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PTG Tours · Escorted tour

Magical Romania

Escorted rail journey through Transylvania, castles, and medieval towns

Illustration of Magical Romania

PTG Tours operates Magical Romania, an eight-day escorted tour combining rail travel with guided coach and walking tours across Romania. The journey begins in Bucharest, where you spend two days exploring the Parliament Palace, Revolution Square, the Village Museum (one of Europe's largest open-air museums), and the old city centre. You then travel by regional train to Sinaia, visiting the royal Peles Castle before continuing to Bran for its famous castle and on to Brasov. From there, trains take you to medieval Sighisoara, where you visit the citadel and the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. The route then leads to Sibiu, Romania's 2007 European Cultural Capital, with a day trip featuring a narrow-gauge steam train through the Hartibaciu Valley and a carriage ride to the Icon Glass museum in Sibiel. An English-speaking tour manager accompanies you throughout. This tour suits first-time rail travellers, history enthusiasts, and those who prefer guided comfort with included meals and entrance fees. The itinerary balances train segments with coach and walking exploration, and the relaxed pace allows two nights in Bucharest and two in Sibiu.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure listed: September 2026. Confirm availability well in advance.
  • The from-price of GBP 1575 covers the 8-day package from Bucharest; flights from UK airports are priced separately from GBP 1795, or an overland rail option is available from GBP 2545.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Bucharest

    Arrival in Romania

    UK airport direct departures from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted or Birmingham. Meet your English speaking tour manager and transfer to your hotel. Overland by rail from the UK also available, with nights in Munich and Budapest, leaving UK on 1 September.

  2. Day 2overnight: Bucharest

    Bucharest and its Treasures

    Sightseeing tour including the Parliament Palace (The People's House), Revolution Square, Opera Square, Victoria Ave and the Triumphal Arch. Visit Village Museum, one of the largest open-air museums in Europe. Afternoon walking tour of the old city centre. Dinner in a local restaurant.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Brasov

    Bucharest - Sinaia - Bran - Brasov

    Train to Sinaia, arriving at the royal station used by the Orient Express. Visit Peles Castle, summer residence of King Carol I. Continue by bus to Bran to visit Bran (Dracula's) Castle. Arrival in Brasov, walking tour of the baroque old town and the Black Church. Dinner in a local restaurant.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Sighisoara

    Brasov - Sighisoara

    Train to Sighisoara. Walking tour including the Citadel's two squares, Scholars' Staircase, Clock Tower and Torture Chamber. Visit the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula). Dinner in Sighisoara.

  5. Day 5overnight: Sibiu

    Sighisoara - Sibiu

    Transfer to Biertan to visit the UNESCO World Heritage fortified Saxon church. Arrival in Sibiu (European Cultural Capital 2007), walking tour of the well-preserved medieval centre including the Big Square. Optional touristic tram ride in Rasinari (subject to availability). Dinner in Sibiu.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Sibiu

    Sibiu - Cornatel - Sibiu

    Transfer to Cornatel for a scenic narrow-gauge steam train ride through the Hartibaciu Valley. Lunch at a local gastronomical point. Transfer to Sibiel for a carriage ride and visit to the Icon Glass museum, the largest in Europe. Return to Sibiu with free time.

  7. Day 7overnight: Bucharest

    Sibiu - Cozia - Bucharest

    Drive back to Bucharest via the picturesque Olt valley, stopping at Cozia Monastery (14th century). Farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

  8. Day 8rail

    Departure

    Transfer to Bucharest airport for return flights, or overland by rail back to the UK via Budapest and Munich.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Train to Sinaia's royal station, then visit Peles Castle, summer residence of King Carol I, before continuing by coach to Bran (Dracula's) Castle.
  • Day 4Train to Sighisoara and walking tour of the medieval citadel, including the Clock Tower and the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler.
  • Day 6Narrow-gauge steam train ride through the Hartibaciu Valley from Cornatel, followed by a carriage ride and visit to Europe's largest Icon Glass museum in Sibiel.

Included

  • All travel and excursions as outlined in the itinerary
  • En-suite accommodation
  • Meals as shown in the itinerary (7 breakfasts, 6 dinners, 1 lunch)
  • Entrance fees as per program
  • Carriage ride in Sibiel village
  • Tram ride in Rasinari
  • Services of our tour manager

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included in the price?
Yes. The from-price of GBP 1575 includes regional trains from Bucharest to Sinaia, Brasov, and Sighisoara, plus a narrow-gauge steam train ride through the Hartibaciu Valley. Flights to Romania are booked separately or added at higher prices; an overland rail option from the UK (including Eurostar, Munich, and Budapest) is also available.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
Fully escorted. PTG Tours provides an English-speaking tour manager throughout the eight days, including all sightseeing, meals, and guided visits.
What meals are included?
Seven breakfasts, six dinners, and one lunch. Dinners are in local restaurants in Bucharest, Brasov, Sighisoara, and Sibiu.
What is the longest train journey on this itinerary?
The Day 3 route from Bucharest to Sinaia to Brasov via regional mainline trains. Day 4 includes a train to Sighisoara. Day 6 features the narrow-gauge steam train through the Hartibaciu Valley.
How much walking is involved?
Expect daily walking tours of town centres (Bucharest, Brasov, Sighisoara, Sibiu), castle grounds, and medieval streets with stairs. Physical level 2: moderate fitness needed.
When does this tour run?
One departure is listed: September 2026. Check with PTG Tours for other dates.

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