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Join us on this amazing Dracula Tour in Transylvania. Your students will learn more about Dracula and they will discover our customs and traditions. Special events include a unique Steam Train ride in the mountains and the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead*, performed as seen on Travel Channel.

*The Ritual of Killing of The Living Dead takes place for groups of at least 4 travelers


Dracula tour in Transylvania - Special event:

Steam Train on Vaser Valley – discover an area devoid by human population.


Dracula Tour 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

*The Ritual of Killing of The Living Dead takes place for groups of at least 4 travelers


Dracula Tour 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.

Sinaia monastery seen in your Best of Romania tour, Dracula tour in Transylvania
Snagov monastery seen in Vampire in Transylvania Dracula tour and Best of Romania tours

Day 2
Your Dracula tour in Transylvania continues with Targoviste. Here, you will visit the ruins of Vlad Tepes’ old court.

Targoviste Old Princely court, escorted tours Romania, Dracula tour in Transylvania
Targoviste Old Princely court, seen in these escorted tours Romania

From here, drive to Sinaia and visit Peles Castle, a stunning palace which used to serve as royal residence.

Peles Castle from Sinaia, Dracula tour in Transylvania
Peles Castle from Sinaia

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.

*This event takes place for groups of at least 5 travelers

Aerial Dracula tour from Brasov over Dracula's Castle-airplane
Bran Castle seen in this Aerial Dracula tour from Brasov over Dracula's Castle

Day 3
During your Dracula Tour 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 this Dracula tour 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

Poenari Citadel -escorted tours to Romania
Poenari Citadel -escorted tours to Romania

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.

Sighisoara medieval citadel-Dracula tour in Romania
Sighisoara

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* hotel.
Enjoy a vampire menu for dinner and attend the unique Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead*, performed as seen on Travel Channel.

*The Ritual of Killing of The Living Dead takes place for groups of at least 4 travelers

Turda Salt Mine seen in Dracula tours and Best of Romania tours
Turda Salt Mine seen in Dracula tours and Best of Romania tours

Dracula Tour Romania – 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

Golden Crown Hotel

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.

Merry Cemetery seen in Dracula tours from Budapest or Bucharest
Merry Cemetery seen in Dracula tours from Budapest or Bucharest

Day 10
Your next Dracula Tour Romania destination is Vaser Valley. Enjoy a unique experience, a reminder of past times.

steam-train-experience-transylvania-tours-dracula-tour-transylvania
Steam Train Experience in Transylvania, Maramures

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 Dracula Tour in Transylvania by spending the night in Sacel.

Cluj Napoca seen in Dracula tours and Best of Romania tours
Cluj Napoca seen in Dracula tours and Best of Romania tours

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

dracula study trip in transylvania

 


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:


Airlines with direct flights from UK to Bucharest

London  Bucharest
Blue Air (Luton)
Wizz Air (Luton)
Easyjet (Gatwick)
British Airways (Heathrow)
Air Tarom (Heathrow)
Ryan Air (Stanstead)

Birmingham Bucharest 
Blue Air
Wizz Air

Bristol Bucharest 
Ryanair

Doncaster Bucharest 
Wizz Air


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
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
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
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 stay; 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
• 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
• 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

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 night in a 4* Hotel, 3 nights in 3* Hotels, 2 nights in Pensions and 3 nights in guest houses 


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**

*The Ritual of Killing of The Living Dead takes place for groups of at least 4 travelers
**Dracula's Wedding takes place for groups of at least 5 travelers

One place free of charge (single occupancy) for tour conductor.

Not included:
  • plane ticket
  • airport fees
  • photo & video tax
  • other not mentioned.
    Add-on program with Transylvania Live Choose activities you can perform before or after your tour and then visit our partners’ site. Available experiences include: BUCHAREST
  1. 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!

  2. 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.

  3. -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.

  4. 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!

  5. 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!

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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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://www.visit-transylvania.co.uk/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).

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.