Curtea de Argeş

Tours

Your journey starts in the early morning in Bucharest, from where you will head northwards passing by the former capital of the medieval Wallachian principality, Curtea de Arges. Climb your way toward the Carpathian Mountains through the Transfagarasan Road and stop by to admire the Vidraru Dam, one of the largest in Romania, followed by a memorable ride along the picturesque Transfagarasan, declared by Top Gear as the best road in the world. Be ready as bears tend to join our tour but only from the side of the road. Built high up in the Fagaras Mountains, this road stretches for 100 km, offering breathtaking views. You can make stops on the way to admire the scenery, take photos, and simply enjoy the strong and healthy mountain air before heading back to Bucharest, which you will reach in the evening. Pass Capra Waterfall and reach the very top at Balea Lake where you will enjoy free time and perfect picture views. Be ready as bears tend to join the side of the road.

Small group tour - up to 8 passengers. . The season for Wild Brown Bears is from May to September. . Embark on a captivating tour from Bucharest to the breathtaking Transfăgărășan highway, where winding roads reveal stunning mountain vistas. Witness the majesty of Wild Brown Bears in their natural habitat, creating unforgettable wildlife encounters. Explore the engineering marvel of Vidraru Dam, a colossal structure surrounded by scenic landscapes. See from the outside the historic Poenari Citadel built by Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) in the Carpathian Mountains which offer a glimpse into Romania's medieval past. Be enchanted by the cascading beauty of Capra waterfall, a nature lover's paradise. Conclude the journey at Bâlea Lake, nestled high in the Făgăraș Mountains, where serene waters mirror the surrounding peaks, providing a perfect finale to an enriching adventure. See the beauty of the Transfagarasan mountain road even if you don’t have your own vehicle on this small-group tour from Bucharest. Before reaching the famous road, stop along the way near Poenari Citadel to learn its history with Vlad the Impaler. In the mountains stop at panoramic viewpoints and visit Vidraru Dam and Vidraru Lake. There is a limit of eight passengers on this small-group tour.

Embark on an exhilarating day trip from Bucharest featuring the Transfagarasan Road and Balea Lake: Begin your journey through the Carpathian Mountains via the Transfagarasan Highway, renowned for its stunning vistas and challenging twists. Stop at Balea Lake, a picturesque glacier lake nestled high in the mountains, where you can enjoy a short hike and take in the breathtaking scenery. En route, marvel at the Vidraru Dam, one of Europe's tallest dams, standing impressively at 525 feet high. Keep your eyes peeled for opportunities to spot bears in their natural habitat, adding an unforgettable wildlife encounter to your adventure.

Ready for a journey through the clouds? Buckle up for The Transfagarasan Adventure! This trip is guaranteed to alleviate your fear of missing out and make you feel that you made the best choice for this vacation day. Immerse yourself in the peace and beauty of Arges Monastery, a serene oasis nestled in the heart of nature, catch a glimpse of the fortress where the historical character who served as inspiration for Dracula lived and terrified. All while traversing the twists and turns, relishing breathtaking panoramas of one of the most beautiful driving roads in the world. We may meet some brown bears but don’t worry, your guide probably already knows them and will help you to become friends. Get set for a special day, blending tranquility, history, and the thrill of nature's wonders.

Forget about legends and travel to see Vlad the Impaler's Royal Court and his Fortress in Poienari village, where Vlad use to hide the country's gold. Stop to see Curtea de Arges Monastery, a real beauty of the Royal Family, and where the graves of the Romanian Kings are located. See the biggest dam in Romania nearby, Vidraru Dam, and get ready to take pictures. You will travel by private car and have your own guide while visiting some of the most historical and interesting sites in the area. Travel to Targoviste Fortress, one of the most important medieval monuments in Romania with a history that goes back to the 15th century. Explore the former princely court, that was used as a residence by some of the most famous princes of Southern Romania, including Constantin Brancoveanu and the legendary Vlad the Impaler who built the emblematic Chindia Tower. Learn the history of Tragoviste, from its small beginnings as a fortress to its expansion to a princely residence by Vlad Dracul. Move on with a walk up to Chindia Tower, the symbol of the princely court of Targoviste. Admire the view from the tower’s balcony, especially the ruins of the two princely palaces, and also observe the silhouette of a church dated back to 1415. Finish walking around what remains of the palace and visit the two churches that still survive in the area, the small Holly Friday Church and the Great Princely Church, the only monument built in the 15th century in Southern Romania still conserved in its original form. Reach the old town of Curtea de Arges, with its rich and eventful history, and see the ruins of the Wallachian princely court, the 13th century Royal Church, as well the famous Arges Monastery. Learn the interesting and sad history of the sites from the guide. Enjoy visiting Poenari Castle, a perfect stop for history lovers and fans of Dracula. Experience the perfect chance to discover the wildlife in Transylvania.

Discover the top attractions in Romania on this guided tour. You’ll see the resting place of kings, Curtea de Arges Monastery, visit the true home of Dracula, Poienari fortress, see wild brown bears waiting by the road, and more. The tour will start with a visit to Curtea de Arges Monastery, found in the former capital of Romania, Arges. You’ll see the ruins of the Wallachian princely court, the 13th century Royal Church, as well as the famous Arges Monastery. Learn all about this important historical monument and its interesting, but sad story, from your guide. Next up is one of Romania’s top attractions, Poenari Castle. This was the original castle of Vlad the Impaler, who inspired the story of Dracula. As you climb up the 1480 stairs that lead up to the castle, you’ll be walking in the steps of Dracula! From there, it’s on to Vidraru Dam, which forms Lake Vidraru. Completed in 1966 on the Argeș River, the arch dam was primarily built to produce hydroelectricity. The dam's height is 166 meters, the arch length 305 meters, and it can store an incredible 465 million cubic meters of water. Near Vidraru Dam is the final sight of the day: wild brown bears! You’ll be amazed by these great animals, calmly relaxing by the road. Finally, you’ll be driven back to your accommodation, your mind filled with all the incredible sights from the day.

Drive to the former capital of Wallachia, Targoviste, and visit the remains of the court of Vlad the Impaler, better known as Dracula. Next stop is in Curtea de Arges where you’ll visit one of the most beautiful churches in Romania, also the burial site of the first Romanian kings. From this holy place keep on driving to the ruins of Poenari Castle, Dracula’s fortification which overlooks the Carpathian Mountains.  Experience the Transfagarasan Road, built by Ceausescu with the help of the army. It offers a breathtaking view and takes you all the way up to the summit of the mountain where you can discover the astonishing glacial lake of Balea. From here, start your long but beautiful drive back home.

Hit the road and begin the journey to Transylvania, a land steeped in myth and mystery, offers a captivating tapestry of natural beauty, cultural treasures, and historical wonders. Learn about tales of folklore and legends, savor the flavors of traditional Romanian cuisine, indulge in world-renowned wines, and immerse yourself in the warmth of Transylvanian hospitality. Day 1: Explore the iconic Monastery of Curtea de Arges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and uncover the stories of kings, queens, and legendary craftsmen that have shaped its legacy for centuries. Continue throughout the Carpathian mountains and arrive at Cozia Monastery. Dating back to the 14th century, this monastery is a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage and religious significance. Admire its impressive frescoes, intricate stone carvings, and serene courtyard as you immerse yourself in the tranquility and history of this sacred site. After a traditional Romanian lunch, you're heading to Sibiu, a jewel of medieval charm and cultural vibrancy. Wander through the enchanting squares of the Old Town, where centuries-old churches, towers, and merchant houses tell the tales of a bygone era. You will have overnight in Sibiu city center. Day 2: After breakfast, you will embark to travel to Biertan village, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Its crowning jewel is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Biertan fortified church, a marvel of medieval architecture and craftsmanship. Half an hour later you'll arrive to the medieval Citadel of Sighișoara, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the walking tour, visit the city’s landmark Clock Tower for panoramic views across the city and the Southern Carpathian mountains. After lunch, head to Brasov where you will admire the Black Church, a Gothic-style church with over 600 years of history. Its impressive architecture and rich heritage make it a must-see. You will have overnight in Brasov city center. Day 3: Following the second overnight stay in Brasov, the trip will continue with a half an hour drive after which you will arrive at Bran Castle who was marketed to be the home of the main character from Bram Stocker’s novel “Dracula”. It distinguishes itself by the imposing towers and turrets and the mystery wave that shrouds people when they cross its threshold. After buying some souvenirs, you will visit the exquisite Neo-Renaissance Peleș Castle built by the first king of Romania, Carol I. Its inauguration took place in 1883, and it remains a symbol of royal opulence and cultural heritage. Step inside to marvel at its lavish interior, where every room tells a story of exquisite craftsmanship, from the ornate woodwork of the Romanian Renaissance Hall to the dazzling beauty of the Moorish-inspired Music Room. After exploring the castle, you will return to Bucharest.

Travel through Romania’s Fagaras mountains via the vast Transfagarasan Highway. Let your driver navigate the winding roads while you take in views of mountains, valleys, and lakes spread over 150 km. Watch out for highlights like Balea Lake, Argeș Monastery, and Cozia Monastery along the way. Start your journey with pickup in Sibiu and drive onto Transfagarasan Highway, one of Romania’s highest pass roads. Stay alert as your driver points out the glacial Balea Lake, with depths reaching 2034 m. After some tunnels and hairpin turns, see the hydroelectric dam with views of Vidraru Lake. Pass by the ancient orthodox monastery of Curtea de Arges. Learn about the Arges region’s importance as a site of pilgrimage and prayer since the 16th century and as the burial place of the Romanian royal family.  On the way back, see Cozia Monastery, one of Romania’s oldest monasteries. Discover the story of its construction by Mircea the Elder in 1388 and its current use as a tomb and a home to medieval art.

It’s the best way to understand Romania and the Romanians by spending 2 nights in a Guest House in Maramures and then driving to the Republic of Moldova for 2 nights (plus Transnistria) to see the old Romanian territory plus the Danube Delta – Private Tours 15 Days – Complete Romania & Moldova! Total Duration: 15 days Day 1: Bucharest City Tour 8 hours - Overnight in Bucharest Itinerary steps: 5 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 2: 1. Curtea de Arges Monastery 2. Poienari Castle 3. Transfagarasan Highway - Overnight in Sibiu Itinerary steps: 4 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 3: 1. Corvin Castle 2. Densus Church 3. Sarmisegetusa Regia - Overnight in Sibiu Itinerary steps: 3 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 4: 1. Brasov City Tour (Black Church) 2. Bran Castle / Dracula's Castle 3. Peles Castle - Overnight stay in Brasov Itinerary steps: 3 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 5: 1. Viscri Village 2. Rupea Fortress 3. Sighisoara City Tour - Overnight stay in Sighisoara Itinerary steps: 3 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 6: 1. Turda Salt mine 2. Cluj Napoca City Tour (Botanic Garden) 3. Surdesti Wooden Church - Overnight in Sighetul Marmatiei Itinerary steps: 3 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 7: 1. Explore Maramures all day(local market) 2. Merry Cemetery 3. Sighet Memorial Museum - Overnight in Sighetul Marmatiei Itinerary steps: 2 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 8: 1. Barsana Monastery 2. Borgo Pass Road 3. Ciocanesti village - Overnight in Gura Humorului Itinerary steps: 3 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 9: 1. Voronet Monastery 2. Humor Monastery 3. Sucevita Monastery 4. Moldovita Monastery - Overnight in Gura Humorului Itinerary steps: 4 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 10: 1. Driving to Chisinau (Republic of Moldova) 2. Nicolae Popa Museum 3. Lunch in Iasi - Overnight in Chisinau Itinerary steps: 2 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 11: Visit Tiraspol (Transnistria) - Overnight in Chisinau (Republic of Moldova) Itinerary steps: 2 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 12: Chisinau City Tour with Cricova Wine Cellar & Milestii Mici - Overnight in Chisinau (Republic of Moldova) Itinerary steps: 3 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 13: 1. Start driving crossing the Republic of Moldavia for Danube Delta 2. Cross the Danube at Braila - Overnight in Tulcea Itinerary steps: 1 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 14: Danube Delta Tour – we explore by boat the beautiful nature of the Danube Delta - Overnight in Tulcea Itinerary steps: 1 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 15: 1. Constanta Old Town 2. Carol I Mosque 2. Mamaia Beach - Back to Bucharest (End of Tour) Itinerary steps: 3 Meals not included Accommodation not included