Day Trip to Transfagarasan Road and Dracula's Fortress Poienari from Bucharest

Bucharest , Romania

Day Trip to Transfagarasan Road and Dracula's Fortress Poienari from Bucharest

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(1 reviews)

12h

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 wildest nature and highest mountains in Romania: This tour will take you on a spectacular road with stops at Fagaras Fortress, Poienari Fortress, Vidraru Dam and Balea Lake! Put on some warm clothes and escape the city to enjoy a day of fresh air and stunning views.

Available options

Price 2025-2026

One Day Tour to Fagaras, Transfagarasan road and the ruins of Poenari Fortress<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup (if option selected) from hotels in Bucharest only

Bottled water

Tour escort/host

Fuel surcharge

Parking Fees

Transport by air-conditioned car/minivan

Detailed itinerary

Depart from Bucharest and travel towards Fagaras Town, a former political-administrative center. The main attraction here is Fagaras Fortress. Surrounded by a moat, this is the only fortress of its kind in Romania. In the early seventeenth century, the city became the princely residence of Michael the Brave. From 1948 until 1960 the castle was used as a prison. In one of its towers “The Iron Lady” was found; a medieval torture device. The castle now hosts Fagaras Country Museum, which dedicated to local history and the municipal library.

Stop 2

Your tour continues across the Land of Fagaras and follows the alpine road that passes through the Fagaras Mountains (the highest mountain range in Romania with Moldoveanu peak standing at 2544 meters). From Cartisoara Village the tour will follow the Transfagarasan road along Balea Valley and pausing on the road near the glacial lake, Balea Lake, to admire the breathtaking views.

After that the tour continues through the longest road tunnel in Romania (887 m length) to reach Vidraru Dam and Vidraru Lake.

Stop 4 Pass by

The tour then takes you to the ruins of Poienari Castle: The legend says that Vlad Tepes, during 1462, after being chased and cornered by the army of Mehmet II “al Fatih”, retreated with some of his soldiers to the Poienari fortress. There are over 1450 steps to climb on foot to reach Poenari Fortress.

What's not included

Food

Fagaras Fortress

Cetatea Poienari

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Minimum age is 4 years

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. On Transfagarasan and Balea Lake it is usually cold, even in summer.

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• There are over 1450 steps to climb on foot to reach Poenari Fortress
• Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
• If you will not be arriving at your destination within the specified reconfirmation period, please reconfirm with the local service provider prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.
• Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
• Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on bag. Oversized or excessive luggage (e.g. surfboards, golf clubs or bikes) may have certain restrictions, please inquire with the operator prior to travel to confirm if your excess luggage is acceptable

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

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