Bucharest - Curtea de Arges Monastery - Poienari Castle - Cozia Monastery - Olt Valley Road - Sibiu

Curtea de Arges Monastery - The church at Curtea de Arges Monastery stands as one of Romania’s most exquisite religious landmarks. Constructed between 1515 and 1517 by the affluent and cultured Prince Neagoe Basarab, it boasts decorations influenced by Byzantine, Ottoman, Georgian, and Armenian art, offering a unique window into Romania’s medieval history. In the early 20th century, it was selected as the final resting place for Romanian monarchs of the Hohenzollern dynasty.

Poienari Castle - Poenari Castle (Cetatea Poenari) was once the residence of Vlad the Impaler, set dramatically at the base of the Făgăraș Mountains. Survivors of Vlad’s massacre in Târgoviște were marched to this citadel to begin construction on his castle. Visitors can embark on a guided climb of 1480 steps to the top, with water provided if needed. The ascent, which takes about 30 minutes, is along a concrete stairway with safety railings and an electrified fence to deter bears. The fortress is perched at an altitude of 850 m (2800 ft) above sea level. Upon reaching the summit, visitors cross a narrow wooden bridge to explore the crumbling remains of the old keep, with the guide sharing insights into the building’s history and legends.

Cozia Monastery - The church at Cozia Monastery is a magnificent example of medieval architecture, built by Prince Mircea the Elder, Vlad the Impaler’s grandfather, in 1388. Throughout his reign, Mircea fought against the expanding Ottomans, successfully halting their advance into Europe for a time. A devout ruler, he commissioned the construction of various churches and monasteries, with Cozia chosen as his final resting place. Visitors can be captivated by the monastery’s beautiful setting on the banks of the Olt River and the richly painted decorations of the Cozia church.

Olt County - The journey continues with a picturesque drive along the Olt River valley, leading from the southern Wallachia region to Sibiu in Transylvania. Before 1918, when Romania’s three regions united into one country, this was a primary passage across the mountains. Travelers and merchants crossed the border north to sell their goods in the markets of Transylvania’s wealthy multicultural cities.

Sibiu - Biertan Fortified Church - Sighisoara

Big Square (Piata Mare) - Since 1366, this square has been the city’s vibrant heart, where citizens gathered to converse, trade, buy and sell, listen to political speeches, or witness executions. The UNESCO-listed Square offers a glimpse into the city’s history, lined with buildings from various eras, including the 13th-century City Council Tower. Among the oldest structures are the late medieval Haller House and Blue House. Visitors can explore the Brukenthal Palace, an 18th-century gem inspired by Baroque Viennese architecture, housing Baron Samuel von Brukenthal’s art collection.

Turnul Sfatului (The Tower of the Council) - Originally part of a small fortification to protect the City Council building, the Tower, accessible today from the Small Square, served as an observation point and last refuge during attacks. Restored in the 19th century, visitors can climb the 141 steps of the interior staircase to view the clock mechanism and enjoy panoramic city views.

Bridge of Lies - This pedestrian bridge, supported by four cast iron arches, connects two small city squares and has inspired several legends explaining its name. The most popular suggests the bridge will collapse if someone standing on it tells a lie. Other tales claim liars were thrown over the bridge, whether merchants deceiving clients or young girls lying to lovers.

Lutheran Evangelical Cathedral & Tower - Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the first church on this site dates back to the 12th century. The Gothic cathedral seen today, with its 73-meter-high steeple, was built in the 14th century as a Roman Catholic place of worship. After the Reformation, it was used by the Lutheran Protestant community. Four turrets around the central steeple signified that Sibiu had the judicial right to impose the death penalty. NB: The Cathedral is currently undergoing restoration, so interior visits are not possible. Only the exterior can be observed.

Biertan Fortified Church - Founded as a commercial hub by Transylvanian Saxons in the medieval Kingdom of Hungary, Biertan’s church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and built in Late Gothic style with Renaissance elements between 1486 and 1524, on the site of an earlier Romanesque church. As Ottoman raids became a constant threat, Biertan’s inhabitants fortified the church instead of building a citadel, resulting in three rows of exterior fortifications linked by gate towers.

Sighisoara - Saschiz Fortified Church - Viscri Village

Sighisoara Clock Tower - The Old Town of Sighișoara is a must-see, dominating the newer quarters from a rocky massif with a jumble of old, leaning houses. The Clock Tower, also known as The History Museum, was erected in the 14th century when Sighișoara was controlled by craft guilds, each responsible for financing and defending its tower during wartime. After paying the entrance fee, a guide will accompany visitors inside the old clock tower with its creaky wooden steps. Inside, visitors can view Gothic furniture, pharmaceutical objects, gingerbread molds, trade guild artifacts, and a fascinating display on Hermann Oberth, a pioneer of space travel. The main reason to climb the tower is for the stunning views of the crooked lanes and houses below and the rolling hills in the distance. The ticket also includes access to the Collection of Medieval Arms. NOTE: The Tower is CLOSED on Mondays.

Casa Vlad Dracul - A Halloween must-see, this three-story house in the shadow of the Clock Tower is where, according to legend, Vlad the Impaler was born in 1431 to a woman whose name is lost to history. Today, the house is a restaurant, and visitors can go upstairs to see Vlad the Impaler’s alleged birthplace.

Church on the Hill - Built between 1345 and 1525, the Church on the Hill has been beautifully restored and features faded murals, a vaulted ceiling, and three Gothic altars. Massively buttressed, the church served as both a place of worship and a fortified keep in times of danger. Beyond the church, visitors can explore the Saxon cemetery. To reach the church, visitors take the Scholars’ Stairs, a steep, covered wooden staircase with 178 steps and 29 landings dating from 1642.

St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church - Built in 1894 after the demolition of the Franciscan Convent, the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church is located in the northeast of the citadel.

Centrul Istoric Sighisoara - Of the original 14 citadel towers, named after the guilds responsible for building and maintaining them, only 9 remain. Visitors will pass by and see the hexagonal Shoemakers’ Tower, the Tailors’ Tower, and the Tinsmiths’ Tower.

Piata Cetatii - This is where wrongdoers were once publicly hanged for their crimes against Sighișoara, and where witch trials were held.

Sighisoara - Upon entering the city, visitors will stop at the fresh produce market where locals sell home-grown products daily. Most fruits and vegetables are in season, and the array of smells, tastes, and colors will surprise and delight. There are many photo opportunities and a chance to buy and taste some of the produce, from homemade bread to locally made cheese, forest fruit, and more.

Saxon Church - This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates from the 15th century. Built on the site of an older Romanesque basilica, the church was dedicated to Saint Stephen of Hungary. A 14th-century citadel was built 2 kilometers from the village, but its distance made access difficult. Consequently, the church was fortified to provide easier refuge access for inhabitants.

Viscri Fortified Church - The traditional Saxon village of Viscri exudes charm and an old-world feel. Visitors can explore the area’s main attraction, the fortified church, and enjoy a traditional Romanian lunch with hearty food and fiery spirits like tuica and rachiu. At the end of the day, guests can relax in a traditional medieval Saxon house.

Viscri Village - Brasov - Bran

Black Church (Biserica Neagra) - Brașov’s most famous landmark, the Black Church, dominates the surrounding square. Allegedly the largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul, it took nearly a century to complete and houses one of Eastern Europe’s largest collections of Turkish prayer mats.

Piaka Sfatului - The Council Square is Brașov’s focal point, largely unchanged since its construction in the 15th century. It is lined with sturdy merchant houses with red-tiled roofs and shops. In the center stands the Council House, built in 1420 and topped by the Trumpeter’s Tower, where town councilors met. The square is reputedly the site of Europe’s last witch burning.

Turnul Alb - Facing Turkish attacks in the 15th century, Brașov strengthened its fortifications, assigning each bastion to a specific guild. The White Tower in Brașov is unmistakable in design and offers stunning city views on clear days.

Rope Street - Strada Sforii - Presumably the narrowest street in Eastern Europe, this passageway retains the spirit of medieval Brașov and offers great photo opportunities to share with family and friends.

Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle) - Experience the ultimate Halloween thrill by visiting the famous Bran Castle! Located 28 km (18 miles) southwest of Brașov, it commands the entrance to the pass of the same name, the main route into Wallachia. The Saxons of Kronstadt (Brașov) built the castle in 1377 to safeguard the vital trade route. The connections to Vlad the Impaler are steeped in myth. The castle may have housed Vlad for a few nights during his flight from the Turks in 1462, following their attack on the Poenari fortress. Another tale tells of his siege of the castle in 1460 during an attack on the Burzenland. Perched on a rocky bluff and rising in tiers of towers and ramparts from the surrounding woodland, Bran Castle still has many stories to tell.

Bran - Sinaia - Bucharest

Peles Castle - As an optional stop on the return to Bucharest, visitors can explore Peles Castle in Sinaia. Built for Romania’s first king, Charles I, between 1873 and 1914, the King was captivated by the beautiful scenery and purchased the land for the castle. The building combines various classic European styles, primarily following Italian elegance and German aesthetics along Renaissance lines.

• Private transportation
• Lunch
• Breakfast

• Entrance ticket for the Church on the Hill, Sighisoara - 10 RON
• Entrance ticket for Peles Castle, Sinaia - 40 RON
• Photography fee for Peles Castle - 35 RON/camera

On our Halloween special tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Transylvania’s finest Medieval locations and learn about the true story of Dracula, the Romanian prince known as Vlad Tepes. We’ll guide you through key locations that played a part in his unique history and reveal how this real-life ruler transformed into a legendary figure of horror.

Prepare to be astounded by the Poienari fortress and the internationally renowned Bran castle, which we’ll explore after dark. Unwind and journey back to the Middle Ages in the medieval towns of Sighisoara (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and Brasov.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.