About this experience
Avoid large tour bus group!
We run small groups of maximum seven and we offer hotel pick-up.
Visit the largest Salt Mine in Europe. This is an underground cathedral of salt covering 8 hectares — the equivalent of 16 football pitches, with chambers reach heights of over 50 meters. The landscape feels like another planet.
After resurfacing, we head to the rolling hills of wine region for a gourmet lunch at a restaurant that formerly served as Nicolae Ceaușescu’s private hunting lodge. This location offers a glimpse into the exclusive lifestyle of Romania’s former communist leader.
Our final chapter takes us to the serene waters of Snagov Lake. A short bridge crossing brings us to a hidden island monastery with a dark reputation. Within the walls of this 15th-century church lies the Tomb of Vlad the Impaler, the ruthless voivode who inspired the legend of Dracula. Explore the frescoes and hear the tales of the real Vlad Tepes—a national hero to some.
At a glance
- Duration: 9 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 9 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional tour guide in English
- Small group - up to 7 tourists
- Hotel Pick-up in city center area
Not included
- Lunch
- Salt Mine
- Dracula's Grave
Itinerary and highlights
The Unirea Salt Mine is part of the Slănic Prahova Salt Mine, one of the largest salt mines in Europe and a popular tourist destination in Romania. Located in the town of Slănic, approximately 100 km north of Bucharest, it is a vast underground complex carved into salt rock, descending to a depth of 208 meters. The mine has been repurposed into a unique attraction for health, recreation, and tourism.
Key Features of Unirea Salt Mine:
1. Vast Underground Chambers:
The mine features massive halls, some as tall as 70 meters, with walls of pure salt. The chambers are beautifully illuminated, creating a surreal atmosphere.
2. Therapeutic Benefits:
The microclimate of the mine is rich in negative ions and has a constant temperature of around 12°C (54°F). It's particularly beneficial for people with respiratory conditions such as asthma or allergies.
3. Planetarium:
One of the highlights is the planetarium located inside the mine.
Casa Seciu Restaurant and Winery is a renowned culinary and wine destination located near the city of Ploiești, in Prahova County, Romania. Nestled among scenic vineyards, it offers a perfect blend of traditional Romanian cuisine, fine wines, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Key Highlights of Casa Seciu:
1. Culinary Experience:
The restaurant is celebrated for its authentic Romanian dishes, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It also offers a selection of international dishes to cater to diverse tastes. Signature items include traditional stews, grilled meats, and delectable desserts.
2. Winery:
Casa Seciu is situated in the middle of a vineyard, producing high-quality wines. Guests can sample a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés, crafted to complement the regional cuisine. Wine tastings are a popular activity here, providing insight into local winemaking traditions.
Dracula’s Grave is traditionally believed to be located at Snagov Monastery, situated on a small island in the middle of Snagov Lake, about 40 km north of Bucharest, Romania. This monastery is steeped in mystery and folklore, as it is associated with the legendary figure of Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Dracula), the historical inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Key Details about Dracula’s Grave:
Vlad the Impaler, the 15th-century Wallachian ruler known for his fierce defense against the Ottoman Empire and his brutal methods, is said to have been buried at Snagov Monastery after his death in battle or assassination. However, the exact location of his grave remains a matter of debate.
Snagov Monastery is a 14th-century Orthodox site, featuring beautiful frescoes and a peaceful setting. It is accessible by boat or a causeway, adding to its mystical allure.
A tomb inside the church, near the altar, is traditionally considered to be Vlad the Impaler’s burial place.
Meeting and pickup information
- Near the artesian fountain
Languages and tickets
- Arabic — Audio
- no — Audio
- hi — Audio
- German — Audio
- sv — Audio
- Korean — Audio
- cmn — Audio
- Japanese — Audio
- English — Guide
- Italian — Audio
- French — Audio
- ro — Guide
- Spanish — Audio
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Supplier
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- In the Salt Mine are 12 degrees Cesius; 54 degrees Fahrenheit
- We begin our journey by descending 200 meters into the heart of the earth at the largest Salt Mine in Europe. This is an underground cathedral of salt covering 8 hectares — the equivalent of 16 football pitches, with chambers reach heights of over 50 meters. The landscape feels like another planet. After resurfacing, we head to the rolling hills of wine region for a gourmet lunch at a restaurant that formerly served as Nicolae Ceaușescu’s private hunting lodge. This location offers a glimpse into the exclusive lifestyle of Romania’s former communist leader. Our final chapter takes us to the serene waters of Snagov Lake. A short bridge crossing brings us to a hidden island monastery with a dark reputation. Within the walls of this 15th-century church lies the Tomb of Vlad the Impaler, the ruthless voivode who inspired the legend of Dracula. Explore the frescoes and hear the tales of the real Vlad Tepes—a national hero to some, and a bloodthirsty tyrant to others.
- In Romania, eating in the van is generally considered a sign of disrespect and can even be seen as offensive. We highly appreciate your understanding and cooperation in keeping the vehicle clean. Please feel free to enjoy your food or snacks entirely outside the vehicle during stops.
- Please note that the following entrance fees and meals are not included in the tour price and must be paid separately: Salt Mine Entrance Fee: €16 per person. You can pay directly by card on-site, or we can purchase the tickets online for you in advance and you can pay us back in cash when we meet. Lunch: Not included. We will dine at an a la carte restaurant where you can order whatever you like. Prices start at around €10–€15 for a main dish and can go up to €60, depending on your choices (for example, premium items like Argentine beef steak will be on the higher end). Snagov Monastery Entrance Fee: €4 per person, CASH ONLY. If you wish to take photos inside, there is an additional camera fee of €2 per device. These additional costs for tickets, fees, and meals are to be covered individually during the day.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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