As everybody can imagine Transylvania is all about stunning scenery and terrific places. Everyone knows and fears Dracula; still everyone wants to travel to Transylvania.  Start packing without any worries. Most of the tours are guaranteed to depart on the dates given, as Transylvania Live do not insist on a minimum number of bookings before departure.

Add turtlenecks, garlic and scarves to the top of the packing list, muster some courage, and summon your sense of adventure. The ultimate adventure awaits in a distant land where a 15th-century ruler terrified all who dared to challenge his ways.

   All along the Transylvanian way, the terrifying touring unfolds against a backdrop of some of the oldest forest and unaltered land in all of Europe. Transylvania shrouds itself with thick quilts of old pine, projects the Carpathian mountains' stark peaks and then soothes its visitors with natural mineral spas.

A Vampire's Lineage

   The vampires caricatured for silent films, best-selling novels, cereal boxes and even "Sesame Street" all descended from Vlad III Draculea, a Romanian prince who reigned in the 15th century. The prince earned the nickname "Vlad the Impaler" for the merciless ruler's gruesome method of doing away with enemies. His given surname, Anglicized as "Dracula," is derived from the word meaning either "dragon" or "demon" in his native tongue.
   Irish writer Bram Stoker drew inspiration from Vlad the Impaler for his novel "Dracula," published in 1897. The book's antagonist, a vicious Romanian count with a thirst for young blood, rises from his coffin bed and masochistically preys upon British newlyweds Jonathan Harker and Mira Murray. Decades later, the iconic vampire gave actors, including Bela Lugosi, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Gary Oldman film roles they could really sink their teeth into.

Retracing Dracula's Tracks
   If they dare, travelers on the Dracula trail can follow the vampire prince from birth to burial. Vlad Dracula entered this world in the Transylvania town of Sighisoara, noted for one of the region's few walled fortresses. The house of Dracula's birth, marked with a modest plaque on the door, now multitasks as a restaurant serving Romanian cuisine and a small museum of medieval weapons used during Vlad's rule.
   Although Castle Bran is strongly associated with Vlad Dracula, the foreboding edifice actually has the weakest historical ties to the Impaler. Perched at the apex of a narrow, climbing road near the city of Brasov, the massive stone building clearly inspired the cinematographers and animators who worked on just about every "Dracula" film project.

 What remains of Vlad Dracula's real abode can be found about 50 miles northwest of Bucharest near the town of Tirgoviste. The fortress ruins are almost inaccessible, requiring a climb of 1,500 steps up a mountain that overlooks a river basin. The castle served Dracula as a refuge from advancing enemies as well as a place to watch their demise. Among the palace ruins, visitors can make out the overlook tower from which Vlad viewed impalements that took place in the courtyard.
   Vlad the Impaler's own finale happened by assassination, after which his remains are said to have been entombed in the Snagov monastery just north of Bucharest. The 16th-century monastery, accessible only by boat, is situated on an island in the middle of a lake. Romanians still revere the ruler who defended their nation against the Turks, and continue to honor Dracula with a portrait and vases of fresh flowers near his resting place.

Dracula Tours in Transylvania

Departing from Bucharest from June till September Vampire in Transylvania, the Awarded Dracula Tour offers a 7 days trip back in time, following Jonathan Harker's footsteps but revealing the genuine historical facts and places. Includes the unique medieval citadel of Sighisoara – Vlad the Impaler's birth place, the Saxon city of Brasov,Bistrita Citadel, the royal Peles Castle, the mysterious Bran Castle as well as Dracula's Castle in Borgo Pass. In addition, the special activities prepared, all along the itinerary, bring out the essence of the genuine Transylvanian Folklore.

A 3 day Vampire in Transylvania short break including Killing of the Living Dead magical ritual is also available based on the low cost flights to Transylvania.

The itinerary of the Vampire in Transylvania tour was a major source of inspiration for Travel Channel. Transylvania Live has assisted them on a documentary based on Transylvanian dark legends.

A 12 day Halloween in Transylvania – Dracula Tour is offered in October with departure from Budapest, Hungary. It includes an unforgetable Halloween Party in the citadel of Sighisoara, Vlad Dracul birthplace.

More details on www.visit-transylvania.eu, www.visit-transylvania.co.uk, or www.dracula-tour.com .