Follow in the footsteps of Vlad Dracula ‘The Impaler’, the Romanian prince and hero, the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s fictional character Count Dracula. The main destination of this tour is Poenari Citadel, the secluded refuge of Vlad Dracula perched high in the Carpathian Mountains.

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Overview

Follow in the footsteps of Prince Vlad the Impaler, the historical Dracula, one of the most fascinating personalities of European history. Visit the vestiges of the Princely Court of Targoviste where Prince Vlad the Impaler held residence, then travel further toward the Carpathian Mountains and explore the ruins of Poenari Citadel perched on top of a mountain, in the valley of Arges River. Stop by in the town of Curtea de Arges to see Curtea de Arges monastery, one of the most iconic monasteries in Romania.

Of no less interest, this tour is a wonderful occasion to see the rural countryside and Romanian traditional life, as the road to Curtea de Arges and Poenari Citadel passes through villages and farmland, in the hilly area of the Sub-Carpathians.
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Tour type: historical, rural, nature
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Highlights

• • the ruins and stories of Poenari Citadel, reinforced by Vlad the Impaler as a defense and refuge place
• • amazing panoramic views from Poenari over the canyon of Arges River, Transfagarasan Road and surrounding mountains
• • the vestiges of the Princely Court of Targoviste, early capital city of Wallachia, where Vlad Dracula the Impaler held residence 
• • discover rural Romania and the local traditional life, still preserved in this part of Europe
• • the iconic Curtea de Arges Monastery, outstanding monument of architecture, linked to a fundamental Romanian myth

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Tour Information

Duration
1 day (around 12-13 hours; total driving distance 400 km for the round trip)

Price
260 EUR/ tour/1-2 people
300 EUR/tour/3 people
please send your inquiry for larger groups

Activity level
medium physical demands – please be aware that reaching Poenari Citadel may be challenging, as there are some 1480 steps to climb (a 40-50 min climb at relaxed pace, on concrete steps; there are benches along the way, where you can sit and rest)

What is included
– hotel pick-up and drop-off
– the itinerary and activities as described
– transportation by private car, a 2017 Volkswagen Golf air conditioned
– guide & driver fee
– all parking fees and fuel

Not included
– entry fees to the Princely Court Museum in Targoviste and Poenari Citadel (total of 25 Lei/person in the local currency, or 5 Euros/person)
– the cost of optional photo fee in Târgoviște (15 Lei/camera at the Princely Court Museum)
– meals and drinks you wish to buy throughout the day (the cost of a two course meal and a drink at a local traditional restaurant is approx. 70 Lei/person, equivalent of 16 Eur)

Pick-up, Drop-off
at your hotel or other agreed-upon location

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Program & Description

Set off from Bucharest heading north-west toward the town of Targoviste, early Princely seat of Wallachia, where Prince Vlad Dracula ‘The Impaler’ held residence. Visit of Chindiei Watchtower, where a display highlights the life of Vlad Dracula, and learn about the fascinating prince and hero. Lovers of art and architecture will admire the wonderful frescoes of the Princely Church.

We resume our tour toward Poenari Citadel, crossing the hilly countryside of the Arges region of the Sub-Carpathians, through farmland and villages. 

We reach Poenari Citadel and get ready for the climb. The Citadel stands high atop a steep rock, above the Arges River valley and overlooking the Transfagarasan Road. A meandering path with concrete steps leads you up the hill to the citadel. You will have the time to explore it, and learn the history of the place.

Before or after visiting the citadel (depending on the available time) we will have lunch at the nearby traditional restaurant.

On return to Bucharest, last stop to visit the iconic Curtea de Arges Monastery, splendid monument of Romanian sacred architecture, necropolis of the Romanian Royal family and place of legend: the creation of the monastery gave birth to one of the most beautiful Romanian ballads.

To request a guided tour or get more information, please use the form below. I will answer every message personally within the next 24 hours, providing details of availability, booking and payment. 
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