Traveling in Romania offers a mix of dramatic landscapes, intriguing history, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. This particular tour, offered by MatDan Eco Tours, promises an exciting day exploring the legendary Transfagarasan Road, the scenic Balea Lake, the historic Poenari Citadel, and even a chance to spot wild brown bears. It’s a full-day adventure that balances natural beauty, cultural sights, and a touch of adrenaline — perfect for travelers craving authentic Romania beyond the usual city sights.
What makes this trip stand out? First, the journey along the famous Top Gear Road is enough to give any car enthusiast or mountain lover a thrill. Second, the chance to see bears in their natural habitat adds a wild, almost surreal element that few tours can match. That said, it’s not without its considerations — a long day in a small group, for example, might demand some physical stamina and patience. Still, if you’re eager for an active, scenic, and immersive experience, this tour provides excellent value at $176 per person.
It’s best suited for adventurous travelers who don’t mind a bit of walking and are prepared for a day packed with sightseeing, wildlife spotting, and mountain air. It’s ideal for those who want a combination of natural beauty and cultural highlights, all wrapped into one well-organized package.
Key Points
- Scenic Mountain Drive: Cover the legendary Transfagarasan Road, known for its breathtaking curves and views.
- Wildlife Encounters: Opportunity to see wild brown bears close to Balea Lake.
- Cultural Sights: Visit Poenari Citadel, linked to Vlad the Impaler, and enjoy picturesque dam and lake scenery.
- All-Inclusive Transport: Round-trip, air-conditioned transportation with a professional English-speaking driver.
- Authentic Experiences: Light hiking at Balea Lake and Romanian food tasting in the mountains.
- Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personal and flexible experience.
Journey Through the Transfagarasan: A Detailed Review
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Campulung.
Starting Point and Early Morning Departure
The tour kicks off early from Victoriei Square in Bucharest — a convenient and central spot to meet your guide. With a small group of no more than 8 travelers, the experience starts with a comfortable ride in an air-conditioned van or minibus, making the long drive more relaxed. We appreciated the professionalism of the driver and the chance to get comfortable while soaking in the rural scenery as the city fades behind.
Stop in Curtea de Arges
The first break in Curtea de Arges is brief — about 15 minutes — but enough for a quick coffee or to stretch legs. It’s a small, charming town with its own quiet appeal, giving travelers a chance to settle into the day’s journey and snap a few photos of the surrounding mountains and medieval architecture.
Transfagarasan Road and Balea Lake
The highlight for many is the drive along the famous Top Gear Road — a winding, vertiginous route that has gained international fame for its spectacular twists and turns. We loved the way the road offers sweeping views of the Carpathian Mountains, with ample opportunities for photos and simply taking in the scale of the landscape.
Reaching Balea Lake at over 2,000 meters is a real treat. The turquoise waters set against rugged peaks are postcard-perfect. Here, travelers can enjoy a leisurely hike to the lake itself, with some options for exploring further or relaxing at one of the mountain chalets. The tour includes a chance to taste traditional Romanian food at Balea Chalet or Platinu Chalet, which adds a delicious local flavor to the day.
More Great Tours NearbyWildlife Encounters: Bears in the Wild
One of this tour’s most talked-about features is the possibility of seeing wild brown bears. The guides are well aware of bear activity in the area and will alert you when bears are spotted near the roadside. Several reviews mention the excitement of seeing these majestic creatures joining the roadside, a rare and thrilling sight for wildlife enthusiasts. It’s important to note that bears tend to join the side of the road, so patience and a good camera are essential.
The experience is safe — the guides keep a respectful distance — but the close encounters promise to be memorable. We loved the way the tour balances wildlife viewing with a respect for nature, avoiding gimmicks and instead focusing on authentic animal behavior.
Poenari Citadel and Other Sights
On the way back, the tour stops at Poenari Citadel, often described as Vlad the Impaler’s fortress. Its imposing ruins perched on a hillside offer a tangible link to Romania’s dark history, and the walk up provides great views. This adds a cultural and historical dimension to the trip, enriching the scenic experience with stories of Romanian legend.
The Vidraru Dam is another notable stop. The massive structure and the surrounding lake serve as a reminder of Romania’s engineering feats and provide excellent photo opportunities.
Return to Bucharest
After a full day of sightseeing, wildlife spotting, and mountain air, the group begins the return journey around late afternoon. The drive back is a good time to reflect on the day’s highlights, perhaps sharing photos and stories with fellow travelers.
Analyzing the Value
At $176 per person, the tour provides a comprehensive slice of Romanian nature, history, and wildlife in one day. The inclusion of round-trip transportation, expert guidance, sightseeing at key stops, and the chance to see bears in their natural habitat offers good value, especially considering the small group size. The absence of lunch is a minor drawback, but many travelers find the scenic mountain restaurants or packed snacks sufficient.
The small group limit ensures a more intimate experience, with flexibility to ask questions and enjoy a relaxed pace. The 10-hour duration might seem long, but the comfortable transport and engaging stops make the day feel well-balanced rather than rushed.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This adventure suits travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, scenic drives, and wildlife watching. It’s perfect for those with a reasonable level of fitness, as you’ll do some light hiking and walking. It also appeals to history buffs interested in Vlad the Impaler and Romania’s legends. If you’re looking for a well-organized, authentic experience that combines natural beauty, wildlife, and culture, this tour hits the mark.
However, those who prefer more relaxed sightseeing or are less comfortable with long drives and outdoor activities might want to consider other options. Also, if you’re over 95 or have mobility issues, this might not be suitable due to the walking involved at some stops.
FAQs
How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, with several scenic stops, sightseeing, and short hikes included.
What’s included in the price?
Round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking driver, sightseeing at Vidraru Dam, Balea Lake, Poenari Citadel, and wildlife viewing of wild bears, bottled water, and a Romanian chocolate bar.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but there are options to enjoy traditional Romanian food at Balea Chalet or Platinu Chalet, or you can bring your own snacks.
How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, providing a small-group experience that feels more personal.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and a charged smartphone are recommended for walking, photography, and capturing memories.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your trip planning.
Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the light hiking and wildlife viewing are likely suitable for older children, but consider their comfort with long days and outdoor activities.
What language is the guide speaking?
The guide speaks English, ensuring clear explanations and storytelling throughout the trip.
Is it worth the price?
Given the inclusion of transportation, expert guidance, multiple key sights, and wildlife encounters, most travelers find the tour offers solid value, especially considering the small group size and scenic diversity.
This Bucharest-based day trip offers a satisfying mix of Romania’s stunning mountain scenery, historic sites, and wildlife. It’s a great pick for travelers who want more than just city sights — it’s about experiencing the wild beauty and cultural legends of Romania. The chance to see bears in their natural habitat is a rare bonus, making this adventure memorable. While it’s a full day packed with activity, the comfortable transport, expert guidance, and small-group feel make it a well-organized choice for those eager to explore Romania’s natural treasures.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a mountain lover, or a history buff, this tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of Romania’s diverse landscape — all within a manageable, thoughtfully designed package. Just remember to pack your camera and a good pair of shoes, and you’ll be set for a truly authentic Romanian adventure.
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