Dracula tours in Romania for schools – Study trip Transylvania, Bucharest departure, 11-Day tour
Choose our amazing escorted holidays. This study trip offers you and your students an unforgettable Romanian experience. Our itineraries include the best Dracula related highlights, as well as several important cultural and historical landmarks.
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Escorted Holidays - Study Trips in Romania
Choose our amazing escorted holidays. This study trip offers you and your students an unforgettable Romanian experience. Our itineraries include the best Dracula related highlights, as well as several important cultural and historical landmarks. Since this tour lasts for 11 days, your students have plenty of time to discover our amazing country.
Visit amazing Dracula related landmarks during our escorted holidays. Arguably the highlight of almost every one of our itineraries is Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle. In addition to this, your group will also visit Sighisoara Medieval Citadel. This is where the real life Vlad the Impaler was born. Next, travel to Snagov Monastery, an impressive monastic building located in the middle of Snagov Lake. This landmark is known as Dracula's alleged final resting place.
Besides our Dracula related places, you will also visit amazing highlights which have nothing to do with the impressive ruler. These include the Merry Cemetery in Sapanta, a unique place in the world. Discover the funny epitaphs accompanying the wooden crosses which mark each grave. After that, visit Turzii Gorges, followed by Corvinesti Castle, an impressive Gothic style construction.
Escorted Holidays - 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 is currently closed 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
In addition, the special activities prepared, all along the itinerary, bring out the essence of the genuine Transylvanian Folklore:
• The Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead (performed according to the old burying rituals in Transylvania, this event is set on stage in Turda and is meant to reveal who was dwelling the magic realms of Transylvania before Bram Stoker created the vampire legend – the event was presented by Travel Channel in the Hunt for Dracula episode as we have assisted them on a documentary based on Transylvania’s darkest legends. - find out more!
Escorted Holidays – Study Trip Brief itinerary
Our guide collects you from the airport. After that, travel to Snagov Monastery. The monastic building is located on an island in the middle of Snagov Lake. Beyond the impresssive history behind the Monastery, you also have the opportunity to admire amazing landscapes. After that, return to our capital and accommodate in a cozy 3* hotel.
On the next day, visit the Palace of the Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world. Construction began during the regin of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, but he didn't get to see it finished. From here, travel to Targoviste and then discover the ruins of Vlad the Impaler's royal court. Next on your itinerary is the impressive Bran Castle, a symbol of Transylvania. Explore the castle and then enjoy a traditional dinner in Bran Village. After that, travel to Brasov for your accommodation.
Next, your escorted holidays take you to 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.
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.
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
Transylvanian customs and traditions
Next, your study trip takes you to Sacel. Meet a unique woodscraftman 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.
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. Our team performs the ritual according to old customs and traditions.
If our ritual succeeds, enjoy an evening sitting and then retire for the night. 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.
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.
Your Dracula Tours continue with Vlad the Impaler’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. In the morning, our driver will transfer you to the airport for your return flight.
*Please have in mind that Poienari citadel is currently closed due to some infrastructure works
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.
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Book one of the best Dracula tours 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.
Study Trip Transylvania 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.
Dracula Study Trip in Romania - 11-Days 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
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Transylvania Live’s tours on national television
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Awarded Tours in Transylvania - Highlights:
Advice for Irish tourists traveling to Romania
If you’re travelling to Romania, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has the following travel advice practical tips and useful information.
Get travel and medical insurance
Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), available by contacting the Health Service Executive, and that you also obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
Security status
Romania remains a safe country to visit. There are internal political tensions and visitors are advised to avoid large crowds and political demonstrations. We advise that all normal precautions be taken.
Summary
Romanians are friendly and welcoming people many of whom will happily converse in English
The majority of visits to Romania are trouble-free. Serious crimes involving tourists are not particularly common and most of those that do arise are petty and do not involve violence. There is no known threat of terrorism. Nevertheless, visitors to Romania are advised to take normal personal and security precautions, particularly at night.
Irish nationals do not require visas for visits to Romania.
The official currency in Romania is the RON, often called Lei. Obtaining RON prior to travel can be difficult. However, on arrival cash can be withdrawn from ATMs.
Irish visitors to Romania are encouraged to register with the Irish Embassy in Bucharest.
Emergency assistance
The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.
You can contact the emergency services in Romania by dialing 112.
Our tips for Safe Travels:
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance which covers all your intended activities.
- Get a European Health Insurance Card
- Add an alert for your destination within the Travelwise App.
- Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
Safety and security
Crime
There have been some reports of credit and debit cards being scanned or stolen and used illegally, as happens elsewhere. Use of ATMs is generally safe but some precautions should be employed, such as only using those in department stores or hotel or airport lobbies.
As would be expected in large urban locations, there are occasional reports of pickpockets and bag snatchers operating in crowded areas. Confidence scams leading to theft of passports or wallets have also been known to arise where thieves claiming to be police approach visitors and ask for ID. The Romanian police do not generally ask people for documentation without good cause and in the event of any reason for suspicion visitors should offer to go the nearest police station.
Ideally, where they are not expected to be needed, valuables and other items such as spare jewelry, passports, driving licences, credit/debit cards and excess cash should be secured in a hotel safe.
Water
While the water supply in Romania is not known to be contaminated, use of bottled or filtered water is recommended as a safer option.
Wild Animals
Although a decreasing problem, Romania has a significant population of stray dogs. While these do not usually pose a danger it is strongly recommended to avoid contact with them as they can be aggressive and some could be rabid.
The Carpathian Mountains of Romania are famous for their wilderness and beauty but are also home to large populations of bears and wolves. While they try to avoid humans, it is recommended when visiting remote areas to travel in groups and to take expert advice locally.
Local laws and customs
Visitors are required to carry photo ID in Romania; a photocopy of passport or driver’s licence should suffice for this purpose.
Inappropriate or insensitive behaviour or activity in public is likely to offend others and risks prosecution or even a violent reaction.
Transport
Metro
Bucharest has a good Metro system. It and other towns and cities are serviced by buses, trams and taxis which are very good value by western European standards. Romania also has a good network of inter-city trains. Motorways are not extensive.
Driving
Some Romanians drive erratically and at excessive speeds and vehicles are not always fully roadworthy. Serious road traffic accidents regularly occur. Visitors entering Romania by road or driving there should ensure that they have adequate insurance cover. Insurance companies or brokers should be consulted in advance about this, if necessary. Drivers in Romania must also be in possession of a driving license and car ownership documentation.
All vehicles must pay a general road toll. This “Roviniete” ticket can be purchased at border points and at most petrol stations throughout Romania, and should be prominently displayed on the vehicle windscreen.
The traffic police are known to apply on-the-spot penalties for infringements of traffic regulations, including the retention of driving licences for up to three months in very serious cases.
In winter, drivers should ensure that vehicles are prepared for extreme weather conditions, including fitting mandatory winter tyres.
Roads, including primary roads, can be of poor standard, badly lit, pot-holed and with barely visible markings. Appropriate precautions should be taken, especially at night.
There is zero tolerance for drink-driving and permitted blood/alcohol ratios are below those in Ireland.
In Romania, taxis are relatively inexpensive. In general it is recommended that taxis are booked using one of the various methods available, rather than hailed on the street. This is especially the case where vehicles do not have a meter or display fares. Some visitors have reported incidents of overcharging, especially from airports and major train stations – some taxi drivers will offer a fixed price to the city centre which may appear reasonable but could be significantly in excess of the normal fares in Romania. Visitors arriving at the airport are advised to decline any taxi offers in the arrivals area but instead to avail of one of the simple-to-use automated taxi ordering services in the arrivals hall.
Health
Travel Insurance
We can’t pay for emergency medical repatriation, repatriation of remains, or for expenses as a result of a personal emergency while you are abroad. If you buy an appropriate travel insurance policy, these costs will be covered, provided you haven’t broken the terms and conditions.
Buying comprehensive travel insurance can save you and your family a lot of money if something goes wrong. It will also ensure that you get the medical attention you need, when you need it. Hospital bills can quickly run into thousands of euro, and a medical evacuation back to Ireland can cost thousands more.
Not all policies are the same, and the cheapest one might be cheap for a reason. Make sure your policy covers all the activities you plan to do on your trip. Insurance Ireland recommend that you purchase a policy that provides a minimum medical cover of €1 million.
Emergency expenses
Your policy should cover:
- All medical care abroad, including evacuation by air ambulance, or other emergency procedures, and any other costs associated with an unexpected longer stay.
- Your entire trip, from departure to return. Consider an annual multi-trip policy if you’re making more than one trip in the year.
- 24-hour emergency service and assistance.
- Personal liability cover (in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property).
- Lost and stolen possessions.
- Cancellation and curtailment.
- Any extra activities you intend to do that are excluded from standard policies (e.g. water sport activities such as jet skiing or other extreme sports).
Exclusions: You should know most insurance policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents.
European Health Insurance Card
As an Irish resident you are entitled to get healthcare through the public system in countries of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland if you become ill or injured while on a temporary stay there. Ensure that you get or renew your EHIC (the new name for the E111) before you go, and remember, you need one for every person travelling in your group.
The EHIC is not a substitute for proper travel insurance provided by a reputable insurer. It doesn’t cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. Also, some private hospitals may not accept the EHIC, so you should check with the hospital administrator beforehand.
Embassy Contact
In case of a genuine consular emergency while the Embassy is closed, please leave a message with name, location and telephone number at +4021 310 2131 and the Duty Officer will call you back.
Embassy of Ireland
50-52 Buzesti St
3rd Floor, Sector 1
Bucharest
Romania
Tel: +40 21 3102131
Fax: +40 21 3102181
Monday to Friday 09:30 to 12:30; 14:00 to 17:00
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
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: 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 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).
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7 Day(s) 6 Night(s)
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!