Peles Royal Palace of the kings and The Haunted Castle of Julia

Bucharest , Romania

Peles Royal Palace of the kings and The Haunted Castle of Julia

Active

7h - 9h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Wallachia, historical region of modern day Romania, once a principality that rivaled Transylvania, Moldova and Bulgaria, better known for its mythical ruler, Prince Vlad the Impaler, a.k.a Drakula. Now, Wallachia, with its emblematic city Bucharest, displays castles and mountain resorts, legends and endless vineyards, virgin forests and wild beasts.

Our tour shares with you its landmarked castles, highlights of southern Romania. Peles Castle it’s the marvelous palace of the kings. And Julia Hasdeu castle with its unique architecture, built by a grieving father in order to connect with the spirit of his premature lost daughter.

Available options

Peles Royal Palace of the kings and The Haunted Castle of Julia

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Air-conditioned vehicle

Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The former royal summer residence is a wildly popular tourist attraction. The neo-Renaissance masterpiece was brought into existence after 40 years of work. Dozens of builders, artists, architects and wood-carvers left not a single corner empty of silk rugs, Murano glass, Cordoba leather-covered walls, carved walnut or polished marble.

Each room is decorated in a different style or theme. There is a mini-Theatre, Music Room (India), Turkish Salon, Great Salon (Italy), Council Room (Switzerland), Moor Hall, and so much more. Over 400 European and Oriental weapons dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries are on display at Peles armory.

It was the first European castle to have electricity, provided by its own power plant. Hot and cold running water, central heating, telegraph, telephone, a small elevator for the royal family and central vacuum system are other amenities the castle offered, from the very beginning. The stained glass roof of the foyer opens mechanically.

Stop: Iulia Hasdeu Castle

The castle built for Julia Hasdeu it's like a small building from a fairytale. The history of B.P Hasdeu and his premature lost daughter Julia Hasdeu is full of interesting facts, mystery and also magic.

The plan of the castle was drawn by the father when he was in a trance, possessed by the spirit of his daughter.

Duration: 3.5 Hours (visit + drive back in Bucharest)

Additional information: Inside the Castle, photography is not allowed.

Optional Stop: Lunch in Sinaia

The City of Sinaia, host of the royal domain and Peles Castle, is also a popular destination for active travelers, interested in skiing, hiking, rock-climbing, mountain biking and wildlife watching.

The way back is just another experience that can be transformed into a nice story to tell.

What's not included

Coffee and/or Tea

Lunch

Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle

Food and alcoholic drinks are not permitted in the vehicle

Hot drinks in glasses are not allowed in the vehicle

Entry admission at Peles Castle 100 Ron

Entry admission at Julia Hasdeu Castle

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Most travelers can participate

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