Transylvania Christmas Markets by Air

Transylvania Christmas Markets by Air

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Transylvania Christmas Markets by Air

7 Days Starting and ending in London, UK

Visiting: Bucharest, London, Sinaia, Brașov, Bran Castle, Sighișoara, Sibiu, Sibiel, Călimănești

Tour operator:

Leger Holidays

Tour code:

retcm

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

0-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Join us for a Christmas market experience like no other as we travel deep into the heart of Transylvania on this festive break. Not only will you enjoy two spectacular rail journeys, but you will also see some of Romania’s most famous sites, including the fictional home of the infamous Count Dracula, the incredibly impressive Peles Castle which was once a royal summer residence, and Cozia Monastery, home to the tomb of Mircea the Elder. Intertwined with the history and architecture, you will find the glistening lights of the many magical market stalls, selling festive goodies and tasty treats – surely there’s no better way to get into the festive spirit?

Highlights

  • Join us for a Christmas market experience like no other as we travel deep into the heart of Transylvania on this festive break

  • Not only will you enjoy two spectacular rail journeys, but you will also see some of Romania’s most famous sites, including the fictional home of the infamous Count Dracula, the incredibly impressive Peles Castle

  • Intertwined with the history and architecture, you will find the glistening lights of the many magical market stalls, selling festive goodies and tasty treats

Itinerary

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Day 1 : London - Bucharest

Location: Bucharest, London

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Union Plaza Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Today we fly to Bucharest and meet our local guide who will accompany us by coach from the airport to our hotel. On arrival, we will embark on a short walking tour of the Old Town of Bucharest in the company of a local guide, followed by a welcome dinner accompanied by a folklore performance at a historic restaurant in the Old Town.

Day 2 : Bucharest – Sinaia - Brasov

Location: Bucharest, Sinaia, Brașov

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Qosmo Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll transfer by coach to the train station where we travel by rail from Bucharest to the mountain resort of Sinaia alighting at the Royal Train Station, which is also a stop for the famous Orient Express. We’ll explore Sinaia on foot with a guided tour ending at Peles Castle. This masterpiece of German new-Renaissance architecture is undoubtedly one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Commissioned by King Carol I in 1873, it is no wonder it served as the summer residence of the royal family until 1947. After our tour of Peles Castle, we will travel to Brasov by coach where we’ll enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 : Brasov – Bran Castle - Brasov

Location: Bran Castle, Brașov, Brașov

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Qosmo Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Brasov, known as the ‘Crown of Transylvania’. We’ll explore the beautiful centre, starting in the Council Square built by the Saxons. Entrance is included to one of Romania’s leading gothic churches and the largest between Vienna and Istanbul, the Black Church, which got its name after the Greater Fire of 1689. Our tour will also include a stop by Rope Street, the narrowest street in Europe, and conclude back at the Council Square where the Brasov Christmas Markets await us.


Expect to find the streets lit up, the tree switched on, and some beautiful market stalls selling a mixture of handmade souvenirs as well as local products and decorations – not forgetting all the tasty food and drinks stalls! After some free time to explore the Christmas markets, we’ll travel by coach to the famous Dracula Castle. Hidden amongst the hilly forest of Bran, the setting for Bram Stoker’s Dracula awaits. Surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend, it was originally built by the German Saxons in the 14th century. Since 1920, the castle has become a Royal Residence, offered as a gift by the people of Brasov to Queen Maria of Romania. We’ll enjoy a delicious 3-course lunch in the Queen Maria’s Tea House and experience a guided tour before returning to Brasov by coach to enjoy a leisurely evening.

Day 4 : Brasov – Sighișoara - Sibiu

Location: Sighișoara, Sibiu, Brașov

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Continental Forum Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we travel by coach to Sighișoara, one of the few still inhabited medieval fortresses in the world. Founded by the Transylvanian Saxons and listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, we’ll take a guided walking tour starting at the landmark of Sighișoara, the Clock Tower, and continue through the cobbled streets of the citadel that was inhabited without interruption until today. We include entrance to the birthplace of Count Dracula and enjoy a visit to the Church on the Hill. We’ll then travel by coach onto Sibiu, one of the largest cities in Transylvania, where we’ll enjoy dinner in the evening.

Day 5 : Sibiu – Sibiel - Sibiu

Location: Sibiu, Sibiel, Sibiu

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Continental Forum Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we will experience the heart of Sibiu on a guided walking tour through the Old Town. There are three famous squares to the Old Town: Grand Square, Small Square and Huet Square. We’ll pass museums, the Town Hall and its tower, the Catholic Church, Luxemburg House, and much more. At the end of the tour, there will be some free time to enjoy the Sibiu Christmas Markets. Not only are these the largest Christmas markets in Romania, but they have also been voted the most beautiful – and when you get there, you’ll see why! Situated in the Grand Square, surrounded by Baroque architecture and decorated with lights and illuminations, these markets look and feel like something out of a film. There are plenty of cosy and colourful stalls selling a variety of hand-crafted gifts and edible goods. After some free time, we will enjoy included entrance to the fascinating Steam Train Museum. You can enjoy a piece of locomotive history as you stroll through the tracks, both narrow and wide.


This evening, we’ll transfer by coach to the nearby village of Sibiel where we will enjoy a traditional dinner with the local people, accompanied by homemade wine and brandy.

Day 6 : Sibiu – Calimanesti – Bucharest

Location: Călimănești, Sibiu, Bucharest

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Union Plaza Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We transfer by coach to Sibiu train station, where we take the train along the scenic route to Calimanesti. On arrival, we will visit the Cozia Monastery housing the tomb of Mircea the Elder, considered to be one of the most valuable monuments of national medieval art and architecture in Romania. We will then travel by coach to Bucharest with time to explore the Christmas market. Located right in the centre of Constitution Square, with Parliament Palace as its backdrop, you’ll find over 100 decorated wooden stalls offering handicrafts, mulled wine, baked goods, Christmas decorations and traditional specialities.
This evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 7 : Bucharest - London

Location: Bucharest, London

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we board the coach and include one final visit to Parliament Palace before our tour comes to an end. This grand palace is the seat of the Romanian Parliament and is also the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. We then transfer by coach to Bucharest Airport for our return flight to London.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Additional Services

    Travel from a wide range of convenient joining points across the UK is included within your coach holiday price; some carry a supplement. Please contact us for our full list of joining points.

  • Fully Guided

  • International Travel

  • Meals

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Transport

    Comfortable, air-conditioned motorcoach

What's Not Included

Accommodation

You will stay for two nights in Bucharest at the Union Plaza Hotel, two nights in Brasov at the Qosmo Hotel, and two nights at the Continental Forum Hotel in Sibiu.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Airport transfers are included on any Leger Air Holidays

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Return flights are included on any Leger Air Holidays

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Low

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    Some tours carry a supplement for solo travellers, please ask for details if the Single price is not shown

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Fully escorted by our experienced drivers/crews. And in most towns and cities we either include or offer optional sightseeing tours with expert local guides to help you get the most from your visits.

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    40 years

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Sole use of your own room on all Single Traveller holidays: means you still get your privacy and time out from the group.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Battlefield Tours - Will it be possible to visit a particular cemetery whilst on the tour?

    Please contact us and we will check to see whether you can visit a particular cemetery on any of our Battlefield Tours, if we are not able to fit it into our itinerary then you could take some time out of the tour and do this independently by taxi or public transport.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Gary White (Google Reviewer)  

Just got back from a...

27-May-2024

Just got back from a holiday with leger holidays to callea spain which my wife done as a surprise for my 60th and wedding anniversary together my wife and i had a great time the coach journey there was excellent regular stops for toilet breaks and a stretch. Our two drivers Geoff and katrina were brilliant serving regular drinks and making the trip pleasant all the people on the coach were pleasant the hotel in spain was so nice the best we've stayed in lovely staff lovely bar the guy at the bar was great really friendly nice room. Overall our journey there and our return journey was brill the only thing that was not good at all was the ibis hotel on the return journey the room was horrible not a nice breakfast not polite French staff. Not really interested in trying to speak some english if i was leger should try and use a different hotel. Once again a big thank you to Geoff and katrina well done guys for making our holiday lovely. Hope to see you on another holiday soon

Will (Google Reviewer)  

I went on the 4...

05-Jan-2024

I went on the 4 countries trip and swiss glacier express and overall it was a great trip. The coach I was on was silver service, it was tidy had nice seats and other accessories such as charging points and headsets which was very handy. The drivers Alex and Dave were fantastic, very kind, funny and respectful throughout the whole trip and a pleasure to talk to. The excursions were very pleasant and all ran very smoothly. The hotels were decent and offered a good service. I overall very much recommend leger holidays.

Sally Matson  

Excellent customer service

10-Jan-2023

Booked our ‘Christmas in Austria & Scenic Trains of the Tyrol’ through George on the customer Helpline. Nothing was too much trouble, everything clearly & patiently explained. He even had permission to log in on his day off to finalise the sale! A charming and helpful young person and a credit to the company.

Euan Donald (Google Reviewer)  

Been on two tours now...

10-Oct-2023

Been on two tours now the “D Day beaches” and “ All Quiet on the Western Front” tour of the Somme and Ypres. Both four days in total, two travelling and two on the site of the various battles. This is outstanding value for money, picked up from Carlisle , Cumbria and literally looked after all the way through the tours. The coaches are great and the accommodation spot on . The guides are very knowledgeable ( Mark Hope brilliant guy)and the bus drivers professional . Absolutely fantastic .

Remon Wanis (Google Reviewer)  

We have been working with...

05-Aug-2024

We have been working with them for nearly a year now as Sussex Airports Taxis, and they offer the best customer service ever. All their customers are always happy when they return from their holidays. We look forward to continuing our partnership for many more years to come.

William Olley (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

21-Aug-2024

I recently went on a coach holiday with this company. Everything was on time but there can be traffic hold ups with jams and roadworks! The coach was comfortable and the driver stopped for rest periods. The hotel was a 3 star close to a spectacular beach and was adequate. The catering was excellent! I went on the excursions included in the package and visited some lovely places.

Gordon Price (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from Italian holiday....

21-Jul-2024

just returned from Italian holiday. It was great spoilt a little by the high temperature even Ledger can't control that. The only real thing to spoil the trip was one of the hotels. The Krystall hotel in Diano Marina was terrible the room was dire with cracks in shower bogged up shower fittings noe control for AC end so on. The food was very poor, limited choice luke warm food on cold plates. After 4 evening meals (3 or four courses) we were only able to remember 2 we enjoyed. Breakfast was poor no bread except for hard rolls. No fresh fruit if you liked cake for breakfast you were good. If this is a 3 star hotel Italian standards have fallen which I don't think they have. Ledger brochure states "some of Europes most fascinating unique hotels" for Luxuria trips. This hotel should be removed from your list at once. The holiday was other wise good I cannot praise your coach crew too to much they were excellent. A highlight of the trip was the return trip through the swiss alps. It was superb and deserves mention in your holiday iteniary description.

Hilary Jackson (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

12-Jun-2024

I recently went on a 4 night tour to Scarborough. Driver was great hotel superb. My criticism is too many destinations crammed into day excursion. Example visit to Flamborough head stop for 1 hour it was teeming nobody got off coach but even if fine pointless. Then on to Bridlington coach Park 1.5 ml from centre. Most people are hard pressed to get to center & back in 1.5 hours pointless. Incidentally if Leger paid a permit they could alight us in the resort. Very bad logistics. On to Whitby with a decent stop should have taken us there & bypassed the other stops. I will not go with them again. I will source a better holiday with excursions to one place only.

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from a solos...

25-Mar-2024

just returned from a solos break to valkenburg and rhine valley i enjoyed the break overall although both journeys were considerably longer than expected due to several picks ups. I could have done without the 3 countries meeting point excursion to be honest and the lunch on rhine cruise was very basic. The drivers/couriers were efficient and good humoured and provided free lunch vouchers on the ferry which were much appreciated. I probably would book another break with leger but to somewhere a lot closer to home.

laura young (Google Reviewer)  

We booked a holiday to...

09-Aug-2024

We booked a holiday to Edinburgh with some excursions. In the travel agents we booked the excursion to sterling which we didn’t do as they went to Loch Lomond instead. The drivers Mike and Heidi were not very polite at times. Moaning that they weren’t allowed to sell alcohol to passengers and then trying to on the sly. Mike quote “if I leave this and £3 appears then great” They read off Google for facts and read like they couldn’t be bothered. Which there was very little facts passed along. We did an excursion to glassglow which was 20 mins away from our hotel. We left at 13:00 meaning we only got around 3 hours there. The trip was lots of people in their 70s meaning they walk slow, some with mobility issues. So not a lot of time there. The Edinburgh tattoo was fantastic but again we left the hotel at 13:00 meaning less time there. When we asked about why we left late they just huffed and said because of legal hours for drivers. While I appreciate this and they need a break there were two drivers. Meaning one could drive the night before and the other the next day meaning we are not left sat around the hotel untill 13:00 each day with very little to do in this area of eaglesham. This was my first trip with ledger and I am very dissatisfied and disappointed at this mainly due to the drivers. The trip was far from cheap and there was no value for money I feel.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Leger Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 40% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of leger holidays charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 48 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.