Forgatag
Transylvania 2026
An immersive cultural journey into the heart of Hungarian folk dance, music, and community
Summer 2026 | 15 days | Budapest → Kalotaszeg → Szék → Mezőség → Székelyföld → Gyimes
Day 1
Arrival in Budapest
Our adventure begins in Hungary’s vibrant capital. You’ll land, get settled, and take the evening to rest or explore at your own pace.
Note: Everyone arranges their own accommodation for Budapest nights.
Day 2
Dance Awakening at the Fonó
We kick off our journey in style with an intimate dance workshop led by the warm and talented Enikő and Dezső at the Fonó Budai Zeneház, a beloved home of folk music in Budapest.
The night ends with dinner and conversation at the Fonó's rustic tavern.
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Day 3
Music, Movement, and Magic at the Fonó
The day belongs to movement and melody. We’ll dance with Ricsi, Gerda, and the legendary Berecz Pityú and his father Berecz András, then enjoy a special performance by Sarjú, Salamon Soma, and Kásler Magdi, followed by a cozy táncház (folk dance party).
This night will stay in your bones.
Independent accommodation in Budapest.
Day 4
Journey to Kalotaszentkirály
Early morning departure into the mountains of Transylvania. We arrive in the picturesque village of Kalotaszentkirály, where we’ll follow a rich, locally-curated cultural itinerary coordinated by Lovász Kati.
Group lodging begins here.
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Day 5
Méra & Kalotaszeg Wonders
After a village breakfast, we travel to Méra. Our day includes:
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A visit to a traditional "Tiszta Szoba" (ornamental clean room)
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A Kalotaszegi folk dance workshop at Folkotthon
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A performance by local adatközlö dancers
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Hajnali singing lessons with the Tokos Band
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A spirited táncház to close the evening
Day 6
Szék: A Living Folk Museum
We journey to the fabled village of Szék. Here, the past lives boldly:
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Girls will don traditional garments in a local tiszta szoba
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We'll attend Protestant church service as the locals do
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Spend the day chatting with villagers, shopping for costumes, and exploring historic homes
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Day 7
Castles & Cities
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Morning at the stunning Bánffy Castle in Bonchida, followed by an afternoon of sightseeing and a group dinner in Kolozsvár, the cultural capital of Transylvania.
Evening return to Szék.
Day 8
Mezőség & Visa
We head into the wild beauty of the Mezőség region for a rustic kirándulás (hike) before arriving in Visa, where Ella curates a magical evening. A mezőségi táncház with the iconic Palatkai Band may close the night.
Sleep in Szék.
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Day 9
Szováta Soaking
A peaceful day of sightseeing in Székelyföld, topped off with some well-deserved rest and wellness time at the saltwater spa of Szováta.
Float. Breathe. Let the folk rhythms settle into your bones.
Day 10
Korond & Zetelaka
Morning souvenir stop in the artisanal village of Korond, known for its ceramics and woodwork. Then onward to Zetelaka, where Imre will welcome us with a custom cultural program rooted in local tradition.
Day 11
The Gates of Gyimes
We climb into the Carpathians, stopping at the dramatic Gyilkos-tó (Killer Lake), before reaching Gyimesközéplok, where we’ll spend time with Pintyó Erika at the famous mountain guesthouse, Borospataka Panzió.
Day 12
Mountains, Music, and Potato Bread
A full day of village life: baking krumplis kenyér (potato bread), hiking to the Kaliba (mountain huts), and ending with a hearty táncház with the breathtaking Heveder Band. A true highland celebration of dance, nature, and togetherness.
Day 13
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Fogaras & Return to Budapest
We wind our way back through the Fogaras Mountains, with time to reflect, nap, and share stories from the road. A long but soulful return to where it all began.
Day 14
Rest & Explore Budapest
A free day in the capital. Stroll the Danube, sip coffee in the Jewish quarter, visit a ruin pub, or simply rest your dancing legs before the journey home.
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Day 15
Departure Day
We say farewell—for now—and carry home more than just souvenirs: memories, melodies, and new kinship through dance.
Return to Toronto, hearts full.