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Book the best Dracula tour Budapest departure. This is a 10-days tour which starts in the capital of Hungary. From here, visit Tokaj and taste the wine Dracula used to serve to his guests. After that, go on an unforgettable tour of Transylvania. On your way back to Budapest, stop in Szeged and enjoy a city tour.
This tour departs for groups of minimum 6 people.
Dracula tour Budapest departure - Highlights:
Ritual Killing of the Living Dead - Help a haunted spirit to gain his peace - attend the ritual of killing a vampire in this Dracula tour - find out more!
Wine Tasting in Tokaj - It was the Tokaj wine that Dracula used to serve his guests with. Also a favorite tipple of the Dumas’s musketeers.
The Magic World of Romanian Folklore - A live presentation offered by a famous Romanian ethnographer, your travel to Transylvania will enrich you’re universe with more fantastic creatures than you could ever have imagine.
Wonderful castles in Transylvania- Bran Castle and Corvinesti Castle
Halloween Party in Sighisoara Citadel - Dracula’s birth place; lunch in the house where Vlad the Impaler was born and enjoy the best Halloween party ever. Check out the schedule here!
- Ritual Killing of the Living Dead
- “Witchery Moments” with Eduard & Bianca – amazing magic show, performed by two of Europe’s most innovative and dynamic magicians.
- Vampiresa Hunting – an impressive ballet performance of professional ballet dancers led by Emilia and Dorin Milea, who were rewarded for the medal of Excellency for their cultural activity.
Halloween Party at Bran Castle - also known as Dracula’s Castle, a legendary Transylvanian fortress dating back to 1377
10-Days Dracula tour - Brief itinerary
Your Dracula tour Budapest departure begins in the Hungarian capital's airport. Meet our guide and then drive to Tokaj. Visit Dracula's favorite winery and taste the brand the Count used to serve to his guests. After that, travel to Transylvania. Enjoy a welcome dinner in Satu Mare and accommodate at a 3* hotel. After a good night's sleep, drive to Sapanta. In this traditional village, visit the Merry Cemetery, famous for its wooden crosses depicting the deceased in a cartoon-like manner. In addition, funny epitaphs are carved on each cross. These features make the Merry Cemetery a unique place in the world. Your next destination is Sighetu Marmatiei. Visit the Village Museum and then drive to Viseul de Sus and accommodate here.
Next morning, drive to Sacel and then meet a famous wood craftsman. In addition to making the acquaintance, learn how to carve the perfect wooden stake. Today you'll enjoy a stunning scenery, following the steps of Jonathan Harker (Bram Stoker 's character from Dracula novel) to Bistrita close to Borgo Pass. Accommodate in 4* hotel - Golden Crown.
Rest for a while and, in the morning, drive to Sighisoara Citadel. Accommodate at a 3* medieval hotel and, at 8 PM, join us for the best Halloween Party in Transylvania! The schedule includes Vampiresa Hunting - a show performed by a professional ballet team, followed by Witchery Moments - an unforgettable magic show. The highlight of this party is the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead, performed according to old customs and traditions. The Halloween Party lasts until 02:00 AM.
Halloween Party at Bran Castle
Recover after our party in Sighisoara and then get ready for the second Halloween Party included in your Dracula tour Budapest departure. Explore Sighisoara Citadel and then head to Bran Village.
Join us at 6 PM for a delicious Festive Dinner. Please wear your costume during dinner because from here we will go directly to Bran Castle.
Have fun at the ultimate Halloween Party at Bran Castle. Enjoy a unique night visit of the castle (please have in mind that the night tour of Bran Castle is not guided, you will receive more information on this from our tour guides) and then have fun at the party on the grounds of Dracula's Castle.
The next day, visit Rasnov fortress and then drive to the Saxon City of Brasov. Visit the historic center and then the famous Black Church. On your 7th day, travel to Sibiu. Visit landmarks such as the Bridge of Liars and then accommodate in a 4* hotel. From Sibiu, drive to Hunedoara and visit the legendary Corvinesti Castle, the greatest Gothic style castle in Romania. After that, drive to Arad and accommodate in a 4* hotel.
You are near the end of your quest. From Arad, our amazing Dracula Tour Budapest departure takes you back to Hungary. Go on a city tour of Szeged, also known as Sun City. After that, drive to Budapest and accommodate in a 3* hotel. The next morning, our guide takes you to the airport for the return journey.
Book your Dracula Tour now!
We accept MasterCard and Visa on our on-line secure internet payment form.
- MasterCard and Visa via fax and phone.
- We also accept payments via PayPal and bank transfer.
- At the moment of booking we require an advance deposit in the amount of Euro 145/person. Once the advance deposit is registered with our accounts we issue a Confirmation Letter.
- The final payment is due 60 days prior to tour departure. Should the booking be made within 60 days prior to tour departure, entire tour cost is requested at the time of booking.
Departures:
Departure date | Price per person (price based on 2 persons sharing a double room) |
Single traveler | Availability |
October 29, 2024 10 day tour. Departure from Budapest (10.00 GMT + 01:00) Including 2 Halloween Parties: Special Halloween Party in Sighisoara Citadel and Halloween Party at Bran Castle |
€ 2664 | € 2999 | Departs for groups of minimum 6 people |
October 28, 2025 10 day tour. Departure from Budapest (10.00 GMT + 01:00) Including 2 Halloween Parties: Special Halloween Party in Sighisoara Citadel and Halloween Party at Bran Castle |
€ 2664 | € 2999 | Departs for groups of minimum 6 people |
Available for free if:
You don’t have a reflection in the mirror,
You decompose when sunlight strikes you,
You’re over 200 years old,
Can use your wings to fly to Transylvania,
Well, this holiday is free for you! Come join your fellow vampires in Transylvania:-)
Blood treats not included!
Other mentions
- Once you realize the price of good beer and wine you will probably not want to return to your country.
- People speak plenty of English in Romania and you will find the locals and the other tourists are friendly and open.
- No visa is required and you can get green card extension insurance from your insurer to cover Romania.
10-Days Halloween Tour in Transylvania - Itinerary Map
Media Mentions
• We’re pleased to say that Transylvania Live has recently garnered the attention of several publications and broadcasts
more details here
Transylvania tours on national television
Press Caption button on the player to activate English subtitles
Awarded Halloween in Transylvania - Highlights:
Advice for Australians traveling abroad
According with Australian government the following advice are to be followed:
Before you go
- Confirm your passport is valid for 6 months from when you think your trip will end. Don’t get stranded.
- Get comprehensive travel insurance to cover you and your gear. Get insurance that’s right for you and covers your activities in the places you’ll go. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.
- Consider your physical and mental health. Get advice from your doctor if you’re unsure.
- See your doctor or travel clinic 8 weeks before you go for a basic health check
- Check if your medication is legal and available in the places you’re going. Take enough of your prescribed medicines to last the whole trip. Carry copies of your prescription and a letter from your doctor.
- Tell your bank you’re travelling and check if your cards will work. Have several payment options.
- If you’ll drive overseas check out the local traffic laws and practices. You’re likely to need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well as your Australian driver’s licence.
- Share your itinerary with friends or family members. Give them copies of your passport
Travel insurance
Holidays don’t always go as planned. If you’re going overseas, travel insurance is as important as a passport. Without it, you or your family could suffer financially if things go wrong. No matter who you are, where you’re going and what you’re doing, get insurance.
Travel insurance is especially important if you need medical assistance. Healthcare overseas can be very expensive. Most countries won’t give you free care, or subsidise the cost of your care. You, or your insurer, must usually pay full price.
Travel Advice for Australians visiting Romania
Safety
Keep your personal belongings close. Lock hotel and train compartment doors from the inside.
Drink spiking is an issue, especially in Bucharest’s Old Town. Don’t accept food, drinks, gum or cigarettes from people you’ve just met.
Dating and marriage scams occur.
Only use ATMs in banks, shops and shopping centres, especially at night. Always keep your credit card in sight. Be wary of people you’ve met online.
Local laws
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They can include jail sentences of up to 20 years.
By law, you must always carry photo ID. Keep your passport in a safe place. Carry a photocopy.
It’s illegal to take photos of airports, military sites or other secure locations.
It’s illegal to engage in sex work or have sexual relations with a person under 18.
Same-sex relationships are legal in Romania, but not widely accepted.
Local contacts
The Australian Consulate in Bucharest provides limited consular and passport assistance.
You can get full consular help from the Australian Embassy in Athens.
Read more advice for Australian traveling abroad!
Please check your itinerary below:
Itineraries
Day 1
Tuesday, Budapest - Tokaj - Satu Mare (326 km, 3h 38 min driving)
Welcome to your Dracula Tour, a Halloween in Transylvania experience with Vlad the Impaler! Our English speaking guide picks you up from Budapest Airport and prepares you for your travel to Transylvania.
Stop for a glass of excellent wine in Tokaj, Hungary. It was the Tokaj wine that Dracula used to serve hisguests with! For a little Dutch-courage and, for sure, with higher spirits you’ll reach Romania and stop in Satu Mare for accommodation in a 3* hotel.
Day 2
Wednesday, Satu Mare - Sapinta - Sighetul Marmatiei –Viseul de Sus (154 km, 3h 6 min driving)
Your first morning in Romania! Drive to Sapanta, close to the Ukrainian border, home of the merriest cemetery in the world! Unique in the world: the Merry Cemetery owes its name to the wood-carved memorial crosses, not only decorated in vivid colors depicting the deceased in a cartoon like manner, the epitaphs candidly recite biographies of the deceased using limerick-style poetry.
Next stop is Sighetul Marmatiei where a famous ethnographer, will take you into the magical world of Romanian folklore on your visit to the Village Museum.
You’ll spend the evening in Viseul de Sus. Delight yourself with stories of the haunted houses of that area to better catch the spirit of this Halloween tour!
Day 3
Thursday, Viseul de Sus - Sacel – Bistrita (93 km, 1h 45 min driving)
Vampire tour show In Sacel you’ll make a truly necessary friend: Grigore Tulean, a famous woodcraftsman. He’ll teach us how to make the perfect wooden stake which, in Sighisoara, will be used in order to kill a vampire! Today you'll enjoy a stunning scenery, following the steps of Jonathan Harker (Bram Stoker 's character from Dracula novel) to Bistrita close to Borgo Pass. Accommodate in 4* hotel - Golden Crown
Day 4
Friday, Bistrita – Sighisoara (143 km, 2h 37 min driving)
Aren’t you happy to see the light of the day again?! Drive to Sighisoara, the best preserved and still inhabited medieval citadel in Europe and a UNESCO heritage site, but probably most important for you it is Vlad Dracula's birth place!
20:00 - 02:00 It’s time for your Halloween party, put on your costume and get into the mood, this is the reason for your travel to Transylvania. Plenty of opportunities for you tonight: attend Vampiresa Hunting, enjoy Witchery Moments, performed by two famous magicians, witness the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead, performed according to old Transylvanian folklore and listen to your guide’s good advice, and you might just escape without being impaled! The best Halloween party idea, don’t you think? If you survive, you’ll find refuge in a 3* hotel. The Halloween Party lasts until 02:00 AM.
Day 5
Saturday, Sighisoara – Bran (139 km, 2h 13 min driving)
Getting up in the morning after a party is always a hard thing to do! That’s why we will have a late departure to Bran. After a tour of the medieval citadel of Sighisoara and visit of Clock Tower and Medieval Weapon collection drive to Bran and prepare for the last Halloween Party, a true marathon!
Join us at 6 PM for a delicious Festive Dinner. Please wear your costume during dinner because from here we will go directly to Bran Castle.
7:30 PM - Have fun at the ultimate Halloween Party at Bran Castle. Enjoy a unique night visit of the castle (please have in mind that the night tour of Bran Castle is not guided, you will receive more information on this from our tour guides) and then have fun at the party on the grounds of Dracula's Castle.
Day 6
Sunday, Bran – Rasnov – Brasov ( 40 minutes driving)
This peasant refuge, Rasnov fortress, 15 kilometres away from Brasov was built in order to defend the peasants in the surroundings. It has resisted a great number of sieges and only opened its gates to the invaders once, when the lack of water forced the defenders to give in. The 150 deep fountain inside the citadel tells a lot about this story of resistance.
Drive to the medieval Saxon city of Brasov to visit the historic town center and its famous gothic Black Church, the best-known monument in the city. The edifice holds the largest organ in Europe, which was partially destroyed during the great fire of 1689. It was here, in the city of Brasov where Vlad led raids against the Saxon merchants.
Day 7
Monday, Brasov – Fagaras- Sibiu (145 km, 2h 19 min driving)
For a walk on the famous Bridge of Liars you’ll travel to Sibiu, a city with a wonderful medieval charm, excellent views of the surrounding landscape and great food. Accommodate in a 4* hotel.
Day 8
Tuesday, Sibiu - Deva - Hunedoara - Arad (339 km, 4h driving)
Today you’re invited to pay a visit to another legendary castle in Transylvania, Corvinesti Castle.
Drive to Hunedoara where the legendary Corvinesti Castle is waiting for your visit. The greatest t Gothic style castle in Romania, Corvinesti was built in the 14th Century, and it was here that Vlad the Impaler, Dracula was brought up. Spend the evening in Arad, accommodation in a 4* hotel.
Day 9
Wednesday, Arad - Szeged - Budapest ( 274 km 3h driving)
Dracula Tour - Good bye party! The last day of your Halloween tour. Please allow yourself an extra 5 minutes in bed to think about your adventure in Dracula’s kingdom, wasn’t it soul captivating? Travel to Budapest, Hungary’s capital. On the way stop to Szeged also called Sun City, enjoy a city tour.. Accommodate in 3* hotel in Budapest, central located.
Day 10
Thursday, Airport
It’s time to take your soul back home ... hopefully. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Accommodation
7 nights in 3* hotels, 2 nights in 4* hotels
Transportation
All transfers inside the tour, by coach, minibus or car - air conditioned, depending on the number of travelers.
Tour leader
English speaking guide services.
Meals
9 breakfasts, 3 dinners (Welcome Dinner in Satu Mare, Festive Halloween dinner in Sighisoara, Festive Halloween Dinner in Bran) and wine tasting in Tokaj.
Entry fees to
Merry Cemetery in Sapinta, Village Museum in Sighet, famous craftsman Grigore Tulean, Clock Tower, Medieval Weapon Collection and Torture Room in Sighisoara, Bran Castle, Corvinestilor Castle in Hunedoara.
Events
Halloween party in Sighisoara and special entertaining program (20:00 - 02:00), Halloween party at Bran Castle.
Specials
We are glad to let you know that you will receive a t-shirt from Transylvania Live, as a souvenir. Please provide us with your size.
- plane ticket
- airport fees
- photo & video tax
- other not mentioned
Reservations are required. We recommend booking early as tours are often sold out well in advance. You can make a reservations on-line. In case of making reservations by phone please call toll-free: 808 101 6781 (UK); 866 376 6183 (US). You can also make reservations by fax - download and complete the booking form and send it by fax to: 0040-364-405641 or by e-mail!
We require an advance deposit in the amount of Euro 145/person. When you make the reservation online you will be required to pay the deposit. You will receive an automatic response with your Holiday Booking Reference. Once the advance deposit is registered with our accounts we proceed with the reservation for the requested services and issue the Confirmation Letter + Paid Invoice (once the amount is registered with our accounts).
The final payment is due 60 days prior departure. ( After the final payment is made we will issue Travel Voucher). Should the booking be made within 60 days prior to tour departure, entire tour cost is requested at the time of booking. To read Transylvania Live’s Terms and Conditions please visit us on line at: https://www.visit-transylvania.co.uk/terms.html .
The client is at all time entitled to cancel the Travel Contract, but must pay Transylvania Live - Expert in Transylvania a cancellation charge as stipulated below: 89 days or more prior to departure 90 EURO per person / per tour cancellation fee; 88–61 days, loss of deposit. 60–31 days will be subject to 50% of tour price; 30 days or less will be subject to 100% of tour price.
Please check with the airline company. Anyway is good to pack light, some of the hotels – historical buildings do not have elevators.
Our tours include the services of English-speaking guides. German, French, Hungarian and Hebrew-speaking guide are also available.
We can design an itinerary at a time that suits you, to your own comfort levels and within your own budget. Please send your request by e-mail or by fax.
Yes, most of our tours operate even if there’s only one person. Due to socialization reasons our special tours for couples require a minimum of five couples.
The tour has a general audience as it targets people interested in history, culture, customs and beliefs. Group size can be between 4-26 people. Transylvania Live is member of the responsible travel network and we are committed to operating a travel policy that is supportive of local economies, cultures and the environment. We operate our tours with small groups in order to minimise the negative impact on the environment and allow our guests to interact more easily with the locals, facilitate the communication with the guide. The average age of group is, most of the time, between 35-45.
We do not provide individual tickets for rail, air, boat or ferry.
A minimum age of 10 years is required on non-family programs, unless otherwise indicated on the individual tour page. A client under 18 years of age and travelling alone during the tour period shall provide Transylvania Live with written consent of his/her guardian. Clients under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. On “for couples” tours a minimum age of 20 years is required.
We only accept VISA and MASTERCARD. Please select only these two types of credit cards for the online payment.
If you pay on-line using our secure internet booking form your credit card can hold any type of currency, the amount of money to be taken will be exchanged in EURO by your bank, at their rate. We accept USD and EURO for offline credit card payment and wire transfer.
Yes, we do offer discounts provided they travel as a group; Contact us
Yes, depending on the number of your group. Contact us
On-line bookings and payments are processed by Romcard, authorized agent for Mastercard and Visa in Romania and secured by Rapid SSL , the leading secure sockets layer (SSL) Certificate Authority enabling secure e-commerce and communications for Web sites. As a tour operator we are governed by the consumer and financial regulations of Romania and of the European Union. Romania’s legislation compels tour operators to protect tourists in case of insolvency.
Our prices include the online secure payment commissions. However depending on your bank some commissions may occur for international money transfer. Please check with your bank!
In case we’ll have a full house situation at one of the hotels, an accommodation of an equal classification or better will be booked for you. In case of closed roads due to bad weather, working situations or dangerous weather conditions the itinerary could suffer changes.
If you follow our recommendation on How to arrive (heading found for any of our holidays at the Special notes and info section at the end of the tour page. Our guide will expect you with a Transylvania Live sign. In the unfortunate case of a flight being lost or delayed and prevent you in this way from getting to your meting point in good time, please call 0040 723 565 255.
Our tour fares are based on two in one hotel room. For occupancy by one person, the "single supplement" cost specified in each itinerary will be required.
If you travel alone you have to book the tour with a single supplement; if you wish to book a double room which you want to share with another traveller, we’ll do our best to make all arrangements, but in case this is not possible, you’ll have to pay the single supplement; however it is our strongest recommendation to book the tour with a single supplement when travelling alone.
A welcoming country house, not necessarily decorated in a peasant like style; you’ll stay under the same roof with your Romanian host! In most cases dinner and breakfast are included, and rates are based on two guests per room. They offer one bathroom for two rooms; the bathroom can be situated on the hallway. Staying at a “traditional Maramuresean country-inn” or “a typical Hungarian-Sekler country-inn” will prove to be an unique experience.
Yes, also gluten-free, vegan. When you make the reservation of your tour please do not forget to fill in this information at Dietary Restrictions section.
American citizens do not require a visa for Romania (Romania is a member of the European Union so it shares the same legal legislation – a passport is all you need)
To check the list of the countries that require a visa please see the web site page of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at www.mae.ro.
Romanian currency is Lei (written symbol Ron). All the places in Romania trade lei (pronunciation: lay). You can bring some of the local currency from USA or you can change here the amount of money you need (advisable due to the lower exchange rate). Credit cards are accepted in large hotels, restaurants and malls. ATM machines are available at banks, airports and shopping centers all over the country. (except in remote areas or villages). Foreign currencies may be exchanged at banks or authorized exchange offices. International airports and larger hotels also offer currency exchange services. The tour guide is also responsible for helping clients with money exchange; recommend the exchange offices which charge the lowest commission.
Local Costs in a 3* restaurant: Soft Drink: $1.3; Beer: $1.7; Bottle of Wine: $8.7 - $18, 3 course dinner: $13.28 - $18.11. In shops these products can be 50% cheaper.
ATMs are available in all the cities; near by hotels, our guide will come with good advice and recommendations. MasterCard ATM Locater– Search by address and by airport https://www.mastercard.com/atmlocator/index.jsp atm locator Visa ATM Locator– Search by airport, city and country https://visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global/jsp/SearchPage.jsp
In Romania electric power in use is of 220 voltages, AC, usually 2 pronged.
Romania enjoys warm summers and cold winters. In summer, cool cottons are best and in the winter a warm jacket or alike is recommended. Autumn is dry and cool, with fields and trees producing beautifully colored foliage. The weather in October-November is very unpredictable, with daytime temperatures between 6°-17° Celsius (42.80 - 62.60 Fahrenheit), and night time temperatures between 3° - 10°Celsius (37.40 - 50 Fahrenheit); but it is very much possible that you will see some snowfall especially in the mountain areas.
Romanian time is EET (Eastern European Time, two hours ahead of GMT, seven hours ahead of New York and ten hours ahead of Los Angeles. Check right now what time is in Bucharest, the capital city of Romania: https://time.is/Bucharest
The dress code in Romania is the same as all over Europe (think France, Germany, UK or Italy). Wearing jeans, t-shirts/sweatshirts and athletic shoes is standard casual in Romanian. Plenty of designers’ shops are to be found in major cities: Bucharest, Cluj, Brasov, Sibiu, where people are a bit too pretentious when it comes to their outfits. Dorobanti Boulevard in Bucharest can easily be compared to Chaps Elysees in Paris when it comes to “fashionists” (costs are similar too). The malls are well supplied with designers’ clothes and with respect to the prices, a great deal of our clients found the Romanian costs to be more acceptable then the ones in US. With regards to the restaurants’ dress code, something casual is sufficient. You can wear whatever you would wear at home. To satisfy dress codes for churches and monasteries, men and women are requested to cover their arms and legs (no shorts above the knees or sleeveless garments).