Transylvania Gems: Sighisoara, Medias, Biertan & Gypsy Encounter
Active
12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Journey into the heart of Transylvania's past on this captivating day trip, visiting charming medieval villages, majestic fortified churches, and Sighisoara – the 12th-century citadel where Vlad the Impaler was born. Experience the authentic Gypsy community and their timeless customs while uncovering the historical significance of Medias and its stunning St. Margaret's Church. Lastly, stand in awe before the remarkable Biertan fortified church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Available options
Winter season
Winter season
Summer season
What's included
Entrance fees for the Biertan Fortified church
Professional English-speaking guide
Bottled water
Transportation with a modern vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Our tour will starts in the morning when we will pick you up from your hotel and take a two-hour road trip to Medias. We will take a short walking tour of the city and get a glimpse of the Citadel of Light and of the beautiful medieval buildings, most of which were built in the 15th century.
2
Our next stop is in Sighisoara. The Sighisoara Medieval Citadel is the only inhabited citadel in Europe, and it is surrounded by 9 towers, with The Clock Tower being the most important of all. The Clock Tower was destroyed by a fire, but it was rebuilt in the 16th century, and it is now home to a history museum that includes a torture chamber.
3
If we were to describe Transylvania in one word, we would choose diverse. This historical land was home to numerous isolated villages, and we will find their traces of Romanian, Hungarian, Gypsy, and German communities, all living in harmony for hundreds of years. Gypsies first settled in Romania more than 800 years ago, after being forced away from their lands by the Mongol invasion. Today, we will visit an isolated community of Gypsies who earn their living through various crafts such as coppersmithing.
Because they are a slightly isolated community, the access is permitted only to those accompanied by someone they trust.
4
On our way back to Cluj we will take a different route in order to explore some of the stunning landscape of Transylvania. We will be back in Cluj by night, the duration of the trip being affected by traffic.
What's not included
Lunch (approx. €13/person)
Photography fees
Tips for the tour guide
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.3
6 reviews
5★
5
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor
5.0
7 reviews
5★
7
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Guaranteed departures operate with a minimum of two confirmed people on the selected date.
About Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca, the unofficial capital of Transylvania, is a vibrant university city known for its rich history, medieval architecture, and lively cultural scene. Often referred to as the 'Heart of Transylvania,' it offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern energy, making it a captivating destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
St. Michael's Church
A stunning Gothic-style church and one of the most iconic landmarks in Cluj-Napoca. It is one of the largest medieval churches in Transylvania and features beautiful stained glass windows and a tower that offers panoramic views of the city.
Historical/Religious
30-60 minutes
Free (donations welcome), Tower climb: RON 5-10
Matthias Corvinus Statue
A striking statue of Matthias Corvinus, a famous Hungarian king who was born in Cluj-Napoca. The statue is a prominent feature of the Central Square and a popular gathering spot.
Historical/Architecture
15-30 minutes
Free
Botanical Garden
A beautiful and serene botanical garden featuring a wide variety of plants, trees, and flowers. The garden is a perfect place for a peaceful stroll and offers a welcome escape from the bustling city.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free (donations welcome)
St. George's Orthodox Cathedral
A beautiful Orthodox cathedral with a striking golden dome. The cathedral is an important religious site and a notable example of Romanian Orthodox architecture.
Religious/Architecture
30-60 minutes
Free (donations welcome)
Banffy Palace
A magnificent Baroque palace that now houses the National Theatre of Cluj-Napoca. The palace is a stunning example of 18th-century architecture and a cultural hub of the city.
Historical/Architecture
30-60 minutes
Free (donations welcome for guided tours)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sarmale
Cabbage rolls stuffed with a mixture of minced meat (usually pork or beef), rice, and spices, served with sour cream and polenta.
Main Course
Contains meat and gluten
Mici
Grilled minced meat rolls made from a mixture of pork, beef, and sometimes lamb, flavored with garlic and spices.
Snack
Contains meat and gluten
Papanași
Fried dough balls filled with sweet cheese, usually served with sour cream, jam, or powdered sugar.
Dessert
Contains dairy and gluten, can be made vegan
Popular Activities
Hiking in Turda Gorge
Rock climbing in Turda Gorge
Exploring Salina Turda
Picnicking in the Botanical Garden
Shopping at Central Shopping Center
Visiting a traditional Romanian bathhouse (baia turcească)
Exploring the medieval citadel in Sighișoara
Visiting the National Theatre in Banffy Palace
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the warmest and most popular time to visit, with long daylight hours and plenty of outdoor activities. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during this period.
20°C to 30°C
68°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Romanian
- Widely spoken: English, Hungarian, German
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas
Currency
Romanian Leu (RON)
Time Zone
GMT+2 (Eastern European Time, EET)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Cluj-Napoca is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
Getting there
By air
- Avram Iancu International Airport • 10 km from city center
By train
Cluj-Napoca Central Station
By bus
Autogara Transilvania Nord, Autogara Centrala
Getting around
Public transport
The bus network is the most extensive public transport system in Cluj-Napoca, covering the entire city and many suburbs. Buses are generally reliable and affordable.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Central Square (Piața Unirii)
Hoia
Iris
Day trips
Turda Gorge (Cheile Turzii)
30 km from Cluj-Napoca • Half day to full day
Turda Gorge is a stunning natural attraction featuring a deep canyon with towering limestone cliffs, lush vegetation, and a variety of wildlife. It's a popular spot for hiking, rock climbing, and nature walks.
Salina Turda
40 km from Cluj-Napoca • Half day to full day
Salina Turda is a unique underground salt mine that has been transformed into a tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the mine's chambers, take a boat ride on an underground lake, and even visit an underground amusement park.
Sighișoara
140 km from Cluj-Napoca • Full day
Sighișoara is a charming medieval town and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's known for its well-preserved citadel, colorful buildings, and rich history. The town is also the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula.
Festivals
Transylvania International Film Festival (TIFF) • Late May
Jazz in the Park • July
Cluj-Napoca International Theatre Festival (FIT) • October
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Romanian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
- Explore the city's vibrant street art scene, which showcases the work of local and international artists
- Visit the city's historic cafes and bookshops, which offer a glimpse into Cluj-Napoca's rich cultural heritage
- Take a day trip to the nearby Turda Gorge or Salina Turda for a unique and unforgettable experience
- Attend a local festival or event to immerse yourself in the city's lively cultural scene
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
