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Dracula - Myth vs History

Bucharest - Sibiu - Sighisoara - Bran - Brasov - Sinaia - Bucharest (4 nights)
Take a private tour following the footsteps of Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure of Count Dracula. Visit Sighisoara, his birthplace, discover Bran Castle (Dracula Castle) and enjoy a trip back in time, as your private guide unveils for you the history behind the myth of Dracula.
Day 1 - Bucharest
Upon your arrival in Bucharest, you will be greteed by your private guide and start discovering the city right away. Nicknamed "Little Paris" between the two World Wars, Bucharest is, nowadays, a city of contrasts. 45 years of Communism changed the face of the city dramatically, but still, traces of the old, bohemian times can be found, especially in the French architecture of the residential districts and the famous churches that still survive throughout the Romanian capital.
The city tour will give you the opportunity to admire some of the landmarks of Bucharest, such as the Arch of Triumph (inspired by the one in Paris), the Atheneum (Romania’s most famous concert hall), the Revolution Square (where the 1989 anti - Communist revolt went nationwide), and the Romanian Patriarch’s Church.
Accomodation in Bucharest at a 3*, 4* or 5* Hotel.
Meals: N/A
Day 2 - Curtea de Arges - Poenari Fortress - Sibiu
After breakfast, we’ll be leaving Bucharest and make our way through Southern Romania. Our first stop will be Curtea de Arges, where we will visit the Royal Church (entrance included), founded by the princes of Wallachia, one of the most famous churches in Romania. Leaving Curtea de Arges, we will also make a small detour to Poenari, the place where the ruins of the fortress built by Dracula, can still be seen. Due to its position, the fortress was never conquered. Today, visitors climb 1500 steps to make it to the top.
In the late afternoon, we will arrive in Sibiu. Sibiu was the most important city in Saxon Transylvania, and it was, for a while, the place where Transylvanian governors lived. Vlad the Impaler visited this town often, even though he was not in the best of relations with the Saxon merchants. An excellent example of German Gothic architecture, Sibiu was appointed as European Cultural Capital in 2007. It is also the place where the first museum in Romania was open (The Brukenthal Museum) in 1817, only seven years after the National Gallery in London. Upon arrival, we will take a stroll in its magnificent old center, and visit places such as the Large Square, Small Square, the Catholic Church, and Liars’ Bridge.
Accomodation in Sibiu at a 3*, 4* or 5* Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 3 - Sighisoara - Bran
In the morning, we depart from Sibiu and we head for Sighisoara. The drive will take us through the Saxon part of Transylvania. On the way, we’ll be able to admire a few Saxon villages, with their specific architecture.
Sighisoara is also a city built by the Saxon colonists, but it stands out from the others through the fact that it is the only inhabited citadel in Europe, and wholly integrated in the UNESCO World Heritage. The Old Town literally resides in the citadel enclosure, and this is where some of the most important buildings are found, such as the History Museum (an ancient Clock Tower, from the top of which a beautiful panorama of the whole city can be admired, guided visit is included), the Arms Museum (entrance included), the Church-on-the-Hill, and the 300 year-old wood covered staircase, built to facilitate students’ access to the school on the hill.
Sighisoara is also the birthplace of Dracula. The house where he was born is still standing, turned into one of the most famous restaurants in town. Inside the restaurant, there is still a portion of a fresco left, depicting Dracula’s father, a king himself.
After visiting Sighisoara, we drive to Bran. Here we visit one of the most famous landmarks of Romania, the Bran Castle (entrance included), also known as Dracula Castle. The castle was built in the 14th century by the Transylvanian merchants as a military fortress to defend the area against the frequent Turkish attacks. After 1900, it was donated to the Romanian Royal Family and it became the favorite place of Queen Maria. Extensively renovated, it became a residence, and later a museum. Nowadays it is one of the most visited sites in Romania.
After the visit of the castle, we will have free time for souvenir shopping. In the late afternoon, we drive to Brasov.
Accomodation in Brasov at a 3*, 4* or 5* Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 4 - Brasov - Sinaia
After breakfast, we will take a walk in the Old Town of Brasov. Brasov is one of the seven cities founded by the Saxon colonists in Transylvania, some 800 years ago. Thanks to its location on the Transylvanian border, Brasov became a trade center for the region. Most of the Saxon architecture is still present and, the Black Church (entrance included), the largest Gothic church in South-Eastern Europe, is definitely worth a closer look.
Later, we will be leaving Brasov and head for Sinaia, a little town which has always been linked to the Romanian Royal family. Here we visit Peles Castle (entrance included), an astounding Royal residence, built by Carol I, Romania’s first king. Next, we make a quick stop at the Sinaia monastery (entrance included), the very first building to be built in these parts, after which the whole town was named. In the afternoon, we head for Bucharest.
Accomodation in Bucharest at a 3*, 4* or 5* Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 5 - Bucharest - Departures
Today you will say goodbye to Romania, and the friends you made here. Your private guide will escort you to the airport for your departure.
Accomodation: N/A
Meals: N/A
*** We would like to bring you the best of everything, and this is why we are customizing the tour to fit your expectations.
For a personalized quotation please contact us.
  Velvet Tours