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Kirsten Koza

Misadventure Travel Author/ Writers' Expeditions

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Vlad Dracula Expedition – Romania – Halloween – 2020

Posted by Kirsten Koza on December 5, 2019 in expeditions, writers' expeditions | 842 Views

You’re invited to join our annual Vlad Dracula Expedition—a seven-day dinner party through Romania, celebrating both Halloween and then Day of the Dead, as we explore the life of Vlad the Impaler!

Expedition dates: October 28th – November 3rd, 2020 (we’ll be running this adventure again in 2021).

Maximum group-size for this expedition is 13.

 Scroll down past the itinerary for prices, inclusions, and the hosts’ biographies.

When we entered the cemetery in Sighisoara (the birthplace of Vlad Dracula) we were greeted by an Alfred Hitchcock sky. (Photo by Writers' Expeditions's photography host Christopher Campbell).
When we entered the cemetery, in Sighisoara (the birthplace of Vlad Dracula), we were greeted by an Alfred Hitchcock sky. (Photo by the Dracula Expedition photography host Christopher Campbell).

We’ve made all the reservations—you just need to pack a costume and your inner child (or demon) for this howling Halloween party across Romania. Our seven-day (small group) expedition includes attending the ultimate costume party on Halloween night, at Bran Castle (known as Dracula’s Castle, built circa 1377) which was owned by Vlad’s grandfather (Mircea the Old), and we’ll also be dining on Day of the Dead (November 2nd) in the chamber where real-life Dracula, Vlad Drăculea (known as Vlad the Impaler), was born in 1431. We’ll be sleeping that night, in a inn of similar vintage, just a few doors down from the home where Vlad was born, inside the (UNESCO) medieval walled city of Sighișoara. We were the first people (and are the only) to ever host a Halloween dinner party in the room where Dracula was born, and each year we barely make it through cocktails before we are regaling each other with spine-tingling experiences from our lives.

We'll dine in the room where Vlad Dracula was born in 1431 (Photo by Christopher Campbell)
We’ll dine in the room where Vlad Dracula was born in 1431 (Photo by Christopher Campbell)
The ruins of Poenari (AKA Dracula's Vulture's Nest) Transylvania, Romania. (Photo by our local Romanian guide and expert)
The ruins of Poenari (AKA Dracula’s Vulture’s Nest) Transylvania, Romania. (Photo by our local Romanian guide and expert)

Our Transylvanian guide (with whom I explored Romania extensively) and I have designed a journey that will take us to the best local haunts: medieval castles with gruesome history, torture chambers, moody cemeteries, all contrasted with one of the most beautiful times of year to visit Romania which will be glowing in autumn colours. And Christopher Campbell, professional photographer (Chatelaine, Food Network, HarperCollins), will be guiding you during our escapades to capture photos of a lifetime, whether you’re using a mobile device, point & shoot, or a DSLR with multiple lenses. Plus he’ll be providing you (throughout the expedition and when you get back home) with digital images of your adventures.

Corvin Castle. (photo by Christopher Campbell, Writers' Expeditions)
Corvin Castle. (Photo by Christopher Campbell, Writers’ Expeditions)
You'll see horse wagons like this on our scenic drive through Transylvania's Carpathian mountains (Photo by your host, Kirsten Koza, Writers' Expeditions)
You’ll see horse wagons like this on our scenic drive through Transylvania’s Carpathian mountains (Photo by your host, Kirsten Koza, Writers’ Expeditions)

Keep scrolling for the itinerary, more photos, and full details on how to sign up.

The Beer Chariot, Bucharest. (Photo by Christopher Campbell, photography host for The Dracula Expedition)
The Beer Chariot, Bucharest. (Photo by Christopher Campbell, photography host for The Dracula Expedition)

Day 1:  October 28th  – Pickup at Otopeni Airport outside Bucharest (we’ll also greet you at the airport if you arrive a day in advance). Next door to our hotel are the ruins of the Princely Palace, the castle that Dracula built in celebration of his own greatness or evilness. In the evening we’ll explore the historic pedways of the old town of Bucharest which was first settled in 70 BC and by the 1400s was the wealthiest city in Eastern Europe. Then we’ll dine at The Beer Chariot, a dazzling 19th century restaurant which is always packed with locals and boasts an extensive menu of tasty Romanian dishes. – Dinner. Palinca shots. Overnight at Europa Royale Bucharest Hotel ****

2019's Vlad Dracula Expedition participants peruse the menus at The Beer Chariot. (Photo by Christopher Campbell)
2019’s Vlad Dracula Expedition participants peruse the menus at The Beer Chariot. (Photo by Christopher Campbell)

Day 2: October 29th – After a hot buffet breakfast in the hotel’s award winning restaurant, we’ll visit the Palace of Parliament, the heaviest building in the world (according to Guinness World Records), and it’s the second largest administrative building in the world (following the Pentagon) and a legacy of a more recent “Dracula,” the communist dictator Ceaușescu (executed in 1989). Then we’ll break out the treat bags for our scenic drive to Targoviste.

The Ottoman army returned to Constantinople when they encountered 20,000 impaled corpses outside Vlad's home, Targoviste.
The Ottoman army returned to Constantinople when they encountered 20,000 impaled corpses outside Vlad’s home, Targoviste.

The townsfolk of Targoviste were blamed by Vlad for their involvement in the assassination of his brother by the Turks. Vlad killed nobles and enslaved the townsfolk to build his castle at Poenari. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – Overnight in Curtea de Arges****

A beautiful cathedral with a dark secret, at the monastery of Curtea de Arges. (Photo by Kirsten Koza)
A beautiful cathedral with a dark secret, at the monastery of Curtea de Arges. (Photo by Kirsten Koza)

Day 3: October 30th – Dracula’s Fortress (where Vlad’s first wife plunged to her death off a cliff to avoid capture by an enemy army) and then to the mind-blowing Transfăgărășan! 

Crossing the Carpathians on the Transfagaras Highway. (Photo by Christopher Campbell)
Crossing the Carpathians on the Transfagarasan Highway. (Photo by Christopher Campbell)

The ruins of Poenari Castle (Dracula’s Fortress) are perched high on a rugged crag above the Arges river gorge. There are 1,480 stairs to Dracula’s “vulture nest.” One of our previous participants worked it out to being 100 storeys. Now, if you really think you can’t make the climb–there’s a lovely lodge and restaurant down the road from the first step. Following our hike, we’ll cross the Carpathian Mountains on the Transfăgărășan Highway. (Please note that last year we couldn’t do the stairs up to the fortress–some of you will be heaving a sigh of relief–because the area was closed due to bear attacks. Eeks! They have since put an electric bear-proof fence around the site and reopened. If bears are still an issue in 2020, we’ll see Vlad’s fortress from below, and will go to Făgăraș Fortress on this day instead–otherwise Făgăraș is on the 1st.)

Fagaras Fortress. (photo by Kirsten Koza)
Fagaras Fortress. (Photo by Kirsten Koza)

We’ll be spending the next two nights in the mountains near Bran Castle (“Dracula’s Castle”), at our guide’s rural, family-run inn, where we’ll have a bountiful, seasonal, home-cooked Romanian dinner. Tonight (for those who’d like an adventure) we’ll walk to a hillside cemetery with chained crypts (perhaps to keep people out – or perhaps to keep them in) to take night shots.

(A small sample of food on our expedition. We can cater to omnivores, vegetarians, vegans, vampires and carnivores.)

A typical salad in Romania is beyond typical. (Photo by Christopher Campbell, Writers' Expeditions)

Ribs in Sibiu, Romania (Photo by Christopher Campbell)Mushrooms and polenta, Romania. (Photo by Christopher Campbell, Writers' Expeditions)Pasta at Werk, across from Corvin Castle, Romania. (Photo by Christopher Campbell, Writers' Expeditions)Romanian pretzels in Transylvania. (Photo by Christopher Campbell, Writers' Expeditions)The tomatoes in Romania are out of this world. (Writers' Expeditions)The tomatoes in Romania are divine. (Photo by Christopher Campbell, Writers' Expeditions)Traditional soup in bread bowl - Romania. (photo by Christopher Campbell)Papanasi - Romanian dessert (Photo by Christopher Campbell, Writers' ExpeditionsRomanian cabbage rolls and polenta. (photo by Christopher Campbell, Writers' Expeditions)Romanian beans - photo by Christopher Campbell - Writers' ExpeditionsHashtag sausages, Romania. (Writers' Expeditions)

Breakfast, lunch, dinner – tonight and tomorrow night are at our guide’s mountain lodge. The setting is rustic; the chalet is new (private ensuite bathrooms, wifi).

We'll be staying at our guide's family's lodge in Moecui, just 15 minutes from Dracula's castle. (Photo by Christopher Campbell)
We’ll be staying at our guide’s family’s lodge in Moecui, just 15 minutes from Dracula’s castle. (Photo by Christopher Campbell)

Day 4: October 31st – Halloween festival and costume party at Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle) – Wine is courtesy of Dracula tonight!

Bran Castle, known as "Dracula's Castle." (Photo by Christopher Campbell, Writers' Expeditions)
Bran Castle, known as “Dracula’s Castle.” (Photo by Christopher Campbell, Writers’ Expeditions)

After a hearty farm breakfast (or lighter if you wish) we’ll drive to Brașov where we’ll conquer the medieval ramparts, watchtowers, and Saxon churches (if they don’t conquer us). But best of all, this walled city boasts one of the narrowest streets in Europe. From Brașov our quest continues at Râșnov, the 13th century, breathtaking, mountaintop fortress, built by Teutonic Knights. Then we’ll return to the farm to dine, drink wine, and don our costumes for the night’s festivities.

2019's participants at our guide's mountain lodge before heading to the Halloween party at Dracula's castle. (Writers' Expeditions - The Vlad Dracula Expedition)
2019’s participants pose at our guide’s mountain lodge before heading to the Halloween party at Dracula’s castle. (Writers’ Expeditions – The Vlad Dracula Expedition)

Tonight is the ultimate costume party –  at Dracula’s castle. Adults of all ages come from around the world for this festival. Every year they decorate the castle differently. You’ll get to photograph some fantastic costumes. Whoever wants to stay to dance into the night is welcome to do so. If anyone would rather return to the inn, they’ll be driven back to Moeciu.

We'll go to the costume party at Bran Castle, AKA Dracula's Castle. (photo by our Romanian guide, Writers' Expeditions)
We’ll go to the costume party at Bran Castle, AKA Dracula’s Castle. (Photo by our Romanian guide, Writers’ Expeditions)

 Day 5: November 1st – ghosts and legends

We continue (after a little sleep-in this morning) on our Vlad Dracula Expedition, stopping in Sibiu, a town steeped in legend and named by Forbes magazine as one of the 10 most idyllic places to live in Europe. It was here that Mihnea the Evil, Dracula’s son, was murdered in front of the cathedral. We then plunge further west into Transylvania to Corvin Castle where Vlad Dracula was fugitive, or some argue prisoner. This is one of the largest castles in Europe and has been host to many paranormal investigative television shows from around the world. You’ll see why, or maybe some of you will feel it. – Breakfast, lunch, dinner – Overnight in Hunedoara ****

Corvin Castle, Hunedoara. (Photo by Christopher Campbell, Writers' Expeditions)
Corvin Castle, Hunedoara. (Photo by Christopher Campbell, Writers’ Expeditions)

Day 6: November 2nd – Hunedoara to Sighișoara – Day of the Dead – tonight we have our private dinner party in the room where Vlad Dracula (Vlad the Impaler) was born in 1431!

Night shot on the medieval streets of Sighisoara, Romania. (Photo by Kirsten Koza, host of the Vlad Dracula Expedition)
Night shot on the medieval streets of Sighisoara, Romania. (Photo by Kirsten Koza, host of the Vlad Dracula Expedition)

After exploring Corvin Castle and the grisly torture chambers at its gates, we’ll take a picturesque drive to Sighișoara, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Medieval covered staircase leading to the spectacular cemetery, in Sighisoara.(Photo by Christopher Campbell)
Medieval covered staircase leading to the spectacular cemetery, in Sighisoara.(Photo by Christopher Campbell)

We’ll be spending the night of Day of the Dead inside this preserved walled town, in a medieval hotel, a few doors down the street from the house where Vlad Dracula was born in 1431, which is where we’ll be dining. After scaring each other with spine-tingling stories around the dinner table, we’ll also pay a nighttime visit to the cemetery. – Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Palinca tasting. Overnight in hotel which is over 500 years old!

Sighisoara, Romania. (Photo by our local guide and expert - Writers' Expeditions)
Sighisoara, Romania. (Photo by our local guide and expert – Writers’ Expeditions)

November 3rd: Day 7 – we’ll travel from where Vlad the Impaler was born to the island of his grave – then back to Bucharest

We’ll revisit the cemetery of Sighișoara by day and will explore the rest of the fortified Saxon town before heading away from Transylvania back to Wallachia, stopping for the climax of Vlad’s life – his death – and unusual burial wishes.

Farewell: We’ll then drop you off (near 6:00 PM) at the airport, or your Bucharest area or airport hotel, or the train station for the next leg of your journey. – Breakfast, lunch, return to Bucharest 

Inclusions:

  • All accommodation (the delightful inns are small and unique – four star, with private bath, and wifi)
  • All meals (don’t blame us if you gain weight – the food in Romania is fabulous, and you’re the one ordering what you want from the menus)
  • Some alcohol (see itinerary)
  • Photography sessions for those who wish
  • Professional digital images of your journey
  • Writing tips for any who wish (however, please note this is a roving dinner party and photography adventure, not a writing workshop)
  • All transfers and transportation on tours
  • English-speaking, Transylvanian guide
  • Our own driver and private vehicle
  • All entrance fees to castles and museums

Exclusions:

  • Airfare
  • Alcohol (unless listed on the itinerary)
  • Visa (not something for North Americans or Europeans to worry about)

Kirsten describes your hosts:

Christopher Campbell (professional photographer)Christopher Campbell: once again I’ve invited one of my favourite photographers (and one of the best travel companions you’ll ever meet) to lead our photographic adventures and share a lifetime of tips, tricks & technique. You have probably seen his images displayed on TV’s Food Network cooking shows or in publications as varied as Chatelaine, Spa Magazine, or HarperCollins cookbooks–and most definitely in ads–he’s the one you can blame for making you crave Absolut Vodka, Kahlua, that dew dripping glass of Gordon’s gin, Florida oranges, late night fast food at Wendy’s or McDonald’s (blame him for that), or test driving a Mercedes—that’s Christopher Campbell’s fault too. This is Chris’s sixth year hosting our Dracula Expedition. He’s also been our photography host twice in Jordan and in Vietnam.

Kirsten Koza fKirsten Koza: I’m your host and expedition designer and am a professional adventure travel writer, author, humourist and journalist. I ruthlessly pretest the Writers’ Expeditions trips to find the best local guides, tour operators, and unique adventures, so you can have a great experience.  I’ve had more than seventy-five stories published in books, magazines, and newspapers around the world, on topics as varied as going inside the largest Syrian refugee camp, bullfighting, cannibalism, tornado chasing, mountain biking, dildos, dictators, Putin, gluten, mutants, and politics.  I’ve even made the front page of Kyrgyzstan’s national newspaper. I’m the author of Lost in Moscow: A Brat in the USSR and edited the Traveler’s Tales anthology Wake Up and Smell the Shit: Hilarious Travel Disasters, Monstrous Toilets, and a Demon Dildo.

And we leave you with some photos of Halloween costumes, food and fun from past expeditions (just click on images to expand) and a three-minute documentary made by a participant from a previous expedition. Turn up your speakers for it! The Dracula Expedition Video!

Bucharest police patrolling on Segways - Romania. (Photo by Christopher Campbell)Full moon over Bucharest. (Writers' Expeditions)Night falls at the cemetery in Sighisoara, Romania (Photo by Christopher Campbell)Halloween party goers at Bran Castle (Dracula's castle), Transylvania, Romania. (Photo by Christopher Campbell for Writers' Expeditions)Transylvania, Romania, Heroes' Cross, Caraiman Peak (Photo by Christopher Campbell)Halloween 2016 food meat ballsA Roma tinsmith, Romania (Photo by Christopher Campbell)We're invited into a gypsy home for fun and drinks. (Writers' Expeditions)Chris and Kirsten, your Vlad Dracula expedition hosts (Writers' Expeditions)Repeating pattern, photography tips, at Curtea de Arges, 2018 (Writers' Expeditions - Christopher Campbell)2017 Vlad Dracula Expedition participant in Sighisoara. (Writers' Expeditions)2018 Writers' Expeditions group shot after getting ready to go to the halloween party at Bran Castle.Halloween party 2017 group shot. (Writers' Expeditions)Papanasi, a donut-like dessert made fresh and served piping hot, in Romanian restaurants. (Photo by Christopher Campbell, Writers' Expeditions)Autumn colours and snow capped Carpathians. (Photo by Kirsten Koza)Halloween group shot 2016 (Photo by Christopher Campbell)Bran Castle courtyard during the Halloween party (Photo by Christopher Campbell)2019 Dracula Expedition, SighisoaraSibiu, Romania. (photo by Christopher Campbell, Writers' Expeditions)Climbing the stairs to Dracula's fortress. (Photo by Christopher Campbell, Writers' Expeditions)Writers' Expeditions, Sighisoara, (Photo by Christopher Campbell)Palace of Parliament, Bucharest. Stairs. (Photo by Christopher Campbell for Writers' Expeditions)Bram Stoker's Dracula at Vlad Dracula's costume party with a 2016 participant. (Writers' Expeditions)Pink waffle truck, Brasov, Romania. (Photo by Christopher Campbell, Writers' Expeditions)2018 Vlad Dracula participants in their vampire costumes.Beer at the Beer Chariot, Bucharest. (Photo by Kirsten Koza, Writers' Expeditions)Romania, 2018, view from Rasnov. (Photo by Kirsten Koza, Writers' Expeditions)Outside the torture exhibit, Vlad Dracula Expedition. (Writers' Expeditions)Writers' Expeditions, Targoviste, Romania. (Photo by Christopher Campbell)Picturesque drive in Romania. (Photo by Kirsten Koza of Writers' Expeditions)Palinca tasting in Sighisoara. (Writers' Expeditions)Horse wagons are a common in Romania (Photo by Kirsten Koza)Fountains in Sibiu - past Writers' Expeditions participants. (Photo by Christopher Campbell)Kirsten Koza, your Vlad Dracula Expedition host, hanging with Vlad. (Photo by Christopher Campbell)Dracula's "vulture's nest" (Photo by Kirsten Koza)Sighisoara, Romania - this medieval walled city is a UNESCO site (Photo by Christopher Campbell for Writers' Expeditions)Our Vlad Dracula Expedition group, from 2015, getting ready for the Halloween party at Bran Castle, Transylvania. (Writers' Expeditions)Vlad Dracula Expedition, palinca toast, Writers' Expeditions, Bucharest. Local made Romanian cheese aged in tree bark. (Photo by Christopher Campbell)The menu called the dish fourskins. You can imagine the jokes. (Photo by Christopher Campbell)The Beer Chariot, Romania (Photo by Christopher Campbell for Writers' Expeditions)In the town square of Sighisoara (Photo by Christopher Campbell, 2016)

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Posted in expeditions, writers' expeditions | Tagged costume party, Day of the Dead, Dracula, food tour, ghost stories, Halloween, haunted castles, Photography, Romania tour, Transylvania, Vlad the Impaler

About the Author

Kirsten Koza

Kirsten Koza

Author, Adventure Travel Writer, Humorist, Speaker, Mountain Biker, Photographer, and Writers’ Expeditions Organizer and Host.

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Wake Up and Smell the Shit: Hilarious Travel Disasters, Monstrous Toilets and a Demon Dildo edited by "the Canadian lunatic" Kirsten Koza.

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