Have a wickedly good time as you take a bite off your bucket list, visiting the castle that inspired the story of Dracula in legendary Transylvania.

Dracula may only exist in the imagination – of both Bram Stoker and his readers (not to mention its numerous film and television adaptations). But it’ll still be ghoulishly fun to find yourself a part of the myth, history and macabre legend. Discover Transylvania on our Gems of Southeast Europe or Grand Danube land packages.

A Gruesome History 

Of course, as is true of all good castles – the fortress was also the setting of a number of other myths, legends and famous residents. Vlad the Impaler, also known as Vlad III or Vlad Drăculea (sound familiar?), was reportedly held captive and locked up in the dungeon in the 15th century. Not that Vlad might not have deserved it – he earned his nickname as he killed an estimated 20-80,000 people by impaling them with spikes. In other words, this Medieval warlord also had a taste for blood. Vlad’s father, Vlad II, was given the surname Dracul (the old Romanian word for dragon) after being inducted into a knightly order (the Order of the Dragon) to defeat the encroaching Turkish Ottoman Empire.

As his son, Vlad III was hence known as the ‘son of Dracul’ or, in old Romanian: Drăculea. Stories on Vlad’s gruesome habits are chilling: he is rumored to have invited hundreds to a banquet only to have them stabbed and impaled on spikes, still twitching, as he himself continued his feast. Stories of him dipping his bread in their blood were rampant. When a group of Ottomans refused to doff their turbans out of religious respect, he nailed them to their skulls. And there’s many, many more. While some may have been exaggerated, many stories repeated certain details so at least a good amount must have been historically accurate.

In the Middle Ages, notoriously known for its brutal violence – Vlad managed to stand out from the rest. Yet he was praised by many for being a just ruler in Transylvania and keeping invaders at bay. An 1820 book by the British consul to Wallachia, William Wilkinson, mentioned the sadistic ruler bringing him to the attention of more modern audiences.

Creating An Iconic Villain  

Bram Stoker would have been aware of this book and the tales of the bloodthirsty Vlad III – even though the Irish author never visited either Transylvania or Bran Castle when he wrote his iconic 1897 novel. The dark stories of the Carpathian Mountains, rich with European folklore and vampires were well-known around Europe then. And Bram Stoker was likely aware of the castle itself. At roughly 200 feet tall, located atop a cliff in central Romania, with secret tunnels and mysterious rooms, it was the perfect setting for Bram Stoker’s bloodthirsty villain, Dracula.

Journey to Dracula’s Home  

Now it’s the perfect setting for travel. Over 560,000 people visit the national monument annually and it is Romania’s most popular destination. Along with being the rumored inspiration for Dracula’s castle, the fortified castle was the residence of Kings and Queens. Art and furniture from these previous owners are on display.

Why Reserve Our Optional Transylvania Land Package

Add a bonus region to your Gems of Southeast Europe or Grand Danube river cruise: Transylvania! Make the most of your international airfare and indulge your wanderlust by exploring this legendary destination. Whether you’re a fan of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, are tracing your Romanian heritage or are simply interested in extending your journey, this 4-night land package, which includes visits to Sinaia, Brasov and Bucharest, is sure to inspire you.

What’s Included in Your Optional Land Package

  • 2 nights in Brasov at the Kronwell Brasov Hotel (or similar)
  • 2 nights in Bucharest at the Radisson Blu (or similar)
  • Daily breakfast at the hotel
  • Convenient transfers between your hotel and ship
  • Guided tours, including to Sinaia, Peles Royal Castle, Bran Castle, Sighisoara ("Dracula's Birthplace"), Bucharest and the Open Air Village Museum
  • The services of one of our wonderful Cruise Managers – unique in the industry

Extend your journey courtesy of AmaWaterways!

Receive a complimentary 2-, 3- or 4-night Land Package when you reserve select 2024 and 2025 Europe river cruises. Click here for offer details or contact your preferred travel advisor. Offer available through March 31, 2024. 

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