3-Day Private Romania Tour: Dracula’s Castle & Medieval Towns

Summary

Romania Private Tour: Castles, Monasteries & Old Towns

You’ll dive into Romania’s real heart—castles full of stories, medieval towns alive with color, mountain monasteries echoing with history—all guided by someone who knows every corner.

What’s the experience like?

The air felt cool and a little damp as we crossed the bridge to Snagov Monastery, early in the morning. There’s something about the quiet here—just birds and the soft sound of water lapping at the shore. Our guide, Andrei, shared stories about Vlad Tepes and pointed out the spot where his tomb lies, right in front of the altar. I noticed a faint smell of incense inside, mixed with old stone and wax—easy to imagine monks moving quietly centuries ago.

Peles Castle came next. It’s tucked into the forest near Sinaia, and honestly, it looks like something out of a fairy tale but feels lived-in. The woodwork inside is so detailed you could stare at it for ages. We had to put on those funny blue shoe covers before stepping onto the polished floors—apparently everyone does! Just down the road is Sinaia Monastery. The bells rang as we arrived, echoing off the mountains. Our guide explained how Prince Mihai Cantacuzino built it after his pilgrimage to Mount Sinai. You can still see pilgrims lighting candles outside.

Brasov was lively even on a weekday afternoon. We wandered through Council Square while street musicians played nearby and grabbed a quick snack from a bakery—those covrigi (Romanian pretzels) are everywhere and always warm. After lunch, Bran Castle waited for us up in the hills. It’s smaller than I expected but packed with history and odd corners; our guide told us which rooms inspired Dracula legends (and which didn’t). The view from the ramparts is all rolling green hills and red roofs.

Sighisoara felt like stepping back in time—the cobbled streets are uneven underfoot and every house seems painted a different color. We climbed up to the Clock Tower for a look over the rooftops; you can hear kids playing in the schoolyard below if you listen closely. The Arms Museum is tiny but crammed with old swords and armor—our guide joked that some pieces look like they’ve never been cleaned since medieval times.

Sibiu surprised me most: wide squares filled with locals sipping coffee at Piata Mare, sunlight bouncing off pastel buildings. There’s this odd thing where windows on old houses look like sleepy eyes watching you walk by—it’s charming and just a bit eerie at dusk. On our last day we stopped at Calimanesti Springs for fresh water (cold enough to make your teeth ache) before visiting Cozia Monastery by the Olt river—a peaceful end before heading back to Bucharest.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snagov Monastery & Sinaia Sights

• Visit Snagov Monastery
• Tour Peles Castle
• Explore Sinaia Monastery

Day 2 — Brasov & Dracula's Castle

• Brasov City Tour and Lunch Break
• Visit Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle)

Day 3 — Sighisoara, Sibiu & Monasteries

• Sighisoara Old Town Tour
• Sibiu City Tour
• Visit Calimanesti Springs & Cozia Monastery

Top questions

Is this private tour suitable for families or older travelers?

Yes, it’s designed for all fitness levels and can be adapted to your pace or interests.

Can we change parts of the itinerary during our trip?

Absolutely! Your guide is flexible and happy to adjust plans even after starting out.

Are entrance fees or meals included?

The guide’s entrance fees and meals are covered; your own tickets or meals aren’t included unless arranged separately.

Do you provide hotel recommendations?

Yes—we’ll suggest hotels based on your budget and can help book them if needed.

What’s included

You get a private car (or minibus), an English-speaking licensed guide/driver just for your group, free Wi-Fi in the vehicle, hotel recommendations (and booking help), plus all car expenses covered—including fuel, parking, tolls—and full flexibility on daily plans.