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Feet Do Blogging

Halloween in Transylvania

23/10/2016

63 Comments

 
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
What do you think of when someone mentions Transylvania, Romania? Is it the gothic castles, medieval streets or Dracula, the bloodsucking vampire made famous by Bram Stoker and Christopher Lee?

When I used to think of Transylvania it was always about Vlad the Impaler or Vlad Tepes, the inspiration for Dracula! So what better way to spend Simon’s 30th birthday (which happens to fall on Halloween) than a Dracula tour around Transylvania! Oh yes, we spent our time driving around Sibiu, Bran Castle and Sighisoria in a pimped up Dracula bus complete with red and black leather walls, red velvet curtains and blacked out windows – fabulous!

Feet Do Travel show you how we spent the spookiest of holiday’s; Halloween in Transylvania.

Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Our pimped out bus for the duration of the tour!
​So, what can I tell you about Transylvania other than Dracula? Well, it’s a region in the central part of Romania and has its own airport in the second most populous city in Romania, Cluj Napoca. Surrounded by the Carpathian mountains, it is known for its forest region, medieval towns and fortified churches and castles.​
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
​For history lovers, there are seven walled citadels populated by the Saxons of Transylvania in Bistrita, Brasov, Cluj, Medias, Sebes, Sibiu and Sighisoria.

For our Dracula tour, we found the perfect trip with Transylvania Live which included a visit to Bran Castle, the towns of Sibiu and Sighișoara and the highlight... a fancy dress Halloween party in the birthplace of Vlad Dracul... the inspiration for the Dracula genre.​
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Which leads me nicely onto Dracula. Who was Vlad Dracul and why is he known as Dracula?

I will quickly give you a history lesson; Vlad Dracul (also known as Vlad Tepes or Vlad The Impaler) ruled Wallachia for a only  seven years over three separate reigns from 1448. For a period of time during his reign, Vlad and his younger brother were held as hostages by the Ottomans and it’s suspected it was during this imprisonment that he first witnessed the in-humane torture of impaling people on stakes. As you can probably tell from his nickname “Vlad the Impaler” this is something he later became famous for.

​As a ruler, to the people of Transylvania he wasn’t considered memorable; he wasn’t particular good, and although it cannot be denied he was pretty evil and tortuous to other humans, he wasn’t unordinarily cruel for that particular period of time in history. He also didn’t reign for very long, so our tour guide and other locals cannot understand the fascination with him, they just know that his name brings in plenty of tourists!

​Historical Alba Iulia
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do TravelCoronation Cathedral
From Cluj, we headed south towards Alba Iulia, the largest Citadel in Romania also referred to as “the other capital”. We strolled around Coronation Cathedral, a charming Roman Orthodox cathedral built October 1922 to mark the coronation of King Ferdinand and Queen Maria. The architecture is “Romanian National Style”, modern yet impressive with huge expansive vaults and arches, surrounded by a lovely courtyard.

​This cathedral is considered an important historical place for Romanians because it symbolises the National Unity of the Romanian Nation.

Close to the Cathedral is the restored Alba Carolina medieval fortress ​which is a highlight of any visit to this Citadel. It’s a large, aesthetically pleasing and serene place to stroll around, full of ancient and modern history. The views are very impressive and you could easily lose a few hours here – we certainly did! 
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
​It was here our first group photograph was taken – the first of many and a sign of things to come!
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel

​Pub 13 was our lunch stop, an authentic medieval restaurant built into the wall of the Citadel at the fortress entrance. It was actually used as the Armoury for the fortress back in the day. If you want to step back in time, you will be in your element here!

The walls and ceilings are decorated with weapons and armour and the food was delicious; we ordered a wonderful slap up meal of meat and potatoes – good old fashioned, traditional Romanian grub! 

​It was at this point our group realised we were going to be in for a hoot for the duration of the time we would spend together. We hadn’t stopped laughing and joking up until this point and the hours flew by. We were actually supposed to visit another tourist site but decided we had spent too long in this restaurant having fun, and we didn’t want to ruin the good times.
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
The Medieval Citadel of Sibiu 

We arrived in Sibiu when it was dark and oh my, what a splendid place this is! In the Old Town where we were staying, the streets are delicately lit with old fashioned street lamps which cast an orange, romantic glow over its cobbled streets. I loved it! I personally thought it was a photographers’ paradise. There are plenty of secluded lanes and the buildings are all well preserved.
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
​There are many fine cellar/basement restaurants serving traditional Romanian food and wine, we had a table arranged at Crama Sibiana which was definitely in keeping with our medieval themed day. We left this establishment happy and rather merry after consuming plenty of The Legend of Transylvanian red wine!
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel

​Bran Castle
​
On 31st October – Halloween and Sy’s Birthday – we visited Bran Castle. This impressive gothic, fairy-tale structure known tenuously as Castle Dracula was built in 1377 and is situated on the border between Transylvania and Wallachia. 
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
View from the main walkway
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Walking up to the entrance of Bran Castle
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
​It is said that Vlad Tepes, the inspiration for the Dracula movie genre, never actually lived at Bran Castle, so why is it linked to Dracula? Simply because it’s the only surviving castle in Transylvania that fits Bram Stoker’s description! What a brilliant bit of marketing that is!

“. . . on the very edge of a terrific precipice . . . with occasionally a deep rift where there is a chasm [with] silver threads where the rivers wind in deep gorges through the forests.”
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel

​When walking towards the castle, set aside your thoughts on the whole “Dracula” theme because there is much more to this historic place than a blood-sucking villain who lives in our imagination!

t’s a beautiful castle with large turrets, winding stone corridors leading to small rooms and open walkways looking out onto magnificent views of the surrounding forest.
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
View of the Transylvanian countryside from a window of Bran Castle

​​The nearby village is full of little shops and locals selling souvenirs from quaint stalls, it really is a lovely area which feels like a step back in time.
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
A quick refreshment stop after Bran Castle

​Sighisoara – the birthplace of Vlad Tepes!

Right then, so if you are a Dracula lover, Sighisoara is at the heart of this story and, it could be said, where it all began!

Vlad Tepes III was born here in 1431 and lived for just four years with his father before moving.  

​A wrought iron dragon hangs above the entrance symbolising “the order of the Dragon”, a title given to selected nobility and in this case, to Vlad Tepes II who spent his youth at the royal court later distinguishing himself as a brave knight in the fight against the Ottoman Empire.

​The ocher-colored building is now a restaurant and is situated in the Citadel Square close to the Clock Tower.
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Plaque on the wall of Vlad Dracul's birthplace
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Dracula's birthplace is now a restaurant

​​​In truth, Vlad is just a tiny part of Sighisoara and there is so much more to this Saxon citadel than the Dracula connection. It is considered to be the most beautiful and best preserved medieval town in Europe! Its quaint streets are made up of brightly decorated buildings and cobbled stones.
​
Built in the 12th century, this town was then known as Castrum Sex (Fort Six), the name of Sighisoara was first noted in a written document issued by Vlad Dracul II, Vlad the Impaler's father, in 1431.
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Angie & Sy outside Vlad Dracul's birthplace
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Gorgeous architecture of Sighisoara
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel

​Halloween party!

And so the ultimate birthday party begins … in the medieval citadel of Sighisoria.

But first, we have to drive there .. and the celebrations began on the party bus!
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
​The absolute highlight and what we had all been waiting for... the Halloween party!

​It was held in the basement of an old building and all the stops were pulled out! It was a fancy dress party to end alllllllll fancy dress parties! Everyone looked magnificent and so much effort was made it was very impressive! I dressed as a Vampiress (naturally!) and Sy chose to be the Devil ... in a dinner jacket ... complete with painted red face and horns, although it was the cummerbund and cape that really set off his outfit.
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
​We ate traditional Romanian festive food washed down with fine Romanian wine although in truth, we cannot tell you how it tasted as the beer consumed on the crazy bus journey from Bran to Sigisioura combined with the bottle of champagne enjoyed whilst getting ready had kicked in some time before!
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Around 11.30pm, prior to the midnight countdown, we were taken outside for more of the evening’s entertainment – traditional folk dancing, sword and axe displays … plus fire breathing!! YES!!!! Fire breathing!! AWESOME!!!
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
​I had informed our tour company that it was Sy’s 30th birthday, and he was called up to be a part of the show! He was given an axe and was the hero defending a maid’s honour ... or something like that, in truth, we had all been drinking champagne and strong Romanian wine for a number of hours and it was all a bit of a blur!

Sy was given a bayonet and certificate as defender of the fair maiden and one thing we clearly remember is he was allowed to wear chainmail and swing an axe around! I think that was a highlight for him! Alcohol and dangerous weapons go hand in hand with Health and Safety, right?!
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel


​​Paintings … made out of spider webs!

Our final stop on this fascinating tour en-route from Sigisoria back to Cluj was in Medias – at Emil Muresan shop to be precise. He is an original artist who has entered the Guinness Book of Records for his unusual art; he “draws” using spider webs! Oh yes, you read that correctly! The sticky stuff you usually brush off your face in the morning as you walk past a bush to your car is actually used by this gentleman to create what some consider as art.

​I was captivated by this eclectic and eccentric mix of drawings and couldn’t resist purchasing one for home!

​Sadly, our three days in Transylvania with an amazing group of people was over. We were all sorry to see our new friends go their separate ways after the best Halloween we had ever experienced! Some of us remain friends on Facebook, and we still say that none of us have ever had a better Halloween than the one we spent together in Transylvania; driving around in a pimped-up Dracula bus, laughing from morning through to night. You guys rock!
Halloween in Transylvania, Sighisoara, Dracula’s birthplace Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes, Bran Castle, Sibiu, Feet Do Travel
Have you been on a Dracula tour, what did you do and where did you go? If you went to Transylvania, I’m sure your time was very different to ours so share your favourite experiences with us in the comments below.
Travelling around Europe? Check out these related posts:

5 Must See Attractions in Romania
6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Croatia
Captivating Cyprus
6 Best Places to Visit in Greece
​Cheese Rolling Anyone?
My London Bucket List
A Quirky Afternoon in Bristol
The Historic City of Nottingham
10 Breathtaking Sights in Iceland
ICEHOTEL and a Wedding Dress
Surviving Oktoberfest When You Don't Drink Beer
7 Things to do in Amsterdam (Instead of Red Lights and Coffee Shops)
Chernobyl - The Ghost Town 30 Years On

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FeetDoTravel spent a spooky Halloween in #Transylvania, omania, the home of Dracula, Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes. Steeped in history, we visited gothic castles, Sibiu, Bran Castle, and partied in the Dracula’s birthplace; the medieval citadel of Sighisoara. Feet Do Travel | #brancastle #sibiu #sighisoara #vlad #europe #travel #travelblog #travelblogger #traveltips #travelling #travelguides #traveladvice
FeetDoTravel spent a spooky Halloween in #Transylvania, omania, the home of Dracula, Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes. Steeped in history, we visited gothic castles, Sibiu, Bran Castle, and partied in the Dracula’s birthplace; the medieval citadel of Sighisoara. Feet Do Travel | #brancastle #sibiu #sighisoara #vlad #europe #travel #travelblog #travelblogger #traveltips #travelling #travelguides #traveladvice
63 Comments
Betty link
24/10/2016 07:11:01 am

What a cool way to spend his 30th birthday! That looked like so much fun.

Reply
FeetDoTravel
24/10/2016 12:01:30 pm

It was so much fun Betty, we couldn't have asked for a better group of people to spend our time with for Sy's special birthday!

Reply
Anna Schlaht link
25/10/2016 12:53:52 am

Hahaha, this is the best post! Honestly, Sy looks like he had a FANTASTIC time in every photo. Sounds like an awesome way to spend his birthday! I'd love to go to Transylvania someday. Not particularly for the folklore or Dracula, but simply because it's a beautiful area with a lot of intrigue! I deeply enjoyed looking through your photos and hearing about your experiences. The group you went with looked like a ton of fun!

By the way, the bus driver looks like a vampire (in the first pictures). Just saying. You should count yourselves lucky that you returned as humans...or did you? ;)

Reply
FeetDoTravel
28/10/2016 10:10:58 am

Yes Anna, I can confirm Sy did have a fantastic time! Transylvania is a beautiful and historic place to visit, whether you like Dracula or not so I hope you do get a chance to visit and enjoy! It's funny you should mention the bus driver, he always did have an odd look about him in other photos we took of him ... maybe we aren't as human as we thought and should "count" ourselves lucky (I like your play on words there ... Count as in Count Dracula maybe?? Or is that just me lol)

Reply
SamH Travels link
25/10/2016 10:43:38 am

Oh Wow, this looks like the best birthday present ever and the perfect Halloween trip! I am loving the way the bus was decked out. As I am an admirer of old buildings, I find the photos facinating! I will have to add this to my todo list!

Reply
FeetDoTravel
28/10/2016 10:12:18 am

If you are a lover of old buildings, Transylvania is definitely for you, it's steeped in history! I will look forward to hearing of your adventure when you visit here!

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Van @ Snow in Tromso link
26/10/2016 05:08:28 pm

I'd love to visit Transylvania at Halloween! Bran Castle is on my bucket list anyway and what better time of year could there be for a visit?!

Reply
FeetDoTravel
28/10/2016 10:13:17 am

Bran Castle is fabulous, I didn't know what to expect but loved it ... but I do love my castles. I'm sure you will have an amazing time when you visit and maybe you will consider going for halloween .....?

Reply
Oana link
28/10/2016 07:28:25 am

Wow, spending Halloween in Transylvania seems to be fun. I visited Bran 3-4 times but never around this time of the year. I love the photos, I hope you enjoyed your stay in Romania 🇷🇴.

Reply
FeetDoTravel
28/10/2016 10:14:11 am

Yes we did enjoy our time in Romania and would like to return and see more although maybe not necessarily around halloween, maybe when the whether is warmer so we can stroll the cobbled streets and take in the scenery.

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Lauren Bonheim link
28/10/2016 12:19:43 pm

This looks like such a blast!! What an awesome way to spend halloween. The whole tour looks great and the best part is that you met awesome people to share it all with. And the party at the end looks incredible. Your outfit came out so well. Definitely a halloween for the books! :D

Reply
FeetDoTravel
2/11/2016 08:50:41 pm

Yes it really was an awesome way to spend halloween and I'm not sure it will ever be beaten, especially because it was the people on the tour that helped make it so special. Oooo Mexico and Day of the Dead, now that may rival this ... that's one for the bucket list then!

Reply
David link
28/10/2016 02:24:35 pm

What a fun tour and great to see all your photos, what a cool bus. I bet Simon had heaps of fun, especially in Sighisoara. I didn't make it to Alba Iulia so it's nice to see what it looks like there. That vintage filter really suits Transylvania, awesome photo. Ah memories!

Reply
FeetDoTravel
2/11/2016 08:52:04 pm

Such a cool bus wasn't it and yes, Sy did have heaps of fun! I thought the vintage filter looked good for Transylvania as well so I'm so glad you picked up on that and thank you for noticing. Ahhh, the memories indeed!

Reply
Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler) link
28/10/2016 02:48:39 pm

Wow what a Blast for Halloween...Love the town of Transylvania and how you arrived in a pumped up Dracula Bus with friends.:-) The old town of Sibiu looks scary but I agree a photographers dream. What a great Halloween Party with your friends. Love your outfits! Great historic information & fun...Thanks for Sharing:-)

Reply
FeetDoTravel
2/11/2016 08:56:49 pm

I wished I had taken more photos of Sibiu now as the photos just don't do it justice but Sy was already ushering me along otherwise we would have been late for dinner with the group. Such a blast though and I'm glad you loved the outfits :-)

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Anna link
28/10/2016 04:24:43 pm

What a cool place to spend Halloween! Your trip looks like so much fun! I´d really love to visit Transilvania one day. Even though some friends of mine said they were a bit dissapointed by the Dracula castle. Nevertheless, I feel from the pics the area of Transylvania should have this unique eerie atmosphere. #WeekendWanderlust

Reply
FeetDoTravel
2/11/2016 09:11:54 pm

I do hope you visit Transylvania one day and I think you should make your own mind up about Dracula castle :-) Some people are disappointed and others aren't but if you miss out, then you will never know ....
And you are right, Transylvania does have an eerie, mystical atmosphere which fits in perfectly with it's interesting history. Definitely and interesting place to explore!

Reply
Allison link
28/10/2016 07:34:48 pm

I've actually had a fascination with Romania since I was really little- watching the Romanian gymnastics team dominate the Olympics. I read everything I could about Romania and vowed that I would travel there one day. This sounds like an awesome and fitting way to celebrate a Halloween birthday. #weekendwanderlust

Reply
FeetDoTravel
2/11/2016 09:15:36 pm

I always find it so interesting the reason why people are fascinated with a country, and yours is no different, what a great story! I sincerely hope you tick this one off your bucket list if it has been a place you have wanted to visit for so long .... maybe try for halloween :-)

Reply
differentshores link
28/10/2016 09:09:43 pm

What a brilliant idea I would LOVE to go to Transylvania. I've always wanted to see Sibiu and Sighisoara, they seem like quaint, fairy tale places (or maybe horror stories..). I love those wonky 12th century buildings. The whole Vlad the Impaler story is just fascinating. Fabulous Halloween post #TheWeeklyPostcard

Reply
FeetDoTravel
2/11/2016 09:21:28 pm

Sibiu and Sighisoara definitely are fairy tale places with a tinge of horror thrown in as well - perfect for everyone. I admit that I am fascinated with Vlad the Impaler and have been since I first heard about it way back in school (what on earth were they teaching me??!). I hope you visit one day and enjoy it as much as we did!

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Anda link
28/10/2016 10:10:06 pm

Your beautiful post reminded me about my country of origin. Transylvania has so many beautiful medieval castles. I love the photos you took al Alba Iulia. #TheWeeklyPostcard.

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FeetDoTravel
2/11/2016 09:29:13 pm

What a beautiful country you come from and I would like to see more of it! I'm glad this post gave you good memories and thank you for taking the time to comment, it's much appreciated.

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Anisa link
29/10/2016 02:54:02 am

This is perfect for Halloween! Looks like you guys had a great time. I do want to visit the castle and the scenery looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.

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FeetDoTravel
3/11/2016 05:11:05 pm

It certainly was the perfect halloween, a tough one to beat! I think you would like the castle and the history Transylvania has to offer!

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Erin Gustafson link
29/10/2016 12:36:49 pm

Amazing commitment to theme and what a fun 30th birthday! I love the view from Bran's castle - beautiful countryside! Thanks for sharing with #FarawayFiles - definitely a fun one - cheers from Copenhagen, Erin

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FeetDoTravel
3/11/2016 05:12:54 pm

Oh yes, we do commit to our fancy dress, especially when it's for a very special occasion and yes, the countryside around Transylvania is known for it's beauty, but sometimes you just have to see it to believe it don't you.

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Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute link
29/10/2016 01:47:30 pm

I have to agree, the only thing I ever thought about Transylvania was the Dracula from the movies. I read Bram Stoker's book a few years back and it really got me wanting to go. We had a chance two summers ago on an Eastern Europe Train Journey. What a beautiful country! Your tour seems like a fun way to get around to all the major sites, and that Halloween party! So cool!

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FeetDoTravel
3/11/2016 05:14:37 pm

Yes I only knew about Transylvania because of Dracula, but whatever the reason for visiting, I am glad we did as it is a lovely region to visit - even better in a pimped up Dracula bus :-)

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Katy Clarke link
29/10/2016 07:06:26 pm

How awesome. These are the trip ideas memories are made of. You'll be talking about this for decades to come I'm sure. Now I'm too much of a scaredy cat to be cruising around spooky castles at night time but I wish I wasnt as this looks like too much fun! Thanks for the spooks and joining us on #FarawayFiles

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FeetDoTravel
3/11/2016 05:16:31 pm

I do agree Katy, this was a trip memories are made of and yes, we will be talking about this one for quite some time! I do love looking at spooky castles, there is something about them that intrigues me although I'm not exactly a brave person lol. Glad you enjoyed this read.

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Kreete link
30/10/2016 11:40:06 am

How awesome! I started reading this and I couldn't stop haha! This bus looks awesome! What's the go with tourism now days, hey? They all use these cool buses to show people around! :D I would love to know the name of the company who does that, as it all sounds so much fun! I am surprised how well prepared you all were with your Halloween costumes! Well done! And thanks for talking a bit about the history and background of the places you went to as well. The photos taken in Sibiu remind me the old town of Tallinn. And my favourite picture would be the view from Dracula's castle over the village and the hills in the background. Just perfect!

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FeetDoTravel
3/11/2016 05:19:18 pm

Oh I do love a quirky tourist bus for showing people around, it just adds the extra fun element so I am a fan. We do like to ensure we are prepared for our fancy dress, it doesn't matter where in the world it is! I took a Mama Santa outfit for me and spare Christmas hats to Borneo last year so I could celebrate with the new friends I met. Glad you liked the history and the views, I like to try and have a mix of information and I'm so happy it's appreciated so thank you for your comment.

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Lisa link
30/10/2016 01:07:01 pm

What a fabulous adventure, I would love to visit there. I love all the history and the historical buildings. The castle and cathedral would be so cool to wander through. Way cool on this one!!

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FeetDoTravel
3/11/2016 05:20:15 pm

Transylavania would suit you Lisa .. the history, the hiking, the views, the wine .. it has it all! I hope you get there one day.

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Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) link
30/10/2016 05:51:40 pm

What an incredible way to celebrate Hallowe'en. Can't imagine you'd ever top this. Loved your pictures of Dracula's castle and the pretty Romanian towns. #FarawayFiles

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FeetDoTravel
3/11/2016 05:22:02 pm

I don't know how this can be topped either Clare, possibly Day of the Dead in Mexico?? I will have to go and see ... Romania is full of pretty towns isn't it, they make excellent photography subjects! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, I appreciate it.

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Garth link
31/10/2016 11:08:04 am

Brilliant post and great history lesson, as I know very little about Romania. But overall what great fun! this tour looks amazing and something me and Phil would love too. Loving the pimped out bus too! Ok you both look great, but for scariness I think Simon wins! plus I love horror films! (Phil hates them)

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FeetDoTravel
3/11/2016 05:23:48 pm

Thanks Garth! Yes, Simon always wins when it comes to scary, I don't even try to compete lol, you should hear his laugh when he is dressed like this - it's even scarier than his look ... but let's not forget, he was born on Halloween! :-)

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Barry link
31/10/2016 09:41:29 pm

Well I love dressing up for Halloween and would love to spend this time of year at Transylvania. Even better that you get to spend Sy 30th birthday there. I must confess I don’t know much about Vlad The Impaler so would be interesting to check out this part of the world more.

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FeetDoTravel
3/11/2016 05:25:12 pm

Halloween is a fun time of year to dress up isn't it, there is always a consistent theme! I always pick different themes each year for my birthday but for Sy, well, it's easy isn't it! I hope you get a chance to read more about Vlad the Impaler, that part of history is quite interesting, but that could be because I have been a "fan" for many years.

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Emily @ Out and About link
1/11/2016 01:30:15 am

Oh my goodness - I LOVED reading this!!! Transylvania is indeed a place I thought was just created for fairytales, similar to Abu Dhabi (Garfield) and Tasmania (Bugs Bunny). The history is fascinating and Romania is on my future to-visit list since I hear it's one of the few remaining European destinations that isn't completely overrun with tourists. What an amazing way to celebrate a birthday!

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FeetDoTravel
3/11/2016 05:26:51 pm

I'm so glad you enjoyed this Emily and I think it's so funny you thought it was created for fairytales and compared it to Tasmania for Bugs Bunny - brilliant :-) It certainly didn't look over run with tourists when we were there so I hope it remains that way until you visit, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

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Sonali Chauhan link
1/11/2016 06:16:50 am

Happy halloween to all sweet peoples. Really excited for halloween & finally time comes to celebrate halloween :)

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FeetDoTravel
3/11/2016 05:27:58 pm

Hope you had a fabulous halloween and it was full of exciting ways to celebrate!

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Michele {Malaysian Meanders} link
3/11/2016 05:13:12 am

First off, I really like that pimped out Dracula mobile. You can really tell that it's going to be fun time if that's your transportation. Looks like a fantastic tour made even better with a great group of strangers that turned into friends. I hope to visit Romania some day and will have to keep all this in mind.

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FeetDoTravel
3/11/2016 05:29:21 pm

Yes Michele you are right, when you see a pimped up bus like this, you know you are in for the time of your life! I love it when strangers become friends, especially when it happens so quickly. I hope when you visit Romania you meet some amazing people and have an excellent time!

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Mandy link
3/11/2016 07:12:44 pm

It looks like you had a wonderful time in Transylvania! I can't think of a better way to spend Halloween. :)

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FeetDoTravel
7/11/2016 04:33:22 pm

Thanks Mandy, and yes this will be a top one to beat for sure! Great place and fantastic people ... what more could you ask for ?!

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Jenn
4/11/2016 12:45:19 pm

What an awesome experience! Although I'm not quite sure why, I used to have a slight obsession with Dracula and Bram Stoker. This just looks so cool - from the bus and party, to the town itself, and the castle! I would really like to go here one day - more and more I'm feeling the need to plan a grand European tour thanks to all these amazing posts!

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FeetDoTravel
7/11/2016 04:35:19 pm

I'm with you Jenn, I have always had a slight obsession with Dracula as well, especially after watching the movie starring Keanu Reeves and Gary Oldman. I would like to see more of Europe as well, so much history and culture, may see you there one day :-)

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Heidy(Caretogofree) link
5/11/2016 04:55:49 pm

This looks like the perfect Halloween getaway! Def putting this on my bucket list :)

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FeetDoTravel
7/11/2016 04:36:35 pm

It definitely is a perfect Halloween getaway and I'm so glad it's on your bucket list - Transylvania is a great place to visit any time of year.

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Vyjay link
13/11/2016 12:49:39 am

The Dracula theme is really fascinating. I can see you had a great experience. The castles look beautiful during the day, but at night seem to assume an eerie and scary personality. Can except Dracula to pounce on you from some shady dark corner!

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FeetDoTravel
22/11/2016 03:50:42 pm

I love the castles at night - I love he eerieness of it and my imagination conjures up all sorts of stories ... yes, that maybe Dracula will pounce, who knows?

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Esther link
26/10/2018 06:39:52 am

OMG, that's an absolutely brilliant experience!! I think I'd really love to give that a go. I am curious about Romania anyway, I've seen so many stunning photos!!
#FeetDoTravel

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California Globetrotter link
26/10/2018 07:45:35 am

OMG what a fun way to explore Transylvania and learn about Dracula! I love that it coincided with Halloween, or was that intentional? Probably, since you went with costumes! Looks like so much fun!! #FeetDoTravel

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Urska link
27/10/2018 10:41:41 am

Haha, now that's a proper Halloween party. :) Look like you had a really great time in Transylvania. Would love to visit Romania once and follow the footsteps of Dracula.

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Tracy link
29/10/2018 12:56:58 am

Looks like you had an amazing time and what a great place to spend your birthday particularly if it’s on Halloween night! Really interesting read Angie too - have never considered visiting Romania but will definitely consider it when we are back in Europe!

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Sharon link
29/10/2018 06:45:05 pm

Ha ha -- what fun! I love that the tour ends with a party and costumes and a good time! That's a great way to enjoy learning about the castles. Looks like your group really clicked. What a memorable day!

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Vicky (Spud on the Run) link
1/11/2018 03:33:13 pm

So firstly, just on a complete side not, the guy in the photo of the bus, sat right up at the front, looks TERRIFYING.

I think it’s official that Sy has the most AWESOME birthday celebrations. I was always really thankful for being a June baby (better chance of good weather), but now I’m seeing the error of my ways. October is where it is at!

You were so lucky to have such an awesome tour group, the people that you get put with can make or break a trip. I know we’ve been lucky and not so lucky in the past!

Thank you for teaching me so much about Romania, this post was really interesting, and previously I probably knew only about 5% of what you’ve covered. I’m now heading right on over to your 5 Must See Attractions in Romania!!

Some lovely, lovely photos. The ‘view of the Transylvanian countryside from a window of Bran Castle’ is just breath-taking!
#Feetdotravel

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Emese link
1/11/2018 07:30:07 pm

Wow! I never knew they did a Dracula tour for Halloween but I guess I'm not really surprised. Sounds like you guys had a lot of fun - and got to see a lot of Transylvania :). Sounds like a perfect Halloween birthday party.

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