TRANSYLVANIA'S DARK LEGEND
Dracula Short Break in Transylvania
Highlights
Bran Castle – Transylvania’s iconic image, an impressive fortress dating back to 1377, also known as Dracula’s Castle
The Medieval Saxon Citadel of Sighisoara – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vlad the Impaler’s birth place
Dracula’s Castle in Borgo Pass – built in accordance with Bram Stocker’s imagination on the border between Transylvania, Moldavia and Bucovina.
The Medieval Saxon city of Brasov – one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, it was here that Vlad the Impaler led raids against the Saxon merchants
Rasnov Peasant Citadel – the best preserved peasant fortification in Transylvania and the largest one in Eastern Europe
The medieval city of Sibiu – concentrating the largest number of tourist attractions in Romania, the place where Vlad the Impaler’s son, Prince Mihnea the Evil is buried
Medieval Accommodations – the finest selection of 3 and 4* hotels, including Dracula’s Castle in Borgo Pass, meant to introduce the visitor to the local atmosphere.
Day by day itinerary
DAY 1, Friday Cluj Napoca – Bistrita – Borgo Pass
Welcome to Transylvania. You will be collected by our English speaking guide from Cluj Napoca Airport.
Transfer to Bistrita Citadel. It was here, in the medieval citadel of Bistrita, that the main character of Bram Stokers’ novel, Jonathan Harker enjoyed his last meal before confronting the Count. Visit Jonathan Harker’s saloon in Golden Crown Restaurant and should you dare, enjoy the very meal he had when in Bistrita.
You‘ll accommodate in Dracula’s Castle, a hotel built in accordance with Bram Stoker’s imagination on the border between Transylvania, Moldavia and Bucovina, in a breathtaking natural setting: winding roads, thick forests and picturesque Transylvanian villages. Visit Dracula’s Coffin located in the basement of the Castle. We recommend dinner at the castle.
DAY 2, Saturday, Borgo Pass – Targu Mures – Sighisoara
Get acquainted with Transylvania’s Szekler and Saxon influences. Morning transfer to the medieval Saxon Citadel of Sighisoara. Stop en-route to Targu Mures, an important Szekler centre in Transylvania, also known as “the city of roses” due to its lovely gardens. One of the main highlights is Teleki Palace, dating back to 1797, a beautiful Baroque style building with Neo Classical influences. We strongly recommend that you try for lunch the delicious Hungarian dishes specific to the area.
Founded by Saxons during the 12th century, Sighisoara still stands as one of Europe’s most beautiful and still inhabited fortified cities, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the medieval atmosphere at its best, visit the Clock Tower - built in 1360 and standing 60 meters tall on top of the citadel's hill, it hosts a museum and offers a great view over the citadel, The Torture Room and The Medieval Weapon Collection. Sighisoara Medieval Citadel is also the place where Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula, was born. The building still stands and it was turned into a cosy restaurant where one can taste the delicious Count’s dishes. Accommodate in a 3* hotel located in the heart of the medieval citadel.
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DAY 3,Sunday, Sighisoara – Bran – Rasnov – Poiana Brasov
Capture the essence of Transylvania. Drive to the village of Bran to visit Transylvania’s iconic image, Bran Castle. Unrightfully called Dracula’s Castle, Bran owes its fame both to its unique charm and to the myth Bram Stoker created around Dracula. The edifice was once a fort guarding a commercial road, documentary evidence of the castle dates back as far as 1377. In 1920, Queen Maria, the niece of Queen Victoria of Great Britain, turned the castle into a beautiful summer residence. Close to the castle there is a shrine set in the wall of a mountain which once sheltered her heart. Continue your journey with Rasnov Peasant Citadel. Standing on top of a hill and overlooking an incredible Transylvanian landscape, Rasnov is the best preserved peasant fortification in Transylvania and the largest one in Eastern Europe, first documented in 13 century. Transfer next to the medieval Saxon city of Brasov, which has played a vital role in Romania’s history, both old and new. Three quarters of the city is surrounded by mountains, and it is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. The most famous landmark of Brasov is the Black Church, the largest gothic edifice in Southern Europe dating back to 14th century. For lunch we recommend Saxon’s Barrel Restaurant for the delicious Saxon dishes they offer.
Accommodate in Poiana Brasov, located at the foot of Postavaru Mountains in a magnificent mountainous natural setting, in an outstanding medieval hotel.
DAY 4, Monday, Poiana Brasov – Fagaras – Sibiu – Sibiel
Morning transfer to the imposing city of Sibiu, former Cultural Capital of Europe. Stop en-route to Fagaras. Fagaras Citadel is one of Transylvania’s strongest fortifications, dating back to the 15th century.
The fortified town of Sibiu has always been the centre of Romania's German minority since medieval times and it is one of Romania’s most beautiful cities. The city contains one of the largest concentrations of tourist attractions in Romania. Enjoy a city tour including the Evangelic Church, one of Transylvania’s finest examples of Gothic architecture. Built in the 14th century, the Cathedral also served as a burial place for the city’s personalities. Among others, one can visit here the tomb of Mihnea Voda cel Rau (Mihnea the Evil), Vlad the Impaler’s son, who was stabbed in the Cathedral in 1510.
You’ll enjoy the evening in the traditional village of Sibiel. Accommodate in welcoming guesthouses and enjoy a traditional home cooked Saxon dinner. Sibiel is home the largest collection of painted glass icons in Europe, the Museum in the village exhibits more than 700 items.
DAY 5, Tuesday, Sibiel – Cluj Napoca
Morning transfer to Cluj Napoca. Cluj was the Hungarian provincial capital and it is one of Transylvania’s most important economic, political and cultural centers. Unirii Square houses beautiful Baroques, Gothic, Renaissance and neo – Classical buildings and is dominated by Saint Michael’s Church. Enjoy a city tour including the imposing Saint Michael’s Cathedral.
For lunch we recommend Ciuleandra Restaurant, offering delicious traditional Transylvanian Cuisine and an outstanding genuine ambiance.
Transfer to the airport for the return journey.
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Testimonials
We will both remember the holiday for a long time, thanks to you and all
your staff for the well organised holiday, and for the great party. Your country is very beautiful and I would certainly recommend Romania to any of my friends. I was very impressed by how friendly all the people are. I will send you a few of our pictures, we have many good ones to choose
from.
Thanks again and Noroc to you!
Helena and Dave Gladwin, Isle of Wight, UK |
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Sorin, group leader says: It’s a great satisfaction for me to guide this tour and share all my knowledge on Transylvania’s history and legends, and also create a special fairytale, funny atmosphere.
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Price & Departure
Special notes & info
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