Dracula Tours in Romania – Definition
Before understanding Dracula tours in Romania, we should discuss Dark Tourism. This is a branch of tourism which involves traveling to sites associated with death and tragedy.
Our Dracula itineraries are examples of dark tourism. You will visit amazing highlights, related to the real life ruler Vlad the Impaler or to Bram Stoker’s famous protagonist, Dracula. Discover the perfect blend between history and fiction and have fun in Transylvania!
Dracula tours by country
Dracula tours in Romania
The Dracula tours in Romania are organized in order for tour goers to visit the main landmarks related to Vlad the Impaler Dracula.
The more elevated Dracula tours in Romania include also:
- accommodation Dracula themed hotels
- vampire themed menus in Dracula themed saloons
- activities and special events on Dracula/vampire theme
Example of such tours:
Vampire in Transylvania-7 days Dracula tour -The Awarded Dracula tour – a top 10 Must-Do Adventure according to Fodor travel guide.
This tour is with guarantee departure at certain dates, from Bucharest.
It is half-board and includes the special event that was featured on Travel Channel Ritual Killing of a Living Dead.
Vampire in Transylvania- 3 days short break – the escorted tour departs on request for minimum 4 tourists.
Includes a Vampire menu in a Dracula saloon with proper vampire stories and the Ritual Killing of a Living Dead.
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Dracula tours in England
Dracula tour in London with a Medieval banquet at the end
Bram Stoker lived in London for a while. He used to be the secretary of Henry Irving, a famous actor. Irving was the gentleman that inspired Stoker the idea of Dracula acting like a stylish British gentleman.
In this tour 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
See more here
Dracula tours in Whitby
In the novel Dracula Whitby is the town in which the shop that caries Dracula arrive in England. The tours are organized by Whitby Dracula Society on requests.
In Whitby there is also a Dracula Experience house.
Unique tour of the history of Dracula, utilizing animated scenes, special effects and live actors
learn more here
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Dracula tours in Ireland
Ireland is the birthplace of Bram Stoker, Dracula novel writer.
So there is an experience in Dublin called Bram Stoker’s Castle Dracula. Details here http://www.castledracula.ie/
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Dracula tour in Slovakia
Dracula themed tour can visit various castle related to Dracula and the vampires in Slovakia.
Čachtice Castle
Have you heard about the world’s most sadistic female serial killer, Elisabeth Bathory? Remembered as “The Blood Countess” or “Countess Dracula”, Elisabeth was said to be a murderess of more than 650 victims.
Some stories claim that Elisabeth had a routine of bathing in the blood of the virgins as a part of her beauty regimen. Čachtice castle was the seat of Elisabeth and its nowadays a perfect place for those who love mystical places.
Orova Castle
Slovakia is also visited by Dracula novel readers for Orova Castle.
The top floor houses an exhibition of the films that have been shot there, starting with FW Murnau‘s classic Nosferatu the Vampire in 1922
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Dracula tour in Hungary
Vlad Tepes the ruler of Walachia was kept prisoner by king Mathias of Hungary in a location near Buda castle.
The Budapest Vajdahunyad Castle was built over a 100 years ago for the 1000th birthday of the Hungarian State in 1896 for the Millennial Exhibition. The Hungarians loved so much the Transylvanian castle from Hunedoara Romania that they decided to replicate the castle in Budapest.
Local companies organize tour to this castle.
Dracula tours in Romania by type
Dracula tours in Romania can be classified by type as
- multi-day Dracula tours – varying from 4 to 10 days
- short breaks -with duration of at least one night until 3 nights
- day-tours- excursions without overnight
Dracula tours in Romania activities
During your Dracula tours in Romania, the following types of activities can by ordered:
- Ritual Killing of a Living Dead
- Vampire diners
- Dracula shows
- which trials
- masquerade parties
- magicians shows
- knights fights
- sitting evenings
- vampire hunting shows
- fire game shows
- motorcycle excursions
- sidecar Dracula tours
- helicopter tour over Dracula’s Castle
- airplane tours over Dracula’s Castle
- Halloween Parties in Transylvania
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Examples of Dracula tour
Vampire in Transylvania – The awarded 7 days Dracula Tour
Escorted tour, with guaranteed departures from Bucharest, HB
from € 1159, code: Ro4.4RoVa
Special discounted price for July – Euro 999/person! Save up to 15% !
A Dracula Tour departing from Bucharest, intended to Dracula enthusiasts, culture and history fans, adventure seekers. The tour includes the most important places related with Vlad the Impaler.
Visit Snagov Monastery where Vlad was buried after his assassination; Sighisoara – Dracula’s birth place, Dracula’s Castle in Borgo Pass, built according to Bram Stocker’s imagination and the legendary Bran Castle.
These guarantee departure tours also include the Ritual Killing of a Living Dead performed according to old Transylvanian tradition (as was featured on Travel Channel)
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Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler-the flagship Dracula Tour with 3 Halloween Parties included
7 days, HB, from € 1289 – Bucharest departure
code: RO7.BHADT
A Dracula Tour awarded by Fodor’s Travel Guide as a Top 10 Must-Do Adventure, the tour includes the enjoyable Halloween Party in the medieval fortress of Sighisoara Citadel, Dracula’s birthplace.
You will be witness at The Ritual Killing of a Living Dead (as seen on Travel Channel) and a Vampire Hunting show. Also have fun at the second party included in your tour. The venue for this event will be revealed soon.
Next Halloween party is in Dracula’s Castle, Bran Castle from Transylvania.
You will also visit Poenari Fortress.
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The best Halloween Party in Europe, Transylvania, Sighisoara Citadel
2 days tour. Departure from
Bucharest, Sibiu or Cluj Napoca Airport (tour code Tr4.4RoHa)
Enjoy the best Halloween ever in Dracula’s birth place – the Medieval Citadel of Sighisoara!
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 magicians show, the Ritual Killing of a Living Dead and providing you with a truly memorable experience.
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2 Days Transylvania 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 aHalloween Party at Bran Castle from Transylvania also known as Dracula’s Castle.
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Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler
3 days Short Break
Escorted trip, from €569- Cluj Napoca, Transylvania, departure code: TR4.3RoHa
Halloween Party, in Sighisoara Citadel – Dracula’s birthplace!
A short break including a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace.
Pay a visit to 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. There are special events like the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead, Vampire Hunting and many dark surprises.
Direct flights from London to Cluj Napoca available.
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Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler –Short Break – Best Dracula tours in Romania
3 days, escorted trip, from €599 – Bucharest departure Bu 4.3RoHa
It’s time for the ultimate Halloween Party, in Sighisoara Citadel – Dracula’s birth place! A short break including a Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, Dracula’s birthplace and Bran Castle, aka Dracula’s Castle from Transylvania.
Also included one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, The Medieval Saxon 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 program.
You will assist at the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead, Vampire Hunting, contests and many dark surprises.
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Transylvania’s Undying legend
5 days Private Halloween Tour
from € 1299 – Bucharest departure code: Ro4.3RoVa
A private Halloween Tour in Transylvania departing from Bucharest.
The tour includes historical and legendary places related with Dracula’s life and death.
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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Vampire in Transylvania – 3 days Short Break
Escorted trip, guaranteed departures for at least 4 tour goers, HB from € 569- Cluj-Napoca departure
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 the citadel of Sighisoara and the fortified church of Biertan. Unique events which caught the attention of media world wide such as the live reenactment of the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead.
Enjoy 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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1-Day Halloween in Transylvania with Halloween Party at Bran Castle – Dracula tours in Romania
1 Day accommodation and Halloween Party at Bran Castle, starting from € 249 – TRB.1RoHa
Enjoy an unforgettable night tour of Bran Castle, meet the Wicked Fairies.
Get lost in their euphoric dance along with a glass of local red wine.
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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Halloween in Transylvania – 4 Day Private Tour
escorted tour, departure from Bucharest
code Ro4.5RoHa
A 4 day private Halloween tour concentrating the most important places related to Vlad Dracul and his legend. Tour goers are visiting Snagov Monastery, Bran Castle, the Medieval Saxon Citadel of Sighisoara, the outstanding city of Brasov.
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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 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