Transylvania Weekend: in the Footsteps of Count Dracula
Itinerary
Welcome to Romania! Our weekend adventure kicks off in Bucharest, the vibrant capital – a city that blends history and modernity in a way that’ll surprise us from the get-go. The weekend will then whisk us away to the heart of legendary Transylvania to explore the famous Bran Castle, better known as Count Dracula's castle. Perched on a hill and surrounded by dense, dark forests, the castle is the epicentre of one of history's most captivating and mysterious legends. Even though Bram Stoker's famous vampire is a fictional character, the palace's gothic and evocative atmosphere will have us believing the line between reality and myth is thinner than it seems. Exploring the halls furnished with antique furniture and medieval armour, it'll be impossible not to think of Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure behind Dracula's persona.
But Transylvania isn't just about mystery and legends; it's also about relaxation and carefree vibes. We'll head over to the Bucharest Thermal Baths, a true oasis of well-being. Just a few minutes from the airport, this huge thermal complex will welcome us with its naturally heated pools, both indoors and outdoors. Here, we can forget all about the travel fatigue. Ready for this magnificent weekend together?

Welcome to Transylvania!
1 night: Bucharest
Check-in: our adventure kicks off in Bucharest
Flights to and from the destination are not included in the package, so you can decide where to depart from, at what time, and with the airline you prefer... This is to give you maximum freedom of choice.
Our weekend in Transylvania! finally begins. We'll meet in Bucharest by 12pm on the first day. Upon arrival at the hotel, we'll meet our travel buddies and after a quick check-in, we'll head out to explore the city.
Exploring the Romanian capital
Our adventure in the vibrant Romanian capital, where the mix of history and modernity will captivate us from the first moment, begins right in its beating heart: the Old Town. Before we start, we'll recharge our batteries with a delicious local lunch in one of the eateries hidden among the cobblestone streets of the old city. Refreshed, we'll begin our tour which, in about two hours, will allow us to wander among Belle Époque palaces, ancient monuments, and historic squares, experiencing Bucharest's rich culture firsthand. Strolling through the streets, we'll admire architecture that tells centuries-old stories, all while breathing in the vibrant atmosphere that only this city can offer.
After the tour, we'll stop for a coffee at the famous Van Gogh Cafe, an iconic spot inspired by the renowned painter: it’s the perfect place to recharge and admire a mix of art and design in a captivating setting. To wrap up the day in style, a night of fun and music awaits us. Bucharest is the perfect place to unwind, dance, and toast to our first night together!
Transylvania trip in the footsteps of Dracula
1 night: Bucharest
The legend of Count Dracula
Welcome to the dark and fascinating world of Dracula! Today we delve into one of Romania's most evocative locations, Bran Castle. Perched on a hill surrounded by dense forests, this ancient manor has always been linked to the legend of the most famous vampire of all time. With its imposing towers, narrow corridors, and secret passages, it looks like it came straight out of a gothic novel.
But beware, here reality intertwines with fantasy in an irresistible mix! Thanks to our guide, we'll understand that this castle, due to its isolated position in the Carpathian mountains, was once a defensive fortress, home to Vlad the Impaler, the historical inspiration for Bram Stoker's famous vampire. In short, between stories and legends, are we ready to uncover Dracula's secrets? Don't forget the garlic!
Relax at the thermal baths and goodbye Romania!
Thermal baths of Bucharest
Before we say goodbye to our amazing weekend, we'll enjoy a relaxing morning at Therme Bucharesti. Located just a few minutes from the airport, it's a true wellness paradise and one of Europe's largest thermal bath centers. Here, we'll find warm thermal pools, both indoor and outdoor, fed by natural springs, where we can completely immerse ourselves and relax after hours of travel and adventures. For those who want to regenerate to the max, there's a wide selection of saunas, from traditional to steam rooms. And for those still craving adventure, there are plenty of slides and water games ready to give you one last adrenaline rush.
After these days exploring Bucharest and Transylvania, we'll head home with a thousand wonderful memories, the knowledge of having seen a unique place in the world, but most importantly, with 15 new friends. See you on the next WeRoad adventure!
What's included
Accommodation in a shared room in a hotel with a private bathroom
WOW Experience: entrance and guided tour of Dracula's Castle
1 lunch
Snack at the Van Gogh Cafe with coffee and a slice of cake
- All breakfasts
Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)
What's not included
- Food and beverages when not specified
Private mini van for Bran Castle - approx. USD53
City tax - USD6
- All the extras you'll want to buy and manage to fit in your backpack :)
- All that is not mentioned in "What's included"
Optional activities
Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences.
Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.
Guided tour of Bucharest's Old Town - approx. USD24
Entry to Bucharest thermal baths - approx. USD30
Additional info
- Accommodation
The private room option is not available for this itinerary.
- Transport
ONLY for the New Year's Eve trip (December 30 - January 1) arrival in Bucharest must be by 12:00 PM as we leave directly for Bran Castle from the airport on Day 1 at 12:30 PM with the Minivan.
- Info on private roomsShow all details
Why WeRoad
Small groups, on average 11 people
Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure
Book with €/£/$0. Pay the €/£/$100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed
Find your flight
For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.
This is a WeRoadX
A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader.
This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.
About this trip
This trip starts in Bucharest. On the first day, we’ll meet at 12:00.
Your Group Leader will add you to the WhatsApp group for your trip about 15 days before departure.It’s a great way to start getting to know your travel mates, receive more details about the first day’s meeting point, and ask any pre-departure questions you might have.
We recommend you organize your transfers accordingly! In any case, you can contact your coordinator for advice or information.
This trip ends in Bucharest. The trip officially ends at 15:00 on the last day, so we recommend planning your return transfers accordingly. For example:
- if you need to book a flight, consider the time needed to reach the airport and complete check-in procedures;
- if you need to book a train or continue your journey independently, consider the time required to reach the station or your next destination.
If you have any doubts, you can contact the coordinator assigned to your departure for advice.
For this itinerary, you can choose the type of luggage you prefer – we always recommend a backpack, but you can also travel with a duffel bag, a holdall, or (it breaks our heart to say it) a cabin trolley case or a checked suitcase, as long as it’s moderate in size. Our Group Leader will suggest the ideal luggage before departure in the WhatsApp group!
About Romania
Find out the entry requirements for Romania, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.
Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Romania – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!
- UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.
Romania is in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2). During daylight saving time, typically from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, it's Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), which is UTC+3. If it's 12pm in the UK, it will be 2pm in Romania. If it's 12pm in New York, USA, it will be 7pm in Romania during standard time and 8pm during daylight saving time.
The currency used in Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON). The exchange rate can vary, but as a rough guide:
- 1 GBP is about 5.7 RON
- 1 USD is about 4.8 RON
- 1 EUR is about 4.9 RON
You can exchange your money at banks, currency exchange offices, and some hotels. It's a good idea to compare rates for the best deal.
In Romania, you can use credit cards, debit cards, and cash for payments. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most urban areas, especially in places like hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash with you, particularly if you're visiting rural areas or smaller towns where card acceptance might be limited. ATMs are available in cities and towns for withdrawing Romanian Leu. Make sure to inform your bank before traveling to avoid any issues with your cards abroad.
In Romania, tipping is appreciated but not compulsory. Tipping around 10 to 15 percent in restaurants is common if you’re happy with the service. In cafes and bars, rounding up the bill or leaving some change is a nice gesture. For taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest whole amount is often practiced. Hotel staff and tour guides also appreciate tips for good service. Always check the bill to see if a service charge is included before tipping.
Romania offers fast and reliable internet services. Wi-Fi is widely available in urban areas, especially in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. If you're traveling from Europe or the Schengen area, you can use roaming services without extra charges. However, if you're coming from outside Europe or need more data, buying a local SIM or an e-SIM data plan is a good idea. Local providers like Orange, Vodafone, and Digi have competitive plans that cover most of the country.
In Romania, the official language is Romanian. It's a Romance language, so if you know a bit of Italian, Spanish, or French, you might catch some similarities. Here are a few useful phrases you might hear or use:
- Hello: Salut
- Thank you: Mulțumesc
- Yes: Da
- No: Nu
- Please: Te rog
- Goodbye: La revedere
Knowing a few words can make your travel experience even richer!
Romania uses Type C and Type F plugs, similar to most of Europe. The standard voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. If you are coming from the UK, USA, or other countries with different plug types, we suggest you bring a universal adapter to charge your devices.
The main religion in Romania is Christianity, with the majority of Romanians practicing Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Important religious holidays include Easter, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and Christmas. Orthodox Easter does not always align with Western Easter, as it's based on the Julian calendar. If you're visiting during these times, you might experience unique traditions and festivities.
When packing for Romania, it's helpful to consider the time of year you'll be visiting, as the climate can vary. Here's a general guide to help you prepare your backpack:
1. Clothing:
- Lightweight clothing for summer
- Warm layers for winter
- Waterproof jacket
- Scarf and gloves for colder months
2. Shoes:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hiking boots if you plan to explore the Carpathians
- Sandals for summer
3. Accessories and Technology:
- Universal adapter
- Portable charger
- Camera or smartphone
- Headphones
4. Toiletries and Medication:
- Travel-sized toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Basic first-aid kit
- Common travel medication like pain relievers and motion sickness tablets
Packing wisely ensures you're prepared for all the adventures Romania has to offer!
Romania's weather varies by region and season, so here’s a quick overview:
- Bucharest and Southern Romania: Summers are hot, reaching up to 35°C in July and August, while winters can be cold, with temperatures dropping to around -5°C. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant.
- Transylvania and Central Romania: Cooler summers with temperatures around 25°C, and winters can be harsh with snow and temperatures below -10°C.
- Northern and Eastern Romania: Summers are warm, while winters are cold, often snowy, with temperatures around -5°C.
- Black Sea Coast: Summers are warm and humid, perfect for beachgoers, while winters are milder compared to inland areas.
The best time to visit is from May to September, when the weather is generally warm and pleasant across the country.
About WeRoad
Return international flights are not included on our trips because we want to give you full autonomy and flexibility. You can choose your preferred airline, fly from the airport that works best for you, and decide how many stopovers you want to make along the way.
As flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: you could arrive at your destination a few days early or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!
It depends on when you cancel, the status of your departure, and how much you have already paid. Here are all the cases.
If you cancel more than 31 days before departure - Departure not confirmed
You can cancel via email at hello@weroad.com
If it was your first unconfirmed booking (if you have more than one), nothing has been charged: no refund is needed.
If you paid the €/£/$100 deposit, it will be fully refunded.
Departure confirmed – you paid only the €/£/$100 deposit
In case of cancellation by the WeRoader, the deposit paid is not refunded. However, you can change your trip from your MyWeRoad Account and use the amount for another departure.
Departure confirmed – you paid the full amount
In case of cancellation by the WeRoader, the amount paid is not refunded. However, you can change your trip from your MyWeRoad Area and use the amount for another departure.
If you cancel less than 31 days of departure
You can cancel your booking at any time. However, in case of cancellation of less than 31 days before departure, no refund of the amount paid is provided, nor is it possible to change your trip, unless you have purchased Flexible Cancellation.
The private room fee, included in the price of your trip, is not refunded under any circumstances within this time frame, unless you have purchased Flexible Cancellation.
If you have Flexible Cancellation
With Flexible Cancellation, for all departures from May 14 to September 30, 2026, you may cancel your trip up to 24 hours before departure and receive a refund, whatever the reason. The only amount not refunded is the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option itself.
PLEASE NOTE: before cancelling, keep in mind that you can move your booking to another trip or a different date. Find out how!
For any doubts about your specific situation, write to our team at hello@weroad.com - we’ll help you!
Yes, you can change your trip directly from your MyWeRoad personal area, up to 31 days before departure. If you purchased Flexible Cancellation, to give you maximum flexibility, for all departures from May 14 to September 30, 2026, you may cancel your trip up to 24 hours before departure and receive a refund, whatever the reason.
How to change your trip from MyWeRoad
- Enter your booking
- Scroll to the “Change your trip” section at the bottom right
- Select a different date for the same trip or a completely different trip
Things to know
You can change your trip up to 3 times from your MyWeRoad personal area. Further changes must be requested by contacting our team at hello@weroad.com.
The new trip must depart within 12 months from the original departure date.
If your original booking included a private room, Flexible Cancellation, discount codes, gift cards, or vouchers, we will notify you before confirmation if they cannot be applied to the new trip.
You cannot switch to sold-out trips. For “On request” departures, we will check availability. For “Last spots” departures, availability in rooms of your same gender may not be guaranteed.
If there is a price adjustment: if the new trip costs less, we will refund the difference; if it costs more, you will need to pay the difference.
PLEASE NOTE: before cancelling, keep in mind that you can move your booking to another trip or a different date. Find out how!
In some cases – for example when a departure is not yet confirmed and it is your first unconfirmed booking – you can book without paying the €/£/$100 deposit upfront.
This means that you can secure your spot at zero cost: nothing will be charged until the departure is confirmed. Once the departure is confirmed, the €/£/$100 deposit will be automatically charged within 48 hours according to the terms agreed at the time of booking.
If a departure is “Available”, it means that the trip is not yet confirmed and we are waiting for a few more bookings… maybe yours!
The good news? If it’s your first booking on an unconfirmed departure, you can book without paying anything! Just. leave your credit card details as a guarantee: no immediate charge, €/£/$0 deposit.
In the meantime, wait for the departure to be confirmed before purchasing your round-trip flights!
Yes, but the available options depend on the status of your trip and when you make the request.
If your trip is not yet confirmed
You can cancel your booking by emailing hello@weroad.com
free of charge, up to 31 days before departure.
Please note: if it’s your first unconfirmed booking, you will only be asked to provide a credit card, PayPal, or Revolut as a guarantee, but nothing will be charged. From the second unconfirmed booking onwards, a mandatory £/$0100 deposit will be required.
If your trip is confirmed
Fees are not refundable in cash. You are entitled to cancel up to 31 days before departure, but after this deadline, cancellation is no longer possible.
Flexible Cancellation
If you purchased the Flexible Cancellation option (available in the first step of the booking process), to give you maximum flexibility, for all departures from May 14 to September 30, 2026, you may cancel your trip up to 24 hours before departure and receive a refund, whatever the reason. The only non-refundable amount is the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option itself.
How to cancel your trip
- Write to hello@weroad.com
- indicating your booking code.
- We will reply as soon as possible applying the cancellation conditions for your booking.
PLEASE NOTE: before cancelling, keep in mind that you can move your booking to another trip or a different date. Find out how!
We offer several payment methods to fit every need:
1. Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express);
2. Instalment payment with Klarna (you’ll pay for the trip in three equal amounts);
3. PayPal (for selected destinations);
4. Revolut Pay to pay even faster straight from your Revolut account.
Yes! We might not know the flights for everyone else in the group, but there are ways to find out which flights your fellow WeRoaders will be taking.
1. All travellers can share their flight details after booking on their My WeRoad account so that other travellers on the same trip can see these details anonymously.
2. Alternatively you can join our Facebook group: Solo Travellers | WeRoad Community – (here is the extended link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963298767843213 ) Look for a post about the trip you’re interested in or ask the group admin for help in getting in touch with your future travel companions!
3. If the Group Leader has already been assigned to the trip you’re keen for, you can easily find their Facebook post on the website.
For our trips we usually use locally owned accommodation instead of big hotel chains. It’s our favourite way to really experience the local culture and, whenever we can, support the local economy. Typically, you’ll stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses and hostels with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.
The list of accommodation for your trip will be shared with you by your Group Leader 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!
Generally, our groups have an average of 11 people. Everyone on our trips speaks English, and travellers join us from across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our trips are open to travelers between 25 and 49 years old. The indicated age is meant to give you an idea of the type of group, but it's not a strict limit: it's possible to participate even with a few years more or less, as long as you can keep up with the pace and energy of the group you're traveling with.
Each group will be joined and led by one of our experienced Travel Coordinators, who’s there to ensure everything runs smoothly and the group feels well-supported.
If you’d like to know more about our typical WeRoad groups do reach out to us on WhatsApp on +44 7716573700.
Yes! If you're curious, you can take a sneak peek at the group before booking.
You’ll find the info in the ‘Group’ section for each trip on the departures page, showing how many WeRoaders have already booked.
Click the little arrow and you’ll even see their gender and ages – but hey, that’s exclusive info, so we’ll ask you to log in or sign up to see that!
For some trips, in the itinerary section, you’ll find the number of nights and the location (not the hotel) where you’ll be spending the night(s). The location shown is the one we usually go for on most trips, but in some cases, you might stay in a nearby town. This will depend on logistics or availability of accommodation.
The list of accommodation for your trip (and therefore also the exact locations) will be shared by your Travel Group Leader 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful information for your adventure!
The WeRoad Travel Group Leader is an experienced and skilled traveller who will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary like transport, timings, accommodation, restaurant bookings and meeting points, so that you can enjoy the trip without this hassle. They’re there to support the group, ensure everything runs smoothly and will no doubt make the trip a lot of fun along the way too!
The Group Leader will set up a WhatsApp group approximately 2 weeks before departure. This will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Group Leader assigned, you can contact them before booking. Their details will be on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your My WeRoad account, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.
Yes, on all our trips you will share a room with other WeRoaders in your group. By default this will be people of the same gender, unless you tick ‘I'm OK with a mixed gender room’ when you book. The bathroom will either be private or shared only with other travellers on the trip. The rooms might be twins, triples, quadruples or multi-share (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.
You will never share with people from outside of the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodation like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.
On some of our trips we can offer a private room for an additional cost. Just tick the ‘Private Room’ option at checkout to get this added. For some of our trips if you book as two travellers together you can add this private room free of charge. Look out for this option at checkout.
Please note that if you do book a private room with a friend/partner this could be either a double or a twin room so please email hello@weroad.com if you have a preference on this.
When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you.
But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. You can also come along to one of our many events that we run in different cities worldwide. Check out and sign up to our events by downloading the WeMeet app here.