On the Footsteps of Dracula

Day 1 - Sun. Bucharest

Arrival in Bucharest, capital of Romania. Transfer from airport to the Athenee Palace Hilton hotel 5*. Short sightseeing tour that will give you an overall impression of the most significant sights in Bucharest. Relax with a welcoming drink - get to know one another and discuss the travel program. You can spend the evening in the onsite casino or one of the 4 restaurants and bars and relax in the hotel's spa.

Day 2 - Wed. Bran Castle and Prejmer Citadel

After breakfast, tour of the old town of Brasov, a blend of centuries-old buildings and trendy chill out bars. Continue to Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle, a favorite among fans of romantic Transylvanian castles. Bran Castle is in excellent condition and its crenulated towers are a picturesque sight from miles away. Even if you are not great admirer of vampire stories, you should definitely cross the castle door. Not far from Bran Castle, we take time to visit the Saxon fortified church of Prejmer, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Return to Brasov. The remainder of your time is at leisure to explore this exciting town and enjoy the excellent dining opportunities. Overnight at the Bella Muzica hotel 3*. (B)

Day 2 - Mon. From the Ruins of Poienari Castle into Transylvania

The adventure begins! We leave Bucharest behind and drive up the spectacular Transfagarasan road, through the Carpathian Mountains, to the ruins of Poienari Fortress. We reach Arefu, a tiny village inhabited by descendants of the minions who served Vlad Tepes. Legend has it that 1462, when the Turks besieged Poienari Citadel, the Arefians helped Vlad Tepes to escape into the mountains. As an expression of gratitude, Tepes gave the Arefians their pasture lands. Nearby Poienari Fortress was built by Vlad the Impaler in the 15th century and considered the authentic Dracula's Castle. The sight of the aerie-like fortress, towering high above you is sure to send chills down your spine. Optional hike up the 1480 steps to reach the castle ruins.

We pass in Transylvania to find fascinating medieval towns, legendary castles and dramatic mountains peaks. Arrival in Sibiu, one of the most beautiful and well preserved historical towns in Romania and European Capital of Culture in 2007. We take a walking tour of the historic centre, including the Gothic Evangelical Church, where the son of Vlad the Impaler, Prince Mihnea the Bad was murdered, after attending a service. You have the opportunity to enjoy Sibiu's nightlife. Spend one night at the Ramada Sibiu hotel 4*. (B, D)

Day 3 - Tue. Sighisoara - Vlad Dracu's Birthplace

Our next destination is Biertan. Set high up on a hill, Biertan's Saxon church is the most prominent and best known of the fortified churches that dominate many of the Transylvanian villages.

Continue to Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and Vlad Dracu's birthplace. Sighisoara Citadel, the best-preserved and continuously inhabited medieval city in Europe, will make you feel like you are floating through another time and space. Enjoy a walking tour of the citadel. Lunch in the Casa Dracula, where Prince Vlad was born and lived. Afternoon at leisure to further explore this exciting medieval town and enjoy the excellent dining opportunities. Overnight at the Sighisoara hotel 3*, in the citadel. (B, L)

Day 4 - Wed. In the Footsteps of Jonathan Harker

The adventure continues! The landscape becomes wilder as we travel deep into the heart of Transylvania, towards Bistrita, to reach Count Dracula's domains. Here is a land of traditions, customs and ancient superstitions unchanged for hundred of years. It was in Bistrita that Jonathan Harker, the hero of Bram Stoker's "Dracula" received the first hints that something was amiss. Before arriving to Dracula's Castle, Harker stopped at "Golden Crown" hotel in Bistrita, he took a special menu and drank a special wine. We have to do the same.

From Bistrita the road runs deep into the Carpathians, up the Bargau Valley and across the Tihuta Mountain Pass (Borgo Pass), the gateway to the realm of Count Dracula. This is a land seemingly suspended in time. The snaky, narrow road winds its way slowly upwards, past steep hills, creeks, villages and farmhouses. The surrounding mountains harbor more wolves than in any other part of Europe, as well as red deer, boars and wolves. It is time to enter in Dracula's lair! 

Spend the night at the Dracula's Castle hotel 3*, offering great views of the pass from its location, 1116m high. Festive dinner for the Count's special guests. (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Thu. At the Border between Transylvania and Wallachia

After you check yourself for bite marks, we descend Borgo Pass and head towards Bran Castle, also known as "Dracula's Castle", despite its tenuous links with the "real" Count Dracula. A favorite among fans of romantic Transylvanian castles, it was used by Vlad the Impaler as a residence during his incursions in Transylvania. Set against a dramatic mountain background and protected by sheer walls and pointed defense towers, Bran Castle looks just how a vampire count's castle should. The courtyard conceals a labyrinth of secret underground passages.

Not far from Bran Castle, we take time to visit the Peasant Fortress of Rasnov, raised in the 13th century by the inhabitants to shelter and defend themselves from hostile invasions.

Arrival Brasov. Nestled below steep, craggy, tree-clad mountains, this beautiful town is the most visited city in Romania after Bucharest. Tour of the old town, a blend of centuries-old buildings and trendy chill out bars. The remainder of your time is at leisure to further explore this exciting town and enjoy the excellent dining opportunities. Overnight at the Bella Muzica hotel 3*. (B)

Day 6 - Fri. Tomb of Dracula

We travel across the Carpathians back into Wallachia and to Snagov Island. A boat will take us to the island where the headless torso of the infamous ruler is said to lie, buried in the famous 16th century monastery. However, when the grave was opened in 1931 it was reported to be empty. Nevertheless, there is mounting credibility given to the presence of a headless torso, as decapitation was a favorite Turkish execution method.

Return to Bucharest, first time attested in 1459 in a document issued by the famous Prince Vlad Tepes. Enjoy a tour that will give you an overall impression of the most significant sights, including the ruins of the Old Princely Court, from where Vlad the Impaler once ruled the Wallachian lands.

You may decide to celebrate your adventure in the renowned Caru cu Bere Restaurant, Bucharest's oldest beer hall, dating from 1875, with Romanian folk music and dances. Overnight at the Athenee Palace Hilton hotel 5*. (B)

Day 7 - Sat. Bucharest

A last opportunity for city sightseeing and shopping (your own arrangements) in Bucharest. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)