Cazare in Brasov » Transylvania

10 Creepy Places to Visit at Halloween

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:30:08 +0000

1. Bran Castle, Transylvania, Romania

Although Count Dracula is a fictional character created by writer Bram Stoker, he was allegedly based on a Romanian tyrant called Vlad the Impaler, so called as he was fond of impaling his enemies on stakes. It is said that Vlad spent time at this castle in Transylvania, Romania and Count Dracula’s castle was modelled on this. Spooky! I actually visited this castle a few years and ago have to admit it is kind of creepy – lots of tiny staircases and spooky stories from the tour guides.

2. Salem, Massachusetts, USAHalloween or not, this little town is pretty spooky all year round. The infamous Salem Witch Trials were held here in 1692 and 1693. Over 150 people were accused of being witches and imprisoned. 19 were eventually convicted of being witches and hung. The town now has a museum about the trials, is home to the Witchcraft Heights Elementary School and the local football team, the Witches.3. The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado, USA

The Shining is one of a few horror movies which spooked me. You can actually stay at the hotel which inspired Stephen King’s novel. Just like the film, the hotel has a creepy story. Flora Stanley, wife of the first owner, is said to haunt the grand hotel, playing a piano at night and wandering around the lobby. If you do decide to stay here, avoid the 4th floor which is rumoured to be filled with commotion after dark.

4. Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast, Fall River, Massachusetts, USA If just visiting a spooky site isn’t scary enough for you, you will like this B&B. Lizzie Borden was accused of murdering her parents with an axe in this very building in 1892. Although she was found not guilty due to lack of evidence, many people believed she was the culprit. Now you can stay at the scene of the crime, sleep in her old room and even have the same meal that her parents had before they met their maker. Creepy!5. The Tower of London, UKOne of Britain’s most popular attractions, it may also be one of the most haunted. The Tower of London was the venue of choice for executions, murders and torture for over 400 years, with lots of ghost sightings having been reported since. Rumour has it that the spirit of Ann Boleyn, one of the wives of Henry VIII, beheaded in 1536, has been spotted in the Tower, sometimes carrying her head. Weird

. The city of York, UKA report from the BBC named York in the UK as the most haunted city in the world with a total of 504 recorded hauntings according to the Ghost Research Foundation International. York with its history of conflict and many tragic events boasts more ghosts than any other city in the world. Sightings include legless soldiers at The Treasurers House, book-browsing ghosts at the Museum Library, a ghostly nun at the Theatre Royal and a poltergeist at The Windmill. Spooky! 7. The Catacombs of Paris, FranceThe Catacombs of Paris is an underground cemetery which has been around since 1788. When Parisian graveyards were becoming too crowded and disease was spreading due to improper burials, the catacombs were used to store bones. By 1814, the tombs were filled. Stretching a whopping 300kms underground, only a small section is open to the public. Not for the faint hearted (or clostraphobic!).8.Raynham Hall, Norfolk, UK Raynham Hall in Norfolk was the setting for probably the most famous ghost picture in the world taken in 1936. Legend has it that the ghost, known as the Brown Lady, is that of Lady Raynham who has imprisoned in the Hall after her husband found out she was having an affair. She was never allowed to leave the Hall and remained there until she died.9. Pripyat, UkrainePripyat is an abandoned city near where the Chernobyl disaster happened, the worst nuclear power plant accident in history. Once home to 50,000 people, for years it was deserted, but in 2002 was opened up to visitors. Although radiation levels are safe for short term exposure, this is one place I do not wish to visit. The scene of such an atrocity is not something I would like to see. Plus, the forest surrounding the power plant is now populated with wolves and bears. If the radiation doesn’t get you, they might. No thanks!10. The Bermuda TriangleThe Bermuda Triangle, also known as the Devil’s Triangle, is an area off the southeast coast of the USA in the Atlantic Ocean where ships, planes and people have mysteriously disappeared. In the past 100 years, it has been reported that up to 100 ships and 1,000 people have gone missing in these waters, most of which cannot be explained. Although there are many critics who believe incidents were exaggerated or inaccurately reported, many disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle remain unexplained despite investigation.

Dracula – Between myth and reality

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:28:51 +0000

Dracula or Vlad the Impaler was the son of Vlad Dracul (1436-1442; 1443-1447) and grandson of Mircea the Old (1386-1418). Vlad Dracul was dubbed a knight of the Dragon Order by the Hungarian king. All the members of the order had a dragon on their coat of arms, and that is what brought him the nickname of Dracul (the Devil). Vlad the Impaler used to sign himself Draculea or Draculya – the Devil’s son -, a name which was distorted into Dracula.Dracula’s renown reached the West through the Saxons from the Transylvanian towns of Brasov (Kronstadt) and Sibiu (Hermannstadt), who often gave shelter to those who claimed the Wallachian throne. In order to escape the peril of losing his throne, Vlad would punish the Saxons. Sibiu and the neighbouring area were pillaged and burnt down by Vlad, and many Saxons were impaled. The same happened to the Saxon merchants who came on business to Târgoviste.In fact, Vlad was called Tepes (the Impaler) only after his death (1476). He ruled in Wallachia between 1456-1462 and in 1476. In 1462, having been defeated by the Turks, Vlad took refuge in Hungary. In 1476, with the help of the Hungarian king Matia Corvin and the Moldavian prince Stephen the Great, Vlad took over the Wallachian throne again for a month. A battle followed, during which Vlad was killed. His body was buried in the church of the Snagov Monastery, on an island near Bucharest. His body lies in front of the altar. In 1935, a richly dressed but beheaded corpse was exhumed at Snagov, a fate known to have overtaken Dracula, whose head was supposedly wrapped, perfumed and dispatched as a gift to the Turkish sultan.They say that impalling was one of Dracula’s favourite punishments, but he was not the only one who made use of it at the time. Other German and Spanish princes would do the same. He used the method for boyars, thieves and criminals, Turks, Saxons and those who conspired against him; more than once it happened that a whole forest of sharp stakes with enemies’ heads would rise around Târgoviste, the capital of Wallachia at the time.Horrified by these atrocities, the Saxons printed books and pamphlets in which they told about Vlad’s cruelty. These booklets also reached Germany and Western Europe, where Dracula became known as a bloody tyrant.In 1897, the Irish writer Bram Stoker published Dracula, which made Vlad the Impaler famous world-wide. Stoker read the stories about Dracula printed in the 15th and 16th centuries and was struck by his acts of cruelty. He decided to make him his character; he also read several books about Transylvania (a name of Latin origin, meaning “the country beyond the forests”), and thought that this “exotic” land would make a proper setting for Dracula’s deeds.In fact, Stoker used Vlad only as a source of inspiration, since in his novel, Dracula is not prince Vlad the Impaler, but a Transylvanian count living in a mysterious castle where he lured his victims. His story takes place in the Bistritza area, and the castle lies near the Bârgau Pass (in the Carpathian Mountains). As Stoker had never visited Transylvania, most places and happenings were pure fiction.Legend and true history about Dracula intermingle and are being kept alive by tourist destinations like the Monastery of Snagov near Bucharest, or Bran Castle near Brasov

Taking a Bite out of Transylvania for Halloween

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:26:53 +0000

We watched TV’s Anthony Bourdain do his very best not to look bored as his camera crew followed him around the banquet hall. Had it not been for his unexpected arrival, we might have been bored, too. Regardless, it was All Hallow’s Eve in Transylvania, the locals were trying to keep us entertained, and we were determined to have a good time.

It isn’t coincidental that everyone looking to party on Halloween in Dracula’s homeland ends up at the same corny gathering in the Hotel Dracula in Brasov. Its the only thing going in Transylvania on the most Transylvanian night of the year. For a set price, you get spooky decor, a nice dinner, tacky party games, and a DJ from hell.

We sat quietly, like Great Aunts at a wedding reception, as a contrived Transylvanian knighting ceremony dragged on and on. I considered the possibility that we’d been brought here as a feast for vampires who would burst into the room at any moment and devour us alive. But then, suddenly, I found my right hand uncontrollably reaching for a dinner roll and lobbing it across the room towards Anthony Bourdain’s head. I guess you could say the Devil made me do it.

Fortunately, I missed. But the strategic move did get a laugh from my little group, and I felt better knowing they would now have a memorable tale of Halloween night in Transylvania. The monotony was broken, and we decided we were ready to head back to our inn for some sleep.

Travel in still-emerging Romania can definitely have its ups and downs, as the story of our Halloween party suggests, but the good news is that tourists in search of spooky places, dark legends, frightening castles and fascinating medieval atmosphere will not be disappointed. Despite the failure of a small village in Transylvania to meet our expectations for the biggest the night of the year, the rest of our trip could not have been more thrilling.

Journeying to Romania for Halloween and Dracula first requires the spooky enthusiast to accept the difference between real history and literary fiction. There was indeed a vicious, evil man who murdered thousands of people in the dark ages of Transylvania, but he wasn’t a bat and he wasn’t superhuman. He was royalty.

The story of Dracula begins when King Sigismund of Hungary created a secret order of knights known as the Order of the Dragon. These knights were ordered to uphold the Christian faith and defend the empire. Prince Vlad II of Wallachia was admitted to the order in 1431 and chose the emblem of a dragon as his royal insignia. His son, Vlad III, later assumed rule. So violent and bloodthirsty was his reign, that he became known as Vlad the Impaler.

The Romanian word for dragon is “drac” and “ul” is the definitive article. Vlad III’s father was ”Vlad Dracul,” or “Vlad the dragon.” In Romanian the ending “ulea” means “son of.” Vlad III was therefore Vlad Dracula, or “the son of the dragon.” And so was born the name “Dracula.”

Vlad Dracula, the Impaler, ruled what is now Transylvania with an iron fist. Enemies and his own subjects were impaled on long sharp wooden poles and left to die slowly. It is said that he was so feared, he once left a golden chalice in the center of a village and and returned a week later to find it untouched!

Bram Stoker melded these historical facts with his own imagination to create the modern vampire we all know as Count Dracula. But our excitement came from visiting locations associated with the real Prince Vlad. Our travels would take us from his birthplace to his tomb, with a drive past the ruins of his real castle on our way to see another medieval castle marketed to tourists as his.

In the little town of Sighisoara, we had a fabulous lunch in the house where Vlad was born, complete with gypsy singers and storytellers. That afternoon, a witch trial was reenacted for us in the town square of Sibiu. A highlight stop on our trip was Peles Castle, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful castles in all Europe. It was the final resting place for several Romanian monarchs including King Carol I, who died here in 1914.

Driving through the magnificent Carpathian Mountains and stopping in little villages to see the Orthodox church or the local market added a lot to our trip. It is very common to still see rickety old horse-drawn wagons traveling down the highway here, and generally speaking, people are still very poor, so some of the towns can be quite visually depressing. But the vibrant, colorful people more than make up for it.

We all enjoyed touring “Dracula’s Castle”, which is actually called “Bran Castle” and has very little to do with Prince Vlad. The Dark Prince’s real castle is on a rocky outcropping of the dramatic Borgo Pass, but nothing is left of it today except for a few small stone ruins.

Probably the most rewarding Dracula moment on this trip was our visit to the Snagov Monastery, wherein lies the real tomb of Prince Vlad the Impaler. It was a fun day because it was cold, dark and rainy, and the only way to get to Snagov is by boat, as the monastery is located in the middle of a vast lake. We braved the choppy waters and freezing winds and had the island, church and tomb all to ourselves! It was wonderful!

I would absolutely recommend Romania to anyone interested in the legend of Dracula. The scenery, history and sincerity of the people make it a destination you will not soon forget!

Roll on Romania: Tripping in Transylvania

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:26:37 +0000

Transylvania, a region situated in central and western Romania is most famous for its mysterious and spooky fictional resident: Dracula.

Though Dracula is a work of fiction, written by the Irishman Bram Stoker, its lead character was based in part on a real life figure: the Transylvanian-born Vlad III Dracula of Wallachia. Vlad ruled parts of Romania during the 1400s and remains a heroic historical character for Romanians due to his defence of the common people against foreign aggressors.

However, amongst the English speaking nations of the world, Vlad is most famed for his exceedingly cruel methods of punishment that he administered during his reign. Often referred to as ‘Vlad The Impaler’, as the name suggests, his preferred method of execution was impalement; victims would be forced on to oiled spikes or have stakes driven into them slowly, to cause an excruciating, prolonged death which could take several days.

Dracula has caused much interest in Romania and in Transylvania in particular, and it is possible to take part in a Dracula tour; but there is much more to this region than vampires. Transylvania is also now attracting tourists who are interested in visiting remote Transylvanian villages in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. The area is characterised by medieval villages that have remained the same for hundreds of years, and have avoided the blight of new development seen in other parts of Eastern Europe.

Winters are long in Transylvania, lasting from October till the beginning of April, and are known for being the most beautiful season to visit the region. Sports-minded visitors can ski at the Poiana Brasov resort, situated at 1900m, with 13 trails ranging in difficulty and served by 3 cable cars and 8 drag lifts. It also has an ice rink for slightly more sedate winter pursuits.

Animal lovers can indulge in tracking activities where a local wildlife guide will take you out and teach you how to identify various animal species from their tracks in the snow. The is also the option to go for a horse drawn sleigh ride, or if you’d prefer to do the walking, then there are plenty of snow shoeing trails that will allow you to the explore the enchanted forests of the area.

The entire Transylvania region is very picturesque, and often likened to a land of fairly tales, on account of the many turreted castles, and châteaus that dot the landscape. Plus of course the area will also satisfy history and culture enthusiasts, especially those interested in the medieval period. Accommodation varies from rustic holiday rentals to small hotels and guest houses and tends to be inexpensive.

Horror, Gothic and Vampire fans are likely to continue to be drawn to Transylvania as the blood thirst for Dracula shows little sign of slowing. However, the beautiful, largely untouched nature of the region is also attracting a growing legion of visitors, so if you want to see Vlad’s birth land before the crowds arrive, now is the time to take a trip to Transylvania.

Best of Transylvania Motorcycle Tour

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:25:13 +0000

Although many prefer the warm and comfort of a car ride some chose to travel a different way. In change the seat belt into a driving helm, the car radio into the sound of the wind blowing through the ears and the four robust wells into two agile and fast ones. These people like to be in the heart of the adventure not to look at it, to be the ones to tell the stories, not listen to them, to touch not only to see

For these people Transylvania Live – Expert in Transylvania created a motorcycles tour, using BMW F650 GS, F800 and GS 1200 a tour focused on revealing the essence of Transylvania. Departing from Cluj Napoca, one of Transylvania’s largest urban centres and a city with an outstanding medieval atmosphere, one of the oldest settlements in Transylvania, dating back prior to the Roman period, the itinerary ventures into the heart of the county offering rides trough picturesque villages, breathtaking scenery and important cultural centres. The itinerary is complimented by excellent accommodations meant not only to provide you with all the comfort but also to introduce you to the local culture and capture the specificity of the visited area.

The journey will take you throughout Transylvania and the Carpathians Mountains; these are the very best parts of Romania. The main roads are mostly quiet and on the minor roads traffic is the exception. The scenery is magnificent. Unlike anywhere in the regulated EU there are limitless possibilities for gentle off road riding where a road bike is fine and where you might see a horse and cart every half hour.

From Cluj Napoca you travel to the little town of Turda and prepare to descend to the heart of one of the biggest salt mines in the country – Turda Salt Mines, with impressive halls named after kings and queens.

The journey continues to Medias. Its beautiful medieval centre welcomes the riders to catch a glimpse of the ancestral lifestyle of Transylvania. You’ll make the acquaintance of a unique artist, the only one who uses spider web for his paintings. Visit Sibiu, the European Capital of Cultural for 2007. Visit one of its major highlights, The Village Museum – an outdoor exhibition of peasant settlements from all over the country.

Breathtaking sceneries will accompany the riders as they travel through the he most crooked and challenging of Europe’s roads for motorcyclists, the Transfagarasan (Transfagarasan Pass has about 6800 feet high).

Leaving the beautiful Transfagarasan road behind, visit the enchanted Bran Castle, Transylvania’s symbol. A former fortress guarding a commercial road, Bran dates back to 1377. In 1920, Queen Mary, the niece of Queen Victoria of Great Britain, turned the castle into a beautiful summer residence.

Ride next to Rasnov to visit The Peasant Citadel. Standing on top of a hill and overlooking an incredible Transylvanian landscape, Rasnov is the best preserved peasant fortification in Transylvania and the largest one in Eastern Europe, first documented in 13 century.

The road will next take you to explore Brasov, a city with an outstanding medieval atmosphere which has played a vital role in Romania’s history, both old and new. It is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe.

Sighisoara one of Europe’s most beautiful and still inhabited fortified cities with UNESCO European heritage site status is included in the itinerary. Sighisoara is also the place where Vlad the Impaler, known as Dracula, was born. Submerge yourself in the medieval atmosphere by visiting Sighisoara’s main attractions.

After that head for Dracula’s Castle on Borgo Pass, built in accordance to Bram Stoker’s imagination on the border between Transylvania and Moldavia. To test your courage, visit Dracula’s Coffin in the dungeon of the castle.

Explore the magical traditional land of Maramures, renowned for the art of wood carving, tailoring and pottery. Discover one of the highest wood constructions in Europe, Barsana Nunnery. It’s located in a gorgeous natural setting close to the banks of Iza River. It is considered one of the most beautiful monasteries of Maramures. This journey will also take you to the Merry Cemetery; it owes its name to the vivid colors of the headboards on which are painted scenes narrating the biography of the deceased. The images are accompanied by lyrical, ironic simple rhyming stanzas. Ride next to Baia Mare, the capital City of Maramures County, located at the foot of Eastern Carpathians, one of the most important urban centers in North Romania.

After traveling over 1485 km in 7 days, it is time to ride into the sunset, leaving the enchanted lands of Transylvania behind and returning home

Halloween in Transylvania – Tour for Singles

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:25:11 +0000

We led our largest group ever on a vampire vacation to a land that time forgot. Romania isn’t a top tourist destination, but it was delightfully surprising to discover the unique culture and natural wonders in this undiscovered part of Europe.
We set out to follow the footsteps of Bram Stokers gothic novel “Dracula.” Our itinerary was a mixture of educational history and spooky fun to celebrate a Halloween never to be forgotten.
It’s ironic that Romanian’s don’t celebrate this holiday in a land so rich in folklore and legends. For us Americans, that was the draw as our group swelled to 67 singles with 140 suitcases in tow. We had two coaches and two excellent guides named Hunor and Radu who were with us 24/7 throughout.
On arrival into Bucharest, we went to the Count Dracula Club for a welcome dinner. It was a uniquely themed restaurant with medieval rooms and a visit by the Count himself.
Our menu presented a Van Helsing platter of assorted meats and cheeses along with “blood wine.” The entrees were fried chicken breast shaped remarkably like a rat with anatomical designed eyes, ears and tail.
Day 1- We toured the capital city which had greatly changed from my last visit years ago as they now strive to blend the old with the new.
Under the yoke of communism for 46 years, it was a broken city but now restoring itself with new cafes, boutiques, hotels and casinos. Some refer to it as the “Little Paris of the Balkans.”
After touring the outdoor Village Museum. We viewed the Parliament House which is the second largest building in the world and took 20,000 men to build it. It was erected by the paranoid and near mad dictator Nicolae Ceausescu from his megalomania ideals.
He bulldozed entire neighborhoods and historic districts to make room for this monstrosity that now sits empty. It is a thorn in the side for Bucharest’s 3 million people.
Most meals were included on this trip. This evening we had a festive dinner at the lakeside Pescarus Restaurant. The typical menu included stuffed cabbage, polenta, meats and a desert to die for called pappanash 2 giant fresh baked donuts smothered in fresh sour cream and jam.
Our meal was served under the backdrop of a folk music band and costumed dancers. The entertainment was brilliant.
Day 2- We headed out through the Olt Valley to Transylvania. We toured Cozia Monastery with it’s beautiful frescos and tomb of Vlad’s grandfather.
The setting was postcard perfect in a land of lakes, plum orchards and lush forests that now draped the hills with an explosion of golden autumn colors. We journeyed on into the Carpathian Mountains where 6,000 brown bears reside.
We toured the charming town of Sibiu established in 1192 by German colonists. Inside the fortified walls were cobbled lanes and gabled houses that looked like old Nuremberg.
It was amazing how it all resisted the ravages of time. Walking the Old Square and Liars Bridge, we learned the history of the Saxon’s and Hungarian influence here.
At night we visited the little shepherd village of Sibiel, toured the glass Icon Museum and took a graveyard walk under the stars.
There is a graveyard here where the carvers of tombstones were free to write whatever they chose without protest. For example some epitaphs read “This man was a beggar and thief” or “This man died from drinking too much.”
Our special dinner was arranged at a farmer’s house where the family cooked for two days in their tiny kitchen to receive us all. It was delicious traditional fare of homemade and organic pork, apples, eggplant, beans, sweet local wine and plenty of plum brandy.
Transylvania is Romania’s heart between the mountains with a population of 5 million and boasts a rich heritage.
We learned about the gypsies who migrated here from northern India 1000 years ago. There’s great mystique about these Bohemian nomads because they have no written historic documents.
They call themselves Romani meaning human beings and they avoid being legal citizens of any land. They have unique tribal customs. Most are craftsmen that use only primitive hand tools and are renowned to be great musicians though they don’t read music.
We may know of their reputation for stealing, but to the gypsy they look at everything as community property. Whatever opinions are correct, all agree that they are masters of survival.
Along the way we also learned about Prince Vlad Tepes III, aka Dracula. Born in 1431, he later ruled the Valachia region here. He was strikingly handsome.
Due to the way he punished his enemies, he received nicknames like Dracul meaning devil and The Impaler. He had to protect the land from invading Turks and Tartans.
When the Turks refused to remove their turbans, he simply nailed it into their heads. Cruelty was common in the Middle Ages, but Vlad’s ways were the ultimate. He would decapitate people and post heads along roads like sign posts and would boil people alive.
His favorite punishment was impalement. Here he would insert a wooden stake into the rectum up to the shoulder blade painstakingly to avoid all major organs. Slowly these poor souls would writhe in pain until death some 48 hours later.
Hundreds were impaled at a time and posted looking like a forest of humans on a stick. It was physiological warfare at its best as it drove fear into the hearts of all his enemies.
In saving the land from invaders, he became a hero for the Romanians. Contrary to the novel, he was bloodthirsty, but not a vampire. Rumors spread that he drank blood and ate human organs.
This led to led to the fictional idea of vampirism. Vlad died at age 40. No one is sure how or where his headless body is buried. Perhaps he didn’t die?
Day 4- Like on safari, we change hotels each night. The rooms are spartan but clean. It’s a bit of a shock for my first timers abroad.
As we travel deep into the southern Carpathians, we pass the prison town of Gerla, the factories of Alba Lullia and salt mines of Turda which look Third World.
We stayed in Cluj Napoca and after a brief tour we explored the university town. It’s not all that impressive but a good party town with many nightclubs to explore.
Day 5- We headed over the Borgo Pass to the border of Moldavia and finally to Bistrita, a market town located in the heart of Dracula-land. Witch trials were big here.
After a walking tour of the 13th century sites, we boarded our coaches to ascend up the mountains.
The villages here looked like they are in a time warp. This is seriously remote countryside where cars are replaced by horses and wooden carriages. In some parts the road turns into dirt.
The architecture is painted neon with fire orange matchbox houses, turquoise churches and hot pink barns. The sun shown down and lit up pumpkin patches and plum tree orchards. This is the lovely part of Eastern Europe tourists rarely get to see.
We climbed hair pin curves and arrived to Count Dracula Castle Hotel located on top of a mountain in the middle of nowhere.
Perched at 1116 meters, there were awesome sweeping views of the countryside below. It has gothic towers, arched windows, an interior courtyard and no elevators.
It looks like something right out of the movies. Five petite young girls hauled our suitcases up countless stairs.
Our dinner prepared here was “hearty peasant cuisine” consisting of slabs of lard, pickles and mystery meats in gelatin. It was so comical; we photographed our platters that looked like “Fear Factor” food. Later we were led on a “hysterical tour” into the hidden cellar.
We descended a dark passageway and entered the crypt of Dracula. Here paintings depicted the life of the legendary dark one. A lone coffin was in the middle of the room. Suddenly it opened and the hand of Vlad reached out to grab us before bolting way.
Later Terry then joined others for a chilly moonlit walk and they were joined by a pack of 15 stray dogs all with wagging tails.
October 31 – Halloween! We drove through apple-land into the heart of gypsy country. Roadside stalls selling garlic and onions lined the road. Our drive times were double than anticipated on these rural one lane roads.
We finally arrived to Sighisoara, UNESCO cultural center with a haunting fort surrounding the town, the birth place of Dracula and the creepiest Clock Tower ever seen. We checked into our hotel and prepared for our costume party.
Tonight was our Halloween party which was 5 hours of howling fun. Three ancient cellar rooms were decorated and lit with candles. Slowly one by one, my group arrived fully costumed with creativity beyond imagination.
There were several vampires, Dracula’s, gypsies, witches, wenches and a knight. But also such variety from Daniel as cross dresser and an unrecognizable Whitney as a bald monk.
My favorite was Elizabeth dressed as a lab rat, but our grand winner was Sandra as a vampire Bride of Frankenstein. She wore a full tea stained bridal dress, white contact lens and a wooden stake pierced her heart. It was a delight to watch the staff peering through the kitchen doors at us in wonderment.
After our appetizer, we were led outside for a mock witch trial. (700 witches were burned at the stake here.) In the end, we the jury decided to save her and she joined us for dinner. Even Vlad himself made an appearance. To our surprise, a team from Romanian National Television came to record us for the news.
This was certainly an entertaining human interest story for the locals. Some of us were interviewed with the main question of “Why Americans celebrate Halloween this way?” We really couldn’t give a good explanation.
Romanians are superstitious. Beliefs still exist today that spirits return to torment people. Since the mid 1800’s, vampire stories grew widespread.
The DJ was so good that we danced until midnight. Even our guides and bus drivers joined us on the dance floor with looks of feeling guilty for having so much fun. Our driver Johnny didn’t have costume so he simply shed his shirt.
Day 7- In the morning we toured the disappointing arms and torture museum. The dungeon, however, was virtually authentic. On to Brasov where we toured the gothic Black Church built in 1383 and St. Nicolas Monastery from 1477.
Then on to Bran Castle referred to as “Dracula’s Castle” but he spent little time here. After shopping the gypsy market, we climbed the old rock steps to reach the famous castle perched on a cliff.
We all wondered, how could this have been constructed. Both exterior and interior were spectacularly preserved. Our last stop was the fairytale town of Sinaia before we headed back to Bucharest.
There I was informed by locals that our AFS party was on national news. Our driver Johnny had his moment of fame when he was seen dancing by his friends and is now nicknamed “shirtless Johnny.”
We covered 800 miles and saw an eyeful of this land off the tourist trodden path. There were rugged landscapes with haunting natural beauty, more castles and fortresses than Scotland, churches painted from the inside out and there were rural villages with shepherds and weavers where century’s old traditions are still alive.
I wonder how all this will be affected when Romania soon joins the European Union. I hope she can hold steadfast to her spiritual treasures and reputation for warm hospitality.
As Americans abroad here, we felt a welcoming spirit inviting us to return again.

Transylvania Fall Foliage Tours

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:25:04 +0000

Transylvanian Fall Foliage is a special tour offering breathtaking sceneries and crisp autumn breezes, a real Transylvanian fall foliage experience.

Departing from the capital city of Bucharest, Transylvanian Fall Foliage is a 9 day, half board escorted tour, guaranteed to depart on October, each year.

The itinerary is so designed for you to experience the richest treasures in each area, offering a well rounded Romanian experience including: the capital city of Bucharest, once surnamed “the little Paris”, Sinaia, the pearl of mountain resorts in Romania, home to Peles Castle, one of the most beautiful royal residences in Europe.

Guarded by the Carpathians, all dressed up in colourful foliage tones, Transylvania invites you to explore: Rasnov Peasant Citadel – the best preserved peasant fortification in Transylvania and the largest one in Eastern Europe, Bran Castle, Transylvania’s iconic image, an impressive edifice listed in top ten most beautiful medieval castles in the world, the Medieval Saxon city of Brasov – one of the best preserved medieval sights in Europe housing the largest Gothic edifice in South Eastern Europe, the remarkable Black Church. An imposing UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Medieval Saxon Citadel of Sighisoara, one of the best preserved and still inhabited medieval citadels in Europe, the birth place of Vlad the Impaler, the Romanian rulers also known as Dracula, offers the ultimate medieval experience! Former European capital of culture, the Saxon city of Sibiu concentrates the largest number of tourist attractions in the country and is considered the most beautiful Transylvanian city. The traditional Saxon village of Sibiel located in the vicinity of Sibiu will spoil you with delicious home cooked Saxon dishes.

The Northern part of Transylvania Maramures, is known as the land of woodcarving, keeper of ancient customs and traditions. In the village of Sacel you’ll make the acquaintance of a skilled woodcraftsmen. In his workshop you’ll witness the art of woodcarving and learn how traditions are passed on from generation to generation. Unique in the world, The Merry Cemetery in the village of Sapanta is a colourful and humoristic point of view on life.

The Black Pottery Centre in Vama makes an excellent place for souvenir shopping, offering genuine Moldavian pottery.

One of the very best sights to visit during autumn is Sunset Mountains, displaying rounded hills covered in conifer forests and scattered haystacks aside with mountain peaks dominated by imposing pine trees. The coloured foliage of the meadows and trees turn the landscape here into the “best pastoral painting” in the country.

Marking the border between Transylvania, Moldavia and Bucovina, Borgo Pass is an incredible sight of winding rods, thick forests and snowy mountain peaks. You’ll accommodate here in the 3* Dracula’s Castle Hotel built in accordance with Bram Stocker’s imagination.

The accommodations are carefully selected not only to provide you with all the comfort you need but also to enable you to absorb the local colour. From the guesthouse located in picturesque Transylvanian village of Sibiel, to exquisite medieval boutique hotels located in the heart of the medieval citadel of Sighisoara, the accommodations will assure a great sense of place as well.

Transylvania Live is a tour operator agency, focused on Eastern Europe, an expert in Transylvania, always glad to welcome new guests! The company’s priorities are to offer uncompromising quality, outstanding services and great value for money. Transylvania Live, expert in Transylvania, is a tour operator member of the American Society of Travel Agents.

Founded in 1995 , Transylvania Live powers the Romanian travel section for more than 4000 websites of travel agencies and agents in USA.

Halloween party in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler!

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:25:01 +0000

The Halloween Party is without a doubt one of the most remarkable events anyone could experience in Romania. The flavour of the Romanian cuisine mingled with the melodious folk songs, unique events and unexpected surprises will prove that every legend has a little bit of truth in it!

The guest’s are welcomed with a traditional Romanian drink prepared especially for the cold season – a shot of Romanian “water of fire” boiled with pepper will increase the interest in the delicious mouth-watering traditional dishes prepared for the Halloween party. The Master of Ceremony, one of Dracula’s many subjects, will introduce the guests to the programme of the evening making sure every one will meet his fate!

The first event you’ll enjoy is performed by the Transylvanian Knights. The “Witch Trial” will reveal the medieval rituals of judgment for a witch testing the courage of the guests. Should anyone dare to handle the sword and fight along with the knights to save the damned woman, will be anointed as a knight.

There can be no Halloween Party without Dracula; the Count will simply not tolerate such a thing! His majesty will join you and even make a few confessions about his wedding. “Dracula’s Wedding” is a show set on stage by a professional band of actors. This is a non verbal performance. It’s very easy to understand that Dracula did not need words to charm a girl. The first time they met he appeared as a respectable noble, the second meeting revealed his true dark nature… Find out if the story has a happy ending.

Since we’re all very familiar with dramas, we’ll then focus on having a fabulous time, and water better way to do this than dancing! A band of folk singers performing live at traditional Romanian instruments will introduce the guests to the gypsy rhythm as well as the melodious and cheerful Romanian songs. The traditional “Scarf dance” will bring everyone to the dancing floor!

Close to midnight will all step out to watch the moon and count down the minutes to 12 o’clock, a time of powerful magic when all bad wishes come true! (let’s just say that your neighbours’ cat won’t bother you anymore). A glass of champagne and the traditional Rest in Peace song will delight us afterwards.

The culinary event of the evening is the Halloween cake, shaped as a coffin and delicious as fresh blood. This might just be the first coffin you have tried and you will like it!

The Count’s witch will be at your disposal. She’ll open her office for you to be able to purchase After Life Insurances (something will know for sure you will use!)

The Master of Ceremony will reword the ones who really did their best for the Halloween Costumes! The Best Female and Male Costumes will receive awards (Romanian genuine handcrafts to remember you of this incredible night). The Count has also a gift prepared for the Best Howl at the Moon (after a glass of strong red wine boiled with cinnamon you won’t lack courage or strength!)

The DJ will then take over the party! Devilish dancing to the dawn. The last person standing will receive a bottle of wine courtesy of the house and Romanian tips on how to handle the hang over.

If you want to learn the truth, be charmed by the legend and enjoy the best Halloween party ever, join us along narrow winding roads, deep in the Carpathians, into the heart of Transylvania for a fascinating holiday! To read a more detailed presentation please visit us on line at:

http://www.visit-transylvania.us/romania-travel-transylvania/halloween-dracula-tour.html

The prestigious Fodor’s travel guide placed Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler in Top ten must-do adventures.

Departing from Budapest on October the 27th 2008, Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler offers a 10 day trip back in time, following Jonathan Harker’s footsteps but revealing the genuine historical facts and places related to Vlad the Impaler.

The tour is intended to Halloween enthusiasts, Transylvanian lovers, culture and history fans or adventure seekers.

It 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, built according to Bram Stocker’s imagination. In addition, the special activities prepared, all along the itinerary, bring out the essence of the genuine Transylvanian Folklore.

Special events experienced in this Halloween tour:

· Killing of the Living Dead ritual – Help a haunted spirit to gain his peace

· Learn how to make a vampire killing stake from the Vampire Wooden Stake Specialist, a famous woodcraftsman from Maramures

· Visit legendary castles in Transylvania with plenty of good stories for a Halloween tour: Bran, Peles, Corvinesti and Savarsin Castles

· Halloween Party in Sighisoara – Dracula’s birth place

· Special accommodations, the finest selections of “Dracula Hotels” including Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania – Bram Stoker’s imaginary castle in Borgo Pass where, he placed the Bloody Count Dracula, accommodation and candlelit dinner,

· Discover Dracula’s descendents – pay a visit to Misiuga, Baron of Dracula in his windswept tower in Bistrita citadel

· Enjoy Jonathan Harker’s Menu – the same meal Bram Stoker’s hero served when in Bistrita citadel

· Vampire menu for dinner in Turda to find out why it’s worth killing for a meal!

· During farewell dinner a Survivor’s Certificate will be handed over (collect stamps all along the itinerary to prove your courage)

Being a very popular tour, Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler is often sold out well in advance; in fact the reservations for 2008 have already started so hurry up and join us!

To book the tour, call Transylvania Live US Toll Free at: 866 376 6183, United Kingdom free line at: 0808 101 6781 or Romanian office at: +40. 364.405.614 or contact your local travel agent.

Transylvania Live is a tour operator agency, focused on Eastern Europe, an expert in Transylvania, always glad to welcome new guests! The company’s priorities are to offer uncompromising quality, outstanding services and great value for money. Transylvania Live, expert in Transylvania, is a tour operator member of the American Society of Travel Agents.

Founded in 1995 , Transylvania Live powers the Romanian travel section for more than 4000 websites of travel agencies and agents in USA.

Halloween Party in Transylvania With Vlad the Impaler! a Top 10 Must-do Adventure, According to Fodors Travel Guide

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:24:59 +0000

The guest’s are welcomed with a traditional Romanian drink prepared especially for the cold season – a shot of Romanian “water of fire” boiled with pepper will increase the interest in the delicious mouth-watering traditional dishes prepared for the Halloween party. The Master of Ceremony, one of Dracula’s many subjects, will introduce the guests to the programme of the evening making sure every one will meet his fate!

   The first event you’ll enjoy is performed by the Transylvanian Knights. The “Witch Trial” will reveal the medieval rituals of judgment for a witch testing the courage of the guests. Should anyone dare to handle the sword and fight along with the knights to save the damned woman, will be anointed as a knight.

There can be no Halloween Party without Dracula; the Count will simply not tolerate such a thing! His majesty will join you and even make a few confessions about his wedding. “Dracula’s Wedding” is a show set on stage by a professional band of actors. This is a non verbal performance. It’s very easy to understand that Dracula did not need words to charm a girl. The first time they met he appeared as a respectable noble, the second meeting revealed his true dark nature… Find out if the story has a happy ending.

   Since we’re all very familiar with dramas, we’ll then focus on having a fabulous time, and water better way to do this than dancing! A band of folk singers performing live at traditional Romanian instruments will introduce the guests to the gypsy rhythm as well as the melodious and cheerful Romanian songs. The traditional “Scarf dance” will bring everyone to the dancing floor!

   Close to midnight will all step out to watch the moon and count down the minutes to 12 o’clock, a time of powerful magic when all bad wishes come true! (let’s just say that your neighbours’ cat won’t bother you anymore). A glass of champagne and the traditional Rest in Peace song will delight us afterwards.

   The culinary event of the evening is the Halloween cake, shaped as a coffin and delicious as fresh blood. This might just be the first coffin you have tried and you will like it!

   The Count’s witch will be at your disposal. She’ll open her office for you to be able to purchase After Life Insurances (something will know for sure you will use!)

   The Master of Ceremony will reword the ones who really did their best for the Halloween Costumes! The Best Female and Male Costumes will receive awards (Romanian genuine handcrafts to remember you of this incredible night). The Count has also a gift prepared for the Best Howl at the Moon (after a glass of strong red wine boiled with cinnamon you won’t lack courage or strength!)

   The DJ will then take over the party! Devilish dancing to the dawn. The last person standing will receive a bottle of wine courtesy of the house and Romanian tips on how to handle the hang over.

      If you want to learn the truth, be charmed by the legend and enjoy the best Halloween party ever, join us along narrow winding roads, deep in the Carpathians, into the heart of Transylvania for a fascinating holiday! To read a more detailed presentation please visit us on line at:

http://www.visit-transylvania.us/romania-travel-transylvania/halloween-dracula-tour.html

   The prestigious Fodor’s travel guide placed Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler, The Dracula Tour in Top ten must-do adventures.

Departing from Budapest on October the 27th 2008, Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler offers a 10 day trip back in time, following Jonathan Harker’s footsteps but revealing the genuine historical facts and places related to Vlad the Impaler.

The tour is intended to Halloween enthusiasts, Transylvanian lovers, culture and history fans or adventure seekers.

It 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, built according to Bram Stocker’s imagination. In addition, the special activities prepared, all along the itinerary, bring out the essence of the genuine Transylvanian Folklore.

Special events experienced in this Halloween tour:

       · Killing of the Living Dead ritual – Help a haunted spirit to gain his peace

·        Learn how to make a vampire killing stake from the Vampire Wooden Stake Specialist, a famous woodcraftsman from Maramures

·        Visit legendary castles in Transylvania with plenty of good stories for a Halloween tour: Bran, Peles, Corvinesti and Savarsin Castles

·        Halloween Party in Sighisoara – Dracula’s birth place

·        Special accommodations, the finest selections of “Dracula Hotels” including Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania – Bram Stoker’s imaginary castle in Borgo Pass where, he placed the Bloody Count Dracula, accommodation and candlelit dinner,

·        Discover Dracula’s descendents – pay a visit to Misiuga, Baron of Dracula in his windswept tower in Bistrita citadel

·        Enjoy Jonathan Harker’s Menu – the same meal Bram Stoker’s hero served when in Bistrita citadel

·        Vampire menu for dinner in Turda to find out why it’s worth killing for a meal!

·        During farewell dinner a Survivor’s Certificate will be handed over (collect stamps all along the itinerary to prove your courage)

    Being a very popular tour, Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler is often sold out well in advance; in fact the reservations for 2008 have already started so hurry up and join us!

   To book the tour, call Transylvania Live USA, Canada Toll Free at: 1 888 889 7005, United Kingdom free line at: 0808 101 6781, Australia local number (02) 8005 7337, España – Llamada gratuita: 900 931 391 or Romanian office at: +40. 364.405.614 or contact your local travel agent.

Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler – Dracula Tour10 days, escorted tour, HB, from US$ 2243*/ £ 1261*/ CA$ 2399*/ AU$ 2703*/ € 1549- Budapest departure (Hu4.3RoHa)Vampire in Transylvania – Dracula Tour7 days, escorted tour, HB from $ US$ 1679*/ £ 944*/ CA$ 1796*/ AU$ 2022*/ € 1159 – Bucharest departure (tour code: Ro4.4RoVa)

Halloween in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler – Short Break3 days, escorted trip, from US$ 824*/ £ 463*/ CA$ 881*/ AU$ 993*/ € 569- Cluj Napoca, Transylvania, departure (tour code TR 4.3RoHa)

Halloween Party in Transylvania with Vlad the Impaler! 2 day tour. Departure from Bucarest, Sibiu or Cluj Napoca Airport, 12.00 (GMT+02:00)

http://www.visit-transylvania.us/travel-to-transylvania-romania-dracula-vampire.html

http://www.visit-transylvania.co.uk/travel-to-transylvania-romania-dracula-vampire.html

http://www.romaniatravel.ca/travel-to-transylvania-romania-dracula-vampire.html

Vacation with Vampires in Transylvania, a Top 10 Must-DO Adventure with Transylvania Live-expert in Transylvania

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:24:53 +0000

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 .