Tour Code: 28DRA
Tour Manager: Patrick Cross
Tour Leader: Patrick Cross
Group Size: 8 - 14
Activity level: Moderate

This educational and historical tour explores the key sites connected to the legend of Dracula and the real-life Vlad Țepeș (also known as Vlad III Dracul, or Vlad the Impaler). Journey through Bucharest, Budapest, and the Transylvanian cities of Brașov, Sighișoara, and Sibiu. Along the way, visit iconic landmarks including Bran Castle (often called Dracula’s Castle), Poenari Citadel—the true fortress associated with Vlad, Corvin Castle, Vlad’s birthplace in Sighișoara, and Buda Castle.

Between castle visits, take in the natural beauty of the Transylvanian countryside and the grand architecture of Budapest. If you are enthusiastic about castles or fascinated by history and legend, this is the tour for you!

Sunday, October 22
Meet at our hotel in Budapest. Start with an orientation stroll past the stunning architecture of the Hungarian Parliament Building and Szent Istvan Basilika.  Enjoy a night-time river cruise where we’ll admire the sparkling lights and views of Budapest and get to know each other during a group welcome dinner.  Stay in Budapest for 3 nights.

Monday, October 23
Spend the day in Buda. Royal Castle district, Buda Castle Labyrinth (where Vlad the Impaler was imprisoned), Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Hospital in the Rock.

Tuesday, October 24
We start the day with a refreshing soak in the Szechenyi Baths.  Spend the day on the Pest side of Budapest visiting Varoslieget city park, Central Market, Dohany Synagogue, and District VII Erzsebetvaros. Enjoy an only-in-Budapest experience at a ruin pub such as the legendary Szimpla Kert.

Wednesday, October 25
Transfer to Timișoara (3.5 hours) as we enter into Romania.  Known as “Little Vienna,” Timișoara has been influenced by different cultures over the centuries, resulting in an interesting mix of architectural delights and freshly renovated public squares.  One night in Timișoara.

Thursday, October 26
Today, we travel from Timișoara to Sibiu.  Along the way, we’ll visit Corvin Castle, a 15th-century Gothic-Renaissance fortress where Vlad the Impaler was supposedly imprisoned for 7 years. Afternoon/evening in Sibiu. Stay 2 nights in Sibiu.

Friday, October 27
Spend the day exploring Sibiu.  Learn the fascinating history behind the “eyes” found on rooftops everywhere in the old town.  Visit the Evangelical Church (Piata Huet, known as the resting place of Dracula’s son), the Bridge of Lies, Piata Mare, and other sites.

Saturday, October 28
Transfer from Sibiu to Sighișoara (1.5 hours). Walking tour of Sighișoara, which was the birthplace of Vlad III Dracul (Vlad the Impaler).  We’ll see the house where Vlad was born, explore watch towers, see the Clock Tower and the torture chamber hidden inside, and walk the Covered Stairway. Overnight in Sighișoara.

Sunday, October 29
Enjoy a relaxing morning in Sighișoara exploring the medieval streets. Transfer to Brașov (2 hours). Sleep 3 nights in Brașov.

Monday, October 30
Spend the day in Brașov, exploring the Old Town. Council Square. Catherine Gate. Black Church. Cable car up to Mt. Tâmpa for a view.

Tuesday, October 31
We spend the morning and early afternoon in Brașov. This day is Halloween, so yes... it’s the perfect occasion for an evening visit to the legendary Bran Castle! This medieval fortress is closely tied to the myths and legends surrounding Dracula, mixing a Gothic atmosphere with centuries of Transylvanian history.

Wednesday, November 1
We travel 3+ hours to visit Poenari Citadel, the true home of Vlad the Impaler, and learn more about Vlad's history at the Castelul Dracula museum. Overnight in Arefu.  (Note: in order to enter Poenari Citadel, this would require a physically-demanding climb of about 1400 steps)

Thursday, November 2
Travel to Targoviste, home of the Royal Court of Targoviste and the site of a battle involving Vlad the Impaler. Next, we'll have a brief stop at Snagov Monastery, which is where historians debate that Vlad was buried. After, we head on to Bucharest where we’ll get to unwind with a walk through Old Town. Stay in Bucharest for 2 nights.

Friday, November 3
Guided tour of important historical sites in Bucharest outside of the old city center, including Revolution Square, Curtea Veche, and the Palace of Parliament (the world’s heaviest building built by the Communist ruler Ceaușescu).  Final group dinner at a traditional Romanian restaurant.

Saturday, November 4
Transfer to Bucharest airport for your flight back home.

Updated as of 02/28/2026

Patrick has been an Academic Upgrading professor at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario for over 25 years. He also teaches a General Education elective, “The Holocaust: Perspectives of the Deaf and the Disabled,” in ASL with interpreters for an all-hearing audience. A strong advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion, Patrick is passionate about ensuring everyone has equal opportunities to achieve their goals.

An experienced traveler who has visited 55 countries, Patrick has led faculty trips to Ecuador, Colombia, and Guatemala, as well as student and Hands On Travel groups, including a Holocaust-themed tour to Poland, Czechia, and Germany.

At home, Patrick and his wife Barbara enjoy planning future adventures while supporting their four children as they navigate young adulthood. Their busy household also includes two cats, Mara and Kiro, and two dogs, Leia and Bean.

• 13 nights in 3 and 4-star accommodations.

• 15 meals: Breakfast (13), Dinner (2)

• Services of a deaf Tour Leader on call 24 hours a day.

• Services of local deaf guides.

• All transportation expenses.

• All city and/or tourist taxes. 

• Airport transfers at beginning and end of tour.

• All admission fees for attractions and museums mentioned in the itinerary.

• Informative travel preparation packet.

• $100 Repeat Customer Discount per person on your next regular tour.

• Domestic and/or international airfares.

• All other meals not mentioned in the itinerary and personal expenses.

• Travel Insurance.

• All types of transit and tourist visas (if applicable) - e.g. ETIAS.

• Tips for your Tour Leader, Tour Assistant(s) and/or Local Guides

• Tour begins in Budapest, Hungary and ends in Bucharest, Romania.

• Tour will be confirmed when we meet the minimum number of participants.

• When the tour is confirmed, additional deposits/payments may be required.

• Significant walking expected during the tour.  Moderate physical fitness is required. All participants will be expected to be able to carry their own luggage.

• Hands on Travel recommends that you purchase a travel insurance plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.

We're here to help you plan the perfect adventure! For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out:

Email: patrick@handson.travel

With this tour confirmation, your $500 deposit is now non-refundable in any event you need to back out. However, it may be transferable to a future tour.