Transylvania Holidays
Transylvania Holidays range from Vampire itineraries running throughout the year to the Awarded Halloween tours taking place around the famous holiday. Regardless of your itinerary, we guarantee you will have a lot of fun and discover new things about our country.
Here are the best 5 Vampire tours in Transylvania, as well as the best five Halloween itineraries (in no particular order, they are actually all great).
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Best 5 Vampire Tours – Transylvania Holidays
Awarded 7-Days Vampire Itinerary – Transylvania Holidays
Our 7-Days Vampire Transylvania holidays depart from Bucharest on a weekly basis between May and October. Highlights include Snagov Monastery, Poienari Fortress, the Medieval Saxon City of Sibiu, Corvinesti Castle or the unique Turda Salt Mine. Furthermore, discover Dracula’s Castle Hotel in Borgo Pass, followed by Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. No tour of Transylvania would be complete without our symbol, Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle. On your last day, visit the Medieval Saxon City of Brasov, Peles Palace in Sinaia or the ruins of the old Royal Court in Targoviste.
Special events include the Ritual of Killing of The Living Dead, a burial rite performed in medieval times in order to save innocent spirits haunted by the evil ‘strigoi’. This ritual is re-enacted by our team according to old customs and traditions.
We also organize a special edition of our 7-Days Romania Escorted Tour, including a series of fun special events!
3-Days Vampire Short Break – Transylvania Holidays
Our 3-Days Vampire Tour departs throughout the year, on customer request (except for Halloween season, when we have the special Halloween versions). Meet your experienced English speaking guide in Cluj-Napoca.Travel to Sighisoara Medieval Citadel and visit the main attractions (including the Clock Tower history museum). You can also enjoy lunch at Casa Vlad Dracul restaurant, built where the Count’s birth home used to stand.
Your next destination is the Medieval Saxon City of Sibiu, where you will accommodate in a 4* hotel. On your second day, discover the impressive Corvinesti Castle and then drive to Turda. Accommodate in a 4* Dracula themed hotel and, in the evening, join our team for the Ritual of Killing of The Living Dead followed by a fun Evening Sitting. In the next morning, visit the unique Turda Salt Mine before returning to Cluj in order to conclude your itinerary.
Transylvania’s Undying Legend, 5 Days – Transylvania Holidays
This private itinerary departs throughout the year, on customer request. Your 5-days tour begins in Bucharest. Our English speaking guide collects you from the airport. Discover the impressive Peles Castle, followed by Rasnov Peasant Citadel and then drive to Brasov for your accommodation.
On your second day, visit the iconic Bran Castle, Transylvania’s symbol, and then explore the Horror Castle if you dare! Travel to Sighisoara Medieval Citadel and accommodate here. In the morning, visit the Clock Tower, the Medieval Weapons Collection and the Torture Room. Other highlights included in this private itinerary are the Fortified Church of Biertan, the Medieval Saxon City of Sibiu, Poienari (Dracula’s fortress in the mountains), Arefu Village or Snagov Monastery, Vlad the Impaler’s alleged burial site.
Dracula the bloody truth tour, 4 Days – Transylvania Holidays
This 4-days private itinerary departs from Bucharest. Meet our guide at the airport and then accommodate in a 3* hotel, centrally located. Visit Snagov Monastery and then return to our capital. On your second day, travel to the pearl of mountain resorts in Romania, Sinaia, and visit the impressive Peles Castle. From here, drive to Bran Village and explore the iconic Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle. On this day, you will also visit Rasnov Fortress and travel to Poiana Brasov for your accommodation.
Your 4-days private Transylvania Holidays continue in the Medieval Saxon City of Brasov, where you can admire impressive attractions such as the popular Black Church. Next, transfer to Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, visit the main attractions and accommodate at a 3* medieval hotel. In the morning, drive to Bucharest airport for your return flight.
Study Trip – Transylvania’s Undying Legend – Adventure Trip, 11-Days
This amazing 11-days itinerary is designed for large groups of students and it includes several cultural and historical places in addition to the Dracula related attractions. Our guide collects you from Bucharest Airport. On your first day, your group will visit Snagov Monastery and go on a city tour of Bucharest. In the morning, travel to Targoviste and discover the ruins of the old Royal Court. Next, discover the impressive Peles Palace before traveling to the iconic Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle. Accommodate in Brasov and attend a special event – Dracula’s Wedding, a non-verbal performance presented by a professional band of actors.
On the following morning, return to the Bran area and visit Valley of the Citadel Cave, Rasnov Citadel or Bat’s Cave. Accommodate at a good quality pension or guest house. Day 4 brings you to Poienari Citadel, Dracula’s fortress in the mountains. You will need to climb over 1400 stairs to reach the top, but the views are worth the effort. Another highlight included today is Curtea de Arges Monastery. Its construction is surrounded by many legends which you will discover during your visit.
Your Study Trip continues with the Medieval Saxon City of Sibiu, followed by Sibiel Village, where you will visit the Village Museum. Accommodate in a guest house and, in the following morning, travel to Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. Visit the most important highlights and then drive to Turda, where you will attend the Ritual of Killing of The Living Dead, performed according to old customs and traditions.
Best Caves in Apuseni
Next, travel to Apuseni Mountains and explore unforgettable caves such as Bear’s Cave, Meziad Cave or Scarisoara Cave (which hosts the largest underground glacier in our country). Accommodate in a guest house in Garde de Sus. The next morning visit Huda lui Papara Cave and then travel to Borgo Pass and discover Dracula’s Castle Hotel, built according to Bram Stoker’s descriptions.
Discover a famous woodcraftsman, visit the unique Merry Cemetery in Saptana and go on an unforgettable Steam Train ride on Vaser Valley (about 50 km). On the last day of your tour, return to Cluj-Napoca.
Best 5 Halloween Itineraries – Transylvania Holidays
Awarded 7-Days Halloween
Our Awarded 7-Days Halloween itinerary is one of the best Transylvania holidays. Depart from Bucharest and visit impressive highlights such as Snagov Monastery, the alleged birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. The monastic establishment is unique due to its location: on an island in the middle of Snagov Lake. Furthermore, discover Poienari, Dracula’s old fortress in the mountains, followed by the Medieval Saxon City of Sibiu. This city is filled with tourist attractions waiting to be discovered, such as the iconic Liar’s Bridge.
The next destination included in the 7-Days Halloween tour is Corvinestilor Castle near Hunedoara, followed by the unique Turda Salt Mine, one of the most popular tourist attractions in our country. From here, travel to Borgo Pass and accommodate at Dracula’s Castle Hotel.
Halloween Parties in Sighisoara Citadel and at Bran Castle
Day 5 brings you to Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, where you will attend the best Halloween Party in Transylvania. Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner and then have fun at an amazing schedule including a breathtaking magic show, an impressive ballet performance and The Ritual of Killing of The Living Dead, performed according to old customs and traditions.
After the party, you should get some rest because, on the next day, you will travel to Bran Village for your second special event: the popular Halloween Party at Bran Castle. Take advantage of our skip the line service, enjoy a special night tour of the castle and then join us in the courtyard and have fun at the amazing party.
On your last day in Transylvania, visit the impressive Peles Palace, the former summer residence of the Royal Family, now an unforgettable museum. Return to Bucharest in order to conclude your tour.
10-Days Halloween Tour from Budapest – Transylvania Holidays
Our guide collects you from the Hungarian capital. On your way to Transylvania, you will stop in Tokaj and enjoy a taste of Dracula’s favorite wine. Reach Satu Mare and accommodate in a 3* hotel. The next day, visit the unique Merry Cemetery in Sapanta, followed by the Village Museum in Sighetu Marmatiei. The following morning, travel to Sacel and meet a famous woodcraftsman, Grigore Tulean, who will teach you how to make the perfect wooden stake. From here, travel to Borgo Pass and accommodate at Dracula’s Castle Hotel.
The next day, travel to Sighisoara Medieval Citadel and get ready for our amazing Halloween Party! The next morning, after you recover, explore the citadel and visit the Clock Tower and the Medieval Weapons Collection. Drive to Bran Castle and, in the evening, attend the popular Halloween Party at Bran Castle.
Other highlights included in this itinerary are Rasnov Fortress, the Medieval Saxon City of Brasov with the famous Black Church, the city of Sibiu or Corvinesti Castle. At the end of Day 8, accommodate in Arad. The next day, return to Hungary and, on the way to Budapest, stop in Szeged, also known as the Sun City. Enjoy an impressive city tour and then travel to Budapest for your farewell dinner. Enjoy a good night’s sleep and then travel to the airport for your return flight.
3-Days Halloween Short Break from Cluj-Napoca or Bucharest
Apart from the Awarded 7-Days tour, we organize a fun Halloween short break. In fact, there are two distinct 3-days tours, departing either from Cluj-Napoca or from Bucharest. Both itineraries include two parties: in Sighisoara Medieval Citadel and at Bran Castle.
The only difference between the two short breaks is the departure place. If you leave from Cluj-Napoca, you can choose to stop in Turda and visit the unique Salt Mine (optional, not included in the tour). In Sighisoara, you can also enjoy lunch at Casa Vlad Dracul restaurant, built where Dracula’s birth house used to stand – also up to you, since this is not included in the price of your itinerary. Also, on the last day of your tour, before returning to Cluj-Napoca, you can enjoy a farewell dinner at Hunter Prince, a Dracula themed restaurant in Turda.
2-Days Tour with Halloween Party at Dracula’s Castle
This itinerary is designed for people who want to attend the popular Halloween Party at Dracula’s Castle. Our guide collects you from Bucharest. You will drive to Bran Village and accommodate in a 3* hotel. After dinner, go on a unique night tour of Bran Castle followed by the fun Halloween party in the courtyard.
The next morning, drive to the Medieval Saxon City of Brasov and discover impressive attractions such as the Black Church, a famous Gothic-style edifice. Return to Bucharest for your flight home.
2-Days Tour with Halloween Party in Sighisoara Citadel
Besides the 2-days tour with party at Bran Castle, we organize a similar tour including our fun event in Sighisoara Medieval Citadel. We organize this tour with departures from Sibiu, Cluj-Napoca, Brasov and Bucharest. Our drivers collects you from your chosen city and transfers you to Sighisoara Medieval Citadel. Accommodate in a 3* medieval hotel and then join us for the best Halloween Party in Transylvania including special events such as the Ritual of Killing of The Living Dead. The next morning, return to the city you departed from in order to conclude your tour.
How Much Do Transylvania Holidays Cost?
The price is one of the most important criteria when choosing the best Transylvania Holidays. Your perfect itinerary is a balance between the attractions you wish to discover and the budget you have at your disposal. The price of a Transylvania tour can be influenced by factors such as length (a 3-days tour costs less than a 7-days itinerary), attractions and special events included and the type of accommodation (some of our tours allow travelers to chose between 3* and 5* hotels).
Furthermore, a tailor made holiday costs more than regular itineraries for several reasons. Most important, you will travel with friends and family only, which means the same service usually provided for a larger group is available exclusively to you.
What are the average costs for Transylvania Holidays?
On average, you can purchase a short break of Transylvania for about €600 (please check the prices for each tour for the exact amounts) and a complete 7-days experience costs about €1200. Also, if you are traveling alone, take into account that, unless you wish to share a room with a stranger, you will have have to pay the Single Supplement as well.
How much does a Study Trip cost?
We organize two unforgettable Study Trips for you and your students. First of all, ‘Transylvania’s Undying Legend – Adventure Trip’ has two pricing options. For groups of minimum 15 people, the cost is € 1287/person, while people traveling in groups of 10-14 people will have to pay €1498 for this itinerary. In both cases, the Single Supplement (which means you get to sleep alone in a single room) costs € 289.
Meanwhile, the other Study Trip, ‘Dracula Tour for School’ costs €1557/person and the total cost (including Single Supplement) is €1837
What are the costs for Halloween Tours in Transylvania?
Halloween Tours include an unforgettable itinerary and up to three fun parties. Prices differ depending on your itinerary. For instance, the 10-days Halloween from Budapest experience with 3 parties included costs €1790 (or €1999 for single travelers). At the same time, the Awarded 7-Days Halloween itinerary costs €1299 or €1419 for single travelers.
Meanwhile, our 3-days Halloween short break from Cluj-Napoca or Bucharest cost €599 or €666 for Single Travelers. The 2-days short break including our Halloween Party in Sighisoara costs – regardless of where you are transferred to Sighisoara from – €439 or €479 for single travelers. Meanwhile, the 2-days itinerary from Bucharest including the popular Bran Castle Halloween Party costs €369 or €399 depending on room type.
Last, but not least, the 1-day Halloween tour with party at Bran Castle (which includes accommodation, dinner and access to the party), costs €259 or €288 for single travelers. Meanwhile, we organize a 1-day itinerary in Sighisoara which actually only includes tickets for our Halloween Party. An adult has to pay €249 for a ticket, while children gain access for €79/person.
How much does food and transportation cost in Romania?
Since most tours do not include lunches, you might want to enjoy a meal or two on your own. In this case, you should know the prices for food in Romania. According to Budget Your Trip, the average cost for food in our country is 104 lei/day. As for drinks, the same website claims that an average person spends about 31 lei/day on alcohol in Romania. Here is the exact quote from Budget Your Trip regarding these costs:
While meal prices in Romania can vary, the average cost of food in Romania is lei104 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Romania should cost around lei41 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Romania is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
As for transportation, it depends on the distance you need to travel and on the type of transportation you choose. According to the same, previously mentioned website, travelers spend about 79 lei / person on local transportation. Buses or the subway are generally much cheaper than a taxi ride. As for transfer between cities, Budget Your Trip offers us a perspective: the average cost for this kind of transportation is 128 lei.
Risks of using public transportation in Romania
Around rush hours, buses and subway trains can be overly crowded. While using public transportation, make sure you can always see your belongings and be wary of pickpockets. In taxis, keep an eye out for shady drivers who are trying to circle around in order to raise the sum on the meter. Also, if they deliberately keep the meter off and attempt to negotiate with you, refuse and ask them to turn it on during your trip. This is because some taxi drivers might try to ask for a price that’s several times larger than the usual fare.
Is it safe to go on Transylvania Holidays?
While the crime rate in Romania ranks below the European average, corruption still stands out as one of this country’s greater problems. If authorities offer you solutions outside the law, which can be ‘mutually beneficial’, you should not accept and instead ask for legal justification.
We are glad to let you know that terrorism is not a problem in Romania. Our country ranks 138/163 on the Global Terrorist Database, meaning that there were no terrorist attacks here. Meanwhile, the GPI (Global Peace Index), ranks Romania 22/163 countries, declaring it one of the safest countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
General Tips if you travel to Romania
- 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 traveling and check if your cards will work. Have several payment options.
Driving
Romanian traffic is not the friendliest you can find. In cities (particularly in larger ones), you will most likely waste a lot of time in traffic jams and you will have to circle around until you can find an available parking spot. Outside cities, the highway system is still under construction, so most of the driving will be on National Roads, which are not in the best shape.
Our tours include transfer via bus or car depending on how large your group is. While every guided tour also includes a driver (sometimes the guide himself serves as driver as well), you will still notice a few notable things. National Roads pass through a lot of villages, where you need to slow down. In these villages you might encounter carts and animals on the road.
If you end up driving in our capital, Bucharest, be ready to face heavy traffic. You might encounter angry drivers, some of them driving erratically and disobeying the law. In the rare case you encounter a driver looking for an argument, you should avoid getting into conflict. While in Bucharest, you should also keep an eye out for pedestrians, as they tend to cross the street running or without making sure their action is safe.
Pickpocketing
One problem you might encounter mostly in big cities, in crowded places such as buses or the subway train, is pickpocketing. Tourists are especially targeted, so we recommend you not to carry your valuables on yourself. It’s safer, for instance, to store them in the hotel safe while you are absent.
On buses and subways, pickpockets can do one of two things: either grab your purse and make a run for it right as the doors close or sit somewhere near you and cut your purse silently and disappear with your items before you can realize what happened. While using public transportation, the best way to carry your purse is in front of you, so that it stays within your eyesight.
Always exchange money at authorized exchange houses or banks around the cities. If someone offers to exchange your money on the street, do not accept the offer as it is most likely a scam.
Laws
During your stay in Romania, you should always have your photo ID. We recommend keeping the original documents in a safe place and carry photocopies around. If law enforcement asks for ID, a copy should suffice.
Do not take photos around airports, military sites or other secure locations. You will be able to see a sign wherever photographying is prohibited.
Drug offences are taken very seriously in Romania. Depending on the severity of the crime, penalties can be as high as 20 years in jail.
Insurance
While at first glance it would seem like a trivial thing, travel insurance is very important and it’s better to be prepared rather than wait until something unexpected happens. In order to avoid any kinds of unpleasant developments, you should always have travel insurance. This way, you are covered and you spare yourself and your family from significant expenses.
For instance, you might find yourself in need of medical services. Healthcare abroad tends to be quite expensive and the odds of you receiving free care or even a cost reduction are very slim. However, travel insurance solves this problem. All you need to do is contact your insurance company and they will handle the necessary payments.
How many days do you need for the best Transylvania Holidays?
Our Transylvania holidays range from 1 or 2-days short breaks to the Awarded 7-Days itinerary. Choose the perfect Transylvania holidays for you and your group and have fun exploring our country. Depending on the length of your tour, you will either attend only the Halloween Party in Sighisoara or the one at Bran Castle (or even both parties in certain itineraries) or discover unforgettable Transylvanian attractions as well.
1-Day Tours
One-day itineraries are meant to facilitate access to our fun Halloween Parties in Transylvania. Choose either our Halloween Party in Sighisoara Citadel (you will only receive a ticket for the party) or attend the popular Halloween Party at Bran Castle (this tour also includes accommodation in Bran Village for the night).
2-Days Transylvania Holidays
The 2-days itineraries also include our unforgettable Halloween Parties. The tour including the Halloween Party at Bran castle departs from Bucharest and also includes accommodation, a breakfast and a dinner. Meanwhile, the 2-days tour in Sighisoara Citadel departs from Cluj, Brasov, Sibiu or Bucharest (you can choose your favorite pick up city). It includes accommodation, breakfast and a dinner served during our Halloween Party.
3-Days Halloween and Vampire in Transylvania Holidays
On 3-days holidays, you get to explore the most important Transylvanian attractions. On Halloween, attend both parties: in Sighisoara Citadel and at Bran Castle.
The 3-days Vampire itinerary departs throughout the year, on customer request. Choose this tour if you are interested in discovering the most important attractions in our country. Visit Dracula’s birthplace, Sighisoara Citadel, followed by the Medieval Saxon City of Sibiu, Corvinesti Castle or Turda Salt Mines. Special events include our Ritual of Killing of The Living Dead, performed according to old customs and traditions.
Awarded 7-Days Transylvania Holidays
Our catalog includes the Awarded 7-Days Dracula tour running once per week between May and October and the Halloween edition, which includes three amazing parties.
7-Days Dracula Tour
The unforgettable Dracula tour begins in Bucharest. On your first day, highlights include the impressive Snagov Monastery, Dracula’s alleged burial place. The next morning, drive to Poienari Fortress – the Count’s mountain retreat and then head for the Medieval Saxon City of Sibiu. Admire the large number of attractions in this city and then get a good night’s sleep before traveling to Hunedoara. Visit Corvinesti, an impressive Gothic style castle, followed by the unique Turda Salt Mine. While in Turda, attend our special event – The Ritual of Killing of The Living Dead, performed according to old customs and traditions.
Other highlights included in the 7-days tour are Dracula’s Castle Hotel in Borgo Pass or Sighisoara Citadel (the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler). Furthermore, explore the iconic Bran Castle and the Medieval Saxon City of Brasov. On the final day of your tour, visit Peles Palace, a former summer residence of the Royal family. From here, travel to the Old Court in Targoviste and visit the ruins of the place Vlad the Impaler used to run his country from. Return to Bucharest and conclude your itinerary.
Awarded 7-Days Halloween Itinerary
Our 7-Days Halloween tour was named Tour of The Year 2019 by TourRadar. Moreover, Fodor’s Travel Guide considers it a Top 10 Must-Do Adventure. The itinerary is similar to the regular edition of our tour. In addition to the attractions available during that itinerary, you will also attend three unforgettable parties.
The first Halloween Party takes place in Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. Enjoy a delicious dinner and attend our special events. These include a breathtaking magic show, an impressive ballet performance and our Ritual of Killing of The Living Dead.
You will also attend the popular Halloween Party at Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle. Join our organized group and take advantage of our skip the line service. This experience includes a unique night tour of the castle followed by a fun party in the courtyard tent.
