Study Trip – Transylvania’s Undying Legend, 11 days tour from Bucharest
This Study Trip Romania is specially prepared for students who are passionate about history and myths.
Discover the country and follow in Vlad the Impaler‘s footsteps.
Visit traditional mountain villages and learn all about the history and customs of the places you explore.
RO-BU11STPV-AD- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- Reviews
- FAQ
Tours in Transylvania for students - bring your group of students to the land of Dracula and discover our amazing country. Visit traditional mountain villages and find out more about our old tradition. You will also explore the most important Dracula related highlights. Our amazing study tours in Transylvania also include special events: an unforgettable Steam Train Ride and the popular Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead.
Tours in Transylvania - Special event:
Steam Train on Vaser Valley – discover an area devoid by human population.
Dracula Tours in Transylvania - Highlights:
Snagov Monastery – where, according to the legend, Vlad the Impaler was buried after his assassination.
Targoviste, former capital of Walachia County situated on the right bank of Ialomita River, home of Vlad Tepes old court.
The Medieval Saxon city of Brasov – it was here that Vlad led raids against the Saxon merchants Bran Castle – also known as Dracula’s Castle, a legendary Transylvanian fortress dating back to 1377.
Sighisoara Medieval Citadel – the best preserved and still inhabited medieval citadel in Eastern Europe with a UNESCO World Heritage status, Vlad the Impaler’s birth place
Poienari Fortress* – Vlad’s old and faithful citadel perched high on a cliff, more than 1,000 stairs to climb.
*Please have in mind that Poienari citadel will be closed until the end of 2023 due to some infrastructure works
Sibiu – one of Romania’s most beautiful medieval cities, the former European capital of Culture in 2007, and the place where Vlad’s son is buried
Romania’s most wonderful caves: Pestera Valea Cetatii Cave ( The Valley of the Citadel cave), Meziad cave, Pestera Ursilor (Bear’s cave), Pestera Scarisoara (Scarisoara’s cave)
Babele and Sphinx – the most popular tourist destination from the country , can be reached by cable car. A lot of walking trails are available.
Ritual Killing of the Living Dead - performed according with old Transylvanian tradition, as was featured on Travel Channel
Tours in Transylvania, Study Trip Romania – Brief itinerary
Day 1
Our English speaking guide picks you up from Bucharest airport. After that, drive to Snagov.
Visit the famous Snagov Monastery, build on an island in the middle of Snagov Lake.
Allegedly, Dracula’s body was buried here after his death.
After visiting the monastery, return to Bucharest and accommodate in a centrally located 3* hotel.
Day 2
Your Dracula tours in Transylvania continue with Targoviste. Here, you will visit the ruins of Vlad Tepes’ old court.
From here, drive to Sinaia and visit Peles Castle, a stunning palace which used to serve as royal residence.
After that, head for Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle from Transylvania thanks to Bram Stoker’s novel.
Visit the castle and then drive to Brasov.
Enjoy a delicious dinner and then attend ‘Dracula’s Wedding’, a non-verbal show played by professional actors.
Day 3
During your Dracula Tours in Transylvania, visit impressive places in the vicinity of Bran.
Admire the Valley of the Citadel Cave and Rasnov Citadel from outside.
After that, discover Bat’s Cave.
Day 4
On the next day of your Dracula tours in Transylvania, visit Poienari Citadel*, Dracula’s old fortress.
Make sure you’re physically prepared, because you need to climb over 1400 stairs to reach the top.
However, the view from above makes the entire effort worth it.
*Please have in mind that Poienari citadel will be closed until the end of 2023 due to some infrastructure works
From here, head for your next objective, Curtea de Arges Monastery.
Day 5
Continue your tour in Sibiel.
Visit the Village Museum, the biggest open air museum in Romania.
Day 6
Drive to Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, Dracula’s birthplace.
Visit the Clock Tower museum and the Medieval Weapons Collection.
After that, head for Turda, home of the famous Salt Mine.
Descend into the mine and visit the old galleries and then accommodate in a 4* Dracula themed hotel.
Enjoy a vampire menu for dinner and attend the unique Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead, performed as seen on Travel Channel.
Tours in Transylvania – Discover Apuseni Mountains
Day 7
In the next part of your study trip Romania, discover Apuseni Mountains.
First of all, visit unique caves such as Bear’s Cave, Meziad Cave or Scarisoara Cave. Accommodate at a local guest house.
The next day begins with a visit at one of the most spectacular caves in Apuseni, Huda lui Papara.
Day 8
Next, you'll enjoy a stunning scenery, following the steps of Jonathan Harker (Bram Stoker 's character from Dracula novel) to Bistrita close to Borgo Pass. Accommodate in 4* hotel - Golden Crown.
Day 9
In the morning, drive to Sacel. Meet a traditional wood-craftsman who will teach you how to make the perfect wooden stake.
After that visit the Merry Cemetery. Unique in the entire world, the cemetery is famous because of the funny epitaphs carved on the wooden crosses. Each cross also depicts the deceased in a cartoon like manner. Return to Sacel and accommodate in a 3* pension.
Day 10
Your next Dracula Tour Romania destination is Vaser Valley. Enjoy a unique experience, a reminder of past times.
You will go on a 50 km travel with a Steam Train (known as Mocanita in Romania). Admire the amazing scenery around you.
Take your time and snap some photos, since the train is designed to run at a slow speed. Complete your train ride and then continue your Tours in Transylvania by spending the night in Sacel.
Day 11
After that, head for Cluj-Napoca, where our guide drops you off at your booked hotel or at the airport.
This is an overview of your tour. For more information, please scroll up and then use the product menu to navigate and discover the complete itinerary, inclusions, exclusions and other details.
Book now!
Book this tour now and then enjoy an unforgettable tour in Transylvania, the land of Dracula! We accept MasterCard and Visa on our on-line secure internet payment form.
- MasterCard and Visa via fax and phone.
- We also accept payments via PayPal and bank transfer.
- At the moment of booking we require an advance deposit in the amount of Euro 145/person. Once the advance deposit is registered with our accounts we issue a Confirmation Letter.
- The final payment is due 60 days prior to tour departure. Should the booking be made within 60 days prior to tour departure, entire tour cost is requested at the time of booking.
Departures:
| Departure date | Price per person (2 persons to one double room) | Single Supplement | Availability |
| 11 day tour. Departure from Bucharest | |||
|
On request Price for groups of minimum 15 people |
€ 1287 | € 289 | Free |
|
On request Price for groups of 10-14 people |
€ 1498 | € 289 | Free |
Why to choose a private escorted tour
- It is more comfortable
- Flexible
- Time saving
- You can decide the pace of the tour
- Having a tour guide helps you to have a more genuine experience
Available for free if:
- You don’t have a reflection in the mirror,
- You decompose when sunlight strikes you,
- You’re over 200 years old,
- Can use your wings to fly to Transylvania,
Well, this holiday is free for you! Come join your fellow vampires in Transylvania:-)
Blood treats not included!
Other mentions
- Once you realize the price of good beer and wine you will probably not want to return to your country.
- People speak plenty of English in Romania and you will find the locals and the other tourists are friendly and open.
- No visa is required and you can get green card extension insurance from your insurer to cover Romania.
Map of the tour
Media Mention
We’re pleased to say that Transylvania Live has recently garnered the attention of several publications and broadcasts more details here
Halloween tours in Transylvania on the national news
Please activate Caption button to see the news with English subtitles.
Highlights:
Advice for European people traveling abroad
Check what travel documents you'll need to cross the border into another EU country.
Find out what documents you need for your spouse, children or other relatives if they are not EU nationals.
When travelling to or from a non-Schengen country, like Romania, you must show a valid ID or passport. Before travelling, check what documents you must have to travel outside your home country and to enter the non-Schengen country you plan to visit.
Documents for minors travelling in the EU
In addition to their own valid travel document (passport or ID card), if Romanian minors are travelling accompanied only by an adult other than their parents/legal guardian(s), they must have written consent to travel signed by both parents and/or legal guardian(s) and certified by a notary.
This consent must state:
- the itinerary
- the dates of the journey
- the identification of the accompanying adult
The accompanying adult must present:
- the above mentioned consent signed by both parents
- an extract of their own judicial record
- if applicable, the documents proving the quality of the person (e.g. a flight attendant) designated by the transport company
If they are travelling with one of their parents, they must show written consent (certified by a notary) from the other parent allowing them to leave the country. This consent is not necessary if the accompanying parent can prove:
- that custody of the minor was granted by a court
- that the other parent is deceased
- that the other parent has been declared as missing or their parental rights have been revoked
Minors can leave Romania without presenting the declaration, even where there is no consent from either of the parents or the legal guardian, if:
- the minor Romanian citizen moves to his / her residence to the country of destination
- the accompanying adult justifies the need for the trip by the fact that the minor is to receive medical treatment which is not possible in Romania and without which his/her life or health would be in serious danger. This must be backed up by documentary evidence, either issued or endorsed by the Romanian medical authorities, stating the time period and state(s) where the treatment is to take place.
- the accompanying adult justifies the need for the trip by the fact that the minor is travelling for educational purposes or to participate in an official competition. This must be backed up by documentary evidence stating the time period and the state(s) where the minor will study or compete.
Other than their own valid travel document, no particular extra official authorization is required for minors of other EU countries to enter Romania.
Package travel and linked travel arrangements
As a holidaymaker booking a package holiday and/or linked travel arrangements, you benefit from a high level of consumer protection under EU rules. If you buy a package, you have well-defined rights before and throughout the booking process, and up until your holiday ends, for example the right to pre-contractual information, the organiser's liability for the proper performance of travel services included in your package and insolvency protection. These rights apply to packages purchased online or face-to-face, from a tour operator, travel agent, or any other trader that is acting as the organiser of the package.
Package travel – different types of packages give you the same rights
When you book a package holiday, you buy a combination of two or more different types of travel services for the same trip or holiday. These services can include transport, accommodation, car hire, or under specific conditions any other tourist service. Your package may be pre-arranged – consisting of a number of services combined by a tour operator or travel agent – or you may have a more customised package by choosing the services yourself before the contract is concluded. In both cases, EU rules apply as long as your travel package was purchased in a certain way.
What is package travel? Your travel is considered as a package when:
1. You book travel services put together by or with the help of a trader, such as a tour operator or an online or offline travel agency under a single contract
or
2. You book travel services under separate contracts with individual providers and one of the following conditions is met:
you buy services at a single point of sale (such as a travel agency, a call centre or a website) and you select the services before agreeing to pay, i.e. before you conclude the first contract. This is the case, for example, where different travel services are put into a shopping basket or are otherwise selected before a contract is concluded.
- the services are sold to you at an inclusive or total price
- the services were advertised/sold as a "package" or similar
- travel services are combined after the conclusion of a contract under which you are entitled to choose from a selection of different travel services, for example a travel package gift box
Click-through package: you buy services from separate travel companies through a linked online booking process where the first company transmits your name, email address and payment details to the second company and the second contract is concluded within 24 hours of the first contract
A combination of a travel service, such as accommodation, and another tourist service, such as a guided tour, admission to a concert or sports event, or rental of sports equipment, can only be classed as a package if the other tourist service accounts for 25% or more of the overall value of the trip, or if that service is an essential feature of the trip.
Package travel – your right to clear and accurate information Before you book a package, the point of sale (booking website or app for example) or your travel agent must give you all the standard information about the package, such as the:
- travel destination (itinerary, dates and duration of the stay, details of any transfers, visits or excursions) and a list of services included
- name and contact details of the organiser of the package and, where it is sold through a retailer, of the retailer
- total price, inclusive of all taxes and where applicable all additional fees, and the payment arrangements
- information on how to terminate the contract before the start of the package on payment of an appropriate termination fee
Information on passport and visa requirements
Information on complaint-handling procedures, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms and, where appropriate, the ADR entity, and the online dispute resolution platform You should also receive clear information on your rights, based on an EU standardised form, explaining that you have been offered a package and outlining your rights.
Package travel - changes to or termination of the contract
Price increase: The organiser may increase the price of the package only if specific costs rise (for example, fuel prices). This must be clearly explained in the contract and cannot be applied any later than 20 days before the start of the package. If the price increase is more than 8% of the total price of the package, you have the right to end the package contract without a termination fee.
If you cannot travel you may:
- Transfer the package to another person: under certain conditions, you can transfer your package to another person, although you can be charged a reasonable fee for this, up to the actual cost incurred by the organiser to transfer your package travel contract.
- Terminate the contract: the organiser may however deduct a reasonable fee from your refund, depending, in particular, on the timing of your cancellation.
These rights are independent of any rights you may have under a cancellation insurance policy that you have taken out.
Cancellation by the organiser: Under normal conditions, if the organiser cancels the sale before the start of your package, you are entitled to a refund and compensation, where appropriate.
Cancellation in exceptional circumstances: If a natural disaster occurs or if there are serious security problems at your holiday destination that are likely to affect the package, the organiser may cancel the package. As a traveller, you are also free to cancel your package free of charge for the same reasons. In these cases, you are entitled to a full refund of any payments you've made but you are not entitled to additional compensation.
Package travel – liability for proper performance of travel services
The organiser is responsible for the proper performance of all travel services included in your package.
If a travel service can't be provided as agreed, for example if a provider can't carry out an agreed service or can't do so in the agreed form (such as providing transport to or from your destination, providing the agreed type of accommodation, or carrying out a guided tour that you booked), the organiser has to resolve the problem at no extra cost to you.
If it is impossible to make alternative arrangements or you reject the arrangements offered to you on valid grounds, and the package includes your transport (such as air travel), the organiser must offer to repatriate you. If the travel services do not reach the agreed standards and this cannot be resolved on the spot, you may also be entitled to compensation.
Package travel - assistance to travellers If you get into difficulty during your package holiday, for example if you have health problems or lose your passport, the organiser has to give you assistance, such as information on health services or on consular assistance, and should help you find alternative travel arrangements if necessary.
Liability for booking errors These rules apply to packages and LTAs.
When you book a holiday, the responsible trader (the travel agent or online travel agency) is liable if any of the following occurs during the booking process:
- technical defects in the booking system
- errors made by the retailer if they are responsible for arranging the booking of a package or of travel services which are part of linked travel arrangements
- Traders are not responsible for any booking errors made by you, or problems which are deemed unavoidable or are due to extraordinary circumstances.
Protection in case of bankruptcy These rules apply to package travel and LTAs.
If the trader you booked your holiday with goes bankrupt, you are protected by insolvency protection. This can be a fund, an insurance or any other mechanism in place in your EU country. This will refund any payments you may have made and will, if required, repatriate you if transport was included in your package
Learn more on the official European Union site
Choose our amazing tours in Transylvania
Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler, 3 days Short Break with 2 Halloween Parties
Tours in Transylvania - 3-Days Halloween Short Break from Cluj
Escorted holidays in Transylvania, from €599- Cluj Napoca, Transylvania, departure code: TR4.3RoHa
Halloween Party, in Sighisoara Citadel – Dracula’s birth place , plus Bran castle Halloween party!
The best Halloween Party from Sighisoara includes a delicious traditional Romanian festive dinner washed down with fiery spirits, excellent Romanian wine. Open bar is available until 01.00 am.
You can be part of the special programme including the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead, Vampire Hunting, magicians shows, contests and many dark surprises. Direct flights from London-Luton to Cluj Napoca available.
Halloween party from Dracula Castle from Bran inlcudes a night visit to the castle decorated for Halloween with skip the 3 hours line service and a 3 course dinner at the hotel situated in walking distance from the party more»
Halloween Party in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler-Sighisoara citadel, Dracula’s birthplace!
2 days holidays in Transylvania. Departure from Bucharest, Sibiu or Cluj Napoca Airport (tour code: Tr4.4RoHa)
Tours in Transylvania - Halloween Party in Sighisoara
Enjoy the best Halloween Party ever in the Medieval Citadel of Sighisoara, Dracula’s birth place!
A 2 day Transylvanian short break departing from the Romanian airport of your choice, be it Bucharest, Sibiu or Cluj Napoca.
You can decide for yourself the level of classification for accommodation in the citadel, from hostel style dormitories to an exquisite 5* intimate medieval hotel.
The main highlight is the Halloween Party including a delicious traditional dinner, open bar, an excellent magicians show, vampire hunting show and The Ritual Killing of a Living Dead, providing you with a truly memorable experience. more »
Unforgettable holidays in Transylvania with dinner at Bran Castle and a joyfully masquerade party in Transylvania
Tours in Transylvania - Vampire Itinerary with Royal Dinner at Bran Castle
Escorted holidays in Transylvania, with guaranteed departures from Bucharest, HB from € 1204
A Dracula Tour departing from Bucharest, intended to Dracula enthusiasts, culture and history fans, adventure seekers.
The tour includes the most important historical places related with Vlad the Impaler such as: Snagov Monastery where, Vlad was buried after his assassination; Sighisoara – Dracula’s birth place, Dracula’s Castle in Borgo Pass, built according to Bram Stocker’s imagination and the legendary Bran Castle.
These guarantee departure tours also include a Royal Dinner at Bran Castle, in Queen Marie’s Tea House. You will also attend an unforgettable Masquerade Party, including the Ritual Killing of a Living Dead performed according to old Transylvanian tradition (as was featured on Travel Channel) more»
Halloween in Transylvania the Awarded Dracula Tour from Bucharest with 3 Halloween parties included
Tours in Transylvania - Awarded 7-Days Halloween Itinerary
7 days tour, HB, from € 1299 – Bucharest departure – code: RO7.BHADT
This awarded Dracula Tour from Bucharest, is included by Fodor’s Travel Guide in Top 10 Must-Do Adventures and awarded “Tour of the Year” by TourRadar.
Includes the best Halloween Party in Sighisoara Citadel, Dracula’s birthplace. Also happenings like The Ritual Killing of a Living Dead (featured on Travel Channel). Assist at a Vampire Hunting.
Visit the most important historical places related with Vlad the Impaler: Bran Castle and Poenari Fortress. Party at Bran castle Halloween party. more»
Vampire in Transylvania - Dracula tours summer editions, 7 days awarded Dracula Tour from Bucharest
Tours in Transylvania - 7-Days Vampire Tour
summer tours with guaranteed departures from Bucharest, HB from € 1159 code: Ro4.4RoVa
A Dracula Tour from Bucharest, Romania intended to Dracula and history fans.
Attend the Ritual Killing of a Living Dead (as seen on Travel Channel). These tours includes the most important historical places related with Vlad Tepes such as: Snagov Monastery where, Sighisoara citadel- Dracula’s birthplace.
Another highlight is Dracula’s Castle in Borgo Pass, built according to Bram Stocker’s imagination and the legendary Bran Castle. more»
2 Days Holidays in Transylvania with Bran castle Halloween party
2-Days Party at Bran Castle
2 days Short break, from € 369 – Bucharest departure, (tour code TRB.2RoHa)
Enjoy the biggest Halloween from Transylvania! A 2 days short break with transfers from Bucharest.
Win a prize for your desguise at the dinner with traditional meals and costume contests. Skip the 3 hours line at the entrance and night visit to the castle decorated for Halloween.
Participate to the Halloween Party at Transylvania’s iconic image – Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle. more»
Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler – Short Break with 2 Halloween Parties
3 days, escorted trip, from €599 – Bucharest departure Bu 4.3RoHa
It’s time for the ultimate Halloween Parties in Transylvania: Sighisoara Halloween party and Bran castle Halloween party? Which will be the best? Come to Sighisoara Citadel – Dracula’s birth place! This short break includes a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sighisoara Medieval Citadel. The Halloween Party from Sighisoara includes a delicious traditional Romanian festive diner washed down with fiery spirits, excellent Romanian wine and accompanied by a special programme.
The schedule includes the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead, Vampiresa Hunting, magicians show and many dark surprises.
Also enjoy a night visit to Bran Castle aka Dracula’s Castle (decorated for Halloween) with its Halloween party, the biggest in Romania. more »
Transylvania’s Undying legend - Private Tours in Transylvania
5 days Private Dracula Tour from Bucharest
fom € 1299 – Bucharest departure code: Ro4.3RoVa A private Dracula Tour in Transylvania departing from Bucharest. The tour includes historical and legendary places related with Dracula’s life and death. First of all Vlad Dracula’s birth place in the medieval citadel of Sighisoara.
Also the ruins of the Poienari Fortress, the real Dracula Castle, Dracula’s refugee place from Arefu village. Finally Dracula’s tomb in Snagov Monastery. Thus enjoy a mysterious trip in Dracula’s Realm! more »
Vampire in Transylvania – 3 days Holidays in Transylvania
Holidays in Transylvania, guaranteed departures, HB from € 569- Cluj-Napoca departure TR 4.3RoSh
Discover the best parts of Transylvania’s legendary landmarks in shorter time, this short break in Transylvania includes UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Sighisoara, unique events which caught the attention of media world wide.
These events include the live reenactment of the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead. Furthermore, visit Transylvania’s most beautiful castle –Corvinesti Castle.
The entertaining programme is complemented by the relaxing 4* accommodation, a medieval fantasy with beds and the mouth-watering vampire dinner! We bet our 9 lives you’ll love it. more»
One Day Halloween in Transylvania with Halloween Party at Bran Castle
1 Day accommodation and Halloween Party at Bran Castle, starting from € 249 – TRB.1RoHa
Enjoy a night tour of Dracula’s Bran Castle! Meet the Wicked Fairies and get lost in their euphoric dance along with a glass of local red wine. Feel amazing being part of a dynamic Halloween Party in the grounds of Bran Castle until 4:00 am.
Accommodate in a 3* hotel near in walking distance from Bran Castle. Before visiting the castle enjoy a traditional 3 course dinner. Win a prize to the costume contest at this diner. Immerse yourselves in the myth Bram Stoker created around Dracula. more »
Vampire in Transylvania – 4 Day Private Dracula Tour from Bucharest
escorted tour, departure from Bucharest code Ro4.5RoHa A private Dracula tour from Bucharest concentrating the most important places related to Vlad Dracul and his legend.
Snagov Monastery, Bran Castle, the Medieval Saxon Citadel of Sighisoara. Finally visit the outstanding city of Brasov. more»
Please check out the tour itinerary below:
Itineraries
Day 1
Bucharest - Snagov Island - Bucharest (81 km, 1h 35 min driving)
Connect with our tour guide at the airport
Highlights : Visit Snagov Monastery , Bucharest city tour by foot
Meals : Welcome dinner
Accommodation : 3* accommodation in vicinity of the old centre of Bucharest
* Snagov Monastery where, according to the legend, Vlad was buried after his assassination. The monastic establishment is located on a small island of Snagov Lake. The architectural style of the monastery follows the architectural pattern that is characteristic to the monasteries on the Holy Mount Athos in Greece . Your first day in Romania ends with a welcome dinner in one of Bucharest ’s top traditional restaurants.
Day 2
Bucharest - Targoviste - Sinaia - Bran - Brasov - Bran (256 km, 5h 23 min driving)
Highlights : The ruins of Vlad Tepes old court, Peles Castle , Bran Castle, the medieval city of Brasov
Meals : Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Special Dinner – medieval menu in a Dracula Themed restaurant, 4* Accommodation : 3* accommodation in Bran
Special Events : Dracula’s Wedding- is a show set on stage by a professional band of actors. This is a non verbal performance. It’s very easy to understand that Dracula did not need words to charm a girl. The first time they met he appeared as a respectable noble, the second meeting revealed his true dark nature… Find out if the story has a happy ending.
*Targoviste, former capital of Walachia County situated on the right bank of Ialomita River, home of Vlad Tepes old court.
* Peles Castle . The edifice was built in 1873 and is an architectural mixture of the German School and neo-renaissance style. The castle has 160 rooms, all of them opulently decorated in leather and wood from the most valuable tree species. Peleş Castle is one of the best preserved and the most beautiful royal residences in Europe.
*Transylvania’s symbol, Bran Castle . The edifice owes its fame both to its unique charm and to the myth Bram Stoker created around Dracula. Documentary evidence of the castle dates back as far as 1377. Close to the castle there is a shrine set in the wall of a mountain which once sheltered the heart of Queen Maria of Romania .
Day 3
Bran (52 km, 1h 12 min driving)
Highlights : Valley of the Citadel cave , Rasnov citadel, from the outside : Bat’s cave, explore Bran area – great walking trails,
Meals : Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Homemade dinner
Accommodation : Pension or Guest house – very good quality accommodation
* Valley of the Citadel cave – one of the most beautiful cave of Europe , you can attend great clarinet concerts
* Rasnov Peasant Citadel - the largest peasant fortification ever built in Eastern Europe
*Bat’s cave – closed to the public, it is an impressive cave with numerous colonies of bats. We can visit just at the entrance
Day 4
Bran - Poienari (126 km, 2h 36 min)
Highlights : Poienari citadel (*Please have in mind that Poienari citadel will be closed until the end of 2023 due to some infrastructure works), Curtea de Arges Monastery
Meals : Breakfast, Packed Lunch, traditional Romanian dinner
Accommodation : 4*hotel- pension Valley with fish – The former holiday house of Nicolae Ceausescu’ s son ( the Romanian dictator ). Your accommodation is located on Transfagarasan road- The most crooked and challenging of Europe's roads, loved by motorcyclists. Built between 1970 and 1974 as a military route, by comunist dictator Ceausescu (after the Soviet invasion of Cehoslovakia in 1968) it snakes up the tallest peaks of the Carpathians.
*Curtea de Arges Monastery. Curtea de Arges, one of the oldest Romanian cities, founded in the 14th century by the Romanian ruler Neagoe Basarab. According to the legend, after building the monastery the mason, Manole was sacrificed by the Romanian Ruler, to make sure that there will be no other monastery built to challenge in beauty the one in Curte de Arges. The monastery is unbelievably beautiful.
*Poienari Citadel - Vlad’s old and faithful fortress. The fortress located close to Fagaras Mountains , on a canyon formed by Arges Rives isperched high on a cliff, in fact a steep precipice. To visit the impressive fortress and admire the unique and breathless view from the top you’ll need to climb over 1400 stairs.
Day 5
Poienari - Sibiu - Sibiel (122 km, 2h 31 min driving)
Highlights : Village Museum , stroll the street of the old village of Sibiel
Meals : Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Homemade dinner
Accommodation : Guesthouse – very good quality accommodation
* Village Museum - the largest open-air museum in Eastern Europe. It is famous all over Europe for its size and especially for all the traditional old houses, built after customs from all regions of the country (Maramures, Moldavia, Valahia, Danube Delta – Dobrogea, Transylvania), each one with its characteristics.
Day 6
Sibiu - Sighisoara - Turda (214 km, 3h 36 min driving)
Highlights : The medieval citadel of Sighisoara – UNESCO World Heritage, The clock tower and Medieval Weapon Collection, Salt mine in Turda - one of the biggest saline in Romania , it has impressive halls named after kings and queens
Meals : Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Vampire menu for dinner
Accommodation : 4* Dracula themed boutique hotel
*Sighisoara Citadel : Stroll around the streets of the old citadel; admire the Clock Tower, concentrating Sighisoara’s history, the beautiful Church on the Hill and the unique Covered Stairs. You can even enjoy lunch in the very house where Vlad the Impaler was born, turned today into a cosy restaurant “Casa Vlad Dracul” Restaurant. Special events: The Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead (performed according to the old burying rituals in Transylvania), this event is meant to reveal who was dwelling the magic realms of Transylvania before Bram Stoker created the vampire legend – the event was recently presented by Travel Channel in the Hunt for Dracula episode as we have assisted them on a documentary based on Transylvania’s darkest legends.
Day 7
Turda - Chiscau - Garda de Sus (Apuseni Moutains) - 271 km, 4h 30 min driving
Highlights : Bear’s Cave, Meziad Cave, Scarisoara’s Cave - it hosts the largest underground glacier in the world
Meals : Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Homemade dinner
Accommodation : Guesthouse - very good quality accommodation
*Bear’s cave : is made out of 4 main galleries: Bones Gallery, Emil Racovita Gallery, Candles Gallery and Scientific Gallery. The access in the Scientific Gallery, located at the end of the Emil Racovita Gallery and accessible through a 30 m pit, is only opened for professional speleologists. In the 3 main galleries of Bears’ Cave accessible to the public, you will be able to discover the remains of the bear cave, through a great number of fossils, which have also given the name of the cave, but also various impressive natural formations, as stalactites and stalagmites, some of which have been given names due to the characteristics they showcase, such as: the Enchanted Castle, the Dwarfs House, the Water Lilly Lake, the Old Men’s Council and so on.
*Meziad Cave : The Meziad Cave is one of the longest caves in Romania, with a length of nearly five kilometres and having more underground levels. Meziad is also one of the first arranged and electrified caves in our country for tourists’ access.
Day 8
Garda de Sus - Bistrita (255 km, 4h 11 min driving)
Highlights : Huda lui Papara Cave- one of the most spectacular caves from Apuseni Mountains
* Today you'll enjoy a stunning scenery, following the steps of Jonathan Harker (Bram Stoker 's character from Dracula novel) to Bistrita close to Borgo Pass.
Meals : Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : 3* hotel
Day 9
Bistrita - Sacel (73 km, 1h 25 min driving)
Highlights : Woodcraftsman – you can learn in Grigore’s workshop how to make the perfect wooden stake!
Wonderful Optional : Merry Cemetery – find out how a cemetery can be merry
* Merry Cemetery – unique in the world, the Merry Cemetery owes its name to the wood-carved memorial crosses, decorated in vivid colours depicting the deceased in a cartoon like manner, the epitaphs candidly recite biographies of the deceased using limerick-style poetry.
Meals : Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Maramuresean dinner Accommodation : 3* Pension in Sacel
Day 10
Sacel - Viseul de Sus - Sacel (42 km, 53 min driving)
Highlights : Steam Train on Vaser Valley ( Mocanita)
Meals : Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Maramuresean dinner
Accommodation : 3* Pension in Sacel
* 50 km travel with Steam Train on Vaser Valley will be definitely a journey into the past. Maramures county is known not only for it best preserved traditions but also for its stoning natural scenery: narrow, rock lined canyons; the colourful wildlife of the mixed forests. You will emerge into aland devoid of human population, accessible only by railway.
Day 11
Sacel - Cluj-Napoca (147 km, 2h 17 min driving)
Meals : Breakfast, Packed Lunch
Accommodation : not included
Tour leader
The services of a professional English speaking guide.
Transportation
All transfers inside the tour by microbus or coach, with private driver, depending on the number of the travellers.
Accommodation
10 nights: 2 nights in a 4* Hotel, 3 nights in 3* Hotels, 2 nights in 3* Pension and 3 nights in guest houses – very good quality accommodation.
Meals
10 breakfasts and 10 dinners (1 special dinner: dinner with Vampire menu) and 10 packed lunches
Entry fees to
- Snagov Monastery
- The Ruins of Tirgoviste Citadel
- Bran Castle
- Black Church
- Clock Tower, Medieval Weapon Collection and Torture Room in Sighisoara
- Woodcraftsmen in Sacel
- The Village Museum in Sibiu
- Evangelic Church in Sibiu
- Icons on Glass Museum in Sibiel
- Ruins of Poienari Citadel
- Pestera Valea Cetatii Cave (The Valley of the Citadel cave), Meziad cave, Pestera Ursilor (Bear’s cave), Pestera Scarisoara (Scarisoara’s cave)
Special events included
The Ritual of Killing of a living Dead
Dracula’s Wedding
One place free of charge (single occupancy) for tour conductor.
- plane ticket
- airport fees
- photo & video tax
- other not mentioned.
Add a review
Reservations are required. We recommend booking early as tours are often sold out well in advance. You can make a reservations on-line. In case of making reservations by phone please call toll-free: 808 101 6781 (UK); 866 376 6183 (US).
You can also make reservations by fax - download and complete the booking form and send it by fax to: 0040-364-405641 or by e-mail!
We require an advance deposit in the amount of Euro 145/person. When you make the reservation online you will be required to pay the deposit. You will receive an automatic response with your Holiday Booking Reference. Once the advance deposit is registered with our accounts we proceed with the reservation for the requested services and issue the Confirmation Letter + Paid Invoice (once the amount is registered with our accounts).
The final payment is due 60 days prior departure. ( After the final payment is made we will issue Travel Voucher). Should the booking be made within 60 days prior to tour departure, entire tour cost is requested at the time of booking. To read Transylvania Live’s Terms and Conditions please visit us on line at: https://visit-transylvania.eu/terms.html .
The client is at all time entitled to cancel the Travel Contract, but must pay Transylvania Live - Expert in Transylvania a cancellation charge as stipulated below:
89 days or more prior to departure 90 EURO per person / per tour cancellation fee;
88–61 days, loss of deposit.
60–31 days will be subject to 50% of tour price;
30 days or less will be subject to 100% of tour price.
Please check with the airline company. Anyway is good to pack light, some of the hotels – historical buildings do not have elevators.
Our tours include the services of English-speaking guides.
German, French, Hungarian and Hebrew-speaking guide are also available.
We can design an itinerary at a time that suits you, to your own comfort levels and within your own budget. Please send your request by e-mail or by fax.
Yes, most of our tours operate even if there’s only one person.
Due to socialization reasons our special tours for couples require a minimum of five couples.
The tour has a general audience as it targets people interested in history, culture, customs and beliefs. Group size can be between 4-26 people. Transylvania Live is member of the responsible travel network and we are committed to operating a travel policy that is supportive of local economies, cultures and the environment. We operate our tours with small groups in order to minimise the negative impact on the environment and allow our guests to interact more easily with the locals, facilitate the communication with the guide. The average age of group is, most of the time, between 35-45.
We do not provide individual tickets for rail, air, boat or ferry.
A minimum age of 10 years is required on non-family programs, unless otherwise indicated on the individual tour page. A client under 18 years of age and travelling alone during the tour period shall provide Transylvania Live with written consent of his/her guardian. Clients under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. On “for couples” tours a minimum age of 20 years is required.
We only accept VISA and MASTERCARD. Please select only these two types of credit cards for the online payment.
If you pay on-line using our secure internet booking form your credit card can hold any type of currency, the amount of money to be taken will be exchanged in EURO on our expense.
We accept USD and EURO for offline credit card payment and wire transfer.
Yes, we do offer discounts provided they travel as a group; Contact us
Yes, depending on the number of your group. Contact us
On-line bookings and payments are processed by Romcard, authorized agent for Mastercard and Visa in Romania and secured by Rapid SSL , the leading secure sockets layer (SSL) Certificate Authority enabling secure e-commerce and communications for Web sites. As a tour operator we are governed by the consumer and financial regulations of Romania and of the European Union. Romania’s legislation compels tour operators to protect tourists in case of insolvency.
Our prices include the online secure payment commissions. However depending on your bank some commissions may occur for international money transfer. Please check with your bank!
In case we’ll have a full house situation at one of the hotels, an accommodation of an equal classification or better will be booked for you. In case of closed roads due to bad weather, working situations or dangerous weather conditions the itinerary could suffer changes.
If you follow our recommendation on How to arrive (heading found for any of our holidays at the Special notes and info section at the end of the tour page. Our guide will expect you with a Transylvania Live sign. In the unfortunate case of a flight being lost or delayed and prevent you in this way from getting to your meting point in good time, please call 0040 723 565 255.
Our tour fares are based on two in one hotel room. For occupancy by one person, the "single supplement" cost specified in each itinerary will be required.
A welcoming country house, not necessarily decorated in a peasant like style; you’ll stay under the same roof with your Romanian host! In most cases dinner and breakfast are included, and rates are based on two guests per room.
They offer one bathroom for two rooms; the bathroom can be situated on the hallway.
Staying at a “traditional Maramuresean country-inn” or “a typical Hungarian-Sekler country-inn” will prove to be an unique experience.
Yes, also gluten-free, vegan. When you make the reservation of your tour please do not forget to fill in this information at Dietary Restrictions section.
American citizens do not require a visa for Romania (Romania is a member of the European Union so it shares the same legal legislation – a passport is all you need)
To check the list of the countries that require a visa please see the web site page of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at www.mae.ro.
Romanian currency is Lei (written symbol Ron). All the places in Romania trade lei (pronunciation: lay). You can bring some of the local currency from USA or you can change here the amount of money you need (advisable due to the lower exchange rate). Credit cards are accepted in large hotels, restaurants and malls. ATM machines are available at banks, airports and shopping centers all over the country. (except in remote areas or villages). Foreign currencies may be exchanged at banks or authorized exchange offices. International airports and larger hotels also offer currency exchange services. The tour guide is also responsible for helping clients with money exchange; recommend the exchange offices which charge the lowest commission.
Local Costs in a 3* restaurant: Soft Drink: $1.3; Beer: $1.7; Bottle of Wine: $8.7 - $18, 3 course dinner: $13.28 - $18.11. In shops these products can be 50% cheaper.
ATMs are available in all the cities; near by hotels, our guide will come with good advice and recommendations.
MasterCard ATM Locater– Search by address and by airport https://www.mastercard.com/atmlocator/index.jsp atm locator
Visa ATM Locator– Search by airport, city and country https://visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global/jsp/SearchPage.jsp
In Romania electric power in use is of 220 voltages, AC, usually 2 pronged.
Romania enjoys warm summers and cold winters. In summer, cool cottons are best and in the winter a warm jacket or alike is recommended. Autumn is dry and cool, with fields and trees producing beautifully colored foliage. The weather in October-November is very unpredictable, with daytime temperatures between 6°-17° Celsius (42.80 - 62.60 Fahrenheit), and night time temperatures between 3° - 10°Celsius (37.40 - 50 Fahrenheit); but it is very much possible that you will see some snowfall especially in the mountain areas.
Romanian time is EET (Eastern European Time, two hours ahead of GMT, seven hours ahead of New York and ten hours ahead of Los Angeles. Check right now what time is in Bucharest, the capital city of Romania: https://time.is/Bucharest
The dress code in Romania is the same as all over Europe (think France, Germany, UK or Italy). Wearing jeans, t-shirts/sweatshirts and athletic shoes is standard casual in Romanian. Plenty of designers’ shops are to be found in major cities: Bucharest, Cluj, Brasov, Sibiu, where people are a bit too pretentious when it comes to their outfits. Dorobanti Boulevard in Bucharest can easily be compared to Chaps Elysees in Paris when it comes to “fashionists” (costs are similar too). The malls are well supplied with designers’ clothes and with respect to the prices, a great deal of our clients found the Romanian costs to be more acceptable then the ones in US.
With regards to the restaurants’ dress code, something casual is sufficient. You can wear whatever you would wear at home.
To satisfy dress codes for churches and monasteries, men and women are requested to cover their arms and legs (no shorts above the knees or sleeveless garments).
Reservations are required. We recommend booking early as tours are often sold out well in advance. You can make a reservations on-line. In case of making reservations by phone please call toll-free: 808 101 6781 (UK); 866 376 6183 (US). You can also make reservations by fax - download and complete the booking form and send it by fax to: 0040-364-405641 or by e-mail!
Jennifer Knaus – College of New Jersey– :
To see and be in the same places described in Stoker’s “Dracula” was an amazing feeling.
Even learning about the culture of Romania was very eye opening.
Stefan was a fantastic guide!
His knowledge and passion for history truly made travelling around Romania even better than I could have imagined!
Angela Panagiotopoulos– :
My experience in Transylvania is definitely one that I will remember forever.
I had such an incredible time on our historical and literary journey that traced the steps of both Vlad Tepes and Dracula.
I loved learning about the vampire folklore and participating in traditional Romanian activities.
Exploring the various cities with close friends made this trip even more special.
We all experienced this together, and created a close bond.
The trip enlightened me on the historical aspects of Vlad the Impaler and the type of leader he was.
It was interesting drawing connections between the historical and literary figures.
I truly enjoyed my time learning about Romanian culture and history while bringing literature to life.
-Olivia Rizzo– College of New Jersey– :
Studying Dracula in Transylvania was never something I expected to do during my lifetime but I am very glad that I have had the opportunity.
Exploring Romania and Transylvania while learning about the history of “Vlad the Impailer” and connecting the literary Dracula to real life places was absolutely amazing.
I had no idea what to expect when I signed up for this trip but my expectations were completely blown away.
I am so grateful to have had the chance to explore some of the many cities in Romania and become immersed in a culture that is so different from my own.
I loved hearing the traditional stories and legends of the country and learning what “Vlad the Impailer” means to the people of Romania.
I could not have asked for a more wonderful eye opening experience.
I hope to someday return to this beautiful country and I look forward to sharing many of the new stories and facts I have learned upon my return home.
Susan Vandine– College of New Jersey– :
Transylvania Live made studying literature come to life! Exploring Transylvania by taking the path Johnathan Harker took to Dracula’s castle really made the novel come to life. Exploring the castle ruins of Vlad Tepes, dining by candle light and listening to stories about Vlad and Dracula were incredible experiences that helped deepen my love of Dracula. Staying in small local towns, dining on authentic food and meeting the locals was a great way to learn about Romanian culture and experience a new way of life. Our tour guide, Stefan, was extremely knowledgeable about Dracula in the novel as well as Vlad Dracul, whom the character was semi-based on and we owe it all to him for making our trip such a memorable one!
Natalie Ehnis– College of New Jersey– :
The trip throughout Romania was fantastic!
It was a lot of fun and was great for learning more about Dracula and Vlad the Impaler.
I definitely enjoyed the trip, even if it was quite rigorous! I think the only thing that I grew tired of was so many churches.
They were all beautiful but the Black Church and the most beautiful church in Romania were two that I would not want to miss.
There were so many I can’t remember them all!
But thank you so much for putting this all together, dancing and partying with you guys was one of the best nights, if not THE best night, on the trip.
Thank you so much for all your hard work, Hertha! I had an absolute blast!
Nicole Herviou – College of New Jersey– :
I honestly could not have imagined how amazing studying Dracula in Romania would be.
Of course, I knew a lot about the literary Dracula and I loved being immersed in the world of the novel.
But I had no idea how much I would enjoy the history behind Vlad the Impaler. That was really fascinating for me.
I loved going to all the different cities and being immersed in the culture, and it definitely made me much more interested in and open to the information and the stories Stefan was telling us.
My favorite part was eating in the house where Dracula was born and Stefan telling us the stories of Vlad the Impaler’s deeds in that room.
We did so much in so short a time, and I loved it.
Also, Stefan was absolutely amazing and we all adored him.
He really made the trip more than we could have ever asked for and he went above and beyond for us at every turn.
We’re really thankful to both of you for making this experience so fantastic.
Lauren Fox-– College of New Jersey– :
Studying Dracula in Transylvania was absolutely amazing.
Being able to see the lands and learn about the people that inspired Bram Stoker gave me an entirely new perspective and appreciation for all of the effort an author puts into his or her work. In addition, the historical insight we gained completely changed the way I now approach and appreciate the work.
Understanding the context of a novel takes a flat book of paper and turns it into glorious meaning, imagery and symbolism.
My mind has been opened to all of the ways literature teaches us about ourselves and the world that affects us.
Emily Crelin– College of New Jersey– :
My favorite part of being in Romania while studying Dracula was being able to experience both the real and the fictitious.
I was immersed in an entirely new culture by learning their own customs.
Taking part in the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead was something special that I’ll never forget!
This experience was unlike anything else I’ve ever done and will never forget it.