Romania: Mountains to Monasteries

A warm welcome to Bucharest! Romania's buzzy capital and the perfect location to begin our small-group adventure through this captivating country. After meeting our fellow explorers at the hotel, we'll venture off into the Old Town and get to know each other a little better over dinner.

As we weave our way through cobblestone streets, keep an eye out for the ornate, Belle Époque architecture from which Bucharest heralds its nickname ‘Little Paris' (intricate cast iron balconies, elegant columns and allegorical statues – we're looking at you!). Paired with eateries that spill onto the paths like overflowing treasure chests and upbeat live music that swirls through the air like a dancer, you'd be forgiven for thinking you were in fact strolling the streets of Montmartre... Stay: Hotel Capitol (or similar) (D)

Fantastical castles, dense forests and mythical tales... today, we start our journey into mountain territory through the lush Prahova Valley, and we'll soon begin to discover why Romania is said to be the stuff of fairytales. We'll kick things off in the spectacular mountain resort of Sinaia, nestled at the base of the Bucegi Mountains – whose towering ridges rise and fall like the spine of a dragon. Take a moment during your lunch stop to pause and inhale the fresh scent of pine (Sinaia is hugged by centuries-old fir trees, after all) before we pay a visit to our first castle: Peleș Castle, a neo-Renaissance masterpiece and former royal summer retreat.

Hear the gentle murmur of fountains in the manicured gardens, spot trompe-l'œil frescoes that cling to courtyard walls and take in the panoramic views from the Central Tower's lookout. What an introduction to Romania's storybook castles! Our home for the next two nights will be Brasov, and this evening is yours for the taking. So, what does the first chapter in your Transylvanian tale look like? Foodies could track down a local haunt for some regional cuisine – seek out ciorbă de văcuţă (a hearty beef and vegetable soup) and bulz (cheese-stuffed polenta cakes) on the menu for dinner.

The city's Black Church is also well worth a visit, deriving its name from its once-charred appearance following the Great Fire of 1689. Spend some time admiring the flying buttresses and vaulted ceilings that make this a Gothic triumph. Then, as night envelops Brasov's medieval rooftops, recharge with some well-earnt shuteye – our Romanian adventure continues tomorrow... Stay: Hotel Apollonia (or similar) (B)

Legends of vampires, whispers of ghosts and tales of secret passages – we're diving deeper into all things mythical at the fabled Bran Castle, a former Saxon fortress and royal residence. Perched stoically atop a cliff like a brooding bird of prey, this formidable site takes its nickname, Dracula's Castle, from the famous vampire you've probably heard a thing or two about... Surrounded by the undulating Carpathian Mountains like a sweeping cape, it's easy to see why this castle has captured the imagination of so many visitors.

What secrets will you discover as you weave through narrow passageways and unearth historical artefacts? After exploring, you could track down a kürtőskalács for a pick-me-up, a typical Hungarian sweet treat crafted from twirled pastry that's often dusted with cinnamon. En route back to Brasov, we'll indulge in the region's local tipple at a brandy distillery in Rasnov. Learn about the unique distilling process of this traditional, fruity spirit, visit the site's cellar and sip on five delicious varieties – feeling the vibrant flavours dance on our taste buds.

We won't blame you for stocking up on a bottle or two to take back home! Tonight, we have another evening to ourselves in Brasov. Hungry for more stunning views? Thrill seekers could hop on the Tampa Cable Car for sweeping vistas over the former Saxon colony. You'll surely be dreaming of cinematic landscapes tonight... Stay: Hotel Apollonia (or similar) (B)

Fuel up on a classic continental breakfast, we're taking the scenic route to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Viscri, recognised for its Saxon fortified church. Hear the calls of cows and geese that roam freely, spy the jumble of terracotta-tiled roofs and smell the smoke from wood-burning stoves as you take a stroll through this rustic village. Often described as being frozen in time, it's easy to picture what life might have been like here in Saxon times.

If we're lucky, we'll even get the chance to meet a local blacksmith in their home workshop to learn more about the traditional, local craft. We're in for a treat at lunch – a home-cooked, family-style meal awaits. As you help yourself to scrumptious dishes made from sun-kissed produce from the nearby vegetable garden, it's the perfect moment to pause and share our favourite stories from our journey so far.

This afternoon, it's back to the city we go – Sighisoara beckons. Founded by the Transylvanian Saxons over a millennia ago, it's awash with impeccably preserved medieval structures – more on that tomorrow! The evening is yours to spend as you wish. And, with our hotel just a stone's throw away from the Old Town, be sure to ask your expert Tour Leader for some authentic options for dinner to round off another wonderful day. Stay: Hotel Central Park Sighisoara (or similar) (B/L)

Ready to discover more about Sighisoara's fascinating past? This morning, we'll enjoy a walking tour of the fortified Old Town to really get to the heart of this medieval citadel. Gaze up at the Clock Tower's multi-coloured tiles that shimmer like a snake's scales before exploring inside.

Spy the pointed, Gothic windows that adorn the Church of the Dominican Monastery. And, watch the sun illuminate the pastel hues clinging to the city's houses. We'll even see the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler – a fearsome 13th-century ruler, believed to have inspired Bram Stoker's classic Gothic novel Dracula.

Leaving Sighisoara behind for now, we'll step off our luxury minicoach to feast on a traditional lunch together at a cosy, chalet-style restaurant. Then, recharged, it's time to embrace our artistic side for a pottery class in Corund. A local expert will teach us all about the techniques and traditions that make this village's ceramics so distinctive. And, inspired by the vibrant, folk-art designs, we'll even have the chance to try our hand at wheel throwing! Every piece tells a story – what will yours say? Free time is your friend this evening, why not pay a visit to one of the hole-in-the-wall restaurants that we passed on our Sighisoara walking tour for dinner? Stay: Hotel Central Park Sighisoara (or similar) (B/L)

Tucked away among the gently sloping hills of the Transylvanian Plateau lies Biertan, whose UNESCO-listed, fortified church dominates the skyline and watches over the village like a guardian. Hear the echo of footsteps, past and present, as we spend time exploring this magnificent Gothic centrepiece – the highlight of our orientation tour this morning.

Afterwards, we'll continue our journey westwards to Sibiu, set against the backdrop of the majestic Carpathian Mountains. This walled city at the heart of Romania is renowned for its Germanic architecture, medieval Council Tower and brilliant museums. Did you know, Sibiu is nicknamed ‘The City With Eyes'? The mysterious, eye-shaped dormer windows on the roofs of buildings might just have something to do with it...

Following an orientation walk, you'll have the rest of the day to explore at your own pace. So, which corners of Sibiu are calling your name? You could uncover the legends of the cast iron Bridge of Lies, marvel at the elaborate, floor-to-ceiling neo-Byzantine paintings inside the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral or take the local bus to the ASTRA Museum – an open-air museum spotlighting traditional Romanian folk culture and rural life.

Tonight is all yours – and with our hotel right in the centre of the action, a drink (or two) while people watching is a must. Psssst! You'll find some irresistible ice cream shops nearby for dessert. So, will it be one scoop, or two? Decisions, decisions... Stay: Imparatul Romanilor (or similar) (B)

There's a treat in store for the foodies among us today. After a leisurely-paced morning, we'll slowly wend our way just beyond the city to the delightful village of Sibiel, where a masterclass in rustic Romanian cuisine awaits. We'll get to know our friendly host and learn how to make a rich, authentic goulash which will double as a delicious lunch. Immerse yourself in the local flavours and cooking techniques, using fresh vegetables from our host's garden to craft this traditional Romanian meal. If we're lucky, we might even get to hand-pick them ourselves.

Feel the kick of paprika and the warm hug of the rich broth as you tuck into this hearty meat and vegetable stew, and be sure to take notes on the recipe for when you're hosting back home! Then, it's back on the minicoach for a final night in Sibiu, but not before sampling some pine tree liquor (yes, really!) and pálinka (a fruity-flavoured brandy) for good measure. Stay: Imparatul Romanilor (or similar) (B/L)

Today's drive to Ramnicu Valcea along the Transalpina route is nothing short of breathtaking. With a road that winds its way across the valleys and plateaus of the spectacular Carpathian Mountains like an unfurling ribbon, it's one of the most photogenic locations in Romania. Get those cameras charged and ready! As we weave our way along hairpin turns and mountain passes, look out for the stunning Oașa lake, whose water shines like a million sapphires framed by dramatic pine forests.

This afternoon, we'll swap mountains for monasteries with a visit to Cozia Monastery. Founded in the 14th century, this handsome structure perched on the banks of the River Olt is still an active Romanian Orthodox site and is one of the country's most celebrated medieval landmarks. Spot the Byzantine-style rows of brick and stone on the facade, mint green copper domes and sprawling ancient frescoes as you explore this striking complex.

We'll conclude the day in nearby Ramnicu Valcea at our centrally-located hotel. Settle in and head to the rooftop terrace for beautiful views over the Făgăraș mountains as the sun drops below the horizon, leaving candy-coloured skies behind. There's a final group dinner planned this evening at the hotel, with award-winning dishes on the menu. So, tuck in, raise a toast and reminisce over the memories made on your Romanian adventure. Stay: Hotel Simfonia (or similar) (B/D)

Sit back and relax in the minicoach, today's journey back to Bucharest is all about superb views. Fog lingers between dense pine forests, like memories suspended in time. Mountain ridges etch across the landscape as if sculpted by a giant. Rural villages pepper the fields like dustings of snow. Take it all in as you reflect on the past nine days. While our journey may be coming to an end, the spirit of storybook Romania will live on in the pages of your travel tale. (B)