Dracula's Castle & Peles Castle Day Trip from Bucharest
Description
Experience the enchanting mountain scenery of Transylvania and Wallachia with this comprehensive day trip departing from Bucharest. Discover the intriguing Bran Castle, famously associated with the Dracula legend, alongside the stunning Peles Castle.
Day Trip Overview
Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your selected meeting point or accommodation in Bucharest, followed by a scenic journey north through the legendary Transylvanian forests.
Our first destination is Sinaia, a picturesque town nestled in the mountains of Wallachia, where the grand Peles Castle awaits. This magnificent structure was once the summer retreat of the Romanian royal family. During your guided tour, you will explore the artfully adorned halls, reflecting the exquisite style of the late 19th century, initiated by King Charles I.
Following this, we’ll proceed to the historic city of Bra?ov. On our route, you will gain insights about the city's significant landmarks. Upon arrival, you’ll have 1.5 hours to explore the charming historic center or enjoy a meal at one of the many local dining options.
After enjoying your lunch, we'll make our way to Bran Castle. There, we will provide you with valuable tips for your independent exploration. Learn about Vlad III “the Impaler,” the notorious 15th-century figure who inspired Bram Stoker’s celebrated novel Dracula. As you navigate through the castle's corridors, uncover how this legendary figure has come to embody the essence of Transylvania.
Once our visit to Bran Castle concludes, we’ll embark on our return trip to Bucharest, indulging in the beautiful vistas visible from the vehicle.
Admission Tickets
It is essential to note that tickets are not included in the tour cost. We advise securing them in advance due to high demand, especially during weekends and public holidays.
We suggest booking tickets at least a week ahead of your visit, but not more than 30 days in advance, since tickets can only be obtained within this timeframe. Last-minute purchases may result in unavailability at Peles Castle, in which case you can opt to visit Peli?or Castle instead.
Upon confirmation of your reservation, you will receive instructions regarding ticket acquisition and the available time slots.
Even with pre-purchased tickets, you will still need to queue for access to the site, and security measures might cause slight delays.
Potential Itinerary Adjustments
Please be aware that Peles Castle is not open on Mondays and Tuesdays throughout the year. If your excursion falls on one of these days, we will view the exterior of the castle only, and as an added experience, you'll visit an exhibition on medieval torture devices in Bran.
The itinerary may vary due to traffic conditions and seasonal events such as holidays. During peak seasons, anticipate longer waiting times.
Peles Castle will also undergo maintenance and thorough cleaning on designated days from November to December 2026. Weather permitting, a visit to Peli?or Castle will be an alternative option. Additionally, you will still have leisure time to explore the gardens surrounding Peles Castle.
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop–off (depending on the selected option)
- Transport by bus or van
- English–speaking guide
What's not included
- Lunch
- Admission ticket to Peles Castle: 25EUR per person
- Admission ticket to Bran Castle: 20EUR per person
- Guide for visiting Bran Castle
Cancellation policy
Cancellazione gratuita fino a 24 ore prima (local time)
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Important information
On the day of the activity, we’ll meet at University Square-Gray Line Meeting Point (Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta 9-5, 030167 Bucharest, Romania). You can check the exact meeting point at the following Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZnMqt4CrYPqxJS8D9. Please be ready at the designated location 5 minutes in advance, as the waiting time is limited. However, we will do our best to arrive on time and avoid traffic delays as much as possible.
If needed, you can contact the local team directly at the following email: pickup@grayline.ro
Tickets Not Included
Please note that tickets are not included in the tour price. We recommend purchasing them in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly, especially on weekends and public holidays.
We recommend booking at least 7 days in advance, but no earlier than 30 days before the visit, as tickets are not released any earlier. Last-minute bookings carry the risk of not finding available tickets for Peleș Castle. In such cases, you may choose to visit Pelișor Castle instead.
- To enter Peles Castle, you'll need to select a time slot between 9 am and 11 am. You can purchase your ticket at the following link: muzeu.ro.
- For admission to Bran Castle, you'll need to purchase your ticket through this link: civitatis.com/es/bran/entradas-castillo-bran/ on the day of the trip, based on your expected arrival time. Your guide will let you know the right time slot during the tour.
Please note that even if you have already purchased your tickets in advance, you'll still have to wait in the queues to access the monument, and security checks may delay entry for a few minutes.
Day Trip Changes
Please keep in mind that Peles Castle is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays year-round. If you do your tour on a Monday or Tuesday, instead of visiting the inside, we'll see Peles Castle from the outside and, as an added plus, we'll visit an exhibition on medieval torture instruments in Bran.
The itinerary is subject to change depending on traffic and seasonal events like holidays. If visiting during peak season, expect long lines and wait times.
Peles Castle will be closed for general cleaning and maintenance on some days in November to December 2026. We recommend checking the opening times before your visit at https://peles.ro/ro/. Weather permitting, you can visit Pelișor Castle instead. You’ll still have free time to stroll around the Peles Castle grounds
You might also like
Transylvania 2-Day Tour
Dracula's Castle, Brasov, Sibiu, Peles Castle... Get lost in legendary Transylvania on this two-day guided tour from ...
The Museum of Communism in Bucharest Ticket
At The Museum of Communism in Bucharest, you'll see an exhibition that narrates the historical milestones of over 40 ...
Private Day Trip from Bucharest
Transylvania, Valaquia, Basarabov, Veliko Tarnovo... Discover Romania's legendary history visiting its most famous ca...
Therme Spa Day Trip
On this day trip to the world-famous Therme spa from Bucharest, you'll enjoy a day of relaxation in one of the bigges...