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Vampire in Transylvania
Dracula tour

Highlights

Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania - built in accordance to Bram Stoker’s imagination, on Borgo Pass where the Irish writer placed the castle of Count Dracula,accommodation, candle lit dinner and a camp fire with all the right stories.

Ritual Killing of the Living Dead - Help a haunted spirit to gain his peace - attend the ritual of killing a strigoi.  Evening sitting afterwards to celebrate the victory or recover from defeat. learn more 

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

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

Corvinestilor Castle - the greatest Gothic style castle in Romania, Corvinesti. The edifice was built in the 14th Century on the site of a former Roman camp.

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

Poienari Fortress - Vlad’s old and faithful citadel perched high on a cliff, more than 1000 stairs to climb.

Vampire Treats: indulge yourself with a Vampire dinner to find out why it’s worth killing for a meal!

Day by day itinerary

DAY 1, Sunday, Bucharest 
Welcome to Romania ! Our English speaking guide connects with you at Moxa Boutique Hotel. Accommodate into a 3* hotel, centrally located and then prepare to immerge into the legend. Drive to Snagov to visit Snagov Monastery where, according to the legend, Vlad was buried after his assassination. The monastic establishment is located on a small island of Snagov Lake. The architectural style of the monastery follows the architectural pattern that is characteristic to the monasteries on the Holy Mount Athos in Greece . Your first day in Romania ends with a welcome dinner in one of Bucharest's top traditional restaurants.

Day 2, Monday, Bucharest – Poienari - Sibiu (309 km, 5h 20 min driving)

Morning drive to Poienari. Enjoy a morning visit of Poienari to see the ruins of Vlad's old and faithful fortress. The fortress located close to Fagaras Mountains , on a canyon formed by Arges Rives 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 over 1400 stairs. Late afternoon arrival in Sibiu. Evening in Sibiu, the European Cultural Capital for 2007. The fortified town of Sibiu has been the centre of Romania 's German minority since medieval times and it is one of Romania's most beautiful cities. The city contains the largest concentrations of tourist attractions in Romania. In the evening, Accommodate in a 4* hotel.

Day 3, Tuesday, Sibiu – Hunedoara – Alba Iulia - TURDA (272 km, 3h 27 min driving)

We leave the impressive medieval town of Sibiu and head next to Hunedoara. Visit the greatest Gothic style castle in Romania, Corvinesti. The ediffice was built in the 14th Century, on the site of a former Roman camp. It served as a fortress until the mid 1400's, when it became the residence of Transylvania's ruler, Iancu de Hunedoara. Iancu upgraded the fortress and it soon became the most beautiful castle in Transylvania. From Hunedoara drive to Turda, a small town with an intimate medieval atmosphere, home to one of the oldest Salt Mine in Romania. Accommodate in a 4* hotel, often referred to as a  medieval fantasy with beds . Delight yourself with a  vampire menu for dinner , a delicious reason to travel to Transylvania ! Still, an evening to fear, you’ll attend the killing of a vampire; you’ll be part of the crowd seeking to take the bloody creature to a special place where the ritual can begin! The Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead is followed by an Evening sitting, the Romanian term is Sezatoare.

DAY 4, Wednesday, Turda - Cluj-Napoca - Borgo Pass (Pasul Bargaului) (191 km, 3h driving)

Prepare to descent to the heart of one of the biggest saline in Romania,the  Salt Mines of Turda, with impressive halls named after kings and queens.

Drive next to the city of Cluj Napoca to enjoy a city tour revealing beautiful medieval buildings such as Saint Andrews Cathedral. Today you'll enjoy a stunning scenery, following the steps of Jonathan Harker (Bram Stoker 's character from Dracula novel) to Borgo Pass. And here we are at Dracula's Castle in Borgo Pass, a 3* hotel which was built in accordance to Bram Stoker's imagination. Enjoy a candle lit dinner at the castle, followed by a bonefire nearby, with all the right stories for a night to remember..

DAY 5, Thursday, Borgo Pass - Sighisoara (198 km, 3h 29 min driving)

Time to leave this wonderful area and head next to the medieval citadel of Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by Saxons during the 12th century, Sighisoara still stands as one of Europe ’s most beautiful and still inhabited fortified cities. Sighisoara is also the place where Vlad the Impaler, known as Dracula, was born. 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. The Torture Room –this small but interesting museum is housed at the foot of the Clock Tower in the same room where prisoners were tortured and confessions were extorted during the Middle Ages. Some of the amazing torture instruments and methods are on display. The Medieval Weapon Collection – very small but it contains an interesting selection of medieval weapons (swords, arrows, etc.). Church of the Dominican Monastery, known for its Transylvanian renaissance carved altarpiece, baroque pulpit, Oriental carpets and 17th century organ.

DAY 6, Friday, Sighisoara - Bran - Brasov (171 km, 2h 48 min driving)

Explore Transylvania's symbol, Bran Castle . The edifice owns 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. Your next stop is the Medieval Saxon City of Brasov. The most famous landmark of Brasov is  the Black Church, the largest gothic edifice in South-Eastern Europe . Accommodate in Brasov, 3* hotel, centrally located. Enjoy a local taste dinner and  Attend Dracula’s Wedding  - is a show set on stage by a professional band of actors. This is a non verbal performance. It’s very easy to understand that Dracula did not need words to charm a girl. The first time they met he appeared as a respectable noble, the second meeting revealed his true dark nature… Find out if the story has a happy ending.

DAY 7, Saturday, Brasov - Sinaia - Targoviste - Bucharest (192 km, 3h 44 min driving)

Morning drive to Sinaia, the pearl of mountain resorts in Romania.Explore the main point of attraction, the royal  Peles Castle . The edifice was built in 1873 and is an architectural mixture of theGerman School and neo-renaissance style. The castle has 160 rooms, all of them opulently decorated in leather and wood from the most valuable tree species. Peles Castle is one of the best preserved and the most beautiful royal residences in Europe. Continue your journey with Targoviste, former capital of Walachia County situated on the right bank of Ialomita River , to visit the ruins of  Vlad Tepes old court . Late  arrival in Bucharest , past 7:00 pm (based on normal traffic conditions). Should you wish to, we can complete your staying with an add-on program in Bucharest.

Testimonials I just wanted to let you know that we all enjoyed the trip very much. Our guide, Sorin, was very knowledgable with a great sense of humor, and our driver, Stephan, was very skilled, and also very personable. As I mentioned, all in all, we had a wonderful time and are very happy that we chose Transylvania Live. I also wanted to let you know that it was really nice to meet the people from Transylvania Live during our party in Turda. I will be sure to recommend you to any friends who might ask about Romania. Thank you again for all of your help, and most of all your patience with all of my many questions!!! Multumesc!!!! Damon B, New York, NY, USA

Sorin, group leader says: It’s a great satisfaction for me to guide this tour and share all my knowledge on Transylvania’s history and legends, and also create a special fairytale, funny atmosphere.

Price & Departure
Special notes & info

Video about the Awarded Dracula tour, Vampire in Transylvania

Advice for European people traveling abroad

Check what travel documents you'll need to cross the border into another EU country.

And find out what documents you need for your spouse, children or other relatives if they are not EU nationals.

When travelling to or from a non-Schengen country, like Romania, you must show a valid ID or passport. Before travelling, check what documents you must have to travel outside your home country and to enter the non-Schengen country you plan to visit.

Documents for minors travelling in the EU

In addition to their own valid travel document (passport or ID card), if Romanian minors are travelling accompanied only by an adult other than their parents/legal guardian(s), they must have written consent to travel signed by both parents and/or legal guardian(s) and certified by a notary.

This consent must state:

the itinerary
the dates of the journey
the identification of the accompanying adult
The accompanying adult must present:

the above mentioned consent signed by both parents
an extract of their own judicial record
if applicable, the documents proving the quality of the person (e.g. a flight attendant) designated by the transport company
If they are travelling with one of their parents, they must show written consent (certified by a notary) from the other parent allowing them to leave the country. This consent is not necessary if the accompanying parent can prove:

that custody of the minor was granted by a court
that the other parent is deceased
that the other parent has been declared as missing or their parental rights have been revoked

Minors can leave Romania without presenting the declaration, even where there is no consent from either of the parents or the legal guardian, if:

the minor Romanian citizen moves to his / her residence to the country of destination
the accompanying adult justifies the need for the trip by the fact that the minor is to receive medical treatment which is not possible in Romania and without which his/her life or health would be in serious danger. This must be backed up by documentary evidence, either issued or endorsed by the Romanian medical authorities, stating the time period and state(s) where the treatment is to take place.
the accompanying adult justifies the need for the trip by the fact that the minor is travelling for educational purposes or to participate in an official competition. This must be backed up by documentary evidence stating the time period and the state(s) where the minor will study or compete.
Other than their own valid travel document, no particular extra official authorisationro is required for minors of other EU countries to enter Romania.

Package travel and linked travel arrangements

As a holidaymaker booking a package holiday and/or linked travel arrangements, you benefit from a high level of consumer protection under EU rules. If you buy a package, you have well-defined rights before and throughout the booking process, and up until your holiday ends, for example the right to pre-contractual information, the organiser's liability for the proper performance of travel services included in your package and insolvency protection. These rights apply to packages purchased online or face-to-face, from a tour operator, travel agent, or any other trader that is acting as the organiser of the package.
Package travel – different types of packages give you the same rights
When you book a package holiday, you buy a combination of two or more different types of travel services for the same trip or holiday. These services can include transport, accommodation, car hire, or under specific conditions any other tourist service. Your package may be pre-arranged – consisting of a number of services combined by a tour operator or travel agent – or you may have a more customised package by choosing the services yourself before the contract is concluded. In both cases, EU rules apply as long as your travel package was purchased in a certain way.

What is package travel?
Your travel is considered as a package when:

1. You book travel services put together by or with the help of a trader, such as a tour operator or an online or offline travel agency under a single contract

or

2. You book travel services under separate contracts with individual providers and one of the following conditions is met:

you buy services at a single point of sale (such as a travel agency, a call centre or a website) and you select the services before agreeing to pay, i.e. before you conclude the first contract. This is the case, for example, where different travel services are put into a shopping basket or are otherwise selected before a contract is concluded.
the services are sold to you at an inclusive or total price
the services were advertised/sold as a "package" or similar
travel services are combined after the conclusion of a contract under which you are entitled to choose from a selection of different travel services, for example a travel package gift box
Click-through package: you buy services from separate travel companies through a linked online booking process where the first company transmits your name, email address and payment details to the second company and the second contract is concluded within 24 hours of the first contract
A combination of a travel service, such as accommodation, and another tourist service, such as a guided tour, admission to a concert or sports event, or rental of sports equipment, can only be classed as a package if the other tourist service accounts for 25% or more of the overall value of the trip, or if that service is an essential feature of the trip.
Package travel – your right to clear and accurate information
Before you book a package, the point of sale (booking website or app for example) or your travel agent must give you all the standard information about the package, such as the:
travel destination (itinerary, dates and duration of the stay, details of any transfers, visits or excursions) and a list of services included
name and contact details of the organiser of the package and, where it is sold through a retailer, of the retailer
total price, inclusive of all taxes and where applicable all additional fees, and the payment arrangements
information on how to terminate the contract before the start of the package on payment of an appropriate termination fee

information on passport and visa requirements

information on complaint-handling procedures, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms and, where appropriate, the ADR entity, and the online dispute resolution platform
You should also receive clear information on your rights, based on an EU standardised form, explaining that you have been offered a package and outlining your rights.

Package travel - changes to or termination of the contract
Price increase: The organiser may increase the price of the package only if specific costs rise (for example, fuel prices). This must be clearly explained in the contract and cannot be applied any later than 20 days before the start of the package. If the price increase is more than 8% of the total price of the package, you have the right to end the package contract without a termination fee.

If you cannot travel you may:

Transfer the package to another person: under certain conditions, you can transfer your package to another person, although you can be charged a reasonable fee for this, up to the actual cost incurred by the organiser to transfer your package travel contract.
Terminate the contract: the organiser may however deduct a reasonable fee from your refund, depending, in particular, on the timing of your cancellation.
These rights are independent of any rights you may have under a cancellation insurance policy that you have taken out.

Cancellation by the organiser: Under normal conditions, if the organiser cancels the sale before the start of your package, you are entitled to a refund and compensation, where appropriate.

Cancellation in exceptional circumstances: If a natural disaster occurs or if there are serious security problems at your holiday destination that are likely to affect the package, the organiser may cancel the package. As a traveller, you are also free to cancel your package free of charge for the same reasons. In these cases, you are entitled to a full refund of any payments you've made but you are not entitled to additional compensation.

Package travel – liability for proper performance of travel services
The organiser is responsible for the proper performance of all travel services included in your package.

If a travel service can't be provided as agreed, for example if a provider can't carry out an agreed service or can't do so in the agreed form (such as providing transport to or from your destination, providing the agreed type of accommodation, or carrying out a guided tour that you booked), the organiser has to resolve the problem at no extra cost to you.

If it is impossible to make alternative arrangements or you reject the arrangements offered to you on valid grounds, and the package includes your transport (such as air travel), the organiser must offer to repatriate you. If the travel services do not reach the agreed standards and this cannot be resolved on the spot, you may also be entitled to compensation.

Package travel - assistance to travellers
If you get into difficulty during your package holiday, for example if you have health problems or lose your passport, the organiser has to give you assistance, such as information on health services or on consular assistance, and should help you find alternative travel arrangements if necessary.

Liability for booking errors
These rules apply to packages and LTAs.

When you book a holiday, the responsible trader (the travel agent or online travel agency) is liable if any of the following occurs during the booking process:

technical defects in the booking system
errors made by the retailer if they are responsible for arranging the booking of a package or of travel services which are part of linked travel arrangements
Traders are not responsible for any booking errors made by you, or problems which are deemed unavoidable or are due to extraordinary circumstances.

Protection in case of bankruptcy
These rules apply to package travel and LTAs.

If the trader you booked your holiday with goes bankrupt, you are protected by insolvency protection. This can be a fund, an insurance or any other mechanism in place in your EU country. This will refund any payments you may have made and will, if required, repatriate you if transport was included in your package

Learn more of the official European Union site

Please check our updated tours with new dates and prices on halloween-romania.us!

 You can also discover the best tailor made tours on halloween-tours.us!