Included full-day excursion: Guided tour of Sibiu, the Brukenthal National Museum, and the Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary. Leave by coach for Sibiu. Located in the heart of Romania alongside the Cibin River, charming Sibiu entrances visitors all year round. Sibiu feels like a time capsule, with houses dating back to 1380 lining the narrow cobblestone streets, staircases leading to the lower town, the imposing Lutheran Cathedral whose construction spanned two centuries, and the “Large” and “Small” squares surrounded by traditional buildings. Brukenthal National Museum, once a palace, is worth a detour for its historical furniture and works of art. Admire the colorful friezes and 18th-century instruments under the chandelier in the Music Hall before strolling through the other rooms containing 17th-century portraits, satin-covered fainting couches, and old jewellery boxes—all in a sumptuously preserved environment. Continue to the impressive and beautiful cathedral, a Lutheran church that follows the Augsburg Confession. You will then head to Sibiel to visit the Museum of the Icons on Glass. The museum houses the largest exposition of icons on glass—art emerging from the Orthodox Christian Church tradition and the imagination of the Romanian peasant painters. The museum was named after Father Zosim Oance, a revered local priest who collected the vibrant icons.
Lunch will be in a local restaurant before taking the road to Bran Castle. Tour of Bran Castle. Legendary and popular Bran Castle, commonly called Dracula’s Castle, sits on a cliff between Transylvania and Wallachia. Built between 1377 and 1388, the castle is an important Romanian monument, whose illustration inspired Bram Stroker when describing Dracula’s imaginary castle. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.