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

Luxury Holiday Transylvania - Highlights

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

Luxury Holiday Transylvania Day 1, Bucharest

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

Meals: Welcome Dinner

Accommodation: 5* hotel

Entry fees: NA

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

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

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

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

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

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: 5* boutique hotel

Entry fees: Snagov Monastery, Peles Castle, Wine Tasting

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

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

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

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

You will spend the night in Miclosoara.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

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

Entry fees: Bran Castle

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

Founded by Saxons during the 12th century, Sighisoara still stands as one of Europe’s most beautiful and still inhabited fortified cities with UNESCO European heritage site status. Sighisoara is also the place where Vlad the Impaler, known as Dracula, was born. We recommend you to have lunch in Casa Vlad Dracul Restaurant, the very place where Vlad the Impaler was born, turned today into a cozy restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast 

Accommodation: 5* Hotel

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

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

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

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

Meals: Breakfast

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

Accommodation: 5* Hotel centrally located

Entry fees: Salt Mine in Turda

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

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

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

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

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: 5* Boutique Hotel centrally located

Entry fees: Council Tower, Evangelical Church

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

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

Morning visit of Curtea de Arges Monastery. Curtea de Arges, one of the oldest Romanian cities, founded in the 14th century by the Romanian ruler Neagoe Basarab. According to the legend, after building the monastery the mason, Manole was sacrificed by the Romanian Ruler, to make sure that there will be no other monastery built to challenge in beauty the one in Curte de Arges. The monastery is unbelievably beautiful.

One more stop today before reaching Bucharest. Poienari Fortress - Vlad’s old and faithful fortress. The fortress located close to Fagaras Mountains, on a canyon formed by Arges River is perched high on a cliff, in fact a steep precipice. To visit the impressive fortress and admire the unique and breathless view from the top you’ll need to climb 1426 stairs.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: 5*Hotel centrally located

Entry fees: Curtea de Arges Monastery, Poienari Fortress

Day 8, Transfer to the Airport

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

Luxury Holiday Transylvania - Map of the itinerary

Price for the Luxury Holiday Transylvania

Book Now!

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

We accept MasterCard and Visa on our on-line secure internet payment form.

• MasterCard and Visa via fax and phone.
• We also accept payments via PayPal and bank transfer.

• At the moment of booking we require an advance deposit in the amount of Euro 145/person. Once the advance deposit is registered with our accounts we issue a Confirmation Letter.
•  The final payment is due 60 days prior to tour departure. Should the booking be made within 60 days prior to tour departure, entire tour cost is requested at the time of booking.

Other mentions for our Luxury Holiday Transylvania 

• Once you realize the price of good beer and wine you will probably not want to return to your country.
• People speak plenty of English in Romania and you will find the locals and the other tourists are friendly and open.
• No visa is required and you can get green card extension insurance from your insurer to cover Romania.

FAQ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Was Transylvania live featured in media and magazines?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Media Mentions

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

Transylvania Live’s tours on the national news

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

8 Days – Luxury Holiday Transylvania – Highlights

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 find your itinerary below

Tour leader

English speaking guide/chauffeur

Accommodation

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

Meals

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

Transportation

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

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

Specials

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

Entry fees

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