Bucharest to Dracula & Peles Castle Day Trip with Brasov

Summary

Transylvania castles day trip from Bucharest with medieval town walk

You’ll step through royal halls at Peles Castle, trace legends inside Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle), and wander medieval Brasov’s winding streets on this guided day trip from Bucharest. Expect local stories, mountain air, and moments that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the mist clinging to the hills as we left Bucharest behind — our guide, Andrei, cracked a joke about vampires needing fog for dramatic effect. He had this way of mixing history and local gossip that made the drive to Sinaia fly by. When we reached Peles Castle, it almost didn’t look real — all those carved wood balconies and stained glass windows, tucked right into the forest. Inside, the air smelled like old books and polished floors. I kept lagging behind because every room had something odd or beautiful (the secret passage in the library? Still thinking about it). We had some free time after, so I just sat outside for a bit, watching clouds drift over the mountains. Felt like the sort of place you’d write letters home from, if people still did that.

Brasov surprised me. It’s got this German feel — pastel houses, cobblestone streets that twist around each other. Andrei led us through the main square where kids were chasing pigeons and an old woman sold pretzels from a basket. The Black Church loomed over everything; inside it’s quiet except for your footsteps echoing off stone. I tried to pronounce “Strada Sforii” (the narrowest street in Europe) and Li laughed when I butchered it. We wandered off for coffee before heading out again — honestly, could’ve stayed longer just people-watching.

Bran Castle is what everyone talks about on a day trip to Dracula’s Castle from Bucharest, but it’s stranger in person: all sharp angles and creaking stairs, perched above a valley like it’s still guarding something. Our guide told stories about Vlad the Impaler that were half legend, half fact — you can’t really tell where one ends and the other starts here. The wind rattled a window while he talked about old battles; someone in our group jumped at the sound (not me… okay maybe a little). By the time we headed back toward Bucharest, my phone was full of crooked castle photos and I was already thinking about how weirdly familiar Transylvania felt after just one day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Transylvania castles and Brasov tour

• Meet guide and depart from Bucharest
• Visit Peles Castle in Sinaia
• Walk tour of Brasov town center
• Visit Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle)
• Return to Bucharest hotel

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Bucharest to Dracula's Castle?

The tour lasts approximately one full day including travel time between stops.

Is entry to Peles Castle included on this tour?

Yes, an inside visit to Peles Castle is included unless closed due to season or maintenance.

Do we have free time at each stop?

Yes, there is free time at Peles Castle, Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle), and in Brasov's historical center.

What language does the guide speak?

The professional tour guide speaks English during the tour.

Are tickets to Bran Castle included?

An inside visit to Bran Castle is included as part of the itinerary.

Is lunch provided on this Transylvania castles tour?

No lunch is provided; you’ll have free time in Brasov where you can buy food independently.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; departure is from a centrally located meeting point in Bucharest.

Can children join this day trip?

The minimum age for participants is 11 years old; children under 11 are not allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes scenic coach transport from a central Bucharest meeting point with an English-speaking guide onboard. You’ll get entry tickets for both Peles Castle (when open) and Bran Castle plus plenty of free time at each site and in Brasov’s historical center before returning to Bucharest in the evening.