Transylvania’s Undying legend – Private Dracula Tour, Bucharest departure, 5-Day tour
Go on our tailor made 5 days vacation packages in Transylvania. Visit the land of Dracula during an unforgettable itinerary. Your tour begins in Bucharest. Meet our guide and travel to impressive highlights such as Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, Snagov Monastery or Peles Palace.
WT-CODE 777- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- Reviews
- FAQ
Go on our tailor made 5 days vacation packages in Transylvania. Visit the land of Dracula during an unforgettable itinerary. Your tour begins in Bucharest. Meet our guide and travel to impressive highlights such as Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, Snagov Monastery or Peles Palace. In addition to these, don't miss the famous Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle thanks to Bram Stoker's novel.
Choose our private 5-days vacation packages and depart on a date of your choice. Plan your itinerary around your schedule and not the other way around! A private tour also gives you the possibility to travel in a more intimate group, including your friends or family only.
A minimum of 2 people is required for this tour to depart
Private 5 days vacation packages in Transylvania - Highlights:
The medieval citadel of Sighisoara, Vlad the Impaler’s birth place, the best preserved and still inhabited medieval citadel in Europe
Snagov Monastery in Bucharest, where, according to the legend, Vlad was buried after his assassination
Bran Castle, Peles Castle – Legendary castles in Transylvania with plenty of good stories for a Dracula tour.
Rasnov Peasant Citadel – the best preserved peasant fortification in Transylvania and the largest one in Eastern Europe, first documented in 13 century
Tailor made 5 days vacation packages in Transylvania – Brief Itinerary
Begin your tailor made 5-days vacation packages in Bucharest. Our guide collects you from the airport and then you will drive to Sinaia and visit the impressive Peles Palace, a former Royal residence. After that, travel to Rasnov Citadel and visit this landmark. Travel to Brasov and accommodate in a cozy hotel.
Private 5 days vacation packages – Discover Vlad the Impaler
The next morning, drive to Bran Village and then visit Transylvania’s symbol, Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle. After that, head for Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace, Sighisoara Medieval Citadel. Explore the old streets and then accommodate at 3* hotel with medieval allure. Optionally, you can serve dinner at Casa Vlad Dracul Restaurant, built where Dracula’s house used to be located.
Your 5 days vacation packages Transylvania continue with the Fortified Church of Biertan. After that, drive to Sibiu and accommodate in a 4* hotel. Get some rest, because your fourth day begins with a physical challenge: you need to climb over 1400 stairs in order to reach Poienari Citadel*. It’s a long and exhausting climb, but once you reach the top, your effort will be rewarded by the amazing views. Finish exploring Poienari Citadel and then drive back to Bucharest.
*Please have in mind that Poienari citadel will be closed until the end of 2023 due to some infrastructure works
On your last day, our guide will take you to Snagov Monastery. Cross Snagov Lake and reach the island where the monastery is built. This is an important highlight in any holiday in Romania because it serves as Vlad the Impaler's alleged burial place. Visit Snagov and then return to Bucharest. We will drop you off at the airport or at your booked hotel.
Departures
| Departure date | Price per person (2 persons to one double room) | Single traveler | Availability |
| 5 day tour. Departure from Bucharest Airport | |||
| Departs on request for a group of minimum 2 persons | € 1299 | € 1430 |
limited spaces |
This is an overview of your tour. For more information, including the complete itinerary, please scroll up and then use the product’s menu to navigate.
Book your tour now!
Book now and then enjoy our amazing Dracula tours in Transylvania. Since it’s a private tour, we can work out the departure date which suits you best.
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: on request, for a group of minimum 2 persons.
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.
5-Days Dracula Tour - Private itinerary map
Media Mentions
• We’re pleased to say that Transylvania Live has recently garnered the attention of several publications and broadcasts
more details here
Halloween in Transylvania with Transylvania Live in the news
Activate Captions for English subtitles!
Awarded 7-Days Halloween in Transylvania - Highlights
Advice for US citizens traveling in Romania
Before you go 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 occur 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.
Passport Validity
Three months beyond departure date. We recommend a minimum of six months validity after entry date
• Children’s passports: Passports issued for children under age 16 are valid for only five years, not 10 years like adult passports. Check passport expiration dates carefully and renew early.
Visas
Not required for stays under 90 days
Consent for Travel with Minors
If you are traveling alone with children, foreign border officials may require custody documents or notarized written consent from the other parent.
Health Insurance: Many foreign medical facilities and providers require cash payment up front and do not accept U.S. insurance plans. Medicare does not provide coverage outside of the United States. Check your U.S. health care policy to see if it will cover you overseas. If not, consider buying supplemental insurance. Make sure the insurance you purchase covers any special medical needs or risks you anticipate on your trip.
Currency restrictions
Entry: Amounts over 10,000 Euros or equivalent must be declared
For exit: Amounts over 10,000 Euros or equivalent must be declared
Safety
There were no terrorist acts in Romania.
However credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Europe. All European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.
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.
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.
Health
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.
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.
It is strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
Road Conditions and Safety
Though Romanian traffic laws are very strict, road accidents are a real and dangerous threat for U.S. citizens visiting Romania. According to the European Union Road Federation, Romania has the highest per-vehicle rate of road fatalities of any country in the EU, a rate similar with USA.
If you chose to drive in Romania, practice defensive driving techniques.
While major streets in larger cities and major inter-city roads are generally in fair to good condition, many secondary roads are in poor repair, unpaved, poorly lit, narrow, and lacking marked lanes.
• Mountain roads are particularly dangerous when wet or covered with snow or ice. Winter snow removal is intermittent.
• It is common for pedestrians, animals, cyclists, and horse-drawn carts to share a road with motor vehicles, especially in rural areas.
• Parked vehicles often block sidewalks, forcing pedestrians to walk in the streets.
• Cross only at crosswalks and exercise vigilance as crosswalks are generally poorly marked.
• Local drivers often ignore traffic lights and crosswalk signs.
Maintain vigilance when driving to avoid hitting pedestrians in the streets.
Traffic Laws: Romanian traffic laws are very strict.
• The traffic police can confiscate any form of a driver's license or permit for 1-3 months and request payment of fines at the time of the infraction.
• Police are required to give all drivers involved in an accident a breathalyzer test on the scene.
• Refusal to take a breathalyzer test may result in criminal penalties regardless of whether or not alcohol was involved.
• Wearing a seat belt is mandatory.
• Children under 12 years of age may not be transported in the front seat.
• Use of mobile phones while driving is banned, with exception of hands free systems.
U.S. citizens arriving in Romania for stays up to 90 days may use their U.S. state drivers’ licenses (DL) along with an International Driving Permit. The U.S. Department of State has authorized two organizations to issue international permits to those who hold valid U.S. driver’s licenses: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance.
If entering Romania by vehicle you need to purchase a road tax badge known as “rovinieta” at the border crossing point. Proof of insurance and a car registration document are required when purchasing the "rovinieta." Drivers of vehicles registered abroad who are not in possession of a valid international insurance document must buy short-term insurance at the border.
Roadside help, vehicle assistance, towing services: Dial 9271
Ambulance, fire brigade, police: Dial 112.
For more information https://travel.state.gov/
No details found.
Itineraries
Day 1
Thursday, Bucharest - Sinaia - Rasnov - Brasov (180 km, 3h driving)
Our English speaking guide picks you up from the Bucharest Airport and leads you to Peles Castle in Sinaia - one of the most beautiful royal residences in Europe which served as retreat residence for most of Romania’s monarchs. Next stop is Rasnov Peasant Citadel, built on a calcareous rock. The citadel is one of the best preserved peasant refugee fortresses in Transylvania. Accommodation in 3* hotel centrally located in Brasov.
Day 2
Friday, Brasov – Bran- Sighisoara (165 km, 2h 57 min driving)
You start the day with Bran Castle, Vlad Dracula’s castle in Transylvania, the place where Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula, was arrested and imprisoned. Spend the night in Sighisoara, the best preserved and still inhabited medieval citadel in Europe. 3* hotel for accommodation in the heart of the medieval citadel. For dinner we recommend Casa Vlad Dracul Restaurant, the very place where Vlad the Impaler was borne, turned today into a cosy restaurant.
Day 3, Saturday
Sighisoara - Biertan - Sibiu (112 km, 2h driving)
You are now in the heart of the medieval citadel of Sighisoara. Stroll around the medieval streets of the citadel and visit the Clock Tower, the Medieval Weapon Collection and the Torture Room. Next stop is the Saxon Fortified Church of Biertan, one of the best preserved fortified churches in Romania. Spend the night in Sibiu, the European Cultural Capital of 2007. Enjoy a traditional dinner in one of the oldest restaurants. Accommodate in a 4* hotel.
Day 4
Sunday, Sibiu - Poienari – Arefu- Bucharest (310 km, 5h 25 min driving)
Morning drive to Poienari Citadel* to visit the ruins of the old citadel. Built on a cliff top near Arges River, Poienari Citadel used to be Dracula's refugee place.
*Please have in mind that Poienari citadel will be closed until the end of 2023 due to some infrastructure works
Travel across Arefu Village and listen to the legends about Vlad the Impaler kept alive to this day by the villagers. Next stop is Bucharest, the capital city of Romania. You'll accommodate in a 4* central located hotel.
Day 5
Bucharest - Snagov - Otopeni (62 km, 1h 8min driving)
Travel to Snagov. Visit Snagov Monastery, the place where it is believed Vlad Dracula was buried. It is now time to say good bye to Romania. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Tour Leader
English speaking guide
Accommodation
1 night in 4* hotels, 3 nights in 3* hotels
Transportation
All transfers inside the tour by coach, minibus or car - air conditioned, depending on the number of travelers
Meals
4 breakfasts
Entry fees to
Peles Palace, Rasnov Peasant Citadel, Bran Castle, Clock Tower, Medieval Weapon Collection and Torture Room in Sighisoara, Fortified Church in Biertan, Snagov Monastery.
- Plane ticket
- Airport fees
- Photo & video tax
- Lunches, dinners and 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: http://www.visit-transylvania.co.uk/terms.html .
The client is at all time entitled to cancel the Travel Contract, but must pay Transylvania Live - Expert in Transylvania a cancellation charge as stipulated below: 89 days or more prior to departure 90 EURO per person / per tour cancellation fee; 88–61 days, loss of deposit. 60–31 days will be subject to 50% of tour price; 30 days or less will be subject to 100% of tour price.
Please check with the airline company. Anyway is good to pack light, some of the hotels – historical buildings do not have elevators.
Our tours include the services of English-speaking guides. German, French, Hungarian and Hebrew-speaking guide are also available.
We can design an itinerary at a time that suits you, to your own comfort levels and within your own budget. Please send your request by e-mail or by fax.
Yes, most of our tours operate even if there’s only one person. Due to socialization reasons our special tours for couples require a minimum of five couples.
The tour has a general audience as it targets people interested in history, culture, customs and beliefs. Group size can be between 4-26 people. Transylvania Live is member of the responsible travel network and we are committed to operating a travel policy that is supportive of local economies, cultures and the environment. We operate our tours with small groups in order to minimise the negative impact on the environment and allow our guests to interact more easily with the locals, facilitate the communication with the guide. The average age of group is, most of the time, between 35-45.
We do not provide individual tickets for rail, air, boat or ferry.
A minimum age of 10 years is required on non-family programs, unless otherwise indicated on the individual tour page. A client under 18 years of age and travelling alone during the tour period shall provide Transylvania Live with written consent of his/her guardian. Clients under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. On “for couples” tours a minimum age of 20 years is required.
We only accept VISA and MASTERCARD. Please select only these two types of credit cards for the online payment.
If you pay on-line using our secure internet booking form your credit card can hold any type of currency, the amount of money to be taken will be exchanged in EURO by your bank, at their rates. 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
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).
Related Trips
-
-
7 Day(s) 6 Night(s)
Mike K. Goodman– :
I was going through pictures and just wanted to say thank you for such a wonderful tour!!!
I am just beginning to catch up on things!
Thank you for the wonderful note you sent I really do have an amazing wife!!
Also, I saw the pictures on TripAdvisor which are awesome!!
Thanks again for a wonderful time.
The moments in the after party in Bran and the kindness you all showed to Ryan and Chase will live with me forever and while I know it is your “job” it was clear that i was all genuinely a part of who you all are, kind, wonderful, fun awesome people!!!
Thank you!
Gill and Lee Simpson – Derbyshire– :
We want to thank you so much for the amazing Halloween party and for all of the tour.
It has been a most inspirational, cultural, historical experience for both of us and will definitely recommend your tours to people back home so thank you again