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Four years ago, my friend Lello and I left for Bucharest on a one-way plane ticket.
I have always been fascinated by the capital. This is where our journey would start. There was absolutely nothing fixed. We would have stayed in a central, ultra-luxury hotel, practically a latch (I won’t tell you the name).
They were the only things fixed, with the desire to set out to discover Transylvania.
In the capital, during the few hours of mental clarity, we have drawn up a sort of itinerary. We relied on our travel guide, on the advice of some indigenous people, some whores we met in Bucharest, and the inevitable old fool on duty.
Transylvania.
Impossible not to be influenced by the charm and the suggestion of this land. A name that evokes mystery, adventure, Bram Stoker … Fracchia against Dracula. Our trip would have lasted 13 days. Transylvania on The Road is the journey of two friends, which could be anyone else’s journey.
DAY 1 TRANSYLVANIA ON THE ROAD: BUCHAREST
Bucharest is a really beautiful city. Much more than you can imagine.
Someone called it Little Paris. In the world, there are Little Paris. Small Vienna. Little Venice …..
For myself: Bucharest is simply … Bucharest, forget the similarities and appreciate its beauties.
Museums, theaters, libraries, large avenues, historic buildings and lots and lots of nightlife. It is no coincidence that the name itself derives from the term Bucura, that is, to be happy.
You will not be indifferent to the beauty of the Lipscani district, in the historic center: a tangle of narrow streets, shops, lounge bars. It was the neighborhood where we put up the tents, between one drink and another.
Soseaua Kiseleff, are a kind of Elysian Fields. And again: the Royal Palace, the splendid building where the Parliament is housed and Calea Victoriei, one of the most fashionable streets. From here, all about this fantastic city.
Having spent three days there, years ago, we preferred to stay only one day, and one night.
DAY 2 TRANSYLVANIA ON THE ROAD: SINAIA
On a vacation where you have to share everything with the other participants, empathy is a fundamental aspect. And most importantly, be in tune in every little thing.
We got up very calmly. We took the opportunity to swim in the swimming pool on the top floor of the hotel. A shower and off you go. Let’s go. Direction Sinaia.
Approaching stage for Brasov.
Little is remembered of the journey. The city, on the other hand, is an interesting reality. It is located along the spectacular and evocative stretch of the Prahova valley; that is, one of the most beautiful of all the Carpathians, east of the Bucegi Mountains, following the course of the river of the same name between mountains and pine forests.
Sinaia is a beautiful city, with churches, parks and a casino. But, the role of prima donna, certainly belongs to Castelul Peles, the main attraction of the Prahova valley. Built between 1875 and 1914 in German Neo-Renaissance architecture, following the style of the Castles of Bavaria, it is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. And it is absolutely true. The whole structure, including the gardens, the rooms and the location is truly WONDERFUL.
Also beautiful is the smaller Pelisor Castelul , which is located not far from Peles.
We only recommend that you make sure of the opening hours in advance. From here, all the info.
In Pelisor, we met Kyra and Catalina.
The acquaintance was quite fruitful: we found a dinner (really perfect), a roof for the night (latch) and an appointment to visit the Bucegi mountains and the mystery of “Le Anziane” the next day.
We would have reciprocated by delighting them with a little aromatherapy with natural grass (!!!) that Lello grows in his garden.
Between alcohol and smoking, the evening passed all too quickly
Don’t expect nightlife in Sinaia. Turned off the lights, the city is a deathbed. Unless, you meet, too, Kyra and Catalina.
DAY 3 TRANSYLVANIA ON THE ROAD: SPHINX AND BABEL, BRAN AND RÂSNOV
The curve of the Carpați Mountains, which takes its name Bucegi, has been enveloped for centuries by an aura of esotericism, enhanced by the presence of some singular attractions of geological origin, such as the Sphinx and Babel, nicknamed “The Elderly”.
It is a truly evocative and extremely beautiful place to see. To this, add the presence of a rocky structure sculpted by the wind, at 2200 meters above sea level, the Sphinx, in fact. Breathtaking view and panorama. There is also a refreshment point where you can possibly stop.
The top can be reached by cable car from Busteni, a small village located about 10 km north of Sinaia. From Bulevardul Libertatii (Strada E60), coming from Sinaia, after passing the beautiful Caraiman Monastery, turn left onto Strada Telecabinei.
Right in front of the entrance to the Busteni cable car (gondola) you will find the indication for the parking (PARCARE) where you can leave your car.
We said goodbye to our friends after spending the whole morning, with the (false) promise to keep in touch.
A trip to Transylvania cannot be said to be complete without visiting Bran Castle. The Castle of Count Dracula. Although, in reality, Bran Castelul is not Dracula’s Castle at all. And, then, why put up with almost an hour’s drive through curves and bottlenecks?
Well. The Castle deserves it, and the place is absolutely wonderful. Really impressive to see its silhouette perched from the road, with trees and leaves in motion; and, in the light of the sunset … The courtyard is beautiful, and the view from up here is splendid.
In winter, in the evening, someone might get chills!
If you are in Transylvania it would be a shame not to come this far.
Bran Castle closes at 6pm in summer. To enter, the cost is 45LEI.
We stayed until closing; Brasov, the next stop on our journey, is just a 4-minute drive from here.
Along the way, the historic Cetatea Râșnov fortress is certainly worth a visit.
You can walk among the walls and ramparts of the fortified citadel, built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights. At the top, the view over Brasov and the valley is truly impressive.
Anyone who wants can go up with a small train pulled … by a tractor!
In the place, some scenes of Anthony Minghella’s film “Cold Mountain” were shot.
Cetatea Râșnov is open every day, from 09:00 to 18:00, with an entrance ticket equal to 12LEI.
In Râșnov, we recommend staying for the evening. A rather quiet town. At “La Promenade” you can try excellent local cuisine, and the inevitable soup. We found a nice evening with live music, and popular music. A really nice evening.
DAYS 4 AND 5 TRANSYLVANIA ON THE ROAD: BRASOV
A picturesque town with a medieval appearance, Brasov is the most important city in all of Transylvania, as well as the second in importance and number of inhabitants in all of Romania. Located in a depression of the Southern Carpathians, the city is an agglomeration of alleys and suggestive streets and baroque facades, and the famous Mount Tampa as a frame.
Brasov is an extremely suggestive town; the splendid Black Church, and the famous Bastions, indelible testimony of its ancient fortifications and walls.
From here, a detailed guide on what to see in Brasov in two days.
Brasov, with Bucharest, was one of the busiest destinations of our Tour. We spent two fantastic evenings, and crazy nights. In the city there are really many clubs, clubs and lounge bars. At the Move Club we spent a fantastic evening, dedicated to pure fun. Great music, excellent location and a lot of people.
Almost identical characteristics of the 4 Rooms, another place not far away, quite popular.
The only drawback, wanting to be picky, is the excessive presence of kids and students.
For the rest, fun is guaranteed.
Kafe Pub, is an amazing alternative. Excellent cocktails and good music in a relaxing atmosphere.
Of gastronomy, I love to experiment and try new local flavors. Obviously, to the extent possible. On the sixth day, I wandered like a junkie looking for a good dose of … Italian wine.
Give me a pasta with sauce with a nice basil leaf. A plate of pasta and potatoes with provolone. A pasta and beans with mussels …
We relied on the reviews on the web to find Trattoria del Chianti, at Strada Brândușelor 100. The food is really good, and the atmosphere is relaxing. Absolutely to try.
DAYS 6 AND 7 TRANSYLVANIA ON THE ROAD: SIGHIŞOARA
We returned to the hotel at 06:30 in the morning. Dead drunk.
We spent almost the whole morning sleeping.
The bottle of Pálinka, bought at the Brasov supermarket on the day of our arrival, completely empty.
For many, timing is of the essence.
Not for us.
Not that we had an infinite time to dedicate to our trip. Not too much money, anyway.
Sighişoara, Targu Mures, Cluj Napoca, Alba Iulia, Sibiu… if we had wanted to see all these places, we would have had to change our rhythms and styles a bit.
Sighişoara is known to be Vlad Tepes’ hometown.
The myth of Dracula lives on in every street, square and corner of Sighisoara. And, as such, you will be almost overwhelmed by souvenirs, trinkets, clubs in perfect style … Dracula.
There is no trip to Transylvania without having set foot in this beautiful city.
But, far from stereotypes and purely commercial aspects, Sighisoara presents itself as a romantic and, at the same time, mysterious city.
Two souls that coexist, in symbiosis, day and night.
Try to pop in, in the middle of winter, and in the evening, with the city, almost completely empty, and the bitter cold blowing on your face!
Crossing, however, its splendid historic center, it seems that the hands of the clock have stopped for several centuries. So beautiful, fascinating and evocative, that it has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Sighisoara, represents the very essence of Transylvania. We recommend dedicating one or more days to this wonderful city. It is certainly one of the most beautiful in Transylvania.
DAY 8: TARGU MURES AND CLUJ NAPOCA
Tirgu Mures it is located in the heart of Transylvania, about 50 kilometers from Sighişoara.
A town of which the beautiful Medieval Fortress (Cetatea Medievala), the Ascension Cathedral and the Palace of Culture remain impressed.
We spent half a day.
For those on holiday with their children, we recommend a trip to the Zoo
Less touristy than Sighişoara and other transylvanian destinations, it is a rather peaceful and relaxing place. Along Strada Morii, Laci Csarda is really the Top for your lunch (or dinner); one of the best in Transylvania, for quality-price, in which I had eaten so far.
Meat is the TOP and abundant portions. Friendly staff.
Here we met Bogdan. Really nice boy, with a singular outfit. He advised to take a trip to Turda to visit the salt pans. Suggestions that we would follow, literally, the following day.
Cluj Napoca is an important university center, and one of the largest cities in Romania. This explains, therefore, the motive of so much movement, day and night.
Of all the cities seen so far, Cluj Napoca was the one that impressed me the most. Do not get misunderstood: Transylvania is a wonderful land, with truly unique places and villages, and a truly surreal atmosphere. Thinking of Cluj Napoca, however, I can say that I want to come back.
A truly beautiful city, fascinating, elegant, multicultural, lively. A place where you can admire its extraordinary architectural beauties, take walks in its green spaces, spend time siping drinks, dancing and having fun in the clubs …
In the first stage of the day, in the city, we started from Piata Unirii, with the marvelous Church to frame. Along the perpendicular Bulevardul Eroilor, you will meet many places, until you reach the beautiful Orthodox Cathedral. Do not miss to visit it. And, speaking of heroes, there is the statue of Avram Iancu, a national hero to whom the city has also dedicated its own airport. Beautiful, nearby, the building that houses the Opera House. It could be a tantalizing idea, to spend an alternative evening.
In the evening, we went to a rock night at the Hardward Pub, not far from the center. A place really up to par
DAY 9: TURDA AND CLUJ NAPOCA
The Turda Salt Mine it is located along the DN1 road, less than 40 kilometers from Cluj Napoca.
For the first time during our trip, we got up early (the 09:30 around). At least for our vacation habits.
With all the good will, it would have been impossible to arrive at the Salina at the opening hour, as advised by Bogdan.
An extraordinary and somewhat suggestive journey into an underworld … in Transylvania.
Do not expect vampires and bats but an incredible mine, from the 2010, historical monument of Romania’s national cultural heritage.
A journey through paths and underground paths, hidden from the human eye. Mining is waiting for you, and an ancient winch with which, in the nineteenth century, salt was extracted.
The current aspect is due to recent modernization operations. Today, the Salina Turda, is a mining museum, a halotherapy tourist center and amusement park!
At the cost of 50 or 60LEI (based on the day of visit), you can visit the Crivac Room, which houses an ancient instrument of the nineteenth century, with which the salt rocks were raised; and the Rudolf mine, the most spectacular point of the complex, where even an amusement park is set up!
The afternoon was entirely dedicated to Cluj Napoca. Simion Bărnuţiu is a huge green lung, located right in the center. A place of peace and tranquility, ideal for relaxing. Given the location, it is quite crowded. There are many families with children, and students.
Not far away, at Memorandumului Street 21, we enjoyed the Ethnographic Museum, which offers a fantastic insight into the everyday life of the past. Beautiful Made in Transylvania costumes and artefacts displayed on the inside. In the summer, it opens from 10:00 to 18:00, while in winter it closes at 16:00.
Further away from the city center is the “Romulus Vuia” Ethnographic National Park which, according to many, is worth visiting. We promised to return to Cluj and, perhaps, visit the Park-Museum.
Walking in Cluj, there are so many parks and POIs. Like, after all, the locals.
From a gastronomic point of view, Cluj can satisfy everyone’s needs, with the most disparate multi-ethnic proposals. There is, even, a Pizzeria Napoletana; and you eat, too, pretty good!
The locals. Cluj’s offer is from the top of the class. Club Midi and NOA are considered the excellence in clubbing in Romania. At Club Midi, despite the impressive crowds, and the rather high prices, the fun is guaranteed throughout the night.
DAY 10: ALBA IULIA
Photo ©, Kiki Vasilescu
Reach Timisoara. Stay in Cluj. Return to Bucharest. Of the 3 options, we opted for the last one, and booked our return flight from Bucharest, leaving other 3 days on our road trip.
It is almost common judgment that ad Alba Iulia and Sibiu you can find the true soul of Transylvania. For many, they are the two most fascinating and mysterious cities in the Region.
Alba Iulia is located about 100 kilometers south of Cluj Napoca. It is a city of great history as well as the ancient capital of Transylvania.
It is one of the best preserved cities in the Region.
A place full of history and tradition, with beautiful buildings such as the White Fortress and, inside, the Catedrala Sfântul Mihail, the oldest in the country.
Beautiful streets. Scenographic fountains. Historical buildings. The Batthyaneum Library, a legacy of the past, in which ancient texts are preserved.
The atmosphere is calm and relaxing. Like our evening, spent eating a kebab, drinking a couple of beers each (strictly Ursus) and walking at dusk in the citadel.
The liveliness of Cluj-Napoca, despite the short distance, is only a memory
DAY 11 TRANSILVANIA ON THE ROAD: SIBIU
Known as the most beautiful city in Transylvania, Sibiu hits at first glance. The city is located about 70km to the southeast of Alba Iulia.
Sibiu offers many points of interest. There is no lack of green spaces, even in the center.
The Bridge of the Lies is one of the symbols of the city. But, both in the Upper Town and in the Lower part, the fascinating and evocative places are not lacking.
Muzeul de Etnografie Universala Franz Binder, in Piaţa Mică 11, is particularly interesting for lovers of ethnography. The Top of the genus, however, is represented by ASTRA Museum, a marvelous complex with faithful reconstructions of villages and landscapes of the Romanian and Transylvanian folk tradition. ASTRA is one of the most incredible open-air museums in Europe, in an extraordinary natural setting: the Dumbrava Sibiului Park. Open every day from 09:00 to 17:00. You can also get easily by public transport, using the 13 line.
In the park there is also an interesting zoo, ideal for families
In Piata Cibin, in the city center, do not miss a visit to the agri-food market. Excellent cheeses, good prices.
And, again, its imposing ramparts and the splendid towers. The Churches, of every order and cult.
Thanks to its beauties and its splendid, and extraordinary architecture, the city has also obtained the recognition of Capital of Culture, in the 2007.
Gorgeous in every season of the year. At Christmas, the city becomes even more fascinating and evocative, sometimes covered in snow and lit up for a party, like a small, marvelous Nativity scene.
After a whole day spent in Sibiu, we can join the chorus of those who claim that this is one of the most beautiful cities in the Region. A truly unmissable stop on a tour of Transylvania on the road.
DAY 12 TRANSILVANIA ON THE ROAD: TRANSFAGARASAN
The best farewell to this wonderful Earth is through one of the most beautiful, fascinating and evocative roads in all of Europe: the transfagarasan.
This fantastic national road, the DN7C, is spread over 90 km, along trails that cross the Carpathians, reaching, in some stretches, over the 2000m in height. From Cârţişoara, to Piteşti, crossing the villages of Bascov, Merişani, Băiculeşti, Valea Iaşului, Albeştii de Argeş, Corbeni, Arefu.
A journey, an adventure, an experience … among tortuous paths, at a speed of 45 km / h.
Just like that.
Because, given its conformation, on this road the 45 km / h can not be exceeded.
A road off limits in winter, and even at night.
From Sibiu, follow the directions for Brasov and, before Fagaras, take the DN7C. About Făgăraş, if you have time, we recommend a visit to the beautiful Fortress.
The Cascada Balea is, of course, one of the most touristic places along the Transfagarasan. Between the peaks of the Negoiu and Moldoveanu mountains, you will have to cross a fantastic path for over 40 minutes, through enchanting landscapes, until you reach the beautiful waterfall. A real show.
La Diga and the splendid Castello Poenari are two absolutely must-see places along the Strada Nazionale. Poenari is considered the real Castle of Dracula.
Leave the car, to get to the top you have to climb almost 1500. Fatigue, however, is rewarded by the magic of the place and by an absolutely magnificent view of the Carpathians.
On the way, you will also find a splendid Byzantine Monastery, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
LAST DAY TRANSILVANIA ON THE ROAD
From Curtea de Arges to the Bucharest airport, in an all-in-one itinerary
A total length of 160 approximately kilometers.
Ours, it was a tour of well 13 days, for around 1050 km traveled, with over ten cities and numerous villages and points of interest.
A truly wonderful, unique and wonderful journey. Like this Earth, so lively, and so full of charm, tradition, mystery, suggestion…