Today was one of those days that reminded me why I love traveling. It had a little bit of everything—history, beautiful scenery, delicious food, charming villages, and of course, a castle with ties to one of the world’s most famous legends.
The day began with breakfast at the Radisson Blu in Brașov. Batsy Cline wanted everyone to know she’s definitely a fruit bat, so naturally she helped herself to a healthy breakfast of fresh fruit before we headed out for the day.
Our first stop was the Prejmer Fortified Church, about a half-hour from Brașov. Even before we reached the church, we found ourselves looking skyward. Several enormous white stork nests perched atop village chimneys, some with families of storks quietly going about their morning. It was one of those scenes that immediately says, “You’re in rural Europe.” The nests were unbelievably large, built over many years, and the locals seemed completely accustomed to their feathered neighbors.
The fortified church itself was fascinating. Built in the 13th century and protected by massive defensive walls, it served as a refuge for the surrounding villagers during times of invasion. Hundreds of small rooms lined the inside of the fortress walls, where families could live safely until the danger had passed. Walking through those corridors, it wasn’t hard to imagine what life must have been like centuries ago.
Before leaving, I couldn’t resist browsing the little gift shop. I came home with a jar of locally produced Transylvanian honey and a handcrafted wreath made from dried corn husks. I love finding souvenirs that are made by local artisans because every time I see them at home, they’ll remind me of this trip.
Back in Brașov, we enjoyed a walking tour through the beautiful Old Town before visiting the famous Black Church. Our guide, Vio, always has a great sense of humor, and while explaining that wealthy families once purchased burial places inside the church so they could be buried closer to God, he joked that the less-than-perfect construction led to unpleasant odors inside the church and that perhaps this was where the expression “stinking rich” came from. Whether it’s true or not, it certainly made everyone laugh.
By lunchtime we had worked up quite an appetite, so the four of us headed to Sergiana, a traditional Transylvanian restaurant tucked away in a beautiful medieval stone cellar.
The meal felt wonderfully homemade. I started with a pickled beet salad that absolutely stole the show. It was served with a horseradish dressing that packed quite a punch, so I asked for it on the side. I actually think it would have been even better if it had been blended with a little sour cream.
For my main course, I ordered traditional Romanian cabbage rolls, beautifully garnished with fresh dill. The dill added such a fresh flavor that I really enjoyed. While the cabbage rolls were delicious, I still have to give a slight edge to the ones we enjoyed at Caru’ cu Bere in Bucharest. That’s one of the fun parts of traveling—discovering the subtle differences each restaurant brings to the same traditional dish.
After lunch, we spent a little time wandering through Brașov’s unique shops before heading back to the hotel for a short break.
Then came the highlight of the day.
Bran Castle.
Yes, the climb is every bit as challenging as you’ve probably heard! The narrow stone staircases seemed to go on forever, many without handrails and just wide enough for one person at a time. We joked that our group of 99 travelers would be lucky if everyone made it back down. A few people wisely chose to skip the climb, but most of us tackled it—and every step was worth it.
The views from the upper levels overlooking the Transylvanian countryside were simply stunning.
Although Bran Castle isn’t truly Dracula’s Castle in the historical sense, it has become forever connected with Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire, and honestly, I enjoyed every minute of exploring its twisting passages, hidden staircases, and centuries of history. Whether you come for the architecture, the history, or the legend, it’s an unforgettable place to visit.
After our tour, the evening became even more special.
We were escorted to Queen Mary’s Tea House for dinner, and what a meal it was. The entrée featured perfectly roasted duck served over creamy mashed butternut squash with a rich cherry sauce. It was absolutely delicious. After climbing all those stairs, I think I drank nearly an entire pitcher of water before dinner even arrived!
As the evening came to an end, we stepped outside for one last look at Bran Castle, beautifully illuminated against the darkening sky. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day in Transylvania.
Tomorrow we say goodbye to our hotel in Brașov and finally board our Avalon ship. The river cruise portion of this adventure is about to begin, and I can’t wait to see what the Lower Danube has in store next. 🦇🌻🚢
Cleared For Take-Off! 