Medieval Transylvania Heritage

5/5 (1)
7 nights
37 miles/day
Guided from EUR € 2275
Self guided from EUR € 1899
Bike tour in Romania
Rider Level: Active Electric bike tours Family-friendly bike tours

Medieval Transylvania Heritage

5/5 (1)

Rider Level: Active Electric bike tours Family-friendly bike tours

7 nights
37 miles/day

Guided from EUR € 2275
Self guided from EUR € 1899
Bike tour in Romania

Tap above to jump to different sections of this tour

  • Take a trip through time to visit UNESCO heritage sites and cultural hubs from the middle ages

    This tour takes you along country roads and pastoral landscapes far from the crowded routes on flat terrain, unpaved country trails, and up and downhill trails where you can enjoy the incredible Transylvanian scenery.

    You will pass historic architecture, preserved since the Middle Ages and visit UNESCO World Heritage churches, castles, remote villages, and even the medieval city of Sibiu, named the Cultural Captial of Europe in 2007.

    On this tour you will enjoy uniquely selected accommodation, specialty experiences, and premium services.

    The guided tour can run with a minimum of 2 participants for an additional surcharge.

    • Viscri, Transylvania, Romania. Calinstan@Unsplash
    • Romanian "sarmale de post" in Biertan, Transylvania. Draculina (Anne)
    • Sighișoara's Old Town in Transylvania, Romania. CC:MarculescuEugenIancuD60Alaska
    • Sibiu. Romania. Adrian Dascal@Unsplash
    • Biertan, Romania. CC:Mihai Raducanu
    • Sibiu, Romania. Sebastian Dumitru@Unsplash
    • Biserica Neagră located in Brașov, Romania. Maria Teneva@Unsplash
    • Sibiu, Romania. Ioana Scholler@Unsplash

    View more photos

    Highlights

    • Biertan/Birthaelm fortified church – in the UNESCO World Heritage since 1993
    • Viscri/Deutschweisskirck fortified church – in the UNESCO World Heritage since 1996
    • Malancrav/Malmkrog fortified church –famous for its mural painting, one of the best preserved specimens of 14th century linearnarrative gothic painting
    • Saschiz fortified church – in the UNESCO World Heritage since 1993
    • Sighisoara/Schaessburg – the last European "living" Middle Age city
    • Count Kolnoky castle in Miclosoara
    • Brașov/Kronstadt – one of the most important medieval cities in Central part of the country
    • Cund – a splendid small village, renovated by the German community
    • Sibiu/Hermannstadt – impressive medieval city well knows as the Cultural capital of Europe in 2007
    • Old crafts performed by the locals, cheese and wine tasting experiences

    Learn More

    Learn more about guided trips.


    Medieval Transylvania Heritage

    Photos 

  • Traveler photos

    • Photo 1 (photo by JimJ)
    • Photo 2 (photo by JimJ)
    • Photo 3 (photo by JimJ)
    • Photo 4 (photo by JimJ)
    • Photo 5 (photo by JimJ)
    • Photo 6 (photo by JimJ)

    Medieval Transylvania Heritage

     Tour Description Daily Program 

  • Daily program

    • Day 1: Individual arrival in Brașov
      Brașov lies approximately 106 miles/170km from Bucharest. Arrive in the afternoon to check in to your hotel. A morning transfer from Bucharest can be organized for you (for an additional fee). Once comfortably settled in, you will find your bicycle waiting for you, ready to be tested. You can also have time for a short tour in the old center of this beautiful medieval city, famous for the Black Church and other sites.
      Overnight in Brașov city center, or nearby village.

      Day 2: Brașov area – Talisoara village (37 miles/65 km)
      After breakfast, you will leave Brașov on the north route to Bod, following a secondary route for 14 miles/23 km. You will ride through San Petru, Bod, Feldioara/Marienburg, Haghig, Belini, and Aita Mare.

      From Feldioara you cycle along the Olt River to Miclosoara, where an old medieval castle of Count Kalnoky will be visited. Miclosoara (Miklósvár) is the oldest documented settlement of the region. Its castle was first mentioned in 1211 AD as border fortress between the territory donated to the Knights of the Teutonic Order and the rest of the Kingdom of Hungary.

      We will continue then the route for another 10 km to reach our final destination for today, Talisoara (Tălișoara), where you will be accommodated in an old restored castle. Provided there is time, a visit to the local blacksmith may be organized (not included in tour cost).
      Overnight in Talisoara (Tălișoara)

      Day 3: Talisoara – Viscri (34 miles/55km)
      After a medieval evening and a refreshing breakfast, you will continue your route along Olt River through several villages. There are 2 options to reach Viscri: one using a longer, totally paved route via Varghis village and one following the route via Racos, along Olt river, on an unpaved road (although, we recommend to have the unpaved road only on the guided version of the tour).

      Once arrived in Rupea you can have a stop for a quick lunch, and then you will continue your route via Dacia to Viscri, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site. Viscri is a small settlement in the heart of Transylvania, where you can discover ageless traditions, legends, and faiths of its people while enjoying the architecture and savoring the richness of its craftsmanship and cuisine. You will have the opportunity to visit the local fortified church (UNESCO World Heritage), to visit the felt-craft workshop and discover how the felt is made by hand, or a traditional workshop producing bricks and tiles for the local community and for the historical buildings in the area.
      Overnight in Viscri.

      Day 4: Viscri – Cincsor village or nearby (32 miles/ 52 km)
      Today you will first cycle an undulating 15 km on paved road to Jibert village before crossing a wild forest hill (8 km) to Cobor village. The uphill from Jibert to the forest is difficult (you might push your bike a bit), but also breathtaking.

      From the top of the forest you will have paved road all the way to Cobor, but be careful of shepherd dogs. Once in Cobor village, you can visit a biodiversity farm (horses and cows) and have an organic local lunch. From Cobor you will continue the gravel trip for another 10 km, and then follow a paved road for the rest of the day trip. Once arrived in Cincsor – the final destination for the day, you will accommodate in the former parish house, now renovated.
      Overnight in Cincsor.

      Day 5: Cincsor – Sighisoara (38 miles/64 km)
      Today you will have a paved route from Cincsor village to Sighisoara Middle Age fortress – a UNESCO World Heritage site. From Cincsor you head north to reach Dealu Frumos village (the Beautiful Hill) – the geographical center of Romania. Then you will pass Agnita and Sighisoara. You can have lunch in Agnita or you can have a 10km detour to Movile village to visit an old fortified church renovation project and have lunch in the village.

      Once you've arrived in Sighisoara, make sure to take some time and walk the historical city center of the citadel. Sighisoara is one of the seven medieval fortified cities, the best preserved and still inhabited. The small, but bohemian citadel is hiding a lot of stories and places and it is a heaven for photographers.
      Overnight in Sighisoara.

      Day 6: Sighisoara – Biertan (~25 miles/ 41 km)
      After breakfast, you start cycling from Sighisoara to the country roads from Malancrav. In Malancrav you can visit the local church and the Apafi manor house and enjoy a special lunch in a local traditional house. In the afternoon the trip continues with 15 km of country and forest roads with a lot of uphill. After 10 km you will reach Copsa Mare village and descend towards Biertan. You should pay a visit to Biertan fortifications, which made it the very first of Transylvania’s villages to receive UNESCO status – the imposing walls against the backdrop of the rolling hills makes for one of the country’s most beautiful fortified churches.
      Overnight in Biertan.

      Day 7: Biertan – Sibiu (43-49 miles/ 70-80 km cycling)
      Today’s ride is solely on paved road. After a short but excellent ride in the morning, you can have a short detour and make stop in Alma Vii village, where you can even serve some light lunch or snack in a typical Saxon cellar in the town's 13th-century citadel. The last part of the road to Sibiu, though totally asphalted, can be crowded for the last 15 km.

      In case you don’t want to cycle the longer distance, a car transfer can be organized for the last part of the route (not included in tour price). After reaching Sibiu, you can enjoy a walk through Sibiu (visit the Old Town, the Medieval Fortress, the Brukenthal Museum).
      Overnight in Sibiu.

      Day 8: Departure

    • Day 1: Individual arrival in Brașov (106 miles/170 km from Bucharest capital city)
      Guests can arrive in Brașov/Kronstadt from noon onward. A morning transfer from Bucharest can be organized on request. Scheduled is a short tour in the old centre of this beautiful medieval city, famous for the Black Church and other sites followed by one hour transfer to Talisoara at for a warm up ride, welcome dinner, and intro talk with your dedicated Romanian local guide. Time permitting, a visit to a local blacksmith may also be organized.
      Overnight in Talisoara at Daniel Castle.

      Day 2: Talisoara – Viscri (34 miles/55 km)
      After a medieval evening and a refreshing breakfast, you will continue your route along Olt River through several villages. There are 2 options to reach Viscri, one using a longer asphalt route via Varghis village and one following the route via Racos. Once arrived in Rupea, you will continue your route via Dacia to Viscri, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site. After a short rest or if interested, we will have the opportunity to visit the felt-­‐craft workshop and discover how the felt is made by hand, starting from wool.
      Overnight in Viscri

      Day 3: Viscri – Crit – Sighisoara (7 miles/12 km on bike + 22 miles/35 km by car or 26 miles/42 km MTN bike trail)
      After a nice breakfast we will have a short bike tour to reach the beautiful village of Crit. Along the route you will stop in Saschiz to visit the Saschiz fortified church, another UNESCO World Heritage site. The famous magnificent bell tower, whose church was built in the 15th century, dominates Saschiz. On the hill above Saschiz is the Peasant Citadel, built by the Saxons probably on the site of a former Roman fort. The citadel is great place for a picnic lunch and an excellent photographer’s vantage point. You will arrive in Sighisoara in the evening to have a tour of the beautiful old citadel. Sighisoara is recognized as one of the best-­‐preserved medieval towns in Europe.

      Alternative route: For those cyclists trying to perform a more challenging route, a 42 km single trail MTB route is available from Viscri to Sighisoara. Skilled cyclists can perform this trail, which goes over the Transylvanian hills, through idyllic landscapes and woods. The trail is part of the “Transylvanian hills” cycling network. Cyclists can perform the total route or only part of it (18, 23 or 30 km, depending on their skills and potential). Please note that along this trail we cannot provide assistance car; the participants can meet the assistance car only at the mentioned points on the trail (18, 23 or at 30 km from Viscri).
      Overnight in Sighisoara

      Day 4: Sighisoara/Schaessburg – Cund (34 miles/55 km)
      Passing through Danes, Floresti, Malancrav/Malmkrog, Laslea, Hoghilag, and Dumbraveni, you will visit castles and fortified churches. Discover the remote village of Cund, a small town where the German community renovated the old homes, bringing 3- and 4-star luxury life to this hidden part of the world.
      Overnight in Cund

      Day 5: Cund round trip (25 miles/40 km)
      Today we will experience the rural life around the small village of Cund. There are various routes and objectives, depending the cycling options of the group. The 40 km asphalt route will allow us to visit a wine cellar and the nearby villages. The off-­‐road paths will allow us to visit the local forest paths and local sheepfolds, discover the wild life and other attractions.

      Attractions on the way: the Villa Vinea winery; Butoiul Sasului cellar; the 18th century wooden church in Lepindea; the forest near Giacas. Picnic or restaurant lunch on the way.
      Overnight in Cund

      Day 6: Cund – Sibiu (46 miles/75 km )
      Today includes a visit to Biertan, one of the most well known fortified churches included in the UNESCO World Heritage. Leaving Cund we are going to pass first Biertan village and visit the famous fortified church, followed by Mosna, where we will pay a visit to an organic cheese farm. The road from Dumbraveni to Sibiu is totally asphalted, but can be crowded in the last part (approx.20 km). For cyclists who don’t want to cycle the longer distance, the car transfer is available for the last part of the route. After reaching Sibiu, we will have a short evening walking tour through Sibiu to visit the Old Town, the Medieval Fortress, and the Brukenthal Museum.
      Overnight in Sibiu

      Day 7: Sibiu (optional day) or departure
      In the morning you can take a short sightseeing trip to the open air village museum Astra. The museum is built around 3 lakes in the Dumbrava Forest and features houses, churches, and water/windmills from all over Romania. After the visit, take a cycling trip to the villages Cisnadioara, Rasinari till Gura Raului.


    Medieval Transylvania Heritage

     Photos Accommodation 

  • Accommodation

    Hotels

    These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.

    The accommodations on this tour are beautifully restored medieval guesthouses, castles, and 3­‐ and 4-star traditional bed and breakfasts.

    Talisoara: Daniel Castel Hotel

    Cund: Valea Verde Retreat

    Viscri: Viscri 125

    Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.


    Medieval Transylvania Heritage

     Daily program Bikes 

  • Bikes

    Bikes available on this tour, and included in the tour cost (must be reserved at time of booking):

    • GT or Cannondale XC bicycles

    Bikes available to rent for a fee (must be reserved at time of booking):

    • Electrically assisted bike*

    *More about electrically-assisted bikes >

    Equipment provided at no charge:

    • Helmet
    • Locks
    • Repair kit
    • Pump

    Other equipment is available at an additional charge:

    • GPS system
    • Cycle computer
    • Pannier and rack

    Pedals/seats:
    You may choose to bring your own seat, pedals, bottles and/or other accessories; we will change out seats and pedals for you.

    Helmets:
    While a helmet will be provided, we recommend that for safety and hygiene reasons you bring your own or plan to purchase one upon arrival.


    Medieval Transylvania Heritage

     Accommodation Dates & Prices 

  • Dates

    • Daily, upon request: May 1-Oct 31, 2024 (minimum 2 participants; additional dates are possible)

    • May 25; Jun 16; Jul 7; Sep 1, 2024 (minimum 4 participants)
      Upon request: Jun 1 - October 30, 2024 (minimum 4 participants)

    Prices

    • Tour package

      Per person, double occupancy €1899
      Single room surcharge (1 person/1 room) €315
    • Tour package

      Per person, double occupancy €2275
      Single room surcharge (1 person/1 room) €299
      Vegan or vegetarian menu surcharge €99

    Bike Rentals

    Electrically assisted bike €165

    Extra Nights, Bucharest

    Per person, double occupancy (including bike tour) €265

    Extra Nights, Sibiu

    Per person, double occupancy € 254

    Transfer

    Per person/per way, Otopeni airport to Bucharest €50

    Included services

      • 7 nights accommodation in beautifully restored medieval guesthouses, castles, and 3­‐ and 4-star traditional bed and breakfasts
      • All breakfasts
      • Luggage transportation
      • Detailed trip description and program, GPS data, physical map of the trip
      • GT or Cannondale XC bikes, accessories and equipment rental
      • Local taxes
      • Branded t-shirt
      • 6 nights accommodation in beautifully restored medieval guesthouses, castles, and 3­‐ and 4-star traditional bed and breakfasts
      • All breakfasts
      • 5 dinners
      • Small, daily lunch snacks
      • Luggage transportation
      • Detailed trip description and program, GPS data, physical map of the trip
      • GT or Cannondale XC bikes, accessories and equipment rental
      • Local taxes
      • Branded t-shirt
      • English speaking accompanying bike guide
      • Entrances to cultural and historical sights included in the itinerary
      • Energizing bars, fruits, and water supply on the bike
      • Vehicle assistance (whenever roads permit passage)

    Tour Company


    Medieval Transylvania Heritage

     Bikes Other Details 

  • Map

    Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.

    Surface and terrain

    This tour includes national, local, village, and forest roads through pastoral landscapes and peaceful Transylvanian scenery. The terrain includes flat asphalt roads, unpaved country hilly trails, and rolling hills.

    On this tour, 10% of the riding is on dedicated bike paths, 60% is on quiet roads with little or no traffic, and 30% on roads shared with traffic.


    How to get there

    Tour start
    Nearest airport: Bucharest, Romania
    Nearest train station: Brasov, Romania

    Tour end
    Nearest airport and train station: Sibiu, Romania

    The best way to transfer between the airports and train stations is by taxi.

    Tips on getting to and from your tour


    Medieval Transylvania Heritage

     Dates & Prices Tour Reviews 

    • JimJ November 18, 2019

      Cycling was fantastic but not even the best part!

      This tour will long linger in my memories. The cycling was scenic, varied and truly fun. Much of it was through truly remote areas, such as through a dense forest where we were told the largest concentration of brown bears in Europe still make their home. We waved to farm workers, many of them Roma, on the sides of dirt roads. We passed medieval castles and towering churches.

      And on most days we saw far more horse carts than cars.

      Other aspects were perhaps even more memorable. The lodging, for example, was unique and wonderful. In Talisoara we stayed in a restored castle and dined in its richly decorated banquet hall. In Cund, we overnighted and dined at Valea Verde Retreat, an endeavor that has brought a dying farm village back to life. Guests get to experience farm life as it had been for centuries—and even go foraging with the chef/owner, Jonas Schaefer.

      The traditional cuisine was another highlight. Valea Verde has also become an award-winning destination for foodies across Europe, and our group savored some of the best farm-to-table cuisine I’ve experienced—and it’s especially fun when the table is at the farm.

      We also visited Moşna and had lunch at the farm of Willy Schuster, a passionate supporter of the cause of sustainable and organic farming in Romania and abroad. After he introduced us to “the happiest cows in all of Europe,” he and his team brought out tray after tray of fresh farm delights.

      Also along the way we also got to watch craftspeople and artisans at work such as brick makers, blacksmiths, and shoemakers.

      All this is part of efforts to keep traditional crafts and customs alive.

      So this is a tour that truly benefits the people and communities we pass through.

      --Jim Johnson, founder and president, BikeTours.com

      What was the date of your tour?
      September 2017
      How many tours have you completed?
      30+
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      Video: #WhyIBikeTour--Medieval Transylvania edition
      • Photo 1 (photo by JimJ)
      • Photo 2 (photo by JimJ)
      • Photo 3 (photo by JimJ)
      • Photo 4 (photo by JimJ)
      • Photo 5 (photo by JimJ)
      • Photo 6 (photo by JimJ)
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection

    Medieval Transylvania Heritage

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