A tour curated by Prince Nicholas of Romania
10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS
Dear Historians and Travelers,
There is a rare power in places where history is written not in ink, but in stone. I invite you on a journey designed for those who wish to unravel the authentic heritage, grand strategies, and living human stories that lie beneath Europe’s most legendary fortifications.
For me personally, this land represents a proud, living archive of resilience and architectural brilliance and so it is my distinct privilege to welcome you as my personal guests on an expedition that begins in one of our most ancient cradles of civilisation—the Roman-founded city of Cluj-Napoca. This beautifully curated 10-day itinerary brings the defense works and royal masterpieces of our past into sharp focus.
Your path will lead you from the deep, medieval depths of the Turda Salt Mine to an exclusive evening of fine wines within the Renaissance walls of Bethlen-Haller Castle in Cetatea de Balta. You will witness ancient craftsmanship at the last hand-painted tile factory in Medias, marvel at the unconquered bastions of Biertan, and uncover the unique ties that connect British royalty to the historic orchards of Malancrav and the streets of Viscri. After exploring the cobblestone magic of UNESCO-listed Sighisoara and rediscovering Bran Castle through the personal legacy of Queen Marie, we will stand together beneath the magnificent neo-Renaissance towers of Peles Castle—the summer home of my ancestors. Finally, the journey concludes in the capital, tracing Bucharest’s dramatic evolution from old princely courts to communist monuments before our farewell dinner together.
Consider this your personal invitation to visit Romania!
Prince Nicholas of Romania
Upon arriving at the International Airport in Cluj, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city centre. Welcome dinner hosted by Nicholas of Romania.
Visit Turda Salt Mine, then head into town for lunch at the Casa Ratiu Guest House. Continue to the Bethlen Haller Castle in Cetatea de Balta where you will overnight. Dinner with wine pairing in the company of one of Jidvei’s seasoned sommeliers.
After breakfast, depart towards the medieval town of Sighisoara. Stop in Medias to visit the last factory of hand-pressed and painted tiles in Romania. Then visit the fortified church in Biertan, the villages of Malancrav and Richis before arriving at your hotel in Sighisoara.
Spend your day in Sighișoara, UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s best preserved medieval towns.
After breakfast, depart to Viscri to visit its UNESCO World Heritage medieval fortified church. Lunch in Viscri, then on to Brasov where you will arrive in the early afternoon. Checkin at your hotel and time at leisure.
The full day is dedicated to the medieval town of Brasov. Discover the fortifications, towers and bastions of the city, take a stroll through the beautiful old town and visit the Black Church – the largest Gothic style edifice in Eastern Europe.
In the morning you will head for Bran to visit the castle that owes its fame to Bram Stoker’s novel Count Dracula. Lunch in the spectacular setting of the Carpathian Mountains, then return to Brasov. Afternoon at leisure
Head south towards Bucharest, crossing the Carpathian Mountains. Stop in the mountain resort of Sinaia for a visit of the Peles Castle – Prince Nicholas will join you for the visit. Lunch in Sinaia then continue to Bucharest for check-in at your hotel and time at leisure to enjoy the city.
Today, delve into the city’s tumultuous history. See the immense Palace of the Parliament, the Cotroceni Palace, the Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral and Bucharest’s Old Town. Be Prince Nicholas’ guests for a farewell dinner.
Transfer you to the airport, in time for your homeward flight.
