Highlights of Eastern Europe Tour

Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania – Bram Stoker’s imaginary castle in Borgo Pass where he placed the Bloody Count Dracula; accommodation, candle lit dinner and a camp fire with all the right stories.
Sighisoara Medieval Citadel – the best preserved and still inhabited medieval citadel in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Vlad the Impaler’s birth place.
Bran Castle – also known as Dracula castle, a legendary Transylvanian fortress dating back to 1377.
The Saxon City of Brasov – a city with an outstanding medieval ambiance which has played a vital role in Romania’s history both old and new.
The fortified city of Sibiu – containing the largest concentrations of tourist attractions in Romania.
Snagov Monastery – where according to the legend Vlad the Impaler was buried after his assassination.
Bucharest – the capital city of Romania, once surnamed “the little Paris”.

Budapest – the capital city of Hungary, known as the capital of spas and the “Pearl of the Danube”.
Visegrad (Hungary) – the famous medieval Hungarian Citadel which served as a prison for Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula.

Prague – a must see in an Eastern Europe private tour the capital of Czech Republic, surnamed the golden city, and the city of the 1000 towers.
Sedlec Ossuary in Kutná Hora – a small Christian chapel decorated with human bones.
Cachtice Castle – the ruins of the castle of the bloody countess Elizabeth Bathory.
Bratislava – the capital city of Slovakia.

Day by day itinerary of Eastern Europe Tour:

Czech Republic

DAY 1 Prague

Welcome to Prague, the capital of Czech Republic.
The guide will collect you from Prague Airport.
Located on River Vltava, Prague is the largest city of the Czech Republic, with an impressive historic city centre included in the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Prague has its share of dark legends – The Golem of Prague is maybe the best known. The Golem, a statue of clay, was brought to life by Rabbi Judah Loew to protect the Jewish community from harm, so be sure you do come to Prague as a friend not as a foe!
Accommodate in a 3* hotel.

DAY 2 Prague

In the morning enjoy a tour of the city including major highlights. Charles Bridge is one of the most visited sights in Prague, a Gothic stone bridge connecting the Old Town (dominated by the magnificent Old Town Square) with Mala Strana (Little Quarter).
Prague Castle, the largest ancient Castle in the world dating back to the 9th century and covering 7 hectares, the castle concentrates the history of the city.
Participate to an Absinth tasting! Witness the process, learn about the herbs and spices and dare to taste the mysterious potion.
Initially considered a powerful natural remedy and widely used in medical purposes Absinth was eventually banned almost all over the world and considered an evil potion, with psycho active properties, who could alter one’s behaviour and lead to murder. It was mainly used by writers to enhance their creativity.
The Absinth produced in Prague is recognized as one of the best, prepared based on ancient recipes.
Accommodate in a 3* hotel.

Day 3 Prague – Terezín – Prague 

Today take a step back in time and visit a historic site connected to one of the darkest period of the Czech Republic, and not only.
Visit Terezin former fortress dating back to the 18th century.
During the Second World War the fortress became a political prison camp.
Terezin Memorial is the only institution of its kind in the Czech Republic commemorating the victims of the Nazi political and racial persecution during the occupation of the Czech territories in World War II. 
A tragic symbol of suffering, Terezin is one of the most important memorial sites in Europe. In the evening return to Prague in this Eastern Europe Tour.

Day 4 Monday, Prague – Kutná Hora – Sedlec – Kutna Hora

Drive to Kutná Hora, the second most important city, after Prague. The town developed as a result of the exploitation of the silver mines. It then became a royal city, considered the jewel of the country.
One of the most bizarre, yet very popular tourist attractions is the Sedlec Ossuary, a small Christian chapel decorated with human bones.
The ossuary contains approximately 40 000 human skeletons which have been artistically arranged to form decorations and furnishings for the chapel.
Both the city centre of Kutná Hora and Sedlec are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Accommodate in Kutna Hora in a 3* Hotel in this Eastern Europe Tour.

Slovakia

Day 5 Tuesday, Prague – Cachtice (Slovakia) – Budapest

Transfer to Slovakia, to the village of Cachtice to visit the ruins of the castle of the bloody countess Elizabeth Bathory who lived here at the turn of the 16th and 17th century.
She allegedly killed 600 young girls to bathe in their blood to stay forever young.
For her sadism she was condemned to a lifelong prison. Her castle, burnt during a rebellion is today a picturesque ruin.
Drive next to Bratislava the capital city of Slovakia and enjoy a city tour including the Bratislava castle, Virgin Tower, St Michael Gate and Tower, the Fountain of St.George.
Transfer for accommodation in Budapest, the city of spas and hot, spicy goulash.
Overnight in a 3* hotel.

Hungary

Day 6 Wednesday, Budapest
Visit Budapest’s House of Terror, an impressive memorial museum of the victims of totalitarian terror. containing exhibits related to the fascist and communist dictatorial regimes.
Hundreds of testimonial footage from survivors, jail cells and torture chambers.
After such a visit a prayer will do you good. Visit then in this Eastern Europe Tour the exquisite Matyas Church and the Fishermen’s Bastion, built in 1895 in neo-Romanesque style.
Have a walk in the beautiful Castle District and enter the famous Labyrinth of Buda Castle.
Accommodate in a 3* Hotel. 

Day 7 Thursday, Budapest – Visegrad – Budapest

Today you’ll visit Visegrad, the famous medieval Hungarian castle, standing on a hill top overlooking the Danube, which served, for 12 years, as a prison for Vlad the Impaler, the Romanian rulers also known as Dracula. 
Head back to Budapest and enjoy some time on your own: shop, take advantage of the generous spa offer or simply stroll around the streets and enjoy the remarkable examples of medieval architecture.
 Accommodate in a 3* Hotel. 

Day 8 Friday, Budapest – Baile Felix (Romania)

Just like Bram Stoker’s main character, Jonathan Harker, your Transylvanian adventure starts from Budapest. 
You will be collected by the English speaking Romanian guide from your hotel.
Transfer to Baile Felix, a Transylvanian spa resort, well known the curative effects of its thermal springs.
Accommodate in a 4* hotel in Baile Felix.

Day 9 Saturday, Baile Felix – Oradea – Baile Felix
In the morning you can choose to relax in a swimming pool with thermal water or you can try the services of the wellness centre of the hotel.
In the afternoon take a trip to Oradea to visit the old town and admire the Secession style buildings that give a special elegance to this town.
Oradea is located in North West Romania and dates back to the Roman period when it was known under the name of Varadinum Citadel.
Return to your hotel in Baile Felix.

Day 10 Sunday, Baile Felix – Sunset Mountains – Turda

Today you’ll cross the Carpathians through Vartop Pass and enter Motzilor Land.
You’ll enjoy breathtaking natural sceneries as you arrive at Turzii’s Gorges, one of the most important natural reservations of the Apuseni Mountains.
Located in Trascau Mountains, Turzii’s Gorges are well known among mountain lovers and rock climbers in Romania for the number and diversity of their climbing routes. In addition to the climbing, you will have opportunity to see various species of butterflies and plants, some of which unique in the world.
Accommodate in a 4* hotel, often described a medieval fantasy with beds.
For dinner you could enjoy a Vampire Menu in the restaurant of the hotel decorated in an authentic rustic style. 

Day 11 Monday, Turda – Cluj – Bistrita – Borgo Pass

Morning transfer to Cluj Napoca, an important Transylvanian cultural and economic centre, the former Hungarian provincial capital, tracing its origins back to the 2nd century.
The Main Square, Piata Unirii, home to beautiful Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-Classical buildings is dominated by the 15th century Saint Michaels’s Church.
Next stop in this Eastern Europe Tour is Bistrita Citadel
Lunch could be enjoyed in Golden Crown Restaurant.
You could delight yourself with the same meal Jonathan Harker had when in Bistrita.
You will overnight in Dracula’s Castle in Borgo Pass, a 3* hotel built in accordance to Bram Stocker’s imagination on the border between Transylvania and Moldavia, in a breathtaking natural setting.

Day 12 Tuesday, Borgo Pass – Tirgu Mures – Sighisoara

Today you will get acquainted with Transylvania’s Szeckler influences by visiting the city of Targu Mures. You can treat your self with delicious Hungarian recipes in the famous Laci Czarda Restaurant. Next stop is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sighisoara Medieval Citadel.
Founded by Saxons during the 12th century, Sighisoara still stands as one of Europe’s most beautiful and still inhabited fortified cities. Sighisoara is also the place where Vlad the Impaler, known as Dracula, was born. Accommodate in a charming 3* hotel located in the heart of the medieval citadel in this Eastern Europe Tour.
Dinner could be enjoyed in Casa Vlad Dracul Restaurant, the very place where Dracula was borne turned today into a cosy restaurant where one can enjoy the delicious Count’s dishes.

Day 13 Wednesday, Sighisoara – Bran – Rasnov – Brasov

Today you’re introduced to Transylvania’s iconic image, Bran Castle.
The edifice owes its fame both to its unique charm and to the myth Bram Stoker created around Dracula. In 1920, Queen Maria, the niece of Queen Victoria of Great Britain, turned the castle into a beautiful summer residence.
Close to the castle there is a shrine set in a wall of a mountain which once sheltered her heart. The best preserved peasant fortification in Transylvania and one of the largest one in Eastern Europe first documented in the 13th century is your next destination.
Drive to the medieval Saxon city of Brasov, a city with an outstanding medieval atmosphere which has played a vital role in Romania’s history, both old and new.
The most famous landmark of Brasov is the Black Church, the largest Gothic edifice in South – Eastern Europe.
Accommodate in a 3* Hotel. 

Day 14 Thursday, Brasov – Sibiu – Sibiel
The fortified city of Sibiu has been the centre of Romania’s German minority since medieval times and it is one of Romania’s most beautiful cities, containing the largest concentration of tourist attractions in the country.
Visit the Village Museum, the second-largest open-air museum in the world, exhibiting peasant settlements from all over Romania.
Drive next to the traditional Saxon village of Sibiel. Enjoy a carriage ride to your welcoming guest house accommodation, and delight yourself with delicious traditional home cooked Saxon dishes, a strong recommendation for dinner.

Day 15 Friday, Sibiu – Cozia – Tirgoviste – Bucharest
Morning drive to Targoviste, former capital of Walachia County situated on the right bank of Ialomita River, to visit the ruins of Vlad Tepes Old Court.
Vlad spent here 7 years as ruler of Walachia.
On the way to Targoviste you will stop to pay a visit to Cozia Monastery, situated on Olt River in a picturesque Carpathian landscape.
Transfer next to the capital city of Bucharest, surnamed the “little Paris”.
 Accommodate in a 3* hotel.

Day 16 Saturday, Bucharest – Snagov – Bucharest

Continue your journey with Snagov Monastery, where, according to the legend,  Vlad Tepes was buried after his assassination.
The monastic establishment is located on a small island of Snagov Lake so you’ll also enjoy a boat trip across the lake.
The architectural style of the monastery follows the architectural pattern that is characteristic to the monasteries on the Holy Mount Athos in Greece.
Return to Bucharest to visit Vlad’s Old Princely Court and to enjoy a panoramic tour of the city.
Accommodate in a 3* hotel.

Day 17 Sunday, Bucharest

The end of your Eastern Europe adventure. Say good – bye to Romania. Transfer to Bucharest Airport for the return flight.

Testimonials I just wanted to thank you for all that you have done for my mother and me.  We had such an amazing time on our vacation. Thank you for making sure we were taken care of and comfortable at all times and locations.  Each and every detail you had waiting for us was such a treat.  Every one of our guides (from Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania) was very helpful, courteous, and knowledgeable.  Romania was my favorite and I am anticipating my next trip there.  Thank you, Amy White, Dallas Texas, USA.

Your guides Sorin Udroiu Over 20 years of experience as a guide recommend Sorin as a perfect travel companion. From cultural, sightseeing tours to private journeys, Sorin has always managed to leave his guests with a unique impression of Romania I enjoy guiding very much; it’s more than a job or hobby, it is a real passion. Romania is a great country with a fascinating history and it’s a great satisfaction for me to see that, at the end of a tour, tourists feel the same! Sorin Pavel Trojan Born in Prague, he travelled a lot around Europe and United States of America. He studyed at Prague University  two Slavic languages: Polish and Serbian. I work as a tour guide of Prague / Czech Republic since 1998 in English, Polish, Serbian and Croatian. I like my job a lot, no doubt! I am trying to make my tours very enjoyable for amateurs and professionals both. Pavel

Price and Departure

Departure date	Price per person	Single room supplement	Availability
17 day tour. Departure from Prague.
on request	2 persons travelling together € 4156	€ 679	on request
on request	4-6 persons travelling together € 3206	€ 679	on request
on request	7 persons travelling together € 2689	€ 679	on request

*price based on 2 persons sharing a double room


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:
The services of professional trained, local English speaking guides/drivers.

Accommodation:
Czech Republic – 4 nights in 3* hotels, breakfasts included 
Hungary – 3 nights in 3* hotels, breakfasts included
Romania – 3 nights in 4* hotels, 5 nights in 3* hotels, 1 night in guest houses, breakfasts included

Transportation: all land transfers by standard European car – air conditioned

Entry fees to the following tourist attractions:
Czech Republic – Teresin Concentration Camp, Sedlek Ossuary, Church of Saint Barbara, Kutna Hora local museum
Hungary– House of Terror, Fisherman Bastion, Mátyás Church, Visegrad Castle
Romania – Turzii Gorges, Misiuga – baron of Dracula, Dracula’s Castle in Borgo Pass, Clock Tower, Medieval Weapon Collection and Torture Room in Sighisoara, Bran Castle, Horror Castle, Rasnov Peasant Citadel, Village Museum in Sibiu,  Princely Court in  Tirgoviste, Snagov Monastery, Old Princely Court in Bucharest.

Not included: airfare, lunches and dinners, photo and video taxes for the tourist attractions, and all items not mentioned under Inclusion section.

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Special notes & info

• Once you realize the price of good beer and wine you will probably not want to return to your country.
• Bucharest is a well known city for the night life opportunities.
• Plenty of English is spoken and you will find that people are friendly and open to share with you the local culture.
• No visa is required and you can get green card extension insurance from your insurer to cover Romania.
  

Other ideas for private tours in Eastern Europe

More Transylvania tours

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

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

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.
more »

Vampire in Transylvania – 3 days Short Break

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

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)

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)

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.
more »

Halloween Party in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler!

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

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)

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)

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

Dracula Day trip from Bucharest

5 hours programme, Bucharest departure, from €129/ 2 persons

After business tour including visits to Dracula’s Old Court in Bucharest, Snagov Monastery, located on a small island on Snagov Lake, where, according to the legend, Vlad Tepes was buried after his assassination 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 and enjoy a Dracula Show (Thursday and Friday)!
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Dracula tours in Great Britain

Walking Tour with a Medieval Party in London

This is the one and only original Dracula tour operating in London with an incite into the mind of Dracula. You will see Dracula’s House, Highgate Cemetery, the strangling ghost of graves and vampires.

You will also see the Highgate Woods where satanists and witches performed their rites in the 1970’s, visit the haunts of serial killer Dennis Nielsen, and much more! After that you will serve a four-course meal with unlimited beer and wine while a two hour medieval show takes place. From 10:30pm to 11:30pm, we hold a disco.
more »

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

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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 abroad in 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 Transylvania travel
• 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