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Choose this private weekend in Transylvania! This is one of the best private escorted tours Romania. It departs every weekend, on customer request. Discover some of the highlights of Transylvania with this experience, departing from Bucharest guided tours. For instance, you will visit Sighisoara Medieval Citadel - Dracula's birthplace. After that, you will head to Bran Castle, followed by Rasnov Citadel and many other landmarks.

The break departs every Monday and Thursday  starting from May 1st  for minimum 2 persons, from the capital city of Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca at 09:00 AM


Highlights

The Medieval Saxon Citadel of Sighisoara – Dracula’s birth place, the best preserved medieval citadel in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Bran Castle – also known as Dracula’s Castle, a legendary Transylvanian fortress dating back to 1377.

The Medieval Saxon city of Brasov – one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe


Escorted tours Romania – Private tour itinerary

from-Bucharest-guided-tours-escorted-tours-romania

On your first day, depart from Bucharest. Our english speaking guide picks you up from your centrally located hotel. Depart from Bucharest guided tours and head to Sighisoara Medieval Citadel. This is the place where Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula, was born. Accommodate in a medieval 3* hotel, located in the heart of the medieval citadel.

Your escorted tours Romania continue with a morning visit of Sighisoara's attractions. Discover the Clock Tower museum, the Church on the Hill or the unique Covered Stairs. After that, drive to Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle thanks to Bram Stoker's novel. If you survive, head to Rasnov Citadel, the best preserved peasant fortification in Transylvania. If you manage to arrive before closing hours, you will be able to enter the citadel. However, if you arrive too late, you will have to admire it from the outside. Your next stop is the Medieval Saxon city of Brasov. Admire the city and its famous landmarks, including the Black Church. After that, accommodate in a 3* hotel.

On the third day of your tour, depart for Bucharest airport early in the morning to catch your flight. If you plan on staying more, however, our guide can also drop you off at your booked hotel instead.

This is an overview of your tour. For more information, including the full itinerary, please scroll up and then navigate using the product’s menu.


Book now! Departure from Bucharest guided tours

Book your tour now and enjoy an amazing Transylvania experience! Head to our secure internet booking form and send us your details. After that, we'll do the rest. Alternatively, you can choose our Halloween Short Break, with 2 Halloween Parties included. One of the parties  takes place in Sighisoara Citadel. In addition, you will also attend the other one, taking place at Bran Castle.

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: on request for a group of minimum 2 people

Departure date Price per person (2 persons to one double room) Single traveler Availability
3 day tour. Departure from Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca, 9:00 AM (GMT+2)
The break departs every Monday and Thursday  starting from May 1st  for minimum 2 persons € 559 € 666

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.

Dracula Weekend in Transylvania - 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

Halloween tours in Transylvania on the national news

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

Highlights:


Resources for Canadian travelers

According to the Government of Canada it is important to be prepared and to expect the unexpected wherever in the world you may be. Here is helpful information on health and safety, travel documents, travelling with children and more.

Travel documents

Crossing international borders can be complicated and sometimes requires many different kinds of documents. Being prepared is the key to easing your way through this process, so make sure you know what documents you need, where to get them, and which ones will make your crossing quick and easy.

Lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found passports
A Canadian passport is a valuable document that you should keep in a safe and dry place at all times.
Once you report a passport lost or stolen, it is no longer valid. You cannot use it for travel.
This is to make sure that it isn’t used for fraudulent purposes.
Report the loss or theft to Canadian Embassy in Bucharest.
They may issue a replacement passport if you meet all of the requirements.

Children
Travelling with children can be a challenge in many ways. Here is useful information you should know before you leave the country with children, as well as material on international adoption and a sample consent letter for children who are travelling without their legal guardian.
Persons under 18 or 19 years of age, depending on their province or territory of residence, are considered children and need appropriate documentation to travel abroad. The following is a list of documents that may be required:
• Canadian passport
• Consent letter confirming that the child has permission to travel abroad (e.g. when taking a trip alone or with only one parent)
• Supporting identification, such as a birth certificate or citizenship card
• Other legal documents, such as divorce papers, custody court orders or a death certificate (if one parent is deceased)

Advice for Canadian tourists traveling to Romania

Entry/exit requirements
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

Passport
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave from Romania.
Visas
Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period

Children and travel
Romanian authorities consider a child born to a Romanian parent as a Romanian citizen. This is true even if the child was born in Canada and has a Canadian passport.
When leaving Romania, Romanian children under the age of 18 must:
• travel with both parents, or with the consent of the non-travelling parent(s)
• carry a standard statement of parental consent to travel notarized by Romanian authorities (to be presented upon exiting Romania)
Children returning to their country of legal residence do not need the consent of both parents to leave Romania. They must, however, present official proof of legal residency abroad.

Safety and security
Crime
Pickpocketing, purse snatching and mugging occur, particularly in Bucharest and other urban centres. Be vigilant in crowded areas such as busy streets, public transportation, train stations and airport terminals. Avoid walking alone after dark.
Violent crime is rare.
Organized groups of thieves are particularly active in public transport hubs, such as train and bus stations, and subways.
Theft can occur on intercity trains. Don’t leave your compartment unattended. Always lock the door from the inside. Don’t travel on your own, particularly on overnight trains.
Theft from hotel rooms is common. Make sure your valuables are always locked away if leaving them in the room while you’re away.
Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times, particularly on public transportation. Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash.

Fraud
Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers may ask you to see your foreign currency and passports. Politely decline to cooperate, but offer to go to the nearest police station to sort out the issue.
Some bars and night clubs may try to charge exorbitant prices. Discussions about overcharging may lead to threats of violence and security guards may force you to pay.
Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:
• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Demonstrations
Demonstrations occur from time to time. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
• avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Spiked food and drinks
Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Terrorism
There were no acts of terrorism on Romanian territory.
However here is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks are likely.
Targets could include:
• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

Road safety
Road conditions vary throughout the country. With the exception of major city streets and intercity highways, many roads are in disrepair, poorly lit, narrow and without marked lanes.
Driving can be hazardous due to aggressive drivers, erratic driving behaviour and high speeds.
Don’t drive after dark outside of major cities due to unsafe conditions. These can include horse-drawn carts without lights and wandering livestock on the road.
Medical services and facilities
Medical services and facilities vary throughout the country. They may not be up to the standards you might expect in Canada. Private hospitals and clinics located in cities are often better staffed and equipped than public or rural facilities. Most medical facilities expect cash payment at the time of service.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Laws & culture
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Canada and Romania are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Romania to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Romanian authorities.

Identification
You must carry adequate identification at all times. A photocopy of your passport is acceptable, and will help in case of loss or seizure of the original document.

LGBTQ2 travellers
Although Romanian law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, homosexuality is not widely accepted.

Illegal or restricted activities
There are harsh penalties for engaging in sexual acts with a minor. The age of consent in Romania is 18.
It is illegal to photograph government buildings and military installations, unless prior permission has been obtained from local authorities.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences of up to 15 years and heavy fines.

Driving
You must carry an international driving permit along with a valid Canadian driver’s licence in order to drive in Romania. However, your Canadian driver’s licence is only considered valid for up to 90 days. For stays longer than 90 days, you will need to exchange your driver’s license for a Romanian one.
Traffic laws are strict and local authorities carry out frequent road checks.
There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. Penalties are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and jail sentences, and your driver’s licence may be confiscated immediately. It is illegal to refuse a breathalyser test.
You must carry vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
A motorway vignette (locally known as a rovinieta) is required to travel outside major cities. You may purchase these at border points, post offices and large gas stations.
Headlights must be on at all times when driving, regardless of the time of day or weather.
Winter tires are mandatory during winter months.
You must carry a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a warning triangle in your car.
The use of a cellular telephone while driving is prohibited, unless it is fitted with a hands-free device.
Children under 12 cannot sit in the front seat of a vehicle.

Money
The currency of Romania is the leu (RON).
Exchanging money on the street is illegal. You may exchange Euros in recognized establishments, such as exchange shops, banks and hotels. Carry crisp bills, as merchants may not accept well-worn or used banknotes. Traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted.
The economy is primarily cash-based, but credit cards are widely accepted in major urban centres. Most retailers use PIN technology for credit cards. ATMs are widely available in major cities, but less so in smaller towns.

Currency imports
When crossing one of the external border control points of the European Union (EU), you must make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if you are carrying at least €10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies.
The sum can be in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller’s cheques or any other convertible asset. This does not apply if you are travelling within the EU or are in transit to a non-EU country.
Learn more

Assistance

Canadian Embassy in Bucharest

Tel.: +40-21-307-5000

Street address:
1-3, Tuberozelor St.
011411, Bucharest , sector 1
Romania

site Canadian Embassy Bucharest 

Please check your itinerary below:

Itineraries

Day 1

Bucharest - Sighisoara (290 km, 4h 26 min)

Welcome to Romania. Our professionally trained English speaking guide collects you from Bucharest. Transfer to the medieval Saxon Citadel of Sighisoara (about 5 hours 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 World Heritage Site. Sighisoara is also the place where Vlad the Impaler, known as Dracula, was born. The building still stands and it was turn into a cosy restaurant where one can taste the delicious Count’s dishes.
Accommodation: a charming, intimate 3 * hotel offering 4* services, with an outstanding medieval charm, located in the very heart of the medieval citadel.

Day 2

Sighisoara - Bran - Rasnov- Brasov (173 km, 2h 54 min)

Submerge yourself in the medieval atmosphere by visiting Sighisoara’s main attractions: The Clock Tower - built in 1360 and standing 60 meters tall on top of the citadel's hill, it hosts a museum and offers a great view over the citadel. Continue your journey with Bran Castle, Transylvania’s legendary symbol. Unrightfully called Dracula’s Castle, Bran owes its fame both to its unique charm and to the myth Bram Stoker created around Dracula. Documentary evidence of the castle dates back as far as 1377. A true fortress and once a fort guarding a commercial road, all its walls are made of stone and the rooms and narrow corridors form a labyrinth of hidden corners and secret chambers. In 1920, Queen Mary, the niece of Queen Victoria of Great Britain, turned the castle into a beautiful summer residence. Close to the castle there is a shrine set in the wall of a mountain which once sheltered her heart.
Lunch could be enjoyed in Bran village, a cheese tasting is strongly recommended as the village is part of the Rucar - Bran corridor famous world wide for the delicious home made traditional cheese assortments produced here (the ones smoked in pine tree bark are particularly delicious).
Travel next to Rasnov home to an impressive Peasant Citadel. Standing on top of a hill and overlooking an incredible Transylvanian landscape, Rasnov is the best preserved peasant fortification in Transylvania and the largest one in Eastern Europe, first documented in 13 century. (Please note that it is most likely you’ll see the citadel from outside as you could arrive here past the opening hours). For accommodation transfer to the medieval Saxon city of Brasov. A city with outstanding medieval atmosphere, Brasov has played a vital role in Romania’s history, both old and new. Three quarters of the city is surrounded by mountains, and it is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. The most famous landmark of Brasov is the Black Church, the largest gothic edifice in southern Europe dating back to 14th century. Initially called St. Virgin Mary the church was renamed after the great fire in 1689 that blackened its walls.
Accommodate in a 3* hotel. Enjoy a city tour and then relax in the lively pubs or discothèques.

Day 3

Brasov - Bucharest (170 km, 2h 56 min)

Early in the morning (07:15 am) depart for Bucharest Airport, for the return flight.

Tour Leader

The services of a professionally trained English speaking guide/driver

Accommodation

2 nights in 3* hotels, double room, breakfast included

Transportation

By standard European car, fuel, parking fees, admittance fee for Sighisoara Citadel

Entry fees for the following tourist attractions

Bran Castle, Clock Tower in Sighisoara
- Flights - Video and photo taxes - 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
  1. James Collins:

    We booked this tour online.
    The response from the company was excellent, they answered all of our questions before we ever got there and made it very easy.
    Our guide spoke great English and answered all of our many questions.
    The hotels we stayed at each night were unique and immersed us into the Romanian culture as did the food.
    Can’t say enough about the traditional dinners we ate.
    We learned so much history and enjoyed the fact that Bram Stoker chose that area for his Dracula story.
    Don’t hesitate to book this great tour.

Add a review

Reservations are required. We recommend booking early as tours are often sold out well in advance. You can make a reservations on-line. In case of making reservations by phone please call toll-free: 808 101 6781 (UK); 866 376 6183 (US). You can also make reservations by fax - download and complete the booking form and send it by fax to: 0040-364-405641 or by e-mail!

We require an advance deposit in the amount of Euro 145/person. When you make the reservation online you will be required to pay the deposit. You will receive an automatic response with your Holiday Booking Reference. Once the advance deposit is registered with our accounts we proceed with the reservation for the requested services and issue the Confirmation Letter + Paid Invoice (once the amount is registered with our accounts).

The final payment is due 60 days prior departure. ( After the final payment is made we will issue Travel Voucher). Should the booking be made within 60 days prior to tour departure, entire tour cost is requested at the time of booking. To read Transylvania Live’s Terms and Conditions please visit us on line at: http://www.visit-transylvania.co.uk/terms.html .

The client is at all time entitled to cancel the Travel Contract, but must pay Transylvania Live - Expert in Transylvania a cancellation charge as stipulated below: 89 days or more prior to departure 90 EURO per person / per tour cancellation fee; 88–61 days, loss of deposit. 60–31 days will be subject to 50% of tour price; 30 days or less will be subject to 100% of tour price.

Please check with the airline company. Anyway is good to pack light, some of the hotels – historical buildings do not have elevators.

Our tours include the services of English-speaking guides. German, French, Hungarian and Hebrew-speaking guide are also available.

We can design an itinerary at a time that suits you, to your own comfort levels and within your own budget. Please send your request by e-mail or by fax.

Yes, most of our tours operate even if there’s only one person. Due to socialization reasons our special tours for couples require a minimum of five couples.

The tour has a general audience as it targets people interested in history, culture, customs and beliefs. Group size can be between 4-26 people. Transylvania Live is member of the responsible travel network and we are committed to operating a travel policy that is supportive of local economies, cultures and the environment. We operate our tours with small groups in order to minimise the negative impact on the environment and allow our guests to interact more easily with the locals, facilitate the communication with the guide. The average age of group is, most of the time, between 35-45.

We do not provide individual tickets for rail, air, boat or ferry.

A minimum age of 10 years is required on non-family programs, unless otherwise indicated on the individual tour page. A client under 18 years of age and travelling alone during the tour period shall provide Transylvania Live with written consent of his/her guardian. Clients under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. On “for couples” tours a minimum age of 20 years is required.

We only accept VISA and MASTERCARD. Please select only these two types of credit cards for the online payment.

If you pay on-line using our secure internet booking form your credit card can hold any type of currency, the amount of money to be taken will be exchanged in EURO by your bank, at their rates. We accept USD and EURO for offline credit card payment and wire transfer.

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

The dress code in Romania is the same as all over Europe (think France, Germany, UK or Italy). Wearing jeans, t-shirts/sweatshirts and athletic shoes is standard casual in Romanian. Plenty of designers’ shops are to be found in major cities: Bucharest, Cluj, Brasov, Sibiu, where people are a bit too pretentious when it comes to their outfits. Dorobanti Boulevard in Bucharest can easily be compared to Chaps Elysees in Paris when it comes to “fashionists” (costs are similar too). The malls are well supplied with designers’ clothes and with respect to the prices, a great deal of our clients found the Romanian costs to be more acceptable then the ones in US. With regards to the restaurants’ dress code, something casual is sufficient. You can wear whatever you would wear at home. To satisfy dress codes for churches and monasteries, men and women are requested to cover their arms and legs (no shorts above the knees or sleeveless garments).