Dracula Tour in Transylvania

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 resting place of the Romanian royal family and one of Romania’s most breathtaking and unique churches. Delve into the curious, often tragic legends associated with this highly sculptural architectural masterpiece.

Next, venture into the untamed Transylvanian countryside to photograph the atmospheric ruins of Poienari Fortress. Vlad the Impaler chose this steep, nearly impenetrable location as his castle and refuge, enslaving aristocrats convicted of treason to carry out a complete restoration of the existing structure.

On your way to Sibiu, you’ll traverse one of the most extraordinary roads ever built: the Transfagarasan Road, carved through the stunning surrounding landscape during the Communist regime. This road crosses the Carpathian Mountains at a high altitude (2000 meters / 6000 feet), offering astonishingly beautiful scenery. Hold on tight and enjoy the view as you navigate hairpin turns and pass over breathtaking mountain vistas.

The afternoon brings you to Sibiu. Check into your hotel, then meet your guide for a walking tour of the medieval historic district, where you will witness the intricate and ingenious fortifications established by the Saxons. As a vital crossroads for trade, Sibiu was frequently besieged, leading to the development of a complex system of reinforcements to deter enemies.

*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

Leaving the fascinating town of Sibiu, you’ll continue your journey to the Biertan fortified church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Biertan showcases the heavily fortified architectural style used throughout Transylvania during the 13th, 14th, and 15th centuries, when townspeople built and maintained “peasant fortified churches” to retreat safely inside and secure heavy doors in case of an attack.

Next, you’ll head to Sighisoara, one of the few inhabited European citadels still standing. Enjoy a guided walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town and visit the History Museum located within the picturesque 13th-century clock tower. Ascend the 17th-century covered wooden staircase to explore the Church on the Hill.

Sighisoara holds historical significance as the famed birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. Born here in 1431, he became the absolute ruler of Wallachia and a feared enemy of the Ottomans starting in the 1450s. His childhood home is well-preserved and now serves as the restaurant Vlad Dracul.

After breakfast, you’ll head out to one of Romania’s most famous sites: Bran Castle (commonly referred to as Dracula’s Castle). Since the fictional depiction of Dracula’s castle aligns so closely with Bran, it is widely thought that Bram Stoker drew from it to create the imagined home of Count Dracula.

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

In the morning, leave Brașov and travel through breathtaking mountain scenery to Sinaia, where you’ll visit Peles Castle, a stunning 19th-century royal residence. Known for its extravagant opulence, the interior is adorned with beautiful crystal decorations and carvings made from the rarest and most exotic types of wood.

Nearby, take a moment to appreciate the Sinaia Monastery before continuing to the 14th-century Snagov Monastery, often regarded as the final resting place of Vlad Dracula.

By late afternoon or evening, you will arrive in Bucharest.