From Brasov: Bran, Rasnov & Peles Castles Small-Group Tour
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Transylvania in One Day — Without the Rush, Without the Crowds! Discover Peles Castle, Bran Castle, known as ‘Dracula’s Castle,’ and Râșnov Fortress on this 9-hour small group tour from Braşov. Travel to the beautifully ornate Peleș Castle, then visit Bran Castle, the turreted hilltop palace linked to Bram Stoker’s fictional Count Dracula. Walk through the spooky rooms and hear tales about Vlad the Impaler, the 15th-century noble who was imprisoned here and inspired Stoker’s blood-stained vampire. Finally, we drive to Râșnov to explore its stunning 13th-century fortress.
Your experience
Stop 1
Drive to Peles Castle. The expansive, Bavarian-style Peleș Castle was built among a lush forest to house Romania’s royalty in the 19th century and is among the most beautiful in Europe. A guide will lead you through many of its immaculate, ornate rooms, still adorned with luxuriant furnishings and décor. You’ll also have the chance to tour the neighbouring Pelișor Castle, a smaller royal residence decked out in art nouveau finery.
Stop 2
A 1-hour drive brings you to Bran Castle, nicknamed ‘Dracula’s Castle’ for its ties to Bram Stoker’s 1897 Gothic tale and its bloodthirsty villain. The high stone walls and red turrets of this hilltop citadel come into view as you approach the secluded castle, set among the dramatic backdrop of the Carpathians. Enter if you dare, after paying the site fee (own expense), and wander through the castle’s many well-preserved rooms and chambers with your guide. Gothic furnishings and details help set the scene for ghastly legends of all that happened here, including the imprisonment of Vlad the Impaler. This 15th-century prince was notorious for his bloodthirsty campaigns against invading Turks and is said to have inspired Stoker’s malevolent Count Dracula. Opt to have lunch if you like (own expense).
Stop 3
- RASNOV FORTRESS IS CLOSED, for the moment! Anyhow, we could visit the outside walls and exterior court. Explore two of Transylvania’s most impressive citadels and discover why the region is steeped in mysterious lore. Your professional guide will pick you up in central Braşov in a car or minivan for the 30-minute ride south to Râșnov, situated among the stunning Bucegi Mountains. Learn about the storied history of Râșnov Fortress, a walled stone compound designed to ward off attacks by the fierce Tartars and used as a refuge for local villagers during medieval warfare. Explore the time-worn courtyards, ramparts and well of the 13th-century fortress built by the Teutons.
What’s included
- Round-trip transport by air-conditioned car or minivan
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Brasov outside of old town only
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees: Bran Castle (90 LEI to 200 LEI), Peles Castle (100 LEI), Rasnov Fortress - 12 lei
- Entrance fees
Before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Small group tour. This is NOT for you if: you are looking for the cheapest option / you prefer large group tours / you want to rush through as many places as possible.
- Sturdy hiking footwear recommended
- All year round - Try to avoid Saturdays and Sundays, as they tend to be very crowded.
- MONDAY BRAN CASTLE IS OPENED AT 12:00.
- Peles and Pelisor Castles are closed MONDAY and TUESDAY! More info about the admission time: peles.ro
- RASNOV FORTRESS IS CLOSED, for the moment! Anyhow, we could visit the outside walls and exterior court as follows: Starting Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the Garden of the Medieval Fortress of Rasnov and the Báthory Tower, located at the garden entrance, can only be visited with an admission ticket. Ticket details: ▪ The fee is 10 lei/person (VAT included) for visitors over 12 years old; ▪ Children under 12 years old enjoy free entry; ▪ Tickets can be purchased exclusively on-site, by card only (POS available).
- Please bring your own mask; we provide hand sanitizer. We are cleaning vehicles after every tour.
- Tour available with extension to Sinaia at a supplement fee and you have to book online Bran, Rasnov and Peles Castle option!
- The recommendations of our tour guides: We are always eager to make sure our guests have a wonderful time while participating on our tours. Organizing private and small group tours allows us to be flexible with time and always have opportunities for breaks. Usually, we arrive to Bran around mid-day and after visiting Bran castle our guests can have some free time on the premises and nearby the castle grounds for lunch, shopping or photographing the area. In the Tea House, a small restaurant in the castle’s courtyard one can try the Funeral cake, a porridge like dessert with walnuts, raisins, rom and much more. In Romanian called Coliva the funeral cake usually is served at funerals and commemoration of deceased loved ones. It goes well with a good coffee or tea. Nearby the castle entrance a small souvenir market is located, our favorite stall is selling traditional masks and handcrafted objects and textiles. Please ask your guide to point it out to you! Our guests have the option to decide to have a proper sit-down meal or something quick on the move. The same market has food stalls, one of the most popular ones sells Romanian Hot Dogs (local sausage sandwiches) and Hanul Bran restaurant offers a large choice of tasty Romanian cuisine.
- Meeting point: In front of Biblioteca Județeană "George Barițiu", Bulevardul Eroilor 33-35. Please be aware that we provide pick-up and drop-off services exclusively within the city of Brașov, as well as for guests staying outside the old town. The pick-up time will vary based on the location requested. Additionally, we are happy to drop off guests at a different location than the pick-up point for an additional fee.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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