Streets of Sighisoara citadel

Highlights:


Hora at Prislop
– Traditional festival

The Sistine Chapel of the East – the famous Voronet Monastery

Merry Cemetery in Sapanta – discover how a cemetery can be merry in the picturesque and traditional area of Maramures.


Dracula’s Castle in Bistrita – the one mentioned in Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”.

Famous woodcraftsman – Grigore Tulean will introduce you in the old art of wood carving


Marginea
– the famous Black Pottery Centre.

Day by day itinerary:



DAY 1 Budapest – Satu Mare


Our English speaking guide welcomes the tourists at the airport. Depart to Satu Mare for accommodation and dinner in an exquisite environment.

Module: wine tasting in Tokaj, Hungary, the same wine drunken by A. Dumas’s musketeers!




DAY 2 Satu Mare – Sapanta – Prislop Pass – Ieud,
TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL HORA LA PRISLOP





It’s now time to celebrate, Transylvanian way! We begin our day feeling very alive and happy about it with a visit of the Merry Cemetery in Sapanta. You’ll find out how a cemetery can be merry by reading the funny verses carved on the crosses. Since we wormed up we’re ready to party. We drive to Prislop Pass to take part to “Hora la Prislop” festival.

The event gathers the inhabitants of the North of Romania, not only Transylvania, but also Moldova and Bucovina. “Hora” is the name of a round group dance signifying togetherness and joy. The scene placed on the top of the mountain is surrounded by the booths of the popular craftsmen and of the traders who do not miss the opportunity to speak about their merchandise.

In this festival you will find out what people in Transylvania mean by “celebrating “ not only on stage but also in all corners of the mountain groups of dancers and singers are showing off to each other in a friendly manner.

We also spend the evening in a rustic atmosphere drive to Ieud for accommodation in lovely country-inns!




DAY 3 Ieud – Bogdan Voda – Moisei – Sacel – Voronet – Sucevita


Depart to visit the famous wood church in Bogdan Voda. We’ll then arrive in Sacel and be the guests of the famous craftsman, Grigore Tulean. Drive to Sucevita for dinner. On the way we stop to visit Moisei Monument and the Voronet Monastery. Accommodate in Sucevita.




DAY 4 Sucevita – Marginea – Suceava – Gura Humorului – Moldovita – Sucevita


We begin the day with some shopping at the famous Black pottery Centre in Marginea. From there we’ll travel to Suceava, to visit the old Citadel and the Village Museum. The road will take us to the famous Moldovita Monastery where we’ll enjoy a monastic lunch. Accommodate in Sucevita.


DAY 5 Sucevita – Campulung Moldovenesc – Vatra Dornei – Piatra Fantanele – Bistrita


Travel to Transylvania. On the way we visit The Wood Museum in Cimpulung Moldovenesc and the Hunting Museum in Vatra Dornei. Arrive in Borgo Pass, the place where Bram Stoker imagined and placed the castle of the famous Count Dracula; visit the castle and the coffin. Drive to Bistrita for accommodation. Here we’ll visit The Dogarilor Tower with an interesting puppet exposition presented by the honorable Misiuga, Baron of Dracula and have a special dinner in Jonathan Harker Saloon, the hero of Dracula’s novel.

Tip: enjoy a lunch in a special environment – the castle in Borgo Pass, the place where famous author Bram Stoker imagined Count Dracula’s Castle!





DAY 6 Bistrita – Cluj Napoca – Turzii’s Gorges – Cluj Napoca


Arrive in Cluj Napoca and visit The Art Museum. Drive to Turda to see the Salt Mines and have a nice walk in the famous Turzii’s Gorges Reservations. Enjoy a special vampire menu for dinner. Accommodation in Cluj.





DAY 7 Cluj Napoca – Turda – Oradea


Riding along the valley of Aries we’ll visit the Ethnographic Museum in Lupsa and have a special traditional picnic lunch in a spectacular environment at Poarta lui Ionele Cave. Crossing Vartop Pass we’ll arrive in Crisurilor Land where we’ll visit Bears Cave and the Open Air Museum with old cars and domestic objects in Chiscau. Drive to Oradea to visit Varadinum Citadel. Accommodate.

Tip: relaxing evening in the outdoor swimming pool with thermal water of your accommodation.





DAY 8 Oradea – Budapest
It is now the time to say good-by to Romania. Depart for Budapest.

Testimonials
“Congratulations Transylvania Live for teaching me how to dance the “hora”. I enjoyed very much the festival; the Romanians are the friendliest people I ever met! I loved the music, the traditional costumes, the food, everything! Please send my best to Mr. Misiuga, the “Baron of Dracula “, it was a pleasure talking to someone who can tell so much about Transylvania’s past. Hope to see you again soon”. WinonaCunningham, Virginia, US
 Your guide Radu Spere:
If you’re keen on learning more about Cont Dracula, he is the best person to ask! I’ll be honored to guide a Romanian adventure for you. It will be my pleasure to demonstrate that Romania is an excellent destination: beautiful scenery, wonderful traditions, excellent food and wine and great folklore.

Price & Departure

Departure datePrice per person
(2 persons to one double room)
Single room supplementAvailability
8 day tour. Departure from Budapest – Ferihegy Airport, 10.00 AM (GMT +01:00)
August 14€ 1499 € 139minimum group size is 4



Payments

We accept MasterCard and Visa on our on-line secure internet payment form, MasterCard, Visa, JCB, Diners Club and American Expres by fax and by phone. We also accept payments by Moneybookers, bank transfer and Western Union.



Click here to see our Reservations page for more details.



Price includes:

English speaking guide.


Accommodation:
three nights in 3* hotels, three nights in 4* hotels, one night in traditional country-inn, in fact welcoming peasant house (one bathroom for two rooms).


Transportation: by coach, minibus or car – air conditioned, depending on the number of travelers.


Meals: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches (Monastic lunch in Moldovita Monastery and a picnic lunch at Poarta lui Ionele Cave) and 5 dinners (welcome dinner, special dinner in Jonathan Harker saloon in Bistrita – a live band is performing in the restaurant, traditional Maramuresean dinner in Ieud, dinner with special vampire menu, dinner with a Bucovinean menu).


Entry fees to: Merry Cemetery in Sapinta, the famous church in Bogdan Voda, Craftsman Workshop, The Monument in Moisei, Voronet Monastery, Moldovita Monastery, Sucevita Monastery, Suceava Citadel, Village Museum in Suceava, Museum of Woodcraft in Cimpulung Moldovenesc, Hunting Museum in Vatra Dornei, Dracula’s coffin, Dogarilor Tower in Bistrita, Art Museum in Cluj, Salt Mines in Turda, Turzii’s Gorges Reservation, Etnographic Museum in Lupsa, Bears Cave.


Not included: plane ticket, airport fees, photo & video tax and other not mentioned.

Media Mentions

We’re pleased to say that Transylvania Live – expert in Transylvania has recently garnered the attention of several publications and broadcasts
more details here

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7 days, escorted Dracula tour, HB, from € 1289 – Bucharest departure – code: RO7.BHADT

A literary Dracula Tour included by Fodor’s Travel Guide in Top 10 Must-Do Adventure, the tour includes the funniest Halloween Party in Sighisoara Citadel, Dracula’s birthplace.

Attend happenings like The Ritual Killing of a Living Dead (as seen on Travel Channel),Vampiresa Hunting , sleeping in Dracula’s Castle in Borgo Pass, and visit the most important historical places related with Vlad the Impaler, Bran Castle and Poenari Fortress. more»

Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler – 3 days Short Break

from € 599 – Cluj Napoca, Transylvania, departure (tour code TR 4.3RoHa)

Halloween Party, in Sighisoara Citadel – Dracula’s birth place! A 3 day short break including a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace, Transylvania’s iconic image, Bran Castle and the Medieval city of Brasov.

The Halloween Party includes a delicious traditional Romanian festive dinner washed down with fiery spirits, excellent Romanian wine and accompanied by a special programme including the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead, Vampiresa Hunting, Romanian Folk Show and many dark surprises.
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Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler – 3 days Short Break

The best Halloween party in Transylvania, Sighisoara Citadel
The best Halloween party in Transylvania, Sighisoara Citadel

3 days from € 599- Bucharest departure (tour code Bu4 .3RoHa)

It’s time for the ultimate Halloween Party, in Sighisoara Citadel – Dracula’s birth place! A 3 day short break including a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace.

Furthermore, visit Transylvania’s iconic image, Bran Castle and one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, The Medieval Saxon city of Brasov.
The itinerary is complimented by an excellent selection of medieval 3* hotels.

The Halloween Party includes a delicious traditional Romanian festive dinner washed down with fiery spirits, excellent Romanian wine.

Enjoy a special programme including the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead, Vampire Hunting, Romanian Folk Show and many dark surprises.
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Vampire in Transylvania – 3 days Short Break

HB from € 569- Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca departure ( code: TR 4.3RoSh)

Bran Castle Halloween Party aka Dracula's Castle Halloween Party in Halloween tours in Transylvania, Romania tours
Bran Castle Halloween Party aka Dracula’s Castle Halloween Party

Intended for those willing to discover the best parts of Transylvania’s legendary realms in a shorter period time, this 3 day break includes UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Sighisoara, unique events which caught the attention of media world wide such as the live reenactment of the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead.

In addition, 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. Direct flights from London to Cluj Napoca available.
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Transylvania’s Undying legend

  • 5 day Private Dracula Tour from € 1299 -Bucharest departure (tour code: Ro4.3RoVa)
Sibiu Brukental museum seen in Dracula tours from Budapest or Bucharest
Sibiu, Brukental Palace

A private Dracula Tour in Transylvania departing from Bucharest. The tour includes historical and legendary places related with Dracula’s life and death.

Visit Vlad Dracula’s birth place in the medieval citadel of Sighisoara, the ruins of the Poienari Fortress – Dracula’s refugee place, Arefu village and Dracula’s tomb in Snagov Monastery.
Enjoy a mysterious trip in Dracula’s Realm!
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Dracula weekend in Transylvania
-3 day private tour

HB from € 559 – Bucharest departure (code: TR 4.3RoBu)

short break in Transylvania
short break in Transylvania

Intended for those who would like a weekend getaway, this private escorted break is also an ideal after business programme. You only need a weekend to discover the very essence of Transylvania: the legendary Bran Castle, Sighisoara Citadel, Dracula’s birth place and the outstanding medieval city of Brasov. The trip is based on the low cost flights available from London to Bucharest, every Friday.
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Halloween Party in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler!

a party and 2 transfers from Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu or Cluj Napoca

Magicians Show at the best Halloween party in Transylvania, Sighisoara Citadel Romania
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Enjoy the best Halloween ever in Dracula’s birth place – the Medieval Citadel of Sighisoara! A 2 day self guided 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, an excellent show and providing you with a truly memorable experience.
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2 Days tour with Halloween Party at Bran Castle

2 days Short break, HB, € 349 – Bucharest departure (tour code TRB.2RoHa)

Halloween party in Romania private Dracula tour
Halloween party

Enjoy a relaxing break in Transylvania during Halloween ! A 2 days short break including a Halloween Party at Transylvania’s iconic image – Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle.
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1 Day Halloween in Transylvania with Halloween Party at Dracula Castle in Bran

1 Day accommodation and Halloween Party at Bran Castle, starting from € 249 (code TRB.1RoHa)

Bran Castle Halloween Party aka Dracula's Castle Halloween Party
Bran Castle Halloween Party aka Dracula’s Castle Halloween Party

Enjoy an unforgettable night tour of Bran Castle, meet the Wicked Fairies and get lost in their euphoric dance along with a glass of local red wine. Watch a horror movie projection and feel amazing being part of a great and dynamic Halloween After Party in the grounds of Bran Castle until 4:00 am.

Accommodate in a 3* hotel near Bran Castle. Enjoy a traditional dinner and then explore Bran Castle, Transylvania’s symbol. Experience the edifice’s unique charm and immerse yourselves in the myth Bram Stoker created around Dracula.

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Vintage sidecar Dracula tours from Bucharest

5 hours programme, from €264 / couple

Sightseeing of Bucharest and Dracula’s Tomb from Snagov Island. and an unforgettable evening in a Dracula Restaurant: indulge yourself with a Dracula dinner to find out why it’s worth killing for a meal!

The tours and are designed to show you the beautiful architecture and monuments of the so called “Little Paris”. The sidecar can carry two passengers, one in the sidecar and another riding pillion. We hope you’ll try the sidecar and pillion as they each offer a different perspective.

You will be chauffeured in a sightseeing tour of Bucharest with stops for pictures in the main points of attraction. This is a fabulously fun Dracula Tour from Bucharest viewed from the nostalgia of an original vintage sidecar.

Departures: from Monday to – Friday at 14.00; Saturday – Sunday at 10.30

Press about us

The prestigious Fodor’s Travel guide, placed Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler – Dracula Tour in Top Ten Must-Do-Adventures that will make 2007 a year to remember.
read the article

The itinerary of the Vampire in Transylvania – Dracula tour was a major source of inspiration for a documentary that was broadcast-ed on Travel Channel.

Transylvania Live Dracula Tours -The world’s best vampire-spotting locations according to Lonely Planet.
read the article

Testimonials

We had a wonderful time and are very happy that we chose Transylvania Live. I also wanted to let you know that it was really nice to meet the people from Transylvania Live during our party in Turda.

I will be sure to recommend you to any friends who might ask about Romania. Thank you again for all of your help, and most of all your patience with all of my many questions!!! Multumesc!!!!


Damon B, New York, USA

Interested in reading some more opinions on Transylvania Live Holidays?  Click our Tripadvisor page here!

Halloween tours in Transylvania on the national news

Please activate Caption button to see the news with English subtitles.

Halloween Party at Bran Castle:

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 informationBefore 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 platformYou 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