Small-Group Real Dracula Tour from Bucharest
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
The legend of Count Dracula is known worldwide, but much of it is rooted in myth rather than history. Many associate Vlad Tepes with Dracula and Bran Castle with his home—yet neither is historically accurate.
The Real Dracula Tour uncovers the true story behind the legend by visiting Poenari Fortress, the real mountain stronghold built and used by Vlad the Impaler. The tour also includes Targoviste, the former capital of Wallachia during Vlad’s reign, Curtea de Arges, home to a beautiful monastery, and a scenic stop at Vidraru Dam, set beside the famous Transfăgărășan Road.
This small-group, full-day tour from Bucharest is led by a friendly local guide and combines authentic history, dramatic landscapes, and lesser-known sites—ideal for travelers seeking the real story behind Dracula.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A moderate amount of walking is required during this tour. Access to Poenari Fortress involves climbing 1,480 steps; guests who choose not to climb may wait at the base of the hill.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Princely Court
The first stop is Targoviste, the former capital of Wallachia, the principality once ruled by Vlad Tepes, better known as Vlad the Impaler. This historic city played a key role in medieval Romanian history and was one of Vlad’s main royal residences. Here, you will explore the former Princely Court and climb the iconic Chindia Tower, today the unmistakable symbol of Târgoviște and a powerful reminder of its turbulent past.
Curtea de Arges Monastery
At the next stop, you will visit Curtea de Arges Monastery, one of the most beautiful and important religious monuments in southern Romania. Renowned for its elegant proportions and refined details, the monastery is an outstanding example of Byzantine-inspired architecture and is closely connected to Romanian royal history. Beyond its architectural beauty, the site is also famous for its legends, which add a touch of mystery to this remarkable place.
What‘s Included
Driver/guide
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Lunch
Gratuities
Entrance fees
Options
The Real Dracula Tour - Shared
Go in search of the real Dracula story and discover the places where he lived and reigned. Admire the sights related to his history or the amazing landscape.
Reviews
12 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful Romania
Roving05290851993,Sep 4, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I recently had the pleasure of touring Romania with Serban Riga Fereu, and I wanted to share my appreciation. The trip was fantastic, and Serban's knowledge of the country was impressive. He shared many interesting facts that made the experience very enriching. His sense of humor also added a lot of fun to the tour. Overall, it was an excellent experience, and I highly recommend Serban as a guide. Thank you for making our trip so memorable! Anna 17.08.2024
2 castles in one day
542trishb,Feb 18, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a trip out with Boogie through Travelmaker. It was a small group of three. We had an amazing time. It was both informative and Boogie made it great fun. Would thoroughly recommend this tour.
Excellent full day tour. Thank you Serban Riga
Inspiration705163,Jan 25, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip. Very good value. Serban Riga was a great host - full of knowledge and very friendly. Would thoroughly recommend
Great experience
Jacobo P,Sep 26, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Visited Peles and Bran castles, Braşov, Sighisoara, Viscri, Salina Turda and Alba Iulia with guide Serban Riga. He is excellent! Always in good mood, knows everything and everyone, not shy to ask anyone around and get all you need. Big van for two of us in 4 star hotels. Very formal and punctual. Thank you Serban and Dan!
Excellent experience!!!
Moshanda,Jun 23, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My friends and I decided to go on a private tour to Bran Castle and Braşov with this agency. We had a really great time ,took some amazing pictures and enjoyed some of the breathtaking countryside of Romania. All were awesome thanks to the professional work and entertaining guidance of two excellent gentlemen,our tour guide Serban and our driver Alex that ensured we could enjoy our trip all day long. Thank u guys, it was really one of the most memorable things we have done in Romania.
Best day in Romania
Jony1972,May 11, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We came for just few days to visit Bucharest and after some hesitation (because of long grive) decided to spend last day in Transylvania. It was an excellent experience to visit countryside and 2 castles and mainly because our cool guide Boogie. He definitely loves what he's doing and making journey pleasant and knowledgeable.
A wonderful day thanks to Valentin Paun!!
Nikila82,Feb 27, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We left early in the morning from Bucharest, meeting point of the Atheneum, it was just me and my partner and we were warmly welcomed by the guide Valentin who accompanied us throughout the journey explaining to us with perfect English the story of Vlad III of Wallachia. First stop Targoviste, the landscape was lovely and all immersed in the snow! beautiful frescoed church the view from the Tower takes your breath away! second stop is Cortea de Arges, the oldest Orthodox church in Romania, magnificent on top of a hill, which still preserves intact the styles of Byzantine construction .. beautiful legend that tells the story of Manole the builder of the church .. Last and long-awaited stop, Poenari citadel... to be left speechless, when you climb the 1480 steps in the middle of the snow-covered forest, in silence... it's as if you catapult yourself into another era, reflect on what life could have been in 1400... when you get to the top the view is spectacular, the Arges river at the foot of the valley... the wind that whispers to you and .. you almost seem to see it standing looking at the horizon in search of the enemy .. Our guide was like Virgil with Dante! kind prepared, took us to eat in a typical restaurant in the area advising us which dishes to choose Valentin and Travelmaker will be my ciceroni whenever I travel to Romania! Thanks again for the wonderful day, the seriousness and commitment you put into your work! it will be a priceless memory that we will always carry with us! Lara and Francesco
Brilliant trip
Suzanne C,Oct 12, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Boogie the tour guide make this very long day absolutely fantastic! The day was fast, entertaining, educational and cultural. Boogie was a wealth of knowledge and brought the tour to life by filling in the gaps. Pelles castle was just breathtaking- I wish we had done to overnight option as it was such a beautiful place with much to see. I thoroughly recommend it, but do the longer overnight option!!
Take this tour!
Phil H,Sep 17, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My sole reason for coming to Romania was to see Dracula’s Castle and this tour was perfect! Boogie was our tour guide and he was extremely knowledgeable, funny, and informative. He had all the answers and ran the tour very well giving times, meeting places, and what to expect. LOVED THIS! I saw that some people complained about getting back late (later than 21:00), but traffic is something beyond their control. ALSO, if you take this tour and a guide says to meet at a certain time, BE THERE ON TIME! Don’t hold up the group!
Tour recommanded
Mikko S,Jun 20, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I did the tour today as really private tour because I was alone with the really cool guide "Boogy". All the places where we went were really places to see in Romania. Do it by your own if you have a car or with this tour if you want a guide who will answer all your questions. To go to the castle you will have to sweat a bit but the view over there is really nice. But don't expect to see a castle like the one in Bran. This one is in ruins. One the way back from the castle, I was specially lucky to see a brown bear few meters from the way. Then just enjoy the tour... Thanks a lot to my guide Boogy for this amazing tour.
From €79.00
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Operated by TravelMaker Bucharest Day Tours