Transfagarasan and Transalpina - over the Carpathians tour

TOUR description

Day 1: Sibiu → Transalpina, Romania's highest road (2,145 m) → Oltenia's Orthodox monasteries (Hurezi, Bistrita, Dintr-un Lemn) → optional visit to Polovragi Cave or Bistrita Cave. Overnight in Ramnicu Valcea.
Day 2: Curtea de Argeș Monastery → Poenari Fortress, the real Dracula's castle → Vidraru Dam → the 90 km of legendary hairpin bends along the Transfăgărășan → return to Sibiu.

Two of the world's most spectacular mountain roads, Wallachia's finest monasteries, and a fortress with more history than the postcard version—all in one unforgettable two-day journey.

This tour takes you along Romania's two most spectacular mountain roads: the Transfăgărășan and the Transalpina, both crossing the majestic Carpathian Mountains. Jeremy Clarkson from BBC's Top Gear famously described the Transfăgărășan as "the best road in the world," while many travellers argue that the Transalpina is even more impressive. Which one deserves the title is for you to decide after this two-day adventure.
Our journey begins in Sibiu as we head south into Wallachia via the Transalpina, Romania's highest road, reaching an altitude of 2,145 m. According to some sources, the original route dates back to the Roman campaigns against the Dacians. The modern road was rebuilt during the interwar period, officially opened in 1938 by King Carol II, and later rehabilitated by German troops during the Second World War for military purposes. Despite its history, the road remained largely inaccessible to ordinary vehicles until recent years.

After descending into Oltenia, we'll visit some of the region's most beautiful Orthodox monasteries, including Hurezi, Bistrita, and Dintr-un Lemn (the "One Wood Monastery"). Hurezi Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered one of the finest examples of traditional Romanian religious architecture. Depending on your interests, we can also visit Polovragi Cave, one of Romania's longest caves, or Bistrita Cave, located beside the spectacular Bistrita Gorges. We'll spend the night in the charming riverside town of Ramnicu Valcea.
The following morning begins with a visit to Curtea de Argeș Monastery, one of Romania's most important religious monuments and the burial place of Romania's first king, Carol I, as well as several members of the royal family. Continuing towards Transylvania, we'll stop at Poenari Fortress, the authentic fortress of Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure who inspired the Dracula legend. After crossing the impressive Vidraru Dam, we'll drive the entire 90 km length of the Transfăgărășan, where dramatic hairpin bends, waterfalls, deep gorges, alpine lakes, and towering cliffs create one of Europe's most breathtaking mountain drives. Before the tour ends, you'll have time for a stroll through Sibiu or, if time permits, a short visit to one of the traditional villages of Mărginimea Sibiului.

Points of interest