For updated versions of our tours, please visit halloween-romania.us!

Halloween in Transylvania
 with Vlad the Impaler
 Short break

Highlights

Halloween Party in Sighisoara Citadel - a delicious traditional festive dinner washed down with fiery spirits, excellent Romanian wine and accompanied by a special programme including the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead, Vampiresa Hunting, Romanian Folk Show and many dark surprises.

The Medieval Saxon Citadel of Sighisoara - Dracula's birthplace, the best preserved medieval citadel in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Halloween Party in the grounds of 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.

Day by day itinerary

DAY 1, Cluj-Napoca – Sighisoara (150 km , 2h 30min driving)

10:00 AM Welcome to the Transylvania! Our English speaking guide collects you from Hotel Agape, centrally located in Cluj-Napoca. Continue your journey with Sighisoara Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by Saxons during the 12th century, Sighisoara still stands as one of Europe’s most beautiful inhabited fortified citadels. Sighisoara is also the place where Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula, was born.

Optional 1: Visit one of the biggest saline in Romania , the Salt Mines of Turda, with impressive halls named after kings and queens. 

Optional 2 : You can even enjoy lunch in the very house where Vlad the Impaler was born, turned today into a cosy restaurant – “Casa Vlad Dracul” Restaurant.

* Taking in consideration that your tour starts in the morning, extra nights available in Cluj Napoca at special prices ( 4* accommodation). Find more details at Add on program, after Price Includes section.

20:00 Get ready then for the Halloween Party: a delicious traditional Romanian festive dinner washed down with fiery spirits, excellent Romanian wine and accompanied by a special program including the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead, Vampiresa Hunting,  Romanian Folk Show and many dark surprises.
  If you survive you’ll find refugee in a 3* hotel located in the very heart of the medieval citadel. Find more details.

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DAY 2,  Sighisoara - Brasov – Bran ( 145 km, 2h , 20 min driving)

Your next stop is the Medieval Saxon City of Brasov, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, home to the impressive Black Church, the largest gothic edifice in South Eastern Europe.
Explore today Transylvania’s symbol, Bran Castle. It owes its fame both to its unique charm and to the myth Bram Stoker created around Dracula. The impressive edifice dates back to 1377. Queen Maria of Romania, the niece of Queen Victoria of Great Britain turned the castle into a beautiful summer residence. Cheese tasting is strongly recommended as the village is renowned for the delicious homemade traditional cheese assortments produced here. The ones smoked in pine tree bark are particularly delicious.

19:30 The ultimate Halloween Party  at the Bran Castle – also known as Dracula’s Castle! Enjoy an unforgettable night tour of Bran Castle, meet the Wicked Fairies and get lost in their euphoric dance along with a glass of local red wine. Watch a horror movie projection and feel amazing being part of a great and dynamic Halloween After Party in the courtyard of Bran Castle until 4:00 am.

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DAY 3, Bran – Turda - Cluj-Napoca (293 km, 4h 50 min driving)

Drive to Turda, a small town with an intimate medieval atmosphere where you can enjoy a dinner in Hunter Prince, a Dracula themed restaurant. Transfer next to Cluj Napoca for the return flight. The tour ends around 8:00 pm.

* Please have in mind that accommodation for the last day of the tour is not included.

**Airport / Hotel drop off included.

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Testimonials "It is obvious that Transylvania Live goes to extraordinary lengths to make sure its clients are satisfied. We are very thankful to our guide for being not only a well-informed guide but also for being courteous, dependable, friendly, and always doing his best make sure that the trip was a pleasant experience for us, which it was". Steve and Karen from Beverly Hills, USA referred to us by Let’s Travel agency, Santa Monica, California, www.letstravel-sm.com

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.

Flights

Recommended Low Cost flights, London-Transylvania

Price & Departure

Price includes:

The services of a professionally trained English speaking guide. 

Accommodation: 2 nights in a 3* hotel

Meals: 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners

• Festive Halloween dinner in Sighisoara including : 3 course meal , Open Bar between 20:00-01:00 , dessert : Candy Bar
• 3 course dinner in Bran

Transportation: entire land transfers based on standard European car, microbus, coach, depending upon the number of travellers.

• Pick up: Hotel Agape, centrally located, on first day of the tour, at 10:00 AM  (GMT+2)
• Drop-off:  Airport/your  booked Hotel  on the last day of the tour, around 8:00 pm, (GMT+2)

Entry fees to the following tourist attractions: Bran Castle, Clock Tower in Sighisoara

Special Events: Halloween Party Programme in Sighisoara (Including: The Ritual of Killing of a living dead, Vampiresa Hunting)

Halloween Party at the Bran Castle includes: night tour of the Bran Castle, Wicked Fairies Dance and at the end of the tour, in the Inner Courtyard, there will be an open bar with a glass of red wine and ambient Halloween music. From 19:30 classic horror movies projection and around 21:00 the Halloween After Party in the grounds of the Bran Castle ( a tent will be installed)  until 04:00am. Admission in Bran Castle is possible starting from 7:00 pm.

*Please have in mind that Halloween Party at Bran Castle is organized by administration of Bran Castle. Transylvania Live is not responsible for the content of the program/ changing’s, organizing manner or even cancelation. Transylvania Live provides only with the admission logistic.

Not included: plane ticket, airport fees, photo & video tax and other not mentioned.

Add-on programs
Extra nights can be booked at 4* hotel in the first day of the tour and on the last day of the tour at a special price of EUR 43 /double room /night  and  EUR 39/ single room /night. Breakfast is not included.  

Book now!

We accept MasterCard and Visa on our on-line secure internet payment form, MasterCard, Visa, via fax and phone.
We also accept payments via PayPal (by credit card, Visa, MasterCard, Discover or PayPal account), by Moneybookers, bank transfer and Western Union.

Click here to see our Reservations page for more details.

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!

Special notes & info

Please bring your own Halloween costume!

In Romania the weather in October-November is very unpredictable, with daytime temperatures between 15-20 grades Celsius, and night time temperatures between 5-10 grades Celsius; but it is very much possible that you will see some snowfall especially in the mountain section. However the weather is very changeable, so you should expect big temperature changing.

The garlic, cross and the survival techniques are on us!

Add-on programs
Extra nights can be booked at hotel in the last day of the tour.

Other mentions

• Once you realise the price of good beer and wine you will probably not want to return to your country.
• Plenty of English is spoken and you will find the people are friendly and open.
• No visa is required and you can get green card extension insurance from your insurer to cover Romania.

Call me back!

Transylvania Live specialises in travel to Romania and we are here to offer you a personal, flexible and highly efficient service. Therefore, if you have any other queries or you would like to adapt your Romanian package in any way, we will be pleased to offer you any assistance that you may require.
I'm seriously considering booking.
Call me back!
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Media Mentions

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

Explanation: Items marked in the tours as Tips represent our suggestion for a special activity or event particular for an area, that you shouldn’t miss, arranged with individual accounts. Items marked in the tours as Optional are available at a small extra cost but not included because it will not appeal to everyone. Items marked in the tours as Module are available only if the entire group chooses them, arranged with individual accounts.

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For updated versions of our tours, please visit halloween-romania.us!

Holidays to Transylvania, Romania in the national television

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Advice for US citizens traveling in Romania

Before you go write down contact details for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to carry with you in case of emergency while traveling.
US Embassy in Romania
4-6, Dr. Liviu Librescu Blvd.
District 1, Bucharest
015118 Romania
Telephone: (+40) 21 200-3300
https://ro.usembassy.gov/

Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel, and check exchange rates.
Some banks are blocking your credit card payment when a transaction occur from abroad.

Safeguard Your Documents!

Make two copies of all your travel documents in case of emergency. Leave one copy with a trusted friend or relative at home and carry the other separately from your original documents. To help prevent theft, do not carry your passport in your back pocket, and keep it separate from your money.

Passport Validity
Three months beyond departure date. We recommend a minimum of six months validity after entry date

• Children’s passports: Passports issued for children under age 16 are valid for only five years, not 10 years like adult passports. Check passport expiration dates carefully and renew early.

Visas
Not required for stays under 90 days

Consent for Travel with Minors
 If you are traveling alone with children, foreign border officials may require custody documents or notarized written consent from the other parent.
Health Insurance: Many foreign medical facilities and providers require cash payment up front and do not accept U.S. insurance plans. Medicare does not provide coverage outside of the United States. Check your U.S. health care policy to see if it will cover you overseas. If not, consider buying supplemental insurance. Make sure the insurance you purchase covers any special medical needs or risks you anticipate on your trip.

Currency restrictions
Entry: Amounts over 10,000 Euros or equivalent must be declared
For exit:  Amounts over 10,000 Euros or equivalent must be declared

Safety
There were no terrorist acts in Romania.
However credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Europe. All European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.

The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules [with regards to best practices and safety inspections] are regularly enforced, though some tourism-related activities (such as rock climbing and extreme sports) are less regulated than in the U.S. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available in near major cities.

Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. Medical treatment in Romania is not up to western standards. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance

Crime

Reported types of crime include:
• Robbery, pick pocketing, internet scams, and credit card fraud are the most commonly reported crimes.
• Organized groups of criminals, sometimes including minors, operate in train stations, trains, subways, and busses.
• Money exchange schemes often involve individuals posing as plainclothes policemen who approach you, flash a badge, and ask for your passport and wallet. Insist on the presence of a uniformed police officer and request that any issues be resolved at the police station.
• If traveling on an overnight train, travel with a companion and in the highest class available.
• Do not leave your personal belongings unattended; stow them securely out of sight.
• Use ATMs located inside banks. You should check ATM machines for any evidence of tampering before use.
• Be extra cautious of your surroundings if using an internet café.
• Use cash wherever possible in lieu of credit cards.

Laws
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.
Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.
Special Circumstances:
• Romania is situated in a seismically active region and has a history of devastating earthquakes, with the greatest risk occurring in Bucharest.
• Mountainous areas of the country can be subject to torrential rains and flash floods, especially in the spring and summer months.
• Streets and sidewalks are often icy and hazardous during winter.
• Avoid contact with stray dogs.
• Travelers’ checks are of limited use, but ATMs (“bancomats” in Romanian) are widely available.

LGBT Travelers
 There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Romania. However, the annual gay pride parades in Bucharest have been the scene of violent protests in past years.

Health
Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance
 Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.
• Basic medical supplies are limited in Romania, especially outside of major cities.
• Hospitals often lack nursing care and assistance for the elderly.
• Most prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications are available in Romania but are often sold under different names.
• Response times for emergency services vary widely depending on the region of the country and nature of emergency.
It is strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Road Conditions and Safety
 Though Romanian traffic laws are very strict, road accidents are a real and dangerous threat for U.S. citizens visiting Romania. According to the European Union Road Federation, Romania has the highest per-vehicle rate of road fatalities of any country in the EU, a rate similar with USA.

If you chose to drive in Romania, practice defensive driving techniques.
While major streets in larger cities and major inter-city roads are generally in fair to good condition, many secondary roads are in poor repair, unpaved, poorly lit, narrow, and lacking marked lanes.
• Mountain roads are particularly dangerous when wet or covered with snow or ice. Winter snow removal is intermittent.
• It is common for pedestrians, animals, cyclists, and horse-drawn carts to share a road with motor vehicles, especially in rural areas.
• Parked vehicles often block sidewalks, forcing pedestrians to walk in the streets.
• Cross only at crosswalks and exercise vigilance as crosswalks are generally poorly marked.
• Local drivers often ignore traffic lights and crosswalk signs.
Maintain vigilance when driving to avoid hitting pedestrians in the streets.
Traffic Laws: Romanian traffic laws are very strict.
• The traffic police can confiscate any form of a driver’s license or permit for 1-3 months and request payment of fines at the time of the infraction.
• Police are required to give all drivers involved in an accident a breathalyzer test on the scene.
• Refusal to take a breathalyzer test may result in criminal penalties regardless of whether or not alcohol was involved.
• Wearing a seat belt is mandatory.
• Children under 12 years of age may not be transported in the front seat.
• Use of mobile phones while driving is banned, with exception of hands free systems.

U.S. citizens arriving in Romania for stays up to 90 days may use their U.S. state drivers’ licenses (DL) along with an International Driving Permit. The U.S. Department of State has authorized two organizations to issue international permits to those who hold valid U.S. driver’s licenses: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance.

If entering Romania by vehicle you need to purchase a road tax badge known as “rovinieta” at the border crossing point. Proof of insurance and a car registration document are required when purchasing the “rovinieta.” Drivers of vehicles registered abroad who are not in possession of a valid international insurance document must buy short-term insurance at the border.

Roadside help, vehicle assistance, towing services: Dial 9271
Ambulance, fire brigade, police: Dial 112.

For more information https://travel.state.gov/