Vlad the Impaler’s Court & Arges Monastery Private Tour

Summary

Private Day Trip: Târgoviște, Golești Mansion & Curtea de Argeș

If you want to step into Romania’s real history—castles, legends, royal tombs—this private tour gives you all that plus local stories you won’t find in guidebooks. You’ll walk where Vlad the Impaler ruled, see how aristocrats lived at Golești Mansion, and stand in awe at Curtea de Argeș Monastery’s unique beauty.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Bucharest was still cool when our guide picked us up—just enough chill to make the first coffee taste better. We headed out of the city, and after about an hour, those flat city blocks gave way to rolling green fields. Our first stop: the Royal Court of Târgoviște. Walking through the old stone gates, you can almost hear echoes of history—Vlad the Impaler ruled here in the 15th century. The crumbling towers and thick walls feel heavy with stories. Our guide, Andrei, pointed out a spot where Vlad supposedly held his infamous feasts. There’s a faint scent of damp stone inside the ruins, and if you listen closely, you’ll catch birds nesting up high. It’s not crowded early in the day—just a couple of locals passing by with their dogs.

Next up was Golești Mansion. The drive there is peaceful; we passed roadside stalls selling cherries and wildflowers. The mansion itself is set among linden trees that were just starting to bloom—the smell is sweet and earthy. This place isn’t just about fancy rooms; there’s a whole museum showing how rural life used to be. I loved seeing old wooden carts and handwoven rugs. Our guide shared stories about the Golescu family and how this spot was once a hub for artists and thinkers. There’s even a tiny village museum tucked behind the main house—easy to miss if you’re not looking for it.

Last stop: Curtea de Argeș Monastery. Even if you’ve seen photos, nothing really prepares you for its intricate stonework up close. The church is over 500 years old and has inspired so many others across Romania. Inside, it’s quiet—almost hushed—with flickering candles and that unmistakable scent of incense. We saw the tombs of four Romanian kings here; our guide explained their stories with real warmth. Outside, I noticed an old woman selling honey by the gate—she said her family’s been doing it for generations.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Historic Romanian Sites

• Visit Vlad the Impaler Princely Court
• Tour Golești Mansion and Rural Life Museum
• See Curtea de Argeș Monastery and Royal Tombs

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or seniors?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The walking is easy and there are plenty of places to rest along the way.

Can we swap Golești Mansion for Poienari Castle?

Absolutely! Just let us know when booking and we’ll adjust your itinerary to include Poienari Castle instead.

How long does the tour last?

The full tour usually takes about 9-10 hours including travel time from Bucharest.

Are there places to buy food or drinks during the tour?

Yes, there are small cafés and local vendors at each stop where you can grab snacks or drinks.

What’s included

Your own private guide for the day, comfortable transportation from your hotel in Bucharest (pick-up and drop-off included), all entrance fees covered, plus plenty of local insights along the way. Only your group joins—no strangers tagging along.