12 hours
E-voucher
Multiple
Overview
See the beauty of the Transfagarasan mountain road even if you don’t have your own vehicle on this small-group tour from Bucharest. Stop at Poenari Citadel to learn its history with Vlad the Impaler. In the mountains, visit panoramic viewpoints, Vidraru Dam, and Vidraru Lake. Balea Lake is accessible only from June to October. Please note that feeding wildlife, including bears, is illegal and unsafe for both visitors and animals.
Operated by
Dreamlike Journeys SRL
Ratings & Reviews
Average Rating
4.88
/ 5
409 traveller ratings
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Absolute must try if you're looking for a day trip from Bucharest
Mikolaj_W, Jul 2026
I would give this experience 6/5 stars if I could. Everything was above and beyond my expectations. Our guide Sebastian is a great driver with a lot of interesting insights about many subjects surrounding Romania and a great sense of humor. The locations selected for the trip were excellent and I felt like I was getting a great bang for my buck at all times
Must do!
Mercia_R, Jul 2026
This is a must do trip when in Romania! The Transfagarasan highway is epic, George our tour guide was excellent. We saw 12 bears! Made plenty of bathroom stops . Lunch at Lake Balea was very nice . Great day !
Amazing day
Andy_S, Jun 2026
My wife & I did this tour yesterday with George as our driver and guide. There were 5 of us on the tour so a more personal experience. The minivan we were in was very comfortable. George was an excellent driver and knowledgeable guide. We managed to see a total of 8 bears including a mama bear with 2 cubs. George always stopped when we saw them so we could take videos & pictures. A couple of bears were actually walking in the middle of the road as we approached & they came right up to us. We had plenty of stops along the way and take in the amazing views. The view from the top of the mountain at Balea lake to the Transfagarasan road below was a sight to behold. We had a really fantastic day and we were so glad we did this tour.
George did a great job,...
Dalton_H, Jun 2026
George did a great job, he was very informative and gave us plenty of free time over the lunch hour to eat and explore the shops in the area. We very much enjoyed the tour and saw many bears.
Itinerary
Curtea de Arges Monastery
Poenari Fortress is a historic citadel located in Romania, perched atop a steep cliff in the Carpathian Mountains. Built in the 13th century and later enhanced by Vlad the Impaler, it served as a strategic stronghold and a defensive fortress. Known for its dramatic views and association with the Dracula legend, the fortress is accessible via a challenging climb of over 1,400 steps, offering visitors a glimpse into medieval history and folklore.
We see the fortress from exterior.
20 minutesVidraru Dam
Vidraru Dam and Lake, located in Romania's Făgăraș Mountains, is a stunning hydro-engineering marvel completed in 1966. The curved arch dam, standing 166 meters high, creates Vidraru Lake, a serene reservoir surrounded by lush forests and dramatic peaks. A popular destination for tourists, it offers breathtaking views, boating, and serves as a gateway to the Transfăgărășan Road.
20 minutesTransfagarasan Highway
The Transfăgărășan Highway, often called one of the world’s most scenic roads, winds through Romania’s Făgăraș Mountains in the Carpathians. Built in the 1970s, this dramatic route features sharp hairpin turns, sweeping curves, and breathtaking views of rugged peaks, valleys, and waterfalls. A favorite for road trips, it connects Transylvania to Wallachia and offers iconic landmarks like Balea Lake and Poenari Fortress along the way.
3 hoursCapra Wasserfall
Capra Waterfall, located in Romania near the Transfăgărășan Highway, is a spectacular natural attraction. Cascading from a height of over 40 meters, this alpine waterfall is fed by glacial waters and surrounded by lush greenery and rugged mountain landscapes. Easily accessible during the summer months, it offers visitors a refreshing stop with stunning views and the soothing sound of rushing water.
15 minutesLe Lac Balea
The place of view on the winding road is open only from June to October.
2 hours
Experience
Highlights
Inclusions
- Hotel Pick-up in City Center area
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Small group up to 7 passengers
- Professional tour guide in English
- Interactive audio-guide in most languages
Exclusions
- Lunch
- Snacks
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children under 7 years old cannot participate in shared group tours. Please contact us to give you a private tour offer.
- We will NOT visit the interior of Poenari Fortress, we will only see it from below - outside. To enter in Poenari Fortress you have to climb 66 floors on the stairs!
- Bâlea Glaciar Lake (the view point to the winding road) is accessible only in the summer and early autumn months, from June to October
- Our first destination is Poenari Fortress, once served as a castle for Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure who inspired the legend of Dracula. We will admire it from the outside and learn about its fascinating history. Next, we will visit the impressive Vidraru Dam, a remarkable feat of engineering from the 1960s that holds back the sparkling waters of Lake Vidraru. We then ascend into the Făgăraș Mountains National Park, where nature's beauty truly comes alive. Next is Balea Lake, the place of view on the winding road, open only from June to October, located at over 2,000 meters altitude. Here, you'll admire the famous winding Top Gear Road. On the way back we'll stop at Capra Waterfall, perfect for taking in the fresh mountain air.
- Please Do Not Feed the Bears! We know they are beautiful and it’s tempting to share food with them, but feeding the bears actually hurts them. When bears get used to human food, they stop foraging naturally, lose their fear of humans, and often have to be relocated or put down for safety reasons. Plus, please keep in mind that feeding wildlife is strictly illegal and carries very high fines. Thank you for helping us keep both our visitors and our bears safe!
Guide Languages
Arabic
English
Japanese
Russian
Korean
Spanish
German
Italian
French
Hindi
Filipino
Mandarin
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.