Private Tour to Salt Mine, Lunch at Winery and Dracula Grave
Description
We begin our journey by descending 200 meters into the heart of the earth at the largest Salt Mine in Europe. This is an underground cathedral of salt covering 8 hectares — the equivalent of 16 football pitches, with chambers reach heights of over 50 meters. The landscape feels like another planet. After resurfacing, we head to the rolling hills of wine region for a gourmet lunch at a restaurant that formerly served as Nicolae Ceaușescu’s private hunting lodge. This location offers a glimpse into the exclusive lifestyle of Romania’s former communist leader. Our final chapter takes us to the serene waters of Snagov Lake. A short bridge crossing brings us to a hidden island monastery with a dark reputation. Within the walls of this 15th-century church lies the Tomb of Vlad the Impaler, the ruthless voivode who inspired the legend of Dracula. Explore the frescoes and hear the tales of the real Vlad Tepes—a national hero to some, and a bloodthirsty tyrant to others.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Slanic Prahova Saline is the largest salt mine in Romania. Now the old mine is currently open to the general public, being used as a leisure place. Slănic Prahova Saline is located at a depth of 208m, on an area of 53,000sqm and was opened for visit after 1970. The saline consists of 14 rooms, in the form of a trapeze, having an opening at the base of 32 meters, the tray, 10 meters and a height of 45 meters. The excavated space is 2.9 million cubic meters of salt. Underground is also a sanatorium for asthmatic patients who are provided specialized medical care. The ventilation of the mine is natural, with a constant temperature throughout the year of 12 degrees Celsius. Inside we will find SUPERNOVA Planetarium is the largest and most PERFORMANT planetarium in Romania with the largest 16m diameter spherical screen, max. 200 seats, 4K laser projectors, super-ergonomic armchairs. We look forward to the most fascinating immersive experience in Romania.
Casa Seciu Restaurant & Wine Seller Where tradition meets elegance in every glass and plate. Renowned for its scenic hillside vineyard views. Established with a passion for fine dining and exceptional wine. Blending traditional Romanian hospitality with modern sophistication. The Restaurant: Gourmet cuisine inspired by local and European flavors. Seasonal menus created by expert chefs. Elegant dining rooms and scenic terraces. Ideal for romantic dinners, family gatherings, and business events. Wine Cellar: Proud producers of premium Romanian wines. Exclusive selection from the Seciu Vineyard.
Located on a small island outside Bucharest, Snagov Church is one of the most important religious monuments in Southern Romania. The small church, originally part of a monastery, dates since the medieval centuries when local princes endowed, strengthened, and enlarged it in their effort of supporting the Orthodox Church. Local tradition claims that Vlad the Impaler - Dracula - was buried in front of the altar of the monastery church, beneath a stone slab.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The entrance to the depths of the mine will be done with a mini-bus, it will take about 10 minutes and there will be 20 people in the minibus
- If you are interested in a professional wine tasting you must inform us 24 hours before the tour to bring a sommelier. The tasting price is additional and starts from 140€, depending on the age of the wine and the number of people.
- In the mine there are 12 degrees Celsius, all year round, dressed thick!
- We begin our journey by descending 200 meters into the heart of the earth at the largest Salt Mine in Europe. This is an underground cathedral of salt covering 8 hectares — the equivalent of 16 football pitches, with chambers reach heights of over 50 meters. The landscape feels like another planet. After resurfacing, we head to the rolling hills of wine region for a gourmet lunch at a restaurant that formerly served as Nicolae Ceaușescu’s private hunting lodge. This location offers a glimpse into the exclusive lifestyle of Romania’s former communist leader. Our final chapter takes us to the serene waters of Snagov Lake. A short bridge crossing brings us to a hidden island monastery with a dark reputation. Within the walls of this 15th-century church lies the Tomb of Vlad the Impaler, the ruthless voivode who inspired the legend of Dracula. Explore the frescoes and hear the tales of the real Vlad Tepes—a national hero to some, and a bloodthirsty tyrant to others.
Reviews(60)
Our tour guide was Mircea (Frank) and we had the best time on this tour! This was the first time I had ever done a private tour and I really loved the accommodation and freedom we had on this tour to explore at our own pace. Mircea was extremely knowledgeable about all the sites and we were able to learn/experience a lot about Romanian culture and history. The salt mines were absolutely incredible! I had no idea what to expect, but I surprised by the scale; I would love to visit again! The winery for lunch was gorgeous and the food was delicious, Mircea recommended some traditional Romanian food to try and we definitely found some new favorites! Lastly, Dracula’s grave at Snagov Monastery was quaint, but full of history and we really enjoyed learning about the area both in a modern and historical context. I would 100% recommend this tour!
My friend and I experienced the tour with Valerica as our guide. He was very easy to talk to and shared a lot of knowledge about Romania outside the tour. The salt mine was the highlight of the tour, a great experience. Would recommend the tour!
We had a wonderful time. Bogdan, our guide was very knowledgeable, informative and accommodative. The highlight of the trip were the salt mines. It is a sight to see & the air is so healthy to breathe. I recommend the trip and Bogdan.
Interesting tour and guide was friendly and informative. Lunch was a nice setting and good food. The salt mine was extraordinary
It was a great day with fun activities: very impressive mine, great food and wine. Super friendly and helpful guide. What a great day it was!
The salt mines were an amazing experience probably the highlight of our trip. The guide was very knowledgeable and we enjoyed our time with him.
Technically this a review from our tour in June 2023. I’m using TripAdvisor for the first time in forever and realized I had never left a review! The tour was so amazing my memories of it are crystal clear. It was such a highlight! This was such an amazing tour and such a wonderful way to experience the history, culture, and food in the Bucharest area! The guide picked us up at the hotel and was excellent company for the whole trip. The winery was especially excellent, with truly extraordinary food. The foie gras we had here was better than the 3 Michelin star restaurants we have been to. Absolutely recommend!
Excellent day, Frank ws great as a driver and guide! Was great to see Dracula's grave(?????) But the salt mine is just something else! You really have to see this to believe it!
Amazing trip. Salt mine something to be seen to be believed. Make sure to include the winery to taste some amazing underrated wines. Valerica was an awesome guide. Wonderful knowledge and great tips for Bucharest and surrounds. I was travelling with my nearly 80 year old parents and they loved it and managed with no issues so great for people of any age. Highly recommended.
Bogdan was our tour guide. He was on time. Car was perfect! He had lots of history to share and made the experience very personal and our trip amazing. We look forward to another trip with Bogdan again. Highly recommend.
