Visit Dracula's Land: A Bloody History & Places

5 Nights

Stay

Born in 1431 in Sighisoara, in the midst of wondrous Transylvania, Vlad Tepes, “The Impaler”, the famous prince of Wallachia was the son of Vlad Dracul, also a former ruler of Wallachia, a Knight of the Dragon Order, a chivalric order from Eastern Europe, whose main aim was to hold back the expansion of the Ottoman Empire.

The Irish author, Bram Stoker, was inspired on his blood-drinking villain character, the infamous Count Dracula, by Vlad Tepes’ way of capital punishment by impaling his enemies onto ten feet wooden stakes. With a fierce reputation, Vlad the Impaler managed to keep his lands from falling to his foes. For the Romanian people, Vlad Tepes’ reign is a remainder of a time when one could drink water at the citadel‘s fountain, from a golden cup that nobody would ever steal. Historical sources sustain the existence of this cup, by the fountain, until the very day of Vlad Tepes’ death.

It will be your choice to further tell the stories and the legends of your exciting adventure.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Bucharest

DEPARTURE TIME

TBC

INCLUDED

Airfare	Accommodations
Local transportation	Professional guide

NOT INCLUDED

Entrance fees

Guide gratuity

“In the footsteps of Vlad Tepes, the Impaler” Tour features:

5 night accommodation at 4 star hotels as specified (2 nts in Bucharest, 1 nt in Sibiu, 1 nt in Sighisoara, 1 nt in Brasov area,
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner as per above (3 course menu, mineral water, coffee/tea)

Entrance fees to the tourists objectives as per the above program
Transportation throughout itinerary by A/C motor-coach
R/T airport transfers
English speaking authorized guide assistance throughout itinerary
All local fees are included (luggage handling is not included)

Day 1: Departure

Morning arrival in Bucharest – airport transfer to the hotel for lunch and rest, welcome dinner and overnight. (L, D)

Day 2

Your journey in the footsteps of Prince Vlad, the Impaler, starts in Bucharest, the 500 year old capital of Romania, with a panoramic sightseeing tour. Continue on to Targoviste, a throne residence of Wallachia, known for the Princely Court (14th -17thcenturies) and for the Chindia Watch Tower, dating from the 15th century, built during the reign of Vlad Tepes. From high atop this brick tower, Vlad the Impaler presided over hundreds of executions in the country yard below.

A short drive will take you to Curtea de Arges; a stunning architectural gem is the 14th century old Curtea de Arges Monastery, with its two towers spiraling in opposite directions. Vlad Dracul, Vlad Tepes’ father, built the primacy of Muntenia here between 1437-1439. Find out the legend of Master Manole, who, it is said, entombed his wife in the stone walls of the church. Travelling across the Carpathian Mountains into Transylvania, through the beautiful Olt River Valley, arrive in Sibiu, European Cultural Capital in 2007, just in time for dinner and accommodation. (B, L, D)

Day 3

Sibiu is a beautiful addition to the medieval atmosphere of the tour. Even having only a morning to take in the old part of the city, you will fall in love with its narrow streets, large squares, cozy buildings. The Brukenthal Museum, a Baroque 18th century building housing impressive collections of art, the Catholic Church, the Evangelic Cathedral with its 73 m tower, the Lies Bridge are a must to be seen. Enjoy a native lunch with traditional menu. Cross the southern Transylvania to Sighisoara, the best preserved still inhabited medieval citadel in Europe, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site; visit the interesting Clock Tower Museum, climb the wooden steps to the Church on the hill, visit Vlad Dracul House, where Prince Vlad Tepes, nicknamed Dracula, was born. The house has been turned into a restaurant, museum like, keeping the flavours of the old atmosphere. Wandering through the town’s narrow streets with original architecture, towers, steep stairways, cobbled alleys, and secluded squares is like holding hands with Middle Age times. Dinner and overnight in Sighisoara. (B, L, D)

Day 4

A scenic drive begins your morning trip southward towards Brasov, nestled in the Central Carpathian Mountains. A short sightseeing tour of Brasov will reveal this mediaeval trading centre, strategically situated at the meeting point of the three Romanian principalities: Wallachia, Moldavia and Transylvania. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Council Square and of the neighboring streets; visit the Black Church, the largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul. A few minute drive will take you to visit St. Nicolas of Schei Church, dating back from the 15th century, its building being supported by the Wallachian lord, Vlad the Monk, the pious half-brother of Vlad Tepes, ”The Impaler”. Festive dinner at a native restaurant. Accommodations in Brasov area, the top tourist area of our country. (B, L, D)

Day 5

Winding your way southwards, stop at the fabled Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle, built at the beginning of the 13th century by Knight Dietrich of the Teutonic Order. Mainly used as a fortress, to protect the commercial route to Transylvania, then used by the Royal Family, it was later on turned into a museum and opened to visitors. Romania being a renowned vineyard country, a wine tasting with lunch awaits you at the famous Azuga Rhein Cellars, designated as the ‘Supplier of His Majesty King Michael the First’. A short drive through the mountains will take you to Sinaia mountain resort city, well-known as the “Pearl of the Carpathians”. Situated on its outskirts, amidst sculpture gardens and fountains, Peles Royal Castle is an exquisitely detailed landmark, a masterpiece of German New-Renaissance architecture. Once the summer residence of Romania’s kings, this spectacular castle, built at the end of the 19th century, is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful castles. Continue South to Snagov Monastery, located on an island. It was built by Mircea the Old (grandfather of Vlad Tepes). The monastery, an important cultural centre, was rebuilt by Vlad the Impaler and some other rulers of Wallachia; it is the supposed resting place of Vlad Tepes. Late afternoon arrival in Bucharest for farewell dinner and overnight