Overview
Legends of Romania: Castles, Ruins & Culinary Delights
Europe
12 days
11 nights
12 people
Easy
History & Culture
Unlock the secrets of Romania's magnificent medieval castles, citadels and ruins, from Bucharest to Transylvania. See for yourself the complex legacy that’s been left behind by Communist rule and a millennia of invasions, counter-invasions and occupations. Fall in love with the spellbinding landscapes of rural Romania and the Carpathian mountains and taste its culinary treasures from tangy ciorbă (sour soup) to scrumptious plum brandy.
Hidden Wonders: Take a walk through Hoia-Baciu, a haunted-feeling forest sometimes called "Romania's Bermuda Triangle."
Travel with Purpose: Visit the village of Viscri and its Fortified Church. where we learn about its many purposes throughout the years in preserving local heritage and economic sustainability in rural Transylvania and Maramures.
Join us on our October departures for a Halloween-themed adventure
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."
Discover Romania's Medieval Castles & Culture.
Day 1
Welcome to Bucharest!
Bună ziua! After settling into your hotel, enjoy a welcome dinner in a historic restaurant with the rest of your travel companions and your local guide. Then you can choose to get an early night’s sleep or go out and explore Bucharest by night. Ask your guide to recommend their favorite night time haunts in the city.
Welcome to Bucharest!
Bună ziua! After settling into your hotel, enjoy a welcome dinner in a historic restaurant with the rest of your travel companions and your local guide. Then you can choose to get an early night’s sleep or go out and explore Bucharest by night. Ask your guide to recommend their favorite night time haunts in the city.
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Grand Hotel Continental or or similar, Bucharest
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Welcome Dinner
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Grand Hotel Continental or or similar, Bucharest
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Welcome Dinner
Day 2
Exploring Bucharest
Get to know Bucharest this morning, on a walking tour of the capital city once dubbed “the Paris of Eastern Europe.” You’ll see the Romanian Athenaeum, wander around the old town, wander around Piata Unirii, one of Europe's largest squares, and explore the seemingly never-ending interior of the Palace of Parliament, also known as the People's House. Built by the Communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, the Palace boasts 1,100 rooms, hundreds of chandeliers, 220,000 square meters of carpet, and a total area of over 365,000 square meters. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to rest or explore further on your own.
Exploring Bucharest
Get to know Bucharest this morning, on a walking tour of the capital city once dubbed “the Paris of Eastern Europe.” You’ll see the Romanian Athenaeum, wander around the old town, wander around Piata Unirii, one of Europe's largest squares, and explore the seemingly never-ending interior of the Palace of Parliament, also known as the People's House. Built by the Communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, the Palace boasts 1,100 rooms, hundreds of chandeliers, 220,000 square meters of carpet, and a total area of over 365,000 square meters. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to rest or explore further on your own.
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Grand Hotel Continental or similar, Bucharest
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Grand Hotel Continental or similar, Bucharest
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
Peleș & Bran Castles
Today you’ll visit two of Romania’s most impressive castles. First up, the striking 19th century Peleș Castle, nestled in the foothills of the Bucegi Mountains. This beautiful former summer home of the Romanian royal family boasts 160-plus rooms, including an enormous Weapons Room, Music Room, and a frescoed movie theater. After a tasty lunch at a pretty winery in the Prahova Valley, known for its sparkling rosé, we'll continue on to Bran, a commune in Brașov County. As darkness approaches, we'll take a peek inside the imposing Bran Fortress, also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle.’ While this ancient fortress earned foreign fame thanks to the Irish novelist Bram Stoker, its history is more fascinating than any vampiric folktale. Spend the evening exploring picturesque Brașov by yourself before turning in for the night.
Peleș & Bran Castles
Today you’ll visit two of Romania’s most impressive castles. First up, the striking 19th century Peleș Castle, nestled in the foothills of the Bucegi Mountains. This beautiful former summer home of the Romanian royal family boasts 160-plus rooms, including an enormous Weapons Room, Music Room, and a frescoed movie theater. After a tasty lunch at a pretty winery in the Prahova Valley, known for its sparkling rosé, we'll continue on to Bran, a commune in Brașov County. As darkness approaches, we'll take a peek inside the imposing Bran Fortress, also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle.’ While this ancient fortress earned foreign fame thanks to the Irish novelist Bram Stoker, its history is more fascinating than any vampiric folktale. Spend the evening exploring picturesque Brașov by yourself before turning in for the night.
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Aro Palace or similar, Brașov
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Special note
Halloween Departures: On this spooky Halloween night, you’ll tour Bran castle at night, diving deep into Dracula's history and Bran Castle's haunted tales, then have a delicious Vampire-themed feast in Queen Marie's Tea Room at the foot of the castle.
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Aro Palace or similar, Brașov
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Special note
Day 4
Brașov Explorations
Discover the delights of Brașov city center today. Visit the Gothic-style 14th century Biserica Neagră (Black Church), one of the largest churches in Romania, wander around the pretty town square lined with historic buildings, and take a cable car up to Brașov’s version of the Hollywood sign. This afternoon, take some time to relax and wander on your own. Depending on your interests, your guide can suggest and help arrange optional activities—such as a nature trek in the Seven Ladders Canyon. Meet up with your group again in the evening for a meal at one of your guide’s favorite restaurants.
Brașov Explorations
Discover the delights of Brașov city center today. Visit the Gothic-style 14th century Biserica Neagră (Black Church), one of the largest churches in Romania, wander around the pretty town square lined with historic buildings, and take a cable car up to Brașov’s version of the Hollywood sign. This afternoon, take some time to relax and wander on your own. Depending on your interests, your guide can suggest and help arrange optional activities—such as a nature trek in the Seven Ladders Canyon. Meet up with your group again in the evening for a meal at one of your guide’s favorite restaurants.
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Aro Palace or similar, Brașov
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Breakfast, Dinner
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Special note
October departures will include a private 4-course, vampire-themed dinner and out of hours tour of Bran Castle, diving deep into the castle's many haunted tales.
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Aro Palace or similar, Brașov
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Breakfast, Dinner
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Special note
Day 5
Viscri to Sighișoara
Your first stop today is Rupea Citadel, one of the most spectacular and best-conserved medieval structures in Transylvania. This massive medieval fortress once sat on the frontlines of the Ottoman expansion into central Europe. You’ll then take a look around the UNESCO World Heritage listed 13th century fortified church in Viscri, a charming rural town in the Transylvanian countryside followed by a relaxed, homemade lunch with a local family. Make a quick stop at King Charles III’s house for tea before heading to the medieval city of Sighișoara. Built at the turn of the 13th century by a group of German settlers known as the Transylvanian Saxons, colorful Sighisoara went on to play a key strategic role in the region. The evening is yours to explore on your own and grab some dinner.
Viscri to Sighișoara
Your first stop today is Rupea Citadel, one of the most spectacular and best-conserved medieval structures in Transylvania. This massive medieval fortress once sat on the frontlines of the Ottoman expansion into central Europe. You’ll then take a look around the UNESCO World Heritage listed 13th century fortified church in Viscri, a charming rural town in the Transylvanian countryside followed by a relaxed, homemade lunch with a local family. Make a quick stop at King Charles III’s house for tea before heading to the medieval city of Sighișoara. Built at the turn of the 13th century by a group of German settlers known as the Transylvanian Saxons, colorful Sighisoara went on to play a key strategic role in the region. The evening is yours to explore on your own and grab some dinner.
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Fronius Residence Hotel or similar, Sighișoara
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Special note
Halloween Departures: Visit the Famous clock tower (known to be haunted) and the house where the famous Wallachian King, Vlad the Impaler, known worldwide as Dracula, born in 1431. End your eerie tour with dinner at a local restaurant.
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Fronius Residence Hotel or similar, Sighișoara
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Special note
Day 6
Sighisoara Sightseeing
Enjoy a guided tour of Sighișoara, a UNESCO world heritage site. See the 14th century Clock Tower that dominates the skyline (and offers 360 views from the top), and climb the 176 creaking covered steps that connect the upper and lower parts of town to reach the so-called Church on the Hill. The afternoon is yours for further exploration or relaxation. Meet up with your group in the evening for dinner.
Sighisoara Sightseeing
Enjoy a guided tour of Sighișoara, a UNESCO world heritage site. See the 14th century Clock Tower that dominates the skyline (and offers 360 views from the top), and climb the 176 creaking covered steps that connect the upper and lower parts of town to reach the so-called Church on the Hill. The afternoon is yours for further exploration or relaxation. Meet up with your group in the evening for dinner.
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Fronius Residence Hotel or similar, Sighișoara
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Breakfast, Dinner
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Fronius Residence Hotel or similar, Sighișoara
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Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7
Salt Mine and Medieval Dinner
Salina Turda is a former salt mine-turned-art theme park, boasting more than 2,000 years of history. Mining here was introduced by the Romans and continued all the way until 1932. The space is now fitted with bright lights and pedestrian walkways, not to mention an amphitheater, ferris wheel, and underground lake. You’ll have an opportunity to row across the lake, which is 400 feet below the Earth’s surface, and possibly ride the ferris wheel too. After lunch, head to the unofficial capital of Transylvania - Cluj-Napoca. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Transylvanian feast.
Salt Mine and Medieval Dinner
Salina Turda is a former salt mine-turned-art theme park, boasting more than 2,000 years of history. Mining here was introduced by the Romans and continued all the way until 1932. The space is now fitted with bright lights and pedestrian walkways, not to mention an amphitheater, ferris wheel, and underground lake. You’ll have an opportunity to row across the lake, which is 400 feet below the Earth’s surface, and possibly ride the ferris wheel too. After lunch, head to the unofficial capital of Transylvania - Cluj-Napoca. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Transylvanian feast.
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Hotel Beyfin or similar, Cluj Napoca
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Breakfast, Dinner
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Hotel Beyfin or similar, Cluj Napoca
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Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8
The Haunted Forest
Explore the most haunted forest in the world today. There is an eerie atmosphere at Hoia-Baciu Forest. According to local legends, ghosts and spirits lurk among the crooked trees, but most modern-day Romanians ignore the myths and simply enjoy the beauty of the area, which has become a recreational space. Enjoy a bit of free time before another group dinner this evening.
The Haunted Forest
Explore the most haunted forest in the world today. There is an eerie atmosphere at Hoia-Baciu Forest. According to local legends, ghosts and spirits lurk among the crooked trees, but most modern-day Romanians ignore the myths and simply enjoy the beauty of the area, which has become a recreational space. Enjoy a bit of free time before another group dinner this evening.
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Hotel Beyfin or similar, Cluj Napoca
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Breakfast, Dinner
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Hotel Beyfin or similar, Cluj Napoca
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Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9
Hunedoara Castle
Discover the tranquil village of Coltesti in the Trascău Mountains this morning. Enjoy a guided walk around the village, which offers picturesque panoramas of the surrounding landscape. Then try traditional Szekler food for lunch. Visit one of the largest castles in Europe later today. Hunedoara Castle, also known as Corvinilor or Corvin Castle, was built in 1446 by Ioan de Hunedoara, ruler of Transylvania and Regent of Hungary. Roam the castle’s interiors, including its watchtowers, and bedrooms, and see the ‘bear pit,’ where prisoners and traitors were said to have been thrown in. The rest of your day is yours to delve deeper into the secrets of Hunedoara.
Hunedoara Castle
Discover the tranquil village of Coltesti in the Trascău Mountains this morning. Enjoy a guided walk around the village, which offers picturesque panoramas of the surrounding landscape. Then try traditional Szekler food for lunch. Visit one of the largest castles in Europe later today. Hunedoara Castle, also known as Corvinilor or Corvin Castle, was built in 1446 by Ioan de Hunedoara, ruler of Transylvania and Regent of Hungary. Roam the castle’s interiors, including its watchtowers, and bedrooms, and see the ‘bear pit,’ where prisoners and traitors were said to have been thrown in. The rest of your day is yours to delve deeper into the secrets of Hunedoara.
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WERK Hotel and Spa or similar, Hunedoara
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Breakfast, Lunch
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WERK Hotel and Spa or similar, Hunedoara
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10
Medieval Sibiel
This morning, you'll travel to Sibiel, one of the oldest communes in the region. On the way, you’ll stop at Priest Zosim Oancea Museum, known for its unique selection of glassworks, and the ASTRA Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization, an open-air exhibition showcasing the art, architecture and historic objects of Transylvania. Sibiu is something of a cultural heavyweight, known for its creative, bohemian atmosphere, rich history and eye-catching architecture. You may notice various sets of eyes following you as you wander around. Look closely and you'll see that the houses are staring back at you. Explore what remains of the city’s medieval walls and towers, cross the legendary Bridge of Lies and take in the grandeur of Brukenthal National Museum. Spend the evening exploring at your own pace.
Medieval Sibiel
This morning, you'll travel to Sibiel, one of the oldest communes in the region. On the way, you’ll stop at Priest Zosim Oancea Museum, known for its unique selection of glassworks, and the ASTRA Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization, an open-air exhibition showcasing the art, architecture and historic objects of Transylvania. Sibiu is something of a cultural heavyweight, known for its creative, bohemian atmosphere, rich history and eye-catching architecture. You may notice various sets of eyes following you as you wander around. Look closely and you'll see that the houses are staring back at you. Explore what remains of the city’s medieval walls and towers, cross the legendary Bridge of Lies and take in the grandeur of Brukenthal National Museum. Spend the evening exploring at your own pace.
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Imparatul Romanilor Hotel, or similar, Sibiu
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Imparatul Romanilor Hotel, or similar, Sibiu
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11
Back to Bucharest
After a relaxing morning, you’ll begin the drive back to Bucharest. For much of the way, our route follows the picturesque River Argeș. After check-in at your Bucharest hotel, spend some time exploring the city, picking up souvenirs, and exploring areas you missed last time, before meeting with your group for your farewell dinner this evening.
Back to Bucharest
After a relaxing morning, you’ll begin the drive back to Bucharest. For much of the way, our route follows the picturesque River Argeș. After check-in at your Bucharest hotel, spend some time exploring the city, picking up souvenirs, and exploring areas you missed last time, before meeting with your group for your farewell dinner this evening.
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Grand Hotel Continental or similar, Bucharest
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Grand Hotel Continental or similar, Bucharest
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12
Farewell & Departure
This morning, it’s off to the airport or on to your next destination. Alternatively, stick around and spend a few more days exploring Bucharest. We love the Cărturești Carusel Bookstore, one of the most attractive bookstores in the world.
Farewell & Departure
This morning, it’s off to the airport or on to your next destination. Alternatively, stick around and spend a few more days exploring Bucharest. We love the Cărturești Carusel Bookstore, one of the most attractive bookstores in the world.
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Breakfast
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Breakfast
What is included?
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Accommodations throughout the trip.
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Most meals (as described in the itinerary).
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Transportation (as described in the itinerary), including airport transfers.
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Admission/entry to activities (as described in the itinerary).
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AO Trip Leader throughout the trip.
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Special access to AO places and experiences (as described in the itinerary).
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All gratuities (not including AO Trip Leader).
What is not included?
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Flights to and from destination.
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Pre/Post trip accommodations.
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Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
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Visas and passport fees.
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Meals outside of those described (including most alcoholic beverages).
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AO Trip Leader tip.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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Call us at +1 833-919-9154
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Send us a
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Trip inquiry
Have a question for us about Legends of Romania: Castles, Ruins & Culinary Delights? We're here to help!
-
Call us at +1 833-919-9154
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Check out our FAQ
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Trip inquiry
Have a question for us about Legends of Romania: Castles, Ruins & Culinary Delights? We're here to help!
-
Call us at +1 833-919-9154
-
Check out our FAQ
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.