About this experience
Small group tour up to 8 people
Discover Transylvania’s medieval heritage, dramatic landscapes, and rescued wildlife on a day trip from Brașov to Bran Castle, the Bear Sanctuary in Zărnești, and Râșnov Citadel.
Begin with a scenic drive through the Carpathian countryside to Bran Castle, known as Dracula’s Castle. Explore its winding staircases, historic rooms, and hidden passageways while discovering its medieval origins, royal connections, and the stories behind the Dracula legend.
Visit the Bear Sanctuary in Zărnești, where rescued brown bears are cared for in spacious forest enclosures. Join a guided walk to hear their individual stories, learn about the sanctuary’s conservation work, and observe the bears enjoying a life far removed from their former captivity.
Your final stop is Râșnov Citadel, a medieval stronghold overlooking the town and surrounding mountains. Discover its role as a refuge for local communities and enjoy panoramic views across the Transylvanian landscape.
At a glance
- Duration: 8 hr
- Skip-the-line entry
Plan your experience
Set aside 8 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What is included
- We spend 90 minutes in each place, not 30, ensuring you can truly appreciate the place
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan or standard car
- Driver
- guides with real expertise, personal ties, or firsthand experience
Not included
- Lunch
- Bear Sanctuary 95 lei/ Bran Castle 100 lei/ Rasnov Fortress 15 lei
Itinerary and highlights
Visit The Bears Sanctuary which is located in the forest, 2 km away from Piatra Craiului National Park. It covers an area of 69 hectares of forest, streams and ponds where the brown bears live. It is the biggest of this kind in the entire world. Visit the Bears Sanctuary - an amazing place for such beautiful animals! This " 5 stars all-inclusive resort " for bears hosts around 100 rescued bears from captivity. They have a chance for a new and better life now! Taking pictures is allowed. Prepare your cameras!
On the approach to Bran village, while the castle appears through the mist like something out of a fairytale, it will quickly become clear as to why this magnificent castle is the most well-known castle in the world! Visit Bran Castle and discover the truth behind the legends! Immerse yourself in the legend of Vlad the Impaler, inspiration for the fictional Count Dracula! The castle is built on a hilltop with view on each part of the valley. The castle got its fame from the novel “Dracula”, written by Bram Stoker and Dracula movie due later directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The Bran Castle tour will show us the castle’s many well-preserved rooms and chambers. Gothic furnishings and details help set the scene for ghastly legends of all that happened here, including the imprisonment of Vlad the Impaler.
There are many historical tales about Râșnov Fortress, the citadel built by Teutons in the 13th century to stave off Tartar invasion. Set on a wooded hill above Râșnov, the chunky stone fortress is stacked with red-tiled turrets and buildings, making it look like a walled village. After around 30 minutes on the road, head inside Râșnov (own expense) with your guide. Walk around the courtyards and ramparts, and admire the sweeping views from the walls. See the fortress’ well as your guide explains the legend surrounding it, and hear how medieval villagers would live in the fortress as a refuge in times of war.
Meeting and pickup information
- In front of United Colours of Benetton store 8.40 am
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Transylvania Discovery Tours
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- A moderate amount of walking is involved - comfortable shoes required
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- The upper part of RASNOV FORTRESS IS CLOSED for the moment, but we will still have some fun! We will take the CHOO CHOO TRAIN and visit the lower fortress, the panoramic platform, the outside walls and exterior court.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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