ABOVE THE CLOUDS - TRANSFAGARASAN HIGHWAY
Two-day trip, from Bucharest, giving you the chance to cross the Carpathians twice, using two of the most beautiful roads in Romania: Transfagarasan Highway and the road on River Olt valley.
Day 1: Bucharest - Curtea de Arges - Poenari Fortress - Lake Balea - Sibiu
During the first day of this trip, you'll leave Bucharest early in the morning heading west to the Carpathian Mountains. First stop in Curtea de Arges for a visit to the beautiful Metropolitan Cathedral, resting place of the last four kings of Romania and dozen other rulers of old Wallachia. Built at the beginning of the 16 century, Curtea de Arges Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the most beautiful medieval churches in Romania, famous also for master's Manole legend, a story about hard work, dedication and sacrifice.
From Curtea de Arges, you'll head north, throughout the Carpathians' foothills and soon you'll enter the famous Transfagarasan highway. Built in the early 1970s as a strategic connection between Transylvania and Wallachia, two of the main regions of Romania, the road represents nowadays one of the best tourist attractions in our country. On the way, take a view at the ''real Dracula's Castle'' - as Poenari Fortress is known specially among foreigners. The ruins of the 15 century fortress are perched on the peak of Capatanii Mountain and accessible only through a path with roughly 1500 steps in the middle of the forest.
Next on the scenic road: Vidraru Dam and Lake Vidraru, where the surroundings are dramatic. Opportunity for a short hike across the dam.
Continue climbing the mountain on the winding road, with beautiful views at every turn. But wait! There is more! The most spectacular part of Transfagarasan road is revealed just after you pass the tree level and the mountain stands in front of you. Majestic. Rough. Impressive.. When you reach the highest point of the road on this southern part of the mountain, take a moment to look back at the road winding at your feet. Then enter the tunnel that will take you on the other side of the mountain. Reach Lake Balea. Opportunity for a short hike and lunch on the terrace at Balea Hut.
Continue on the other side of the mountain, with endless photo opportunities along the way. Brief stop at Balea waterfall.
Late in the afternoon reach Sibiu. Short orientation tour on the way to the hotel. Dinner on your own and overnight in Sibiu.
Day 2: Sibiu - River Olt Valley - Cozia Monastery - Bucharest
Hot and cold buffet breakfast at the hotel. The second day of the tour starts with a leisurely walking tour in the Old Town, taking in the three main squares of the city, the Evangelical, and the Orthodox Cathedrals, the Roman-Catholic church, the Stairs Passage (the main connection between the Upper Town and the Lower Town), the Liars Bridge, the fortifications and some of the remaining guild towers.
Before lunch leave for Bucharest, on the scenic River Olt Valley. Later stop at Cozia Monastery, a fine example of Byzantine religious art.
Continue to Bucharest.
Tour highlights: Sibiu Old Town (European Capital of Culture in 2007), Poenari Fortress - aka "the real Dracula's castle", Transfagarasan highway, the monasteries at Curtea de Arges and Cozia, and more.
Tour availability: contact us
Tour duration: 2 days/one night
Tour start location: location of your choice, within Bucharest city limits
Tour inclusions: one suitable vehicle with climate control; fuel, road & parking tax; your own dedicated professional English speaking tour guide; one night accommodation with breakfast in a local guest house or hotel,; admission tickets to museums and attractions as per itinerary; free collection and return to your hotel.
Tour exclusions: photo/video fees, personal shopping, food, drink and gratuity.
Tour price: from € 300/per person*
*According to your party size, tour duration & itinerary length, attractions & sites included, meals included
*At Tours in Romania, we don't do shared tours, we only do private tours of Bucharest, private tours of Romania and private short trips from Bucharest , so the price is influenced only by the size of your group. If you'd like a tour of Bucharest, a tour of Romania or a short trip from Bucharest together with a bunch of strangers, each one with his own agenda, pace and good or bad habits, there are plenty of other travel agents out there happy to accommodate you.
*At Tours in Romania, we don't do free tours, we only do private tours of Bucharest, private tours of Romania and private short trips from Bucharest at a fair price. With Tours in Romania you can enjoy the comfort of an air conditioned vehicle, while visiting many more attractions than during a "free" walking tour of Bucharest.
Anyway, a private tour of Bucharest, a private tour in Romania or a private short trip from Bucharest doesn't necessarily mean an expensive tour. Please take a moment to review our prices. You'll find private tours of Bucharest, private tours of Romania and private short trips from Bucharest at the price of a shared tour or cheaper!
