Bucharest: Top Gear Road Transfagarasan Day Trip

Traveling through Romania’s Carpathian Mountains on the famous Transfagarasan Road is an adventure many dream of. This guided day trip from Bucharest promises spectacular scenery, unique engineering marvels, and a chance to spot wild brown bears in their natural habitat. While the journey is long—around 12 hours—most travelers find the experience well worth the effort. It’s perfect for those craving a mix of nature, history, and some heart-racing mountain driving.

What we love about this tour is the opportunity to see Bâlea Lake at over 2,000 meters, with its stunning alpine vistas, and the thrill of potentially catching a glimpse of wild bears — a rare and exciting highlight. The trip also includes visits to Vidraru Dam, an impressive feat of engineering, and the enchanting Capra Waterfall. The downside? The length of the day can be tiring, especially for travelers not used to long bus rides or winding mountain roads. Still, if you’re eager to explore Romania’s mountainous beauty in a single day, this tour hits the mark.

This trip suits nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone keen to see one of Top Gear’s “best roads in the world.” It’s also a fantastic choice for travelers who want a rundown of the Carpathians without the hassle of planning multiple stops yourself. Keep in mind, it’s not ideal if you’re sensitive to long drives or have mobility concerns, as the tour involves some walking and a full day in a vehicle.

Key Points

• Spectacular scenery: Expect sweeping views of the Carpathian Mountains and pristine lakes.
• Wildlife spotting: Chances of seeing brown bears right from the road, an unforgettable highlight.
• Iconic sites: Visitation to Vidraru Dam and Bâlea Lake offers both engineering marvels and stunning photo opportunities.
• Long but rewarding day: The 12-hour trip is packed with stops, making it feel shorter than it sounds.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides enhance the experience with stories and local insights.
• Good value: For $56, you get a full day of sightseeing, comfortable transport, and expert commentary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Complete Look at the Transfagarasan Day Trip

The journey begins bright and early at Piata Universitatii, where a vehicle with One Excellence Tours signage awaits. From there, you’ll head north, passing through Curtea de Arges, the medieval capital of Wallachia. This quick stop offers a glimpse into Romania’s historical towns before ascending into the mountains. The drive itself is part of the experience—winding roads, majestic mountain vistas, and the anticipation of what’s ahead.

Visiting Vidraru Dam

One of your first major stops is at Vidraru Dam, built in 1966. This massive arch dam rises 166 meters and creates a large reservoir nestled among the peaks. The stop is brief but provides enough time to admire the engineering feat and snap some photos. Several reviews mention the photo opportunities, stating it’s “a fantastic stop for pictures.” It’s also a good chance to stretch your legs before the road truly gets dramatic.

Spotting the Brown Bears

One of the tour’s unique selling points is the possibility of seeing wild brown bears. Many travelers leave raving about their sightings—some claim to have counted over a dozen bears along the roadside. Several reviews mention that bears tend to join the side of the road, providing incredible photo ops and close encounters without leaving the bus. Naturally, sightings are subject to nature’s whims, but the guides are experienced in spotting and respecting wildlife.

Capra Waterfall and Mountain Views

Next, you’ll stop at Capra Waterfall, where the cascading water, lush surroundings, and fresh mountain air make for a peaceful break. With about 20 minutes to enjoy the scenery, many travelers find it a perfect spot for photos and a quick walk. Some reviews mention the beauty of the waterfall, describing it as “enchanting,” and noting it’s a good place for a breather before heading further into the mountains.

More Great Tours Nearby

Bâlea Lake at 2,034 Meters

The highlight for many is Bâlea Lake, located at a staggering 2,034 meters altitude. The lake’s crystal-clear waters and surrounding peaks are postcard-perfect. The tour provides around 90 minutes here, enough time for a walk, some shopping at the small Bâlea Lake resort, and taking in the breathtaking vistas. Several reviewers call this section the “most beautiful part” of the trip, and appreciate having time for photos and sightseeing. It’s worth noting that access may be limited from November to May due to weather, so check the season before booking if lakeside views are a priority.

Transfagarasan Highway: A Road Like No Other

The Transfagarasan Highway, declared by Top Gear as “the best road in the world,” is a thrill for drivers and passengers alike. The winding, narrow mountain road stretches for 100 kilometers of sharp curves, tunnels, and dramatic drops. You’ll make a few scenic stops along this stretch, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Many reviews mention the scenic beauty, noting the “fantastic” views and the excitement of the drive.

Stops Along the Way Back

After soaking in the scenery, your tour will return you to Piata Universitatii in Bucharest, completing a full circle of mountain adventure. The return trip involves about three hours in the vehicle, so expect some tired legs but also plenty of time to reflect on the day’s highlights.

How the Tour Works

The tour is designed to maximize sightseeing in a tight schedule. Starting early at 7:30 am, you’ll spend most of your day in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, with a professional English-speaking guide narrating the journey. The group tends to be around 20 people, offering a friendly, intimate atmosphere but also allowing for socializing.

Food and drinks are not included in the price, so you might want to bring snacks, water, or plan to buy at stops like Bâlea Lake or Capra Waterfall. The tour emphasizes pictures, wildlife spotting, and enjoying the mountain air, so pack your camera, sunglasses, and sun hat.

The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users, and pets are not allowed. Also, be aware that from November to May, access to some sites like Bâlea Lake and Capra Waterfall may be restricted—so plan accordingly if visiting in winter or early spring.

Is it worth the price?

At just $56 per person, the tour offers amazing value. For that price, you get a full day of exploration, expert guides, and a chance to witness some of Romania’s most iconic sights. Many reviewers praise the quality of the guides, describing them as knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. The comfort of the vehicle and the well-organized stops add to the overall value.

Final Thoughts

The Bucharest Top Gear Road Transfagarasan Day Trip is ideal for adventure seekers, wildlife lovers, and anyone eager to see Romania’s dramatic mountain scenery without the hassle of driving themselves. The chance to spot bears in the wild, combined with the stunning lake views and engineering marvels, makes this a memorable outing.

While the length of the day can be a consideration, most travelers find the scenery, wildlife sightings, and knowledgeable guides make it more than worthwhile. It’s a great way to combine nature, culture, and adventure in one accessible package.

If you’re comfortable with long bus rides and want to experience some of the most picturesque landscapes Romania has to offer, this tour will deliver. Be sure to bring your camera, patience, and a sense of adventure—and you’ll likely leave with stories to tell for years.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally suitable for older children, the long drive and mountain roads might be challenging for very young kids. Check if your children are comfortable with extended bus rides and winding roads.

How early do I need to arrive?
The tour departs at 7:30 am from Piata Universitatii, so plan to arrive a little earlier to find the vehicle with the “One Excellence Tours” sign.

Will I see bears?
There’s always a chance, as many travelers report sightings of bears along the roadside, sometimes up to 12 or more during the trip. Sightings depend on wildlife activity and are not guaranteed.

What should I bring?
Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, camera, and possibly a light jacket depending on the weather. Food and drinks are not included, so bring snacks or plan to purchase at stops.

Is there any walking involved?
Yes, some walking at stops like Capra Waterfall and Bâlea Lake is expected, but it’s generally manageable within the time allocated.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, the tour offers reserve now, pay later options, allowing flexibility in your travel planning.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of stops and walking involved.

What is the duration?
The total trip lasts about 12 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the evening.

Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed on this tour.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a risk-free option if your plans change.

To sum it up, this day trip from Bucharest offers an excellent combination of scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural highlights—all at a reasonable price. Whether you’re a camera-happy traveler looking for unforgettable vistas or a wildlife enthusiast eager for bear sightings, this tour delivers a full dose of Romania’s stunning mountain landscape. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure—and perhaps some motion sickness pills if your road trips tend to upset your stomach.

You can check availability for your dates here: