Searching for Dracula: Private Day Trip from Bucharest
5
Searching for Dracula: Private Day Trip from Bucharest
By Yolo Tours Romania
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About
If you’re interested in Transylvania’s Gothic heritage, this private Dracula-focused tour is for you. While you receive the undivided attention of a private guide, follow a customized itinerary that encompasses Poienari Fortress and Curtea de Arges, lesser-known locations far from the tourist trail. A guide helps you distinguish fact from fiction, and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99
Duration: 10h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- A private Transylvania tour ideal for history buffs
- Distinguish fact from fiction with a guide
- Travel with ease between Transylvania highlights
- Stray from the beaten path and enjoy fewer crowds
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off
- Transportation by air-conditioned car / minibus
- Private English-speaking guide
What's not included- Entrance and Photo / video fees
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Entry/Admission - Princely Court
- Entry/Admission - Poienari Castle
- Entry/Admission - Curtea de Arges Monastery
- Your tour begins with hotel pickup in Bucharest, where you board a private vehicle destined for your first stop: Targoviste Princely Court, the real court of Vlad the Impaler. Admire the Transylvanian Alps, as you take a whistle-stop tour of Targoviste town, which is also home to Chindia Tower. Next up is Poienari Fortress, which sits on a clifftop overlooking the Arges Gorges. After climbing 1,480 steps to the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the surroundings. Continue to Curtea de Arges, a city in the lower Carpathian Mountains, for a walking tour. The tour concludes with drop-off back in Bucharest.
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.Pickup details
- We offer pick-up from any hotel & apartment rental in Bucharest. The guide will meet you in your hotel lobby or in front of your accommodation building.
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Infant seats available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8313P3- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8313P3
From
$129.61
per adult (price varies by group size)
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Letitia P0 contributionsPerfect trip!Cristian was amazing. He changed up the trip to best suit our desires…we had a wonderful day visiting Vlad the Impaler’s tomb, Bran Castle, the Transfiguration Hwy (both sides!), and Vlad’s actual fortress!! We even saw foxes and a bear!!❤️Written October 25, 2024
- pcipriano930 contributionsTransylvania Castles and Day Trip a great snapshot into RomaniaThe trip to Bran Castle, Peles Castle and Brasov was a great way to experience the history and countryside of Romania. The Peles Castle is partially shrouded for construction which was disappointing but the interior is breathtaking woodwork, glassworks, etc. The Bran Castle has a few exhibits reflecting the Dracula story but is really a nice reflection of the history of this Castle. Brasov was delightful town with medieval buildings and an extensive pedestrian street with shops and restaurants outdoors despite the nippy October weather. Try the amazing dessert--papanosh (with sour cream and jam). My guide, Diana, was excellent--wiling to share history, reflections and cultural insights during the drive. Be prepared to spend a minimum of 12 hours. The windy mountain roads and heavy traffic make the drive quite long especially on the weekends but it is a great getaway. The advantage of having a guide is being able to not wait in lines for tickets and some tours.Written October 23, 2024
- stephc0 contributionsThe best way to see Transylvania!Hands down, this is the way to travel to Transylvania! Christian (and Christina) picked us up from our hotel promptly at 7:30 and we headed out to Peles Castle. We enjoyed talking to them on the drive and learning more about Romania. We arrived at Peles and Christian walked us in, showed us our meeting spot, and walked us to the ticket booth to help get our tickets. This was the same every stop. We could spend as much or as little time at each destination as we wanted (we were slower in Peles but quicker at Bran). Lunch was on our own in Brasov, which gave us time to eat and explore at our own pace. By the time we left Bran, other tour buses were just arriving. It was a long drive back to Bucharest, but it would have been even longer on that big bus. When you sign up for a Transylvania tour, be prepared for a long day. We made it SO much more enjoyable by doing a private tour (and got back hours earlier). The van was roomy, comfortable, and can fit 6. And our guides were amazing! Definitely worth the extra cost!Written October 16, 2024
- dbf19720 contributionsA great way to visit sites in the Romanian countrysideOur guide picked us up at our hotel , on time, and in a clean and comfortable car. we spent the driving time talking with him about Romania, the people and some history and the drive to the country passed by quickly. In addition to touring Count Vlad’s castle we stopped at Peles (which was being renovated, so we could not enter) and then had time for some shopping in Brasov as well as lunch. A great day with a great guide.Written October 8, 2024
- dbf19720 contributionsA great day tour to the Black SeaOur guide, Claudiu, was prompt, friendly and considerate. His car was comfortable and very clean. Although it was a long drive from Bucharest to Constanta, we enjoyed the ride and conversation, learning a lot about Romania.. Claudiu allowed us to determine which sites we wanted to see and suggested a great cafe for lunch. I would definitely recommend touring with Yolo Tours.Written September 29, 2024
- 150nadiac0 contributionsNo show no cancellationWe booked via trip advisor and no one showed up . Called travel advisor and told us to wait and we are only here for full day so very bad experienceWritten August 23, 2024
- Suzanne28650 contributionsFantastic tripWeThanks Christian for the amazing tour. We had a lovely time and learned a lot about the country. Christian is an excellent tour guide and driver. We had enough time to see the castles and villages.Written July 27, 2024
- K3559HXsallyh0 contributionsBrasov, Bran Castke and PelesFabulous trip, brilliant tour guide Claudiu. Very flexible on timings and ensuring we got ahead of the crowds. Brasov was a real highlight.Written May 28, 2024
- Relax453847384650 contributionsFantastic trip and guide (Cristian) highly recommendFirstly, a big thank you to Cristian who looked after us very well. He commenced commentary from the get go, pointing out different buildings and lots of story telling on the way. He gave us plenty of time to explore Bran castle, called ahead to find out how busy places were so he could do the sights in reverse. Well done, we skipped the crowds. Next stop Brasov for lunch, again plenty of time then on to Peles castle. We’re weren’t sure about visiting the castle, but we trusted his judgement and so glad we did. All stops 100% worth it, I will be recommending to my friends.Written November 10, 2023
- A7055EXsarahw0 contributionsCastles in Transylvania and BrasovDidn’t get off to a good start, picked up a message the evening before we were due ti leave, that the trip would start at 10.30 (rather than 7.30 am) due to a road closure. Who knows if this was true? Bearing in mind this was supposed to be a 12 hour tour, travelling 3 1/2 hours to the first destination, my husband and I were worried that the 3 visits on the itinerary would be rushed, considering sunset around 6.30 pm. Our guide messaged to say that it wouldn’t affect our itinerary. We ended up doing the tour ‘back to front’, which wasn’t a problem, it’s just he didn’t mention this until we had nearly arrived at the first destination. We did feel a bit rushed (although he kept saying we could take all the time we needed), but we knew we needed to get around quickly to fit in the other two visits whilst it was light. There were big road queues when we left Peles castle, which obviously was not our guides fault, but made us later to Bran castle. In Peles, we only had a ticket for the ground floor, we hadn’t been offered the opportunity to visit the other 2 floors, but there wouldn’t have been time anyway. We again felt the need to rush our tour because of the time/light. Both castles were amazing, but we had expected a tour guide as we had paid for a private tour, not just a driver, but we were left largely to our own devices to self guide ourselves inside the castle. Our next stop was Brasov, again beautiful, but arrived very late in the afternoon. Our driver was just going to drop us off and arrange to meet us later, when I reminded him that our itinerary included a walking tour. He willingly spent 20 mins or so with us and had some great knowledge on the town to share and then arranged to meet us 30 mins later. Our drive back to Bucharest was something of a white knuckle ride to say the least, it was beyond scary. Too fast on non highway roads in residential areas, whilst our drives was talking on his mobile phone frequently, one call lasted about 20 mins. Not sure what the laws are in Romania about using mobiles whilst driving (that aren’t hands free), but it’s not safe and a distraction. At one point in Brasov, the driver was taking a photo on his mobile, whilst driving, when my husband shouted look out… which stopped us rear ending the car in front. Ironically he told us he was driving his kids to the coast the next day, which he could reach in a couple of hours, but would drive more slowly than he usually does as he would have his kids in the car. He was a nice guy, but more a driver (fast) than a tour guide. When you’re spending this kind of money on a private tour, with entrance fees on top, you would expect more. We had a small group (7) tour the next day, the Transfagarasan road to see wild bears, the guide was knowledgable, safe driver, kept us informed of everything, quite a contrastWritten October 22, 2023
- T5518FHtimothyw0 contributionsCastled out, but good to see more of the country.Although we found Bran Castle a relative disappointment, we did enjoy getting out of Bucharest and seeing some countryside. Pele Castle was much more interesting than Bran Castle. Our driver, Claudio, was accommodating and took us on an alternate route back, visiting the site of the Ceaucescu’s execution. We appreciated the alternate site visit. Claudio is a skilled driver, if a bit fast and fearless. Our taxi ride from the airport was similar, so perhaps that’s driving in Romania.Written October 13, 2023
- OnAir048548856380 contributions4 day private tourMy wife and I just finished this tour. Gabriel was our private driver and guide .He did a great job of explaining all the information on all the sites we visited. Since we were a group of two he was able to take his time telling the story of each site. We were never rushed and it was nice to be given a private tour instead of being in a large group. We were very comfortable with Gabriel's driving and his meal recommendations were great. The hotels were in walking distance to the city center and all the restaurants. I would highly recommend this tour.Written October 12, 2023
- courtneysW340EZ0 contributionsWonderful tour!Christian was a great driver! We had a wonderful time on this tour. If you are in Bucharest and looking for an excursion out of the city, we definitely recommend this one!Written September 20, 2023
- DD45350 contributionsLovely cityLovely city and walk at the ocean. It was crowded this month and very hot. The ocean is very beautiful and warm enough to dip your toes.Written July 31, 2023
- Linda C0 contributionsVery disappointing and terrifying day!Very disappointing day! Claudio was not a guide. He was a driver. He told me virtually nothing at the three places we visited. He dropped me off. I was on my own. His driving was terrifying. At one point going over 150km/96 mph on single lane roads weaving in and out of traffic. He spent much of the drive talking on the phone on social calls. When he did talk to me it was to brag about what a great driver he is and who he has driven. The car was not clean. I was the only person on the trip. Maybe if there had been others he might have been better and more engaged. He says he has been doing this for 23 years. He was truly unengagedWritten May 16, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Jonathan J
New York City, NY60 contributions
Jan 2018 • Friends
Our tour guide, Alex, made this experience! He was an absolutely fabulous guide, and incredibly knowledgable. He made the tour, which involves three drives of 75min+, much more enjoyable than you would have expected. The highlight is, of course, Poenari and it does not disappoint. The ruins are sparse but the views alone are worth the climb...and then there's the history too! Would absolutely recommend (especially over Bran castle).
One tip: it will be cold up top in winter (when I visited).
One tip: it will be cold up top in winter (when I visited).
Written January 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carlos S
Valencia, Spain11 contributions
Jan 2018 • Family
Second time with UnzipRomania Travel in snowy January, and again great tour and with a great guide, Gabriel Florea, very fluent in English and with a great knowledge of Romanian history past and present. He made the long day short and very interesting with his explanations, and also gave us a great recommendation for lunch, and with almost two hours extra, as we spent close to 12 hours instead of the 10 announced.
Two years ago we did the "Castles of Transylvania: Private Day Trip from Bucharest" and Bran Castle (together with Peles and Barsov) was great, it's a must, but this time we wanted to follow Vlad the Impaler climbig the 1480 steps of Poienari Fortress and it was worth the climb through the snow, but also Targoviste Fortress and the Monastery at Curtea de Arges. It's also a must, both excursions are great, and UnzipRomania Travel does it good.
Two years ago we did the "Castles of Transylvania: Private Day Trip from Bucharest" and Bran Castle (together with Peles and Barsov) was great, it's a must, but this time we wanted to follow Vlad the Impaler climbig the 1480 steps of Poienari Fortress and it was worth the climb through the snow, but also Targoviste Fortress and the Monastery at Curtea de Arges. It's also a must, both excursions are great, and UnzipRomania Travel does it good.
Written January 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zveni D
Bucharest, Romania3 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
I relay tray to find him (Dracula) in his town, in his castle, on the restaurants, or on the streets, even on night fall. I did not! So the only thinks that make me come back in this location are: Exceptionally beautiful view, kind and welcoming people, nice food and drink, not very expensive.
Written November 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suzy M
Albury, Australia12 contributions
After being cancelled by one company early in the week, due to fires near Poienari Fortress I called Diana at UnzipRomania desperate to do the tour and she was more than helpful with acquiring fire status daily and informing me of same. On the friday we got the all clear to do the tour on saturday. I was estatic! As was my 15 year old who was not overly keen on another walking tour of another European city.
The day of the tour started at 0730 with Diana and Lucien, both warm and friendly. Diana was very informative with local legends and history, which continued throughout the day; which was fascinating to hear about, especially the dispelling of the Vlad Tepes (the impaler) tales.
We visited Targoviste Princely Court - The real court of Vlad the Impaler, Curtea de Arges and Poienari Fortress - Vlads home - the whole 1480 steps, very steep but manageable with frequent stops, taking 30 - 40 minutes...
All the sites had their own special qualities that photos can not fully do justice; coupled with the tales of the day and history provided by Diana, the 11 hour day went very fast.
Both guides very considerate with regular breaks and a local Romanian restuarant for lunch.
Awesome day and history...Vlad a Romanian Hero!
Thanks again to Diana and Lucien for the awesome day!
I highly recommend this company for your own special "searching for Dracula" experience
The day of the tour started at 0730 with Diana and Lucien, both warm and friendly. Diana was very informative with local legends and history, which continued throughout the day; which was fascinating to hear about, especially the dispelling of the Vlad Tepes (the impaler) tales.
We visited Targoviste Princely Court - The real court of Vlad the Impaler, Curtea de Arges and Poienari Fortress - Vlads home - the whole 1480 steps, very steep but manageable with frequent stops, taking 30 - 40 minutes...
All the sites had their own special qualities that photos can not fully do justice; coupled with the tales of the day and history provided by Diana, the 11 hour day went very fast.
Both guides very considerate with regular breaks and a local Romanian restuarant for lunch.
Awesome day and history...Vlad a Romanian Hero!
Thanks again to Diana and Lucien for the awesome day!
I highly recommend this company for your own special "searching for Dracula" experience
Written May 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason A
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Friends
Christian is absolutely the best and very knowledgeable. Based on how much fun I had on this tour, I will definitely book more tours with him in the future. I highly recommend him as a tour guide
Written December 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tara P
1 contribution
We did a last minute private tour from Bucharest to Peles and Bran, Christian was a great host and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
Written December 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob B
Kelowna, Canada6 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Diana and Christian were amazing!!
They are wonderful with an amazing grasp of the English language!! Highly recommend
They are wonderful with an amazing grasp of the English language!! Highly recommend
Written September 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LittlestHobo123
London34 contributions
Gabriel was very knowledgable on many subjects (religion, politics, flora, fauna, architecture). He was also very responsible and drove safely - so important when driving back late in the evening through snowy mountains!
Written February 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff S
Crowley16 contributions
Mar 2018 • Solo
What a wonderful tour and a wonderful tour guide. Lucian dynamically and energetically opened my eyes to Romania and especially Peles Castle, Dracula's Castle and the city of Brasov. Lucian took me to a great restaurant for traditional Romanian cuisine and told me stories of Romania. He knew good locations for great photographs. By the end of the day, I was thoroughly and satisfyingly exhausted. I do not hesitate to recommend this tour and especially Lucian as your tour guide.
Written March 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
is this tour still running, another company has informed me that poenari castle is closed due to fires?
thanks
Written May 1, 2018
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