If you’re staying in Bucharest and only have one free day to explore the surrounding area, I’ve got good news for you: it’s possible to join a guided tour that, in around 12 hours, will take you to visit part of Transylvania, including two castles and a beautiful medieval town.
In this post, I’ll share my experience of this one-day trip from Bucharest to Transylvania, booked through GetYourGuide, that got me to Peleș Castle, the colourful town of Brașov, and Bran Fortress, better known as “Dracula’s Castle”.
This tour only covers part of Transylvania, which honestly deserves a much longer visit, but it still gives you a taste of Romania’s history, myths and legends.
During the journey you’ll admire the beautiful landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains from the coach window, along with medieval Saxon villages and traditional Romanian countryside houses. I’m sure you’ll also be swept away by the magical atmosphere of these places!
Let's go!
On the day of departure, make sure you get to the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure time, which is at 7:30 in the morning.
Our vehicle wasn’t one of those huge 50-seat coaches, but a smaller van suited to our group (there were around fifteen of us at most), so the tour felt quite relaxed and not too crowded.
After about an hour and a half from Bucharest, you’ll arrive in Wallachia, more precisely in Sinaia, home to the ancient and charming Peleș Castle.
Surrounded by the beautiful green forests of the Carpathian Mountains, Peleș Castle is a masterpiece of Italian-German Neo-Renaissance architecture. Commissioned by King Carol I in 1873 and completed in 1883, the castle served as the summer residence of the Romanian royal family until 1947, when the communist authorities forced King Michael I to abdicate and seized all royal properties.
Peleș soon became a national museum and, from 1990 onwards, was recognised as part of Romania’s national heritage. In 2006, the Romanian government returned the castle to the former monarch, King Michael I, and since 2007 the royal family has leased it back to the Romanian state so it can remain open to visitors as a museum.
Peleș Castle has 160 rooms, including a theatre hall and a concert room, reflecting King Carol I’s passion for art and interest in weapons. As you walk through the castle, you’ll notice a collection of around 6,000 works of art, stunning Carrara marble decorations, carved wood details, paintings, Murano crystal chandeliers, silk carpets, and much more.
Besides being visually magnificent, Peleș Castle was also one of the most modern castles in Europe from the very beginning. It was the first castle on the continent to be fully powered by electricity, had a lift, and was among the few with central heating.
Entry to Peleș Castle costs 50 lei (€10) for the standard ground-floor tour. Your guide will collect cash on the bus and buy the tickets for everyone, so you won’t need to queue.
Tip: if you have a few spare minutes, also visit the nearby Pelișor Castle, built for King Ferdinand and Queen Marie.
After visiting Peleș Castle, you’ll get back on the van and, after about another hour on the road, you’ll reach the second stop of your Transylvania tour: the town of Brașov.
The charming and colourful historic centre of Brașov is known for its Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture, all surrounded by the green mountain landscapes of the northern Carpathians.
Walk through the lively pedestrian streets in the centre, such as Republicii Street and Michael Weiss Street, lined with small shops, cafés and bars, and admire the beautiful decorated façades of the buildings.
Piața Sfatului, the Old Town Square, has hosted the weekly market since 1364, welcoming merchants from across the country and abroad. Today, it is surrounded by colourful Baroque-style buildings, with cafés, small shops and restaurants where you can relax and grab something to eat.
Just a short walk from the square, you’ll find Biserica Neagră, the Black Church, the largest Gothic building in Romania. The church gets its name from the dark colour of its exterior walls, blackened by flames and smoke during the great fire of 1689.
Fun fact: Brașov is home to one of the narrowest streets in Europe, Strada Sforii. This passage, 80 metres long and only 121 cm wide, is located near the Black Church and connects Cerbului Street with Poarta Schei Street. According to legend, Strada Sforii was once a meeting place for lovers whose parents disapproved of their relationship, and couples who kissed there would never break up.
Food tip — your stop in Brașov only lasts about an hour and a half. Even though the Old Town is fairly small, you’ll also need to squeeze lunch into that time. I’d recommend choosing a place that isn’t too crowded and asking how long the food will take before taking a seat, so you won’t end up spending all your time at the table.
For example, I had lunch at a small traditional Romanian restaurant called La Ceaun, on Michael Weiss Street, which mainly serves soups and stews.
Another option would be to bring a packed lunch so you can save even more time.
The third and final stop of the Transylvania tour, about 35 minutes from Brașov, is Bran.
Located in a valley in the Principality of Transylvania, perched on a rock with a river flowing beneath it, Bran Castle has all the features that made it associated with — and often referred to as — “Dracula’s Castle”.
However, Bran Fortress has little to do with Dracula. Instead, it preserves the artistic legacy of Queen Marie of Romania, who carefully restored it together with her daughter Ileana.
So don’t expect a castle full of ghosts, werewolves and vampires (although there are a few “spooky” rooms to keep visitors entertained), but rather be ready to discover the real history of Bran Castle.
As with Peleș Castle, entry to Bran Castle is not included in the tour price. Tickets cost 70 lei / €14 per adult and can be bought either online or on site.
After the visit, you’ll have a few minutes to grab a coffee or browse the souvenir stalls, before getting back on the bus. From there, it’s about a two and a half hour drive back to Bucharest, arriving in time for dinner.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for your Transylvania day tour from Bucharest.
What to bring:
A small backpack with a water bottle, snacks, and possibly a packed lunch (although you can also eat in one of the restaurants in Brașov), a camera, and — depending on the season — sunglasses, a hat and a coat or jacket.
What to wear:
The Carpathian Mountains are much cooler than Bucharest, sometimes up to 10 degrees lower. So, depending on the season, make sure you bring a coat or jacket and always check the weather forecast before you go, so you are properly dressed for the conditions. And of course — comfortable shoes!
Extra costs:
Bring some cash with you. The tour price includes transport by coach, a local guide, and guided visits to Peleș Castle and the medieval town of Brașov. It does not include entry to the castles (50 lei for Peleș Castle and 70 lei for Bran Castle), meals, or extra expenses such as souvenirs.
To check prices and availability, click here:
One-day tour from Bucharest: Peleș Castle, Brașov and Dracula’s Castle
If you’re travelling with family or a small group, you might also consider doing the same Transylvania itinerary independently by renting a car in Bucharest.
A rental car gives you full freedom when it comes to timing, pace, and stops along the way. You could also choose to spend a night in Brașov, giving you more time to visit the castles, small towns, and family-friendly attractions.
Prices for group tours and car hire vary depending on the season, so it’s worth checking which option is more convenient for you in terms of cost and comfort before making your final decision.
I hope this article has been helpful!
Here are my other posts about Romania:
If you have any questions, feel free to email me: info@ingiroconfluppa.com
See you soon!
Hi! I'm Flavia, I live in London and have been traveling on and on since 2010. Travel blogger, mom, wife, full-time employee: none of this stops me from wandering every month. I'm here to inspire you and help you organize your DIY trip, making the most out of your budget and time. If you're a curious and dynamic person who loves exploring new destinations independently, this is the place for you.
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