Halloween in Transylvania

Day 1:  Our morning flight departs Frankfurt beginning our an unforgettable journey into Romania and 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 before dinner. 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!   After boarding our motor coach we will venture out into the wilds of this mysterious and fascinating country, traveling deep into Transylvania to Sighisoara, shadowed by the halo of the Carpathian Mountains. On the way, we make a special stop in Sinaia, to visit the Grand Palace of Peles.  Despite its 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 on to Sighisoara, where we make out way to the hilltop Monastery, one of the town’s most important landmarks. Afterward, we tour the birth house of the infamous Vlad the Impaler, who was born in the 15th century in one of the more stately houses. As evening approaches, it is time to prepare for an unforgettable Halloween Event! 

The nights festivities begin with  a special dinner at the rustic and traditional restaurant “Casa Vlad Dracul” in Sighisoara.  This is just the beginning, for tonight we revel in Halloween traditions, celebrate, and stay up late to haunt with the creatures of the night and howl at the moon. Bring your favorite Halloween costume to dress to impress and get your spook on!  Our party will continue on to the hotel, and well into the night, aiming for fright and delight of all kinds!

Day 3: After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we board our motor coach and get underway to Brasov and travel directly to Bran Castle, “Dracula’s Castle,” for an in-depth guided tour.  Originally built as a stronghold by the Knights of the Teutonic Order in 1212. Vlad III Dracula, better known as Vlad The Impaler, famous for his brutal acts of war, used Bran Castle as headquarters for his legendary blood-soaked incursions into Transylvania. Bran Castle is now home to a rich collection of Romanian and foreign furniture and art items from the 14th-19th centuries. Next, we visit Brasov, where a guided city tour shows you the highlights of this unique town, 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. 

After fully enjoying Brasov, we will check in to our new hotel and have a chance to freshen up before embarking on another amazing evening of cuisine and culture!  Tonight we will visit a local mountain farmer’s lodge where we will savor a truly unique experience.  We will be welcomed with an outdoor fire and delicious glass of schnapps to set the mood before being served a delicious dinner highlighting local Romanian ingredients and traditional dishes in the intimate setting of our hosts parlor.  After a dinner our host may serenade us with his guitar and gentle vocal stylings, providing the perfect end to another amazing day in Transylvania.

Day 4: After breakfast and checkout from the hotel, we depart by coach for Bucharest (5hrs), giving you a chance to relax during the ride and see a more humble and less traveled side of the country. Upon arrival in Bucharest, we will embark on a short introductory tour of this city, 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!  After we check in to our downtown hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to freely explore the city or relax before dinner is served at the hotel.

After dinner, another exciting evening adventure awaits us.  Tonight we discover the dark side of Bucharest on a spine-chilling “Ghosts and Vampires” tour where strange and mysterious things are known to happen. More than 2000 years ago, the town bore witness to some of the bloodiest deaths in Europe which our guide will share with us through stories and historical accounts.  They will recall the lore of the undead, spells, and witchcraft that are sure to bring close the presence of restless spirits that have been forever damned to roam in the shadows and haunt the dark corners of this mysterious city.

Day 5: If you managed to escape whatever evil was looming in the darkness of Bucharest the night before, bitten or not, you will be able to enjoy one last breakfast in Bucharest. Then it is time to depart for the airport having narrowly escaped Transylvania with your life and many amazing memories of a one-of-a-kind Halloween to remember!

• 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
• Visit to Romanian Farmer’s Lodge with outdoor fire and welcome drink
• 1 Romanian Dinner featuring regional cuisine 
• 1 Halloween dinner with festivities and folklore show
• Halloween Costume Party 
• 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
• Dungeons & Vampires Tour in Bucharest
• Program as per itinerary
• Entrance fees according to program
• Local English speaking tour guide
• Experienced RTT Tour escort