Halloween in Transylvania

Day 1:  We depart Frankfurt on a morning flight and join us for an unforgettable experience into Romania, Dracula’s homeland. After arriving in Bucharest, we board our motor coach and check in to our modern hotel in the bustling city of Bucharest with time to settle in and freshen up. In the evening, a festive dinner and folklore show provides the perfect setting and cultural introduction of what this country has in store for us in the days to come!

Day 2: Your first full day in Transylvania is action-packed so be sure to eat well at breakfast before we get underway! We board our motor coach and embark on a short introductory tour of Bucharest, visiting the Eastern Orthodox Patriarch’s Church, followed by a stop to see the outside of the Palace of Parliament, one of the most famous buildings in Romania. The palace, also universally known as Casa Poporului - The House of the People, was built during the darkest days of the Ceausescu’s regime and is the second biggest administrative building in the world! From here, we head north, travel deep into Transylvania to for our next stop at Sinaia where we visit the Grand Palace of Peles. The exterior of this magnificent building, looks like an enchanted Carpathian Fairytale Castle. Despite the formal palace title, it is commonly referred to as a castle due to the romantically inspired blend of Neo-Renaissance and Gothic Revival architecture similar to Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. A visit to this enchanted Carpathian Fairytale Castle is not only a rare delight but is certain to make you the envy of any castle enthusiasts you know!  Our journey continues to Brasov, which is framed by a halo made up of the surrounding Carpathian Mountains.  Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and spend the evening visiting a regional mountain farmer’s lodge where we will savor a very typical Romanian meal. And after a little digestive help in the form of a local “Schnaps”, the host usually gets out his guitar and sings with the visitors.

Day 3: After a hearty breakfast, a guided tour through the city shows you the highlights of Brasov, one of three major centers of Transylvania established in Vlad’s time. It was in Brasov that Vlad enjoyed his meals while hundreds of villagers died on stakes at the base of Timpa Hill. We continue on to Sighisoara where our visit here starts with an excursion to a hill top Monastery, one of the town’s most important landmarks. Next, we tour the home where the famous Vlad the Impaler was born, which was one of the more stately houses of it’s time in the 15th century. This evening we will celebrate with an unforgettable Halloween dinner at the rustic and traditional restaurant “Casa Vlad Dracul” in town. The Halloween Party will continue back at the hotel where we will stay up howling at the moon.  Bring your favorite Halloween costume so you are not an easy target for those creatures roaming the night during the festivities that are sure to continue deep into the night.

Day 4: After checkout and breakfast, we will travel directly to Bran Castle, “Dracula’s Castle,” originally built as a stronghold by the Knights of the Teutonic Order in 1212. Vlad Tepes, the Impaler, used Bran Castle as headquarters for his incursions into Transylvania. The castle is home to a rich collection of Romanian and foreign furniture as well as art items from the 14th-19th centuries.

After a thorough visit of the famous castle, it’s time to relax during the drive into Bucharest (3.5hrs). Upon arrival we check in to our hotel, we’ll freshen up and enjoy one last dinner, before we set out on our final spooky adventure. Tonight we discover the “Spook-arest”, the dark side of Bucharest. Join us on a tour of “Ghosts and Vampires” on All Hallows` Eve where strange and unexplained things are sure to happen. More than 2000 years ago, the town bore witness to some of the bloodiest deaths, which haunt the land. Listen to stories of the undead, witchcraft, spells, hauntings and feel the presence of restless spirits, forever damned, to roam in the shadows. Tonight may be filled with tricks, but there won’t be sweet treats to ease the fear and hair raising horrors you may encounter.     

Day 5: Bitten or not, after a last breakfast in Bucharest our transfer to the airport awaits you and it is time to say goodbye to the land of Dracula.

• Round trip flights Frankfurt – Bucharest – Frankfurt
  (Flight departs Frankfurt airport, details provided within 6 weeks of departure)
• Transfers in Romania: Airport – Hotel – Airport
• Airport Taxes
• 1 piece, 23 kg (50lbs) luggage allowance
• 2 overnights in an upper-class tourist Hotel in Bucharest
• 1 overnight in an upper-class tourist Hotel in Sighisoara
• 1 overnight in an upper-class tourist Hotel in Brasov
• 4 Breakfasts provided at hotels
• 2 Dinners provided at hotels
• 1 Romanian Dinner featuring regional cuisine 
• 1 Halloween dinner with festivities and folklore show
• Ghosts & Vampires tour in Bucharest on All Hallows' Eve
• Visit to Romanian Farmer’s Lodge with outdoor fire and welcome drink
• Visit to Grand Palace of Peles
• Visit to Sighisoara Monastery
• Guided Tour of “Dracula’s Castle”
• Guided Tour of Vlad The Impaler's Birth Home
• City Tour Bucharest
• City Tour Brasov
• City Tour of Sighisoara
• Program as per itinerary
• Entrance fees according to program
• Local English-speaking tour guide
• Experienced RTT Tour escort