Private Tour
Private Day Tour from Bucharest: Dracula Fortress &Transfagarasan
Overview
Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the Transfagarasan Highway, one of the most spectacular roads in Europe, famous for its breathtaking scenery and its appearance on BBC Top Gear in 2009, which made it a top tourist attraction. This winding road, full of switchbacks, hairpin turns, and steep drop-offs, offers unforgettable views along the way. Visitors can explore Poenari Castle, the former fortress of Vlad the Impaler, and stop to admire the stunning sights of Vidraru Dam, Balea Lake, and Capra Waterfall. It’s the perfect trip for those looking to combine adventure, history, and spectacular nature.
Additional Info
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Excess hour will be for travel time
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Poienari Castle
Poenari Fortress, the real stronghold of Dracula, was built in the 13th century and rebuilt by Vlad the Impaler in the 15th century, serving as a strategic defense against Ottoman invasions. Perched on a rocky peak above the Argeș Valley, the fortress controlled trade and military routes, and today its ruins preserve the authentic atmosphere of the medieval era. Access is via 1,480 steps, but the spectacular views and stories of courage and strategy make the visit truly unforgettable
Vidraru Dam
Vidraru Dam, located on the Argeș River in Romania, was completed in 1966 and forms Lake Vidraru. This impressive arch dam was primarily built to generate hydroelectric power. It stands 166 meters high, stretches 305 meters in length, and can hold up to 465 million cubic meters of water. The reservoir created by the dam has a total shoreline of 28 kilometers.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
WiFi on board
Air-conditioned vehicle
Pick-up and Drop-off at Your Location
Lunch
tickets
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Private Day Tour from Bucharest: Dracula Fortress &Transfagarasan
Pickup included
Reviews
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic day trip to the Carpathian Mountains!
A1508DSshirleyv,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic day trip to the Carpathian Mountains! We spent a full day exploring the mountains with our guide Octavian and it was one of the highlights of our trip to Romania. We visited the Vidraru Dam, drove along part of the famous Transfăgărășan Highway and climbed the 1480 steps to Poienari Fortress, the real fortress of Vlad the Impaler. The views were incredible and Octavian shared a lot of interesting stories about Romanian history and the legends surrounding Vlad. The tour was well organized and the pace was perfect. If you are visiting Bucharest and want to see the mountains and learn more about the region, this tour is definitely worth it!
Great day trip to Poenari Castle with stunning views and an excellent guide.
J9838QUalexd,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic day with our private guide, Octavian. Our trip took us to Poenari Castle, and along the way we also visited the dam and a beautiful monastery. The climb of 1,480 steps to the ruins of Poenari Castle is definitely worth it—the ruins themselves and the breathtaking view from the top make the effort more than worthwhile. Octavian is knowledgeable about a wide range of topics and was a great conversation partner throughout the entire day. He is also a very safe driver, and along the way he shared many interesting stories and insights about the country. Thanks to him, we learned so much about Romania and the places we visited during the excursion. Octavian, thank you very much for such an insightful and enjoyable day!
breathtaking views, enjoyable hike, good length and great host
NB1895,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was excellent. The drive from Bucharest was beautiful and the climb to Poenairi Fortress was good fun and totally worth the 1480 steps. Octavian is a knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating guide. Would highly recommend anyone who wishes to see the Carpathian Mountains.
Great experience highly recommend
maxinee318,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Friendly and informative guide. Car ride to the castle was very pleasant and the castle itself is obviously incredible.
Outstanding Private Tour and Incredible Views
bogdancK6696RU,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I took a private tour with Alex and it was an excellent experience. We started in Curtea de Arges, where he shared interesting stories about the town’s history and landmarks. From there, we continued along the Transfagarasan, and the views were absolutely stunning — far more impressive than I expected. The highlight was Poienari Fortress. The climb isn’t easy, but Alex made it enjoyable, keeping a comfortable pace and explaining the history behind the fortress and Vlad Tepes. Reaching the top and seeing the panoramic view was completely worth it. Alex was professional, friendly, and very knowledgeable. I truly recommend this private tour, especially with him as a guide.
A Must-Do Trip in Romania
828oanad,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I traveled with this company for the first time a year ago, when I visited Peleș Castle and Dracula’s Castle, and the experience was excellent. Returning to the country, I chose to discover the famous Transfăgărășan, and I can say it exceeded all my expectations. The landscapes are absolutely stunning – spectacular hairpin bends, incredible colors, and nature that truly takes your breath away. The path up to Vlad Țepeș’s fortress is a bit challenging, but it’s completely worth it for the splendid panorama waiting for you at the top. I even had the chance to photograph a deer, which made the experience even more special. Everything was wonderful, and I wholeheartedly recommend this trip to all nature and adventure lovers.
Related Experiences
Operated by AmberOdysseys