In the footsteps of Jonathan Harker

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"Then a dog began to howl somewhere in a farmhouse far down the road - a long, agonized wailing as if from fear.
The sound was taken up by another dog, then another and another, till, borne on the wind which now sighed
softly through the Pass,a wild howling began which seemed to come from all over the country,
as far as the imagination could grasp it through the gloom of the night.
At the first howl the horses began to strain and rear, but the driver spoke to them soothingly,
and they quietened down, but shivered and sweated as though after a runaway from sudden fright.
Then, far off in the distance, from the mountains on each side of us began a louder and sharper howling
- that of wolves - which affected both the horses and myself in the same way
- for I was minded to jump from the calèche and run,
whilst the driver had to use all his great strength to keep them from bolting"

[ Extract from Jonathan Harker's Journal
Bram Stoker "Dracula", 1897 ]
We offer you a unique opportunity
to recreate the journey
immortalised by Stoker's "Dracula" -
follow in the footsteps of Jonathan Harker
through deep valleys and dark forests,
to emerge at the remote "Borgo Pass" and arrive at
Hotel Castel Dracula as night falls.

This is a journey highly rated by Dracula Fans
- the ultimate Transylvanian Experience
Your journey begins in the wood-working village of Lunca Ilvei - either from the Stefan cel Mare Equestrian Centre or
from the railway station where you will be greeted and escorted to your waiting calèche. You will follow ancient forest and cart tracks, continually climbing, first through the forests then onto the open highland of the Pass itself where you will be rewarded with magnificent vistas of surrounding mountains before arriving at the Hotel Castel Dracula itself.
The trip, which takes you through magnificent, unspoilt scenery, rich in wildlife a
nd flora, will take 3 to 4 hours. A picnic lunch can be organised .

The calèche is an original, restored vehicle which can take up to 4 people and luggage.
A canvas hood and be raised in case of rain. Warm clothing is recommended in autumn.
A sleigh may be used in winter when deep snow transforms the landscape.

We can also organise a MOONLIGHT JAUNT from Hotel Castel Dracula taking you into the forests away from the pass where you will listen to the wolves howling (autumn an winter)

The Calèche ride may be incorporated into tailor-made itineraries and will soon be featured in other packages.

Contact us

>>HOTEL CASTEL DRACULA ***
Prices per person per night sharing a twin or double room in GBP; Apartments on request; GBP 5 supplement per booking under 3 nights
Board Adult Single supp.
Bed & Breakfast

Bram Stoker located Dracula's Castle in the remote "Borgo" Pass between Transylvania and Bucovina.

100 years later this is the ultimate destination not only for Dracula fans but for anyone seeking the solitude, tranquility and romance of Transylvania at its best. On autumn and winter evenings when the sound of wolves carries on the wind from the surrounding forests and bats flutter ouside your window you begin to wonder about your own sanity ... !
Hotel Castle Dracula has 62 double or twin rooms with private bathroom, television and telephone. There are also 3 apartments with disctinct styles including the White Apartment which overlooks the valley.

In addition there is a well appointed restaurant with a varied menu and a good selection of Romanian wines. Other facilities include a small nightclub/ bar in the "Moon" tower, and a wine cellar (not always open). The castle also has private function rooms, a vault with a coffin for the Count, a private cemetery, courtyard and several interesting stained glass windows and murals.
Dracula Collection