Transylvania’s Undying legend – Private Dracula Tour, Bucharest departure, 5-Day tour
Choose one of the best private Transylvania travel experirences. Visit our country during this amazing 5-days itinerary. Our guide collects you from Bucharest and then you will discover impressive highlights such as Sighisoara Citadel or Snagov Monastery.
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Transylvania Travel - 5-Days Private Dracula Tour
Choose one of the best private Transylvania travel experirences. Visit our country during this amazing 5-days itinerary. Our guide collects you from Bucharest and then you will discover impressive highlights such as Sighisoara Citadel or Snagov Monastery. Furthermore, you will also visit the popular Bran Castle, better known as Dracula's Castle.
Our tailor made Transylvania travel experiences allow you to depart on a date of your choice. Therefore, you don't have to clear your schedule for a certain period. Instead, you get to choose when is the most convenient for you to start your tour. Furthermore, with a private tour, you can enjoy a more intimate experience. Bring your friends and/or family and then travel together in your own group, without any other tourists.
A minimum of 2 people is required for this tour to depart
Private Transylvania travel experience - 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
Transylvania Travel Experience – Private Tour Brief Itinerary
Your private Transylvania travel experience begins in Bucharest. Meet our guide at the airport and then travel to Sinaia. Visit and impressive castle, which used to serve as the residence of the Royal family - Peles Palace. From here, you will travel to Rasnov, one of the most resilient Medieval fortresses. Rasnov managed to successfully stand its ground against several Ottoman invasions. Visit the citadel and then travel to Brasov for your accommodation.
Transylvania Travel Experience – 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 Transylvania travel experience continues 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, the amazing views make the effort worth it. Finish exploring Poienari Citadel and then drive back to Bucharest.
*Please have in mind that Poienari citadel is currently closed 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 important highlight of our Transylvania travel experiences serves as Dracula's alleged final resting place. Visit Snagov and then return to Bucharest. We will drop you off at the airport or at your booked hotel.
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 an 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:
| 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 |
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 Transylvania's Undying Legend - Private Dracula tour 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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Vampire Tours 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
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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. Say your prayers; next stop is the Horror Castle, a special treat dedicated for the strong-hearted! 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. 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.
*Please have in mind that Poienari citadel will be closed until the end of 2023 due to some infrastructure works
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.
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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).
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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