Romania’s uniqueness: Tech and Dracula’s Legend

Romania’s uniqueness: Tech and Dracula’s Legend

Duration: 9 Days / 9 Nights | Type: Unique Tailor-Made

Validity: Year-round, 2026 - 2027 (Festival periods subject to availability)

Cluj-Napoca; the "Silicon Valley" of Eastern Europe - Transylvania; the cradle of Romanian heritage & the Dracula Legend - The Famous Castles and the vibran Bucharest capital

Program is designed for IT professionals and academic students across Asia. The itinerary will be synchronized with the operational schedules of the respective centers in Cluj-Napoca

Wonders of Romania | The Most Incredible Places in Romania | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcHQvp-34k4

Day	Date	City	Itinerary
01		Cluj Napoca	ARRIVAL > CLUJ NAPOCA (-/-/D)
02		Cluj Napoca	CLUJ-NAPOCA / TECH & INNOVATION TOUR (B/L/D)
03		Sibiu	CLUJ NAPOCA – TURDA - ALBA IULIA - SIBIU (B/L/D)
04		Sighisoara	SIBIU - MEDIAS - BIERTAN - SIGHISOARA (B/L/D)
05		Brasov	SIGHISOARA – RUPEA – BRASOV (B/L/D)
06		Brasov	BRASOV – BRAN – BRASOV (B/L/D)
07		Bucharest	BRASOV – SINAIA – TARGOVISTE - BUCHAREST (B/L/D)
08		Bucharest	BUCHAREST – SNAGOV - BUCHAREST (B/L/D)
09			BUCHAREST > FLIGHT BACK HOME (B/-/-)

Romania Festival Add-Ons (2026 – 2027)

City	Event / Festival	2026 Dates	2027 Estimates (Confirmed Timeline)	Perfect for
Cluj-Napoca	Jazz in the Park	June 5-7, 2026	Early June	Relaxed everning
Cluj-Napoca	International Film Festival (TIFF)	June 12-21, 2026	Mid-June 2027	Romania’s biggest film festival
Bontida (near Cluj-Napoca)	Electric Castle Festival	July 16-19, 2026	Mid-July 2027	Held at the spectacular Banffy Castle
Cluj-Napoca	Untold Festival	August 6-9, 2026	Early August 2027	Ranked as the 3rd best EDM festival in the world
Sibiu	International Theatre Festival (FITS)	June 19-28, 2026	June 18-27, 2027 (Confirmed)	One of the world’s premier performing arts events
Sibiu	Sibiu Christmas Market	Christmas & New Year	Christmas & New Year	Highly popular for winter/festive itineraries
Sighisoara	Medieval Festival	July 24-26, 2026	Late July 2027	An absolute must for medieval themed tours
Brasov	The Pageant of the Juni (Coborarea Junilor in Cetate)	April 17, 2026	April 2027 (first Sunday after Easter)	A traditional, highly visual heritage parade
Brasov	Oktoberfest Romania	Sept 19 – Oct 4, 2026	Sept-Oct 2027	Great for coporate MICE and group dinners
Bucharest	George Enescu International Contest (Classical Music Concours)	Aug 23 – Sept 19, 2026	N/A (held every 2 years)	2026: International Classical Music Competition
Bucharest	George Enescu International Festival (Classical Music Festival)	N/A (held every 2 years)	Aug - Sept 2026 (confirmed)	2027: Grand Festival philharmonic orchestras, conductors, and soloists

Daily programme

Day 1: Arrival in Cluj-Napoca - Welcom Dinner

Welcome to Romania!

Arrival at Cluj-Napoca International Airport.

Meet-and-greet with the local tour guide at the arrivals area.

Private transfer to the hotel for check-in and freshening up.

Transfer to a traditional restaurant for for a festive welcome dinner.

Accommodation in Cluj-Napoca.

Days 2: Cluj-Napoca - Tech Exploration - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel

As the capital of the historic Transylvania region, Cluj-Napoca is Romania’s second-largest city. Renowned for its academic excellence and world-class medical facilities, it has earned the title of the "Silicon Valley of Eastern Europe." It is also a vibrant global cultural hub, famously hosting world-renowned events such as the UNTOLD Electric Music Festival, the Transylvania International Film Festival (TIFF), Electric Castle, and Jazz in the Park.

Morning: Academic IT Insight

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby to begin a day dedicated to exploring Cluj-Napoca’s tech ecosystem.

Visit to the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca (Faculty of Automation and Computer Science):

• 1-Hour Laboratory Session: Experience a live, hands-on session inside one of the university’s advanced IT labs.
• 1-Hour Q&A Network Session: Meet with professors and students to exchange insights and discuss academic tech innovations.

Enjoy a business networking lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Corporate IT Immersion

• Tour a leading Romanian or multinational IT company based in the city, including a 1-hour specialized lab/project demonstration to see the local industry in action.

Transfer back to the hotel to refresh.

Dinner at a traditional local restaurant.

Accommodation in Cluj-Napoca.

Days 3: Cluj-Napoca - Turda - Alba Iulia - Sibiu - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out

Cluj-Napoca walking city tour: discover the historic heart of the city, with guided visits and viewing of St. Michael’s Church, the historic University, the Evangelical Church, the Matthias Corvinus House, the National Theatre, and the majestic Orthodox Cathedral.

Depart for Turda (approx. 35 km / 40 mins).

Explore the spectacular Turda Salt Mine, a massive underground marvel renowned as one of the most unique subterranean sites in the world.

Depart for Alba Iulia (approx. 70 km / 1 hour 10 mins), the historic heart of Romanian unity.

Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant upon arrival.

Alba Iulia city tour:

• Visit the Coronation Cathedral (Reunification Cathedral), where King Ferdinand and Queen Marie were crowned in 1922 to mark the creation of "Greater Romania."
• Admire the Roman Catholic Cathedral, the Princely Palace, and the Equestrian Statue of Michael the Brave, the first prince to unite the three Romanian provinces in 1599.
• Explore the magnificent Alba Carolina Citadel, an outstanding masterpiece of Vauban-style military architecture. We will tour its three grand gates and, timing permitting, witness the ceremonial changing of the guard.
• Pay a brief historic visit to the cells where Horea, Cloșca, and Crișan—leaders of the famous 1784 peasant revolt—were imprisoned(subject of opening hours)

Depart for Sibiu (approx. 80 km / 1 hour 20 mins).

Sibiu is a world-class cultural hub, famously hosting the Sibiu International Theatre Festival (FITS), which celebrates its 33rd edition in 2026. FITS ranks alongside Avignon (France) and Edinburgh (UK) as one of the top three performing arts/theatre festivals on Earth.

Discover Sibiu, a former European Capital of Culture (2007) and one of the core historical Saxon cities known as "Siebenbürgen" (Seven Cities). Walk through the Grand Square, Little Square, and Huet Square. View the striking architecture of the Brukenthal National Museum (exterior), City Hall, and the Council Tower.

• Visit the historic Bridge of Lies, Craftsmen's Square, and the Goldsmiths' Square, as well as the city's iconic spiritual landmarks: the Evangelical Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary, the Roman Catholic Church, and the majestic Orthodox Cathedral.

Enjoy a Romanian dinner at the atmospheric” Crama Ileana” (or similar local cellar restaurant).

Accommodation in Sibiu

Day 4: Sibiu - Medias - Biertan - Sighisoara - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out

• Visit the ASTRA National Museum Complex in Sibiu. Spanning a vast lakeside area, this is the most important ethno-museum institution in Romania, the largest open-air museum in Europe, and one of the richest ethnographic heritage sites in the world, showcasing traditional Romanian village life.

Depart for Mediaș (approx. 60 km / 1 hour).

Mediaș walking tour: Explore another core historic member of the Siebenbürgen (Saxon Seven Cities).

• Walk through the Castle Square (Piața Castelului) and view St. Margaret's Church (featuring its iconic leaning tower), the historic Stephan Ludwig Roth College, and Maria’s Tower.

Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant.

Depart for Biertan (approx. 20 km / 30 mins), perhaps the most famous and architecturally stunning Transylvanian Saxon village.

Biertan Fortified Church tour:

• Visit this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece.

For nearly 300 years (1572–1867), Biertan served as the religious headquarters of the Transylvanian Saxon Lutheran Bishop. It stands as the most prestigious of the seven UNESCO-listed fortified churches in the region (Biertan, Prejmer, Viscri, Dârjiu, Saschiz, Câlnic, and Valea Viilor).

Depart for Sighișoara (approx. 35 km / 40 mins).

Arrival in Sighișoara, hotel check-in, and time to freshen up.

Dinner at a local restaurant in the medieval citadel.

Accommodation in Sighisoara

Day 5: Sighisoara - Rupea - Brasov - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out

Sighișoara Citadel & The Dracula Legend; enjoy a 3-hour guided walking tour of Sighișoara, the "Pearl of Transylvania."

A core member of the Siebenbürgen (Saxon Seven Cities) and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Sighișoara is the only completely preserved medieval citadel in Europe that has been continuously inhabited since its construction.

• Walk through the cobblestone streets to see surviving medieval defense towers, including the iconic Clock Tower, which houses the History Museum. Admire famous historical residences like the Venetian House, the Stag House, and Vlad Dracul House (where Prince Vlad Țepeș, "Vlad the Impaler," was born in 1431).
• Ascend the covered Scholars' Stairs to reach the top of the citadel hill and visit the Church on the Hill, one of Romania's largest and most significant historic gothic churches.

Lunch within the colorful, atmospheric lanes of the medieval citadel.

Depart for Brașov (approx. 120 km total), making a panoramic stop along the way.

• Visit the majestic Rupea Citadel (Reps in German). Perched dramatically atop a massive basalt hill, this beautifully restored medieval fortress offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Transylvanian countryside.

Continue the drive to Brașov, another foundational member of the historic Siebenbürgen.

Arrival in Brașov, hotel check-in, and time to freshen up.

Dinner at a traditional local restaurant in the historic old town.

Accommodation in Brasov

Day 6: Brasov - Bran - Brasov - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel

Embark on a 3-hour guided walking tour of Brașov, a stunning medieval city framed by the Carpathian Mountains.

• Walk through the vibrant Council Square (Piața Sfatului) and see the historic Old City Hall. Stroll down Rope Street (Strada Sforii), celebrated as one of the narrowest streets in Europe, and admire the fairytale architecture of Catherine's Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei).
• The Black Church: Visit this spectacular monument, the largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul. It houses an impressive, world-renowned collection of Anatolian/Oriental carpets and a monumental mechanical pipe organ.
• First Romanian School Museum: Conclude your city tour with a visit to this historic landmark in the Șchei district, discovering the roots of Romanian printing and education.

Lunch at one of the many premium restaurants lining Brașov's pedestrian avenues.

Depart for Bran (approx. 35 km / 40 mins).

Explore the iconic Bran Castle, consistently ranked among the top 10 most famous castles on Earth. Built in the late 14th century as a customs fortress, it later became a beloved royal residence of Queen Marie of Romania. Today, it belongs to her grandson, Archduke Dominic of Habsburg.

The Dracula Connection: Discover the history of Prince Vlad Țepeș, who passed through the fortress in 1462, a historical link that forever tied this dramatic cliffside castle to Bram Stoker's Dracula legend.

Return to Brașov for a relaxing evening and a group dinner at a local traditional restaurant.

Accommodation in Brasov

Day 7: Brasov - Sinaia - Targoviste - Bucharest - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out

Departure to Sinaia, beautifully known as the "Pearl of the Carpathians" (approx. 50 km / 1 hour)

• Visit to Peles Castle: Peles Castle is an architectural masterpiece, former Romanian Royale Family residence, today one of the richest museums of Romania.

Built between 1875 and 1914 by the King Charles the First of Romania, in german style, is an architectural and artistical masterpiece, the only touristical monument so far in Romania, to receive ever more than 1 milion visitors in one year!

Departure for Târgoviște (approx. 65 km / 1 hour) the former capital of Wallachia between 1396 and 1714; with minor interruptions due to the rise of Bucharest, which eventually became the capital of Wallachia, the United Romanian Principalities, the Kingdom of Romania, and ultimately modern-day Romania.

Lunch lunch in Târgoviște.

• Visit to the Târgoviște Princely Court Our third encounter with the "Dracula Legend." This historic site is from where Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Țepeș) ruled Wallachia.

Departure for Bucharest (80 km, approx. 1 hour 30 minutes)

Arrival in Bucharest, the vibrant capital famously nicknamed "Little Paris" (Le Petit Paris) due to its elegant French-inspired architecture. Check into your hotel.

Bucharest is another place connected to Dracula Legend. Legend says Bucharest was founded by sheperd Bucur. Another Legend says Bucharest was founded by Mircea cel Batran, the ruling Prince of Wallachia at the end of fourteenth century. But officially, it was Vlad Tepes, Prince of Wallachia at that time, who signed the Act of Attestation of Bucharest, at September 21-st 1459. Old Princiary Court of Bucharest was built at the end of XIV-th and the beginning of XV-th centuries, by the Voivode/Prince Mircea cel Batran. The fire of 1718 and the earthquake in 1738, destroyed the Old Princiary Court. A New Princiary Court was buil after these two calamities. Nowadays, from the Princiary Court, Bucharest keeps the Ruins of Princiary Court and Old Court Museum.

Transfer at the hotel and check in

Transfer at a Romanian traditional restaurant “Carul cu Bere” or “Lacrimi si Sfinti” or similar

Transfer back at the hotel

Accommodation Bucharest

Day 8: Bucharest - Snagov - Bucharest - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel

Visit a much modern building of Bucharest, Parliament Palace/Casa Poporului.

The Second largest building on Earth, after the Pentagon, but first civilian building on Earth! Built in the eighties of last century, now hosts Romanian Parliament and is now Romania’s Capital one of the most important LANDMARKS.

Continue with a panoramic tour of Bucharest: National Cathedral (The largest Orthodox Cathedral in the World)! Cathedral of the Patriachy, University Square, Revolution Square, Romanian Athenaeum (architectural masterpiece; here is the main hall of concerts for one of the most prestigious Classical Music Festivals on Earth (” George Enescu Festival”!), Unirii Square.

Lunch in old city center.

14:00 Departure for Snagov (Approx. 40 km north of Bucharest ~45 minutes drive time)

Upon arrival, we will disembark from the minibus and walk across the bridge to the Snagov Monastery. Explore this stunning island monastery, famously reputed to be the final resting place and tomb of Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Țepeș).

An Intriguing historical debate: Interestingly, another sacred site—Comana Monastery, located south of Bucharest—also claims to house the true grave of Vlad the Impaler!

This visit marks the fifth stop on our comprehensive "Dracula Legend" route, offering another fascinating encounter with the history behind the myth.

Return to Bucharest. Transfer at the hotel                        

18:30 Transfer at the restaurant. Farewell dinner in Bucharest at "Locanta Jaristea," including local drinks and a traditional Romanian show.

Accommodation in Bucharest

Day 9: Bucharest - Flight back home - Breakfast

Breakfast

Time at leisure for last-minute shopping or personal exploration depending on your flight schedule.

Transfer from the hotel to Bucharest International Airport (OTP) for your departure flight back home.

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🌟 Tour Highlights:

5. Cluj-Napoca: Eastern Europe’s Silicon Valley & leading tech hub
6. UNESCO World Heritage & Medieval Gems: Wander through Europe’s only inhabited medieval citadel in Sighișoara, and explore the rich Saxon heritage of Cluj-Napoca, Rupea, and Brașov.
7. Legendary Castles & Citadels: Guided visits to the world-famous Bran "Dracula" Castle and the fairy-tale Peleș Castle.
8. Architectural Titans: Step inside Bucharest's Palace of the Parliament, the world's largest civilian and administrative building.
9. In the Footsteps of Icons: Trace the history and legends of Romania's greatest rulers, from the myths of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) to Michael the Brave, King Carol I, and King Ferdinand.
10. Spectacular Landscapes: Cross the majestic Carpathian Mountains multiple times, bridging the historic provinces of Transylvania and Wallachia.
11. Cultural Capitals of Romania: Journey through the current and historic capitals of Romania's foundational provinces, concluding in vibrant Bucharest.
12. Gastronomic Journeys: Savor Hungarian, Slovakian, and Romanian traditions through curated culinary experiences, featuring authentic dinners at Bucharest’s most iconic heritage restaurants: Carul cu Bere, Lacrimi și Sfinți, or Locanta Jariștea.

...and many more unforgettable memories waiting to be made!