Study Trip – Transylvania’s Undying Legend, 11 days from Bucharest
This Study Trip Romania is specially prepared for students who are passionate about history and myths.
Discover the country and follow in Vlad the Impaler‘s footsteps.
Visit traditional mountain villages and learn all about the history and customs of the places you explore.
WT-CODE 772- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- Reviews
- FAQ
Have fun on an amazing Transylvania vacation. This 11-days study trip is intended for large groups of students. Travel across the land of Dracula and find out more about our old customs and traditions. Enjoy a thrilling Steam Train ride and attend the popular Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead*.
Transylvania Vacation - Special event:
Steam Train on Vaser Valley – discover an area devoid by human population.
Transylvania Vacation - 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
Transylvania Vacation, 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.
Day 2
Your Transylvania vacation continues with Targoviste. Here, you will visit the ruins of Vlad Tepes’ old court.
From here, drive to Sinaia and visit Peles Castle, a stunning palace which used to serve as royal residence.
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.
Day 3
During your Transylvania vacation, 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 Transylvania vacation, 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
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.
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* Dracula themed hotel.
Enjoy a vampire menu for dinner and attend the unique Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead, performed as seen on Travel Channel.
Transylvania Vacation – Discover Apuseni Mountains
Day 7
In the next part of your Transylvania vacation, 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
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.
Day 10
Your next Transylvania vacation destination is Vaser Valley. Enjoy a unique experience, a reminder of past times.
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 Transylvania vacation by spending the night in Sacel.
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
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 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 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 travelers.
Accommodation
10 nights:
2 nights 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
One place free of charge (single occupancy) for tour conductor.
- Plane ticket
- Airport fees
- Photo & video tax
- Other not mentioned.
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 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.
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).
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!