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0845 3000 247 +44 (0)1539 531258 |
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DATES |
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MIDSUMMER SPECIAL 16 - 24 JUNE 2007 9 Days / 8 Nights AUTUMN TOUR 12 - 19 SEPTEMBER 2007 8 Days / 7 Nights |
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HIGHLIGHTS |
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Bucharest (Folk Evening) Curtea de Arges (Princely Church) Poienari Castle (the real 'Castle Dracula') Lake Vidraru/ Fagaras Mountains Baile Govora Sibiu Biertan Sighisoara (Lunch at Vlad Dracula House) Lunca Ilvei 'Jonathan Harker's Trail' (Horse & Cart to 'Borgo Pass') Hotel Castle Dracula Bistrita (Golden Krone) Dracularea Bandului Târgu Mures |
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FLIGHTS |
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British Airways scheduled service: Heathrow 09:45; Bucharest 15:00 Bucharest 15:50; Heathrow 17:15 Flights depart terminal 1 |
Ultimate Dracula 2007
Prices from £ 996.00 per person - see below
DRACULA - HOME ULTIMATE HALLOWEEN HALLOWEEN DRACULA BRIEF ENCOUNTER BESPOKE DRACULA FLIGHTS CAR HIREever deeper into the wolf-ridden forest. We pause at a woodcutters hut for a picnic before finally reaching the summit as the day draws to a close. Our midsummer tour also includes the exceptional 'Vampires Ball' amidst the fortified citadel of Târgu Mures - we are even expecting a visit from the Count himself - just because it is the shortest night you should still be afraid! We visit the historic domains of Vlad the Impaler including Sibiu, Sighisoara, Brasov, his castle at Poienari, his capitals at Curteaa de Arges, Târgoviste and Bucharest, and finally we take a boat out to the island where his headless corpse is buried beside Snagov Monastery. This trip includes quality accommodation and meals throughout.
The autumn trip follows the same itinerary but with a more modest show in
the mediaeval bastion at Targu Mures.
MIDSUMMER ITINERARY
DAY 1 - 16 JUNE 2007
"Settling In"
Arrival at Bucharest Otopeni airport; transfer to your city centre hotel
(3-starOpera or Venezia)
Note: we use scheduled flights and offer a range of options including
regional departures. Therefore, arrival times may be staggered.
In this case you may need to wait with your guide for other members
of the party. Enjoy a drink or a coffee in meantime!
Dinner at the excellent Pescarus Restaurant on the shore of
Herastrau Lake, with live folk music.
Arges Gorge at Poienari Castle
DAY 2 - 17 JUNE 2007
"Refuge of the Impaler"
Brief sightseeing tour of Bucharest before crossing the Baragan Plain and Wallachia - former Principality of Vlad the Impaler - Dracula. We visit the lovely town of Curtea de Arges, a former capital, where you will see the spectacular Episcopal Church and hear the legend of the Mason Manole. Next we ascend the valley of the River Arges passing the village of Aref to reach the real castle of Dracula - Poienari. There are 1456 steps up to the ruins of the fortress, perched on a crag high above the dramatic Arges gorge. Hear the legends of the Impaler and learn how his wife threw herself from the castle ramparts rather than face the advancing Turks. Afterwards, we ascend further, deep into the high Carpathians to the 'Valea cu Pesti' restaurant overlooking Lake Vidraru for lunch. In the afternoon we cross the foothills of the Carpathians to the pretty spa town of Baile Govora, where we will spend a peaceful night in a very nice, renovated hotel.
CONTACT US
0845 3000 247
+44 (0)1539 531258
Vlad the Impaler
DAY 3 - 18 JUNE 2007
"Mediaeval Transylvania"
We follow the Olt Valley past the Cozia Monastery and through the fortified Red Tower Pass into Transylvania to reach the capital of 'Saxon Transylvania' - Sibiu (Hermannstadt). This is one of the most beautiful, and best-preserved mediaeval townscapes in eastern or central Europe, and is celebrating its status as European City of Culture 2007. Sightseeing tour including the Piata Mica and Piata Mare squares - watched by the famous 'Eyes of Sibiu' - the unusual dormer windows in the roofs of the historic town houses. After lunch at the acclaimed Sibiul Veche restaurant we continue to the fortress church of Biertan - one of several listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Learn about the culture and history of the Saxon Transylvanians with their churches and villages fortified against Tatar Marauders. We continue to the romantic, mediaeval walled-town of Sighisoara (Schässburg). Explore the cobbled alleyways, pretty squares and ramparts of this fascinating citadel. Overnight in one of the historic citadel hotels - Hotel Sighisoara, Casa Wagner or similar and dine in the house where Vlad Dracula was allegedly born in 1431.
"Mediaeval Transylvania"
We follow the Olt Valley past the Cozia Monastery and through the fortified Red Tower Pass into Transylvania to reach the capital of 'Saxon Transylvania' - Sibiu (Hermannstadt). This is one of the most beautiful, and best-preserved mediaeval townscapes in eastern or central Europe, and is celebrating its status as European City of Culture 2007. Sightseeing tour including the Piata Mica and Piata Mare squares - watched by the famous 'Eyes of Sibiu' - the unusual dormer windows in the roofs of the historic town houses. After lunch at the acclaimed Sibiul Veche restaurant we continue to the fortress church of Biertan - one of several listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Learn about the culture and history of the Saxon Transylvanians with their churches and villages fortified against Tatar Marauders. We continue to the romantic, mediaeval walled-town of Sighisoara (Schässburg). Explore the cobbled alleyways, pretty squares and ramparts of this fascinating citadel. Overnight in one of the historic citadel hotels - Hotel Sighisoara, Casa Wagner or similar and dine in the house where Vlad Dracula was allegedly born in 1431.
"In the Footsteps of Jonathan Harker"
Leaving behind us the domains of Vlad Dracula and the plateau of central Transylvania we head into the remote borderlands of northern Transylvania - a land of dark wolf-infested forests and pastoral mountain meadows, a land of superstitions, myths and legends. Over a century earlier the unsuspecting solicitor, Jonathan Harker arrived here in Bram Stoker's novel to finalise a property deal with Count Dracula. His first stop was the 'Golden Krone' Hotel in the post town of Bistritz (Bistrita) where he dined on 'Robber Steak' and supped 'Golden Mediasch' wine - and as everybody who has watched a Dracula movie knows, was warned against travelling up the 'Borgo' Pass to Castle Dracula. "Do you not know that tonight, when the clock strikes midnight, all the evil things in the world will have full sway? Do you know where you are going, and what you are going to?" the landlord's wife begged of him. You will also dine at the Golden Krone then climb ever deeper into the mountains. However, you will not be taking the main road through the pass but instead will spend the night in the logging village of Lunca Ilvei. Share a drink with the locals after dinner.
DAY 5 - 20 JUNE 2007
"The Realm of Count Dracula"
Strongly Recommended: read the first chapter of Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' before taking this journey
You will travel by horse and cart deep into those dark, wolf-infested forests following cart tracks as you climb ever higher. There will be time for a picnic lunch at a woodcutters hut but you must take care not to waste time as the journey is a long one and you will want to arrive at the Borgo Pass summit before sunset! Note the red tassels worn by all horses ... to ward off the Evil Eye. You will stay at Hotel Castle Dracula commanding wonderful views over the pass with a vista stretching from the Caliman Mountains round through the Suhard Mountains to the high Rodnei Mountains. Dine in the restaurant but beware of straying after darkness - the hotel has its own crypt and even a cemetery.
'Borgo' Pass
Ball of the Vampires on Midsummers Night
Don't be disillusioned - just because it is the shortest night it is no reason to not be afraid! Today we will descend the pass, pausing at the fascinating gypsy village of Draculea Bandului in the highlands, named because one of Vlad Draculas son married a Szekely countess. We continue to the Hungarian-speaking stronghold of Târgu Mures. Here you will be treated to a 5-6 hour Vampire Ball in the historic fortified bastion of the town, the place where the last witches were burned in Europe in 1784. There will be wine, song, feasting and dance, live mediaeval music, actors, minstrels, strange rituals and games ...
and an appearance by the Count himself! Overnight in the 3-star Hotel Continental.
DAY 7 - 22 JUNE 2007
"High Mountains"
We return to Saxon Transylvania, with its characteristic architecture and fortified churches. Explore the old city of Brasov, often raided by Vlad Dracula who impaled some of the merchants on stages ranged across the Tâmpa Hill. Afterwards we pass by the Saxon fortress of Râsnov and visit the famous Bran Castle - the tourists' Dracula Castle - it certainly looks the archetypal Transylvanian spooky castle but any Dracula connections are very tentative. We continue into the beautiful settlement of Moieciu set between the dramatic Bucegi and Piatra Craiului mountains, the latter being where Vlad Dracula once sought a hiding place from his enemies - the Sultan on one side, the Christian King Matei Corvin on the other. We dine and spend the night at a rustic pension in this pastoral 'Alpine' valley.
"Final Resting Place"
Our final full day takes us out of Transylvania via the beautiful Bran-Rucar pass to Târgoviste, former capital of Wallachia under Vlad Dracula. We can visit the ruins of his Princely Court before setting out over the Baragan Plain to Lake Snagov. A boat will take us to the island where the headless body of the Vlad Dracula, was reputedly buried in front of the monastery. It was once heavily fortified and a torture chamber was established there by Vlad for his political foes - a story recited by local villagers describes how a great storm tore down, and blew into the lake, the Chapel of Annunciation on the day of Dracula's interment, and even today, when the water is stirred by the winds you can hear the muffled tolling of its bell. Afterwards, we will head back into Bucharest making a detour to see the famous Ghencea Cemetery with its vast array of fascinating Gothic tombs. Evening meal, then overnight in a quality, central hotel.
DAY 9 - 24 JUNE
"Home - Sweet - Home"
Free time after breakfast for shopping or sightseeing. Transfer to airport for your return flight.
OPTIONAL: Extra nights can be booked in Bucharest.
Hotel Castle Dracula - inside the crypt
ULTIMATE DRACULA AUTUMN ITINERARY
DAY 1 (12 SEPTEMBER 2007) DAY 8 (19 SEPTEMBER 2007)
This tour differs from the MIDSUMMER TOUR in having days 4 and 5 combined.
You will leave early on day 4 in order to reach Lunca Ilvei for the journey to Hotel Castel Dracula.
Dinner will be taken in Bistrita at the Golden Krone on DAY 6.
The Midsummer Ball will be replaced with a Mediaeval Banquet.
- Return Scheduled Flights from United Kingdom to Romania (see above)
- Airport Taxes and Passenger Facility Charges
- Travel throughout by air-conditioned minibus or coach
- Accommodation in comfortable 3 star hotels
- Full-board (as per itinerary)
- Sightseeing tours and special events as outlined above including the 'Jonathan Harker Trail' horse & cart ride, Snagov boat trip,
and either the Vampire Ball or Mediaeval Banquet - Enrance Fees
- Professional English-speaking
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All applicable entrance fees
All prices are valid until further notice and are subject to tour and flight availability
Prices are based on British Airways scheduled departures
from London Heathrow to Bucharest; Regional departures and alternative airlines may be available on request
Flight tickets are issued on receipt of your deposit to secure your price. They are Fixed dated and non-refundable.
Travel Insurance is highly recommended
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>Tour
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| >Ultimate Dracula Midsummer - 9 days / 8 nights |
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1079.00
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159.00
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| >Ultimate Dracula Autumn - 8 days / 7 nights |
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996.00
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143.00
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Adult Prices are per person sharing a double room in £ Sterling (GBP) and subject to availability
* Prices shown are based on good flight availability with SWISS via Zurich or KLM via Amsterdam.
British Airways direct flights are presently about £ 35.00 extra per person.
Regional departures or flights booked closer to departure may be subject to additional supplements (typically £25.00-50.00 per person).
Flight tickets are issued on receipt of your deposit to secure your price. They are fixed dated and non-refundable. Travel Insurance is highly recommended.
Discount of £ 35.00 per person if group size exceeds 11 people
Please note that this is a very popular tour and early booking is recommended to secure a place on the tour.
is a Division of BCD Meetings & Incentives
1 Atkinson Court, Fell Foot, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, United Kingdom LA12 8NW
Tel. +44 (0)1539 531258 or UK local rate: 0845 3000 247; Email. [email protected]
ATOL 3319 - IATA 91267691
The air holidays and flights shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL nrmber is ATOL 3319.
ATOL protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom.
Click on the ATOL logo if you want to know more.
Copyright © 2007 Transylvania Uncovered - the Romania Travel Specialists