from
$2,027
per adult
Transylvanian Tours
Transylvanian Tours
5
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About
An experienced journalist and a licensed tour guide with a particular knowledge of and passion for history, religion and trekking, Gelu Trandafir has a great experience in organizing private tours in Romania. As a journalist, Gelu worked with important Romanian media outlets. He graduated the Faculty of Geodesy in Bucharest and Robert Schuman Institute of Journalism with l'IRCOM Angers - Pays de la Loire, France.
Bucharest, Romania
Why book with Transylvanian Tours
- Tour guide, journalist, engineer
- Gelu Trandafir has been a tour guide and a Christian scout leader for more than ten years and a journalist (reporter, editor and deputy chief editor with Romanian leading outlets) for 25 years.
- French • Romanian • English
- Professional tour guide
Tours and Tickets by Transylvanian Tours
Historical Tours
3 days
Free cancellation
Free Cancellation up to 7 days in advance
from
$848
per adult
Historical Tours
3+ days
Free cancellation
Free Cancellation up to 4 days in advance
from
$987
per adult
Travelers talk about
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
36 reviews
Excellent
36
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Skirmante M
Vilnius, Lithuania3 contributions
Jun 2019
We had an individualized 3 day tour inTransilvania and were pleased with everything: the advice during the planning stage, the impecable organisation and timing, the cosy hotels, the comfortable car and the reliable driver and our greatest Romanian discovery - our guide Gelu. We saw a beautyful 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.
A practical note: the Romanian authorities request that the payment for the service is either transferred to the company's official bank account beforehand or deposited by the customer personally at one of the local bank branches of the company. I chose to go to the bank together with Gelu before we set off on our journey, but I realise now that I could have safely transferred the full amount and save us time beforehand. I find Gelu a very reliable person indeed.
A practical note: the Romanian authorities request that the payment for the service is either transferred to the company's official bank account beforehand or deposited by the customer personally at one of the local bank branches of the company. I chose to go to the bank together with Gelu before we set off on our journey, but I realise now that I could have safely transferred the full amount and save us time beforehand. I find Gelu a very reliable person indeed.
Written May 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlotte H
Padua, Italy5 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
My partner and I spent two nights/ three days with Gelu, trekking on a personalised route along the Transilvanica 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). Gelu was also kind enough to lend us all of his camping gear - a tent, sleeping bags, liners and stove. He was also very accommodating and open to our vegan dietary requirements!! I cannot recommend Gelu more highly and I am already looking forward to booking another trip with my family from the UK next time! Thank you so much ❤️
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind words, Charlotte. I was pleased and happy you felt safe during the hike, although we saw some bear footprints :) It was a nice adventure on Via Transilvanica. Thrilled to see your kid growing up already!
Written October 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bonnie and Harvey G.
6 contributions
Oct 2022
Gelu designed a custom/private 2 week tour for my husband and I that revolved around our interest in UNESCO Heritage sites, churches, synagogues and markets. 3 days into the trip I hurt my ankle and was limited as to what I could do. Gelu got me medical attention and acted as translator. 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. He arranged for us to visit a couple Mr. and Mrs. Ganea who made us a traditional dinner and shared their lives with us in their rural village home. Gelu took us to visit a woman that is gifted in “egg painting art”. 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.
Written November 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Bonnie, thank you for these kind words and also for the experience we lived together. It was a memorable tour and we, indeed, discovered so many nice and helpful people on our travel! As I told you, you and Harvey are such an inspiration for all married couples, and you really inspired me.
Written November 21, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paulo Reis
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Friends
Last year me and a group of friends had the idea to do some treks in the mountains of Romenia - Fagaras, Bucegi, Piatra Craiului.
I contacted some possible guides and then we decided to do the trip with the support of Gelu. He was amazing. He helped us to have all the reservations done on mountain huts, the accommodation in the cities we visited and also the transportation to go around. Sim he trip was fantastic with a mix of hard mountain treks and also historical/cultural visits. The weather in the mountain and other issues (like a team member loosing its passport) make these trips challenging and Gelu always had a plan B or C but hat were align with the team objectives for the trip. He was part of the team for sure. I clearly recommend Gelu for any trip to Romenia he has an array of tools that will help anyone that wants to go and visit that wonderful country
I contacted some possible guides and then we decided to do the trip with the support of Gelu. He was amazing. He helped us to have all the reservations done on mountain huts, the accommodation in the cities we visited and also the transportation to go around. Sim he trip was fantastic with a mix of hard mountain treks and also historical/cultural visits. The weather in the mountain and other issues (like a team member loosing its passport) make these trips challenging and Gelu always had a plan B or C but hat were align with the team objectives for the trip. He was part of the team for sure. I clearly recommend Gelu for any trip to Romenia he has an array of tools that will help anyone that wants to go and visit that wonderful country
Written July 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Paulo, for your nice words. It was indeed a more challenging, innovative tour than what I usually do, and I'm glad I was able to satisfy your requirements - the combination of the typical tour - cultural and historical - that I practice and the providing of the infrastructure for your mountain hiking, of the required plans B as well as C given the changeable weather conditions in the mountains.
Written October 6, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ICM
Lisbon District, Portugal26 contributions
Jun 2023
I loved my recent Transylvania adventure with my friends and to have an advice from Gelu was a great decision. There are many beautiful places to visit in Romania, even for a trip of 12 days. We really need to choose the best tours and activities and we found the right person to support us - Gelu’s became a friend because he exceed our expectative with all support in touristic cities tours and hard mountain treks. The time spent in each place was perfect and also the ratio between price and quality. I recommend you all to visit Romania with Gelu’s assistance to enjoy the culture, mountains and forests, monuments, restaurants, hotels and for safety (he help us to decide the treks) and economic reasons. My feeling is that I’ll come back one day :-)
Written July 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Isabel, I felt the friendship of the Portuguese group and even the emotion of the farewell. For sure we will meet again, in Romania or Portugal.
Written October 6, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Catherine d
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Friends
Our experience with Transylvanian Tours was exceptionally well-prepared. Our mountaineering group has particular wishes. Gelu delivered what we wanted but added much more to our experience and helped with all the extras needed during our travel. I will certainly be going back to Romania!
Written October 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Catherine, I am grateful for your recommendation and look forward to your next adventure in Romania :) Also, the feedback you've given me is helpful in planning future tours, particularly in terms of increasing options for diverse menus on longer tours.
Written October 16, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
travel_girl_ks
Chicago, IL96 contributions
Mar 2022
We had a wonderful time touring Transylvania with Gelu! Before the trip, he worked with us to customize the tour based on our interests, his recommendations and the amount of time we had in Romania.
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! Highly recommend taking a tour with Gelu!
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! Highly recommend taking a tour with Gelu!
Written April 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Kerri, I have just passed to Maramures, to the place we had left our aide for Ukrainian refugees and I remembered our tour in early spring of this year. A great thank for the review. All my best for you and Justin!
Written November 21, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hoe Seong O
7 contributions
May 2024 • Family
The itinerary planned by Gelu was great, began in Bucharest, Transylvania, Danube Delta and a short glimpse of Constanta. The whole journey was extremely pleasant and many beautiful scenic sites. We were lucky to have an experienced and knowledgeable guide Gelu, whom we learnt a lot about Romania, also taking good care of us. Our sincere thanks to Gelu.
Written May 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JB
Upstate NY70 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
My husband and I spent 2 weeks on a tour of Romania led by Gelu. We greatly appreciated his enthusiasm and the knowledge he shared about his country. We especially were impacted by his personal stories relating to first hand experience living under communism (something only available from a 'local' guide ). When we returned home we were treated to a photo/video montage with memories from our trip documented by Gelu. We were extremely impressed by the personal attention to detail and the overall commitment Gelu had in making our trip one we will remember.
Written October 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Julie, it was a great time to remember, indeed. So happy to meet you and Doug, our hero :) By sharing my experience under Communism, I also hope to make the American tourists aware of how important was the redemptive role the US, alongside a Polish pope, played back then for the people behind the Iron Curtain, and how grateful we are.
Written October 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alfredo F
7 contributions
Jul 2023
Gelu designed a fantastic program between mountain trekking and cultural visits. We were able to experience a lifetime experience in 11 days. Gelu´s availability allowed us to change/adapt our program according to weather conditions or last time resolutions. I totally recommend Transylvanian Tours and Gelu for your next adventure holidays in Romenia!
Written July 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Alfredo, for your appreciative comments. It was a good, unique experience for me, too.
Written October 10, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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