Dracula Escape in Transylvania, 3 days from Bucharest
Choose a private Romania Transylvania Tour.
Enjoy an unforgettable weekend in Transylvania and discover the main points of interest from our popular Dracula Tours.
These include Dracula’s birthplace, Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, Bran Castle, Rasnov Citadel and many others.
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Choose the Best Romania Transylvania Tour
Join us on an amazing Romania Transylvania Tour including the essential Transylvanian highlights. Discover more about this itinerary below.
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 of the Romania Transylvania tour
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 most important landmark in a Romania Transylvania tour.
The Medieval Saxon city of Brasov – one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe
Romania Transylvania Tour – Weekend in Transylvania itinerary
Day 1
Our English speaking guide collects you from your centrally located hotel in Bucharest.
After that, head to Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, where Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula, was born. Accommodate in a 3* hotel with medieval allure.
The following day, continue your Romania Transylvania tour in Sighisoara and discover attractions such as the Clock Tower Museum or the Church on the Hill and then climb the covered staircase.
Day 2
Head for Bran Castle, the symbol of Transylvania and the main highlight of a Romania Transylvania tour.
Thanks to Bram Stoker’s novel, Bran Castle is also known as Dracula’s Castle.
Visit the castle and then drive to Rasnov Citadel situated in the top of the mountain.
If you manage to arrive while it’s still open, you will be able to visit the citadel.
Otherwise, you will only admire it from the outside.
Optionally you can book an Airplane tour over Rasnov and Bran Castle
After that, drive to the Medieval Saxon City from Brasov.
Go on a city tour and admire the medieval buildings. Out of these, one stands out: the Black Church.
The most famous landmark of Brasov, the church got its name after a fire erupted and then blackened its walls before it was extinguished.
Finish your tour of Brasov and then accommodate in a 3* hotel.
Day 3
Enjoy a good night’s sleep and then head for Bucharest.
If you have to reach your flight, our guide will drop you off at the airport.
However, if you plan on extending your stay, we can arrange for drop-off at your booked hotel instead.
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
This is an overview of your Romania Transylvania tour.
For more information, including the full itinerary, please scroll up and then navigate using the product’s menu.
Book your Romania Transylvania tour now!
Book your Dracula tours 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.
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
| 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) | |||
|
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.
Map of the private Dracula tour from Bucharest
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:
Airlines with direct flights from UK to Bucharest
London Bucharest
Blue Air (Luton)
Wizz Air (Luton)
Easyjet (Gatwick)
British Airways (Heathrow)
Air Tarom (Heathrow)
Ryan Air (Stanstead)
Birmingham Bucharest
Blue Air
Wizz Air
Bristol Bucharest
Ryanair
Doncaster Bucharest
Wizz Air
Advice for British citizens traveling to Romania
According to British government most visits to Romania are trouble-free.
There were no cases of terrorism attacks in Romania but as the country is part of European Union terrorist attacks in Romania can’t be ruled out.
If you need to contact the emergency services in Romania call 112.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact
the British embassy from Bucharest
24 Jules Michelet, 010463 Bucharest, Romania
General enquiries+40 (21) 201 7200
Consular enquiries+40 (21) 201 7351
British Embasy Bucharest website
Urgent assistance
If you’re in Romania and you need urgent help (for example, you’ve been attacked, arrested or someone has died), call +40 (21) 201 7200.
If you’re in the UK and worried about a British national in Romania, call 020 7008 1500.
Get an emergency travel document
You can apply for an emergency travel document if you’re abroad and your passport has been lost or stolen, damaged or expired, and you can’t get a new or replacement passport in time to travel.
You can apply online for an emergency travel document.
If the person needing the emergency travel document is under 16, a parent or guardian should apply on their behalf.
Safety and security
Crime
Maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK. There is a risk of petty theft in large towns, especially Bucharest. Pickpockets and bag snatchers operate in crowded areas, particularly near exchange shops and hotels, on public transport (especially to the airport), in the main railway stations and inside airport terminals.
Organised attacks by groups can occur. The most common method by distracting victims while several people, often children, attempt to snatch watches and jewellery from pockets or from around the neck and wrist.
Valuables including passports have been stolen from hotel rooms. Use the hotel safe and carry a photocopy of the information pages of your passport as ID.
There have been reports of credit or debit cards being ‘copied’ when used for payment in some bars and restaurants.
Road travel
Licences and documents
If driving in Romania, make sure you have with you all documentation, including your full, valid driving licence, proof of insurance/green card (third party or above), proof of ID (passport) and proof of ownership (V5C Certificate).
If the UK leaves the EU with a deal, driving licence rules will stay the same until 31 December 2020.
If there’s no deal, you will need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) to be able to drive in some European countries as a visitor after the UK has left. Check this guidance page for full information. You should also check guidance on driving in the EU after Brexit for information on other additional documents you may need to carry.
If you’re living in Romania, check the Living in Guide for information on requirements for residents.
Driving regulations
You’ll need to pay a road toll ‘Rovinieta’ to use the national roads. You can buy the vignette (sticker) at border points and at most petrol stations. The minimum cost is 3 euros for 7 days. Failure to display the sticker may lead to a heavy fine. You can find out more about prices by using the website Roviniete.ro.
Observe the speed limit at all times. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy.
It’s illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol. The drink drive limit is zero.
Carry the following equipment: first aid kit, fire extinguisher, red warning triangles and a fluorescent jacket.
If your vehicle is damaged before you arrive in Romania, ask a Romanian customs officer or police officer to write a report on the damage so that you have no problems when leaving. If any damage occurs inside the country, a report must be obtained at the scene of the accident.
Road safety
In 2018 there were 1,867 road deaths in Romania (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 9.6 road deaths per 100,000 of population, (witch is similar with USA) and compares to the UK average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2018.
Road conditions are variable and secondary roads can be in a bad state of repair. Driving standards can be poor. Look out for double parked cars, people suddenly braking to avoid a pothole, horse-drawn carts, livestock and stray dogs, particularly in rural areas, running in front of the vehicle. Equip your car for extreme conditions in winter.
Local laws and customs to be known for a Romania Transylvania tour
It is illegal to change money on the streets. You should change money only in recognised exchange shops, banks and hotels.
The Romanian authorities treat all drug-related and sex offences very seriously. The age of consent is 18. If you are convicted, you can expect a prison sentence.
Homosexuality has been legal in Romania since 1996. The country has made significant progress in LGBT rights legislation since 2000 including wide–ranging anti-discriminatory laws, equalising the age of consent and laws against homophobic hate crimes. Bucharest’s annual Pride, usually accompanied by a LGBT film and art festival, has grown in recent years and is gaining the support of more public figures. Since 2017, a Pride event has also been held in the city of Cluj. The country remains generally socially conservative resulting in the majority of LGBT people not being openly gay and there being very few gay bars or clubs in Bucharest or the other main cities. You can find local information on LGBT issues in Romania on the website of ACCEPT. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
Most airports and military bases will have signs prohibiting photography. Ask permission before photographing anything potentially sensitive (eg official buildings, police cars).
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you do not need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.
Visas
If you hold a British Citizen passport, you don’t need a visa to enter Romania.
Parental consent when travelling with minors
Some British nationals travelling with minors who hold Romanian citizenship (irrespective of whether they hold citizenship of other countries) are prevented from leaving the country without notarised parental consent from the minor’s non-travelling parent/s. While enforcement of this may vary at borders, British nationals travelling with minors who hold Romanian citizenship should obtain notarised parental consent before departure from Romania.
A list of the public notaries can be found on the website of the National Union of Public Notaries from Romania.
Healthcare
You should still get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK.
The EHIC entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Romanian nationals. If you don’t have your EHIC with you or you’ve lost it, you can call the Department of Health Overseas Healthcare Team (+44 191 218 1999) to get a Provisional Replacement Certificate.
The UK government has or is seeking agreements with countries on healthcare arrangements for UK nationals after the UK leaves the EU. The NHS website and this travel advice will be updated with further information on travelling to Romania as the circumstances change.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately.
Money
Romania is increasingly a card economy. While a growing number of businesses do accept credit cards, it may be safer to use cash due to the risk of credit card fraud. There is now a large network of ATMs that accept standard international credit and debit cards. Check with your card provider whether you will be able to use these machines.
US dollars and sterling are not always easy to exchange for local currency, especially outside Bucharest. You may have difficulties using travellers’ cheques. Scottish and Northern Irish bank notes may not be accepted in banks and bureaux de change.
Before you travel abroad in a Romania Transylvania tour
• tell family and friends where you’re going and leave them your contact details, insurance policy details and itinerary. Store them securely online
• ensure you have access to funds to cover emergencies and unexpected delays. Take more than one means of payment with you (cash, debit card, credit card)
• find out if travellers cheques are appropriate for your destination and keep a separate record of their numbers
• invest in a good travel guide to help you plan your trip and consider using online travel forums for more detail about your destination
• check with your service provider to make sure your phone works abroad. Consider leaving your phone’s IMEI number with a friend or family member, to help block or locate the phone if there’s a problem
• if you’re going to be driving abroad, make sure your licence is current and valid and be aware of the driving laws in the country you are visiting
• if you’re travelling with children who are unaccompanied by one or both parents, check our guidance on permissions that you might need to get and check the policy of your airline or transport provider
When you’re abroad in a Romania Transylvania tour
• think about what you are doing at all times and trust your instincts. Don’t take risks that you wouldn’t in the UK
• don’t openly display valuables such as mobile phones or digital cameras and consider using a padlock on suitcases or backpacks
• find out how to minimise your risk from terrorism and what to do if there’s a terrorist attack
• find out about local customs and dress, behave accordingly and obey local laws. There may be serious penalties for breaking a law that might seem trivial at home
• be careful when taking photographs, videos or using binoculars. These activities may be misunderstood by local authorities, especially near military installations.
• store useful numbers on your phone such as the local police and the nearest British embassy or consulate
• whether you’re living abroad or visiting, be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, just as you would in the UK; the ‘Be Alarmed’ campaign gives practical advice on how to stay safe and lists the symptoms to look out for
• if you intend to take part in any adventure sports or water sports during your trip, only use properly licensed and insured operators. Before taking part, make sure you fully understand the operating instructions and satisfy yourself that adequate safety precautions are in place
• check import regulations for food and plants before you attempt to bring them back to the UK
Learn more on Foreign travel Advice
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
Professionally trained English speaking guide/driverAccommodation
2 nights in 3* hotels, double room, breakfast includedTransportation
By standard European car, fuel, parking fees, admittance fee for Sighisoara CitadelEntry fees for the following tourist attractions
Bran Castle, Clock Tower in Sighisoara
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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).
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.