Biertan fortified church seen in private Transylvania Dracula tours

Highlights:

The most famous Castles in Romania – Peles Castle – the most beautiful royal residences in Europe and Bran Castle – Dracula’s castle in Transylvania, the place where Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula, was arrested and imprisoned.


Bruckental Museum in Sibiu, Romania – Rubens, Tiziano, Van Dyke paintings; the finest, most exquisite selection of museums in Transylvania.


Renowned citadels – Transylvania’s most impressive citadels, including Sighisoara, the best preserved and still inhabited medieval citadel in Europe.


Legendary castles in Romania – Lazarea, Corvinestilor, Savarsin – a real historic testimony.


A unique artist – Emil Muresan the only one who uses spider web for his paintings, a meeting privileged by the cultural holidays.

Sibiu, Romania – chosen as the European Cultural capital of 2007, former capital of Saxons in Transylvania.

Bears Cave – got its name from the skeletons of some very old species of bear (Ursus Spelaeus) that were found here.

Bicazului Gorges – the highest Romanian gorges and the famous Red Lake also called Killer Lake due to the pine trees that point out of the water like a forest of stakes.


Day by day itinerary

DAY 1 Budapest – Oradea

Welcome in a cultural tour of Southern Transylvania. You’ll discover that the cultural holidays are so rewarding: exploring places rich in history, meeting genuine characters, tasting traditional food, attending traditional events, everything so you can absorb the Romanian culture. Our guide welcomes you at the Budapest Airport and leads you in Oradea, Romania for dinner and accommodation. You’ll cross the old centre of the town or the Varadinum Citadel as it was called in Latin.



DAY 2 Oradea – Bears Cave – Girda – Turda – Cluj Napoca

From Oradea your tour of Transylvania will take you to Bears Cave which got its name from the skeletons of some very old species of bear that were found here. Visit the Open Air Museum in Chiscau with its old cars and domestic objects. You’ll then cross the mountains through Vartop Pass and enter Motzilor Land. Here you’ll have a nice traditional picnic lunch at the mouth of Poarta lui Ionele cave, something you shouldn’t miss on a Transylvania tour. Depart for Turda to visit one of the most beautiful and original salt mines in the world – Turda’s Salt Mines.

Tip: try a vampire menu for dinner in an exquisite restaurant in Turda! Accommodate in Cluj Napoca.


DAY 3 Cluj Napoca -Turzii’s Gorges – Lazarea


The cultural holidays cannot miss a nice challenging walk – today hrough Turzii’s Gorges, the most important Reservation in the Apuseni Mountains! On the way to Targu Mures, admire the noble castles Luncani and Iernut. In Targu Mures you’ll visit the famous Palace of Culture. Then head to Seklers land and stop in Lazarea, a typical seklers village, for dinner and accommodation in country-inns.


DAY 4 Lazarea – Red Lake – Miercurea Ciuc – Brasov


In Lazarea you’ll visit the castle of the noble family Lazar and the monastery near by. You’ll then head to Red Lake also called Killer Lake and in the area we can have a nice easy walk through Bicazului Gorges. Another important medieval centre you should explore in a Transylvania tour is Brasov. On the way to your accommodation in Brasov, you’ll visit Ciucului’s Sekler Museum in Miercurea Ciuc and the Museum of Mineral Water in Tusnad. Have a special medieval dinner in “Citadel” a restaurant in Brasov.

DAY 5 Brasov-Sinaia-Rasnov-Bran-Brasov


Today is castles day! The first one on your list is Peles castle, the most beautiful royal palace in Europe, a genuine highlight of a cultural tour. Then cross the mountains to visit Bran Castle also known as Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania. Absorb a genuine rustic atmosphere while visiting Rasnov Peasant Citadel.
Drive to Brasov for a traditional dinner with folk show and wine tasting.


DAY 6 Brasov – Fagaras – Agnita – Sighisoara – Biertan – Medias – Sibiel – Sibiu


Travel to Fagaras to visit the citadel and the Museum of Fagaras Country. Explore the most beautiful citadel in Europe, Sighisoara, the essence of all cultural holidays. Visit here the Clock Tower, the Torture room and The Medieval Weapon Collection. Depart for Biertan to admire the fortified church. In Medias you’ll make the acquaintance of the only artist who uses spider web for his paintings. Travel to Sibiu, for accommodation. Carriage ride from Sibiel to Mioritica country-inn for dinner. Module: attend a witch trial set on the street like in the old days!

Tip: in Sighisoara you can enjoy your lunch in a special location – Casa Vlad Dracul Restaurant, the place where Vlad Dracul, the father of the one who bares the stigma of the bloody count Dracula, was born!


DAY 7 Sibiu – Deva – Arad


Your Transylvania tour takes you today to Sibiu which will welcome you with the famous Bruckental Museum, a baroque edifice which houses the works of some famous artists, such as Rubens, Van Dyke and the largest ethnographic museum in Transylvania – the Village Museum. Drive to Hunedoara and visit Corvinestilor Castle, continue with the castle in Savarsin and end the road in Arad for accommodation and dinner.

DAY 8 Arad – Budapest


Before saying good-by to Romania you’ll end your cultural tour of Southern Transylvania by visiting the historic centre of Arad and the beautiful Art Museum. Depart for Budapest.

Testimonials
I could not believe Romania has such fine castles! From all the castles I have seen, Bran is the closest to my heart! Peles was also a major surprise but maybe too royal for my taste. Also, many thanks for the medieval breath of air – Sighisoara. I didn’t know such places still exist. Please send my best to Mr. Muresan, his web spider painting looks beautifully in my living, he truly is a unique artist!”
Margaret Dornwich, L.A, US
   Sorin - Guide for tours in Transylvania
Your guide Sorin Coldea, teacher and headmaster of a school in Sibiel, Sorin is also the owner of a charming country-inn, a place you’ll accommodate in during this tour, meet his lovely wife, bake some pies …
I’ll be honoured 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 & Departures for Southern Transylvania Cultural Tour

Departure datePrice per person
(2 persons to one double room)
Single room supplementAvailability
8 day tour. Departure from Budapest – Ferihegy Airport, 12.00 (GMT+01:00)
on request€ 1439€ 159Guaranteed

Payments

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



Price includes:


Accommodation: four nights in 3* hotels, two nights in 4* hotels, one night in country-inn, (one bathroom for two rooms).

Transportation: from / to Budapest airport, English speaking guide, by coach, minibus or car – air conditioned, depending on the number of travellers.

Meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 picnic lunch at Poarta lui Ionele Cave and 6 dinners (3 special dinners in: Mioritica country-inn, medieval dinner in Brasov Citadel and a dinner with wine tasting and folk show in Carpathian Stag Restaurant Brasov).


Entry fees to: Bears Cave in Pietroasa, Salt Mines in Turda, Turzii’s Gorges, Lazarea Castle, Ciucului’s Sekler Museum in Miercurea Ciuc, The Museum of Mineral Water in Tusnad, Peles Castle, Bran Castel, Rasnov Peasant Citadel, Museum of Fagaras Country, Clock Tower, the Torture room and The Medieval Weapon Collection in Sighisoara, Fortified Church in Biertan, Spider web painter in Medias, Brukental Museum in Sibiu, Village Museum in Sibiu, Corvinesti Castle in Hunedoara, Savirsin Castle in Savirsin, Art Museum in Arad.


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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Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler – the flagship Dracula Tour

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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

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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.

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

short break in Transylvania
short break in Transylvania

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Halloween Party in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler!

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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.

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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
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1 Day Halloween in Transylvania with Halloween Party at Dracula Castle in Bran

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

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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 British citizens traveling to Romania

According to British government most visits to Romania are trouble-free.

There were no cases of terrorism attacks in Romania but as the country is part of European Union terrorist attacks in Romania can’t be ruled out.

If you need to contact the emergency services in Romania call 112.

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact
the British embassy from Bucharest
24 Jules Michelet,  010463 Bucharest, Romania
General enquiries+40 (21) 201 7200
Consular enquiries+40 (21) 201 7351
British Embasy Bucharest website

Urgent assistance
If you’re in Romania and you need urgent help (for example, you’ve been attacked, arrested or someone has died), call +40 (21) 201 7200.
If you’re in the UK and worried about a British national in Romania, call 020 7008 1500.

Get an emergency travel document
You can apply for an emergency travel document if you’re abroad and your passport has been lost or stolen, damaged or expired, and you can’t get a new or replacement passport in time to travel.
You can apply online for an emergency travel document.
If the person needing the emergency travel document is under 16, a parent or guardian should apply on their behalf.

Safety and security for Transylvania travel
Crime
Maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK. There is a risk of petty theft in large towns, especially Bucharest. Pickpockets and bag snatchers operate in crowded areas, particularly near exchange shops and hotels, on public transport (especially to the airport), in the main railway stations and inside airport terminals.
Organised attacks by groups can occur. The most common method by distracting victims while several people, often children, attempt to snatch watches and jewellery from pockets or from around the neck and wrist.
Valuables including passports have been stolen from hotel rooms. Use the hotel safe and carry a photocopy of the information pages of your passport as ID.
There have been reports of credit or debit cards being ‘copied’ when used for payment in some bars and restaurants.

Road travel
Licences and documents
If driving in Romania, make sure you have with you all documentation, including your full, valid driving licence, proof of insurance/green card (third party or above), proof of ID (passport) and proof of ownership (V5C Certificate).
If the UK leaves the EU with a deal, driving licence rules will stay the same until 31 December 2020.
If there’s no deal, you will need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) to be able to drive in some European countries as a visitor after the UK has left. Check this guidance page for full information. You should also check guidance on driving in the EU after Brexit for information on other additional documents you may need to carry.
If you’re living in Romania, check the Living in Guide for information on requirements for residents.

Driving regulations Transylvania travel
You’ll need to pay a road toll ‘Rovinieta’ to use the national roads. You can buy the vignette (sticker) at border points and at most petrol stations. The minimum cost is 3 euros for 7 days. Failure to display the sticker may lead to a heavy fine. You can find out more about prices by using the website Roviniete.ro.
Observe the speed limit at all times. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy.
It’s illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol. The drink drive limit is zero.
Carry the following equipment: first aid kit, fire extinguisher, red warning triangles and a fluorescent jacket.
If your vehicle is damaged before you arrive in Romania, ask a Romanian customs officer or police officer to write a report on the damage so that you have no problems when leaving. If any damage occurs inside the country, a report must be obtained at the scene of the accident.

Road safety
In 2018 there were 1,867 road deaths in Romania (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 9.6 road deaths per 100,000 of population, (witch is similar with USA) and compares to the UK average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2018.
Road conditions are variable and secondary roads can be in a bad state of repair. Driving standards can be poor. Look out for double parked cars, people suddenly braking to avoid a pothole, horse-drawn carts, livestock and stray dogs, particularly in rural areas, running in front of the vehicle. Equip your car for extreme conditions in winter.

Local laws and customs –Transylvania travel
It is illegal to change money on the streets. You should change money only in recognised exchange shops, banks and hotels.

The Romanian authorities treat all drug-related and sex offences very seriously. The age of consent is 18. If you are convicted, you can expect a prison sentence.

Homosexuality has been legal in Romania since 1996. The country has made significant progress in LGBT rights legislation since 2000 including wide–ranging anti-discriminatory laws, equalising the age of consent and laws against homophobic hate crimes.

Bucharest’s annual Pride, usually accompanied by a LGBT film and art festival, has grown in recent years and is gaining the support of more public figures. Since 2017, a Pride event has also been held in the city of Cluj. The country remains generally socially conservative resulting in the majority of LGBT people not being openly gay and there being very few gay bars or clubs in Bucharest or the other main cities. You can find local information on LGBT issues in Romania on the website of ACCEPT. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.

Most airports and military bases will have signs prohibiting photography. Ask permission before photographing anything potentially sensitive (eg official buildings, police cars).

Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your Transylvania travel; you do not need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.

Visas
If you hold a British Citizen passport, you don’t need a visa to enter Romania.

Parental consent when travelling with minors
Some British nationals travelling with minors who hold Romanian citizenship (irrespective of whether they hold citizenship of other countries) are prevented from leaving the country without notarised parental consent from the minor’s non-travelling parent/s. While enforcement of this may vary at borders, British nationals travelling with minors who hold Romanian citizenship should obtain notarised parental consent before departure from Romania.
A list of the public notaries can be found on the website of the National Union of Public Notaries from Romania.

Healthcare
You should still get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK.
The EHIC entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Romanian nationals. If you don’t have your EHIC with you or you’ve lost it, you can call the Department of Health Overseas Healthcare Team (+44 191 218 1999) to get a Provisional Replacement Certificate.
The UK government has or is seeking agreements with countries on healthcare arrangements for UK nationals after the UK leaves the EU. The NHS website and this travel advice will be updated with further information on travelling to Romania as the circumstances change.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately.

Money
Romania is increasingly a card economy. While a growing number of businesses do accept credit cards, it may be safer to use cash due to the risk of credit card fraud. There is now a large network of ATMs that accept standard international credit and debit cards. Check with your card provider whether you will be able to use these machines.
US dollars and sterling are not always easy to exchange for local currency, especially outside Bucharest. You may have difficulties using travellers’ cheques. Scottish and Northern Irish bank notes may not be accepted in banks and bureaux de change.

Before you travel abroain Transylvania travel
• tell family and friends where you’re going and leave them your contact details, insurance policy details and itinerary. Store them securely online
• ensure you have access to funds to cover emergencies and unexpected delays. Take more than one means of payment with you (cash, debit card, credit card)
• find out if travellers cheques are appropriate for your destination and keep a separate record of their numbers
• invest in a good travel guide to help you plan your trip and consider using online travel forums for more detail about your destination
• check with your service provider to make sure your phone works abroad. Consider leaving your phone’s IMEI number with a friend or family member, to help block or locate the phone if there’s a problem
• if you’re going to be driving abroad, make sure your licence is current and valid and be aware of the driving laws in the country you are visiting
• if you’re travelling with children who are unaccompanied by one or both parents, check our guidance on permissions that you might need to get and check the policy of your airline or transport provider

When you’re abroad in an European cultural tours
• think about what you are doing at all times and trust your instincts. Don’t take risks that you wouldn’t in the UK
• don’t openly display valuables such as mobile phones or digital cameras and consider using a padlock on suitcases or backpacks
• find out how to minimise your risk from terrorism and what to do if there’s a terrorist attack
• find out about local customs and dress, behave accordingly and obey local laws. There may be serious penalties for breaking a law that might seem trivial at home
• be careful when taking photographs, videos or using binoculars. These activities may be misunderstood by local authorities, especially near military installations.
• store useful numbers on your phone such as the local police and the nearest British embassy or consulate
• whether you’re living abroad or visiting, be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, just as you would in the UK; the ‘Be Alarmed’ campaign gives practical advice on how to stay safe and lists the symptoms to look out for
• if you intend to take part in any adventure sports or water sports during your trip, only use properly licensed and insured operators. Before taking part, make sure you fully understand the operating instructions and satisfy yourself that adequate safety precautions are in place
• check import regulations for food and plants before you attempt to bring them back to the UK

Learn more on Foreign travel Advice