Private Day Tour from Bucharest: Dracula Fortress &Transfagarasan
Active
10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the Transfagarasan Highway, one of the most spectacular roads in Europe, famous for its breathtaking scenery and its appearance on BBC Top Gear in 2009, which made it a top tourist attraction. This winding road, full of switchbacks, hairpin turns, and steep drop-offs, offers unforgettable views along the way. Visitors can explore Poenari Castle, the former fortress of Vlad the Impaler, and stop to admire the stunning sights of Vidraru Dam, Balea Lake, and Capra Waterfall. It’s the perfect trip for those looking to combine adventure, history, and spectacular nature.
Available options
Private Day Tour from Bucharest: Dracula Fortress &Transfagarasan
Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
WiFi on board
Air-conditioned vehicle
Pick-up and Drop-off at Your Location
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Poenari Fortress, the real stronghold of Dracula, was built in the 13th century and rebuilt by Vlad the Impaler in the 15th century, serving as a strategic defense against Ottoman invasions. Perched on a rocky peak above the Argeș Valley, the fortress controlled trade and military routes, and today its ruins preserve the authentic atmosphere of the medieval era. Access is via 1,480 steps, but the spectacular views and stories of courage and strategy make the visit truly unforgettable
2
Vidraru Dam, located on the Argeș River in Romania, was completed in 1966 and forms Lake Vidraru. This impressive arch dam was primarily built to generate hydroelectric power. It stands 166 meters high, stretches 305 meters in length, and can hold up to 465 million cubic meters of water. The reservoir created by the dam has a total shoreline of 28 kilometers.
3
Stop 3
The Transfagarasan Highway is Romania’s most spectacular and well-known road, and thanks to its appearance on BBC Top Gear in 2009, it has become one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. Built between 1970 and 1974 at the initiative of Nicolae Ceaușescu, the road was originally designed as a strategic military route. Fully open only from June to October, its highest point reaches 2,042 meters at the tunnel connecting the northern and southern sides at Lake Balea. Along the route, visitors can enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery, waterfalls, and glacial lakes
4
Capra Waterfall is a natural wonder, with crystal-clear waters cascading spectacularly over the cliffs. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful scenery and take memorable photos to capture unforgettable moments.
5
Bâlea Lake is a glacier lake situated at an altitude of 2,034 m in the Făgăraș Mountains, Sibiu County. It is accessible by car via the Transfăgărășan Road during the summer, while in winter the road is not passable, so our trip ends at Cabana Capra. Here, you can enjoy a meal and take in the spectacular views of the Făgăraș Mountains.
What's not included
Lunch
tickets
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Excess hour will be for travel time
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
