A level 1 tour of the Transylvanian Society of Dracula run by "The Company of Mysterious Journeys" Romania

DAY 1: VALAHIA - THE HISTORICAL FORTRESS DRACULA

Did you know, the Irish novelist Bram Stoker baptized his vampire-count with the name of a 15 century Romanian prince called Vlad Dracula, the Impaler? Who was this man? Was he a real-life vampire? What was he like?

After breakfast, drive across the vast Danubian plains to the foothills of the Carpathians (cca 1 1/2 hours).

Then take the valley of the river Arges to get closer, higher in the mountains, till you see the entrance of a spectacular gorge, guarded from above by an awsome fortress - Poienari, rebuilt by prince Vlad Dracula in 1459.

This place has dramatic legends (some, confirmed by historic documents) and is the first initiation step on your journey to the remote Castle of Dracula.

• refreshments on the way
• lunch in Curtea de Arges
• visit Mason Manole legendary monastery
• visit fortress Poienari and the Gorge of Arges (optional climb to the top)
• Aref; for groups over 10 - overnight in Curtea de Arges

DAY 2: TRANSYLVANIA

Does Transylvania really exist? A TSD survey shows that 8 out of 10 Americans believe it to be an Utopia, a Shambala or a Disneyland. Cross the Carpathians into Transylvania. As you cross, initiations will be offered into its history, legends, ancient beliefs. Important notice: the initiations will contain the disclosures made at the yearly symposia, seminars, congresses of the Transylvanian Society of Dracula - no little thing to hear!

In the middle of Transylvania lies the best-preserved 15 century walled town in Europe - Sighisoara, birthplace of prince Vlad Dracula. Witness a witch-trial; the last such trial took place as near as 1753. Jules Michelet said that some 200,000 witches and wizards were executed across Europe between the 15 and the 18 centuries. This is a dramatic page in our history as humans, and another initiation step for you.

• cross into Transylvania via the Trans-Fagaras alpine road (if opened) or via the Olt Valley
• lunch on the way
• the Witch-trial show in Sighisoara
• dinner in Vlad Dracula's birth-house (1431)
• overnight in Sighisoara

DAY 3: CASTLE DRACULA

"Welcome, enter freely and of your own will": these words were told by the Count to Jonathan Harker, that innocent English solicitor, on the threshold of the castle (B. Stoker's "Dracula").

In many ways, those who come on a Dracula tour are also Jonathan Harkers, but unlike him, you benefit of the protective knowledge of the Transylvanian Society of Dracula: windows to wondrous, uncanny realms. In fact, you will know so much, that the supernatural entities lie like tamed tigers at your feet. Please heed the rules of survival at the castle, to retain your shadow and reflection in the mirror.

True, things get out of hands sometimes (that's why the castle has its own cemetery), but rarely on a society tour.

• sightseeing of mediaeval Sighisoara
• lunch in Bistritza (the same as J. Harker's)
• arrive at Castle Dracula, in the Borgo Pass
• take your rooms
• visit the public parts of the castle (you do not wish to see the others)
• the ritual of the purifying fire; masque-ball (remember to bring your own mask)
• optional: reception ceremony in the Transylvanian Society of Dracula
• overnight at Castle Dracula

DAY 4: MASTERS of The BEYOND

The survivors will start moving toward the south-eastern corner of Transylvania, to mediaeval Brasov (not before you stamped your passport with that unique castle-stamp; who would believe you otherwise?)

By now, you can call yourselves Masters of The Beyond; the secrets treasured by the society have become yours, as well. Visit Castle Bran (1377) of weird associations with Dracula.

Optional, in Brasov: this is your life-time chance to become a noble, joining The Order of Transylvanian Knights - if you can pass 6 chivalry tests within the walls of a genuine 16 century citadel: archery, strength of arm, walking on a beam, jumping over a fire, answering a riddle, dancing a minuet. The Castellan and his court of knights, ladies-in-waiting, pages, jester will of course guide and advise you through the tests. Should you be able to pass them - and many could - then investiture ceremonies will be activated: oath, sword-on-shoulder, knighthooding diploma, medallion. There is a difference, wouldn't you say, between Mr. or Mrs. Johnson and Sir or Lady Johnson.

• lunch on Transylvanian specialties in Tg. Mures
• visit Castle Bran; shopping, dinner at The Citadel, with mediaeval floor show
• overnight in Brasov or Poiana Brasov

DAY 5: The ROYAL TOUCH

We noticed, after 35 years of Dracula tours, that you need one day to return among the living - such is the depth of your immersion into the realm of myths and archetypes.

This is that day.

• visit mediaeval Brasov; free for shopping, strolls
• lunch
• depart for Sinaia, the royal mountain resort
• visit Peles - the most beautiful royal palace in Europe (this palace alone is worth your whole trip to Romania)
• free in Sinaia
• farewell dinner; overnight in Sinaia.

DAY 6: LA REVEDERE !

"La Revedere" means "See you again".

• Departure to the airport.
• Departure from Romania - as friends, even nobles - keepers of the secrets of an ancient country and of the Transylvanian Society of Dracula.

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Land price/pers (sharing a double) includes: accommodation, dinner as shown in program, lunch “Jonathan Harker” in Day 3, museum fees, guide/driver or guide and driver services, transfers and transport by car (a/c, insurances – petrol extra) or minibus – 14 seats or minibus – 24 seats.


Excerpt:
The Company of Mysterious Journeys will penalize the tourists who renounce their bookings as follows (subtracting bank-transfer charges):
1) for cancellation of 30 and more days before the tour start: full refunding (minus banking charges)
2) for 29-21 days cancellation: 30% penalty
3) for 20-14 days cancellation: 50% penalty
4) for 13-7 days or less cancellation: 100% penalty in favour of the CMJ.