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Shades of Dracula Tour - 1 day

The history and legend of Dracula

Because the Fortress of Poenari is closed for renovation, this tour is temporarily suspended.

Info Tour

More correctly called Vlad the Impaler, Dracula is known by Romanians simply as a just and fair medieval prince. But was he? Foreigners know the same Dracula as a cruel vampire, thirsty for blood. But was he? Book this one-day tour consecrated to Dracula's history and find out for yourselves the reality behind the legends. The tour starts in Bucharest and takes you to the fortress of Poenari, perched on a mountain. From here, you’ll return to Bucharest, passing through Curtea de Arges and Targoviste, the former capital of Wallachia.

Info Panel

Type: private, cultural

Distance: 410km / 254mi

Departure city: Bucharest

Accommodation: not included

Departures

This tour operates all year round

Price

€221/one person

Group of 2-3 persons – €119/person

Group of 4-8 persons – €92/person

Highlights of the tour:

Regions

Transylvania

Cities

Curtea de Arges
Targoviste

Tourist Attractions

Poenari Fortress
Vidraru Dam
Curtea de Arges Monastery
Princely Court from Targoviste

BUCHAREST – POENARI – CURTEA DE ARGES – TARGOVISTE – BUCHAREST (6-hour driving)

The tour of Dracula starts in Bucharest at 8 AM. You’ll be taken straight to the fortress of Poenari located in the Transylvanian Alps. Perched on top of a mountain, be careful as there are 1480 steps to be climbed. The citadel was probably built in the 14th century by the first Wallachian princes. Later on, it was modified and extended by Vlad the Impaler, whom we also know as Dracula. In addition to all the stories and legends, the site offers great panoramic views on both sides of the mountain.

Continue to Vidraru Dam, considered by specialists real jewelry of engineering. It was built with many sacrifices during the communist period, and it is located along the famous Transfagarasan Road, named by Top Gear as “the most beautiful road in the world.” Now, Vidraru Lake and Vidraru Dam are important highlights for travelers who can admire here a glimpse of the Carpathian Mountains.

After lunch, you’ll set off to Curtea de Arges, one of the first capitals of Wallachia, now the southern part of Romania. Here you’ll admire one of the most beautiful Orthodox churches in the country. Built in the 16th century and renovated in the 19th century, the monastic complex boasts a fine architecture and the graves of the first Romanian royal couples. You’ll be told the legend of Manole, one of the greatest Romanian legends.

The former Princely Court of Targoviste will be the last stop of the Dracula tour. It is here where you’ll be able to see and climb the famous Sunset Tower (Chindia Tower). Built at Vlad the Impaler's request, the tower offers great views over the entire city of Targoviste. Before your departure, take a stroll around the ruins of the former court and admire the Orthodox frescoes of the Princely Church.

You’ll be back in Bucharest by evening.

End of the tour