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.

Join us for an unforgettable journey through Romania and natural wonders in the beautiful Făgăraș Mountains. Begin your day with the imposing Poenari Fortress, an ancient stronghold dramatically perched on a cliffside. You will get impressive views from below and learn about its history as one of the real-life strongholds of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula. (We do not visit the interior of the castle) Next, marvel at the engineering feat of Vidraru Dam, one of the highest in Europe, and the stunning Vidraru Lake it created. Take in the awe-inspiring vistas as you stroll along the dam and capture views of the mountains reflected in the sparkling lake. Venture into the heart of the Fagaras Mountains National Park, a region of unspoiled nature, lush forests, and alpine landscapes. This area is a paradise for nature lovers, offering a glimpse of Romania's pristine wilderness and various wildlife (brown bears). Continue your adventure at Capra Waterfall, one of the scenic highlights of the region. The Capra Waterfall is known for its impressive height and picturesque setting, making it a popular spot for visitors who enjoy mountain landscapes and outdoor activities. The surrounding area is also rich in natural beauty, with rugged terrain, alpine meadows, and dramatic views of the surrounding mountains. Next is Bâlea Glcaial Lake, open only during the summer and autumn months, typically from June to November. This is because the top part of the road, leading from Capra Waterfall to Bâlea Lake (8 km) it is closed in winter and spring due to snow and dangerous weather conditions. Please do not bring any food into the vehicle! We'll see wild bears up close. If the car smells like food, we become a target for bears!

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. Get set for a special day, blending tranquility, history, and the thrill of nature's wonders.

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.

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.

Day 1: Two Castles and Brasov Today, you will head towards Transylvania region and cross the mighty Carpathian Mountains on your way. You will arrive in the mountain resort of Sinaia and visit the impressive Peles Castle. Next, you will arrive in Bran village, where Romania’s most visited sight awaits you - Dracula Castle. Your next stop will be in Brasov, where you will enjoy a guided city tour and visit the famous Black Church - the largest in country. Accommodation will follow in Brasov city. Note: Peles Castle and the Black Church are closed on Mondays, so you will visit Rasnov Citadel and the orthodox church in Brasov instead. Day 2: Heart of Transylvania   In the morning after breakfast, you will visit the unique Sighisoara Citadel with the famous Dracula house. Next, arrive in Biertan, where you will see the biggest fortified church in Romania. Then, head towards Sibiu city, one of the most beautiful in Transylvania. You will visit the astonishing Old Town and the beautiful Gothic church, one of the tallest in the country. End your day in Sibiu city. Day 3: Southern Transylvania  In the morning after your breakfast, start your way back to the capital city. Your journey will continue on toward the beautiful Olt Valley and make a stop by the charming Cozia Orthodox Monastery. Once you emerge from the mountains, stop in Curtea de Arges, once the capital of Vallachia and the headquarters of Romanian rulers. Here, you will see the beautiful Curtea de Arges Monastery, one of the most representative of the Romanian authentic style, and also the official burial place for the Kings and Queens of Romania. Arrive in Bucharest in the evening with a private drop-off at your hotel.  

Experience the historical and legendary places related to the man and the legend behind Dracula on this six-day guided tour. Visit Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace in the medieval citadel of Sighișoara, the imposing Hunyadi Castle, the ruins of Poenari Castle, Dracula Castle, and more. Day 1: Bucharest - Curtea de Argeș - Poenari Castle - Vidraru Dam - Transfagarasan Road - Capra Waterfall - Balea Glacier Lake - Sibiu - Sibiel See the Curtea de Arges Monastery and Poenari Castle from the outside. Drive to the Vidraru Dam and along Transfagarasan Road. Stop at Capra Waterfall and Balea Lake before heading to Sibiel Village. Enjoy a 3-course dinner at Ramona Pension. Savor the pension breakfast in the morning. Day 2: Sibiel - Hunyadi Castle - Alba Iulia - Sibiel Start your second day with a visit to Hunyadi Castle, or Corvins' Castle, and the star-shaped fortress, Alba Iulia Citadel. Hunyadi Castle is one of the largest castles in Europe and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Romania. Return to Sibiel to enjoy dinner.  Day 3: Sibiel - Sibiu - Turda Salt Mine After breakfast, head to Sibiu’s old town to see the Big Square, Little Square, Bridge of Liars, Romano Catholic Cathedral, and the oldest house in town. Visit the Turda Salt mine, named one of the top 10 underground wonders in the world by National Geographic. Overnight in Turda town at Casa Ratiu. Day 4: Turda - Biertan Fortified Church - Sighisoara Enjoy breakfast and then visit the Fortified Church of Biertan, a UNESCO world heritage site. Visit Sighisoara’s medieval town, including the Clock Tower, the house where Vlad the Impaler was born, and the Church on the Hill. Overnight in Sighișoara. Day 5: Sighisoara - Prejmer Fortified Church - Bran Castle - Rasnov Fortress - Brasov After breakfast, discover the history of the Prejmer Fortified Church, Bran Castle, and Rasnov Fortress. Continue to Brasov and overnight at Casa Timar Pension. Day 6: Brasov - Peles Castle - Snagov Monastery - Bucharest Savor the pension breakfast before starting your final day with a visit to Peles Castle and Snagov Monastery. End your trip with a transfer to your hotel in Bucharest or the airport.

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.

From traversing the world-famous Transfăgărășan Road to exploring medieval towns, castles, and fortresses, this journey promises an immersive experience packed with unforgettable moments. Day 1: Bucharest – Curtea de Argeș – Transfăgărășan – Sibiu Your adventure begins with a visit to the Curtea de Argeș Monastery, renowned for the legendary story of Master Manole. From there, cross the world-famous Transfăgărășan Road, often called the “best road in the world” by Top Gear, offering breathtaking views of the Carpathian Mountains. Make a stop at Balea Lake, a stunning glacial lake surrounded by towering peaks. The day concludes in Sibiu, a picturesque medieval Saxon city, where you’ll spend the night. Day 2: Sibiu – Corvin Castle – Alba Carolina Fortress – Sibiu On the second day, visit Corvin Castle, one of Europe’s most impressive Gothic fortresses, steeped in history and legend. Then, explore Alba Carolina Fortress, a grand Vauban-style citadel with a rich historical background. Return to Sibiu for a second night in this charming town, filled with medieval allure and vibrant culture. Day 3: Sibiu – Sighisoara – Brașov In the morning, visit Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of Vlad Dracula. Wander the cobbled streets, explore the iconic Clock Tower, and immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere. Then head to Brașov, a city surrounded by the stunning Carpathian Mountains. Here, you’ll visit the Black Church and stroll through Rope Street, one of the narrowest streets in Europe. Spend the night in Brașov, where history and modern life blend beautifully. Day 4: Brașov – Bran Castle – Peles Castle – Bucharest The final day takes you to Bran Castle, famously known as Dracula’s Castle, perched on a dramatic cliff and brimming with folklore and history. Afterward, head to Peles Castle, an architectural gem nestled in the Carpathian Mountains. Renowned for its Renaissance Revival style, the castle’s intricate interiors offer a glimpse into Romania’s royal past. After a full day of exploration, return to Bucharest, completing your incredible journey.