Top Gear Road, Small-group max 7 pax with Pick-up, Transfăgărăşan
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We leave the hustle of Bucharest behind and, after a pleasant drive, we take a relaxing coffee and snack break in historic Curtea de Argeș. As we travel along the winding mountain road, we’ll stop to admire the dramatic ruins of Poenari Citadel perched high on the cliffs above. We do not vist this castle. Next, we cross the impressive Vidraru Dam, where breathtaking views of the emerald lake unfold right before your eyes. From here, our path winds up through the raw, wild beauty of Făgăraș National Park all the way to Hotel Capra. Surrounded by dramatic peaks at high altitude, we’ll stop for a delicious local lunch, enjoy some snow fun and sledding, and take a short, refreshing hike through the winter wonderland. On our journey back, we’ll pause for photo stops along the way to capture the magical scenery. To crown the day, we’ll visit the magnificent Curtea de Argeș Cathedral—the final resting place of Romania’s royal family—before making our comfortable way back to central Bucharest.
Your experience
Stop 1
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.
Stop 2
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.
Stop 3
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.
Stop 4
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.
Stop 5
Curtea de Argeș Cathedral. Consecrated in 2018, the cathedral is one of the most ambitious religious construction projects in modern Romanian history. Architecturally, it blends traditional Orthodox cruciform planning with striking contemporary elements. The exterior is defined by gleaming white stone, soaring arches, and majestic domes that catch the sunlight, creating a powerful visual harmony with the surrounding Carpathian foothills. The interior is an immersive sanctuary of light and color. Unlike older, soot-darkened churches, the New Cathedral’s vast walls and vaults are adorned with vibrant, meticulous mosaic art rather than traditional frescoes. These golden-hued mosaics reflect candlelight across the soaring nave, creating a transcendent, ethereal atmosphere for worshippers and art lovers alike.
What’s included
- Hotel Pick-up in City Center area
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Small group up to 7 passengers
- Professional tour guide in English
Not included
- Lunch
- Snacks
Meeting and pickup
Near the clock
Before you go
- 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
- We leave the hustle of Bucharest behind and, after a pleasant drive, we take a relaxing coffee and snack break in historic Curtea de Argeș. As we travel along the winding mountain road, we’ll stop to admire the dramatic ruins of Poenari Citadel perched high on the cliffs above. We do not vist this castle. Next, we cross the impressive Vidraru Dam, where breathtaking views of the emerald lake unfold right before your eyes. From here, our path winds up through the raw, wild beauty of Făgăraș National Park all the way to Hotel Capra. Surrounded by dramatic peaks at high altitude, we’ll stop for a delicious local lunch, enjoy some snow fun and sledding, and take a short, refreshing hike through the winter wonderland. On our journey back, we’ll pause for photo stops along the way to capture the magical scenery. To crown the day, we’ll visit the magnificent Curtea de Argeș Cathedral—the final resting place of Romania’s royal family—before making our comfortable way back to central Bucharest.
- This tour covers a distance of 480 km, of which 280 km are on the highway.
- Bear sightings are most common between May and September along roads, streets, and hiking trails. Starting in October, as mountain temperatures drop below 0°C (during the night), bears enter their dens for hibernation, so encounters on the streets stop. Therefore, bears can only be seen during the warm season
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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