Dracula Tour in Transylvania

Bucharest’s first mention in historical annals, as a prominent fortress and citadel, took place in 1459. The settlement quickly became the seat of the infamous Vlad the Impaler, powerful Prince of Wallachia and 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 time 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 Berthelot 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 now 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 next morning

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, resting place of the Romanian royal family and one of the most breathtaking and unusual churches in all of Romania. Delve into the curious, often tragic legends attached to this highly sculptural architectural masterpiece.

Next, venture into the untamed Transylvanian countryside to tour 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 full restoration of the existing structure. Climb more than a thousand steps to reach the fortress’s abandoned cliff walls, and visualize the turbulence that took place here hundreds of years ago.

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, and the scenery is astonishingly beautiful. Hold on tight and enjoy the view as you wind your way around hairpin turns and over spectacular mountain passes.

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 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

Departing the fascinating town of Sibiu, you’ll recommence your journey on the way to the Biertan fortified church (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Biertan is representative of the highly fortified architectural style employed throughout Transylvania during the 13th, 14th, and 15th centuries, when townspeople built and maintained “peasant fortified churches” with the intention of scrambling safely inside and locking 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, housed 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 feared enemy of the Turks beginning in the 1450s. His childhood home is still in good repair; in fact, it is now home to the restaurant Vlad Dracul.

After breakfast, you’ll set out for one of the most renowned sites in all of Romania: 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.

Outside the castle, you’ll have the chance to try an array of traditional foods: handmade cheeses, pálinka (plum and pear brandy), and traditionally-produced ham and sausages.

Next, journey to the beautifully-preserved medieval town of Brasov, 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.

In the evening, enjoy a dinner in one of the best restaurants in town – a great opportunity to sample Transylvanian traditional food.

In the morning, depart Brasov and travel amidst breathtaking mountain scenery to Sinaia, where you’ll visit Peles Castle, the 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 types of wood.

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

By late afternoon or evening, return to Bucharest.

Departure. Included transfer to the airport.