Discover the Carpathian Mountains and Romania’s most beautiful road in a day trip from the capital. Along the way, visit the architecturally and historically impressive Curtea de Arges Monastery, Vlad the Impaler’s own Poienari Castle, and the alpine Lake Balea.

The first stop on our tour is at Poienari Castle, built by Vlad the Impaler, the Romanian prince that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. If you are looking for Dracula’s castle, this is the closest you will come to the real thing, a medieval structure balancing atop of a cliff where Vlad fled from the Ottomans.

Next we continue our drive up the Tranfagarasan Road and stop at Vidraru Dam, the largest dam in the country at 166m height. It holds back the largest man-made lake in Romania that extends almost 28km all the way around.

The mountain landscapes only get better as we continue our climb, until we cross to the northern side of the Carpathians and enjoy a longer stop for lunch and amazing photo opportunities. Enjoy the view of the mountain peaks reflecting in Balea Lake and of the Transfagarasan road winding through the steep mountain valley below you.

On our way back, we relish in the astonishing landscapes once more and make a final stop at Curtea de Arges Monastery. It is a significant place for Romanians, religiously, culturally, and historically. It is the burial place of the country’s former royal family and a monastic site for over 500 years located in a former capital city.

Be sure to be dressed for the weather and for a few hours of walking (including on very uneven ground and almost 1,500 steps). We recommend having some money on you for any souvenirs that may peak your interest, for a coffee break, and for lunch.

And remember, our tours are fully customizable!

So let us know if you have any special requirements.