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Join us on our amazing bus tours Romania. Explore our country and discover unforgettable highlights related to Vlad the Impaler. Additionally, you and your students will learn more about our customs and traditions.
Bus tours Romania - Study Trip 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
Corvinesti Castle – visit one of Romania’s most beautiful castles, built in the 14th Century, the former residence of ruler Iancu de Hunedoara
Discover a unique event during your Bus tours Romania
The Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead - this special event was featured in a 'Hunt for Dracula' episode on Travel Channel. We perform the ritual according to old customs and traditions. During your Bus tours Romania, you will attend this event in Turda - find out more!
Bus tours Romania – Brief itinerary
Bus Tours Romania Day 1 Dracula's Tomb
Our English speaking guide collects you from Otopeni Airport, Bucharest. From here, you will travel to Snagov Monastery. According to the old legends, this unique monastic building located in the middle of Snagov Lake serves as Dracula's final resting place. Find out if the legend is true and then return to Bucharest for a delicious traditional dinner. Accommodate at a 3* hotel.
Bus Tours Romania Day 2 Parliament Palace and Dracula Castle
On your next day visit the Parliament Palace, the second largest administrative building in the world after US Pentagon.
After that, drive to Targoviste and visit Vlad the Impaler’s old royal court.
Then, head for Bran Castle, Transylvania’s symbol. Visit the castle. Enjoy a traditional dinner in Bran Village. Drive to Brasov and accommodate at a 3* hotel.
Bus Tours Romania Day 3 A Black church, a Fortified church and a Dracula show
Continue your bus tours Romania in Prejmer.
Visit the Fortified Saxon Church here and, after that, explore Brasov and visit the Black Church.
The most famous landmark in the city, the church got its name after a great fire blackened its walls. In the evening, enjoy a Saxon dinner and then attend ‘Dracula’s Wedding’, a silent performance staged by professional actors.
Bus tours Romania Day 4 Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, Dracula's birthplace
Next, head to Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, where Vlad the Impaler was born.
Visit the Clock Tower history museum and then explore the citadel.
Discover Casa Vlad Dracul restaurant, build in the place where Dracula’s house used to be located.
Bus tours Romania Day 5 - Bistrita
On your fifth day, 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
Bus tours Romania Day 6 Transylvanian traditions and the Merry Cemetary
Your bus tours Romania take you to Sacel.
Meet a unique woodcraft-man and learn how to craft the perfect wooden stake.
After that, head to Sapanta and visit the Merry Cemetery, famous for the anecdotes written on every tombstone.
Accommodate in a 3* hotel in Sighetu Marmatiei.
Bus tours Romania Day 7 Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead
Your next destination is Cluj-Napoca.
Explore one of the most important Transylvanian cities and discover landmarks such as St. Michael’s Cathedral.
After that, head to Turda and accommodate in a Dracula themed 4* hotel.
Enjoy our delicious vampire menu for dinner and attend the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead*.
A group of relatives of the living dead performs the ritual according to old customs and traditions.
*The Ritual of Killing of The Living Dead takes place for groups of at least 4 travelers.
If the ritual succeeds, enjoy an evening sitting and then retire for the night.
Bus tours Romania Day 8 Turda Salt Mines and architectural success
In the morning, descend in the famous Salt Mine and enjoy a picnic in Turda Gorges.
After that, head for Sibiel Village. Visit the Glass Museum and then experience accommodation in Guest Houses.
Bus tours Romania Day 9 Corvinesti Castle the most beautiful Gothic castle in Eastern Europe
On the next day, travel to Hunedoara.
Visit Corvinesti Castle, the former residence of ruler Iancu de Hunedoara and one of the most beautiful castles in Romania.
After that, return to Sibiel and enjoy a traditional home made dinner.
Bus tours Romania Day 10 The real Dracula fortress
Your Dracula tours in Romania experience continues with Dracula’s old fortress, Poienari*.
It’s situated high in the mountains, so get ready to climb 1426 stairs. It’s physically demanding, but the effort is worth it.
Admire the amazing view from the top and then drive to Curtea de Arges Monastery.
Visit the monastery and, after that, return to Bucharest and enjoy one more Romanian evening.
*Please have in mind that Poienari citadel will be closed until the end of 2023 due to some infrastructure works
Bus tours Romania Day 11 Farewell to Romania
In the morning, our driver will transfer you to the airport for your return flight.
This is an overview of your tour.
For more information, please scroll up and then use the product menu to discover the full itinerary, inclusions, exclusions and other details.
Book now!
Book one of the best Dracula tours in Romania now and discover 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.
Bus tours Romania Departures:
Departure on request for groups between 10-40 people. The price can vary depending on the size of your group.
Departure date | Price per person (2 persons to one double room) |
Single Supplement | Availability |
11 day tour. Departure from Bucharest | |||
On request Departs on request. Suitable for groups of 10-40 people |
€ 1557 | € 1837 | 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 Dracula study trip in Transylvania
Media Mentions
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:
Advice for US citizens traveling in Romania
U.S.-Romania relations
The United States established diplomatic relations with Romania in 1880, following Romania’s independence. The two countries severed diplomatic ties after Romania declared war on the United States in 1941; and re-established them in 1947. Relations remained strained during the Cold War era while Romania was under communist leadership. After the 1989 revolution ended communist rule, however, Romania’s policies became unequivocally pro-Western.
Romania joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 2004 and has established itself as a steadfast ally of both the United States and NATO.
U.S. Assistance to Romania
U.S. security assistance supports Romania in completing its military modernization, improving its interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces, and increasing its expeditionary deployment capabilities in support of NATO’s collective defense and coalition operations with the United States. Other programs include U.S. Department of Justice assistance to strengthen the rule of law, including combatting corruption and human trafficking, and strengthening intellectual property rights and cyber-security. The United States also assists in preserving Romania’s unique cultural heritage. For example, in 2019, Romania received the largest Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation grant in the world, $500,000, for the restoration of a 14th Century fortified Saxon church in the village of Alma Vii.
Entry and visa information.
- You must have a U.S. passport that is valid for at least three months beyond your departure date from Romania.
- U.S. citizens may enter and remain in Romania without a visa for up to 90 days total in any 180-day period. Departing Romania and attempting to re-enter Romania does not “restart the clock”. U.S. citizens who depart Romania and return after spending less than 90 days in the 180-day period prior to their return will be admitted for the remainder of the 90 days. U.S. citizens attempting to re-enter Romania after having already spent 90 days in Romania in the 180-day period prior to return may be denied re-entry to Romania.
- U.S. citizens who wish to stay longer than 90 days must obtain an extension from Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- U.S.-Romanian dual nationals should consult the Romanian Border Police website for information on exit requirements.
- If you have a temporary or permanent Romanian residence permit, be ready to present it upon request from local competent authorities.
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Romania.
Safety
Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Europe. All European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.
Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules [with regards to best practices and safety inspections] are regularly enforced, though some tourism-related activities (such as rock climbing and extreme sports) are less regulated than in the U.S. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available in near major cities. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. Medical treatment in Romania is not up to western standards. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.
Crime
Reported types of crime include:
- Robbery, pick pocketing, internet scams, and credit card fraud are the most commonly reported crimes.
- Organized groups of criminals, sometimes including minors, operate in train stations, trains, subways, and busses.
- Money exchange schemes often involve individuals posing as plainclothes policemen who approach you, flash a badge, and ask for your passport and wallet. Insist on the presence of a uniformed police officer and request that any issues be resolved at the police station.
- If traveling on an overnight train, travel with a companion and in the highest class available.
- Do not leave your personal belongings unattended; stow them securely out of sight.
- Use ATMs located inside banks. You should check ATM machines for any evidence of tampering before use.
- Be extra cautious of your surroundings if using an internet café.
- Use cash wherever possible in lieu of credit cards.
Victims of Crime:
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the U.S. Embassy. Report crimes to the local police at 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at (40) 21 200-3300.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.
U.S. Embassy can:
- help you find appropriate medical care
- assist you in reporting a crime to the police
- contact relatives or friends (with your written consent)
- explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
- provide a list of local attorneys
- provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
- provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
- help you find accommodation and help you arrange flights home
- replace a stolen or lost passport
Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced, though some tourism-related activities (such as rock climbing and extreme sports) are less regulated than in the United States. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available in major cities. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. Medical treatment in Romania does not meet U.S. standards. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.
Local Laws
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.
Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.
Special Circumstances:
- Romania is situated in a seismically active region and has a history of devastating earthquakes, with the greatest risk occurring in Bucharest.
- Mountainous areas of the country can be subject to torrential rains and flash floods, especially in the spring and summer months.
- Streets and sidewalks are often icy and hazardous during winter.
- Avoid contact with stray dogs.
- Travelers’ checks are of limited use, but ATMs (“bancomats” in Romanian) are widely available.
LGBT Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Romania. However, the annual gay pride parades in Bucharest have been the scene of violent protests in past years.
Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Romanian laws and regulations require public places, the outdoor environment, transportation, and housing to be accessible for persons with mobility issues. Although there has been progress, accessibility varies greatly. While large cultural institutions and supermarkets are generally properly equipped for persons with mobility issues, accessibility on sidewalks, hotels, and public transportation remains problematic.
- Sidewalks and streets are uneven, even in major cities.
- Small hotels and tourist sites often do not have elevators or ramps.
- Access to public transportation is not adequately marked for people with visual impairments and other disabilities.
- Platforms at subway stations may be narrow, steep and slippery.
Health
US Embassy do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our web page for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Romania and with the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the medication is legal in Romania. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.
- Basic medical supplies are limited in Romania, especially outside of major cities.
- Hospitals often lack nursing care and assistance for the elderly.
- Most prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications are available in Romania but are often sold under different names.
- Response times for emergency services vary widely depending on the region of the country and nature of emergency.
US Embassy strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
Before you begin your travels
Write down contact details for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to carry with you in case of emergency while traveling.
US Embassy in Romania
4-6, Dr. Liviu Librescu Blvd.
District 1, Bucharest
015118 Romania
Telephone: (+40) 21 200-3300
https://ro.usembassy.gov/
Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel, and check exchange rates.
Some banks are blocking your credit card payment when a transaction occurs from abroad.
Safeguard Your Documents!
Make two copies of all your travel documents in case of emergency. Leave one copy with a trusted friend or relative at home and carry the other separately from your original documents. To help prevent theft, do not carry your passport in your back pocket, and keep it separate from your money.
For more information https://travel.state.gov/
Please check your itinerary below:
Itineraries
Day 1
Bucharest - Snagov - Bucharest (81 km, 1h 35 min driving)
Welcome to Romania! Our English speaking guide welcomes you at the Bucharest Airport. Take a trip to Snagov. Visit Snagov Monastery, according to the legend, Vlad Dracul was buried here after his assassination. The architectural style of the monastery follows the architectural pattern that is characteristic to the monasteries on the Holy Mount Athos in Greece.
To have a complete picture of the Romanian capital you’re invited to enjoy a delicious traditional welcome dinner. Accommodate in a charming 3* hotel.
Day 2
Bucharest - Targoviste - Bran - Brasov (220 km, 4h 10 min driving)
Visit Parliament Palace, the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon
Targoviste - Visit the ruins of Vlad Tepes old court situated on the right bank of Ialomita River situated in the former capital of Walachia County
Bran - Explore 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 to 1377. A true fortress and once a fort guarding a commercial road, all its walls are made of stone and the rooms and narrow corridors form a labyrinth of hidden corners and secret chambers. In 1920, Queen Mary, 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 the wall of a mountain which once sheltered her heart.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional shepherd dinner in Bran Village and then head for your next stop: the Medieval Saxon City of Brasov, where you will accommodate in a 3* hotel.
Day 3
Brasov - Prejmer - Brasov (36 km, 43 min driving)
Visit the Fortified Saxon Church in Prejmer, UNESCO world heritage Site
Visit Brasov, a city with an outstanding medieval atmosphere which has played a vital role in Romania’s history, both old and new. Three quarters of the city is surrounded by mountains, and it is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. Visit the most famous landmark of Brasov, the Black Church – the largest gothic edifice in Southern Europe dating back to 14th century. Initially called St. Virgin Mary, the church was renamed after the great fire in 1689 that blackened its walls. It hosts the largest bell in the country as well as a collection of oriental carpets dating back to 15th and 18th centuries.
Lunch on individual accounts
Day 4
Brasov - Sighisoara (120 km, 1h 40 min driving)
Transfer to the Medieval Citadel of Sighisoara. Founded by Saxons during the 12th century, Sighisoara still stands as one of Europe’s most beautiful and still inhabited fortified cities with UNESCO European heritage site status. Sighisoara Medieval Citadel is also the place where Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula, was born.
Submerge yourself in the medieval atmosphere by visiting Sighisoara’s main attractions: The Clock Tower – built in 1360 and standing 60 meters tall on top of the citadel's hill, it hosts a museum and offers a great view over the citadel. The Torture Room –this small but interesting museum is housed at the foot of the Clock Tower in the same room where prisoners were tortured and confessions were extorted during the Middle Ages. Some of the amazing torture instruments and methods are on display. The Medieval Weapon Collection – very small but it contains an interesting selection of medieval weapons (swords, arrows, etc.). Church of the Dominican Monastery, known for its Transylvanian renaissance carved altarpiece, baroque pulpit, Oriental carpets and 17th century organ.
Have dinner in Casa Vlad Dracul Restaurant, the very place where Vlad Dracul was born, turned today into a cozy restaurant.
Day 5
Sighisoara - Bistrita (171km, 2h 56 min driving)
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. Accommodate in 4* hotel - Golden Crown
Day 6
Bistrita - Sacel - Sapanta - Sighetu Marmatiei (169 km, 3h 8 min driving)
In Sacel you’ll make the acquaintance of a renowned woodcraftsman, Grigore Tulean. The art of woodcarving is best preserved in Maramures, well known region in Europe for the impressive wood carved gates. Among others, you can learn in Grigore’s workshop how to make the perfect wooden stake!
Drive to Sapanta and visit the 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.
You will accommodate in Sighetu Marmatiei, in a centrally located 3* Hotel.
Day 7
Sighetu Marmatiei - Cluj-Napoca - Turda (210 km, 3h 55 min driving)
Leave Maramures region and head back to Transylvania, to visit the city of Cluj Napoca, Transylvania’s historic capital, the 3rd largest Romanian city tracing its origins back to the 2nd century AD. Cluj is an important university centre housing the largest and most diverse university in Romania. Among major highlights Saint Michael’s Cathedral is a must see – one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Romania.
Transfer to Turda and accommodate in a 4* Boutique Hotel, a medieval fantasy with beds. Delight yourself with a vampire menu for dinner, a delicious reason to travel to Transylvania and attend the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead – performed according to the old funeral rituals in Transylvania. The event is meant to reveal who was dwelling the magic realms of Transylvania prior to Bram Stocker’s vampires.
Day 8
Turda - Turzii Gorges - Sibiel (155 km, 2h 40 min driving)
Prepare to descend to the heart of one of the biggest salt mines in the country – Turda Salt Mines, with impressive halls named after kings and queens.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in Turzii’s Gorges (individual accounts), one of the most important natural reservations of the Apuseni Mountains, well known among mountain lovers, home to various species of butterflies and caves hiding bats from the day light (the students can stop in a local market in Turda to buy all the necessary food for the picnic).
In the afternoon, drive to the Saxon village of Sibiel.Visit the Icon on Glass Museum in Sibiel, the largest one in Europe. Accommodate in Guest Houses and enjoy a traditional Saxon home made dinner.
Day 9
Sibiel - Hunedoara - Sibiel (226 km, 2h 30 min)
Visit the Village Museum, the largest outdoor exhibition of peasant settlements from all over Romania. Head next to Hunedoara. Visit the greatest Gothic style castle in Romania, Corvinesti. The ediffice was built in the 14th Century, on the site of a former Roman camp. It served as a fortress until the mid 1400's, when it became the residence of Transylvania's ruler, Iancu de Hunedoara. Iancu upgraded the fortress and it soon became the most beautiful castle in Transylvania.
Return to Sibiel for a delicious traditional home made dinner.
Day 10
Sibiel - Poienari - Curtea de Arges - Bucharest (335 km, 5h 20 min driving)
Enjoy a morning visit of Poienari*, Vlad’s old and faithful fortress. The fortress located close to Fagaras Mountains, on a canyon formed by Arges River is perched 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 1426 stairs.
*Please have in mind that Poienari citadel will be closed until the end of 2023 due to some infrastructure works
Travel to Curtea de Arges. Visit 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.
Day 11
Bucharest
Transfer to the airport in the morning.
Tour leader
The services of a professional English speaking guide.
Transportation
All transfers inside the tour by microbus or coach depending on the number of the travelers.
Accommodation
1 night in a 4* Hotel, 7 nights in 3* Hotels and 2 nights in guest houses in Sibiel.
Meals
10 breakfasts and 10 dinners (1 special dinner: dinner with Vampire menu) and 7 packed lunches.
Entry fees to
- Snagov Monastery
- The Parliament Palace
- The Ruins of Tirgoviste Citadel
- Bran Castle
- Black Church, Prejmer Fortified Church
- Clock Tower, Medieval Weapon Collection and Torture Room in Sighisoara
- Woodcraftsmen in Sacel
- The Merry Cemetery
- Salt Mine in Turda
- The Village Museum in Sibiu, Evangelic Church in Sibiu
- Icons on Glass Museum in Sibiel
- Ruins of Poienari Citadel*
- Argesului Monastery.
*Please have in mind that Poienari citadel will be closed until the end of 2023 due to some infrastructure works
Special events included
- Ritual of Killing of a living Dead
- Dracula’s Wedding
One place free of charge for tour conductor.
- Airfare
- Some of the lunches
- Photo & Video taxes for the tourist attractions
- All items not specified at Trip Inclusions.
Add a review
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://dracula-tour.com/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 by your bank, at their rate.
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.
If you travel alone you have to book the tour with a single supplement; if you wish to book a double room which you want to share with another traveller, we’ll do our best to make all arrangements, but in case this is not possible, you’ll have to pay the single supplement; however it is our strongest recommendation to book the tour with a single supplement when travelling alone.
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).
Danielle Alu – West Virginia University– :
Our adventures in Transylvania are an experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Every second was a reminder of how lucky I was to be a part of this.
We were able to see sights that people will never even get the chance to see.
I mean, come on! Climbing to Dracula’s fortress, how many people in the world can say they have done that too!
The experience was priceless!
On top of this, we were also able to study Dracula while here!
I had found the book fascinating and interesting, however I did not fully appreciate it until this trip.
Our visits to both literary and historic sights complimented the text and in my opinion, brought it to life.
The additional activities, such as our visits to Dracula’s dungeons and the bonfire, also contributed in that they placed us in the horror and allowed us to experience the characters’ fears firsthand.
Aside from Dracula, the historic landmarks of Romania was also an added bonus.
I thoroughly enjoyed the different churches, exploring the streets, and the different museums.
It is also worth noting that Stefan is an amazing tour guide and genuine human being.
He went above and beyond to make each and every people as happy as they could be.
I have never seen someone work so hard and be so dedicated to his job as our tour guide and friend.
Thank you for this experience.
I am so grateful and I hope that you can continue to provide this experience to others.
It was a priceless experience that I will always remember!