Treasures of Transylvania Trip Notes

Trip Overview

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Hop on an unforgettable journey through the lands of myths and legends that still continue to resonate today! Discover the timeless wonders and stories of Dracula as you explore Transylvania inside out, a most fascinating part of Romania. Starting off at the Romanian capital, Bucharest, soak in the unique culture reflected in the countless monuments of this magical city. Ride through the mystical forests, mountains and mists to reach the Dracula’s Castle. Travel back in time through gorgeous samples of gothic and baroque architecture from various eras of Romanian history. Uncover the hidden beauty of Bulgaria while discovering Plovdiv and Sofia.

Duration : 9 Days

Destination : Transylvania, Romania, Bulgaria

Start/Ends in : Bucharest / Sofia

Group Size :13-35 People

Age Req. : 18+

Trip Theme : Classic, Overland

Departs : April to December

Arrival Details

The group welcome meeting with you guide and other travellers is held around 18:30 at the hotel lobby on Day 1 of your tour, unless otherwise notified.

Meeting Point:

The meeting point for this tour is:

Hotel Mercure Unirii – 4 Star

Address : 28Th, Bulevardul Mircea Vodă Boulevard, București 030167, Romania

Phone : +40 21 528 1100

Emergency Number: +44 (0) 208 099 75 36

Airport Transfers:

All tours starting in Bucharest include arrival airport transfer if your flight lands in Bucharest on the first day of your tour between 5am and 11:30pm.

To arrange your airport transfer please email us the following information at least 2 weeks before your departure date. [email protected]

Travel Date, Flight Number, Local Arrival Time, Name/s of the Passengers

Highlights

Bucharest: The capital of Romania has everything to keep the traveler satisfied with a cosmopolitan downtown and historic sites.

Sinaia: A town in central Romania’s Bucegi Mountains, the 17th-century Sinaia Monastery was once a royal family Residence.

Brasov: A medieval town set in the heart of Transylvania’s Carpathian Mountains, Brasov is the launchpad for the dazzling castles in the region.

Sighisoara: Sighisoara lies on the Tarnava Mare River in Mures, Romania, right at the historic region of Transylvania. It hosts a spectacular UNESCO-heritage citadel.

Targu Mures: Targu Mures is the 16th largest Romanian city, with 134,290 inhabitants as of 2011. It lies on the luminous Mures River.

Cluj Napoca: The unofficial capital of Transylvania beckons with its myriad modern facilities scattered across Saxon and Hungarian monuments.

Salina Turda: Salina Turda is a salt mine in the Durgau-Valea Sarata area of Turda, the second-largest city in Cluj Country, northwest Romania.

Sibiu: Sibiu is a city in Transylvania, central Romania. It’s known for Germanic architecture and in its old town, the legacy of the 12th century.

Plovdiv: Hilly Plovdiv old town is famed for its photogenic and winding cobbled streets and beautifully preserved Ottoman-era townhouses.

Veliko Tarnavo: Veliko Tarnavo is one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria. Its history dates back to more than five thousand years ago.

Sofia: Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria.ıt has rich history from Roman and Ottoman Empires. Also famous with it’s night life.

Itinerary

Please note that the itinerary may be subject to small changes depending on the conditions during the tour. Alternative accommodation of similar standards may be used depending on the group size and hotel availability.

Inclusions & Exclusions

The tour price covers the following services:

Accomodation : 4 star hotels

Airport Transfer : Arrival transfer on day one.

Meals : 6 breakfasts

Transportation : Air-conditioned modern non-smoking coach or mini-bus

Guide : Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism

Sightseeing: Bucharest, Count Dracula Castle in Bran, Sighisoara, Cluj-Napoca, Salina Turda Salt Mine, Corvin Castle, Sibiu, Plovdiv, Sofia.

What is NOT included in the tour price?

• Any flights not mentioned above

• Travel insurance

• Meals not stated above

• Items of a personal nature

• Tips & gestures

• Entrance fees to the sights and museums

• Optional activities

• Other services not stated in the itinerary

Hotels & Accomodation

Solo travellers will be roomed with another solo traveller of the same gender in a twin or triple room, or can upgrade to a solo room by paying the single supplement. You may choose the solo room option when booking online or contact us to arrange a private room. Your tour leader will allocate rooms upon arrival at the starting hotel in accordance with the rooming lists, last minute changes may not be guaranteed.

HOTEL MERCURE UNIRII – BUCHAREST – 4 Star

A modern-design accommodation, steps away from the city center. The hotel features an on site restaurant & bar and rooms equipped with coffee-tea maker.

HOTEL AMBIENT – BRASOV – 4 Star

A charming accommodation, located in the heart of Old Town Brasov. The hotel offers its guests rooms equipped with tea/ coffee maker, an on-site restaurant offering delicacies from various cuisines.

HOTEL RIVER PARK – CLUJ NAPOCA – 4 Star

An elegant hotel overlooking the Someșul Mic, offering its guests spectacular views. Guest rooms are equipped with flat-screen tv with cable channels, safe deposit box, tea/ coffee maker and free toiletries.

HOTEL GOLDEN TULIP ANA TOWER – SIBIU – 4 Star

A contemporary accommodation, located only a steps away from the Old Town. The hotel offers spacious rooms equipped with tea-coffee maker, an on-site restaurant & bar and a SPA & wellness center.

NOVOTEL – SOFIA – 4 Star

Novotel Sofia offers various facilities such as a restaurant, fitness center and bar. Rooms are fitted with a coffee/tea maker. Sofia Airport is only 4 km away.

BEST WESTERN PREMIER PLOVDIV HILLS – PLOVDIV – 4 Star

Best Western Premier Plovdiv Hills provides comfy accommodation with a restaurant, bar, and a shared lounge. Each room presents city views, and guests can enjoy access to a garden and a terrace.

Budgeting

Please note that entrance fees to sights and optional activities are not included in the tour price. Optional activities are not operated by Travel Talk and may require a certain number of attendees to run. Your guide will be happy to inform you further about the available optional activities at the start of your tour. Optional activities are also listed under each day in your tour itinerary.

The Romanian Leu (RON) is the official local currency in Romania. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted except in some small vendors.

Personal Spending

Coffee: 5 RON (1 EUR)

Sandwiches: 6 RON Baht (1.20 EUR)

Fresh pastry: 3 RON (0.60 EUR)

Local beer: 6 RON (1.20 EUR)

Water (1.5L): 4 RON (0.80 EUR)

One-way public bus ticket: 2.50 RON (0.50 EUR)

Mid-range restaurant meal: 25 RON (5 EUR)

Tipping

Tips are a common reward for service staff in Romania. For a restaurant meal, you can tip around 10-15% if tip is not included in the bill. Your tour guide and driver will be especially appreciative and honored with this kind of traditional gratitude at the end of your tour.

Shopping

Like most countries, Romania has no shortage of shopping centres and malls. However, it’s far more interesting and rewarding to shop with the locals at the markets. Mostly every village has its own market and in some you’ll even find that the goods are transported by horse drawn carriage. From fresh produce, dairy products, intricate pottery, handmade rugs, wood carvings and ceramics. You’re sure to find some beautiful finds. Don’t be afraid to haggle either, that’s all part of the fun!

Essential Information: Transylvania

Passport & Visas

If you are travelling to Romania for 90 days or less and hold the passport of one of the 60 countries listed, including UK, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada, you are not required to apply for a visa on arrival. Please check the official Romania government website for the list of countries, as it may be updated from time to time. If you intend to stay in Romania for more than 90 days, then you will need to apply for a visa. As Romania is also not included in the Schengen zone, visits to Romania will also not count towards your 90-day visa free limit in the Schengen area.

This information is provided only as a guidance, we strongly advise that you check with the consulate or embassy as this information can change at any time and with little notice. It is your responsibility to make sure that all the required travel documents are ready when travelling.

Travel Advice

We are closely monitoring the latest travel updates to Balkans and Transylvania, and following the advice of the UK Foreign Office. For the latest travel advice from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), please visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/romania

We recommend all travellers to check their Government National Travel Advisory prior to their departure:

Australia – https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

Canada – https://travel.gc.ca/

New Zealand – https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/

USA – https://travel.state.gov/

Travel Insurance

All passengers travelling with Travel Talk are required to have personal travel insurance before participating in any of our tours. Your guide will collect your travel insurance details on the first day of your trip. It is your responsibility to make sure you have an adequate and suitable travel insurance for you in place, you may read more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/travel-insurance

Health & Safety

The health and safety of our passengers, staff and communities visited is of utmost priority. As we monitor and comply with the official advice from the UK Foreign Office, as well as World Health Organization and government authorities regularly, we have implemented several policies and precautions on our tours for your wellbeing. You may find our Safe Travels Protocols at https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels

Travel Talk Adventures has received the Safe Travels stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which allows travellers to recognise companies around the world that have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols – so consumers canexperience ‘Safe Travels’.

Please make sure to regularly check your Government’s travel advice before travelling and be well-informed of any requirements. Your tour guide will also notify you of the regulations and protocols to follow throughout your trip with us.

Please note that if any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary or possess a potential risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to remove them from all or part of a trip.

Please consult with your doctor for the latest medical travel information and any vaccinations you may need. We recommend that you bring any personal medical requirements and medications with you as these may be difficult to obtain while on tour.

Weather

The best time to visit Transylvania depends on what kind of experience you’re after. If you’re looking for nice weather, you’re best to go either side of summer from April to June, where you’ll find pleasant weather and wild-flower filled meadows in spring with average temperatures from 16-20°C. Or head to Transylvania from the end of August to October, where you’ll also find comfortable temperatures and beautiful autumnal colours as you enter the colder months. July and August are peak summer months, however it can get uncomfortably hot, especially in cities like Brasov and Sibiu, so you’re best to visit either side of the peak summer months for decent weather in more comfortable temperatures. 

Autumn is a great time to visit, especially as the mountains and forests begin to change colour from all the foliage. Plus, Transylvania is the birthplace of Dracula after all, so there really is no better place to celebrate Halloween and get into the spirit of it! The winter months in Transylvania from December to February can be quite magical, with snow covering the fairy tale-like villages, horse drawn carriages, and snowy alpine trails. In December you’ll be in for a treat with plenty of Christmas markets and festivities, making for the classic Christmas scenes.

For more, check out our Romania weather guide.

Money Matters

The Romanian Leu (RON) is the official local currency in Romania. You can get Leu from ATM’s using your debit card or travel card — withdrawing cash on credit card is less favourable. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted except in some small vendors.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist sites across Transylvania. However, if you are travelling off the beaten track, come prepared with a small stash of cash on hand for inexpensive purchases at small shops and vendors, entrance fees or small meals. ATMs can be easily found in many places across the cities.

We recommend you do not exchange bulk sums of money at the airport, as the exchange rates are usually more favourable in the major cities. Your tour leader will be happy to help if you need any assistance.

Please remember that everyone has different spending habits, some prefer to spend more on souvenirs, some on experiences and others on a night out! Make sure to budget your trip to your spending habits for shopping, drinking, and tipping.

Eating & Drinking

Romanian food is among the most diverse in the world, inheriting methods and ingredients from Turkish, Eastern, and Central European cuisines. Romanian dishes mostly consist of vegetables, cereals, dairy products, and meat. It has various branches including a wide range of soups, appetizers, olive oil dishes, and spirits. You will find local versions of the iconic Balkan dishes, consumed as part of the same rituals widespread in the region. It may be overwhelming to choose among a sea of quintessential dishes, so make sure you know all the essentials to have the ultimate food experience. For more, check our our Romanian food guide.

Mici: Mici is small sticks of minced meat seasoned with garlic, pepper, caraway seeds, coriander, thyme, and many more. 

Sarmale: It consists of a mouthful of cabbage rolls filled with ground pork and rice, cooked, and served with sour cream or yogurt which complements its salty taste.

Ciorba Radauteana: A chicken breast is usually the source of meat, and nutritious vegetables like carrots, onion, parsnip, and celery go into it.

Bulz: Romania’s staple ingredient finds a soulful shape and flavor in bulz, chunks of stuffed polenta (boiled cornmeal). 

Zacusca: Breakfast condiments are an essential part of Balkan cuisine, and the aromatic zacusca is the Romanian food contribution to it.

Papanasi: Papanasi singlehandedly represents the sweet side of Romanian food as an authentic version of the fried dough you will see across the Balkans. 

Essentials to Bring & Internet

-Face mask/cover and hand sanitiser enough for your personal use throughout the trip – See more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels/

-Travel Documents: Passport, Visa (if required), flight or transport ticket (and photocopies)

-Travel Talk Tour Voucher (printed or digital)Travel Insurance Policy (and photocopy)

-Personal medical kit and medicine

-Money (cash, credit card, travellers’ cheques)

-Power Adapter

-Reusable water bottle

-Ear plugs and eye mask

-Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

-Comfortable, closed walking shoes

-Wind/water proof jacket

-Warm clothes, hat, and gloves for cold weather

-Sandals, swimwear, shorts for warm weather

Internet Access

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, some cafes, and restaurants visited during Travel Talk tours. If you come from another EU Country, you may be able to use your phone without any additional roaming charges, please consult with your mobile provider. Make sure to enable data roaming on your mobile if you
wish to use 3G/4G abroad, although the connection may be unreliable in smaller towns and rural areas. Purchasing a European SIM card for the duration of your tour may be a cost-effective option. Your guide will be happy to advise on this.

Culture and Traditions

As the land of mythic legends and dark tales,  Romania’s customs and traditions are still to this day a key part of Romanian culture. Romanian traditions tend to be passed down from generation to generation, and are a way to further connect with their rich folk culture. Although much of Romania has been influenced by modern Western Europe, ancient traditions and an orthodox-Christian religion still remains strong, with a great importance placed on family networks and values. 

Romanian costumes and ornaments are colourful and intricate, used traditionally in their dances and festivals. Although Romanian people may seem reserved when first meeting, they are known to be hospitable and warm, with a great sense of humour. You’ll find yourself charmed by the fairy tale-like villages, mythic legends, majestic mountains, and rich culture and traditions of Romania.

How to Dress

In general, there are few dress restrictions in Eastern Europe. However, when visiting churches, monasteries or other religious sites modest dress is required – shorts or open-shoulder tops may not be permitted, for both men and women. It is important to cover from shoulders to knees as a sign of respect and women are also often required to wear a headscarf at religious sites.

Solo Travellers

We have many solo travellers joining our tours. Solo travellers will be roomed with another traveller of the same gender. If you would like a private solo room, subject to availability and a single supplement, please contact us.

Rules to Follow

We are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. We do not tolerate any form of violence (physical or verbal), bullying or harassment involving customers, partners, Travel Talk staff or locals. Sexual relationships between a tour leader and a passenger are forbidden.

We will not tolerate any illegal activity, including but not limited to: use and possession of illegal drugs, trespassing, and disrupting public order. If you consume alcohol, please ensure that you drink responsibly and follow the local laws and regulations.

If someone is acting inappropriately regarding these matters, please notify your tour leader immediately or contact us on the emergency contact number provided below.

You must follow the advice of your tour leader and local officials regarding health and safety measures. We operate all tours under Safe Travels protocols for the wellbeing of our passengers, staff and communities visited. Please ensure that you have read the https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels/ and are fully prepared for your trip.

Your tour leader has the right to remove from the group anyone not abiding by these rules, with no right of compensation or refund. See more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/booking-terms/

Please remember that our travellers come from different parts of the world and will have various needs and preferences. Be understanding and patient with your fellow travellers, and always strive to be on time.

Responsible Travel

We believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with you, we strive to make a positive impact on local people and economies, respecting the local culture, environment, social fabric and customs; encouraging respectful and meaningful cross-cultural exchange. Read more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/responsible-travel/