2022 / 2023 VLAD THE THIRD - DRACULA
THE ORIGINAL "THE TRUTH BEHIND THE LEGEND" TOUR
A MIXTURE BETWEEN HISTORY, LEGENDS AND FICTION.
INCLUDING DRACULA'S CASTLE AND THE BORGO PASS. GUARANTEED DEPARTURES.
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 Airport - Prahova Valley - Sinaia Resort
Afternoon arrival to Coanda International Airport in Bucharest. Meet and greet by your English speaking tour guide. Start your Dracula tour of Romania with a drive north to the mountain resort of Sinaia, one of Romania's best and the unofficial capoital of the country at the end of the 19th century. Take a panoramic tour before arriving to your hotel. Dinner is on own with the evening at leisure.
T Accommodation in Sinaia at Hotel Palace **** (or similar)
Day 2:
Sinaia & Peles Castle – Dracula’s Castle – Brasov Walking Tour – Sighisoara
Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. In the morning take a guided tour of the former royal summer residence, Peles Palace. Continue your Dracula tour by crossing the mountains into Transylvania and visit Dracula Castle, in Bran Village. This is one of the main attractions of the country. Later, a tour of the Old Town Brasov will reveal the intriguing architecture of this medieval citadel formerly a flourishing center of the Transylvanian Saxons, enemies of Vlad. 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 House with Antler ***
Day 3:
Sighisoara Walking Tour – Bistritz and The Jonathan Harker Story - The Borgo Pass
Hot and cold buffet breakfast at hotel. In the morning attend a special lecture on Vlad Dracula (by your Romanian private guide). 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. Sibiu was one of the leading Saxon cities in the times of Vlad, while the Saxons played a major role in Vlad's downfall. If you like souvenirs, enjoy your shopping opportunity in the Chendu Village. Your Dracula tour of Transylvania goes on with 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 Casa Luxemburg ***
Day 5:
Sibiu Walking Tour - Olt River Gorge - Poienari Fortress - Targoviste - Bucharest
After breakfast, visit the Lutheran 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. This is the REAL Castle of Vlad Dracula. 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. On the way to Bucharest, visit the capital of Walachia in the times of Vlad: Targoviste. It features one of the largest Princely Courts (partly in ruins). Climb up the famous Sunset Tower. Drive to Bucharest.
B D Accommodation in Bucharest at Hotel Berthelot **** (two nights)