Countries, Deals, Europe

A Vlads holiday in budget Romania

And for the day that’s in it here’s one to get your teeth into, a Vlads holiday in budget Romania.

We all know that the oul’ blood-sucker themselves, no, not Rachel Reeves, but Dracula hails from Transylvania.

Which despite the protests from the Hungarian friends we met this year belongs to modern-day Romania.

Cloaks at hand: Old Drac

And which draws tens of thousands to the ancient Central European state particularly at this time of year.

Now if you want a fangtastic Autumn holiday to look forward to next year then keep your black cape to hand.

Legends & Landscapes

All Bran: Dracula’s Castle

Solos puts on an escorted Legends & Landscapes of Romania tour.

Which takes solo travellers deep into the landscapes that inspired the Dracula legend.

From the medieval streets of Bucharest’s Old Town to the dramatic peaks of the Carpathian Mountains. 

Guests will visit the imposing Bran Castle, long associated with Count Dracula.

As well as the fairytale Peleș Castle and the UNESCO-listed citadel of Sighișoara.

The birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure behind Bram Stoker’s vampire.

From Dublin to Romania

Paws for thought: The Bears Sanctuary

Bram, with an ‘n’ being the Dublin Victorian author who brought the oul’ vampire back to life.

And who is marked every year in Dublin with his own day where you can visit his home, a modern-day attraction.

Solos’ week-long itinerary also includes guided walking tours of Sibiu and Brașov.

Plus a visit to the Zărnești Bear Sanctuary, home to rescued brown bears. 

Vampires and bears

Walk on: Tour of Romanian capital

The seven-night Legends & Landscapes of Romania tour departs 4 May and costs £2,199 pp.

Including return flights, airport transfers and taxes.

A room for solo use, daily breakfast, welcome dinner, one lunch and farewell dinner and a welcome drink.

A walking tour of Sibiu, Sighisoara, Brasov and Bucharest.

Visits to Prejmer, Brukenthal Museum, Biertan, Viscri, Peles Castle, Dracula’s Castle, Libearty Bear Sanctuary and a dedicated Solos Tour Leader.

Alternatively, Solos also offers a 28 September departure if you want to get closer to the Halloween date. 

Countries, Deals, Europe

Still going Solos in Padua and Venice

I get shivers at our guide’s reaction but years on we’re still going Solos in Padua and Venice.

Mariaclaudia had, of course, not signed up for the prima donna leading her group astray.

When we were given an afternoon off in hidden gem Padua.

But with the understanding that we would be sampling the charms of the medieval city. 

A day out in Venezia

All at sea: In Venice

And not ask to be dropped off at the train station.

Where we hotfooted it for Venezia and our train was late back.

For the black tie musical set-piece dinner at the historical Botanic Gardens.

Blue for you: Padua’s frescoes

And someone who will remain nameless, OK it was you Dragon, hadn’t taken a change of clothes.

And had to stay seated at the table so as not to reveal that he was in boardies.

Tour de force

Go with the flow: With a gondolier

You’ll not require any such subterfuge, of course, with Solos Holidays who offer you a twin Venice and Padua break this Christmas.

You’ll stay right in the heart of Venice fir easy access to the Rialto Bridge, the Doge’s Palace, the Ghetto and trips to the islands.

Highlights include a half-day guided tour of Venice, including entrance to the Palace.

And another a half-day guided tour of Padua with train transfers and access to the Baptistry, Cathedral, and Cathedral Museum.

Buon Natale

Green for go: At the Padua Botanical Gardens

A four-night  Christmas in Venice holiday leaving on 22 December 2024, costs from £1,419pp.

All including return flights and water-taxi transfers, airport taxes.

Twin room for solo use, welcome drink and information meeting, breakfast daily.

Plus, and here’s the Christmas bit (lunch and three evening meals.

Half-day guided tour of Venice, Dulal Palace entrance.

Half-day guided tour of Padua including train transfers, entrance to Baptistry, Cathedral and Cathedral Museum in Padua.

And an accompanying Solos Tour Leader… just don’t tell Mariaclaudia.

That we’re still going Solos in Padua and Venice.