Let me start off by saying that this driver knows their history. From the moment we were picked up from our hotel, Scala boutique hotel in Bucharest we set off on a terrific learning adventure. Our first stop was Târgoviște, it was supposed to be closed but due to a nearby school having their field trips, they were surprisingly opened and we got to go in there with just us to to explore the grounds without any disruption. The site itself is beautiful and it is surreal to be walking around ruins of time past. After that, we jumped in the car again and headed to the next and most desired location and the reason I booked this tour. Poenari Fortress (Cetatea Poenari) is the authentic 15th-century stronghold of Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Țepeș) Fortress (Cetatea Poenari) is the authentic 15th-century stronghold of Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Țepeș) Our tour guide was great at giving us some vast history as we went along our way so we would be very knowledgeable when we actually got to the fortress. WARNING The descent is 1500 steps approximately straight up the mountain definitely pace yourself and there are benches along the way so you can rest and your breath. Also, you don’t pay till you get up to the top. They do take Tap so that is easy enough but it’s best to know that before you go that way and don’t have payment. We got to walk around those ruins as well with a spectacular view below of the Arges River below. And going back down the steps was much faster like half the time also be aware all surrounding the staircase there are bear warnings! WORTH IT Once we got down the mountain, we got back into the car and a very quick drive to the restaurant across the street. We got to eat with our tour guide and relax before heading to the final destination Curtea de Argeș Monastery Was the last location. Unfortunately, the monster itself was under renovation, but we did get to walk around and hear all the lore, it was a quick walk over to the newer monastery, which was also full of history and had some of the royalty bar there it was a pleasant visit. If you really want to learn about where you’re visiting and the history of Romanian itself, I definitely recommend this tour.
Searching for Dracula: Private Day Trip from Bucharest
+3 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Price from
- $135 / person
- Location
- Bucharest, Romania
- Rating
- 4.7 / 5 · 23 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Yolo Tours Romania
Description
Explore the Real Castle of Dracula! See the world through Vlad Dracula's eyes. During this tour you will see the most important sights that played a role in Vlad The Impaler's life and you will learn the true facts about his tumultuous rule. Discover the reality and the myth of Dracula's legend.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 7:30 AM
- Season
- Starts Nov 2
- Next available
- Mon, Nov 2
- Adult
- $135
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $252.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Princely Court
Targoviste Princely Court - The real court of Vlad the Impaler About 80 Km Northwest of Bucharest in the Southwestern Transylvanian Alps is the town of Targoviste. The capital of feudal Walachia from 14th to the 17th century. It was here where Vlad Dracula had his main residence. Tour highlights: Princely Court, Princely Church, Chindia Tower, Museum of the printing press and of the old Romanian books.
Poienari Castle
Poienari Fortress - The Real Castle of Dracula: is placed on the highest cliff around Arges gorges at 850m. It is surrounded by a spectacular landscape and to get there we will climb the 1480 steps.
Curtea de Arges Monastery
Curtea de Arges is a city in Romania on the right bank of the Arges River, where it flows through a valley of the lower Carpathians. The name, literally The Court upon Arges refers to the former status of the town as the capital of Wallachia. Visit Curtea de Arges Orthodox Monastery which features a church unique in design and architecture.
What's included
Included
Hotel pick-up & drop-off
Transportation by air-conditioned car / minibus
Private English-speaking guide
Not included
Entrance and Photo / video fees
Lunch
Gratuities
Pickup Locations & Times
We offer pick-up from any hotel & apartment rental in Bucharest. The guide will meet you in your hotel lobby or in front of your accommodation building.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.7
23 reviews
How it compares in Bucharest
- Starting price $135 is 34% below the typical $206 for tours of similar length in Bucharest
Excurgo comparison of 1,309 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Searching for Dracula: Private Day Trip from Bucharest take?
Searching for Dracula: Private Day Trip from Bucharest lasts about 10 hours. The itinerary has 3 stops.
How much does Searching for Dracula: Private Day Trip from Bucharest cost?
Prices start at $135 per person for this Bucharest experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $252. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Searching for Dracula: Private Day Trip from Bucharest run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 7:30 AM.
Can I cancel Searching for Dracula: Private Day Trip from Bucharest for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. We offer pick-up from any hotel & apartment rental in Bucharest. The guide will meet you in your hotel lobby or in front of your accommodation building. Pickup points include JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town.
What languages is Searching for Dracula: Private Day Trip from Bucharest offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 7 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Specialized infant seats are available
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Searching for Dracula: Private Day Trip from Bucharest worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 23 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Yolo Tours Romania.
Reviews(23)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
A
Vlad , ruins and bears
S
Great experience....
Great experience. A lot of steps to climb, but well worth the lovely views at the top of Poenari Castle. Our guide Gabriel was great & very knowledgeable.
C
A Wonderful Day
My tour guide was Gabriel. He created a superb experience. He was very pleasant, provided a lot of information and made me feel welcome, as well as providing time for me to explore the sites at my own pace. The Poenari Citadel was incredible, and although my legs and hamstrings are cranky because of the 1480 step climb…this tour will be a highlight of my Romanian adventure.
S
Great trip to see Vlads castle!
Claudiu was my driver for the day. Great guy. Took me to see Vlads Citadel, which was in my bucket list of locations I always wanted to see. We also visited his court and a medieval monastary. It was amazing. He taught me things about Romania and its culture and we ate lunch at a delicious local restaurant. Im very glad I booked the excursion.
A
Great tour
The tour guide was excellent and well versed on all the areas we visited and was great. Would definitely recommend this tour and tour guide.
B
Find out the details before you depart
The whole point of my experience was to going to poenari castle and I would say I was disappointed when I finally arrived after a four hour drive only to find out that the castle was closed and under restoration. I made the climb all the way to the top anyway because I paid a pretty penny for it .
M
out of the 3 places...
out of the 3 places planned for the visit, 2 were closed. Luckily the guide found other places for us to visit. It's really a shame not to have been warned before to be able to cancel or change the program,
A
5 Star Tour
Great tour & guide! Each stop had breathtaking views & allowed plenty of time to view. Highly recommend!
R
Awesome tour!!!
Christian is absolutely the best and very knowledgeable. Based on how much fun I had on this tour, I will definitely book more tours with him in the future. I highly recommend him as a tour guide
T
A must do
We did a last minute private tour from Bucharest to Peles and Bran, Christian was a great host and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
Compare similar tours in Bucharest
- Lowest price: Dracula's Castle, Peles Castle and Brasov Day Trip from Bucharest — $27
- Best rated: Dracula's Castle, Peles Castle and Brasov - Private Day Trip from Bucharest — 5.0 (265 reviews)
- Shortest: Searching for Dracula: Private Day Trip from Bucharest — 10 hours
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Searching for Dracula: Private Day Trip from Bucharest | 10 hours | 4.7 (23) | $135 | |
 Bucharest to Dracula Castle, Peles Castle and Brasov Guided Tour | 12 hours | 4.5 (3,316) | $33 | View |
 Dracula's Castle, Peles Castle and Brasov Day Trip from Bucharest | 12 hours | 4.5 (1,981) | $27 | View |
 Transylvania and Dracula Castle Full Day Tour from Bucharest | 14 hours | 4.5 (1,680) | $67 | View |
 Small-Group Day Trip to Dracula's Castle, Brasov and Peles Castle | 12–14 hours | 4.5 (1,022) | $63 | View |
 Dracula's Castle, Peles Castle and Brasov - Private Day Trip from Bucharest | 12–13 hours | 5.0 (265) | $170 | View |
 From Bucharest: Bear Sanctuary, Dracula's Castle & Brasov | 12–13 hours | 4.9 (109) | $139 | View |
from$135
4.7(23) Free cancellation