VLAD THE THIRD – DRACULA: “THE TRUTH BEHIND THE LEGEND” TOUR (2013/2014)

Itinerary: Bucharest – Sinaia – Dracula’s Castle – Brasov – Sighisoara Walking Tour – The Borgo Pass – Village of Chendu – Sibiel Home Hosted Dinner – Sibiu – Olt River Gorge – Poienari Fortress – Bucharest
Duration: 7 Days
This is a premium quality Vlad Dracula themed tour of Romania designed for all interested in the life and deeds of this mysterious character. It combines history and fiction in a complete itinerary including the more remote parts such as the Borgo Pass but also the Fortress of Poienari, Bucharest and the Lake of Snagov. This tour is led by a specialist tour guide and it includes a special lecture on Vlad Dracula.
Day 1: Bucharest – Sinaia
dracula1Arrive to Bucharest Coanda International Airport. Meet and greet by your English speaking tour guide, then drive to Sinaia, in the Carpathian Mountains. Take an orientation tour of this charming mountain resort before the hotel check in. Dinner on own and evening at leisure.
Transfer, Accommodation in Sinaia at Villa Camelia ***
Day 2: Sinaia – Dracula’s Castle – Brasov – Sighisoara
Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. In the morning take a guided tour of the former royal summer residence, Peles Palace. Then cross the mountains into Transylvania and visit Dracula Castle, in Bran Village. Later, a tour of the Old Brasov will reveal the intriguing architecture of this medieval citadel formerly a flourishing center of the Transylvanian Saxons, enemies of Vlad. Feel the frenzy of the central local farmers’ market. In the late afternoon drive to Sighisoara, considered to be the best preserved medieval town in Europe. Spend the night inside the fortified town of medieval Sighisoara. Dinner on own. (Suggested is the Birthplace of Vlad Dracula.
B Accommodation in Sighisoara at Hotel Sighisoara *** or Hotel House with Antler ***
Day 3: Sighisoara Walking Tour – The Borgo Pass
Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. In the morning attend a special lecture on Vlad Dracula. Then, on a walking tour of Sighisoara visit the intriguing Clock Tower housing the town’s museum. Hear tales about punishments at the stake and even view the actual torture instruments on display. Next is the medieval weapon musem and the Torture Chamber. Get ready for the road. Remember Jonathan Harker diary notes on the way to Bistritza. You are expected for an (almost) ritual dinner at the “Golden Crown” Restaurant. Later the coach will bring all of you in the Borgo Pass to meet your unearthly host at the “Dracula Castle” Hotel. Before going to bed visit the Dungeon.
B D Accommodation at the “Dracula Castle” Hotel *** in the Borgo Pass
Day 4: Borgo Pass – Village of Chendu – Sibiel Home Hosted Dinner – Sibiu
After breakfast drive to Sibiu passing thru the picturesque Transylvanian countryside. If you like souvenirs, enjoy your shopping opportunity in the Chendu Village. After an afternoon walking city tour of Old Sibiu including the Great and the Lesser Squares, drive to Sibiel Village for a glimpse at the Museum of Glass Icons. Enjoy a home hosted traditional Transylvanian dinner in the village of Sibiel – this being a first hand intercultural exchange.
B D Accommodation in Sibiu at Imparatul Romanilor Hotel ****

Day 5: Sibiu – Olt River Gorge – Poienari Fortress – Bucharest
After breakfast, visit the Luteran Cathedral where Mihnea the Bad, the son of Vlad was stabbed to death in 1510. Return to Wallachia. Prepare to climb the steps of Poienari Fortress, now in ruins. Here, the traitor landlords worked to their death. On your drive through Wallachia, make a stop at Cozia Monastery, the resting place of Mircea the Elder, Vlad’s grandfather. It features one of the most complete Last Judgment frescoes of the country. Wrap your day with a traditional Romanian Dinner with Folklore Show, by the Herastrau Lake in Bucharest.
B D Accommodation in Bucharest at Hotel Berthelot ****


Day 6: Bucharest Tour & Snagov Lake and Island
Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. The extensive tour of Bucharest will reveal to you the Old Princely Court, the Bucharest Palace (now in ruins) of Vlad, then stroll in the Village Museum, visit the Palace of the Parliament — the largest building in the world after the Pentagon. After a row boat ride to the mysterious island of Snagov Lake, bow to the alleged gravesite of Vlad the Impaler. Meet with the abbott of the monastery and hear the story he has for you. The empty tomb, here, is still an enigma… Evening at leisure in Bucharest.
Optional: Romanian Dinner with Folklore Show. Price per person: 29 Euro (includes the restaurant transfers)
B Accommodation in Bucharest at Hotel Berthelot ****
Day 7: Bucharest Departure
Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel (or boxed breakfast for the early departures). Time at leisure until the transfer to the international airport for your return flight.
2013/2014 Tour Price & Discounts: PLEASE CLICK HERE

Your price includes:
- 6 nights at three and four star hotels
- fully insured sedan/minivan with climate control, for the entire distance
- fuel & parking fees included
- all sightseeing tours & cultural connections
- three informal talks on: Dracula Truth & Fiction, Ceausescu and His Times, The Gypsies
- row boat ride on Snagov Lake
- 8 meals: 6 breakfasts, 2 dinners
- Vlad Dracula specialist tour guide (driving) to accompany you
- guide’s expenses
- all transfers
- admissions to museums, sites, churches as per itinerary
- VAT and local tax
- detailed map of Romania.
You’ll visit 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- Historic Center of Sighisoara
- Historic Center of Sibiu
Not included:
- Other meals than stated
- Beverages
- Photo/video fees at sites and museums.
Request a Quote
Margery Cohen, New York, NY
Dr. and Mrs. Luis G. Murillo, San Diego, California
Janel Barberito and Jim Jurczyk
Rachelle Babij and Her Group of 42, Canada
Maria Helms, Australia
Rick Oncescu & Group, Canada
Thanks again.