• Overview
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Choose the best holidays in Transylvania Romania! Join us on a special itinerary, designed for you and your group of students. Visit Dracula related highlights, as well as important historical places and traditional villages. Discover all the dark legends surrounding Dracula and learn more about our customs and traditions during this 11-days Study Trip. Usually, this tour gathers large groups of students - between 10 and 40 people - willing to find out more about Dracula at the source.

Your holidays in Transylvania Romania include places such as Bran Castle, Transylvania's symbol, also known as Dracula's Castle thanks to Bram Stoker's novel. You will also visit Sighisoara Citadel - Dracula's birthplace, followed by Snagov Monastery - founded by Vlad the Impaler and serving as his alleged final resting place. Your tour includes a unique place - the Merry Cemetery in Sapanta. Situated in a village not far from the Northern border, the cemetery is famous because of the funny epitaphs carved in the crosses from each tomb. Your itinerary also includes highlights such as Turzii Gorges or Corvinesti Castle.


Holidays in Transylvania Romania - Study trip Highlights:

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

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

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

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

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

Poienari Fortress* – Vlad’s old and faithful citadel perched high on a cliff, more than 1,000 stairs to climb

*Please have in mind that Poienari citadel will be closed until the end of 2023 due to some infrastructure works

Corvinesti Castle – visit one of Romania’s most beautiful castles, built in the 14th Century, the former residence of ruler Iancu de Hunedoara

In addition, the special activities prepared, all along the itinerary, bring out the essence of the genuine Transylvanian Folklore:

• The Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead* (performed according to the old burying rituals in Transylvania, this event is set on stage in Turda and is meant to reveal who was dwelling the magic realms of Transylvania before Bram Stoker created the vampire legend – the event was  presented by Travel Channel in the Hunt for Dracula episode as we have assisted them on a documentary based on Transylvania’s darkest legends. - find out more!

*The Ritual of Killing of The Living Dead takes place for groups of at least 4 people


Holidays in Transylvania Romania – Brief itinerary

holidays-in-transylvania-romaniaMeet our experienced guide at Otopeni Airport and then head for Vlad the Impaler’s alleged final resting place, Snagov Monastery. Unique in our country, the monastery is built on an island in the middle of Snagov Lake. Return to Bucharest, enjoy a delicious traditional dinner and accommodate in a centrally located 3* hotel.

Continue your holidays in Transylvania Romania with a visit to the Parliament Palace, the second largest administrative building in the world. After that, drive to Targoviste and visit Vlad the Impaler’s old royal court. Then, head for Bran Castle, Transylvania’s symbol. Go on an unforgettable tour of the castle. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner in Bran Village. Drive to Brasov and accommodate at a 3* hotel.

Next, your holidays in Transylvania Romania take you to Prejmer. Visit the Fortified Saxon Church here and, after that, explore Brasov and visit the Black Church. The most famous landmark in the city, the church got its name after a great fire blackened its walls.

Next, head to Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, where Vlad the Impaler was born. Visit the Clock Tower history museum and then explore the citadel. Discover Casa Vlad Dracul restaurant, build in the place where Dracula’s house used to be located.

On your fifth day, 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

Transylvanian customs and traditions

Your study trip Transylvania takes you to Sacel. Meet a unique woodscraftman and learn how to craft the perfect wooden stake. After that, head to Sapanta and visit the Merry Cemetery, famous for the anecdotes written on every tombstone. Accommodate in a 3* hotel in Sighetu Marmatiei.

Your next destination is Cluj-Napoca. Explore one of the most important Transylvanian cities and discover landmarks such as St. Michael’s Cathedral. After that, head to Turda and accommodate in a Dracula themed 4* hotel. Enjoy our delicious vampire menu for dinner and attend the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead. Our team performs the ritual according to old customs and traditions.

In the morning, descend in the famous Salt Mine and enjoy a picnic in Turda Gorges. After that, head for Sibiel Village. Visit the Glass Museum and then experience accommodation in Guest Houses.

On the next day, travel to Hunedoara. Visit Corvinesti Castle, the former residence of ruler Iancu de Hunedoara and one of the most beautiful castles in Romania. After that, return to Sibiel and enjoy a traditional home made dinner.

Your holidays in Transylvania Romania continue with Dracula’s old fortress, Poienari*. It’s situated high in the mountains, so get ready to climb 1426 stairs. It’s physically demanding, but the effort is worth it. Admire the amazing view from the top and then drive to Curtea de Arges Monastery. Visit the monastery and, after that, return to Bucharest and enjoy one more Romanian evening. In the morning, our driver will transfer you to the airport for your return flight.

*Please have in mind that Poienari citadel will be closed until the end of 2023 due to some infrastructure works

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


Book now!

Book one of the best Dracula tours now and discover the land of Dracula!

We accept MasterCard and Visa on our on-line secure internet payment form.

  • MasterCard and Visa via fax and phone.
  • We also accept payments via PayPal and bank transfer.

  • At the moment of booking we require an advance deposit in the amount of Euro 145/person. Once the advance deposit is registered with our accounts we issue a Confirmation Letter.
  •  The final payment is due 60 days prior to tour departure. Should the booking be made within 60 days prior to tour departure, entire tour cost is requested at the time of booking.

Departures:

Departure on request for groups between 10-40 people. The price can vary depending on the size of your group.

Departure date Price per person
(2 persons to one double room)
Single Supplement Availability
11 day tour. Departure from Bucharest

On request

Departs on request. Suitable for groups of 10-40 people

€ 1557 € 1837 Free

Why to choose a private escorted tour

  • It is more comfortable
  • Flexible
  • Time saving
  • You can decide the pace of the tour
  • Having a tour guide helps you to have a more genuine experience

 

Available for free if:
You don’t have a reflection in the mirror,
You decompose when sunlight strikes you,
You’re over 200 years old,
Can use your wings to fly to Transylvania,
Well, this holiday is free for you! Come join your fellow vampires in Transylvania:-)
Blood treats not included!

Other mentions

  • Once you realize the price of good beer and wine you will probably not want to return to your country.
  • People speak plenty of English in Romania and you will find the locals and the other tourists are friendly and open.
  • No visa is required and you can get green card extension insurance from your insurer to cover Romania.

11-Days Study Trip - Dracula tours for schools - Itinerary Map


Media Mentions

• We’re pleased to say that Transylvania Live has recently garnered the attention of several publications and broadcasts
more details here

Halloween in Transylvania with Transylvania Live in the news

Activate Captions for English subtitles!

Awarded 7-Days Halloween 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

Bucharest - Snagov - Bucharest (81 km, 1h 35 min driving)

Welcome to Romania! Our English speaking guide welcomes you at the Bucharest Airport. Take a trip to Snagov. Visit Snagov Monastery, according to the legend, Vlad Dracul was buried here after his assassination. The architectural style of the monastery follows the architectural pattern that is characteristic to the monasteries on the Holy Mount Athos in Greece.

To have a complete picture of the Romanian capital you’re invited to enjoy a delicious traditional welcome dinner. Accommodate in a charming 3* hotel.

Day 2

Bucharest - Targoviste - Bran - Brasov (220 km, 4h 10 min driving)

Visit Parliament Palace, the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon

Targoviste - Visit the ruins of Vlad Tepes old court situated on the right bank of Ialomita River situated in the former capital of Walachia County

Bran - Explore Transylvania’s symbol, Bran Castle. The edifice owes its fame both to its unique charm and to the myth Bram Stoker created around Dracula. Documentary evidence of the castle dates back to 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.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional shepherd dinner in Bran Village and then head for your next stop: the Medieval Saxon City of Brasov, where you will accommodate in a 3* hotel.

Day 3

Brasov - Prejmer - Brasov (36 km, 43 min driving)

Visit the Fortified Saxon Church in Prejmer, UNESCO world heritage Site

Visit Brasov, a city with an outstanding medieval atmosphere which 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. Visit the most famous landmark of Brasov, 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. It hosts the largest bell in the country as well as a collection of oriental carpets dating back to 15th and 18th centuries.

Lunch on individual accounts

Day 4

Brasov - Sighisoara (120 km, 1h 40 min driving)

Transfer to the Medieval Citadel of Sighisoara. Founded by Saxons during the 12th century, Sighisoara still stands as one of Europe’s most beautiful and still inhabited fortified cities with UNESCO European heritage site status. Sighisoara Medieval Citadel is also the place where Vlad the Impaler, also 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.

Have dinner in Casa Vlad Dracul Restaurant, the very place where Vlad Dracul was born, turned today into a cozy restaurant.

Day 5

Sighisoara - Bistrita (171km, 2h 56 min driving)

Today you'll 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

Day 6

Bistrita - Sacel - Sapanta - Sighetu Marmatiei (169 km, 3h 8 min driving)

In Sacel you’ll make the acquaintance of a renowned woodcraftsman, Grigore Tulean. The art of woodcarving is best preserved in Maramures, well known region in Europe for the impressive wood carved gates. Among others, you can learn in Grigore’s workshop how to make the perfect wooden stake!

Drive to Sapanta and visit the Merry Cemetery. Unique in the world, the Merry Cemetery owes its name to the wood-carved memorial crosses, decorated in vivid colours depicting the deceased in a cartoon like manner, the epitaphs candidly recite biographies of the deceased using limerick-style poetry.

You will accommodate in Sighetu Marmatiei, in a centrally located 3* Hotel.

Day 7

Sighetu Marmatiei - Cluj-Napoca - Turda (210 km, 3h 55 min driving)

Leave Maramures region and head back to Transylvania, to visit the city of Cluj Napoca, Transylvania’s historic capital, the 3rd largest Romanian city tracing its origins back to the 2nd century AD. Cluj is an important university centre housing the largest and most diverse university in Romania. Among major highlights Saint Michael’s Cathedral is a must see – one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Romania.

Transfer to Turda and accommodate in a 4* Boutique Hotel, a medieval fantasy with beds. Delight yourself with a vampire menu for dinner, a delicious reason to travel to Transylvania and attend the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead – performed according to the old funeral rituals in Transylvania. The event is meant to reveal who was dwelling the magic realms of Transylvania prior to Bram Stocker’s vampires.

Day 8

Turda - Turzii Gorges - Sibiel (155 km, 2h 40 min driving)

Prepare to descend to the heart of one of the biggest salt mines in the country – Turda Salt Mines, with impressive halls named after kings and queens.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in Turzii’s Gorges (individual accounts), one of the most important natural reservations of the Apuseni Mountains, well known among mountain lovers, home to various species of butterflies and caves hiding bats from the day light (the students can stop in a local market in Turda to buy all the necessary food for the picnic).

In the afternoon, drive to the Saxon village of Sibiel.Visit the Icon on Glass Museum in Sibiel, the largest one in Europe. Accommodate in Guest Houses and enjoy a traditional Saxon home made dinner.

Day 9

Sibiel - Hunedoara - Sibiel (226 km, 2h 30 min)

Visit the Village Museum, the largest outdoor exhibition of peasant settlements from all over Romania. 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.

Return to Sibiel for a delicious traditional home made dinner.

Day 10

Sibiel - Poienari - Curtea de Arges - Bucharest (335 km, 5h 20 min driving)

Enjoy a morning visit of Poienari*, Vlad’s old and faithful fortress. The fortress located close to Fagaras Mountains, on a canyon formed by Arges River 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 1426 stairs.

*Please have in mind that Poienari citadel will be closed until the end of 2023 due to some infrastructure works

Travel to Curtea de Arges. Visit Curtea de Arges Monastery. Curtea de Arges, one of the oldest Romanian cities, founded in the 14th century by the Romanian ruler Neagoe Basarab. According to the legend, after building the monastery the mason, Manole was sacrificed by the Romanian Ruler, to make sure that there will be no other monastery built to challenge in beauty the one in Curte de Arges. The monastery is unbelievably beautiful.

Day 11

Bucharest

Transfer to the airport in the morning.

Tour Leader

Professional English speaking guide.


Transportation

All transfers inside the tour by microbus or coach depending on the number of the travelers.


Accommodation

1 night in a 4* Hotel, 7 nights in 3* Hotels and 2 nights in guest houses in Sibiel.


Meals

10 breakfasts and 10 dinners (1 special dinner: dinner with Vampire menu) and 7 packed lunches.


Entry fees to

  • Snagov Monastery
  • The Parliament Palace
  • The Ruins of Tirgoviste Citadel
  • Bran Castle
  • Black Church, Prejmer Fortified Church
  • Clock Tower, Medieval Weapon Collection and Torture Room in Sighisoara
  • Woodcraftsmen in Sacel
  • The Merry Cemetery
  • Salt Mine in Turda
  • The Village Museum in Sibiu, Evangelic Church in Sibiu
  • Icons on Glass Museum in Sibiel
  • Ruins of Poienari Citadel*
  • Argesului Monastery.

*Please have in mind that Poienari citadel will be closed until the end of 2023 due to some infrastructure works


Special events included

  • Ritual Killing of a living Dead*
  • Dracula’s Wedding**

*The Ritual of Killing of The Living Dead takes place for groups of at least 3 people

**Dracula's Wedding takes place for groups of at least 5 travelers 

One place free of charge for tour conductor.

The price does not include:
  • Airfare
  • Some of the lunches
  • Photo & Video taxes for the tourist attractions
  •  All items not specified at Trip Inclusions.
    Add-on program with Transylvania Live Choose activities you can perform before or after your tour. Available experiences include: BUCHAREST

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).