Romania Legends of Dracula Journey

Upon arrival in Bucharest, you will be met and transferred to your hotel where your local representative will assist you with check-in. Start your tour of the city with Victoria Square, the seat of the Romanian government, then continue down the beautiful Belle Epoque Victoria Boulevard to Revolution Square, where Nicolae Ceausescu was toppled during the 1989 revolution. 

After breakfast, drive along the Wallachian plains towards the region of Transylvania, stopping along the way in Curtea de Arges. The first capital of Wallachia, Curtea de Arges features the 13th century Princely Court and the famous Arges Court Monastery. Then continue to the Cozia Monastery, an early medieval church with an incredible collection of well-preserved original frescoes as well as the tomb of 14th century rules MicreacelBatran, grandfather of Vlad the Impaler. Following this visit, cross the Carpathian Mountains along the scenic Olt Valley into Transylvania and continue to the village of Sibiel where you will enjoy dinner at a local farmhouse with traditional Romanian dishes. After dinner, continue to Sibiu for overnight. (B, D)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then a walking tour of the charming medieval town of Sibiu to see highlights such as the stunning Evangelical Cathedral, Liar’s Bridge and the beautiful historical squares filled with cafes, shops, and restaurants. Afterwards continue to Biertan to visit one of Romania’s most important historical and architectural monuments, the Biertan fortified church which boasts beautiful late-Gothic and Renaissance elements. Next stop in Sighisoara, Europe’s last remaining inhabited medieval citadel. Touring the captivating old town feels like walking back in time: admire the 500-year-old frescoes at the Church on the Hill, marvel at the incredible Renaissance carved altarpiece at the Church of the Dominican Monastery, and wander the cobblestone streets to visit the birthplace of Vlad Dracula, also known as Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula. Finally, continue to the historical city of Brasov. (B)

After breakfast, enjoy a morning walking tour of Brasnov, visiting the Council Square, St. Nicholas Church, and the Gothic style Black Church. Continue to Bran to visit the castle made famous by Bram Stoker’s novel as the residence of the vampire count Dracula. In fact, the castle was built to guard the trade route between Transylvania and Wallachia. On the return to Brasov, make a stop in Rasnov to visit the impressive hilltop fortress dating back to 1215. Spend the remainder of the day in Brasov at leisure to discover the city’s many hidden treasures. (B)

Following breakfast, cross the Carpathian mountains back into Wallachia to Targoviste, the medieval capital of southern Romania.Tour the museum complex of the “Princely Court” and Vlad the Impaler’s Chindia tower. Continue to Bucharest, also known as the “Little Paris of the East” for its elegant architecture and chic style. Visit Snagov Monastery, a14th century monastery nestled on a tiny island in a lake outside of Bucharest. Mysterious and atmospheric, the monastery is famous for being the supposed burial place of Vlad the Impaler. Return to Bucharest for the evening to explore this dynamic, fascinating city. (B)

Enjoy a final Romanian breakfast before transferring to the airport for your return flight home. (B)