3-Day Dracula Entranced Tour from Bucharest with Transport
In creating this tour we have put together o collection of sights that will bring to life the story of Vlad the Impaler and will take you on a journey of discovery starting with his life, into his time as king and ending with his abrupt and untimely death. Through discovering the places that have a deep connection with historical events that occurred during his lifetime and through a better understanding of the myths that surround his name you will better differentiate between fact and fiction.
During our tour, we will discuss aspects of the Dracula novel and popular fiction but will also include traditional Romanian myths concerning the popular beliefs of a people that is still very much rooted in superstition.
Good company, good food and beautiful scenery complement this tour as you will get a chance to discover parts of both Wallachia and Transylvania and get to know its people and its culture. And we have packed all this excitement in three days of fun and free time just for you.
ItineraryDay 1: Bucharest - Curtea de Arges Monastery - Poenari Fortress - TransfăgărășanStop At: Curtea de Arges Monastery, Bulevardul Basarabilor 1, Curtea de Arges 115300 Romania
The church of the Curtea de Arges Monastery is one of the most beautiful religious monuments in Romania. Built in 1515-1517 by a rich and cultured prince, Neagoe Basarab, it is filled with decoration inspired by Byzantine, Ottoman, Georgian and Armenian art and it offers a unique glimpse into the medieval past of Romania.
The church has been chosen as the final resting place for the Romanian monarchs of the Hohenzollern dinasty at the beginning of the 20th century.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Poienari Castle, Transfagarasan, Arefu 117040 Romania
The Poenari Castle (Cetatea Poenari) was once Vlad the Impaler's residence, and its location in the foothills of the Făgăraș Mountains makes for a wonderfully dramatic setting. It was to the citadel, that the survivors of Vlad the Impaler's massacre in Târgoviște were marched to start work on his castle.
Our guide will help the visitor navigate the 1480 step climb to the top and will have water ready if needed. The climb usually takes about 30 minutes, up a concrete stairway equipped with safety railings and an electrified fence to guard against bears. The fortress sits at an altitude of 850 m (2800 ft) above sea level.
After reaching the top we will access the fortress using a narrow wooden bridge and we will instantly come across the crumbling remains of the old keep. Our guide will offer many insights in regards to the history of the building, its many legends and stories.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Vidraru Dam, DN7C, Curtea de Arges 117040 Romania
We will stop in order to admire the Vidraru Lake which is around 10 km (6,2 miles) long and is held back by the spectacular Vidraru dam which is in its turn is 165 m (550 ft) long. Beyond the lake, the spectacular Transfăgărășan Highway continues across the Făgăraș mountains and into Transylvania.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Transfagarasan Highway, Dn 7C Sibiu and Arges County, Curtea de Arges 115300 Romania
The Transfăgărășan Road is Romania's highest asphalted road and it provides and unforgettable experience with breathtaking scenery around every one of its twists and turns. It was also voted by Top Gear as the world's best road.
After passing through a 887 m-long (0,55 miles) tunnel we will enter Transylvania and we will have the possibility of of admiring the beauty of the glacial Lake Bâlea at 2034 m (6673 ft) above sea level. We will have some time here to walk around and see the lake hovering like a mirror among the rocks and partake in the breathtaking views that the area affords.
The Bâlea Chalet has a good restaurant and we can stop he for refreshments.
From here the road winds down to the valley below and the view is stunning.
DISCLAIMER: The Road is ONLY open from the 1st of July to 15th of October each year, but this can vary depending on meteorological conditions and unexpected changes in wheather! Please bear in mind that he road can be closed without prior notice!
Duration: 45 minutes
Meals included:
• Dinner: A traditional dinner will be provided on the first evening, giving you the chance to sample local wines and dishes.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Moara de Piatră in Cârța village, a 3 star hotel (or similar)
Day 2: Cârța - Sighișoara - BrașovStop At: Sighisoara Clock Tower, Strada Turnului, Sighisoara 545400 Romania
The Old Town of Sighișoara is unmissable, dominating the newer quarters from a rocky massif whose slopes support a jumble of old, leaning houses. The Clock Tower aka The History Museum was raised in the 14th century when Sighișoara was controlled by craft guilds, each of which had to finance its tower and defend it during wartime. After paying the entrance fee our guide will accompany you inside the old clock tower with it old wooden, creaky steps.
Inside you will be able to see Gothic furniture, pharmaceutical objects, gingerbread mounds, objects belonging to the trade guilds that once ruled the city and a very interesting display on Hermann Oberth, one of the forefathers of space travel... yes, you've heard that right!
The main reason to climb the tower is for the marvelous views of the crooked lanes and houses below and the rolling hills in the distance. In addition to the tower our ticket will include access to the Collection of Medieval Arms.
NOTE: The Tower is CLOSED on Mondays.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Casa Vlad Dracul, Piata Muzeului Piata Cetatii, Sighisoara 545400 Romania
This three story house that sits in the shadow of the Clock Tower is where, according to legend, Vlad the Impaler was born in 1431 to a woman whose name is lost to posterity.
Today the house is a restaurant, and we can stop here the chance to go upstairs in order to see the alleged birthplace of Vlad the Impaler.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Church on the Hill, Sighisoara Romania
The Church on the Hill, built between 1345 and 1525, has been beautifully restored, and contains faded murals, a vaulted ceiling and three Gothic altars. The church is massively buttressed and here our guide will take a moment to explain how these churches doubles as places of worship and fortified keeps in time of danger. Beyond the church our visitors will have the chance to explore the Saxon cemetery.
To get to the church we will take the Scholars' Stairs, a steep, covered wooden staircase of 178 steps and 29 landings that dates from 1642.
Duration: 1 hour
Pass By: Monastery's Church, Strada Cetății, Sighișoara 545400, Romania
The Church of the Dominican Monastery is a 15th century Gothic church that became the Saxons' main Lutheran church in 1556.
Pass By: "Saint Joseph" Church, Strada Zidul Cetăţii, Sighișoara 545400, Romania
The St. Joseph Roman Catholic church was built in 1894, after the demolition of the Franciscan Convent. It is situated in the northeast of the citadel.
Pass By: Centrul Istoric Sighisoara, Piata Cetatii Nr.1 Center of Sighisoara, Sighisoara 545400 Romania
Of the original 14 citadel towers, named after the guilds responsible for building and up-keeping them, only 9 survive. We will pass by and see the hexagonal Shoemakers' Tower, the Tailors' Tower and the Tinsmiths' Tower.
Stop At: Piata Cetatii, Sighisoara 545400 Romania
We will see the place where once upon a time wrongdoers would be hanged in plain sight for their crimes against the city of Sighișoara and witch trial were held.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Piata Agroalimentara, Strada Târnavei 33, Sighișoara 545400, Romania
Upon entering the city we will stop at the fresh produce market where locals sell their home-grown produse every day to the people of the city. Most of the fruits and vegetables sold here every day are in season and the array of smells, tastes and colors will surprise and delight you at the same time. There are many photo ops here and also a chance to buy and taste some of the produce there. There is everything from home made bread to locally made cheese, forest fruit picked from the actual forest and much more.
Duration: 45 minutes
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight at Casa Wagner in Brașov, a 3-star hotel (or similar)
Day 3: Brașov - Bran - BucharestStop At: Black Church (Biserica Neagra), Curte Honterus Johannes nr. 2, Brasov 500025 Romania
Brașov most famous landmark, the Black Church, dominates the square around it. Allegedly the largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul, it took almost a century to complete. The church contains one of the largest collections of Turkish prayer mats in Eastern Europe.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Piaka Sfatului, Piata Sfatului, Brasov 500025 Romania
The Council Square is the focus point in Brașov and it has changed very little from the 15th century when it was built. It is lined with sturdy merchant's houses with red-tiled roofs and shops. In the center stands the Council House built in 1420 topped by the Trumpeter's Tower in which town councilors would meet.
The square is the place where reputedly the last witch burning in Europe took place.
Duration: 25 minutes
Stop At: Holy Trinity Church, Strade George Baritiu 12, Brasov 500025 Romania
Also dubbed "the hidden church", it has brightly colored wall paintings and its courtyard is built against the wall that used to defend the city in medieval times.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: The White Tower, Calea Poienii, Brașov, Romania
Facing Turkish attacks in the 15th century, Brașov built stringer fortifications, assigning each bastion to a particular guild.
The White Tower in Brașov is unmistakable in its design and offers stunning views over the city on a clear day.
Duration: 35 minutes
Stop At: Rope Street - Strada Sforii, Strada Sforii, Brasov 500015 Romania
Presumably the narrowest street in Eastern Europe this little passageway retains all the spirit of medieval Brașov and it makes for some nice photos to share with your family and friends.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle), Str. General Traian Mosoiu nr. 24, Bran 507025 Romania
Bran, 28 km (18 miles) southwest of Brașov, commands the entrance to the pass of the same name, the main route into Wallachia.
The Saxons of Kronstadt (Brașov) built a castle in 1377 in order to safeguard the vital trade route. The connections of Vlad the Impaler are shrouded in myth. The castle may have housed Vlad for a few nights on his flight from the Turks in 1462, following their attack on the Poenari fortress. Another story tells of how he laid siege to the castle in 1460 when attacking the Burzenland.
Perched on a rocky bluff and rising in tiers of towers and ramparts from the surrounding woodland Bran Castle still has many stories to tell.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Stop At: Princely Court, Str. Justice, No. 7, Targoviste 130 014 Romania
The Princely Court was once the royal seat of Wallachia and it was from here that 33 princes exercised their rule. The Princely Court was very important in the life of Vlad the Impaler, who spent his early years here, until he and his brother Radu were sent by their father to Anatolia as hostages. After the murder of his father, Vlad returned to be enthroned here in 1456.
Our first stop is the 27 m-high Sunset Tower which was built during the 15th century and originally used as a watchtower for Vlad's soldiers. It's worth climbing to the top for terrific views of the complex and the rest of town.
We will then visit the beautiful Princely Church, built in 1583, and its interior with its vast chancel screen (iconostasis) as well as dozens of frescoes of Wallachian princes, such as Basarab, Cantacuzino & Brancoveanu.
Our certified tour guide will help you make sense of the complex through images and detailed explanations that take in the connection to Vlad the Impaler.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Snagov Monastery, Strada Manastirea Vlad Tepes Silistea, Snagov 077117 Romania
A tiny island at the northern end of Snagov Lake is home to the monastery of the same name, a small stone church dating from the 15th century. There has been a church here since at least the 11th century.
Vlad the Impaler's alleged grave is located inside the church. Our guide will explain the different aspects regarding his death and untimely demise. As with many aspects of the Dracula story, there is some debate as to whether the body buried here actually belongs to Vlad. You will be the one to decide after hearing all the facts.
Duration: 45 minutes
Meals included:
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No accommodation included on this day.
Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Service animals allowed"
"Near public transportation"
"Infant seats available"
"Not recommended for pregnant travelers"
"No heart problems or other serious medical conditions"
"Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level"
"A current valid passport is required on the day of travel"
"This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund"
"This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund"
"This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking"
Horário de Início:
08:30 AM
Duração: 3 Days
Ponto de partida: The Romanian Athenaeum, 1, Strada Benjamin Franklin 1-3, București 030167, Romania
Traveler pickup is offered
The tour leader will have a sign with the company logo and the name of all the passengers attending the tour. He/she can also be identified by the T-shirt bearing the company name.
Airports- Otopeni Intl Airport, Bucharest Romania
Cancelamentos e reembolsos:
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
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