Sighișoara - Biertan - Turda - Alba Iulia (Total Travel Distance: 210 km)
The small Medieval city of Sighişoara sits on top of a hill, peaked by a citadel on the highest summit and fortified by a formidable 930-meter ring of walls, 14 defense towers and five artillery bastions. After being invited by the King of Hungary, Transylvanian Saxons built their fortress on the Tarnava River during the 12th century in order to populate and defend the region. They were so successful here that Sighişoara became one of Transylvania’s culturally rich and profitable cities. Sighişoara’s Historic Center features opulent, well-preserved merchant houses, complete with charming pastel colors, Medieval German architecture and local craftsmen peddling their artistry. The Clock Tower looms as the tallest point in this magnificent city and dates back 700 years. The engineering masterpiece was built with walls more than two meters thick to safely store residents’ ammunition, historical archives and treasury.
During your walking tour of Sighişoara, you’ll also climb the 180-step Covered Staircase, Scara Şcolarilor or “Scholars’ Stairs,” to reach the Gothic-style Biserica din Deal, or Church on the Hill, and Saxon Cemetery. Most visitors will want to spend a good deal of time wandering the peaceful paths in this austere, sacred setting--reading well-preserved, artistically stunning headstones.
Of course, no visit to Sighişoara would be complete without seeing the 1431 birthplace of Vlad Tepes, the 15th century Prince of Wallachia that inspired Bram Stoker’s fictional Count Dracula. The historic site has since converted its ground floor into Casa Vlad Dracu, a restaurant that offers the opportunity for a lunch break and visit to the second-floor rooms that once housed the young prince.
From Sighişoara, you will drive northwest to another UNESCO World Heritage Site citadel town. Biertan is one of the regions most important Saxon villages protected by fortified churches. In fact, Biertan’s Fortified Church served as Transyvania’s Lutheran Evangelical Bishop’s seat from 1572 to 1867. Transylvanian Saxons founded the town sometime between 1224 and 1283, and it served as an economically significant commerce role until declining in significance with the rise of the nearby cities of Mediaș, Sighișoara and Sibiu. Now recognized as one of the most frequently visited villages in Transylvania, Biertan hosts an annual reunion of the Transylvanian Saxons, many of whom now live in Germany, as well as the Luna Plină ("Full Moon") Horror and Fantasy Film Festival.
Your next stop will mark the northern peak of your adventure, where you will visit the legendary and spectacular Turda Salt Mine. Located 115 meters underground, this once industrial site that dates back to the Middle Ages was converted into a subterranean recreation area in 1992. Some of the more unique attractions here include a wellness center, Ferris wheel, echo hall, bowling alley, underground lake with row-boat rentals, mini golf course, museum and indoor elevator.
You will then travel south to see Eastern Europe’s largest Vouban-style citadel: Alba Iulia Fortress. Your guide can recommend the full range of dining options within Alba Iulia. You may choose to retire early or begin exploring this beautiful town.