Dracula Tour in Transylvania

Romania

From

995 

Duration

5 days

Languages Support

English

Tour Description

Travel in the Carpathians’ shadow and across the wild Transylvanian landscape to discover remote Gothic ruins and fortresses, medieval castles, steep gorges, and historical accounts of the real Dracula.

At Curtea de Arges, visit the surreal 14th-century monastery with soaring domes that seem to defy gravity laws. At Poienari Fortress, take photos of Vlad the Impaler’s forbidding center of command.

In Sibiu, tour the ultra-fortified Saxon city where the governors of Transylvania ruled for centuries. Enjoy the spectacular view from the iconic Clock Tower in Sighisoara, a splendid medieval citadel. After a walking tour of the legendary Old Town, venture into the house where Vlad the Impaler was born—now a restaurant and café—for a cup of coffee.

Proceed to the epic Bran Castle, a military fortress built in the 14th century by Brasov’s merchants to defend a precious trade route. In Brasov’s Old Town, tour the Black Church, the medieval city walls, and the culturally significant St. Nicholas Church.

Next, visit Peles Castle, the luxurious 19th-century royal residence of Carol I, filled to the brim with precious marble, crystal, Venetian mirrors, and extravagantly carved walls. Explore the elegant Sinaia Monastery before winding up your tour on the islet of Snagov, believed to be the final resting place of Dracula.

If you’re looking for different tour options in Romania or have specific preferences, feel free to explore our alternative tours in Romania or reach out to us for a personalized experience tailored just for you!

Ready To Book Your Tour?

Tour Itinerary

Bucharest’s first mention in historical annals as a prominent fortress and citadel occurred in 1459. The settlement quickly became the seat of the infamous Vlad the Impaler, the mighty Prince of Wallachia and the real-life inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Today, only a handful of medieval sites have survived the long period of Communist rule. Modern Bucharest represents a mélange of architecture from every subsequent period, with old French and Soviet-influenced buildings providing the sharpest contrast.

Arriving in Bucharest, you’ll be introduced to your guide and settle into the comfortable Capitol Hotel, the perfect starting point for an in-depth exploration of this magnificent modern capital. On your panoramic city tour, you’ll witness the vibrant cultural renaissance sweeping the city.

*Should you travel to Bucharest on a flight that arrives late in the afternoon or evening, the city tour can also be done the following day

Overnight in Bucharest, Hotel Capitol****(5 minutes walk from the Old Town)

This morning, set out on your journey to the medieval Transylvanian city of Sibiu. On the way, pause to tour the 16th-century Curtea de Arges Monastery, the Romanian royal family’s resting place and one of Romania’s most breathtaking and unusual churches. Delve into the curious, often tragic legends attached to this highly sculptural architectural masterpiece.

Next, venture into the untamed Transylvanian countryside to take photos of the ruins of the atmospheric Poenari Fortress. Vlad the Impaler chose this steep, nearly impenetrable location as his safe house and castle, enslaving aristocrats arrested for treason to effectuate a complete restoration of the existing structure.

On your way to Sibiu, you’ll take one of the most extraordinary roads ever built: the Transfagarasan Road, carved into the gorgeous surrounding countryside during the Communist regime. The Transfagarasan crosses the Carpathian Mountains at a high altitude (2000 meters / 6000 feet), and the scenery is astonishingly beautiful. Hold on tight and enjoy the view as you wind around hairpin turns and over spectacular mountain passes.

The afternoon brings your arrival in Sibiu. Check into your hotel, then join your guide for a walking tour of the medieval historic district, witnessing the elaborate and ingenious fortifications put into place by the Saxons. As an important crossroads for trade, Sibiu was often besieged, and a complex system of reinforcements was devised to deter the enemy.

*Please note that the Transfagarasan Road is only open between June and September. If your tour is outside this period, you will travel on the road going along the Olt River valley

Overnight in Sibiu, Hotel Art**** (located in the Old Town)

Departing the fascinating town of Sibiu, you’ll recommence your journey to the Biertan fortified church (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Biertan represents the highly fortified architectural style employed throughout Transylvania during the 13th, 14th, and 15th centuries when townspeople built and maintained “peasant fortified churches” to scramble safely inside and lock heavy doors in case of attack.

Next, you’ll proceed to Sighisoara, one of the only inhabited European citadels still in existence. Take a guided walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town and peruse the History Museum inside the picturesque 13th-century clock tower. Climb the 17th-century covered wooden staircase to explore the Church on the Hill.

Sighisoara is significant to history as the famed birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. Born here in 1431, he became the absolute ruler of Wallachia and the feared enemy of the Ottomans beginning in the 1450s. His childhood home is still in good repair; it is now home to the restaurant Vlad Dracul.

Overnight in Sighisoara, Fronius Residence***** (located inside the Citadel)

After breakfast, you’ll set out for one of Romania’s most renowned sites: Bran Castle (famously called Dracula’s Castle). Because his fictional portrayal of Dracula’s castle matches Bran so closely, it is widely believed that Bram Stoker must have used descriptions of it to create the fictitious home of Count Dracula.

Next, a journey to Brasov’s beautifully-preserved medieval town in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Your guide will lead you on a walking tour of the Old Town, where you’ll discover the Black Church, the Old Town Square, and city walls built in the Middle Ages. You’ll have free time to absorb the unparalleled atmosphere in one of Brasov’s many charming cafés.

Overnight in Brasov, Hotel Schuster*** (located in the Old Town)

In the morning, depart Brasov and travel amidst breathtaking mountain scenery to Sinaia, where you’ll visit Peles Castle, a staggering 19th-century royal residence. Famous for its unbridled opulence, the interior is encrusted with breathtaking crystal embellishments and carvings in the rarest and most exotic wood types.

Nearby, pause to admire the Sinaia Monastery before continuing to the 14th-century Snagov Monastery, widely considered the final resting place of Vlad Dracul.

By late afternoon or evening, arrive in Bucharest.

Overnight in Bucharest, Hotel Capitol****(5 minutes walk from the Old Town)

Departure. Included transfer to the airport.

Included / Excluded

  • The possibility of having your itinerary customized at no extra charge
  • Great flexibility regarding changes to the daily itinerary even after the start of the tour
  • A private licensed English-speaking guide/driver, available throughout the tour
  • All guide's expenses (meals, accommodation, etc.)
  • Private transportation in an air-conditioned car or minivan (depending on the number of travelers joining)
  • All car/minivan expenses, such as gasoline, parking, and road tolls
  • Complimentary wireless internet access in the car/minivan so that you can stay in touch with your loved ones even while traveling
  • Entrance fees as per the itinerary, with guided visits. If you wish to add any sight on the go, the guide will always be available with information during the visit
  • Accommodation as per the hotel list on the itinerary page, with breakfast included (we can also offer a different selection of hotels, based on your preference)
  • Coffee break at the "Casa Vlad Dracul" in Sighisoara, Dracula's birth house
  • Airport transfers
  • Airfare to and from Romania
  • Meals or beverages, other than the included ones
  • Credit card fees (3.25%). We offer you the possibility of paying by domestic bank transfer (for the U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom)
  • Photo fees (some sights require the payment of a fee for allowing you to take pictures - they are mostly inexpensive, around 2 or 3 euro/sight)
  • Gratuities for your guide (entirely up to your discretion)

Tour Information

Duration

5 days

Languages Support

English

Places Visited:

Bucharest | Curtea de Arges | Sibiu | Sighisoara | Bran Castle | Brasov | Sinaia | Snagov monastery | Bucharest

Total Distance Traveled:

800 km / 500 mi

Tour Price:

  • Single traveler: from 2440 euros pp
  • 2 travelers: from 1290 euros pp
  • 3 travelers: from 995 euros pp
  • 4 travelers: from 1020 euros pp
  • For a different number of travelers, please contact us