Thrones & Tyrants: Dracula and Ceausescu, Private Full-Day Tour

Bucharest , Romania

Thrones & Tyrants: Dracula and Ceausescu, Private Full-Day Tour

Active

7h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on a private full-day adventure from Bucharest, blending legends, royalty, and recent communism past. Travel in the comfort of a private car, having a professional guide as your driver, while you explore sites tied to both Dracula and Ceausescu.

First, visit Snagov Palace, where the Ceausescus fled during the 1989 Revolution, and their lavish lakeside residence. Nearby, discover the mysterious Snagov Monastery—rumored burial site of Dracula himself.

Then journey to Târgoviște to visit the military base where the Ceausescus were tried and executed in December 1989, and the Princely Court—Dracula’s former stronghold and the first capital of Wallachia.

After a lunch break in an iconic restaurant, continue to the stunning Brâncoveanu Palace in Potlogi, a masterpiece of Neo-Romanian architecture and home to the dramatic story of one of Romania’s wealthiest rulers.
This immersive tour offers a thrilling dive into the power, intrigue, and legacy of Romania’s most iconic figures.

Available options

Thrones & Tyrants: Dracula and Ceausescu, Private Full-Day Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Snagov Monastery

Snagov Palace

WiFi on board

Entrance Fee Brancoveanu Palace

Air-conditioned vehicle

Princely Court Târgoviște

Ceaușescu Execution Site

Chindiei Tower

Detailed itinerary

A visit inside the best example of traditional Romanian architecture, while learning about the wealthiest ruler of Romania, creator of the style and also owner of the location.

Execution of Ceausescu: A place that says the story of the last days of Ceausescu couple. You will learn about the development of the Revolution in 1989 and the last days of the Totalitarian Regime in Romania.

The first capital of Romania, main residence of Vlad the Impaler (aka Dracula), a place of legends. Your guide will take you around the historical site and offer interesting stories

You will go up the Tower, have a great view on Targoviste and historical site, and learn about its' glory

Available to visit only Monday to Thursday. A glance into Ceausescu's life, visiting the Palace where the couple was spending their weekends. Learn more about the development of events during the Revolution of 1989

Stop 6

The place of burial for Vlad the Impaler (aka Dracula). Learn about the myths and truths of this beautiful place.

What's not included

We might have a stop for lunch, in an Iconic restaurant.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Bucharest

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is a vibrant city known for its blend of historic architecture and modern development. With a rich cultural scene, lively nightlife, and significant historical landmarks, it offers a unique experience for travelers.

Top Attractions

Palace of the Parliament

One of the largest administrative buildings in the world, a symbol of communist architecture and power.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours €7-10

Old Town (Lipscani)

The historic center of Bucharest, filled with charming streets, cafes, restaurants, and nightlife.

Historical/Cultural Half-day Free to explore

Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)

An open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian village life with authentic houses and buildings.

Cultural 2-3 hours €3-5

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sarmale

Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat, rice, and spices, usually served with polenta and sour cream

Main Course Contains meat and gluten

Mămăligă

Polenta made from cornmeal, often served with cheese, sour cream, or meat dishes

Side Dish Vegetarian, gluten-free

Ciorbă

A sour soup made with various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, or fish, often served with a boiled egg and sour cream

Soup Can be vegetarian or with meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Carpathian Mountains Skiing in Poiana Brașov Spa treatments Strolling through Herăstrău Park Visiting museums and art galleries Attending classical concerts at the Romanian Athenaeum Boating on Lake Herăstrău Skiing

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year with the most outdoor activities and festivals. However, it can be crowded with tourists.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Romanian
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Romanian Leu (RON)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET), GMT+3 (EEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas

Bucharest is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious at night and avoid poorly lit streets.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with unsolicited offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Henri Coandă International Airport • 16.7 km (10.4 miles) from city center
Aurel Vlaicu International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center

By train

Gara de Nord, Băneasa

By bus

Autogara Nord, Autogara Sud

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and affordable. The metro system is the fastest way to get around Bucharest.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Lipscani) Dorobanți Cotroceni

Day trips

Peleș Castle

120 km (75 miles) • Full day

A stunning neo-Renaissance castle nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, once the summer residence of the Romanian royal family.

Bran Castle

160 km (100 miles) • Full day

A medieval fortress often associated with Dracula, offering a glimpse into Romania's rich history and folklore.

Sinaia

120 km (75 miles) • Full day

A beautiful mountain town known for its stunning landscapes, historic sites, and outdoor activities.

Festivals

Bucharest International Film Festival (BIFF) • April George Enescu Festival • September Bucharest Pride • June

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Romanian phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Explore beyond the tourist hotspots to discover hidden gems and local culture
Use public transport or walk to get a sense of the city's rhythm and avoid traffic
Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience
Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds