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Escorted tours to Transylvania - 5-Days Private Tour

Join us on our escorted tours to Transylvania. This unforgettable private journey begins in Bucharest. Meet our guide and then visit several highlights, Dracula related and beyond. Our tours blend important historical and cultural places with landmarks meant to show you all the dark Dracula related legends. Visit Sighisoara Citadel, the ruthless ruler's birthplace, followed by Snagov Monastery or the popular Bran Castle.

The main advantage of private escorted tours to Transylvania is the ability to depart on any date. This means that you don't have to plan your schedule around your tour anymore. Choose a departure date which fits you best and then join us together with your friends or family. This is another advantage of private itineraries: you get to travel with your own group, composed from people you know. This means you won't socialize with strangers, but it offers you a more intimate experience.

This tour requires a minimum of 2 people to depart


Private escorted tours to Transylvania - Highlights:

The medieval citadel of Sighisoara, Vlad the Impaler’s birth place, the best preserved and still inhabited medieval citadel in Europe

Snagov Monastery in Bucharest, where, according to the legend, Vlad was buried after his assassination

Bran Castle, Peles Castle – Legendary castles in Transylvania with plenty of good stories for a Dracula tour.

Rasnov Peasant Citadel – the best preserved peasant fortification in Transylvania and the largest one in Eastern Europe, first documented in 13 century


Private escorted tours to Transylvania - Brief Itinerary

Our guide collects you from Bucharest airport. Your first destination is Sinaia, the pearl of Romanian mountain resorts. Visit the main highlight of this resort, Peles Castle, a former residence of the Royal family. After that, travel to the impressive Rasnov Citadel, famous for surviving several Ottoman invasions. From here, travel to the Medieval Saxon City of Brasov and accommodate at a cozy hotel.

Escorted tours to Transylvania - Bran Castle

escorted-tours-to-transylvania-bran

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 escorted tours to Transylvania continue with the Fortified Church of Biertan. After that, drive to Sibiu and accommodate in a 4* hotel. Get some rest, because your fourth day begins with a physical challenge: you need to climb over 1400 stairs in order to reach Poienari Citadel*. It’s a long and exhausting climb, but once you reach the top, 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 will be closed until the end of 2023 due to some infrastructure works

On your last day, our guide will take you to Snagov Monastery. Cross Snagov Lake and reach the island where the monastery is built. This important highlight of our escorted tours to Transylvania 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 - 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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Advice for Australians traveling abroad

According with Australian government the following advice are to be followed:

Before you go

  • Confirm your passport is valid for 6 months from when you think your trip will end. Don’t get stranded.
  • Get comprehensive travel insurance to cover you and your gear. Get insurance that’s right for you and covers your activities in the places you’ll go. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.
  • Consider your physical and mental health. Get advice from your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • See your doctor or travel clinic 8 weeks before you go for a basic health check
  • Check if your medication is legal and available in the places you’re going. Take enough of your prescribed medicines to last the whole trip. Carry copies of your prescription and a letter from your doctor.
  • Tell your bank you’re travelling and check if your cards will work. Have several payment options.
  • If you’ll drive overseas check out the local traffic laws and practices. You’re likely to need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well as your Australian driver’s licence.
  • Share your itinerary with friends or family members. Give them copies of your passport

Travel insurance

Holidays don’t always go as planned. If you’re going overseas, travel insurance is as important as a passport. Without it, you or your family could suffer financially if things go wrong. No matter who you are, where you’re going and what you’re doing, get insurance.

Travel insurance is especially important if you need medical assistance. Healthcare overseas can be very expensive. Most countries won’t give you free care, or subsidise the cost of your care. You, or your insurer, must usually pay full price.

Travel Advice for Australians visiting Romania

Safety

Keep your personal belongings close. Lock hotel and train compartment doors from the inside.

Drink spiking is an issue, especially in Bucharest’s Old Town. Don’t accept food, drinks, gum or cigarettes from people you’ve just met.

Dating and marriage scams occur.

Only use ATMs in banks, shops and shopping centres, especially at night. Always keep your credit card in sight. Be wary of people you’ve met online.

Local laws

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They can include jail sentences of up to 20 years.

By law, you must always carry photo ID. Keep your passport in a safe place. Carry a photocopy.

It’s illegal to take photos of airports, military sites or other secure locations.

It’s illegal to engage in sex work or have sexual relations with a person under 18.

Same-sex relationships are legal in Romania, but not widely accepted.

Local contacts

The Australian Consulate in Bucharest provides limited consular and passport assistance.

You can get full consular help from the Australian Embassy in Athens.

Read more advice for Australian traveling abroad!

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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, Horror Castle in Bran, Clock Tower, Medieval Weapon Collection and Torture Room in Sighisoara, Fortified Church in Biertan, Snagov Monastery.
  • Plane ticket
  • Airport fees
  • Photo & video tax
  • Lunches, dinners and other not mentioned.
    Add-on program with Transylvania Live Choose activities you can perform before or after your tour and then visit our partners’ site. Available experiences include: BUCHAREST

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).