Transylvania                 Legend,  Myth and Truth

- Folowing the Bram Stoker's novel " Dracula "

Round I : Cluj – Dej – Bistritza – Bargo Pass
Round II : Sighisoara -  Brasov – Bran
                  – Sibiu -    Hunedoara

Highlights
Bran Castle – also known as Dracula’s Castle, legendary Transylvanian fortress dating 1377.   
Rasnov Peasant Citadel - the largest peasant fortification ever built in Eastern Europe
Brasov City tour – explore the Medieval Saxon city of Brasov with its outstanding medieval atmosphere, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe”.
Corvinesti Castle  Hunedoara - Legendary castles in Transylvania with plenty of good stories
Dracula’s Castle Hotel Bargo Pass  in Transylvania - Bram Stoker’s imaginary castle where, in Borgo Pass, he placed the Bloody Count Dracula; accommodation, candle lit dinner and a camp fire with all the right stories.
Halloween Party in Sighisoara Citadel - Dracula’s birth place; lunch in the house where Vlad the Impaler was born and enjoy the best Halloween party ever. on October 31

DAY 1  Cluj - Napoca –  arrival transfer

First stop when you arrive in Transylvania  - Romania (by Orient Express from London , as  Jonathan Harker arrived in search of Count Dracula a century ago or by plane ) is the city of  Cluj.

Evening tour of Cluj, admire here two impresive monuments
Saint Michael’s Gothic-style Roman Catholic Cathedral, the second largest in Transylvania, and the most famous Dormition of the Theotokos Orthodox Cathedral  built in a Romanian Brâncovenesc style, a synthesis of Renaissance and Byzantine architecture
Dinner accomodation 3*/4* hotel 

Optional: How about a genuine Dracula tattoo?
It’s hard to believe, but here in the heart of Transylvania you can find the best Turkish kebab, that we strongly recommend in spite of the irony – a Turkish specialty in Dracual’s country, given the fact that he was the worst enemy the Turks could have had.
Or delight yourself with a vampire menu for dinner, a delicious reason to travel to Transylvania! Still, an evening to fear, you’ll attend the killing of a vampire; you’ll be part of the crowd seeking to take the bloody creature to a special place where the ritual can begin!

DAY 2  Cluj –  Dej - Bistrita -  Bargau Pass

Today we begin our round journey following places as they were described by Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula  toward Bargo Pass

In our way, in  Dej we can  have a picture of the  original one  century old railway station  .

But if you select to go via  Turda you can see the place where you’ll put your existence to the test! Here you’ll descend into the heart of one of the biggest salt mines in the country – Turda Salt Mines.
The Mine ends in a narrow tunnel where a mirror is placed.
Should you see your reflection in the mirror, you will know you still have a soul to worry aboutJ

Stop for late lunch in Bistritza, into the original Inn “Golden Crown”, where Harker had the last meal before  meeting the Count Dracula, experince for yourself a medieval meal and sweet drink.

Check in former Bistritza  Postal Station for tickets to ride  by Horse Coach to  the Count Castle or keep using your motorcoach.

Have a wine tasting in a small wine celler, and supply yourself for hard times to come..
Make the acquaintance of a unique character, Misiuga, the Baron of Dracula. He’ll welcome you in his windswept Dogarilor (Coopers’) Tower last bastion of  Bistritza Citadel with  a surprise exibition 

Head next for Count  Dracula’s Castle, built in accordance to Bram Stoker’s imagination on the border between Transylvania and Moldavia on Borgo Pass.

Listen the sad story of the Count Dracula in front of  a night bonfire, Have a late dinner an finish your  Transylvania supplies

To test your courage, visit Dracula’s Coffin in the dungeon of the castle, where  Count Dracula use to rest durring the  daylight time.
The culminating point of your adventure in Transylvania!
Accommodation and candle lit dinner

DAY 3  Bargau– Bistrita – Sighisoara

Bid farwell to Bram Stoker who remains here  guardering his creation: Count Dracula      

Return to Bistrita for a look at one of  the most important religiouse monuments of the area  which was by turn of the time a Roman basilica, a Catholich church, an Unitarien church and today’s Orthodox.

Drive for the round  two of the jurney: the Truth and History

Sighisoara, the best preserved and still inhabited medieval citadel in Europe and a UNESCO heritage site, but probably most important for you it is Prince Vlad Dracula's birth place!
For your lunch we recommend ‘Prince Vlad Dracul’s House’, the very place where he was born, turned today into an exquisite restaurant wherein you can find frescoes dating back to the 14th c.AD

On  Halloween party time, put on your costume and get into the mood. Plenty of opportunities for you tonight: buy After-life Insurance, attend a witch trial, the Count's Fortune-teller will be at your disposal, witness the apparition of Dracula  performed by a witch and listen to your guide’s good advice, and you might just escape without being impaled! The best Halloween party idea, don’t you think?

Submerge yourself in the medieval atmosphere by visiting Sighisoara’s main attractions: 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, The Medieval Weapon Collection, Covered Stairs, the Church on the Hill.
If you survive, you’ll find refuge in a 3* hotel or inn nearby

DAY 4 - Sighisoara – Brasov – Bran Castle

Drive to the medieval Saxon city of Brasov to visit the historic town centre and its famous Black Church, the best-known gothic monument. The edifice holds the largest organ in Europe, which was partially destroyed during the great fire of 1689.
It was here, in the city of Brasov where Prince Vlad Dracula led raids against the Saxon merchants and found his saxon love..
If you think you can’t see stranger things than what you’ve already seen, you are wrong!
Today you’re introduced to the famous Bran Castle in Transylvania. The castle owes its fame to its unique charm,  history of Prince Vlad Dracula and to the myth Bram Stoker created around Dracula blends here.
Not far from here is the Horror House , a special treat dedicated for the strong-hearted; lunch Popasul  Reginei
Accomodation 3*/4* hotel 

DAY 5 - Brasov – Sibiu

Optional You’ll travel today to Sinaia, the pearl of mountain resorts in Romania; visit Peles Castle, one of the most beautiful royal residences in Europe. The custodians report a strange smell of violets whenever the ghost of the Queen Maria (the niece of Queen Victoria of Great Britain) returns to her beloved play-ground.!

For a walk on the famous Bridge of Liars you’ll travel to Sibiu, a city with a wonderful medieval charm, excellent views of the surrounding landscape and great food ,if you have some courage to spare you’ll cross the Bridge of liars and make a confession.
Shall you utter any lie, the bridge will collapse!

In the next vicinity Mhnea the Bad, Prince Vlad Dracula’ son was asasinated , while he was returning from the  Church.

Wisit also the Evanghelical church where  another historical figure Baron von Frankistain is buried

Evening in Sibiu , the European Cultural Capital for 2007.
The fortified town of Sibiu has been the centre of Romania 's German minority since medieval times and it is one of Romania ’s most beautiful cities. The Sibiu  strong Citade never surrender, was never conquered
The city contains the largest concentrations of tourist attractions in Romania .
Enjoy a traditional dinner in one of the oldest restaurants in Sibiu.

Optional Attend a witch trial after dinner. You’ll meet “Galdius Dei”, the famous medieval Knights of Sibiu. They’ll introduce you to medieval rituals and, should you be well prepared, turn you into a knight. Accommodate in a 3*/4* hotel.

DAY 6 - Sibiu – Hunedoara– Timisoara

Today you’re invited to pay a visit to another legendary place in Transylvania, Corvinesti Castle.
Here you‘ll see  the stone statue of Price Dracula’s uncle, and father of King of Hungary Matei Corvin: Iancu de Hunedoara .
The defender of Belgrade Citadel and Europe put a hold for almost 100 years to Turkish march toward  Central Europe.
Listen to more heroic stories of the permanent fight against the Turkish desire to conquer Europe in medieval times

In Hunedoara the legendary Corvinesti Castle is waiting for your visit. The greatest Gothic style castle in Romania, Corvinesti was built in the 14th Century, and it was also here that Prince Vlad the Impaler, Dracula was brought up.
For your lunch we recommend you choose Corviniana restaurant in Hunedoara, with a house specialty: absolutely delicious grilled “Corviniana schnitzel” with cheese sauce.
Spend the evening in Timisoara, accommodation in a 3*/4* hotel.

DAY 7  Timisoara – departure transfer

Price per person 771 Euro
- 6 nights accomodation sharing a double room, full board
   in hotel 3*/4*  stars according with avaiabilities
- transportation with turistic licenced (mini) coach
- authorized turistic guide all the itinerary

Optional tours not included
Your guide
Sorin

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.

   NorthBukovina- Bucharest
  Painted Monasteries 
    - UNESCO's  Heritage -

DAY 1 -  Sinaia/ Busteni

arrival transfer from Otopeni International airport Bucharest to Sinaia
visit Sinaia Monastery /and Peles Castle
accommodation in hotel Palas Sinaia 4*  / Silva Busteni 3*

DAY 2- Gura Humorului

depart via Brasov, Bicaz, Piatra Neamt to Gura Humorului
Visit Bicaz Gorges  and Sfanta Ana  Lake,
Herman Fortified Church bild by saxon comunity
Optional: lunch  Ancuta's Inn 
-  accomodation and dinner in Best Western 4* Mountain Club Gura Humorului

DAY 3  - Gura Humorului

visit Voronet, Sucevita and eventualy Moldovita Monasteries
Optional: lunch in Monastery dinning room,/
in the  hotel's restaurant
accomodation and dinner in Best Western Mountain
Club 4* Gura Humorului

DAY 4 - Bucharest

depart to Bucharet
visit Agapia Monastery
a  
Optional: lunch  in Monastery
accommodation in hotel  Best Western. 4* Parc

DAY 5 –  Bucharest

City tour including Patriarchy,  Casin Monastery   
Optional: trip to Snagov /Cardarusani Monastery,
and lunch in Monastery
- visit Parliament House 
-  transfer to airport for departure

Accomodation  on half  board bassis in double room

Transfers and transportation by licenced touristic coach

English speaking Guide assistance 

Groups of 15 / 30 persons

price per person sharing a doubleroom    516 Euro

 Busteni                          mountain resort 
  programme for youth

DAY 1  arrivals in Otopeni International airport Bucharest, transfer,

accommodation in hotel. Silva Busteni 3 * on  full board basis

DAY 2 -  trip to Bran Castle and Rasnov Citadel 125 km,  2 hour rent of gym hall - Gokart competition

DAY 3:-  Busteni. Cable car trip to top 2000 m  pick, evening in a local Disco club

DAY 4:-  trip to Brasov 165 km, 2 hour rent of gym hall/footbal ground.

DAY 5 -  trip to salt mines of Slanic and  Ploiesti , evening in a local Disco club

DAY 6 trip to Sinaia Peles Castle  2 hour rent of gym hall/footbal ground - Paintball competition

DAY 7:-  trip to Bucuresti,  city tour
transfer to airport.

Accomodation  on full board bassis in double room

Transfers and transportation by licenced touristic coach

English speaking Guide assistance 

Groups of 15 / 30 persons

price per person sharing a doubleroom   463 Euro