From Bucharest: Bran Castle, Peles Castle & Brasov Full-Day Guided Tour

Castles royal and eerie

Leave behind the metropolis of Bucharest for an intriguing sightseeing tour. Your first stop is Sinaia, otherwise known as the “Pearl of the Carpathians!” Here, you'll visit the Peles Castle, the former summer residence of the Romanian Royal Family. You'll then visit the Sinaia Monastery, a 300-year-old historic soul of the city and a cherished monument. Drive on to Bran, which is known for its famous medieval castle, The Dracula's Castle! For years now, this has been an interesting medieval art museum. Enveloped by an aura of mystery and legend, the Bran castle is perched atop a 200-foot-heigh rock, owing its fame to its imposing towers and turrets. While its association with Dracula is sketchy at best, the castle holds a strong attraction for all fans of the Count, so don't miss it.

The medieval charm of Brasov

Finally, you'll head to the city of Brasov, fringed by the peaks of the Southern Carpathian Mountains and peaking with Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, this is one of the most-visited cities in Romania. The city exudes a unique medieval ambiance and has been overused as a backdrop for many period films. Walk through the old town center, the Black Church, the Council Square, the Hirscher House, and baroque-styled buildings from the Austro-Hungarian times. By late afternoon, you'll be driving back to Bucharest, having learned a fair deal about Romania's history!

From Bucharest: Bran Castle, Peles Castle & Brasov Full-Day Guided Tour

Discover the enchanting castles and historic cities of Romania on this full-day guided tour from Bucharest that includes visits to Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle; Peles Castle, a royal residence with stunning architecture and historical significance; and the charming city of Brasov. The tour covers approximately 200 miles (320 kilometers) over eight hours, providing audio guides in English and Italian, wheelchair access at key sites, and a comprehensive overview of Romania’s rich cultural heritage. With stops at Bran Castle, Peles Castle, and the Black Church in Brasov, you’ll explore landmarks such as the eerie dungeons of Bran Castle and the opulent halls of Peles Castle. This tour offers an immersive experience with over 10 hours of sightseeing, including a visit to the historic city center of Brasov.

Explore Bran Castle's Hidden Stairways

Your tour stops at Bran Castle where you will delve into its hidden stairways, secret doors, and eerie dungeons filled with torture tools like iron cages and spiked chairs. Built in 1212, this castle is situated on a cliff overlooking the picturesque Carpathian Mountains and covers an area of approximately 30,000 square feet (2,800 square meters). Visitors can explore the castle’s six floors, which feature over 60 rooms showcasing medieval weaponry, furniture, and artifacts. The castle's association with Vlad the Impaler dates back to the late 15th century when it was used as a customs post along the Transylvanian border. Guests spend around two hours exploring Bran Castle, where they can admire its Gothic architecture and learn about its ties to Romanian folklore, making it one of Europe’s most famous castles.

Admire Peles Castle's Early 20th Century Elegance

Your tour continues at Peles Castle, a stunning royal residence that boasts vivid battle tapestries, stained-glass sliding ceilings, and even a private theater from the early days of cinema. Completed in 1883, this castle spans over 54 acres (22 hectares) and features an impressive array of architectural styles including Neo-Renaissance, Gothic Revival, and Baroque. Inside, visitors can marvel at its central heating system powered by a hydroelectric plant built on the nearby river, which was one of the first in Europe to have such advanced technology. The castle also houses over 4,000 works of art and furniture from around the world, making it a true masterpiece of European architecture. Guests spend about an hour and a half exploring Peles Castle, where they can appreciate its historical significance as a symbol of Romania's cultural renaissance in the early 20th century.

Stroll Brasov’s Historic Center

Your tour concludes with a stroll through Brasov’s historic center, where you’ll wander along cobbled streets past landmarks such as the Black Church, Hirscher House, and other Austro-Hungarian baroque gems. The city of Brasov is nestled at an altitude of 1,076 feet (328 meters) in the Transylvanian Basin and has been a significant trading hub since medieval times. Visitors can spend around two hours exploring the city’s narrow alleys and picturesque squares, taking in sights like the Black Church with its charred walls from a devastating fire in 1689, which are still visible today. The tour also includes access to Hirscher House, known for its red-tiled roof and historical exhibits showcasing the city's rich heritage.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Bran Castle’s hidden stairways
• Walk 200 miles with stops at key landmarks
• Audio guides in English and Italian languages
• Admire Peles Castle’s stained-glass sliding ceilings
• Experience Brasov’s historic center and narrow alleys
• Discover the Black Church’s charred walls from a fire
• Access Hirscher House with its red-tiled roof exhibits
• Enjoy panoramic views of the Carpathian Mountains

Perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture buffs, and Dracula fans, this full-day guided tour provides an in-depth look at Romania's rich cultural heritage through visits to Bran Castle, Peles Castle, and Brasov. The eight-hour format allows you to explore Bran Castle’s hidden stairways, admire Peles Castle’s early 20th-century elegance, and stroll Brasov’s historic center, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the region’s historical significance while enjoying its stunning architecture and scenic landscapes.