Begin your journey in Cluj, a city deeply influenced by Habsburg heritage, evident in its elegant architecture and cultural institutions. After settling in, explore the city’s historic centre with its ornate buildings and bustling squares that reflect its imperial past. Check-in at the hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant with 1 glass of wine/beer. Overnight in Cluj-Napoca. (D)

Travel through picturesque landscapes to Turda, where you’ll visit the Turda Salt Mine, a marvel of engineering dating back to the Habsburg era. Dating back over 2,000 years, this former salt mine has been transformed into an underground theme park, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind experience. Explore the labyrinthine tunnels and chambers with impressive salt formations, underground lakes, and even an amphitheatre carved into the rock. Continue to Baia Mare, known for its well-preserved Habsburg-era buildings and vibrant arts scene. Journey onward to Viseu, where you’ll stay overnight. (B)

Experience the Habsburg influence in Maramures as you embark on a scenic journey aboard the Mocanita steam train, a relic of the region’s industrial heritage. Enjoy a barbecue lunch in nature. Explore some of the UNESCO-listed wooden churches (Ieud, Bogdan Voda) testaments to Habsburg craftsmanship and Transylvanian architecture. These stunning churches, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, are renowned for their unique architecture and intricate woodcarvings. Built entirely from wood, without the use of nails, these churches are not only architectural marvels but also important cultural and religious landmarks. Overnight in Bistrita, a charming town with Habsburg-era landmarks. (B, L)

Visit today the Moldovita and Voronet monasteries, known for their vibrant frescoes and cultural significance during the Habsburg rule. Voronet Monastery, also known as the “Blue Monastery,” is famous for its rich blue frescoes, which are said to have been created using a secret formula that has remained a mystery for centuries. The frescoes depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints, painted in vivid colours that have retained their brilliance over the centuries. Moldovita Monastery, on the other hand, is celebrated for its impressive, fortified walls and the “Siege of Constantinople” fresco, which depicts the legendary battle between the Byzantine Empire and the Persians. The monastery’s exterior walls are decorated with intricate frescoes showcasing biblical narratives, religious symbols, and historical events. Return to Bistrita for the evening. (B)

Explore Targu Mures, where Habsburg influences are evident in its grand buildings and cultural landmarks, including the impressive Palace of Culture. Journey to Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a well-preserved medieval citadel that showcases Habsburg-era architecture. Sighisoara is a beautifully preserved medieval town located in the heart of Transylvania, Romania. Known as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Sighisoara is steeped in history and charm. One of the town’s most iconic landmarks is the Clock Tower, a symbol of Sighisoara’s medieval past. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the town and its surroundings. The historic centre of Sighisoara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its cobbled streets, colourful buildings, and well-preserved medieval architecture transporting visitors back in time. Continue to Brasov for overnight. (B)

Discover the Habsburg connections of Bran Castle, a legendary fortress often associated with the Dracula myth. While the castle’s connection to the historical figure Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula, is tenuous at best, its imposing appearance and dramatic setting have made it the subject of countless myths and legends. Visitors can explore its dark, winding corridors, hidden staircases, and eerie chambers, imagining themselves transported back to a time of knights, battles, and bloodthirsty vampires. Explore Peles Castle in Sinaia, a masterpiece of Habsburg-era architecture and a symbol of royal opulence. Built in the late 19th century as a summer residence for the Romanian royal family, Peles Castle is renowned for its opulent interiors, intricate woodwork, and stunning mountain views. Return to Brasov, where Habsburg influences are visible in its historic buildings and cultural institutions. (B)

Visit Avrig, home to a beautifully preserved Habsburg-era fortified church and a charming historic centre that reflects its imperial past. Avrig, located in the heart of Transylvania, holds a special place in Romania’s history as a former Habsburg stronghold. This charming town, nestled amid the scenic Carpathian Mountains, boasts a rich cultural heritage and a wealth of historical landmarks. Explore Sibiu, a city with strong Habsburg ties evident in its well-preserved medieval architecture and cultural landmarks, including the Brukenthal National Museum. With its cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and historic landmarks, Sibiu offers visitors a captivating journey back in time. At the heart of Sibiu lies the enchanting Old Town, a maze of narrow streets and squares lined with centuries-old buildings. The Grand Square, or Piata Mare, is the largest square in the city and is dominated by the majestic Brukenthal Palace, once the residence of the Habsburg governor. Nearby, the Small Square (Piata Mica) exudes old-world charm with its quaint cafes, artisan shops, and historic buildings. (B)

Explore Alba Iulia’s impressive Vauban-style fortress, a testament to Habsburg military engineering and strategic planning. Alba Iulia, a city steeped in history and surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Transylvania, is a treasure trove of cultural and architectural wonders. At the heart of the city lies the Alba Carolina Citadel, a magnificent fortress built in the 17th century. Discover the city’s rich history at the Coronation Cathedral and the Roman Catholic Cathedral, both iconic symbols of Habsburg power and influence. Conclude your journey in Timisoara, a city shaped by its Habsburg heritage and multicultural identity. Timisoara was the 2023 European Cultural Capital and is an important economic and university centre of Romania. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in the evening. (B, D)

Bid farewell to Romania, reflecting on the Habsburg legacy that has shaped the country’s history and culture. Depart from Timisoara, carrying memories of your immersive journey through the heart of Habsburg heritage in Romania.