Deva, which can be seen from afar, also deserves a visit especially since there is a cable car… The citadel situated on a volcanic cone offers a splendid panoramic view over the Mures valley and the mountains to the south.

Today you will be off the beaten path, as these visits are rarely featured in tourist programs. The Dacian remains of Sarmizegetusa Regia – the spiritual center of the Dacians, are the highlight of the day. Stop along the way to visit Calnic Fortress and the Museum of Glass Icons and the village of Sibiel.

In the morning you will visit the city of Sibiu – European capital in 2007.

Sibiu was founded in the 12th century by Saxon settlers established in the region. The city still retains its medieval atmosphere.

To visit: the Grand Square (Piata Mare) - center of the city since the 16th century where the Council Tower stands, one of the city's symbols; the Small Square (Piata Mica) and Huet Square; the Evangelical Church - the Liars' Bridge – which dates from 1859, is the first cast iron bridge in Southern Europe. It bears this name because it is supposed to collapse as soon as a liar crosses it.

Sibiu, cradle of Saxon civilization in our country, borders to the west with a grouping of Romanian villages that form an ethnological unit called Marginimea Sibiului. These villages bear witness to the cultural identity of Romanians in this region. Since time immemorial, these shepherd populations have been masters in the processing of wool and skins.

On your way to Cluj you will arrive at Alba Iulia, a city that is home to a recently restored Vauban citadel that will enchant you and transport you back to the early 18th century.

Next, a visit to the Turda Salt Mine is a must. This salt mine, exploited since antiquity, leaves no one indifferent. Over the centuries it has served as a makeshift shelter, cheese aging cave, tourist attraction, therapeutic centre, leisure centre…

In the afternoon, car return in Cluj.

Continuation of visits to Cluj if time permits.

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, at your own expense.