Bucharest → Bâlea Lake → Bucharest · One day
Drive the Transfăgărășan
Hairpin after hairpin up to 2,042 m — glacial lakes, Vlad the Impaler's real fortress and the road Top Gear made famous. One long, unforgettable day out of Bucharest.
- Highest point
- 2,042 m
- Duration
- ~13 hours
- Group size
- max 18 people
- Pickup
- central Bucharest
✓Licensed tour operator — Romanian Ministry of Tourism licence no. 2683 / 20.12.2022
✓Guided in English, Romanian, Italian and Russian
✓Direct WhatsApp line to your guide, before and during the trip
One road, a whole day of Romania
The Transfăgărășan (DN7C) climbs from the Argeș valley to 2,042 metres through more than 90 kilometres of curves, tunnels and viaducts — built in the 1970s straight over the Făgăraș mountains, Romania's highest range. Since Top Gear crowned it 'the best road in the world', it has been on every driver's and photographer's list.
But this trip is more than the famous serpentines. On the way we stop at Curtea de Argeș Monastery with its legend of Master Manole, look up at Poenari Fortress — the real stronghold of Vlad the Impaler — and cross the Vidraru dam before the big climb to Bâlea Lake.
The day, stop by stop
Times are approximate — mountain roads and photo stops set their own pace.
- 07:00
Departure from Bucharest
Central pickup point (exact location confirmed with your booking). Comfortable air-conditioned minibus.
- 09:00
Curtea de Argeș Monastery
Short visit to the royal necropolis of Romania and the legend of Master Manole.
- 10:00
Poenari Fortress
Photo stop below the real fortress of Vlad the Impaler, perched on a cliff above the Argeș gorge.
- 10:45
Vidraru Dam
Walk across one of Europe's great arch dams — 166 m of concrete holding back a 10 km mountain lake.
- 11:30
The serpentines
The climb everyone comes for. We stop at the best viewpoints on the way up — cameras ready.
- 13:00
Bâlea Lake, 2,034 m
Free time at the glacial lake: lunch at a mountain chalet, a walk between the peaks, thin air and big views.
- 15:30
The descent
Down the northern face — the postcard view of the road — then back through the Olt valley.
- 20:00
Back in Bucharest
Drop-off at the pickup point. Tired, full of photos, slightly windswept.
What's included
- ✓Transport by modern air-conditioned minibus
- ✓Driver-guide (English, Romanian, Italian, Russian)
- ✓Pickup and drop-off in central Bucharest
- ✓All photo stops on the itinerary
Not included
- ✗Lunch (mountain chalet at Bâlea Lake, ~€10–15)
- ✗Entrance fees (monastery, fortress) — optional
- ✗Personal expenses and gratuities
Upcoming departures
Reserve now, pay before departure. Booking takes one minute — no card needed.
- Book
Wednesday, July 8
€59 per seat · 16 seats left
- Book
Saturday, July 11
€59 per seat · 18 seats left
- Book
Wednesday, July 15
€59 per seat · 18 seats left
- Book
Saturday, July 18
€59 per seat · 18 seats left
- Book
Wednesday, July 22
€59 per seat · 18 seats left
- Book
Saturday, July 25
€59 per seat · 18 seats left
- Book
Wednesday, July 29
€59 per seat · 18 seats left
- Book
Saturday, August 1
€59 per seat · 18 seats left
- Book
Wednesday, August 5
€59 per seat · 18 seats left
- Book
Saturday, August 8
€59 per seat · 18 seats left
- Book
Wednesday, August 12
€59 per seat · 18 seats left
- Book
Saturday, August 15
€59 per seat · 18 seats left
Good to know
›When is the road open?
The high section of the Transfăgărășan normally opens from late June until the end of October, depending on snow. If the pass is closed or the weather is dangerous on your date, we reschedule you for free or refund your booking in full.
›What should I bring?
A warm layer (at 2,000 m it can be 10–15°C colder than in Bucharest), comfortable shoes, sunscreen and, ideally, a camera with a full battery.
›Is it suitable for children?
Yes — kids love the dam and the lake. Tell us the age in the booking notes and we'll arrange a child seat.
›How do I pay?
Booking a seat is free — you pay your guide directly before departure (cash or card). Your reservation is confirmed personally by WhatsApp or email.
›Can we book the whole minibus?
Yes, the tour also runs as a private trip on your own date — message us on WhatsApp and we'll arrange it.
A full-day bus trip from Bucharest over Romania's most spectacular mountain road — and back.