Hiking with Dracula

A Tour That Won't Suck Your Wallet Dry: Transylvania for
$845 per Person!

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 24, 2005 -- Travelers sometimes simply have the itch for something new - far from the usual experience of big cities, plush hotels and overrated exhibitions. Pure Adventures, a boutique tour operator with a proven format to intimate, off-the-beaten-path tours is again offering hiking/walking tours to Transylvania, Romania.

A Dracula Tour to Stir the Blood

Quickly gaining a reputation as the most picturesque and diverse country in Eastern Europe, Romania has ample treasures to please nature lovers, history buffs and culture vultures alike. From its breathtaking Carpathian mountain range to its exquisitely preserved medieval towns, Romania is full of visual and sensual wonders. But while this country is seeing more travelers every year, it is a relatively undiscovered land. It has become an inviting destination for western visitors, and - thanks to Pure Adventures - Romanian hiking is now available at a tremendous value.

Transylvania, a focal point of any Romanian visit, is the largest province in the heart of Romania, comprising over one-third of the total Romanian land mass. Long a favorite among tourists and locals alike, it is a mountainous region populated with medieval castles, fortified churches, quaint villages and plenty of Dracula-related legends.
Transylvania preserves one of the world's largest - and best maintained - concentrations of medieval buildings.

Led by English-speaking local guides, the tours start in the capital city of Bucharest. From there, participants are driven to the mountain city of Sinaia, the 19th century summer residence of the royal family, where they can visit Peles Castle, the final resting place for several Romanian monarchs. The itinerary's highlights include visits to the 14th century town of Sighisoara and the birthplace of Vlad Tepes - notoriously known as Vlad the Impaler or Count Dracula, and a visit to the famous Castle Bran, inappropriately referred to as "Dracula's Castle." The itinerary includes scenic hikes, lasting anywhere from four to six hours. This trip requires a moderate level of ability with no packing involved. The tour includes seven nights'
accommodations in charming and deluxe inns, most meals, services of local English-speaking guides and all transfers listed in the tour material. Costs are from 650 euros or about $845 per person, based on a minimum of six hikers.
Private two-person tours can depart for $1260 per person.

Why Take a Tour When You Can Have a 'Pure Adventure?' Pure Adventures tours are modeled on the highly successful tours offered by sister company Discover France. Unlike the lineup at most large format tour companies, Pure Adventure's tours are available for as few as two people at surprisingly affordable rates with customizable features. Tours are professionally planned with local help and are comprehensive, always including luggage transfer and 24-hour emergency support.

Pure Adventures offers a great and affordable way to get to know a destination in a more personal way. For reservations or additional information, contact Pure Adventures, tel:
800-960-2221; Website: http://www.pure-adventures.com

Contact: Loren Siekman
Tel/Fax: 480-905-1235