Exploring Romania: Top Transylvania Tours, Excursions, and Experiences [in 2024]

The land of mysteries, home to the legendary Dracula, fascinating medieval cities, and impressive fortresses, Transylvania is the largest region in Romania and probably the best known!

Dive into a mix of cultures, tumultuous history, gorgeous nature, and scrumptious cuisine as you explore this diverse region. The greatest and best-preserved castles and fortresses can be found here, as well as excellent hiking, dazzling cities, and charming villages.

The region is served by four major airports, but you are likely to land on Avram Iancu International Airport Cluj (CLJ) or Sibiu International Airport (SBZ). Also, if you happen to arrive via Bucharest, there are plenty of trains to catch to get to Transylvania.

Filled with things to do and places to explore, it may be overwhelming to decide what to do on your trip to Transylvania. That’s why, in this article, I’m sharing the top Transylvania tours, excursions, and experiences to add to your bucket list (in 2024), no matter your budget. Also, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance applies to all the suggestions below.

Day trip from Cluj

Day trip from Cluj

Availability: Year round

Depart from Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania’s capital, and visit three must-see rural attractions: Turda Salt Mine, Turda Gorge, and Rimetea village. Learn about the salt mine’s industrial heritage, get a glimpse of the dramatic Turda Gorge, and taste traditional fare.

The package includes bottled water, hiking sticks, parking fees, transport in vehicle with AC, and entry fees to Turda Salt Mine and Turda Gorge. You need to pay for the traditional lunch separately.

Castles Tours from Brasov

Castles Tour from Brasov

Availability: Year round

Depart from Brasov and visit three of Romania’s most memorable tourist destinations: Peasant Citadel in Rasnov, Bran Castle, and Peles Castle.

The package includes bottled water, umbrellas/ponchos, transport in vehicle with AC, and access to the fast ticket line for Bran Castle and Peles Castle. Kindly note that you need to pay the entrance fees separately.



Booking.com

Piatra Craiului National Park Private Hiking Tour from Brasov

piatra craiului hike

Availability: Year round

Hike among the spectacular Carpathian Mountains on a tour that leaves from Brasov. You’ll explore alpine meadows, forests, and charming villages. See Zarnesti Gorge, learn about cheese-making and shepherding, and refuel with hearty Romanian fare. If time allows, you’ll also visit Bran Castle on the way back to Brasov.

The price includes hotel pick up and drop off (from Brasov only) and mountain guide. Kindly note that you need to pay all entry fees and for the food and drinks.

Tour Sighisoara, Rupea Fortress and Viscri Day Trip from Brasov

sighisoara, rupea, viscri

Availability: Year round

Depart from Brasov and explore three historic highlights of Transylvania: Viscri, Sighisoara, and Rupea Fortress. Enjoy a walking tour of the medieval town of Sighisoara and explore Viscri Church, one of Transylvania’s UNESCO-listed fortified churches.

The package includes pick up from Brasov, transport in vehicle with AC, and a professional guide. Kindly note that you need to pay for food and drinks.

Day trip Transfagarasan road and Poienari Fortress from Brasov

transfagarasan and poienari

Availability: Depending on when Transfagarasan in open (June to November)

Get the unique opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful roads in Europe: Transfagarasan. This 10-hour tour takes you to the spectacular Balea Lake and waterfall, Vidraru Dam, and Poienari Fortress.

The package includes pick up and drop off (from Brasov only), transport in vehicle with AC, professional guide. Kindly note that you need to pay for food and drinks.

Turda Salt Mine

turda salt mine

Availability: From April 2024

This tour, leaving from Cluj-Napoca, is available either in the morning or afternoon. You’ll learn about the history of the salt mine as well as its economic importance.

The price includes entrance fees, transport by price vehicle, hotel pick up and drop off, and guide. Kindly note that you need to pay the amusement park rides within the mine.

Ski or Snowboard Lessons on the Slopes of Poiana Brasov

ski or snowboard lessons

Availability: To end of April 2024

Learn or improve your skiing or skateboarding skill on the slopes of Poiana Brasov ski resort. Lessons are tailored to your level of experience. The required ski clothing, ski and snowboard equipment, and ski pass are included in the price. After the lesson, you may remain on the slope to continue practicing.

The price also includes private transportation, and bottled water.

Day Trip to the Epic 7 Ladders Canyon from Brasov

canionul sapte scari

Availability: June to September 2024

Satisfy your appetite for adventure during this 5-hour tour of Seven Ladders Canyon (Canionul Sapte Scari). Depart from Brasov, hike through meadows and forests, descend into the canyon, and climb vertical ladders and suspended bridges, all under the guidance of a professional guide.

The package includes hotel pick up and drop off (from Brasov only), transport in vehicle with AC, and professional guide. Kindly note that you need to pay for food and drinks, as well as the entrance to the canyon.

Private Day Trip to Turda Salt Mine and Alba Carolina Fortress

turda salt mine and alba carolina fortress

Availability: Year round

Discover the legends behind Alba Carolina Fortress (in Alba Iulia) and descend into the famous Turda Salt Mine. Learn about Alba Iulia’s ancient Roman history and stop for lunch in the storybook village of Rimetea.

The package includes hotel pick up and drop off, transport in vehicle with AC, and professional guide. Kindly note that you need to pay for lunch, as well as photography fees.

Horseback Riding Tour from Brasov

horseback riding from brasov

Availability: Year round

See rural Romania from the horse’s back during this horse-riding tour that leaves from Brasov. Trot through the Transylvanian landscape, get a close encounter with the horses, visit a local fortified church, and enjoy a traditional three- course meal.

The package includes the horses, the horseback riding helmet, alcoholic beverage, bottled water, lunch, entrance tickets, and transport in vehicle with AC.

Pestera and Magura Full-Day Private Walking Tour from Brasov

pestera and magura walking tour

Availability: April to November 2024

Hidden between the mountains, Pestera and Magura villages are two of the most beautiful settlements in Romania. Indulge in the slow rhythm of live that inspire peace and takes you back in time.

You’ll depart from Brasov at 8:30 a.m. and will take a car to Pestera. The hiking start here and takes about 5-6 hours.
Kindly note that the foods and drinks are not included in the price.

Brasov Old Town Small-Group Walking Tour

brasov old town walking tour

Availability: Year round

Get an introduction to Brasov Old Town during a 2-hour walking tour. Wader Europe’s narrowest alleyway, see the colored houses in Piata Sfatului Square, and get up close to the Black Church.

The price includes pick up (from Brasov only) and professional guide. Kindly note that you need to pay the entrance fees.

Private Climbing and Hiking Experience in Cheile Turzii

climbing in cheile turzii

Availability: Year round

Just 30-km from Cluj-Napoca, the via ferrata from Turda Gorges (Cheile Turzii) is one of the most beautiful in Romania. Take amazing shots for your social channels, enjoy breathtaking views, and get an adrenaline rush! The climb is very easy so no technical experience is required. The climbing down is via a hiking trail.

The package includes bottled water, via ferrata equipment, private transportation, as well as all fees and taxes.

Sighisoara and Biertan

sighisoara and biertan

Availability: Year round

Explore two UNESCO world Heritage Sites in one day during a 10-hour trip. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Transylvanian highlands, tour the medieval city of Sighisoara, tour the impressive fortified church in Biertan, and enjoy lunch.

The package includes transportation, guide, as well as the entrance fee to the fortified church in Biertan and the evangelical church in Sighisoara.

>> Click here to discover other tours, excursions, and experiences in Transylvania

You may also enjoy reading about:

>> 1 Week in Europe Itinerary: Transylvania, Romania
>> Transfagarasan – A Stunning Road Connecting Wallachia to Transylvania
>> 9 Best Places to Take Selfies in Cluj-Napoca
>> 8 FREE Things to Do in Cluj-Napoca, Romania
>> Turda Salt Mine – Gate to the Heart of Transylvania, Cluj County, Romania
>> 14 Things to do in Cluj Napoca and close by
>> A day at Sighisoara Citadel, Romania
>> A day at Alba Carolina, Alba Iulia, Romania

Note: This article includes links that may qualify as affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a commission.
The prices are correct at the time of publishing and may change without notice.

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