Transfagarasan, Targoviste & Poenari Castle: Day Trips from Bucharest

Three main landmarks embellish your itinerary, each filled with historical and cultural appeal for your benefit. Enjoy a drive to the former capital of Wallachia, Targoviste, and explore the court of Vlad the Impaler, better known as Dracula. You'll then continue on to Curtea de Arges, where you'll be privy to stunning Romanian churches and renowned burial sites. From this consecrated place, drive on to the ruins of Poenari Castle, Dracula’s fortification which overlooks the striking Carpathian Mountains. Drive along the Transfagarasan Road, built by Ceausescu, which offers breathtaking views along the way to the summit. From the top, you'll look down at the glacial lake of Balea from quite an advantageous standpoint.

Transfagarasan, Targoviste & Poenari Castle: Day Trips from Bucharest

Discover Transfagarasan Highway and its scenic attractions on this guided sightseeing tour that includes hotel transfers and expert commentary in five languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German. The day-long excursion covers 250 kilometers of winding roads, starting with a visit to Targoviste, home to the Princely Court of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula), built in 1436. Next up is Curtea de Arges Monastery, established in 1611 and housing tombs of the first Romanian kings; it spans over 250 square meters with intricate frescoes dating back to the early 17th century. The tour then takes you to Poenari Castle, a fortress perched atop a cliff that requires hiking up 1,480 steps built in the 13th century and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Finally, you'll cruise along Transfagarasan Road, one of the most scenic routes in Romania with breathtaking vistas including Vidraru Dam (completed in 1974) and Balea Lake, situated at an altitude of 2035 meters above sea level. This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts and nature lovers who want to explore iconic landmarks and learn about Romania's rich cultural heritage.

Explore Targoviste: Princely Court of Vlad the Impaler

Your tour stops at Targoviste, where guests can visit the Princely Court of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula), built in 1436. The court stands on a 250-square-meter plot and features intricate frescoes from the early 17th century. It was here that Vlad III Dracula ruled as Prince between 1456 and 1462, making it a crucial site for understanding his reign. Visitors spend about an hour exploring this historic landmark, learning about its role in Romanian history and architecture. Unlike other medieval castles, the Princely Court of Targoviste is uniquely significant due to its direct connection to Vlad Dracula's rule.

Discover Curtea de Arges Monastery: Tomb of First Romanian Kings

Your tour continues at Curtea de Arges Monastery, established in 1611 and located near the Vidraru Dam. This monastery spans over 250 square meters with intricate frescoes dating back to the early 17th century. It houses tombs of the first Romanian kings, including Michael the Brave (reigned from 1593-1601) and Mihai Viteazul (ruled in 1600). Visitors spend about an hour exploring this historic site, learning about its architectural significance and historical importance. Unlike other monasteries in Romania, Curtea de Arges is unique due to the tombs of the first Romanian kings within it.

Hike Up Poenari Castle: Fortress of Dracula

At Poenari Castle, guests can hike up 1,480 steps built in the 13th century to reach this fortress perched atop a cliff. The castle was built in the 13th century and stands as one of Romania's most iconic landmarks, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains from its summit at an altitude of over 2000 meters above sea level. Visitors spend about two hours exploring Poenari Castle, learning about its historical significance and architectural details. Unlike other castles in Transylvania, Poenari Castle is unique due to its direct connection with Vlad III Dracula's reign.

Tour Highlights

• Enjoy a guided excursion towards the highway in the clouds
• Visit Targoviste, Curtea de Arges, and Poenari Fortress
• Explore tombs of first Romanian kings at Curtea de Arges Monastery
• Hike up 1480 steps to reach Dracula’s Castle in Poenari Fortress
• Cruise on the Transfagarasan Road with stunning views of Vidraru Dam and Balea Lake
• Learn about Vlad the Impaler's reign at Princely Court of Targoviste
• Hotel transfers included for convenience throughout the tour

This day trip is perfect for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and architecture buffs who want to explore Romania's rich cultural heritage. You will visit iconic landmarks such as Poenari Castle, Curtea de Arges Monastery, and Targoviste’s Princely Court of Vlad the Impaler, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Romanian history while enjoying breathtaking natural scenery.