Choose a luxury holiday Transylvania. Discover our country and learn more about our customs and traditions. Explore impressive Romanian highlights and immerse yourself in the legend of Dracula. Your guide also serves as your driver. Once the plane lands, enjoy VIP services at the airport and then arrive at your private car. Your transportation will be either with a Mercedes Benz or BMW limo.

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Luxury Holiday Transylvania - Highlights

• Have a tasty lunch at Bran Castle's Restaurant
  
• Accommodate in a beautiful old house restored and turned into a Guest house by Count Kalnoky
• Visit old Transylvanian villages
• Enjoy a wine tasting
• Visit famous castles in Romania
• Benefit of VIP services at the airport arrival/departure
• Visit an old distillery

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Luxury Holiday Transylvania Day 1, Bucharest

Welcome to Romania! Meet your tour guide at the airport and take advantage of VIP services. Private transfer is assured from the airport to your luxury hotel, centrally located in Bucharest. Depending on landing hour, your private tour guide leads you through the old town of Bucharest  before having a delicious Welcome dinner.

Meals: Welcome Dinner

Accommodation: 5* hotel

Entry fees: NA

Optional: If you have a morning arrival in Bucharest a visit to Parliament Palace can be scheduled

 

Luxury Holiday Transylvania Day 2, Bucharest – Budureasca – Sinaia (207 km, 3hrs drive)

Start the day with a visit of Snagov Monastery. The monastic establishment is located on a small island of Snagov Lake. This is the place where Vlad the Impaler known as Dracula,  it’s supposed to be buried.

Taste the most exquisite Romanian wines at their home! Visit the vineyard, admire the picturesque views and learn how professional wine tasters do their job.

After visiting Peles Castle, the impressive Royale Residence spend the evening in the peaceful Sinaia, the pearl of mountain resorts in Romania.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: 5* boutique hotel

Entry fees: Snagov Monastery, Peles Castle, Wine Tasting

Luxury Holiday Transylvania Day 3, Sinaia – Bran – Brasov – Miclosoara (125km, 2h15min drive)

Here is a day that abounds in castles, fortresses, old towns and delicious meals.

Explore Transylvania’s symbol, Bran Castle. Bran owes its fame both to its unique charm and to the myth Bram Stoker created around Dracula.  In 1920, Queen Mary, the niece of Queen Victoria of Great Britain, turned the castle into a beautiful summer residence. It’s time for a  culinary adventure at Bran Castle’s restaurant. You can try double-concentrated soups with cut into strips flavored pancakes, nutmeg and tarragon; dishes originating from different villages, later adapted to the nobles' cuisine: beef, duck, turkey, lamb and fish with seasonal or stinky cheese, wrapped in a variety of savors, with lemon or forest fruits, powdered with mint, coriander, saffron and thyme; fresh and tangy vegetarian dishes.

Wrapped up in a wonderful medieval atmosphere Brasov awaits its visitors. Three quarters of the city is surrounded by mountains, and it is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. See it with your eyes!

You will spend the night in Miclosoara.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Accommodation: Beautiful old house restored and turned into a Guest house by Count Kalnoky

Entry fees: Bran Castle

Luxury Holiday Transylvania Day 4, Miclosoara – Sighisoara (108km, 2hrs drive)

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 is also the place where Vlad the Impaler, known as Dracula, was born. We recommend you to have lunch in Casa Vlad Dracul Restaurant, the very place where Vlad the Impaler was born, turned today into a cozy restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast 

Accommodation: 5* Hotel

Entry fees: Clock Tower Sghisoara and Medieval weapon collection, Visit an old distillery

Luxury Holiday Transylvania Day 5, Sighisoara – Salt Mine Turda – Cluj Napoca (165km, 2h45min drive)

On our way to Turda make a stop in Rupea to visit one of the oldest fortifications in Romania; Rupea citadel. Perched high on a basalt hill, Rupea has a long and beautiful history.  After that, your luxury holiday Transylvania continues in Turda. Visit one of the biggest saline in Romania - Salt Mines of Turda, with impressive halls named after kings and queens.

Spend the day in Cluj Napoca. Cluj was the Hungarian provincial capital and it is one of Transylvania’s most important economic, political and cultural centers. Unirii Square houses beautiful Baroques, Gothic, Renaissance and neo- Classical buildings and is dominated by the imposing Saint Michael’s Church.  Another Cluj Highlights: Banffy Palace, Union Square.

Meals: Breakfast

Optional: enjoy a surprising Vampire menu for dinner in a castle-style restaurant in Turda

Accommodation: 5* Hotel centrally located

Entry fees: Salt Mine in Turda

Optional: You can make a nice walk in Turda's Gorges - natural reserve 

Luxury Holiday Transylvania Day 6, Cluj –Alba-Sibiu (172km, 2h30min drive)

Today your luxury holiday Transylvania departs from Cluj Napoca towards the Saxon city of Sibiu. On our way to Sibiu we’ll  visit the 18th century citadel of Alba Iulia. The fortress has seven bulwarks that make it a star shaped one, common to Vauban fortresses – Alba Iulia being quite representative for this type. Spend the night in Sibiu and enjoy a 5* centrally accommodation. The fortified town of Sibiu has been the center  of Romania 's German minority since medieval times and it is one of Romania ’s most beautiful cities. Visit the Evangelic Church -  one of the most accomplished examples of Gothic architecture in Romania, Sibiu’s iconic image. Vlad the Implaer’s son, Prince Mihnea the Evil was stabbed to death on the steps of the church. His gravestone can be found inside the church

From Council Tower you can see that the city has two levels: the 'upper town', which contains most of Sibiu's historic sights, and the 'lower town', which is a charming wasteland of old houses and cobbled squares.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: 5* Boutique Hotel centrally located

Entry fees: Council Tower, Evangelical Church

Optional: You can extend your staying in Sibiu with one more day in order to visit Corvinesti Castle

Luxury Holiday Transylvania Day 7, Sibiu - Curtea de Arges – Bucharest (276km, 4hrs drive)

Morning visit of 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.

One more stop today before reaching Bucharest. Poienari Fortress* - 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 is currently closed due to some infrastructure works

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: 5*Hotel centrally located

Entry fees: Curtea de Arges Monastery, Poienari Fortress

 

Day 8, Transfer to the Airport

With a lot of memories and surely some regret say good bye to Romania. Transfer to Bucharest Airport for the return flight.

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Luxury Holiday Transylvania - Map of the itinerary

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Price for the Luxury Holiday Transylvania

Departure date	Price based on double occupancy	Price for Single Traveler	Availability
Luxury Holiday Transylvania - 8-Days Itinerary A minimum of 2 persons are required for this tour to depart
On request, for a minimum of 2 persons	€ 2944	€ 3544	Free

Book Now!

Book your Luxury holiday Transylvania now and discover Romania and Transylvania!

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.

Other mentions for our Luxury Holiday Transylvania 

• 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.

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FAQ

Was Transylvania Live’s luxury holiday Transylvania placed in a TOP 10 Must-Do Adventures by Fodor travel guide?

Transylvania Live was placed in the Top 10 Must-Do Adventures by Fodor's Travel Guide. Specifically, the operator's Best of Transylvania and Romania-Dracula tour was recognized for its unique experiences. This tour allows travelers to explore the mysterious and historical sites of Transylvania, such as Dracula's Castle from Bran Castle, Corvin Castle, the medieval citadels from Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace, Brasov and Sibiu (European capital of Culture in 2007).

The recognition in Fodor's highlights the tour's appeal to those interested in adventure, history, and folklore, offering a memorable journey through one of Europe's most intriguing regions.

 

Was the Transylvania Live luxury holiday Transylvania named winner of "Tour of the year" award by Tour radar?

Transylvania Live was named the "Tour of the Year" by Tour Radar in 2017. The award recognized their tours, which is a popular itinerary that takes travelers through the gothic landscapes of Transylvania, visiting famous castles, including Bran Castle (aka Dracula’s Castle from Transylvania) and other key locations related to Romania’s legends and folklore.

This award highlighted the unique and immersive nature of their tours, especially those focused on themes like Dracula and Romanian history.

 

What academics think about Transylvania Live’s tours including our luxury holiday Transylvania

Professor Duncan Light, from Bournemouth University, expert in Dark Tourism and author of the book “The Dracula Dilemma” describes Transylvania Live:
 Your company is one of the few that understands the Western market for Dracula.

Your product appears to be very innovative! For many Romanians Dracula means Vlad Tepes but for people from the UK, America etc. it means of course the vampire Dracula.

I agree with those people who say that Dracula is a way to get foreign tourists into Romania creating an opportunity to show them all the other things the country can offer.

 

Was Transylvania live featured in media and magazines?

Transylvania Live has been featured in various media outlets and magazines due to the popularity and uniqueness of their tours, especially those centered around Romania's Dracula legends and the region's rich history. Some of the notable features include:

1. Fodor's Travel Guide - Transylvania Live’s Dracula tour was included in the Top 10 Must-Do Adventures.
2. National Geographic - The operator has been featured in National Geographic, which recognized the company for offering some of the best thematic tours related to Romania’s Dracula legend and historical castles.
3. Lonely Planet - Transylvania Live was mentioned in Lonely Planet as a recommended tour operator for those seeking a deep dive into Europe’s culture and gothic legends.
4. BBC - Transylvania Live has also been featured in BBC documentaries and travel segments, particularly for its Dracula-themed tours, which bring visitors to the legendary castles and landmarks tied to Bram Stoker's famous novel.
5. Irish Times - Transylvania Live was featured in travel section, with a focus on its unique experiences in Transylvania, exploring castles, folklore, and local history.
6. Travel Channel  - Ritual Killing of a Living Dead, the happening that Transylvania Live is offering for Dracula tours goers, was a source of inspiration for Mysterious Journeys, a production company working for Travel Channel
7. Chicago Tribune - The “Transylvanian Fall Foliage Special Tour” hits the highlights of the region, visiting man-made and natural wonders such as Bucharest’s massive Parliament Palace, Bran Castle, the Merry Cemetery and the Apuseni Mountains, as well as the medieval citadel
8. Los Angeles Times - Tours, shows and celebrations follow the footsteps of Bram Stoker’s novel character, Count Dracula.
9. Deutsche Welle - Dracula-Tourism is of course greatest in Transylvania on October 31st. 
10. Travel Channel - The Thrill Seekers Guide, a program transmitted on Travel Channel filmed Transylvania Live ‘s Motorcycles Tours in Transylvania

These mentions have helped solidify Transylvania Live as a key tour operator offering a mix of adventure, history, and cultural exploration in Romania.

 

Why Transylvania Live’s Dracula tours are better than others?

• Transylvania Live Dracula Tours, besides offering Dracula themed accommodation and visit to the main landmarks related to Dracula in Transylvania, include special events, like Ritual Killing of a Living Dead, that create that special atmosphere for which tour goers decide to book a Dracula tour

• Our Halloween Dracula tours include in house organized Halloween parties where magicians perform, professional ballet dancers show the Vampire Hunting, there is the Ritual Killing of a Living Dead, contests, 3 course meals and open bar with alcoholic and soft drinks.

• When you compare prices with other companies tours you will realize that for similar prices we offer good quality for the money, providing in plus half board. The meals that we include are meant to offer a taste of Romanian, Hungarian and German cuisine, all the main ethnic groups living in Transylvania.

• Plus, a Vampire dinner in a Dracula saloon with Dracula’s specialties that did not appear in the menu.
• We use our own local guides rather than people flown in from abroad. Not only is this better for the planet, it will be more enjoyable and insightful too!

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Media Mentions

We’re pleased to say that Transylvania Live has recently garnered the attention of several publications and broadcasts more details here

Transylvania Live’s tours on the national news

Please activate Caption button to see the news with English subtitles.

8 Days – Luxury Holiday Transylvania – Highlights

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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 behavior 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

https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/romania/

Please find your itinerary below

Tour leader

English speaking guide/chauffeur

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Accommodation

7 nights with breakfast included: 6 nights in 5* hotel, 1 night in guesthouse. Porter services included

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Meals

1 Welcome dinner and 2 special Lunches including the exquisite menu at Bran castle's Restaurant

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Transportation

All transfers inside the tour by car – air conditioned, depending on the number of travelers.

*Example of cars available: Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2.2 CDI Limo Automate, Mercedes-Benz GLA 2.2 CDI Mini SUV Automate 4X4, BMW Series 7 3.0d Limo Automate 

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Specials

• Dracula experience in Bran, visit Horror house.
• Wine tasting
• VIP services at arrival and departure – Bucharest Airport
• Visit an old distillery, find out how our TUICA/PALINCA ( the water of fire – Romanian brandy) is made

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Entry fees

Snagov Monastery, Peles Castle, Bran Castle, Clock Tower Sighisoara and Medieval weapon collection, Council Tower, Evangelical Church, Curtea de Arges Monastery, Poienari Fortress

Flight to/from your home-city to Bucharest