A Taste of Transylvania: Bran & Peles Castles, Brasov Old Town

Bucharest , Romania

A Taste of Transylvania: Bran & Peles Castles, Brasov Old Town

Active

(13 reviews)

11h - 12h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

One private day trip. Three different ages. A king’s palace, a vampire’s castle and a Teutonic town. Step into the shoes of kings & queens at Peles Royal Palace, unveil the myth of Dracula at Bran Castle and get enchanted by medieval Brasov. Leave busy Bucharest behind and cross the Carpathians into Transylvania for a tour that you won’t easily forget! To top it off, this is a fully private tour so you won't share a van/bus and you'll have the tour guide just for you. Thus, the visits at the castles and the whole day will be a more personal and enjoyable experience.

Available options

A Taste of Transylvania: Bran & Peles Castles, Brasov Old Town

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Hotel pick-up & drop-off

Private licensed tour guide & driver

Air-conditioned vehicle

Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

Your private guide will pick you up from your hotel in Bucharest and take you on a tour that you won't easily forget. In a single day trip you'll go through three different ages: a king’s palace (Peles), a vampire’s castle (Bran) and a Teutonic town (Brasov). It's time travelling time!

Stop 2

First stop? Go royal! Step into the shoes of kings & queens and explore Peles Palace, the former private retreat of Romania’s royal family. The beautiful mountain scenery and elegant gardens built on terraces add even more charm to this majestic 19th century palace. Inside, everything spells luxury: golden chandeliers, walnut tree carvings, marble fountains, secret chambers and a royal armory. Your private guide will offer a fully guided tour at the site.

Driving time from Bucharest to Peles: 2h

Stop 3

At the second stop, you’ll go even further back in time, during the late middle ages. Myths and legends swirl around the massive Bran Castle, a stone giant guarding the mountain pass into Transylvania since the 14th century. Count Dracula vs Prince Vlad the Impaler. Fiction vs facts. Your private guide will help you explore the castle, offering a fully guided tour inside. After the visit at the castle, you'll have a short stop nearby for lunch.

Driving time from Peles to Bran Castle: 1h

The tour’s grand finale? An epic medieval fantasy, started by the Teutonic Knights, one of the major crusader orders. We’ll visit the city of Brasov, founded by the knights in 1211 on top of an old Dacian site. Dramatically overlooked by Mount Tampa, the city’s medieval core is a myriad of narrow cobblestone streets, craft guilds, fortified towers, gatehouses or medieval decorated inns. Your guide will take you on a short walking tour around Council Square, the Black Church, Rope Street, Ecaterina Gate etc.

Driving time from Bran Castle to Brasov: 30 min

Stop 5

Our last stop before ending the walking tour of Brasov Old Town is at the famous Black Church, located right next to Council Square. After visiting the church exterior and learning about its tumultuous past, it's time to head back to Bucharest.

Driving time from Brasov to Bucharest: 3 hours, give or take, depending on traffic. (stop for refreshments/restroom included)

What's not included

Lunch or snacks are not included

Peles Castle Ticket

Bran Castle Ticket

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

NEW: Peles Castle will be closed from November 3rd until December 2nd for general cleaning and preventive conservation

IMPORTANT: Castle entrance fees are not included – 100 RON (approx. €20) for Peleș Castle and 90 RON (approx. €17) for Bran Castle. Tickets can be purchased either on-site or online. We strongly recommend buying them online to ensure availability and reduce waiting time at the entrance. Once you book the tour, we will send you a link from where you may purchase the tickets.

The interior of Peleș Palace is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. On these days, you can still visit the inner courtyard, royal gardens, servant quarters, and other exterior areas.

Inside Bran Castle, there are several steps and a narrow corridor that may be difficult for visitors with limited mobility.

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