Bâlea Waterfall, Cârțișoara

Your tour will begin as you are taken from your hotel in Brasov by a professional guide. Once having departed Brasov, you will travel to the most spectacular road in Europe: Transfagarasan. You will stop first and visit the Carta Cistercian Monastery .the monastery was built at the beginning of the 13th century, in the Gothic style, by the Cistercian monks who came to Transylvania from Burgundy, France. You will then continue to the mountains which host the Transfagarasan Highway, the most spectacular and beautiful mountain road in Europe. The road has been featured on the UK motor show Top Gear, and traverses up through the mountains uniting Transylvania with Valachia. Whilst there you will experience great scenes, noisy waterfalls, and with some luck you may even see wild animals such as the brown bear or black goats. Moving onward, you will travel to the Balea Glacier Lake, where you will have lunch at the Lake Balea Chalet. You can then take a walk around the lake, and in summer can also climb up the slope near the lake. From the top of this ridge you will have wonderful pictures with the peaks of the surrounding mountains and the lake and cottage Balea. In the winter between December and March you can visit the ice hotel, as well as the neighboring ice church. You will later return to Brasov in the evening, with wonderful memories of your trip into the sky. During the winter between November and July, we will go up by van to the hotel Cascada Balea 1446m (above the road is closed due to snow), from where we will take the cable car up to Lake Balea. The price of the cable car (100 lei - 24 euros uphill) + descent) is not included in the price of the tour.

Operating days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday Day Itinerary 1. Starting Point: • 09:00 from Sala Thalia Parking we will travel in a small group to the Făgăraș Mountains, enjoy a scenic drive towards the Făgăraș Mountains, Romania's highest mountain range. Stop 1: Bâlea Cascada (Bâlea Waterfall) Bâlea Cascada (Bâlea Waterfall) is a stunning natural landmark located in the Făgăraș Mountains in Romania. Situated at an elevation of about 1,260 meters (4,134 feet) above sea level, it is one of the most popular attractions in the Transfăgărășan area, known for its impressive beauty and scenic location • Main Attraction: o The tour begins with a stop at Bâlea Cascada, the highest waterfall in Romania, which drops 60 meters. The waterfall is an iconic sight, especially in the spring and summer when the water flow is at its peak o Take time to admire the waterfall and explore the surrounding area. It’s a perfect spot for photos and nature walks Stop 2: Hiking to Bâlea Glacier Lake After visiting the waterfall, the group will begin a scenic hike through Bâlea Valley, leading to Bâlea Glacier Lake as you hike, enjoy panoramic views of the Făgăraș Mountains, alpine meadows, and rugged landscapes Hiking to Bâlea Glacier Lake is a popular adventure in Romania, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts. Located at an altitude of 2,034 meters (6,677 feet) in the Făgăraș Mountains, it is a stunning glacial lake surrounded by rugged peaks and breathtaking alpine landscapes Difficulty: The hike to Bâlea Glacier Lake is moderate to difficult, depending on the route you choose. The trails can be challenging due to their rocky and uneven terrain, so a good level of fitness is required The hike to the glacier lake will take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the pace and weather conditions. Stop 3: Bâlea Glacier Lake Bâlea Glacier Lake is a stunning glacial lake located in the Făgăraș Mountains of Romania, part of the larger Carpathian Mountain range. Situated at an altitude of 2,034 meters (6,677 feet), it is one of the most beautiful and sought-after destinations for hikers and nature lovers in Romania. Breathtaking Views: The area is known for its incredible panoramic views. The rugged peaks of the Făgăraș Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for the lake, and the landscape around the lake is dotted with alpine vegetation. Break for lunch: Enjoy a break to rest and have lunch (bring your own packed lunch or enjoy meals at nearby mountain chalets). Free time to explore the lake, take photos, or relax by the shore. There may also be options for a short walk around the area. 5. Return to Sibiu After spending time at the lake, you’ll either return by bus or cable car (depending on weather conditions) to Bâlea Cascada Bâlea Lake to Sibiu is a scenic drive through the Făgăraș Mountains, with a distance of about 60 km and a travel time of 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on road conditions

Today, head west driving parallel to the Carpathians. Your first stop will be in Sibiu, where you will join to a 2-hours city tour and will discover the main cultural objectives such as the Evangelic Church, the Liar’s Bridge and the Council Tower etc. Have some free time in Sibiu. In the afternoon we will drive you to Balea Waterfall, from where you can explore the spectacular Transfagarasan Road. Optional it's worth it to take a cable care ride from Balea Waterfall to Balea Lake to have a better view. Arrive in Brasov at the hotel where you will check-in at around 19:00.

Operating days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Route: Sibiu – Cisnadioara – Cisnadie – Transfagarasan Road – Balea Lake - Sibiu Day Itinerary 1. Starting Point: Sibiu o 12:30 Sala Thalia Hall Parking Stop 1: Cisnădioara Fortified Church Cisnădioara is a hidden gem for those interested in medieval history, architecture, and stunning landscapes • Main Attraction: Fortified Church of Cisnădioara (Michelsberg Fortress) o Historical Significance: Built in the 12th century, it is one of the oldest Romanesque-style churches in Transylvania. The church served both religious and defensive purposes during medieval times o Architecture: The church is made of stone and retains its Romanesque features, including simple, sturdy walls and a tranquil, timeless design. Its hilltop location offers a commanding view of the surrounding area Stop 2: Cisnădie Fortified Church: Explore a beautifully preserved medieval fortified church, known for its defensive towers and clock tower,learn about the Saxon heritage and the history of fortified villages in the region. • Main Attractions: o Historical Significance: Originally built in the 12th century as a Romanesque basilica, the church was fortified in the 15th century to protect the community from invasions. It showcases the dual role of religious structures in medieval times as both places of worship and defense o Clock Tower: The church houses one of the first mechanical clocks in Transylvania, installed in the 14th century o Defensive Features: Thick walls, battlements, and loopholes highlight its transformation into a fortress. The courtyard also contains remnants of the Saxon community's history. Stop 3. Transfăgărășan Road: Also known as DN7C, is one of Romania's most famous and scenic roads, cutting through the Făgăraș Mountains, the highest mountain range in the Carpathians. Built as a strategic military route in the 1970s under Nicolae Ceaușescu, it is now a popular destination for travelers seeking stunning views and thrilling drives • Main Attractions: o Admire the spectacular Bâlea Waterfall and enjoy free time at Bâlea Lake, a stunning glacial lake surrounded by the peaks of the Făgăraș Mountains Bâlea Lake is a must-see spot along the Transfăgărășan Road, attracting tourists for its natural beauty, alpine setting, and outdoor activities. Return to Sibiu: Conclude your tour with a scenic drive back, reflecting on the beauty and cultural richness of the day Timing Overview: 12:30 PM: Departure from Sibiu 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Visit Cisnădioara Fortified Church 2:30 - 3:30 PM: Visit Cisnădie Fortified Church 3:30 PM: Depart for the Transfăgărășan Road 4:30 – 6:00 PM: Visit Transfăgărășan Road, including Bâlea Waterfall and Bâlea Lake 6:00 PM: Return to Sibiu 7:00 PM: Arrive back in Sibiu Additional Information: Seasonal Variation: Summer (July 1 - Oct 30): Travel by bus on the Transfăgărășan Road. Winter (Nov - June): Travel by cable car to reach Bâlea Lake and surrounding attractions.