The True Story of Vlad the Impaler

Fly to Bucharest, transfer to a centrally located hotel and check-in for a 2 night stay. 

Today enjoy a guided city tour around Bucharest and learn of its connections to Vlad the Impaler. Located at the southern edge of Bucharest Old Town, the Old Princely Court is a historic site commissioned in the 15th century by Prince Vlad Tepes, ruler of Walachia. This palace was known for its dungeons, where prisoners were allegedly held. Little remains today but established in 1972, the Old Princely Court Museum showcases the archaeological findings from an excavation that unveiled the fortress's remains and the oldest document attesting to the city's origin under the name of Bucuresti was discovered here. It was issued on September 20, 1459 and signed by Prince Vlad Tepes himself. (B)

Meet your private driver/guide this morning and set off to uncover the myths and legends of Vlad the Impaler. Travel to Curtea de Arges Monastery, a captivating blend of Byzantine and Romanian architecture. Admire the ornate interiors, royal tombs, and tranquil gardens in this cultural and historical gem. On the way to Sibiu, stop to visit Cozia Monastery, built in the 14th century by Dracula's grandfather, Prince Mircea The Old. Journey through the beautiful Olt Valley to Sibiu, once the richest town in Transylvania. Check in for an overnight stay in Sibiu. (B)

Enjoy a city tour of Sibiu, which includes the Evangelic Cathedral - where Vlad's son, Mihnea, was buried after his assassination just outside the church. After the tour, travel to the outskirts to visit the Village Museum, the largest open-air museum in southeastern Europe. Continue to the historically significant Corvin Castle and learn about its connections to Vlad the Impaler's life. It is one of the most beautiful Gothic castles in Transylvania.. The Corvin family built this castle and were family friends of Vlad's father, and both were part of the same mediaeval order. While Vlad also spent some some time imprisoned in dungeons of Corvin Castle.
Continue to Medias, the town where Vlad was kept prisoner by the Hungarian king Mathias Corvinus. Continue to the Saxon village of Biertan and visit the fortress church that is one of Romania's UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. Arrive in Sighisoara and check in to your hotel for an overnight stay. (B)

In the morning, take a walking city tour of Sighisoara, the best-preserved medieval town in Romania. Visit the famous Clock Tower Museum, The Armour Room, The Torture Room and the house where Vlad the Impaler was born in 1431, as well as the Church on the Hill. The next stop will be Bran to visit Bran Castle – made famous by Bram Stoker's novel as the residence of the vampire count. The castle was built by the merchants from Brasov in the 14th century to protect the border between Valahia and Transylvania. Depart for Brasov where Vlad’s enemies, the rich Saxon merchants, lived. The Saxon settlers founded the fairytale town of Brasov in the 12th century and it still boasts a beautiful medieval atmosphere created by many Middle Age buildings. The highlight of the city tour is a visit to the Black Church, the largest gothic style church in southeastern Europe. Check in to your Brasov hotel for an overnight stay. (B)

After breakfast, continue to Sinaia, a beautiful mountain resort known as “The Pearl of Carpathians”. Visit the Peles Castle - former summer residence of Carol the 1st - a king of Romania. Continue to Snagov Monastery, which is rumoured to be the burial place of Vlad, although according to latest archaeological studies his tomb has not been identified yet. Travel back to Bucharest for the last night. (B)

After breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)