LAST UPDATED
9 / 5 / 2009
9 / 5 / 2009
www.beyondtheforest.com provides everything you need to plan your holiday - unbiased travel information based on extensive, personal travel and an unparallelled network of local specialists.
Short Break Dracula Tours to squeeze into your Transylvanian Itinerary
Prices from only £ 248 per person
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Important: Please read our notes about booking holidays in Romania at the foot of the page.
To book your perfect holiday
we recommend:
0800 074 7800
www.travelcounsellors.co.uk
A quaity, personal service by
travel experts in your local area
"We loved Hotel Castel Dracula, it was great fun, and in a stunning location, but the horse and cart ride up through the forest was an attraction worth selling in itself. A beautiful ride and a great experience. We loved turning up to the door to the amzement of the other tourists in their cars!" D.& A.O. (East Sussex)
Click here for further testimonials
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Dracula Collection Guideline Prices 2009 |
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These are suggestions for tours for small groups or families throughout the year: Prices would depend on group size. Guidelines are indicated below. 5 Days BRIEF ENCOUNTER Pint-Size Dracula Cluj - Bistrita - Borgo Pass (Jonathan Harker Trail) - Târgu Mures - Sighisoara - Cluj £ 325.00-£ 550.00 per person subject to your group size plus flights from £ 75.00 per person with Wizz - Luton to Cluj SEE BELOW FOR FULL DETAILS 4 Days BRIEF ENCOUNTER Weekend Dracula Cluj - Bistrita - Borgo Pass (Jonathan Harker Trail) - Cluj £ 225.00-£ 400.00 per person subject to your group size plus flights from £ 75.00 per person with Wizz - Luton to Cluj SEE BELOW FOR FULL DETAILS 4 Days BRIEF ENCOUNTER Realm of Vlad the Impaler Fully Escorted Tour Bucharest - Târgoviste - Curtea de Arges - Poienari - Bran-Rucar Pass - Bran Castle Sighisoara - Brasov - Peles Palace - Bucharest £ 325.00 - £ 600.00 per person subject to your group size plus flights from £ 125.00 per person from UK to Bucharest SEE BELOW FOR FULL DETAILS |
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The Dracula Trail - FICTION - |
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"Borgo" (Bargau ) Pass Hotel Castel Dracula Jonathan Harker's Journey (Carriage ride to Castel Dracula) Bistrita ("Bistritz") "Golden Krone Inn" (Hotel Coroana de Aur) Cluj ("Klausenburg") Bran Castle |
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The Dracula Trail - FACT - |
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Bucharest (Curtea Veche) Targoviste (Princely Court / Chindia Tower) Curtea de Arges Arefu Poienari Castle Ruins Sighisoara (Schässburg) Brasov (Tampa Hill) Fagaras Snagov |
“Then amongst a chorus of screams from the peasants and universal crossing of themselves, a caleche, with four horses, drove up behind us, overtook us, and drew up beside the coach. I could see from the flash of our lamps, as the rays fell on them, that the horses were coal-black and splendid animals. They were driven by a tall man, with a long brown beard and a tall hat, which seemed to hide his face from us. I could only see the gleam of a pair of very bright eyes, which seemed red in the lamplight, as he turned to us"
'Dracula' Bram Stoker
The following short break recommendations have been designed to be incorporated into your Romania holiday or can be taken as stand alone holidays. Please note these are examples - they can be extended or modified as required. The suggested itineraries can also be adapted for incentives or treasure trails for clubs or businesses.
5 DAYS/ 4 NIGHTS - SAMPLE ITINERARY - Ex CLUJ
This itinerary follows in the footsteps of 'Bram Stoker's character, Jonathan Harker, through remote northern Transylvania to the Count's castle, in the Borgo Pass, then takes you through the Transylvanian highlands to Targu Mures, and the birthplace of the real Dracula in the romantic, mediaeval citadel of Sighisoara. The itinerary finishes with a rail journey to Cluj, the cultural capital of Transylvania. It has been designed to fit in with the Wizz flights from Luton to Cluj. However, it can be adapted for any travel connections to Cluj, or even to Targu Mures or Sibiu
"My FRIEND, - Welcome to the Carpathians. I am anxiously expecting you. Sleep well to night. At three tomorrow the diligence will start for the Bucovina; a place on it is kept for you. At the Borgo Pas my carriage will await you and will bring you to me. I trust that your journey from London has been a happy one, and that you will enjoy your stay in my beautiful land. – Your friend, DRACULA”.
'Dracula' Bram Stoker"
To book your perfect holiday
we recommend:
0800 074 7800
www.travelcounsellors.co.uk
A quaity, personal service by
travel experts in your local area
Arrive Cluj at 13:00 (suggested arrival with Wizz Air)
Meet & Greet service, transfer to Bistrita (2 hours) via the Somes Valley
Alternative: transfer then afternoon local train from Cluj to Bistrita
Overnight: Hotel Coroana de Aur (Golden Krone), Bistrita (Bistritz) - bed & breakfast for 1 night
You could even dine on Jonathan Harker's meal (optional - subject Jonathan Harker Bar being open):
"'robber steak' - bits of bacon, onion and beef, seasoned with red pepper and strung on sticks and roasted over the fire in the simple style of the London cat's-meat! The wine was Golden Mediasch, which produces a queer sting on the tongue...”
DAY 2 'Jonathan Harker Trail'
Personal transer via the Carpathian Mittelland and the orchards above Bistrita to the woodworking village of Lunca Ilvei (2 hours)
Transfer to your waiting cart for the unique journey up the Borgo Pass. The horses wear red tassles to ward off the Evil Eye! The journey takes about 4 hours, including a picnic en route, as you slowly ascend the Borgo Pass by tracks winding through the wolf-infested forests to reach the plateau ringed by the rugged peaks of the Suhard, Caliman, Bargau and Rodnei Mountains.
Picnic lunch en route.
Overnight at Hotel Castle Dracula - bed & breakfast for 1 night
DAY 3
Guided tour/ transfer by car via Bistrita and Târgu Mures to Sighisoara; a scenic journey via the Bistrita Valley and the Transylvanian Highlands.
Time for sightseeing in the old town of Târgu Mures where you can visit the citadel and the beautiful art nouveau Palace of Culture
Hotel Casa Wagner (3*), Sighisoara - bed & breakfast for 1 night
This hotel is situated in the romatic, mediaeval citadel of Sighisoara - birthplace of the real Dracula - Vlad the Impaler
Optional alternative: Extra nights may be booked in Sighisoara; other hotels include the similar Casa cu Cerb, or the excusive Fromius Residence.
You have time in the morning to explore the old town and perhaps climb the clocktower for a view over the red roofs of its gingerbread' houses, cobbled alleys, stairways and gatetowers (closed mondays)., before the afternoon local express train back to Cluj. The train winds along the Tarnave valley and over the Transylvanian Heath, a journey of about 4 hours. For the final night we recommend the Fullton Hotel, conveniently situated on a quiet streer in the heart of the old town.
Optional alternative: Extra nights may be booked in Cluj; other hotels include the similar Capitolina, 4+ Agape or the Belvedere which stands on the former citadel hill, overlooking the city centre.
DAY 5
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Wizz departs at 06:20.
Brief Encounter Pint-size Dracula - Guideline Prices for 2009
Guideline prices for the Pint-size Dracula Tour from Cluj (excluding flights).
Prices are based on those charged by travel agencies or specialist tour operators
| Brief Encounter Tour | Group size | Price (£ Sterling) |
| 5 days / 4 nights Pint-size Dracula (from Cluj) | 2 people | £ 500.00-£ 550.00 per person |
| 5 days / 4 nights Pint-size Dracula (from Cluj) | 4 people | £ 375.00-£425.00 per person |
| 5 days / 4 nights Pint-size Dracula (from Cluj) | 6 people | £ 350.00-£400.00 per person |
| 5 days / 4 nights Pint-size Dracula (from Cluj) | 8 people | £ 325.00-£375.00 per person |
Single Room Supplement: £80.00-95.00
These prices include:
- Accommodation with breakfast throughout
- Private road transfers and 1st class rail travel as per itinerary
- Jonathan Harker Trail: Horse & Cart journey incl, picnic en route
- Local taxes & VAT
Supplements may apply for Christmas or New year bookings
Flight priices from Luton to Cluj usually start at around £ 75.00 with www,wizzair.com plus baggage, credit card and booking fees
It is also possible to combine these holidays with flights arriving at Targu Mures and Sibiu.
Travel Insurance is highly recommended
Additional nights can be added in Cluj, or your holiday may be extended to include other regions of Romania
In order to avoid disappointment for popular periods such as May and June, or Christmas, it is essential to book early.
4 DAYS/ 3 NIGHTS - SAMPLE ITINERARY - Ex CLUJ
This itinerary is designed for those looking for a weekend break with a difference. It follows in Jonathan Harker'rs footsteps to Hotel Castel Dracula then returns to Cluj for the last night,
DAY 1
Arrive Cluj at 13:00 (suggested arrival with Wizz Air)
Meet & Greet service, transfer to Bistrita (2 hours) via the Somes Valley
Overnight: Hotel Coroana de Aur (Golden Krone), Bistrita (Bistritz) - bed & breakfast for 1 night
DAY 2 'Jonathan Harker Trail'
Personal transer via the Carpathian Mittelland and the orchards above Bistrita to the woodworking village of Lunca Ilvei (2 hours)
Transfer to your waiting cart for the unique journey up the Borgo Pass. The horses wear red tassles to ward off the Evil Eye! The journey takes about 4 hours, including a picnic en route, as you slowly ascend the Borgo Pass by tracks winding through the wolf-infested forests to reach the plateau ringed by the rugged peaks of the Suhard, Caliman, Bargau and Rodnei Mountains.
Picnic lunch en route.
Overnight at Hotel Castle Dracula - bed & breakfast for 1 night
DAY 3
Transfer by car down the Borgo Pass to Bistrita to catch the afternoon train to Cluj. You can spend the morning walking around the Borgo Pass, or shopping in Bistrita.
Your final night is spent in the Fullton Hotel, conveniently situated on a quiet streer in the heart of the old town.
DAY 5
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Wizz departs at 06:20.
Brief Encounter Weekend Dracula - Guideline Prices for 2009
Guideline prices for the Weekend Dracula Tour from Cluj (excluding flights):
Prices are based on those charged by travel agencies or specialist tour operators
| Brief Encounter Tour | Group size | Price (£ Sterling) |
| 4 days / 3 nights Weekend Dracula (from Cluj) | 2 people | £ 350.00-£400.00 per person |
| 4 days / 3 nights Weekend Dracula (from Cluj) | 4 people | £ 300.00-£350.00 per person |
| 4 days / 3 nights Weekend Dracula (from Cluj) | 6 people | £ 250.00-£300.00 per person |
| 4 days / 3 nights Weekend Dracula (from Cluj) | 8 people | £ 225.00-£275.00 per person |
Single Room Supplement: £60.00-80.00
These prices include:
- Accommodation with breakfast throughout
- Private road transfers and 1st class rail travel as per itinerary
- Jonathan Harker Trail: Horse & Cart journey incl, picnic en route
- Local taxes & VAT
Supplements may apply for Christmas or New year bookings
4 DAYS/ 3 NIGHTS - SAMPLE ITINERARY - Ex BUCHAREST
This itinerary traces the legend of the real Dracula - Vlad the Impaler, from the city of Bucharest into his realm of Wallachia and the beautiful southern Carpathians. You can visit the ruins of his real castle, at Poienari, perched high on a precipice above the Arges gorge, then crossinto Transylvania to visit Brasov, Bran Castle and the mediaeval citadel of Sighisoara where he was born. This is a personal escorted tour with a professional English speaking guide so there are unlimited variations available on this theme
Arrival at Bucharest Otopeni airport; transfer to the beautiful town of Curtea de Arges in the Carpathian foothills - one of the Courts of Wallachia under Prince Dracula. If time permits you can detour via Dracula's court at Târgoviste. Visit the spectacular Episcopal Church in Curtea de Arges
Overnight: Pensiunea Jankovic
The Arges Gorge with Poienari Castle
IMPORTANT NOTE: Bran Castle was recently reclaimed by the Hapsburg Family; it is uncertain whether it will contimue to be open again to the general public, though it can be viewed from outside
DAY 3: Explore historic Sighisoara before driving through the unspoilt landscape of Saxon Transylvania to the old city of Brasov - often raided by Vlad Dracula who impaled his victims on a forest of stakes across the Tâmpa Hill. Explore the bustling, historic centre with its mediaeval architecture include the massive Gothic Black Church, This is a good place for souvenir shopping, boutiques, bars and restaurants. Overnight in a historic hotel in the town centre (Casa Wagner or Bella Muzica)
DAY 4: Leave Transylvania by the Predeal Pass and Prahova Valley, stopping to visit the spectacular Royal Palace of Peles in the mountain resort of Sinaia, before continuing to the airport (or into Bucharest if you wish to extend your stay in Romania).
Guideline prices for the Weekend Dracula Tour from Cluj (excluding flights):
Prices are based on those charged by travel agencies or specialist tour operators
| Brief Encounter Tour | Group size | Price (£ Sterling) |
| 4 days / 3 nights Realm of Vlad the Impaler (from Bucharest) | 2 people | £ 550.00-£600.00 per person |
| 4 days / 3 nights Realm of Vlad the Impaler (from Bucharest) | 4 people | £ 450.00-£500.00 per person |
| 4 days / 3 nights Realm of Vlad the Impaler (from Bucharest) | 6 people | £ 350.00-£400.00 per person |
| 4 days / 3 nights Realm of Vlad the Impaler (from Bucharest) | 8 people | £ 325.00-375.00 per person |
Single Room Supplement: £60.00-£80.00
These prices include:
- Accommodation with breakfast throughout
- Professional English speaking guide/ driver
- Transport by car or minivan
- Entrance fees
- Local taxes & VAT
Supplements may apply for Christmas or New year bookings
Flight prices from UK to Bucharest from £ 125.00 return including taxes (average prices are in the range £ 195.00 - £ 245.00)
It is also possible to combine these holidays with flights arriving at Targu Mures and Sibiu.
WARNING ABOUT BOOKING DRACULA TOURS ON THE INTERNET
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is! We strongly recommend that you book your travel arrangements through a reliable, fully licensed travel agent or tour operator. You should always check ATOL licenses and bonding arrangements or travel trust schemes before booking, and you should take out adequate travel insurance. We recommend TRAVEL COUNSELLORS in the UK, Netherlands, USA, and Australia because they have unparalleled financial protection, work with a wide range of quality, fully licensed tour operators such as Cox & Kings and Sunvil, in addition to local ground operators. Their consultants also provide a superb personal service. However, there are, of course, plenty of reliable alternatives.
Please take care if booking directly with hotels or operators in Romania advertising on the web. Some of them are unlicensed or uninsured. Travel is a unique commodity because you part with your money before you receive the service. This is why it is strictly regulated and legitimate agents and operators invest heavily in licenses, bonding schemes and trust accounts where monies are held back from suppliers until you have completed your holiday. Therefore, you as a traveller are protected. It is also important to note that ATOL licenses, unlike travel trust schemes, will only cover full packages booked under one licence. For example, if you book your flights direct on the internet, then book your accommodation through a travel agency, you would not be covered under their ATOL license.
By booking direct over the internet you are always taking a risk unless you have a personal recommendation or are able to check out the operator or hotel in question. Check for a registered address, evidence of licenses and financial protection, bank account details (not only PayPal), and a fixed, rather than mobile telephone number, and for independent reviews or recommendations. We have highlighted specific problems where we have come across them. Common complaints are hotels (especially on the Black Sea) which take reservations but cancel them if a higher paying client or group comes along. Other complaints include surcharges levied on arrival, hotels that have been overbooked, transfers in unroadworthy vehicles or with dangerous drivers, and tours that so not turn out to be as advertised. Remember, Romania is a huge country. One Romanian internet company is currently advertising a Dracula Tour which finishes with a day driving from Bucovina to Bucharest via the Danube Delta and the Black Sea ... impossible, even with the fastest, most dangerous driver! So please take time to research before booking to avoid disappointment. If you are concerned about a particuar tour or operator, you can check with the Romanian Embassy or Tourist Office to find out if they are genuine.
To book your perfect holiday
we recommend:
0800 074 7800
www.travelcounsellors.co.uk
A quaity, personal service by
travel experts in your local area
www.beyondtheforest.com provides everything you need to plan your holiday - unbiased travel information based on extensive, personal travel and an unparallelled network of local specialists.
1 Atkinson Court, Fell Foot, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, United Kingdom LA12 8NW - Tel. +44 (0)1539 531258; Email. travel@beyondtheforest.com
Copyright © 2009 BeyondtheForest - the Romania Travel Specialists