Bears Sanctuary and Dracula's Castle, with Pick-up & Small-group
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
We start the day with a convenient pickup directly from your hotel in central Bucharest and drive to Transylvania.
We visit first Libearty Bear Sanctuary, the world's largest sanctuary for brown bears. Youâll join a 75-minute guided tour led by local experts, where youâll hear the moving stories of the bears rescued from captivity and see them living freely in their natural habitat.
After we drive to Bran (Draculaâs) Castle to explore the most famous fortress in Romania. On the way, your guide will share the captivating history of the castle, separating the myths of Vlad the Impaler from the royal reality of Queen Marie.
Unlike rigid group tours, we let you explore Bran Castle at your own pace. No rushingâtake your time to admire the narrow staircases and gothic details.
After the castle visit, enjoy some free time in Bran village to grab lunch, shop for traditional souvenirs, or try a local kĂźrtĹskalĂĄcs.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
If your hotel is not the central area you have to came to a meeting point, that is 'PiaČa 21 Decembrie 1989'.
Access to the Sanctuary is forbidden to children under 5 years old!
Please avoid bringing snacks, food, or open drinks into the car. Really appreciate it!*
To visit the Bear Sanctuary you must buy tickets online for the 11 o'clock slot. We recommend to buy the tickets one week before the tour
We recommend that you have hiking shoes for the Bears Sanctuary
We offer a 30-50% discount for solo travelers who have paid the full price and joined a group.
We start the day with a convenient pickup directly from your hotel in central Bucharest and drive to Transylvania. We visit first Libearty Bear Sanctuary, the world's largest sanctuary for brown bears. Youâll join a 75-minute guided tour led by local experts, where youâll hear the moving stories of the bears rescued from captivity and see them living freely in their natural habitat. After we drive to Bran (Draculaâs) Castle to explore the most famous fortress in Romania. On the way, your guide will share the captivating history of the castle, separating the myths of Vlad the Impaler from the royal reality of Queen Marie. Unlike rigid group tours, we let you explore Bran Castle at your own pace. No rushingâtake your time to admire the narrow staircases and gothic details. After the castle visit, enjoy some free time in Bran village to grab lunch, shop for traditional souvenirs, or try a local kĂźrtĹskalĂĄcs.
What To Expect
Libearty Bear Sanctuary Zarnesti
Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zarnesti, Romania, is a refuge for rescued bears that have been previously kept in captivity. The sanctuary provides a natural environment for these bears to live in, allowing them to roam, forage, and interact with others. It's one of the largest bear sanctuaries in Europe and aims to raise awareness about the need for bear conservation and responsible tourism. Here you can see happy bears in their natural environment, after a bad life in circuses and zoo cages. The tours are guided by trained animal welfare experts and the visitors can see brown bears really close.
Bran Castle
Bran Draculaâs Castle is a national monument and landmark in Romania. It is a popular tourist attraction, boasting an impressive and varied history dating back to the 14th century. The castle is known for its unique, imposing architecture, as well as its associations with Vlad III, the 15th-century Romanian ruler better known as Vlad the Impaler, or Dracula.
Options
Private tour
Only your group will participa: For the Bear Sanctuary you must buy tickets online for the 11 o'clock slot. We recommend to buy the tickets one week in advan Pickup included
Small-group tour, max 7 passe
Hotel Pick-up from City Center: For the Bear Sanctuary you must buy tickets online for the 11 o'clock slot. We recommend to buy the tickets one week in advan Pickup included
Whatâs Included
Hotel Pick-up from city center locations
Small-group max 7 passangers
Profesional guide ĂŽn English
Air-conditioned vehicle
Bears Sanctuary 100 Lei -
Draculaâs Castle 100 lei -
Lunch
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
36 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent tour, brilliant guide
FrequentFlier765123,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant trip, amazing, friendly and knowledgeable guide Claudiu. Bears đť beautiful, sad stories but a happy new life at the sanctuary. Bran Castle was fab, really enjoyed the whole day. Would definitely recommend. We would give Claudiu 5 stars đ
Wonderful Day!!
William H,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was excellent, our guide Bogdan was very informative and polite!! I would highly recommend this tour to everyone. The Bear Santuary was so insightful and inspiring. The Casle was truly breathtaking!!
Exceptional
Sonia P,May 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Hi we booked this to a group party of 7 . We were the only ones on the tour but it wasn't cancelled . They sent us our own tour guide who was very welcoming . Brilliantly English spoken was very knowledgeable and kept us well informed . The bear sanctuary is worth a visit lovely to see the bears are well looked after been mistreated in previous habitats sad to hear their stories but their in a safe haven now . Bran castle is a must very interesting and the views are stunningly beautiful and breathtaking taking . Been blown away by Romania's beauty . Loved our day out and special thanks Valeriu . Outstanding
Bears, wolves & vampires
Steven C,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.0012 hour day tour very educational & fun. Travelers will learn about the sanctuary's origins & great story.
Bear sanctuary and Bean castle day trip with our wonderful guide Ionut
Hayley M,May 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic day trip with a great guide. We were picked up from our hotel and given lots of interesting information about the sanctuary and castle we were visiting and an excellent history of the castle and stories about the area and Vlad the impaler. We had a comfortable journey both there and back and Ionut our guide showed us lots of other interesting things along the way. The bear sanctuary was a fantastic place to see the rescued bears in a happy place after being rescued, some if the stories of how they came to be there were heart breaking. We are very glad we came to see the sanctuary and got to see so many bears. We enjoyed the castle and walking around the town. You need to be able to walk uphill for both but not too strenuous and well worth it. Lovely day with a great guide. Definitely recommend
5* Laura is amazing and made the day
Nomad24239463310,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Laura was our guide, what a fantastic woman, knowledgable, patient went out of her way at any oppurtunity and was happy to take breaks whenever needed. We was early to the bears die to low traffic so she took us to Wednesdays castle for a look round, great service, very chatty and funny felt at ease all day and never rushed
A tour that is very worthwhile and with an excellent service
Gabriela P,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a tour that is very worthwhile for comfort and easy access to both the sanctuary and the castle, places that are very worth visiting. The best thing was our guide Laura, who was very friendly and with extensive knowledge of the places we visited. She is a great person who gave us tips, advice, showed us the most interesting and even took spectacular photos.
Very exciting journey to...
Felix E,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very exciting trip to drakula's castle and the bear reserve. With a great guide George.
Great tour
Carleton W,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great tour with transportation and Sebastian's knowledgeable insights into the local area and history of Romania. The bear sanctuary was the highlight for me. Bring walking boots and umbrella in case of rain, and ensure you book the bear sanctuary tickets in advance.
Tremendous tour to the bear sanctuary and Bran Castle
janetbU3488OZ,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Claudiu our guide was superb. He was extremely knowledgeable about the bears and the history of Bran Castle. He communicated with us on WhatsApp both before and whilst we were touring the events. An excellent trip from start to finish. I would highly recommend this delightful tour guide.
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