ROMANIA: Count Drag-ula’s Grand Tour
Step into Transylvania’s mist and magic. From Bucharest to Bran Castle, uncover the legend of Count Dracula with Afrigay’s signature flair — castles, cobblestones, culture, and connection in one unforgettable adventure.
Embark on Count Dragula's Grand Tour, a tantalizing 7-night escapade through Romania's most enchanting locales—Bucharest, Sibiu, Sighisoara, and Brasov. This journey seamlessly blends the allure of Dracula's legend with the vibrant spirit of the LGBTQ+ community, offering an experience that's both thrilling and fabulously unforgettable.
Begin in Bucharest, where the city's eclectic architecture and lively nightlife set the stage for adventure. As you traverse the medieval streets of Sibiu and Sighisoara, let the whispers of ancient tales and the charm of cobblestone pathways captivate your senses. In Brasov, embrace the fusion of gothic allure and modern flair, culminating in evenings filled with laughter, dance, and camaraderie. Throughout the tour, indulge in curated events that celebrate diversity and pride, ensuring every moment is as empowering as it is exhilarating.
Day 1 — Welcome to Romania
Touch down in Bucharest, the beating heart of Romania. Your guide whisks you off on a panoramic city tour past grand boulevards, the Arch of Triumph, and the stately Palace of Parliament. Later, lose yourself in the charm of the Old Town — where cobblestones echo with centuries of stories and whispers of Vlad Dracula himself.
Tonight: a spectacular welcome dinner in a historic restaurant with local wine and traditional folklore.
Day 2 — Bucharest to Sibiu: Into Transylvania
After breakfast, explore the monumental Palace of the Parliament, second only to the Pentagon in size and grandeur. Then it’s time to cross into legend — heading north through rolling hills and forests into the mystical land of Transylvania.
If weather allows, travel the world-famous Transfăgărășan Highway — a serpentine road of jaw-dropping alpine beauty. Check in at your Sibiu hotel for three nights and toast to your first night in Dracula’s homeland.
Day 3 — The Magic of Sibiu
Wander through Sibiu’s Old Town, one of Europe’s most enchanting medieval centres. Think pastel facades, hidden courtyards, and bridges that seem to whisper secrets (yes, the Liar’s Bridge is real!).
The afternoon is yours to explore cafés and craft stores — or simply sit back and soak up the charm.
Evening brings a special treat: a traditional dinner in the mountain village of Sibiel, where locals serve hearty home-cooked food, wine, and potent țuică (plum brandy) with pride.
Day 4 — Castles and Cathedrals
Today is a journey through centuries of grandeur. Begin at Hunyadi Castle — Romania’s ultimate Gothic masterpiece and the former stronghold of Iancu de Hunedoara. Its drawbridges, towers, and myths of imprisoned princes will transport you straight into medieval legend.
Then travel to Alba Iulia, a city rich in national heritage, where Romania’s Great Union was signed. Explore its majestic Vauban fortress and twin cathedrals before returning to Sibiu for a relaxed evening.
Day 5 — Sighişoara: Birthplace of a Legend
Depart for the fortified church of Biertan, a fairy-tale structure that hides a curious “love prison” once used to reconcile couples seeking divorce.
Later, continue to Sighişoara, a UNESCO-listed jewel and the birthplace of Count Dracula himself. Wander through its medieval lanes, climb the Clock Tower, and see Dracula’s birth house — now a restaurant serving Transylvanian delights. Overnight in Sighişoara.
The Real Dracula Castle
From Sighişoara, travel to Bran Castle, the most iconic landmark in Eastern Europe — perched high above misty forests and steeped in legend. Wander its ramparts and secret staircases, and let your imagination run wild.
Then on to Braşov, a stunningly preserved medieval city framed by the Carpathian Mountains. Explore the Council Square, the Black Church, and the cobblestone streets that buzz with history and charm.
Day 7 — Royal Romance & Final Farewell
Journey to Sinaia, the pearl of the Carpathians, to visit Peleş Castle — one of Europe’s most exquisite royal residences, built for King Carol I in the late 19th century. Every room glitters with opulent art and craftsmanship.
Continue to Snagov Monastery, set on a serene island where Dracula’s final resting place is said to lie.
Back in Bucharest, celebrate your final evening with a festive farewell dinner — a toast to Romania, to legends, and to new friendships forged in Transylvania.
Day 8 — Farewell, Romania
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and one last stroll through Bucharest’s Old Town before transferring to the airport. You’ll leave with memories of castles, cobblestones, and the kind of adventure that lingers long after you’ve unpacked.
Romania
- Capital: Bucharest. Major gateways: OTP (Bucharest Henri Coandă); regional: CLJ (Cluj-Napoca), TSR (Timișoara), SBZ (Sibiu), IAS (Iași).
- Language: Romanian; English widely spoken in tourism/cities.
- Currency: Romanian Leu (RON). Cards widely accepted; ATMs common.
- VAT/Sales tax: Standard 19%. Non-EU residents can use Tax-Free Shopping at participating stores—request forms, keep receipts, and get a customs stamp on exit from the EU.
- Power: 230V / 50Hz, plugs Type F (Euro two-pin also fits some sockets). Bring a universal adaptor.
- Water: Tap water is generally safe in cities, though taste varies—many travellers prefer bottled.
- Driving: Right-hand driving. Good highways between major centres; winter conditions in mountains. Some renters may request an International Driving Permit—check before travel.
- Time: UTC+2 (EET); summer DST UTC+3 (EEST).
- Health: No mandatory vaccines for most travellers. Consider routine updates; carry any personal meds.
- Local culture: Majority Orthodox Christian; modest dress in churches/monasteries; ask before photos. Bargaining is light-touch in markets (not in shops).
- Food & drink: Hearty and regional—sarmale (cabbage rolls), mici (grilled minced rolls), ciorbă (soups), mămăligă (polenta), papanași (dessert), plus excellent Transylvanian wines and craft beer. Good vegetarian options on request. Legal drinking age 18.
International flights
- Not included unless specifically stated.
- We’ll confirm your exact arrival/departure airport(s) (usually OTP). If your itinerary ends in another city, book open-jaw or add a domestic hop.
- Please wait for our written tour confirmation before booking personal international flights.
- Typical booking windows: best economy pricing ~3–5 months out; business class ~5–8 months.
- Check baggage rules carefully—some regional fares are hand-luggage only unless you add a bag.
- Want us to handle it? We can book and ticket your international flights (service fee applies), align schedules to the land itinerary, share fare options, and assist with airline timing changes.
Domestic / regional flights (within your itinerary)
- Where used, they’re usually included (unless otherwise stated) and ticketed in economy.
- Allowances follow the operating carrier; details appear on your final docs.
- Fares remain subject to change until ticketed due to airport/government taxes and exchange-rate movements; any increases/refunds will be communicated promptly.
Good to know: Names must exactly match passports; allow 3 hours for international and 90 minutes for domestic check-in.
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory—medical cover, trip cancellation/curtailment, lost property and any paid-for activities. If your itinerary includes mountain walks or winter travel, ensure your policy covers those conditions and medical evacuation.
Afrigay trips are hosted by Mike or a trusted Tour Leader, with licensed local specialist guides in each region (Bucharest, Transylvania, monasteries, castles). Your leader manages logistics, check-ins, safety briefings, day pacing and the thoughtful touches that make a trip feel special.
Solo travellers are very welcome. You can:
- Room solo (single supplement applies), or
- Opt to share—we’ll try to pair you with a traveller of similar profile to avoid the supplement. If we can’t match you, we’ll offer the best single rate available.
Inclusions vary by itinerary and are shown on the What’s included tab. We aim to include a Welcome Dinner and a Farewell Dinner so the group connects at the start and celebrates at the end. Not all meals are included—we leave space to explore the local scene. We happily cater for vegan/vegetarian, gluten-free and other needs—please advise in advance.
Only the activities listed as Included on your trip page are part of your package. Anything else is optional and not included.
If you’d like extras, we can arrange them at additional cost—before travel or on tour—subject to availability, season, weather and any minimum numbers. Optional add-ons are usually paid direct to suppliers; if we pre-book, they’ll appear on your invoice. Your insurance must cover any optional activity you choose.
Tipping is customary but at your discretion. EUR figures below use a simple guide RON 5 ≈ €1 (check live rates).
- Restaurants/Bars: 5–10% if service isn’t included.
- Taxis/e-hailing: round up.
- Hotel porters: RON 10–20 per bag (~€2–4).
- Housekeeping: RON 10–20 per room per night (~€2–4).
- Local guide/driver (day touring): RON 50–100 p.p. per day (~€10–20, group-size dependent).
- Tour Leader (multi-day Afrigay host): €5–10 p.p. per day—aligned with common global norms.
Your Tour Leader will brief you on any hotel/restaurant service charges that may already be added.
- Passport & copies, visas (if required), insurance details.
- Bank cards and a little cash (RON for markets/tips).
- Euro plug adaptor (Type F), power bank, unlocked phone for eSIM/SIM.
- Layers: summers can be hot; spring/autumn are changeable; winters are cold—pack a warm coat/boots if travelling then.
- Comfortable walking shoes, scarf/cover-up for churches/monasteries, sun protection.
- Personal meds and a small first-aid kit.
We’ll send a tour-specific packing cue sheet with your final documents.
We may make reasonable changes to the itinerary, accommodation, transport or sequencing when required by weather, safety, governmental advice, availability or operational factors. Equivalent or higher-quality services will be substituted where possible. Afrigay Travel and partners operate within Romanian law and industry standards (and applicable international standards); participation implies acceptance of our full Terms & Conditions issued at booking.
Same-sex relations are legal in Romania; there is no recognition of same-sex marriage/civil unions. Anti-discrimination laws include sexual orientation in employment/services, but social attitudes vary—major cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara feel more relaxed (annual Pride events), while smaller towns are more conservative. We travel with discretion, avoid public displays of affection where they may attract attention, and work only with vetted, welcoming suppliers. Your Tour Leader will brief the group on safe, respectful conduct so the trip stays joyful.
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