Bucharest: Top Gear Road Transfagarasan Day Trip

The Bucharest: Top Gear Road Transfagarasan Day Trip offers an exciting journey through some of Romania’s most breathtaking landscapes. Priced at $56.67 per person and lasting approximately 12 hours, this tour combines scenic drives, natural wonders, and cultural highlights. It departs from Bucharest early in the morning at 7:30 am, with a professional English-speaking guide, making it ideal for those seeking a full-day adventure with a mix of nature, history, and striking mountain views.

This trip is especially known for its cruising along the famous Transfagarasan Highway, touted by Top Gear as “the best road in the world.” Visitors can expect to enjoy spectacular aerial views, sightings of wild brown bears, and visits to iconic sites like Bâlea Lake and Vidraru Dam. While the tour offers plenty of photo opportunities and scenic stops, it’s worth noting that access to Balea Lake and Capra Waterfall may be limited from November to March due to weather and safety considerations.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate stunning mountain scenery, adventure on winding roads, and wildlife sightings. It’s designed for those aged 12 and above, with a maximum group size of 49 travelers. The inclusion of a mobile ticket, air-conditioned transport, and free stops makes this experience both convenient and comfortable. However, it’s not recommended for guests with motion sickness due to the mountain roads and switchbacks.

Key Points

• Scenic drive along the Transfagarasan Highway, celebrated as one of the top roads in Europe
• Stops at Bâlea Lake, Vidraru Dam, and Capra Waterfall for stunning views and photo opportunities
• Wild bear sightings are possible, with some reviews highlighting numerous bear encounters
• Tour includes transport in air-conditioned vehicles and an experienced English-speaking guide
• Limited access to Balea Lake and Capra Waterfall from November to March due to weather
• Starts early at 7:30 am from Bucharest and lasts around 12 hours

Starting Point and Logistics in Bucharest

This trip begins at Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta 12, Bucuresti, where travelers meet early morning. The air-conditioned vehicle takes you northward, covering roughly 100 km along the mountain roads. The group size can go up to 49 people, ensuring a lively atmosphere but also enough space for comfort. The tour ends back at the original meeting point in the evening, around 7:30 pm, providing a full day of sightseeing.

Transportation is included in the ticket price, but food and drinks are not provided, so packing some snacks and water is advisable for the long day ahead. The mobile ticket system simplifies access, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Exploring Vidraru Dam

The first stop on the itinerary is Vidraru Dam, one of Romania’s largest hydroelectric dams. Built between 1960 and 1965, the dam stands 166 meters tall, creating a lake with a capacity of 465 million cubic meters. Visitors can admire the panoramic views of the surrounding forests, mountains, and lake, which make for great photo opportunities.

The 20-minute stop at Vidraru Dam is free of charge, with no admission fee. This site offers insight into Romania’s engineering achievements, and the landscape around it is especially impressive for those interested in nature and infrastructure.

The Transfagarasan Highway Experience

The tour’s highlight is the drive along the Transfagarasan Highway, a 62-mile (100 km) route high up in the Fagaras Mountains. Built for strategic military purposes, this mountain road is renowned for its countless switchbacks, spectacular views, and adrenaline-pumping curves.

On the way, there are multiple photo stops and vantage points, including the Balea Lake at 2,034 meters altitude. Travelers can enjoy fresh mountain air and breathtaking aerial views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The 2-hour drive allows ample time for taking pictures and soaking in the scenery.

The Magic of Bâlea Lake and Mountain Top Views

Bâlea Lake is a glacier lake situated at 2,034 meters, accessible via the Transfagarasan Highway during summer months. The lake is framed by Alpine chalets, a meteorological station, and a mountain rescue outpost. Visitors can explore the area, take photos, and enjoy the crisp mountain air.

Le Lac Balea is a highlight for many, offering splendid views of the glacier lake and surrounding mountains. The 2-hour stop at Bâlea Lake provides a chance to relax, walk around, and appreciate the alpine landscape. However, from November to May, access might be restricted due to snow and weather conditions, which is important to consider.

Capra Waterfall’s Cascading Beauty

A short 10-minute stop at Capra Waterfall introduces visitors to the mountain’s natural site of cascading waters plunging over cliffs. The waterfall’s stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect spot for a quick visit and photos. This stop adds a touch of tranquility amid the mountain adventure.

The Opportunity to See Wild Brown Bears

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the chance to see wild brown bears, with some reviews mentioning sightings of up to 31 bears. The tour’s focus on wildlife is a major draw, and guide expertise plays an essential role in spotting these animals along the mountain roads.

Bears are wild animals that occasionally come out of hibernation between November and May, but sightings are not guaranteed. The presence of bears depends on wildlife activity, and the tour’s success in this area is often highlighted in reviews. There is also a note that bears are sometimes fed by locals, which affects their visibility.

Return to Bucharest and End of the Day

After a full day of sightseeing and wildlife encounters, the group heads back to Bucharest, arriving in the evening around 7:30 pm. The return trip is approximately 2 hours, giving travelers time to reflect on the day’s highlights. The bus ride is comfortable, with air conditioning and plenty of stops for restroom breaks or photo sessions.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Since access to Balea Lake and Capra Waterfall may be limited from November to March, travelers planning a winter trip should be aware of this restriction. The tour is not recommended for guests with motion sickness, as the mountain roads feature numerous switchbacks and zigzag turns.

The minimum age for participation is 12 years old, and the group size is capped at 49 travelers. Packing snacks and water is recommended, as food and drinks are not included. The weather can influence the experience; poor conditions may lead to cancellation or rescheduling with a full refund.

Why Choose This Tour?

This day trip from Bucharest delivers a comprehensive experience of Romania’s natural beauty, featuring an iconic mountain drive, historical infrastructure, and wildlife sightings. The expert guidance and well-organized stops ensure a smooth and enriching journey. The approximate cost of $56.67 offers good value, considering the inclusion of transport, guide, and multiple scenic stops.

Travelers who enjoy adventure, scenic drives, and wildlife sightings will find this tour particularly rewarding. The combination of spectacular views, mountain air, and the chance to see bears in the wild makes this a memorable outing. However, those with mobility issues or severe motion sickness should consider the mountain roads’ winding nature.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age is 12 years old, making it appropriate for older children and teenagers interested in scenery and wildlife.

What time does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at 7:30 am and typically returns around 7:30 pm, covering about 12 hours.

Can I see wild bears on this trip?
Wild bear sightings are possible and some reviews mention seeing many bears, but sightings are not guaranteed and depend on wildlife activity.

Is food included in the tour?
No, food and drinks are not included, so visitors should bring snacks or plan to purchase food at stops.

Are Balea Lake and Capra Waterfall accessible year-round?
Access may be limited from November to March due to weather conditions, especially during winter months.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the trip for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.

This Bucharest: Top Gear Road Transfagarasan Day Trip combines stunning mountain scenery, wildlife encounters, and cultural sights into a rewarding full-day adventure that captures the essence of Romania’s rugged beauty.