EXCELLENT
Based on 54 reviews
Posted on Tripadvisor
Phillip JRomanian Private Van Family Tour My family of 5 booked a private Romanian tour with Transylvanian Tours. Gelu was our guide. The main highlights are listed here - Bucharest, Slanic Salt mine (take warm clothes to the mine - although spectacular, it is cool down the mine) - Sinaia (Peles castle) - Brașov, Bran Castle (Dracula), Viscri Villiage, Sighisoara Fortress, Sibiu, Transfagarasan mountain road - up to Balea Lake Challet and back to Bucharest. This was a 5 day tailored tour to accommodate a family member with mobility issues who enjoyed the tour as much as all of us. This country and its cities and towns are breath taking and exceeded our expectations. I would highly recommend Gelu, his driver and Transylvanian Tours to anyone who would like to experience this beautiful country. Love to come back to continue with other spectacular locations in the future! Thank you Gelu for your care, knowledge and humor as you took us through your beautiful country.Posted on Tripadvisor
Jane SA Side of Romania We'd Never Find on Our Own For anyone hesitant to book a fully guided tour: just do it. This was one of our favorite trips, and Gelu is the reason we got so much out of it. We wanted to see rural areas like Maramureș and Transylvania beyond the typical tourist attractions. My husband convinced me to hire a guide and I cannot believe how much it changed the experience. As a former journalist, Gelu has contacts and friends in every corner of the country. Because of that, we experienced a side of Romania we could never have found on our own. We ate meals in family kitchens, drank palincă with locals, and had genuine conversations about their lives today and during communism. It was refreshing to spend days at a time without encountering another American, or even a native English speaker. We really wanted to see the place where the Ceaușescus were tried and executed, but it was closed the only day we could go. Gelu made a phone call, and two women opened the museum just for us! Gelu was incredibly flexible and tailored the trip to our interests and energy level as he got to know us. One day I was sick and Gelu consulted his pharmacist daughter, then showed up at our hotel room with medicine and instructions. He then spoke with the owner of the inn who let us stay in the room as long as I needed past checkout time. My husband and I are in our early 40s and travel internationally a few times a year, normally planning everything ourselves. We love the freedom and spontaneity of independent travel and I worried a fully guided trip would feel too structured, but it didn't. Instead, it made the trip. I encourage everyone to visit before tourism changes some of the places and traditions that make this country special. There is so much more of Romania we want to explore, and we plan to return. Next time, I'll give Gelu the dates and leave the rest up to him.Posted on Tripadvisor
RussKr1Another great trip with Gelu This was our second tour with Gelu, and once again, it was an absolutely wonderful experience. This time we explored the beautiful regions of Bukovina and the Danube Delta, and Gelu made the journey truly special. He is an exceptionally knowledgeable guide who has a wonderful way of bringing Romania’s history, culture, and traditions to life. He was always attentive to our needs and took us beyond the usual tourist sights, introducing us to hidden corners and special places we would never have discovered on our own. He also connected us with fascinating local people, which made our experience even more personal and memorable. Traveling with Gelu feels less like being on a tour and more like exploring Romania with a knowledgeable and caring friend. After two wonderful trips with him, we are already looking forward to discovering new parts of Romania together. We can’t recommend Gelu highly enough!Posted on Tripadvisor
debpaperA walk in Bucharest with Gelu Transylvanian Tours Bucharest A walk in Bucharest with Gelu 1068950152 Gelu is so incredible. We met him in Bucharest and walked down a major street closed to vehicles (It was Sunday). Besides his great knowledge of history and current events, Gelu knows a lot about his city. We walked to the old town and had coffee and tea in an amazing building that has an enclosed area around a charming, huge building. I can see how the city got the nickname Little Paris. Another highlight was Stavropoleos, a beautiful little church built in 1724. Amazing date to us Midwesterners. Of course, Gelu knew one of the volunteers in the church.Posted on Tripadvisor
Joseph MThe Transylvanian Dream Team! Our group of 8 had a GREAT time in Transylvania! Gelu and Transylvania Tours put together a wonderful itinerary-- Beautiful mountain views, visit to Peles & Bran Castles, lunch in a local's home, cable car ride (Where we saw a bear), and excellent overnight accommodations in Brasov & Sibiu. Gelu, our guide each day, was fantastic-- personable, sense of humor, and he really knew his stuff. I couldn't recommend them more highly!Posted on Tripadvisor
Michael GMaking Vacation Personal Last year my wife and I decided to go on vacation to Romania. After doing research about private guided tours, I found three men with similar and consistent high scores. Being difficult to pick between the three, I read all the reviews and searched Google for other places where their names might appear. Gelu’s name appeared in quite a few places on the Internet…he was a journalist, a hiker and mountaineer, a philosopher, a scout leader, a lover of Democracy, a passionate lover of his country, and a student about anything that piqued his interest. And many reviews cited his compassion towards the clients that had mishaps and flexibility when something happened to challenge the trip. A week before vacation, the airline cancelled our flight. We finally booked with another airline at an increased cost. This required a change in our arrival from Cluj to Bucharest and Gelu tinkering with the order of our journey. After landing in Warsaw for our connecting flight, we were stuck in the Passport line for more than 2 hours. With assurances that our flight was waiting for us, we reached the gate only to find it didn’t wait for us. Instead of arriving at about 2pm, we got to Bucharest at 11pm. Gelu had to cancel one reservation and add a day to another. He moved some challenging activities to accommodate our recuperation from a 25-hour travel day. When he found out I had neuropathy that made walking up stairs or traversing unlevel ground an excuse for a hospital visit, he helped me up and down stairs and became my companion when the terrain got rough. Turning to the more traditional qualities of a guide, he brought us to the most wonderful sights, man made and natural, and put everything in perspective. We talked history, politics, religion, culture, and even the attributes of a fine brewed beer. We ate with people in their homes, had picnics by lazy bubbling streams, and dined at white tablecloth restaurants. Gelu helped make our vacation personal and we are very grateful.Posted on Tripadvisor
KL LWonderful Romania a d guide -Oct 2025 Gelu was our local guide for the 10day trip in Romania. We were so lucky to have a local folk who relates very well their country cultures and values, and also an experienced journalist to tell us more about their history, He even shared his personal experience on the street protest during government changing time, that really brought the country history to life to us!! Apart from the beautiful scenery in Brasov he brought us to, and the very special Sibui houses with 'eyes' on the roofs, he told superb stories about the history and meaningful wall paintings in those churches we visited, and the highlight was at the merry cemetery at maramures,. He took the effort to explain or translate those script on the stones to allow us to appreciate the special culture there. We were like a true family during the trip!! We thoroughly enjoyed his tour.íPosted on Tripadvisor
Ron MThe best way to experience the real Transylvania Having Gelu as our guide in Romania was like travelling with a very knowledgeable good mate. That is a real bonus for the personalised tours he operates. We took this tour whose main focus is in the province of Transylvania. This region is so beautiful with much of the area in an enormous and gentle landscape but bounded by the massive Carpathian Mountain range that transcends the whole country. Its cites including Sibiu, Sighisoara and Brasov are as beautiful, historic, vibrant and welcoming, and well and truly comparable to their Western European cousins (but often without the hoards of tourists). The region's architectural highlights include remarkable sites like Peles Castle, the fortified churches of Carta and Viscri, the renowned Bran Castle, and many outstanding orthodox churches, each part of a unique European heritage. Gelu’s extensive knowledge of Romanian history, including his insights living during the Soviet era, provided a very personal perspective. Also a keen hiker, he guided us on lovely walks to the top of the mountain overlooking Brasov and walks around the stunning Balea Lake. We were treated to safe encounters with wildlife including Romania's famous bears sometimes seen even at the side of local roads. His driver George ensured comfortable transport in his spacious SUV, allowing Gelu to spend additional time commenting about life in Romania and its recent rapid modernization. Another delightful part of our journey was that several times Gelu pleasantly surprised by detouring from the planned itinerary to visit small towns or very recent renovations such as to walled town fortifications that had just opened to the public. Culinary experiences were another part of the tour, with Gelu providing expert recommendations for traditional and modern cuisine at local restaurants and cafes and we even dined with local families. Finally, with Gelu's keen enthusiasm for his job, you might find long travel days so make sure you are well rested before you start your travels! ;o)Posted on Tripadvisor
robi4513Extremely knowledgeable guides A VIP experience One of the best experiences ever. The Trandafir brothers left nothing to chance: from airport pick up to hotel reservations, entertainment, entrance fees.Posted on Tripadvisor
huiyliewPassionate, Knowledgeable and Truly Dedicated Guide We were so lucky to have Gelu as our guide in Romania! He is incredibly passionate about his country’s culture and history, and his stories brought every place to life. In Brasov and Sibiu, he seemed to know every nook and corner — from hidden alleys to the best photo spots. At the Merry Cemetery, Gelu patiently interpreted the witty tombstone inscriptions for us, helping us understand the deeper meaning behind this unique tradition. He was always patient, dedicated, and helpful — even assisting us with our luggage without hesitation. Thank you, Gelu, for making our Romania trip so memorable. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to experience Romania with a guide who truly loves and knows his country! 🇷🇴✨
7-DAY | MARAMURES & the Saxon HEARTLAND OF TRANSYLVANIA
3-DAY | Transylvanian CITADELS:
Sibiu-Sighisoara-Brasov
6-DAY | ONE WEEK full of Transyvania:
Castles, fortresses, fortified churches, UNESCO sites
CONTACT US
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TRANSYLVANIAN
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+40-723.303.310 Passionately loving Transylvania!
My faith, friends and relatives, passion for hiking and the outdoors, and love of cultural heritage all bind me to Transylvania.
As a tour guide and European Christian Scout leader, I can offer you the best experiences in this region of Romania and Europe, which is rich in history and cultural heritage and boasts an exceptional, unspoilt natural environment. As an experienced journalist, I can also provide unique insights into the region's recent history.Taking inspiration from my family name — Trandafir means rose— I prioritise privacy, finesse and discretion. Gelu Trandafir.
My faith, friends and relatives, passion for hiking and the outdoors, and love of cultural heritage all bind me to Transylvania.
EXCELLENTBased on 54 reviewsPosted on TripadvisorPhillip JRomanian Private Van Family Tour My family of 5 booked a private Romanian tour with Transylvanian Tours. Gelu was our guide. The main highlights are listed here - Bucharest, Slanic Salt mine (take warm clothes to the mine - although spectacular, it is cool down the mine) - Sinaia (Peles castle) - Brașov, Bran Castle (Dracula), Viscri Villiage, Sighisoara Fortress, Sibiu, Transfagarasan mountain road - up to Balea Lake Challet and back to Bucharest. This was a 5 day tailored tour to accommodate a family member with mobility issues who enjoyed the tour as much as all of us. This country and its cities and towns are breath taking and exceeded our expectations. I would highly recommend Gelu, his driver and Transylvanian Tours to anyone who would like to experience this beautiful country. Love to come back to continue with other spectacular locations in the future! Thank you Gelu for your care, knowledge and humor as you took us through your beautiful country.Posted on TripadvisorJane SA Side of Romania We'd Never Find on Our Own For anyone hesitant to book a fully guided tour: just do it. This was one of our favorite trips, and Gelu is the reason we got so much out of it. We wanted to see rural areas like Maramureș and Transylvania beyond the typical tourist attractions. My husband convinced me to hire a guide and I cannot believe how much it changed the experience. As a former journalist, Gelu has contacts and friends in every corner of the country. Because of that, we experienced a side of Romania we could never have found on our own. We ate meals in family kitchens, drank palincă with locals, and had genuine conversations about their lives today and during communism. It was refreshing to spend days at a time without encountering another American, or even a native English speaker. We really wanted to see the place where the Ceaușescus were tried and executed, but it was closed the only day we could go. Gelu made a phone call, and two women opened the museum just for us! Gelu was incredibly flexible and tailored the trip to our interests and energy level as he got to know us. One day I was sick and Gelu consulted his pharmacist daughter, then showed up at our hotel room with medicine and instructions. He then spoke with the owner of the inn who let us stay in the room as long as I needed past checkout time. My husband and I are in our early 40s and travel internationally a few times a year, normally planning everything ourselves. We love the freedom and spontaneity of independent travel and I worried a fully guided trip would feel too structured, but it didn't. Instead, it made the trip. I encourage everyone to visit before tourism changes some of the places and traditions that make this country special. There is so much more of Romania we want to explore, and we plan to return. Next time, I'll give Gelu the dates and leave the rest up to him.Posted on TripadvisorRussKr1Another great trip with Gelu This was our second tour with Gelu, and once again, it was an absolutely wonderful experience. This time we explored the beautiful regions of Bukovina and the Danube Delta, and Gelu made the journey truly special. He is an exceptionally knowledgeable guide who has a wonderful way of bringing Romania’s history, culture, and traditions to life. He was always attentive to our needs and took us beyond the usual tourist sights, introducing us to hidden corners and special places we would never have discovered on our own. He also connected us with fascinating local people, which made our experience even more personal and memorable. Traveling with Gelu feels less like being on a tour and more like exploring Romania with a knowledgeable and caring friend. After two wonderful trips with him, we are already looking forward to discovering new parts of Romania together. We can’t recommend Gelu highly enough!Posted on TripadvisordebpaperA walk in Bucharest with Gelu Transylvanian Tours Bucharest A walk in Bucharest with Gelu 1068950152 Gelu is so incredible. We met him in Bucharest and walked down a major street closed to vehicles (It was Sunday). Besides his great knowledge of history and current events, Gelu knows a lot about his city. We walked to the old town and had coffee and tea in an amazing building that has an enclosed area around a charming, huge building. I can see how the city got the nickname Little Paris. Another highlight was Stavropoleos, a beautiful little church built in 1724. Amazing date to us Midwesterners. Of course, Gelu knew one of the volunteers in the church.Posted on TripadvisorJoseph MThe Transylvanian Dream Team! Our group of 8 had a GREAT time in Transylvania! Gelu and Transylvania Tours put together a wonderful itinerary-- Beautiful mountain views, visit to Peles & Bran Castles, lunch in a local's home, cable car ride (Where we saw a bear), and excellent overnight accommodations in Brasov & Sibiu. Gelu, our guide each day, was fantastic-- personable, sense of humor, and he really knew his stuff. I couldn't recommend them more highly!Posted on TripadvisorMichael GMaking Vacation Personal Last year my wife and I decided to go on vacation to Romania. After doing research about private guided tours, I found three men with similar and consistent high scores. Being difficult to pick between the three, I read all the reviews and searched Google for other places where their names might appear. Gelu’s name appeared in quite a few places on the Internet…he was a journalist, a hiker and mountaineer, a philosopher, a scout leader, a lover of Democracy, a passionate lover of his country, and a student about anything that piqued his interest. And many reviews cited his compassion towards the clients that had mishaps and flexibility when something happened to challenge the trip. A week before vacation, the airline cancelled our flight. We finally booked with another airline at an increased cost. This required a change in our arrival from Cluj to Bucharest and Gelu tinkering with the order of our journey. After landing in Warsaw for our connecting flight, we were stuck in the Passport line for more than 2 hours. With assurances that our flight was waiting for us, we reached the gate only to find it didn’t wait for us. Instead of arriving at about 2pm, we got to Bucharest at 11pm. Gelu had to cancel one reservation and add a day to another. He moved some challenging activities to accommodate our recuperation from a 25-hour travel day. When he found out I had neuropathy that made walking up stairs or traversing unlevel ground an excuse for a hospital visit, he helped me up and down stairs and became my companion when the terrain got rough. Turning to the more traditional qualities of a guide, he brought us to the most wonderful sights, man made and natural, and put everything in perspective. We talked history, politics, religion, culture, and even the attributes of a fine brewed beer. We ate with people in their homes, had picnics by lazy bubbling streams, and dined at white tablecloth restaurants. Gelu helped make our vacation personal and we are very grateful.Posted on TripadvisorKL LWonderful Romania a d guide -Oct 2025 Gelu was our local guide for the 10day trip in Romania. We were so lucky to have a local folk who relates very well their country cultures and values, and also an experienced journalist to tell us more about their history, He even shared his personal experience on the street protest during government changing time, that really brought the country history to life to us!! Apart from the beautiful scenery in Brasov he brought us to, and the very special Sibui houses with 'eyes' on the roofs, he told superb stories about the history and meaningful wall paintings in those churches we visited, and the highlight was at the merry cemetery at maramures,. He took the effort to explain or translate those script on the stones to allow us to appreciate the special culture there. We were like a true family during the trip!! We thoroughly enjoyed his tour.íPosted on TripadvisorRon MThe best way to experience the real Transylvania Having Gelu as our guide in Romania was like travelling with a very knowledgeable good mate. That is a real bonus for the personalised tours he operates. We took this tour whose main focus is in the province of Transylvania. This region is so beautiful with much of the area in an enormous and gentle landscape but bounded by the massive Carpathian Mountain range that transcends the whole country. Its cites including Sibiu, Sighisoara and Brasov are as beautiful, historic, vibrant and welcoming, and well and truly comparable to their Western European cousins (but often without the hoards of tourists). The region's architectural highlights include remarkable sites like Peles Castle, the fortified churches of Carta and Viscri, the renowned Bran Castle, and many outstanding orthodox churches, each part of a unique European heritage. Gelu’s extensive knowledge of Romanian history, including his insights living during the Soviet era, provided a very personal perspective. Also a keen hiker, he guided us on lovely walks to the top of the mountain overlooking Brasov and walks around the stunning Balea Lake. We were treated to safe encounters with wildlife including Romania's famous bears sometimes seen even at the side of local roads. His driver George ensured comfortable transport in his spacious SUV, allowing Gelu to spend additional time commenting about life in Romania and its recent rapid modernization. Another delightful part of our journey was that several times Gelu pleasantly surprised by detouring from the planned itinerary to visit small towns or very recent renovations such as to walled town fortifications that had just opened to the public. Culinary experiences were another part of the tour, with Gelu providing expert recommendations for traditional and modern cuisine at local restaurants and cafes and we even dined with local families. Finally, with Gelu's keen enthusiasm for his job, you might find long travel days so make sure you are well rested before you start your travels! ;o)Posted on Tripadvisorrobi4513Extremely knowledgeable guides A VIP experience One of the best experiences ever. The Trandafir brothers left nothing to chance: from airport pick up to hotel reservations, entertainment, entrance fees.Posted on TripadvisorhuiyliewPassionate, Knowledgeable and Truly Dedicated Guide We were so lucky to have Gelu as our guide in Romania! He is incredibly passionate about his country’s culture and history, and his stories brought every place to life. In Brasov and Sibiu, he seemed to know every nook and corner — from hidden alleys to the best photo spots. At the Merry Cemetery, Gelu patiently interpreted the witty tombstone inscriptions for us, helping us understand the deeper meaning behind this unique tradition. He was always patient, dedicated, and helpful — even assisting us with our luggage without hesitation. Thank you, Gelu, for making our Romania trip so memorable. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to experience Romania with a guide who truly loves and knows his country! 🇷🇴✨
Gelu, we couldn’t imagine such an amazing adventure and a great resonation with you, we’re so lucky to meet and know you!
Ciprian Cojan
Italy
No words to describe how beautiful Romania is. Everything was wonderful! Our guide Gelu provided us an amazing experience. An high qualified and cultivated guide, with great capacity to adapt, that took care of all the details. 07/2023
Cristina Teixteira
Portugal
Transylvania was a fantastic experience. Gelu did everything he could to ensure that our experience was memorable. He went above and above. (...) A very down-to-earth person. Keep your excellent work. Thanks. Ruben Schembri, 01/2023
Ruben Schembri
Malta
Three days into the trip I hurt my ankle and was limited as to what I could do. Once I was ready to move forward he completely revised the trip plans to accommodate me. Gelu and his amazing driver assisted me, literally, every step of the way. They turned what could have been a disaster into a fabulous trip. Gelu is not only smart, knowledgeable and a talented tour guide but a warm and wonderful human being. We enjoyed his company. He was so in tune with our needs and interests. Not only did we see Romania and its unique treasures, but because of Gelu’s special touch we got to see and feel the Romanian people. We are very experienced traveler’s and have visited many, many countries. We rank this as the best tour we have ever taken. Bonnie Goldman, 10/2022
Bonnie Goldman
Arizona, US
A l’écoute de nos idées, Gelu nous a concocté un splendide périple passant autant par des paysages alpins superbes, que des villes pleines d’histoire, et des lieux authentiques . Sa connaissance des lieux et de nos hôtes, tellement accueillants, ses commentaires historiques et culturelles pimentés d’humour, ont fait que nous avons passé des vacances exceptionnelles. Encore une fois merci à Gelu et à Vlad, le chauffeur, pour ce voyage magnifique devenu un tour entre amis plutôt qu’avec un guide touristique. Cristina, 07/2022
Cristina
Ukkel, Belgium
During the trip, it felt like we were touring with a friend vs a Tour Guide that we just met. Gelu is so warm, kind and considerate! He is very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and passionate about his home country. Gelu showed us not only the sites but ensured we had experiences and interactions with locals. He thought of everything and made the trip fabulous! Caroline, 03/2022
Caroline
Chicago, US
Hello Gelu! I wanted to personally thank you for guiding us on the tour with Andrew. Doug and I were so impressed with your guiding style and attention to detail. The personal stories were our favorite and we appreciate your honesty in sharing your life story with us. Thanks for ALL you did to make our trip special. Julie, 09/2021
Julie
Upstate New York, US
Gelu is a fantastic guide, very knowledgeable and passionate about his homeland. Spent 2 weeks with a tour group that he led that traveled all over Romania. He always allowed time for questions, pictures and breathing in the experience. The last day of the trip I tested positive for Covid and had to quarantine in my Bucharest hotel room for an additional 14 days. Although I was no longer under his supervision, Gelu checked in with me every day, dropping off food, supplies. He even made sure I got to the airport to return home. I don’t know how I would have managed those 2 weeks without him. Gelu is a very smart, skilled, compassionate guide. Jennifer, 10/2021
Jennifer
New York, US
My partner and I spent two nights/ three days with Gelu, trekking on a personalised route along the #ViaTransilvanica from Sighisoara to Biertan. It was one of the best experiences of our lives, spending time in nature, visiting beautiful churches and monuments, camping in a shepherd & local priest’s gardens and hearing about the local history (in Gelu’s perfect English) along the way. Gelu has an unlimited wealth of knowledge of the local history, traditions and wildlife and being with him was honestly priceless. We felt very safe (despite my fears of bears and dogs!!) and completely in sync with Gelu. He has so much experience with many different types of people of all different ages and he was such fantastic company; with the exact right balance between allowing us time to relax whilst ensuring we also kept to our schedule (42km in 2 days). Charlotte, 08/2021
Charlotte
Padua, Italy
We had a wonderful tour of Romania with Gelu. He has remarkable knowledge and a love for his country which shines through! We certainly came to share that love of Romania! What a beautiful country with picturesque landscapes, wonderful architecture and amazing food. My favorite part of the trip was our stay in Breb Village. We felt so welcomed and at home. If you are considering a trip to Romania... I highly recommend you do so and you will be in wonderful hands with Gelu to guide you! Cherity, 12/2020
Cherity
US
We had an private 3-day tour in Transylvania and were pleased with everything: the advice during the planning stage, the impeccable organization and timing, the cozy hotels, the comfortable car and the reliable driver and our greatest Romanian discovery - our guide Gelu. We saw a beautiful countryside, learned about its past and modern history, discussed current affairs and had a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Gelu and his team turned it into our most memorable trip ever. Skirma, 05/2020
Skirma
Lithuania
Last year, we have brought our extended family to Romania and included a 6 day Transylvanian tour, having Gelu as our guide. We had a fabulous time, he was very knowledgeable, entertaining and helped us built wonderful memories. Well done Gelu, we will definitely come back! Anca, 05/2020
Anca
Canada
Gelu's perspective on all things Romanian - politics, nature, history and his informative story-telling, was a treat all throughout our week. Plus, his excellent eye for a good camera shot (and photography skills for our pictures) were bar none. Highly recommend this trip to anyone. It was such a memorable adventure. Karin, 05/12/2020
Karin
U.S.
Gelu is a complete professional. Punctual, funny and has amazing knowledge about his country and its history. We left Romania after our time with Gelu having a deep sense of satisfaction. Highly recommended. Janice & Jim, 5/5/2020
Janice
U.S.
His knowledge of Romanian history was second to none due to his experience and interest in history and journalism of Romania and overseas. I wouldn’t know as much or have had such an enjoyable time in both Bucharest and Braşov if it was not for meeting him. Thank you Gelu, I’ll not forget you or the experience you provided soon.
Shane
Ireland
Dear Gelu, We have had such a perfect tour of Transylvania with you! Your knowledge of history, religion and culture have brought your country alive. We now can see the beauty of Romania through new eyes. We will always remember our 3 days exploring with you! Thank you! Peggy and Jerry 11/10/2018
Peggy and Jerry
U.S.
TRANSYLVANIAN CITADELS - 3-day Guided Tour
From EUR520
Essence of Saxon Transylvania
Discover the famous medieval burgs of Sibiu, Sighisoara and Brasov, visit Bran and Peleș castles, Biertan fortified church, and catch a glimpse of the ordinary life of Saxon villages.
Transfagarasan, Road to Saxon Transylvania, 4-day
From EUR690June - October 2025
A mountain road opens the heart of Transylvania
We discover Transylvania and enjoy Transfagarasan mountain road, “the best road in the world” as Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson put it.
TRANSYLVANIA, MARAMURES & BUCOVINA - 14-day
From EUR2500
Nearly all of Romania in a single tour
A tour especially tailored for those seeking a deeper experience of Romania. Visiting Transylvania with its Saxon heritage of fortified churches, Maramures with its charming wooden churches and living and authentic Romanian rural civilization, Bucovina with its painted churches and the land of natural beauty. Discover also the Jewish communities' heritage in Romania, the most vibrant cities in Romania - Cluj-Napoca and Oradea, the capital of Art Nouveau, the Bran and Peleș castles, the fortresses of Alba Iulia and Sighisoarei, the cities of Sibiu, Brasov, and Bucharest, and the scenic beauty of the Carpathians - including, if the weather allows, their crossing by Transfăgărășan mountain road.
ONE WEEK FULL OF TRANSYLVANIA – 6-day
From EUR1120
Can’t get enough of medieval heritage and history?
Visit the Hunyadi, Bran and Peles castles, Sibiu, Sighisoara, Brasov and Alba Iulia, the fortified churches of Biertan, Viscri and Prejmer. Discover the stature of John Hunyadi and the legends behind Vlad the Impaler.
MARAMURES & SAXON HEARTLAND 7-day
From EUR1300
Romanian peasant culture and the Saxon heritage
You are about to discover amazing sceneries, the Saxon civilization and the fortified churches in south of Transylvania, and, in the far north – the Romanian peasant culture and wooden churches of Maramures.
Magical places to stay in Transylvania
BREB VILLAGE (Maramures)
Nestled in a valley and bypassed by any national or county road, amongst the villages of Maramures, Breb has succeeded most in preserving the old traditional wooden houses. A long time ago, when I first travelled to the region, I didn't make it to Breb. I was with my brother. He had a posh, powerful but low-riding car. The roads were really bad. One year later, he called me saying: Let me tell you something, I made it to Breb. It's just fantastic! Much has changed since then. Most of the small local roads have been repaired and it is a pleasure to drive along. But Breb has not changed.
RIMETEA - a stunning white-green wonder in Transylvania
The harmony of the whitewashed houses with green blinds and joinery, very low entrance doors, and Hungarian-style decorated wooden gates is impressive.
CASA RAȚIU (Turda)
Currently organized to host the tourists charmed by Transylvania, as well as corporate and private events, this elegant and comfortable guesthouse has been the home of past century's joys and dramas. Over the last century, Casa Rațiu has become a symbol of resilience and service of a family which played a crucial role in defending the rights of the Romanian nation in Transylvania.
Romania's remarkable stories
PRINCE vs COMRADE
In 1989, Prince Charles stepped in at a crucial moment to save Romanian monuments and villages, along with the Saxon heritage in Transylvania. Back in 1989, Prince Charles spoke up against the Romanian communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, who was planning to demolish 8,000 Romanian villages and to move the peasants into apartment blocks. The future monarch of Great Britain stifled in ridicule the "new agrarian revolution" of Nicolae Ceausescu.
Blogging on travel: Of Routes&Roses
A family travel business driven by our love for Romania, its friendly people, history and culture, for the scenic views of this Latin island of Eastern Europe. 7-day guided tour
Find our destinations Passionately loving Transylvania. We are bound to Transylvania by our faith, friends and relatives, by our passion for hiking and outdoors and our cherish for the cultural heritage.
We offer the best experiences of this region so rich in history and cultural heritage, with an exceptional, unspoiled natural environment. Our family name - Trandafir - means rose, therefore we emphasize privacy, finesse and discretion. Meet our team Of Routes&Roses - Blogging on travel (CLICK and read)
Enjoy the best experiences of Transylvanian beauty.
EXCELLENTBased on 54 reviewsPosted on TripadvisorPhillip JRomanian Private Van Family Tour My family of 5 booked a private Romanian tour with Transylvanian Tours. Gelu was our guide. The main highlights are listed here - Bucharest, Slanic Salt mine (take warm clothes to the mine - although spectacular, it is cool down the mine) - Sinaia (Peles castle) - Brașov, Bran Castle (Dracula), Viscri Villiage, Sighisoara Fortress, Sibiu, Transfagarasan mountain road - up to Balea Lake Challet and back to Bucharest. This was a 5 day tailored tour to accommodate a family member with mobility issues who enjoyed the tour as much as all of us. This country and its cities and towns are breath taking and exceeded our expectations. I would highly recommend Gelu, his driver and Transylvanian Tours to anyone who would like to experience this beautiful country. Love to come back to continue with other spectacular locations in the future! Thank you Gelu for your care, knowledge and humor as you took us through your beautiful country.Posted on TripadvisorJane SA Side of Romania We'd Never Find on Our Own For anyone hesitant to book a fully guided tour: just do it. This was one of our favorite trips, and Gelu is the reason we got so much out of it. We wanted to see rural areas like Maramureș and Transylvania beyond the typical tourist attractions. My husband convinced me to hire a guide and I cannot believe how much it changed the experience. As a former journalist, Gelu has contacts and friends in every corner of the country. Because of that, we experienced a side of Romania we could never have found on our own. We ate meals in family kitchens, drank palincă with locals, and had genuine conversations about their lives today and during communism. It was refreshing to spend days at a time without encountering another American, or even a native English speaker. We really wanted to see the place where the Ceaușescus were tried and executed, but it was closed the only day we could go. Gelu made a phone call, and two women opened the museum just for us! Gelu was incredibly flexible and tailored the trip to our interests and energy level as he got to know us. One day I was sick and Gelu consulted his pharmacist daughter, then showed up at our hotel room with medicine and instructions. He then spoke with the owner of the inn who let us stay in the room as long as I needed past checkout time. My husband and I are in our early 40s and travel internationally a few times a year, normally planning everything ourselves. We love the freedom and spontaneity of independent travel and I worried a fully guided trip would feel too structured, but it didn't. Instead, it made the trip. I encourage everyone to visit before tourism changes some of the places and traditions that make this country special. There is so much more of Romania we want to explore, and we plan to return. Next time, I'll give Gelu the dates and leave the rest up to him.Posted on TripadvisorRussKr1Another great trip with Gelu This was our second tour with Gelu, and once again, it was an absolutely wonderful experience. This time we explored the beautiful regions of Bukovina and the Danube Delta, and Gelu made the journey truly special. He is an exceptionally knowledgeable guide who has a wonderful way of bringing Romania’s history, culture, and traditions to life. He was always attentive to our needs and took us beyond the usual tourist sights, introducing us to hidden corners and special places we would never have discovered on our own. He also connected us with fascinating local people, which made our experience even more personal and memorable. Traveling with Gelu feels less like being on a tour and more like exploring Romania with a knowledgeable and caring friend. After two wonderful trips with him, we are already looking forward to discovering new parts of Romania together. We can’t recommend Gelu highly enough!Posted on TripadvisordebpaperA walk in Bucharest with Gelu Transylvanian Tours Bucharest A walk in Bucharest with Gelu 1068950152 Gelu is so incredible. We met him in Bucharest and walked down a major street closed to vehicles (It was Sunday). Besides his great knowledge of history and current events, Gelu knows a lot about his city. We walked to the old town and had coffee and tea in an amazing building that has an enclosed area around a charming, huge building. I can see how the city got the nickname Little Paris. Another highlight was Stavropoleos, a beautiful little church built in 1724. Amazing date to us Midwesterners. Of course, Gelu knew one of the volunteers in the church.Posted on TripadvisorJoseph MThe Transylvanian Dream Team! Our group of 8 had a GREAT time in Transylvania! Gelu and Transylvania Tours put together a wonderful itinerary-- Beautiful mountain views, visit to Peles & Bran Castles, lunch in a local's home, cable car ride (Where we saw a bear), and excellent overnight accommodations in Brasov & Sibiu. Gelu, our guide each day, was fantastic-- personable, sense of humor, and he really knew his stuff. I couldn't recommend them more highly!Posted on TripadvisorMichael GMaking Vacation Personal Last year my wife and I decided to go on vacation to Romania. After doing research about private guided tours, I found three men with similar and consistent high scores. Being difficult to pick between the three, I read all the reviews and searched Google for other places where their names might appear. Gelu’s name appeared in quite a few places on the Internet…he was a journalist, a hiker and mountaineer, a philosopher, a scout leader, a lover of Democracy, a passionate lover of his country, and a student about anything that piqued his interest. And many reviews cited his compassion towards the clients that had mishaps and flexibility when something happened to challenge the trip. A week before vacation, the airline cancelled our flight. We finally booked with another airline at an increased cost. This required a change in our arrival from Cluj to Bucharest and Gelu tinkering with the order of our journey. After landing in Warsaw for our connecting flight, we were stuck in the Passport line for more than 2 hours. With assurances that our flight was waiting for us, we reached the gate only to find it didn’t wait for us. Instead of arriving at about 2pm, we got to Bucharest at 11pm. Gelu had to cancel one reservation and add a day to another. He moved some challenging activities to accommodate our recuperation from a 25-hour travel day. When he found out I had neuropathy that made walking up stairs or traversing unlevel ground an excuse for a hospital visit, he helped me up and down stairs and became my companion when the terrain got rough. Turning to the more traditional qualities of a guide, he brought us to the most wonderful sights, man made and natural, and put everything in perspective. We talked history, politics, religion, culture, and even the attributes of a fine brewed beer. We ate with people in their homes, had picnics by lazy bubbling streams, and dined at white tablecloth restaurants. Gelu helped make our vacation personal and we are very grateful.Posted on TripadvisorKL LWonderful Romania a d guide -Oct 2025 Gelu was our local guide for the 10day trip in Romania. We were so lucky to have a local folk who relates very well their country cultures and values, and also an experienced journalist to tell us more about their history, He even shared his personal experience on the street protest during government changing time, that really brought the country history to life to us!! Apart from the beautiful scenery in Brasov he brought us to, and the very special Sibui houses with 'eyes' on the roofs, he told superb stories about the history and meaningful wall paintings in those churches we visited, and the highlight was at the merry cemetery at maramures,. He took the effort to explain or translate those script on the stones to allow us to appreciate the special culture there. We were like a true family during the trip!! We thoroughly enjoyed his tour.íPosted on TripadvisorRon MThe best way to experience the real Transylvania Having Gelu as our guide in Romania was like travelling with a very knowledgeable good mate. That is a real bonus for the personalised tours he operates. We took this tour whose main focus is in the province of Transylvania. This region is so beautiful with much of the area in an enormous and gentle landscape but bounded by the massive Carpathian Mountain range that transcends the whole country. Its cites including Sibiu, Sighisoara and Brasov are as beautiful, historic, vibrant and welcoming, and well and truly comparable to their Western European cousins (but often without the hoards of tourists). The region's architectural highlights include remarkable sites like Peles Castle, the fortified churches of Carta and Viscri, the renowned Bran Castle, and many outstanding orthodox churches, each part of a unique European heritage. Gelu’s extensive knowledge of Romanian history, including his insights living during the Soviet era, provided a very personal perspective. Also a keen hiker, he guided us on lovely walks to the top of the mountain overlooking Brasov and walks around the stunning Balea Lake. We were treated to safe encounters with wildlife including Romania's famous bears sometimes seen even at the side of local roads. His driver George ensured comfortable transport in his spacious SUV, allowing Gelu to spend additional time commenting about life in Romania and its recent rapid modernization. Another delightful part of our journey was that several times Gelu pleasantly surprised by detouring from the planned itinerary to visit small towns or very recent renovations such as to walled town fortifications that had just opened to the public. Culinary experiences were another part of the tour, with Gelu providing expert recommendations for traditional and modern cuisine at local restaurants and cafes and we even dined with local families. Finally, with Gelu's keen enthusiasm for his job, you might find long travel days so make sure you are well rested before you start your travels! ;o)Posted on Tripadvisorrobi4513Extremely knowledgeable guides A VIP experience One of the best experiences ever. The Trandafir brothers left nothing to chance: from airport pick up to hotel reservations, entertainment, entrance fees.Posted on TripadvisorhuiyliewPassionate, Knowledgeable and Truly Dedicated Guide We were so lucky to have Gelu as our guide in Romania! He is incredibly passionate about his country’s culture and history, and his stories brought every place to life. In Brasov and Sibiu, he seemed to know every nook and corner — from hidden alleys to the best photo spots. At the Merry Cemetery, Gelu patiently interpreted the witty tombstone inscriptions for us, helping us understand the deeper meaning behind this unique tradition. He was always patient, dedicated, and helpful — even assisting us with our luggage without hesitation. Thank you, Gelu, for making our Romania trip so memorable. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to experience Romania with a guide who truly loves and knows his country! 🇷🇴✨
7-day guided tour
MARAMURES & THE SAXON HEARTLAND
OF TRANSYLVANIA
3-day guided tour
TRANSYLVANIAN CITADELS:
Sibiu-Sighisoara-Brasov
6-day guided tour
ONE WEEK FULL OF TRANSYLVANIA
Castles, fortified churches
4-day guided tour
ON THE MOUNTAIN ROAD
to the Heart of Saxon Transylvania
Find our destinations We offer the best experiences of this region so rich in history and cultural heritage, with an exceptional, unspoiled natural environment. Our family name - Trandafir - means rose, therefore we emphasize privacy, finesse and discretion. Meet our team Of Routes&Roses - Blogging on travel (CLICK and read)
