Landscape Safari on Top Gear Road and Ancient Rock Church

Bucharest , Romania

Landscape Safari on Top Gear Road and Ancient Rock Church

Active

9h - 11h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

What do giants have to do with ravens, in an ancient monastery carved into the rock? We don't have all the answers, but we can learn about these mysteries on the spot, in an exceptional natural setting.

And so prepared, we travel on the famous mountain road that became the star of the Top Gear show to see the Carpathian brown bears. We’ll have some stops on the way, as well as a lunch break in the middle of Vidraru Dam. Did I mentioned the bears?

Included is also a stop at the base of cliff on top of wich stand the real Castle of Vlad the Impaler a.k.a. Dracula.

Available options

Landscape Safari on Top Gear Road and Ancient Rock Church

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

WiFi on board

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

With deep roots in the ancient history of Dacia, this cave monastery displays several mysteries that are still difficult to decipher. The hike is very easy and the stories are amazing.

Stop 2

Poenari Fortress rises in a fortified natural setting. Also known as the eagle's nest of the braves of old, the fortress that was part, centuries ago, of a chain of fortifications that defended the northern border of Wallachia, is attributed to the Wallachian voivode Vlad Impaler (the character who inspired the legend of Dracula).

We see the fortress only from the exterior.

Stop 3

The Transfăgărășan Road, the most scenic road in the Carpathians, features sharp hairpin turns and dramatic views of rugged peaks, valleys, and waterfalls. Along the way, the Carpathians Brown Bears are coming hoping for a free easy meal.

We’ll stop for a few minutes every time we see bears.

Situated on the shores of Vidraru Lake, Valea cu Peşti Hotel offers panoramic views of the lake and the Fagaras Mountains. The rustic restaurant with engraved furnishings offers a nice variety of food.

Standing 166 meters high, Vidraru Dam it is the highest dam in Romania, built between 1960 and 1966 for electricity production, irrigation and flood prevention. Located in Romania's Carpathian Mountains, is a stunning engineering marvel creating a reservoir surrounded by virgin forests and high peaks.

On the way back to Bucharest, we stop at a gas station for refreshing.

What's not included

No coffee or tea on board of the vehicle (if not bottled)

No meals on board of the vehicle

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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