Divinely selected places have secrets and mysteries within them that cannot be explained. They are found around the world in the most obscure corners. Hand-picked extraordinary places have been curated so that you can divulge into their wonder. With awe, we will then explore them … together. 

Mysterious Adventures Tours is proud to offer you a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Romania, to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Bram Stoker's publication of Dracula. 

“I am Dracula, and I bid you welcome …  to my house.
Come in, the night air is chill, and you must need to eat and rest.”
— Bram Stoker, Dracula

Almost entirely due to Dracula, Romania has long been associated with horror and darkness. Just the name Transylvania conjures up an image of romantic darkness. Deep valleys, beautiful mountains, and a legacy of death. If any country is haunted, Romania is. Imagine tracing the steps of Vlad Tepes III Drăculea, The Impaler. First introduced into the world on May 26, 1897, Bram Stoker's unearthed the Impaler's morbid legends into his horror masterpiece of Dracula. On May 25, 2022, be one of the brave 36 souls to follow the passages of Vlad III, better known as Count Dracula, took almost six centuries ago. 

Our group will start in Transylvania and follow secret trails within Romania, which brings to life the life of Vlad Tepes III and the legacy that Bram Stoker left behind Dracula. Be introduced to Romania’s most historically haunted, many a significant part of Vlad's journey through his life. Be introduced to Romania’s most historically haunted, many a significant part of Vlad's journey through his life.

To download the itinerary:  CLICK HERE

Cismigiu Hotel in Bucharest

Hotel Palace Sinaia

Casa din Bran

Drachenhaus (Dragon's) House

Casa Saseasca

Vila Siago

Vila Corviniana

La Cetate Guesthouse

 >>> PACKAGE INCLUDES <<<

>   Airport Transfers from Henri Coanda International Airport in Bucharest on dates of arrival and departure. An off-site location may be offered as an alternative to the Airport.  

>   Accommodations for 9-Nights in 3/4-Star hotels throughout Romania  

>   Eight Breakfasts;  One Welcome Lunch;

>   A Private Celebratory Farewell Dinner In Bucharest

>   A celebratory event for the 125th Anniversary of Dracula's Publication at the Bran Castle; 

>    Luxury Coach with Expert Romanian Drivers

>    Expert Romanian local Tour Guide (speaks fluent English) with several Guides from Mysterious Adventures Tours.

>    Led by that which is haunted and related to Vlad the Impaler, you will experience the following: 9 castles, 9 fortified monasteries/churches, 2 magical forests, a fortress, a catacomb, a salt mine, and tours of the spectral cities of Bucharest, Bran, Brasov, and Sighisarro.

 >    Fees into all venues and activities listed on the final itinerary

 >    Use of Paranormal Investigation tools (You may bring your own gear and protection tools)

 >    Snacks and water/soft drinks on the bus

 >    Information on each location’s information, history, and supernatural stories. 

 >    Our Mysterious Adventures whimsical bag of gifts 

 >    Our signature “Secret” tour addition surprise

 >    24-Hour Emergency Customer Service while in Scotland

 >    Hotel Porterage of one suitcase per person (when offered)

 >    All taxes and charges associated with hotel accommodations

 >    Souvenir eBook upon returning home

>>> PACKAGE EXCLUSIONS <<<

 >    Round Trip Airfare to Henri Coanda International Airport in Bucharest, Romania  (We will assist you to capture the best route and rates.)

 >    Afternoon/Evening Meals (except our Welcome Lunch and Farewell Dinner); No alcoholic beverages

 >    Entry Fee’s into venues not on the final itinerary

 >   Tips or Gratuities

>    Trip Insurance

 

Terms, Policies, and Recommendations are offered for the purpose of assuring a safe, viable, and quality tour package. There are limitations, obligations, and responsibilities that we must make as Tour Operators to assure a most incredible experience at the most affordable package price. 

~  Limitations:  Tours are expected to include walking (city and rural) among steep rough pathways, hills, steps, and historic mansions & castles with no/limited handicap access accommodations. To enjoy this tour safely, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Please be sure to bring apparel/footwear to accommodate these circumstances. 

~  Limitations:  Tours will occur during scheduled day/evening hours. Some areas are not well lit. Although flashlights will be available, you may wish to bring your own equipment. 

~  Limitations:  Please note that our tours may not be suitable for travelers under 18 years and may be included at the discretion of the parent/guardian and must be accompanied by their parent/guardian. There are, at times, difficult paths that may be problematic with persons with physical limitations. 

~  Availability:  All packages and tours are subject to availability of venues, celebrity escorts, tours, accommodations, tour leads, roads, and weather conditions at the time of travel. We cannot be held responsible for changes beyond our control. Extreme conditions & unscheduled situations may warrant changes in itineraries or dates. With these conditions, we will not be able to refund any deposits or payments applied towards the tour. This is why we encourage using Travel Insurance to protect you in these situations. 

~  Travel Insurance is highly recommended. If you use our sponsored service, Travelex Insurance Services, it will facilitate transactions since they are aware of our trips and the integrity of our work. Certainly, you may choose a vendor outside of this resource. If you choose to not purchase travel insurance you will need to sign an “Exclusion Waiver”.

~  Luggage on a motorcoach is limited to one baggage piece and small carry-ons. Porterage is included for stays in larger Castle Hotels. They are not available for smaller inns. 

~  Punctuality:  It is the responsibility of the traveler to arrive at a tour start meeting point as established in the specific trip itinerary. If there are meet-up issues, we will attempt to be of assistance, but cannot take the obligation of the cost for your personalized transfers to/from the airport.

~  Pricing:  Primary quoted Package Prices are based on Double Occupancy (Shared). Each standard tour of 24 traveler capacities will be limited to three single travelers There is a Supplementary Fee charged for single travelers. There is no discount for Triple rooms. Single/triple rooms are on a request basis and subject to availability. They may not be available at all properties. 

~   Payment Policies:  To secure a tour package, a deposit must be received.   Deposits are not refundable. 

   ***  “Soft Reservations” (reservation without deposit) may be canceled due to limited inventory and high demand. Advanced notification will be given. 

   *** Interest-Free Payment Plans are offered but must meet the following requirements. The deposit payment is counted towards reaching these thresholds.

   ***  Within 4 months (120 days) of Tour Start Date: 30% of the complete tour package must be paid

   ***   Within 3 months (90 days) of Tour Start Date: 60% of the complete tour package must be paid.

   ***   Within 2 months (60 days) of Tour Start Date: 100% of the complete tour package must be paid.

~  Event Cancellation is considered upon meeting the following standards:

   ***   Deposits are not refundable at any time, but do contribute to the following penalties:

***   Within 94-60 days prior to Tour Start Date: 30% of the complete tour package

***   Within 61-31 days prior to Tour Start Date: 50% of the complete tour package

***   Within 30-0 days prior to Tour Start Date: 100% of the complete tour package

~  Gratuities and Service Charges: All local service charges are included on confirmed final itinerary items. Tips to your drive/chauffer/guides/special guests are not included and are at your discretion. 

~  Government-issued Travel Documentation (Passport, VISAs, etc.) are the responsibility of the traveler and not of Mysterious Adventures Tours. Failure to obtain these in a timely manner before the travel start date may lead to cancellation of the trip with all fines to be paid by the traveler. 

~  Right to Refuse:  Mysterious Adventures Tours, and its partners and associated ambassadors, have the right to refuse to receive a purchase agreement from any person/persons that is/are deemed not appropriate or fitting for the tour and its guests. 

~  Tour Expelation:  If a traveler’s behavior during the tour becomes incompatible with the safety, comfort, or convenience of the other travelers/hosts, the Mysterious Adventures Tours has the exclusive right and discretion to expel from the tour at any time. 

~  Smoking is not permitted in the hotel, its rooms, the buses, venues, or other public spaces. 

~  Responsibility/Liability: Payment of the trip itinerary constitutes consent of all Legal policies and terms and conditions described here. Neither the Operator nor any mentioned or unmentioned subagents/affiliates shall be held responsible for any personal injury, property damage or other loss a passenger incurs on any tour arising from acts or omissions by any air carrier, public transport company, hotel, car rental company, subcontractor or other person or organization, whether or not such company is rendering any services supplied on the tour. 

~  All tickets and vouchers are issued and supplied subject to the foregoing and to any and all terms and conditions under which transportation and services are provided. 

~  The tour Operator accepts no responsibility for losses or expenses due to delay or changes in schedules, flight cancellations, or misconnections due to mechanical problems, sickness, quarantine, weather, acts of God, strikes, government actions, war, terrorism pandemic activity or other circumstances beyond its control. Passengers must bear all such losses or expenses. 

~ Any devaluation or revaluation of currencies may affect published prices

~  Although these policies and recommendations offer conventional guidelines, they are not complete. They will be further governed by the location, hosts, and current international conditions. Please refer to contracts & supplements that you will receive upon booking and inquiries.

DOWNLOAD THIS DOCUMENT

Please contact us at mysteriousadventurestours@gmail.com for more information, questions, and/or clarification. 

The Bucharest City Tour

Around 9 AM you will be met at the Henri Coanda Airport in Bucharest Romania by your Patti Negri, Father Sebastiaan, Mysterious Adventures Tours representatives, and the incredible tour guides (Georgiana and Vlad) from Romanian Thrills. 

We will escort you to our first stop before we introduce your hotel accommodations,  the incredible Hotel Cismigiu.   This iconic hotel was built before World War I and still has the charm of the "Belle Epoque". 

Today we discover why Bucharest was formerly known as “little Paris” as we stroll through the narrow streets, and eclectic neighborhoods and take a look inside one of the most beautiful buildings of the "Belle Epoque". 

The charming Old Town hides some well-hidden ghost stories and we will discover the story of the haunted orphanage, the hospital known for organ harvesting, or the casino which is still visited by the ghosts of former players.

Prepared to be wowed! We return to the hotel to rest, for tomorrow we will have a full day of wonder!
 

PLEASE NOTE: Itineraries are subject to slight change depending on availability or weather & travel conditions.

The Prahova Valley

Wake up early and enjoy your first Romanian breakfast! We do have an early departure at 8 AM for we need to fit in a spectacular day of castles, castles, and more castles! 

 Stories of death at the monastery are plentiful. After the siege on Chiajna Monastery by the Turks, the building was to be shifted into a new purpose. It was eventually used to house individuals who had fallen sick to the bubonic plague. Sadly, suffering here was profuse and many died of their illnesses within the old church 

Our well-equipped transportation will take us to our first stop the famous Snagov Monastery.   Built in 1364, it is currently located on a tiny island in a lake, just outside of Bucharest. The Romanian ruler, Vlad the Impaler, added thick defending walls and a dungeon. There is a plaque on the floor inside the church which marks the grave with the presumed remains of the world-known count.  

Our visit to Iulia Hasdeu Museum in Campina was canceled due to the location's current unavailability to the public. 

We will head to the fairytale Peles Castle in Sinaia, the royal palace built in Neo-Renaissance style, discreetly nestled in the mountains. This summer residence was built for the first king of modern Romania and is boasting impressive interiors, being also the world's first castle fully powered by electricity. 

You’ve earned your rest, and we will stay in the beautiful Hotel Palace Sinaia, a place built in 1911 in just eight months around the same time as Peles Castle. 

PLEASE NOTE: Itineraries are subject to slight change depending on availability or weather & travel conditions. 

Bran Castle

World Vampire Day has arrived and you will be one of very few to be treated as the Supernatural Explorers as you are.

Before we do this, we will visit the imposing Cantacuzino Castle.  This castle has made a famous list of Romania's most haunted after several visitors have reported spectral appearances in the photos taken at the location. The family that owned the building has a very tumultuous history, with many family members that died under unexplained circumstances and we will have the chance to dive deeper into their stories.  

After we awe at how modern kings and queens used to live, we get a different feeling when we arrive at the Bran Castle.   With a rich and controversial history, we try to debunk the real mystery behind the fortress commonly known as “Dracula’s Castle”.  Prepare for the ultimate vampiric celebration of a lifetime!  

If survived, we rest for the night at the Casa din Bran. This is a wonderful inn with authentic local decorations, located very close to the castle.  

PLEASE NOTE: Itineraries are subject to slight change depending on availability or weather & travel conditions. 

Walking tour of Brasov

If we survive Bran, our reward is taking a short drive to splendid Brasov!  We will explore this magnificent city by strolling through more than 800 years of living history!  Soak in the legends of Brasov, which served as a former trading outpost located right in the middle of the mountains.

We walk through the narrowest street in Eastern Europe and visit the Black Church – an important turning point in religious affairs during medieval times. Afterward, we discover the Catacombs of the city said to be haunted by ghosts of German prisoners from WWII.

After lunch, visit the recently restored Lutheran fortified church in Prejmer, first built by the Teutonic Knights and today part of the UNESCO heritage list. 

For tonight's accommodations, we will be staying at the Drachenhaus, which means "Dragon's House" in German, This historical building is located very close to the city center and offers amazing morning views of the mountain Tampa. 

PLEASE NOTE: Itineraries are subject to slight change depending on availability or weather & travel conditions. 

Sighisoara

Today, this day will be divine, for all we will see are monasteries and churches, all with incredible spectral stories! 

First, we head north with our first stop at the famous mystical Sinca Veche Cave Monastery. Thought to be over 7,000 years old, these spiritual caves are steeped in mystery, with natural chapels within them.  The mysterious cave on the outskirts of the Romanian village of Sinca Veche goes by many names. “The Sinca Veche Temple Cave,” “The Monastery,” “The Temple of Destiny”. No matter what you call it, the origins and purpose of this underground chapel are simply enigmatic. Visitors can explore the mysterious church at their leisure and try and solve the mystery for themselves. 

We will then take on a delightful walking tour of Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, one of the most beautifully preserved inhabited citadels in the world! This UNESCO gem is home to medieval buildings, hidden chambers, burgher houses, towers, and ornate churches full of myths and legends. It is here that Vlad the Impaler was born, who served as inspiration for one of the biggest legends in international folklore, Count Dracula. We will walk around the cobbled streets and find out more about this medieval town which is one of the few left intact in Europe! 

Tonight, we will rest at the Saxon guesthouse right in the heart of his medieval citadel. 

PLEASE NOTE: Itineraries are subject to slight change depending on availability or weather & travel conditions. 

Cluj-Napoca

Dare we go further into the belly of Romania’s mysteries? We will start the day with a walking tour of the ancient city of Cluj-Napoca, which stirs the envy of Bucharest as the capital of Transylvania. We will stroll by iconic landmarks such as the Banffy Palace or St Michael's church, the baroque architecture will take you on a travel back in time. We will also visit some of the haunted locations of the Old Town of which only some of the locals know their true stories. 

We then proceed to Banffy Castle, considered one of the most haunted locations in Romania. Most don't know of its dark secrets, only celebrated with its popular annual music festival.  Little do the music enthusiasts know the stories that locals tell us.  Known for its terrifying disembodied screams that come from the building, it is said they belong to the German soldiers that at one time transformed this abandoned building into an improvised hospital for the wounded. 

Prepare for a most captivating experience, an evening walk into the Hoia Baciu Forest, also known as the Bermuda Triangle of Romania.  Named after a shepherd who went missing in the forest with a flock of 200 sheep, Hoia Baciu came to international attention in 1968 when Emil Barnea, a military technician, photographed what he claimed was a UFO hovering over The Clearing, which got the Communist regime paranoid over it.       

Today, it is declared that it is one of the most haunted forests in the world, second only to Japan's Suicide Forest. Visitors report strange symptoms – nausea, anxiety, the feeling of being watched – and the failure of electronic devices. “Ectoplasms” are routinely seen by joggers brave enough to enter. We will try to separate facts from fiction during our walk with a local guide who specialized in both physics and psychology.

We will end the day with a restful overnight at the Vila Siago. Located in the city center, this cozy and chic villa offers all the comfort necessary for a good night's sleep after a long walk. 

PLEASE NOTE: Itineraries are subject to slight change depending on availability or weather & travel conditions. 

Corvin's Castle

After a refreshing night of sleep, we will then start our morning visiting the Turda Salt Mine.  This is a stunning example of a salt mine and exploitation going on since Roman times. Voted in "25 of the most beautiful, hidden tourist attractions in the world" by Business Insider, today it has been turned into a beautiful recreation center where a few hours spent there will make you feel energized and healthier than when you arrived! 

We will then take a walking tour of Alba Iulia Citadel, which depicts 2000 years of history, from ancient Roman times up to Romania’s Union Day (hence the name similarity). People consider it the spiritual capital of the country with numerous historical events that have taken place here.

Prepare for the magnificent Corvin's Castle,  where we will discover the stories behind the tombstones of the builders of Corvin's Castle, located in the Roman-Catholic church located inside the citadel.   Also known as the Hunyad Castle, it is the largest medieval castle in Romania. Built over six centuries ago in the Renaissance-Gothic style, many consider it one of the most beautiful in Europe. 

There are many legends linked to this place, one of them is the place where Vlad the Impaler was held prisoner by the Hungarians, leaving behind his phantom that lurks within its dungeon.

Tonight we will take in a night's rest at the Villa Corviniana.  Situated along the Cerna River, this relaxed art nouveau-style guesthouse is a 5-minute walk from Corvin Castle, while bringing back the charm of the old days. 

 PLEASE NOTE: Itineraries are subject to slight change depending on availability or weather & travel conditions. 

Sibiu 

It’s time for our long journey home through spectacular mountain regions, Our first stop will take in a walking tour of Sibiu.  Sibiu is one of the most important cultural centers in the country, being named the European Capital of Culture in 2007, Europe’s 8th most idyllic place to live in by Forbes, and the European Gastronomy Capital in 2019. It was formerly the center of Transylvanian Saxons and has a rich history as a major trading center. We take a walking tour of the town’s many squares to observe its unique architecture (the buildings have eyes!), different churches and medieval walls, towers, and bastions. 

We will then explore one of the most beautiful churches in Romania, Arges Monastery, home to the tombstones of the former royal family. This church has a very interesting legend at its foundation, the story of Manole, that had to put his alive wife within the walls of the church while building it. 

Due to current restoration efforts, the Poenari Fortress is closed to the public and therefore not available on our tour. 

As an alternative, we will take a boat ride on Vidraru Lake, the largest artificial lake in Romania. Created in 1965, it lies in the shadow of the  Făgăraș Mountains. It is said, a village lies submerged at its bottom.  It is enclosed by the Vidraru Dam (on the Arges River), cited to be "One of 25 most beautiful Places to Visit in Romania".

Tonight we stay at La Cetate Guesthouse. 

We will  check in at the Cetate Guesthouse.  Flanked by forest along the National Road, this rustic, unassuming inn has a view of the Poenari Fortress, a ruined 13th-century stronghold noted for its connection to Vlad the Impaler. 

PLEASE NOTE: Itineraries are subject to slight change depending on availability or weather & travel conditions.  

Return to Bucharest

This day will capture all that has been experienced and challenge our core. Our first stop is Comana Monastery, a sanctuary founded by Vlad Tepes in 1461.  This place is considered the final resting place of Vlad the Impaler because a body without a head was found on its premises with many historians making the connection with Vlad's final battle when he was beheaded. Visit also the memorial for the soldiers that died in Comana in the First and Second World War. 

We will proceed to the Chiajna Monastery.  Built in the late 1700s, it was doomed never to fulfill its purpose. Before the church could be adequately consecrated it was attacked by the Turks. They had been monitoring the construction of the church for some time and had mistaken it for a fortress. This was the first dark event in a sequence of many, which would lead locals to believe that the church was cursed. 

Do not keep still. For we will then take you to the experience of a lifetime when we help each other reach the Pădurea Boldu Crețuleasca (Witches' Pond). This will be a special celebratory ritual, one which you will never forget!  The inconspicuous Witches Pond has a fierce reputation well known amongst Romanian locals. It is not a popular site for them to visit and many believe that the pond’s water is cursed.

Though many are wary of the pond’s alleged powers, others are drawn to the area. 

The Witches Pond is named for the many witches who gather in the area. It has become a very popular place for Romanian witches as well as others from all over the world who have made the pilgrimage to visit the powerful pond. The pond is rumored to contain great energy that causes any spell to be cast near it to cast successfully. This is why the site is popular amongst the Wiccan and why it is visited on sacred celebration days.

We will return to the Cismigiu Hotel in Bucharest.  After you get cozy, we invite you for an orientation dinner in one of the symbol-restaurants of Bucharest, designed in a neo-gothic and art-nouveau style more than a century ago. Here you'll get introduced to Romanian cuisine while we'll go over your travel plans, helping you with anything else you might need. 

 
PLEASE NOTE: Itineraries are subject to slight change depending on availability or weather & travel conditions.  

Our Departure 

Today we'll transfer you from the hotel to the airport or show you more around the city if you have a late flight. 

Together, we will bid farewell to Romania, a land we will keep treasured in our hearts forever. As they say in this magical land, "Toate cele frumoase, poartă și ponoase." (English translation: "All that is fair must fade.")