Transfagarasan Highway - Private day trip from Bucharest

Bucharest , Romania

Transfagarasan Highway - Private day trip from Bucharest

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(7 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

Transfagarasan Road is one of the top highlights of Romanian tourism and you will be exploring it on this exciting tour that combines nature, charming countryside and historical landmarks.

More than 150 kilometers (94 miles) in length the Transfagarasan Highway is Romania’s most spectacular and best known road and, thanks to an appearance on BBC Top Gear in 2009, now one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. Fully open only from June to October, the road’s highest point is at 2042 meters (6700 ft): the tunnel which links the northern and southern sides at Lake Balea.

Available options

Transfagarasan Highway - Private day trip from Bucharest

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pick-up & drop-off

Transportation by modern & air-conditioned car/van

Assistance during the entire trip

English speaking guide

What you'll see

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 with hundred of years old linden trees, this 16th century monastery is the most important pilgrimage and prayer place in Arges County. The unique building resembles a very large and elaborate mausoleum, built in Byzantine style with Moorish arabesques. The church also serves as resting place for the kings and queens of Romania.

Poienari Fortress - The Real Castle of Dracula: Is placed on the highest cliff around Arges river gorges at 850m (2800 feet), surrounded by a magnificent landscape and to get here you will climb 1480 steps. The first documents mentioning Poienari Fortress are from the 14th century when here was only a surveillance tower, this until Vlad decided to rebuilt it and use it as his main stronghold.

Vidraru Dam: along Transfagarasan Road, at about 40 kilometers far from Curtea de Arges, Vidraru Dam is considered by specialists a real jewelry of engineering. At the completion date, it ranked 5th in Europe, and 9th in the world. As specialists say, it is a double curved dam, its height is 166 meters and arch length 307 meters. Its outline is electrically lighted by night, so it can be noticed from the plane. Tourists can climb to Belvedere platform to admire the beautiful landscape.

Transfagarasan Road: Drive on the most famous and most windy European road. First stop will be at Vidraru Dam, built during the communist period, together with the road. You will have the chance to take photos of this splendid landscape. Driving to the mountain top, the landscape becomes more and more spectacular. After passing by beautiful waterfalls, we will go through the longest tunnel in Romania, for almost 1 km, reaching Balea glacier Lake. Brief stop for photos. On the other side of the mountain the drive will be even more impressive.

Balea Lake: is a glacier lake situated at 2,034 meters of altitude in the Fagaras Mountains, in central area of Romania. It is one of the most visited lakes in Romania. The lake is accessible by car on the Transfagarasan road during the summer, and the rest of the year by cable car.

What's not included

Entrance fees & Photo fees (approx. EUR 5)

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.2

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 3.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wear comfortable walking shoes

Bring a jacket as weather in the mountains can rapidly change

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