Vidraru Dam

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’s historic and natural wonders in the beautiful Făgăraș Mountains. Begin your day with a visit to the architectural jewel of Curtea de Argeș. This 16th-century monastery is famed for its intricate stonework and fascinating legends. Discover the history and beauty of this spiritual site, the resting place of Romanian royalty, nestled in a serene setting. Continue your adventure with a stop to see (from outside) the imposing Poenari Fortress, an ancient stronghold dramatically perched on a cliffside. Although currently under renovation, you’ll 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. 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 Făgăraș 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 diverse wildlife. As we reach higher altitudes, enjoy a taste of winter sports and activities in a scenic snow-covered landscape at 1,700 meters. Suitable for all skill levels, this experience lets you try sledding or enjoy the fresh mountain air and snow. Conclude your adventure with a short, easy hike on a scenic mountain trail. Take in the panoramic views, breathe in the crisp alpine air, and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding nature.

The Transfăgărășan is a paved mountain road crossing the Carpathian Mountains, is the second-highest paved road in the country with an altitude of 2,042 metres (6,699 ft). The road also provides access to Bâlea Lake a glacier lake situated at 2,034 m of altitude. Here we will benefit from the fresh air and low temperature, admire the view of Trasnsilvania and have lunch. On the way back we will admire Bâlea waterfall, we'll stop at the Vidraru Dam to refresh us. It is very possible to meet brown bears on the route. On our way we will be able to see on a mountaintop a fortress built by Vlad the Impaler. This is Poienari fortress.

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.

More than 150 kilometres in length, the Transfagarasan Highway is Romania’s most spectacular and best known road, and, thanks to an appearance on BBC Top Gear in 2009, now one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. Fully open only from June to October, the road’s highest point is at 2042 metres: the tunnel which links the northern and southern sides at Lake Balea (Balea Lac). The Transfagarasan was built from 1970-1974 on the personal orders of Nicolae Ceausescu, who wanted to create a strategic route across the Fagaras Mountains to ferry troops north should Romania be invaded by the USSR (as Czechoslovakia had been in 1968). On the way back we will make several stops to enjoy the goat waterfall as well as the Vidradu dam and finally at the real Dracula's castle. which unfortunately is under renovation.

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.

Day 1: Bucharest – Curtea De Arges – Vidraru Dam – Transfagarsan Road - Sibiu (430 kilometers) This tour begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Bucharest. Start your journey with a stop at Curtea de Arges Monastery, an important pilgrimage site in the southern part of Romania located at the foot of Fagaras Mountains. During the visit, you will also be told the amazing legend associated with the building of this monastery. The visit will be followed by a stop for lunch at a traditional Romanian restaurant. After lunch, you will reach the beginning of Transfagarasan Road and enjoy a short stop at Vidraru Dam, an impressive engineering feat, being the first arch valley dam in Romania built during the Communist period. These days, it is a favorite place for people passionate about extreme sports. Driving along Vidraru River, you will leave behind the region of Wallachia and head to the region of Transylvania. On your way to the next stop, Balea Glacier Lake, take in gorgeous landscapes and amazing mountain scenery as you cross the longest tunnel in Romania. Surrounded by the stunning mountain peaks of the Fagaras Mountains, Balea Lake will be the perfect location for some beautiful photos. Continuing your journey through the northern part of Transfagarasan Road, the tour guide will tell you more about its construction and how Transfagarasan Road came to be considered the most beautiful high altitude road in the world by British “Top Gear” in 2013. By the end of the first day, you will reach the city of Sibiu, one of the seven German medieval citadels in Transylvania. Spend the evening in Sibiu. Day 2: Sibiu – Cozia Monastery - Bucharest (280 kilometers) In the morning, enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Sibiu. After breakfast, the tour guide will lead you on a short walking tour through the old city center of Sibiu, where you will see the Large Square, the Small Square, Huet Square, the Council Tower, Brukenthal Palace, the Liars Bridge, the Stairs Passage, the Evangelical Cathedral, and hear exciting stories about a town that was declared a "European Capital of Culture" in 2007. On your way back to Bucharest, you will also make a stop at Cozia Monastery, a valuable monument of Romania’s architecture and culture erected between 1386-1388 by the ruler Mircea the Elder. In the evening, arrive back to your hotel in Bucharest.

You will meet the driver in the morning in Bucharest and you will drive to Vidraru Dam and Transfagarasan Road via Curtea de Arges, the old capital of Romania. You will stop to see Vidraru Dam where you will see numerous bears in their natural habitat, as well as baby bears. Please be careful as bears tend to say hello to you, so do not feed them. You will also admire Poenari Citadel, up in the hill from distance. The picturesque view is incredible and you will be amazed how nature can bring joy to your life. On the way up to Balea Lake we will drive through Transfagarasan Road. Breathtaking views await you, accompanied by many cute brown bears. Take as many photos as you want! Breath fresh air while on top of Transfaragaran road, enjoy lunch, buy souvenirs and local food products. In the afternoon we hop on back to Bucharest.