From Bucharest: Top Gear Road - Transfăgărășan Highway Day Trip

Bucharest , Romania

From Bucharest: Top Gear Road - Transfăgărășan Highway Day Trip

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(67 reviews)

12h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enter the realm of one of Europe's most scenic mountain roads on a day trip to Transfagarasan Road. Along the way, delve into meeting the Wild Brown Bears of Romania. Set the scene for fantastic pictures by passing Poenari fortress original Dracula's fortress. Reach top of the Carpathians and breathe in the fresh mountain air while admiring views from Transylvania. Enjoy each stop with fantastic views and stories told by your guide.

Available options

Summer 2025

What's included

Transport by air-conditioned vehicle

Professional English Speaking Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

The journey starts early morning in Bucharest heading north .

Vidraru Dam is a one of the biggest hydroelectric dam in Romania. It is placed at the beginning of River Arges as it was built between 1960 and 1965 and has a height of 166 meters (545 feet). The dam forms a lake with a average capacity of 465 million cubic meters (16.2 billion cubic feet) and a surface area of 22.5 square kilometers (8.7 square miles). The dam is used to generate electricity and to regulate the flow of the Argeș River.
Admire the great views towards forest, mountains and lake all together.

Stop 3

Enjoy a memorable ride along the picturesque Transfagarasan, declared by Top Gear, "the best road in the world". Built high up in the Fagaras Mountains, the road stretches for 62 miles (100 km), offering breathtaking views.

Stops will be made on the way to admire the scenery, take photos on top at Balea Lake and simply enjoy the strong and healthy mountain air with fantastic aerial views before heading back to Bucharest, which will be reached in the evening.

The Capra Waterfall is a spectacular sight on top of the mountain with incredibile view and its cascading waters plunging over the cliffs. Visitors will be able to explore the surrounding area, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the waterfall.

Stop 5

Reach the top at Bâlea Lake which is a glacier lake situated at 2,034 m of altitude in the Făgăraș Mountains, in central Romania, in Sibiu County. During winter period two chalets are placed over the lake, a meteorological station all year roud and a mountain rescue outpost along with shepherds that are still crossing the mountain as the old ways are still kept. Location is accessible by car on the Transfăgărășan road during the summer, and the rest of the year by a cable car from the Bâlea.

Return trip to Bucharest

What's not included

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.1

42 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.1

25 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

From November to March bears are into hibernation state

From November to May access to Balea Lake Top and Capra Waterfall cannot be reached due factors that are beyond the control of the tour operator

No luggage or large bags allowed. One small handbag or small backpack per person allowed onboard the coach.Company or staff involved in the activity are not responsible for any of the guests belongings

From November to May access to Balea Lake Top and Capra Waterfall cannot be reached due factors that are beyond the control of the tour operator

Food and drinks in vehicle are not allowed.

One small handbag or small backpack per person allowed onboard the coach. Company or staff involved in the activity are not responsible for any of the guests belongings

Company reserves the right to refuse service or disembark any passenger for conduct deemed inappropriate, without entitlement to a refund.

During winter period itinerary will be adjusted with a stop at Curtea de Arges Monastery and free time at Chalet Ursului at 1200 metres altitude for lunch and ski time. Without Balea Lake peak and Capra Waterfall. Applicable if road is partially closed.

Presence of wild bears alongside the main public road is subject to availability determined by factors that are beyond the control of the tour operator

Not recommended for guests with motion sickness/ car sickness

Minimum passenger age is 12 years old. Under this is age it is prohibited.

Presence of wild bears alongside the main public road is subject to availability determined by factors that are beyond the control of the tour operator

Meeting point

Volo Hotel on Boulevard Schitu Magureanu no 6
Departure time 7:30 am
Look for a vehicle with One Excellence Tours sign

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

About Bucharest

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is a vibrant city known for its blend of historic architecture and modern development. With a rich cultural scene, lively nightlife, and significant historical landmarks, it offers a unique experience for travelers.

Top Attractions

Palace of the Parliament

One of the largest administrative buildings in the world, a symbol of communist architecture and power.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours €7-10

Old Town (Lipscani)

The historic center of Bucharest, filled with charming streets, cafes, restaurants, and nightlife.

Historical/Cultural Half-day Free to explore

Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)

An open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian village life with authentic houses and buildings.

Cultural 2-3 hours €3-5

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sarmale

Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat, rice, and spices, usually served with polenta and sour cream

Main Course Contains meat and gluten

Mămăligă

Polenta made from cornmeal, often served with cheese, sour cream, or meat dishes

Side Dish Vegetarian, gluten-free

Ciorbă

A sour soup made with various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, or fish, often served with a boiled egg and sour cream

Soup Can be vegetarian or with meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Carpathian Mountains Skiing in Poiana Brașov Spa treatments Strolling through Herăstrău Park Visiting museums and art galleries Attending classical concerts at the Romanian Athenaeum Boating on Lake Herăstrău Skiing

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year with the most outdoor activities and festivals. However, it can be crowded with tourists.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Romanian
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Romanian Leu (RON)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET), GMT+3 (EEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas

Bucharest is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious at night and avoid poorly lit streets.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with unsolicited offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Henri Coandă International Airport • 16.7 km (10.4 miles) from city center
Aurel Vlaicu International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center

By train

Gara de Nord, Băneasa

By bus

Autogara Nord, Autogara Sud

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and affordable. The metro system is the fastest way to get around Bucharest.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Lipscani) Dorobanți Cotroceni

Day trips

Peleș Castle

120 km (75 miles) • Full day

A stunning neo-Renaissance castle nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, once the summer residence of the Romanian royal family.

Bran Castle

160 km (100 miles) • Full day

A medieval fortress often associated with Dracula, offering a glimpse into Romania's rich history and folklore.

Sinaia

120 km (75 miles) • Full day

A beautiful mountain town known for its stunning landscapes, historic sites, and outdoor activities.

Festivals

Bucharest International Film Festival (BIFF) • April George Enescu Festival • September Bucharest Pride • June

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Romanian phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Explore beyond the tourist hotspots to discover hidden gems and local culture
Use public transport or walk to get a sense of the city's rhythm and avoid traffic
Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience
Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds