Choose this 11-days Study Trip, designed for groups of 15-20 people. Transylvania Live prepared this special journey for students who want to discover our country. Visit places related to Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula, or traditional mountain villages. Learn all about the history and traditions of the places you will explore.

Highlights:

Steam Train on Vaser Valley – discover an area devoid by human population.

Snagov Monastery – where, according to the legend, Vlad the Impaler was buried after his assassination.

Targoviste, former capital of Walachia County situated on the right bank of Ialomita River, home of Vlad Tepes old court.

The Medieval Saxon city of Brasov – it was here that Vlad led raids against the Saxon merchants

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

Sighisoara Medieval Citadel – the best preserved and still inhabited medieval citadel in Eastern Europe with a UNESCO World Heritage status, Vlad the Impaler’s birth place

Sibiu – one of Romania’s most beautiful medieval cities, the former European capital of Culture in 2007, and the place where Vlad’s son is buried

Romania’s most wonderful caves: Pestera Valea Cetatii Cave ( The Valley of the Citadel cave), Meziad cave, Pestera Ursilor (Bear’s cave), Pestera Scarisoara (Scarisoara’s cave)

Babele and Sphinx – the most popular tourist destination from the country , can be reached by cable car. A lot of walking trails are available.

Study Trip - Transylvania Live - Brief itinerary

Your tour begins in Bucharest. Our Transylvania Live English speaking guide will meet you at the airport and then you will drive to Snagov. Visit Snagov Monastery, built in the middle of a lake. According to the legend, this is where Dracula's body was buried. Return to Bucharest, accommodate in a centrally located 3* hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner in a top restaurant.

The first landmark visited on your second day are the ruins of Vlad Tepes' old court in Targoviste. After that, explore Peles Castle, one of the most beautiful royal residences in Europe. From here, drive to Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle. Enjoy a special dinner in the Medieval City of Brasov. During dinner, a band of professional actors will set up a show called 'Dracula's Wedding'.

Next, visit several places around Bran. The highlights of the day include the Valley of the Citadel cave, Rasnov Citadel from outside and Bat's cave.

Your tour also includes visits to Sibiel, where you can admire the Village Museum. From here, head to Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, Dracula's birthplace. Visit the Clock Tower (which serves as history museum) and the Medieval Weapon Collection. Afterwards, drive to Turda and visit the famous Salt Mine. Enjoy a vampire menu and accommodate in a 4* Dracula themed hotel.

The Unforgettable Apuseni Mountains - Transylvania Live Study Trip

On your seventh day, visit unique caves in Apuseni Mountains. The highlights include Bear's Cave, Meziad Cave and Scarisoara Cave. The latter is unique because it hosts the largest underglound glacier in the world. Accommodate at a local guest house. The next morning, visit Huda lui Papara, one of the most spectacular caves in the Apuseni Moutains.

After that, drive to Sacel, where you will meet Grigore, a woodscraftman who holds the secret on how to make the perfect wooden stake. Optionally, you can also visit the Merry Cemetery, unique in the world. It owes its name to the traditional wooden crosses, depicting the deceased in a cartoon like manner. The images are accompanied by carved epitaphs, which recite the brief biographies of the deceased in a funny way. Accommodate in a 3* pension in Sacel.

Next, head to Vaser Velly and enjoy a 50 km travel with a Steam Train. This transportation means will take you across an unforgettable journey. The Steam Train (or Mocanita in Romanian language) is designed to run at slow speeds, so that you can enjoy the scenery. Return to Sacel for the night. The following morning, head to Cluj-Napoca for drop-off at your booked hotel or at the airport.

This is an overview of your tour. For more information, please scroll up and then use the product menu to navigate and discover the complete itinerary, inclusions, exclusions and other details.

Book now!

Book this tour now and then enjoy an unforgettable tour in Transylvania, the land of Dracula!

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:

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.

11-Days Study Trip - 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

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 out the tour itinerary below:

Tour Leader

The services of a professional English speaking guide

Transportation

All transfers inside the tour by microbus or coach, with private driver,  depending on the number of the travellers

Accommodation

10 nights:

2 nights in a 4* Hotel, 3 nights in 3* Hotels, 2 nights in Pensions and 3 nights in guest houses – very good quality accommodation

Meals

10 breakfasts and 10 dinners (1 special dinners: dinner with Vampire menu) and 10 packed lunches

Entry fees to

Snagov Monastery, the Ruins of Tirgoviste Citadel, Bran Castle, Black Church, Clock Tower, Medieval Weapon Collection and Torture Room in Sighisoara, Woodcraftsmen in Sacel, the Village Museum in Sibiu, Evangelic Church in Sibiu, Icons on Glass Museum in Sibiel, Pestera Valea Cetatii Cave ( The Valley of the Citadel cave), Meziad cave, Pestera Ursilor (Bear’s cave), Pestera Scarisoara (Scarisoara’s cave)

Special events included

The Ritual of Killing of a living Dead

Dracula’s Wedding

One place free of charge (single occupancy) for tour conductor.

• plane ticket
• airport fees
• photo & video tax
• other not mentioned.

• Vintage biplane flight in Bucharest
• Flying lesson with a vintage biplane in Bucharest
• Champagne Flight – Helicopter flight for two
• Experience with a rally car in Bucharest
• Vintage Sidecar – Dracula tour from Bucharest
• Spa Day in Bucharest
• Evening at the casino for 2