Carpathian Castles Tour – 1 day
Tour of the Peles and Bran castles, Transylvania and Brasov
There is no doubt this is the most popular one-day tour from Bucharest, and there are many reasons for this. In just two hours of driving, you’ll reach the amazing and exotic Carpathian Mountains. The sheer rocks and impressive slender peaks are perfect to shelter Peles Castle, one of the world's most beautiful castles. Cross the mountains into Transylvania, and you’ll go back in time. Visit the famous Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle, and Brasov's beautiful medieval citadel. By late afternoon you will be back in Bucharest.
Tour: private, cultural
Distance: 400km / 249mi
Regions: Transylvania
Accommodation: not included
This tour operates all year round
Group of 1-3 persons – €139/person
Group of 4-6 persons – €109/person
Highlights of the tour:
Regions
- Wallachia
- Transylvania
Cities
- Brasov
Tourist Attractions
- Sinaia Monastery
- Peles Castle
- Bran Castle
- The Black Church
- Brasov Old Town
BUCHAREST – SINAIA – BRASOV – BRAN – BUCHAREST (7h driving)
The Carpathian Castles Tour, a popular one-day tour from Bucharest, starts at 7:30 AM. You’ll be taken from your hotel and transferred to Sinaia, also known as the Pearl of the Carpathian Mountains. On the way, you’ll pass by the city of Ploiesti, the second best-defended city after Berlin during WWII.
In Sinaia, located at the Carpathians' foothills, you’ll get to see the local monastery, the oldest building in the town. Further on, you’ll be literally overwhelmed by the splendor of Peles Castle (standard tour – ground floor exhibition, the photo fee is not included.)*. Built at Carol I's request, the first king of Romania, Peles castle is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. The amazing architecture and exquisite interiors are matched only by the beauty of its setting in the Carpathians.
The famous castle of Bran is the most visited tourist landmark in Romania. Built about 800 years ago when Hungarian kings controlled Transylvania, the castle became a major attraction in the ’60s when it became known as “Dracula’s Castle.” You’ll get to admire its beautiful rooms renovated by Queen Marie of Romania, and you’ll be told the story of Dracula.
You’ll set off for Brasov, passing by the impressive peasant fortress of Rasnov. Brasov, a city built by the German colonists 750 years ago, boasts wonderful medieval architecture. Surrounded by massive walls, towers, and gates, the city was also protected against different invasions by the mountains' steep hills. Located on an important trade route, the city developed quickly. The residents built one of the most impressive Gothic churches between Vienna and Istanbul, today is known as the Black Church**.
In the afternoon you’ll be transferred to Bucharest where this one-day trip ends.
* Peles castle is closed on Mondays. The Rasnov fortress or the Cantacuzino Castle in Busteni will be visited as an alternative.
** During the cold months between November and April, the Black Church will be seen only from outside.
End of the tour
Price
Group of 2-3 persons – €139/person
Group of 4-6 persons – €109/person
Included:
- Airport/hotel pick-up or drop-off
- Transport by modern car
- Licensed English-speaking tour guide/driver
- All taxes, parking fee
Not Included:
- Flight ticket
- Entrance fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Photographing or filming fees at the visited sites
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses