Discover the medieval fortress of Bran Castle in the Prahova Valley on this full-day tour from Bucharest. Explore the surrounding areas of Brasov, and admire the beautiful natural scenery.
Bran Castle is one of the most famous landmarks in Transylvania, and is known as the home of Count Dracula. The 14th-century hillside castle and fortress, however, actually houses a collection of furniture and artworks that once belonged to Marie, Romania’s last queen. Tour the eerie castle—including the infamous torture room—and decide for yourself what’s fact or fiction. Located about 120 miles away from Bucharest, the castle and Transylvania are a great day trip from the capital, especially for lovers of medieval history and vampires.
Escape the modern pulse of Bucharest and journey into the mist-shrouded realms of legend and history on this exclusive private day trip. This is more than a simple drive into the mountains; it is a passage into the soul of Transylvania, a land where breathtaking natural beauty intertwines with Gothic folklore and medieval grandeur. Your personal voyage will unveil the majestic Carpathian landscapes, a royal palace, a storybook city, and the iconic, spine-tingling silhouette of Bran Castle—forever immortalized as the lair of Count Dracula.
Morning: Ascension into the Carpathian Realm
Your day begins with a seamless, private pickup from your Bucharest hotel. As the urban sprawl recedes, the world transforms. The road begins its graceful climb into the Transylvanian Alps (Southern Carpathians), where rolling foothills give way to soaring, forest-clad peaks. Breathe in the crisp mountain air and watch as traditional, red-roofed villages dot the valleys below—a scene unchanged for centuries. Your first stop is the charming alpine resort town of Sinaia, aptly named “The Pearl of the Carpathians.” Here, nestled among serene pine forests, you will visit the Sinaia Monastery. Founded in the late 17th century, this peaceful Orthodox complex was inspired by its namesake in Mount Sinai. Its old church, with weathered stone walls and priceless Byzantine icons, whispers tales of faith and time, offering a moment of tranquil reflection before the dramatic tales to come.
Midday: Royal Grandeur and a Citadel of Commerce
Continuing your ascent through breathtaking mountain passes, you’ll arrive at the stunning Peleș Castle. A masterpiece of German Renaissance architecture, this former royal summer residence is a symphony of spires, intricate woodcarvings, and stained glass. While often viewed from its majestic exterior, its presence sets the stage for Transylvania’s rich, layered history of kings, queens, and cultural confluence. Descending next into the historic heart of the region, you will explore Brașov. This captivating Saxon city, framed by the dramatic Tampa Mountain, is a mosaic of medieval charm. Stroll through the expansive Council Square (Piața Sfatului), gaze upon the towering Black Church—a monumental Gothic edifice and Eastern Europe’s largest Lutheran church—and wander the narrow, evocative lane of Strada Sforii, one of the continent’s narrowest streets. Here, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional Romanian restaurant, savoring local specialties like sarmale (cabbage rolls) or mămăliguță (polenta), before the main adventure beckons.
Afternoon: The Legend Takes Form
A short drive brings you to the moment you’ve been anticipating: the sight of Bran Castle perched dramatically on a rocky bluff. While the historical connection to the ruthless Vlad the Impaler (the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula) is tenuous, the castle is the very image of the vampire count’s fictional fortress. With your expert guide, you will cross the ancient wooden drawbridge and step into a world of Gothic intrigue. Wander through a labyrinth of creaky hallways, secret passages, and vertiginous spiral staircases that connect over 60 rooms. Explore ornate chambers, a dusty dungeon, and climb narrow towers that offer panoramic views of the forbidding, forested landscape. Your guide will expertly separate chilling fiction from fascinating fact—sharing the castle’s true history as a medieval fortress and royal residence, while breathing life into the enduring, terrifying legend of the Transylvanian Count that has captivated the world.
Evening: Return from the Realm of Shadows
As the afternoon sun casts long shadows across the castle walls, your private vehicle will await for the comfortable journey back to Bucharest. The return drive allows you to decompress and reflect on the day’s contrasts: the serenity of Sinaia, the civic pride of Brașov, and the unforgettable, eerie allure of Bran. You will be returned directly to your hotel in the evening, your mind filled with haunting images and the majestic landscapes of one of Europe’s most storied regions, having truly traveled through both geography and myth.
This is a private tour from 1-7 travelers to keep it more cosy
Cancellation fees – Cancellation fees may apply to any cancellations by the traveller of a service provided by Get-Locals.com. Unless otherwise specified, the cancellation policy is as follows:
Cancellations for custom itineraries (“Create Your Own”) are as follows:
In the event of bad weather forecast we will contact you the day before and offer you either a refund or an amended tour for the following day.
We always advice to wear suitable clothing for the day of the tour as not every day is guaranteed sunshine.
Our Guide will meet you in your hotel lobby
