2-Day Tour On the Footsteps of Vlad the Impaler, Historical Dracula

Follow in the footsteps of Vlad The Impaler, the real prince who inspired Count Dracula character. This is not a sensational pursuit of a vampire, but a historical tour about both the fabulous and the true figure of Vlad III Dracula, Voivode of Wallachia, one of the most fascinating figures of European history. The story unfolds as we approach the Carpathian Mountains!
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Transylvania 2-day Vlad the Impaler Dracula tour

Highlights

• Princely Court of Targoviste, early capital city of Wallachia where Vlad Dracula held residence before he settled to Bucharest; the vestiges of the Princely Court of Targoviste are more impressive and better preserved than those in Bucharest.
• Poenari Citadel, the secluded stronghold of Prince Dracula the Impaler. Enlarged and strengthened by Vlad The Impaler himself, Poenari was a fortified stronghold in the mountains, at the northern border of Wallachia. Poenari Citadel was the last refuge of Vlad The Impaler before he fled to Transylvania.
• Bran Castle, famous due to the links with Dracula’s story, but outstanding for what it truly is, a genuine feudal castle evocative of the local history
• The Transylvanian medieval burg of Brasov where Dracula undertook punitive raids against the Saxons
• Snagov Monastery, alleged burial site of Vlad Dracula -valuable monument of medieval sacred art with outstanding frescoes

Tour Information

DURATION
2 days/1 night

PRICE
590 EUR/tour/1-3 people

ACTIVITY LEVEL
moderately heavy physical demands – please be aware that visit of Poenari Citadel and Bran Castle require climbing quite many stairs (1480 steps at Poenari Citadel – a 45 minutes climb)

WHAT IS INCLUDED
– Hotel pick-up and drop-off
– Transportation by private car, a good 2017 Volkswagen Golf, air conditioned
– All parking fees and fuel
– Tour guide & driver fee

WHAT’S EXTRA
– Traveler accommodation for 1 night at hotel/guesthouse in Bran
– Meals & drinks of your choice. Consider around 16 EUR/person the cost of two-course meal to a local restaurant.
– The admission fees to attractions. Consider a total of 75 Lei/person, equivalent of 16 EUR/person.
– The optional photo fees at Princely Museum in Targoviste (15 Lei/camera), Peles Castle (35 Lei/camera), Snagov Monastery (15 Lei) are not included.

PICK-UP, DROP-OFF
at your hotel or other pre-agreed location in Bucharest

Program
Day 1 Bucharest – Targoviste – Poenari – Bran (total driving distance 350 km)

We set off heading the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, where the first rulers of the medieval Principality of Wallachia established residence. First stop in the town of Targoviste, where Vlad Dracula held court before moving it to Bucharest. Visit the museum complex, explore the vestiges of the Princely Court and learn about life and deeds of Vlad Dracula.
We resume our tour to Poenari. Lunch break to a local restaurant in the town of Curtea de Argesand time permitting, short visit of one of the most iconic monasteries in Romania, the monastery of Curtea de Arges. Continue through the rural area of Arges River Valley, arrival at the foot of the mountains where the ruins of Poenari Citadel stand high overlooking the area. The 1480 steps may be a challenge, but once there, you will be rewarded by the stunning scenery. Explore all the nook and cranies and learn the stories of Poenari.
In the afternoon we continue to Bran, on a drive across the mountains, following the scenic Rucar-Bran Pass. Overnight in Bran rural area.

Day 2 Bran – Brasov – Snagov Monastery – Bucharest (total driving distance 210 km)

In the morning, set out to visit Bran Castle, a 14th century citadel. Explore the twisting passages and corridors and learn more about Count Dracula. Later, transfer to Brasov where we take our time to enjoy a walk around the medieval Old Town. After lunch to one of the local restaurants, return toward Bucharest, following this time the road on Prahova Valley. The last stop of the tour is the secluded Snagov Monastery, located on an island on Snagov lake, north of Bucharest. The monastery was fortified by Voivode Vlad Dracula as part of his defensive system, in his daring attempt to confront the encroaching Ottoman power. Allegedly, the tomb of Vlad Dracula is right inside the church, facing the altar. Back to Bucharest.

He must, indeed, have been that Voivode Dracula who won his Name against the Turk, over the great river on the very frontier of Turkey-Land [the Danube]. If it be so, then was no common man; for in that time, and for centuries after, he was spoken of as the cleverest and most cunning, as well as the bravest of the sons of the “land beyond the forest” (Bram Stoker “Dracula”)