Embark on a private day trip from Bucharest to the Transfagarasan Highway, Romania’s most spectacular road. Explore stunning scenery, charming countryside, and historical landmarks.
Itinerary: Bucharest – Curtea de Arges Monastery - Poienari Fortress aka The real castle of Dracula – Vidraru Dam - Transfagarasan Road – Balea Lake - Bucharest
Curtea de Arges Monastery: Located at the end of a boulevard lined with centuries-old linden trees, this 16th-century monastery is the foremost pilgrimage and prayer site in Arges County. The distinctive structure resembles a grand and intricate mausoleum, built in Byzantine style with Moorish arabesques. The church also serves as the final resting place for Romania’s kings and queens.
Poienari Fortress - The Real Castle of Dracula: Situated on the highest cliff around the Arges River gorges at 850m (2800 feet), this fortress is surrounded by stunning scenery and requires climbing 1480 steps to reach. The earliest records of Poienari Fortress date back to the 14th century when it was merely a watchtower, until Vlad the Impaler decided to rebuild it as his primary stronghold.
Vidraru Dam: Located along the Transfagarasan Road, about 40 kilometers from Curtea de Arges, Vidraru Dam is considered an engineering marvel. At the time of its completion, it ranked 5th in Europe and 9th in the world. It is a double-curved dam, standing 166 meters high with an arch length of 307 meters. Its outline is illuminated at night, making it visible from the air. Visitors can climb to the Belvedere platform to enjoy the breathtaking views.
Transfagarasan Road: Drive on Europe’s most famous and winding road. The first stop is at Vidraru Dam, constructed during the communist era along with the road. You’ll have the opportunity to take photos of the stunning landscape. As you drive towards the mountain peak, the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular. After passing beautiful waterfalls, you’ll go through Romania’s longest tunnel, nearly 1 km long, reaching Balea Glacier Lake. There will be a brief stop for photos. The drive on the other side of the mountain is even more impressive.
Balea Lake: A glacier lake located at an altitude of 2,034 meters in the Fagaras Mountains, central Romania. It is one of the most visited lakes in the country. The lake is accessible by car via the Transfagarasan Road during the summer and by cable car for the rest of the year.
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off included
- Travel in comfort with air-conditioned vehicles
- Personalized assistance throughout your journey
- Knowledgeable English-speaking guide at your service
- Entrance fees & Photo fees (approx. EUR 5)
- Lunch
This thrilling tour takes you along the Transfagarasan Road, a major standout in Romanian tourism, perfectly intertwining history, captivating countryside, and the beauty of nature. The Transfagarasan Highway, Romania’s most distinguished and eye-catching road, stretches over 150 kilometers (94 miles). Famous for its feature on BBC’s Top Gear in 2009, it has turned into one of the country’s most frequented tourist sites. Available for travel from June to October, the highest point of the road sits at 2042 meters (6700 ft), marked by the tunnel connecting the northern and southern ends at Lake Balea.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Bring a jacket as weather in the mountains can rapidly change
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
