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Romania history & culture

Legends of Romania: Castles, Ruins, and Culinary Delights

From $3,930 USD
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Overview

Legends of Romania: Castles, Ruins, and Culinary Delights

Continent

Europe

Days

12 days

Nights

11 nights

Group Size

12 people

Activity

Easy

Interest

History & Culture

Highlights

  • Walk in the footsteps of Vlad the Impaler at "Dracula's Castle."
  • Explore the Belle Époque streets of Bucharest and see inside Ceaușescu’s Palace.
  • Discover Romania’s prettiest towns and villages, from Brașov to Sighișoara.
  • Take a boat ride around an underground lake at Salina Turda salt mine.
  • Absorb the Neo-Renaissance splendor of Peleș Castle, once home to the Romanian royal family.
  • Visit the Viscri village with an organization dedicated to preserving local heritage.
  • Take a walk through Hoia-Baciu, a haunted-feeling forest sometimes called "Romania's Bermuda Triangle." 
Romania 12 days 11 nights

Discover Romania's Medieval Castles & Culture.

Day 1

Welcome to Bucharest!

Street scene in  Bucharest.
Street scene in Bucharest.

Day 2

Exploring Bucharest

Palace of Parliment.
Palace of Parliment.

Day 3

Peleș & Bran Castles

Bran Fortress, or, "Dracula's Castle".
Bran Fortress, or, "Dracula's Castle".
  • Special note

Day 4

Brașov Explorations

The 'Black Church'.
The 'Black Church'.
  • Special note

Day 5

Viscri to Sighișoara

Fortified Church in Transylvania.
Fortified Church in Transylvania.
  • Special note

Day 6

Sighisoara Sightseeing

Picturesque Sighișoara.
Picturesque Sighișoara.

Day 7

Salt Mine and Medieval Dinner

The lights of Salina Turda.
The lights of Salina Turda.

Day 8

The Haunted Forest

Hoia-Baciu Forest
Hoia-Baciu Forest, Daniel Mirlea/Alamy

Day 9

Hunedoara Castle

Hunedoara Castle.
Hunedoara Castle.

Day 10

Medieval Sibiel

A traditional home in Sibiu.
A traditional home in Sibiu.

Day 11

Back to Bucharest

The mountains around River Argeș.
The mountains around River Argeș.

Day 12

Farewell & Departure

The Cărturești Carusel Bookstore.
The Cărturești Carusel Bookstore.

What is included?


What is not included?


Upcoming departures

9 available dates

Additional info

Pricing & Deposit

Deposit to book your trip: $250 USD.

Balance due 90 days prior to departure.

The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy.

Traveling solo?

You’re in good company.

Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost:

2024 departures: $690 USD per person

2024 Halloween departures (October): $725 USD per person

2025 departures: $650 USD per person

2025 Halloween departures (October): $775 USD per person

Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip. 

If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.

Activity Level

This tour is fairly active; travelers should be comfortable walking 3 to 5 miles each day and remaining on their feet for long periods of time. Many parts of the tour involve cobblestone, dirt paths, and other uneven ground, as well as tight stone stairwells in castle and church towers.

Arrival & Departure

You should plan to arrive by 4 p.m. on Day 1, and depart anytime on Day 12. Bucharest International Airport (OTP) connects to a range of flight hubs in Europe. The best flight connections to Bucharest are offered by Lufthansa and British Airways.

*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura. 

Halloween Departures

In the Center of Romania we have Bran's Castle, a medieval castle believed to have once held  Vlad Tepes Dracula as a prisoner. The infamous Romanian ruler was immortalized as the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, Dracula.  On these special departures, we extend our time at Bran's Castle and experience it during its most iconic time of year, Halloween. We explore the castle at night and learn about all its mysteries, then have a delicious Vampire-themed feast in Queen Marie's Tea Room at the foot of the castle. In Sighisoara, we learn about Dracula's humble beginnings by visiting the home where he was born, while exploring the eerie citadel by night. These special Halloween departures are sure to delight those who aren't afraid to explore darkness and mystery.

2024 Halloween Dates:

Oct 24–Nov 4, 2024

Oct 28–Nov 8, 2024

2025 Halloween dates:

Oct 23–Nov 3, 2025

Oct 25–Nov 5, 2025

Oct 27–Nov 7, 2025

Have more questions?

Check out the Essential Trip Information for this trip or our general FAQs.

Any questions about this trip? Don't hesitate to reach out

  • "I never thought I'd like group travel, but the itinerary, guides, and other participants were unbelievably enjoyable!"

    Accacia - Salem, OR

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