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Best of Romania tour
Go on an unforgettable best of Romania tour. Explore our country and learn more about our culture and our history.
Our guide collects you from our capital, Bucharest. The meeting place is Moxa Boutique Hotel, a cozy 4* accommodation. Your first destination is Snagov Monastery, a monastic building located in the middle of Snagov Lake. According to the legend, this is where Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula, was buried. Find out if the legend is true and then return to Bucharest for a delicious welcome dinner.
Speaking of Dracula, the next day you will visit the Count's mountain refuge, Poienari Fortress*. Climb over 1400 stairs to reach the top and then admire the breathtaking views. From here, travel to the Medieval Saxon City of Sibiu and accommodate in a 4* hotel.
*Please have in mind that Poienari citadel will be closed until the end of 2023 due to some infrastructure works
This tour requires a minimum of 2 people to depart.
Other Highlights - Corvinesti, Turda Salt Mine, Sighisoara
In addition to the previously mentioned highlights, you will also visit Corvinesti Castle in Hunedoara.
Furthermore, you will travel to Turda and accommodate in a 4* hotel. Enjoy a vampire menu for dinner and then join us for the popular Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead*, performed according to old Transylvanian traditions (as seen on Travel Channel).
*The Ritual of Killing of The Living Dead takes place for groups of at least 4 people
In the morning, visit the impressive Turda Salt Mine and then travel to Cluj-Napoca. After a brief city tour, enjoy a stunning scenery, following the steps of Jonathan Harker (Bram Stoker 's character from Dracula novel) to Bistrita close to Borgo Pass. Accommodate in 4* hotel - Golden Crown
On the next day of the best of Romania tour, travel to Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, Dracula's birthplace. Visit the Clock Tower Museum, as well as the Torture Room and the Medieval Weapons Collection.
We can't call this the 'best of Romania tour' without including Bran Castle on the itinerary. Visit the famous fortress and then travel to Brasov.
Enjoy a local taste dinner and then attend 'Dracula's Wedding*', a non-verbal show.
*This event takes place for groups of at least 5 travelers
On the last day of your tour, visit Peles Castle in Sinaia and then travel to Targoviste to visit Dracula's Old Princely Court. Arrive in Bucharest in the evening (around 7 PM, depending on traffic conditions).
This is just an overview of your tour. For more information, such as the complete itinerary or inclusions/exclusions, please scroll up and then use the menu above to navigate to your desired section.
Departure dates
Departure date | Price per person (2 persons to one double room) |
Price for single traveler | Availability |
7 day Best of Romania tour from Bucharest (10.00 GMT +02:00) *This tour requires a minimum of 2 people to depart. |
|||
May 4, 2024 - SOLD OUT May 11, 2024 - SOLD OUT May 18, 2024 - SOLD OUT May 25, 2024 - SOLD OUT
June 1, 2024 June 8, 2024 - SOLD OUT June 15, 2024 - SOLD OUT June 22, 2024 June 29, 2024 - SOLD OUT
July 6, 2024 - SOLD OUT July 20, 2024 - SOLD OUT July 27, 2024 - SOLD OUT
August 3, 2024 August 10, 2024 August 17, 2024 - SOLD OUT August 24, 2024 - SOLD OUT August 31, 2024 - SOLD OUT
September 7, 2024 - SOLD OUT September 14, 2024 - SOLD OUT September 21, 2024 - SOLD OUT September 28, 2024
October 5, 2024 - SOLD OUT October 12, 2024 - SOLD OUT |
€ 1299 | € 1549 | Free |
May 3, 2025 June 7, 2025 July 5, 2025 August 2, 2025 September 6, 2025 October 4, 2025 |
€ 1299 | € 1549 | Free |
Departure Guaranteed
This Romania escorted tour is guaranteed to depart on the dates given for a minimum of 2 persons.
Book Now!
Book your tour now and discover Transylvania! Follow in Vlad the Impaler’s footsteps and then uncover his dark legend during this unforgettable Transylvania Dracula tour.
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.
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.
Media Mentions
• We’re pleased to say that Transylvania Live has recently garnered the attention of several publications and broadcasts
more details here
Halloween in Transylvania with Transylvania Live in the news
Activate Captions for English subtitles!
Awarded 7-Days Vampire in Transylvania - Highlights
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/
Please check your itinerary below:
Itineraries
Day 1
Saturday, Bucharest
Meet your tour guide at Moxa Boutique Hotel. Your tour in Romania begins with a short drive to Snagov Monastery, an impressive religious building located on an island in the middle 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.
Day 2
Sunday, Bucharest – Poienari – Sibiu (309 km, 5h 20 min driving)
In the morning, enjoy your breakfast and then drive to Poienari fortress*, a mountain refuge preferred by medieval rulers such as Vlad the Impaler. You need to climb over 1400 stairs to reach the top, but the view worth every penny. From here, drive to the Medieval Saxon city of Sibiu. Discover the amazing attractions this city has to offer, including the famous ‘Liars Bridge’. Accommodation in 4* hotel, centrally located.
*Please have in mind that Poienari citadel will be closed until the end of 2023 due to some infrastructure works
Day 3
Monday, Sibiu – Hunedoara – Alba Iulia – Turda (272 km, 3h 27 min driving)
Your tour in Romania continues with Hunedoara. Visit Corvinesti Castle, an impressive Gothic style construction which used to serve as the residence of ruler Iancu de Hunedoara. Explore the medieval beauty and head next to Alba Iulia. You will overnight in Turda in a 4* boutique hotel, often referred by our previous guests as a medieval fantasy with beds. Since you are in the heart of Transylvania, you cannot leave without a Dracula themed dinner. Keeping the “strigoi” atmosphere join us for the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead.
Day 4
Tuesday, Turda – Cluj-Napoca – Bistrita (191 km, 3h driving)
Morning visit of Turda Salt Mine, one of the most popular highlights in Romania. Here we are on the surface again prepared to explore the next Transylvanian city - Cluj-Napoca; discover amazing medieval buildings such as Saint Andrews Cathedral. From here we head North carried by a stunning scenery on your way to Bistrita close to Borgo Pass and accommodate at Golden Crown hotel.
Day 5
Bistrita – Sighisoara (198 km, 3h 29 min driving)
Today we’ll enjoy medieval taste at the highest level visiting Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can’t miss the Clock Tower Museum, The Torture Room and the Medieval Weapons Collection. In the past the Clock Tower was named the Gate Tower and was used for the council’s meetings and for storing Sighisoara’s archive and thesaurus. Nowadays The Clock Tower is the main attraction for visitors.
Day 6
Thursday, Sighisoara – Bran – Brasov (171 km, 2h 48 min driving)
“Ramai cu bine” Sighisoara! Welcome to Bran Castle! With a very controversial status: “To be or not to be Dracula’s Castle” Bran Castle offers you its tumultuous history, from being a fortress meant to guard the border between Transylvania and Wallachia to the period when Queen Mary transformed it into a Royal Residence and to nowadays as a worldwide known museum… if the walls could talk. Drive next to the Medieval Saxon City of Brasov. Among the amazing medieval buildings, you can find the most popular attraction of this city, The Black Church. In the evening, attend ‘Dracula’s Wedding’, a non-verbal performance staged by a professional band of actors. This event takes place for groups of at least 5 travelers.
Day 7
Friday, Brasov – Sinaia – Targoviste – Bucharest (192 km, 3h 44 min driving)
Your last day of the tour brings you to Sinaia, the pearl of mountain resorts in Romania. Explore the famous Peles Castle, one of the best-preserved Royal Residences in Europe. From here, travel to Targoviste and visit the ruins of the Old Princely Court, this where several medieval rulers – including Vlad the Impaler - used to reside and run the country from. Transfer to Bucharest airport for your returning flight. Estimated arrival in Bucharest 07:00 PM.
Tour Leader
English speaking guide services
Accommodation
3 nights in 4* hotels, 3 nights in 3* hotels, all accommodation hotels are centrally located
Meals
6 breakfasts, 2 dinners ( 3 course dinner)
This tour offers Vegetarian and Vegan food options on request
Transport
All transfers inside the tour by coach, minibus or car - air conditioned, depending on the number of travelers
Pick up: Moxa Boutique Hotel, 129 Calea Victoriei, crossroads 4 Mihail Moxa Street, Sect. 1, Bucharest, on the first day of the tour at 10:00 am local time.
Hotel Drop off included on the last day of the tour around 7:00 pm.
Entry fees to
Snagov Monastery, Poienari Citadel*, Peles Castle, Bran Castle, Salt Mines in Turda, Corvinesti Castle in Hunedoara, Clock Tower in Sighisoara.
*Please have in mind that Poienari citadel will be closed until the end of 2023 due to some infrastructure works
- Flights before and after the tour are not included in the tour price. You can organize your flights separately at any point.
Add a review
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 rate. 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).
John Rider– :
The tour was great and a lot of fun!
The guide Claudiu is very knowledgeable and was more than willing to answer any questions or provide suggestions on places to eat or see.
He was very flexible and attentive to our needs and interests.
We left so much more knowledgeable than when we started.
All in all it was a super experience