Curtea De Arges isn’t just a charming Romanian town; it’s a gateway to some of the most spectacular scenery and cultural treasures in the region. While the town itself offers a glimpse into history and architecture, the surrounding landscape—dominated by the dramatic Transfagarasan Highway—makes this area a must-visit for travelers eager for adventure and authentic experiences. We particularly love the From Bucharest: Private Transfagarasan Highway Day Tour for its personalized approach and extensive itinerary that covers iconic sights like Poenari Castle and Vidraru Dam. If you’re craving a scenic drive combined with history, this tour hits the right notes.
For travelers seeking a more spontaneous experience, the Private Day Tour from Bucharest to Transfagarasan Road offers a shorter, private journey focusing on the standout highlights of the Transfagarasan. And if you’re ready for a full-day adventure packed with wildlife sightings, stunning mountain views, and traditional Romanian dishes, the SUPER TOUR: Top Gear Road with Wild Bears Sightseeing combines scenic driving with the thrill of spotting bears in their natural habitat.
Quick Overview
This list features three top tours that showcase the beauty and culture of Curtea De Arges and its surroundings. Whether you’re drawn to luxury guided trips, private custom tours, or full-day adventures with wildlife, there’s an option here for you. Each offers a unique way to experience the breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, and local flavors of the region. Keep reading to find out which tour best matches your travel style.
1. From Bucharest: Private Transfagarasan Highway Day Tour
At number 1, this private tour offers a full-day exploration of the legendary Transfagarasan Highway with a focus on comfort and tailored experiences. For around $198 per person, you’ll enjoy a 10-hour trip that includes an Argeș Monastery visit, a Poenari Castle stop, and a scenic drive across the highway’s most iconic points. The tour is highly rated, with a perfect 5/5 from 18 reviews, and guides like Bogdan and Andrei are praised for their knowledge and flexibility.
What makes this tour stand out is its comprehensive itinerary. It begins with a pickup in Bucharest and takes you through Argeș Monastery, one of Romania’s cultural symbols. Then, you’ll stop at Poenari Castle, the legendary home of Vlad the Impaler, for a quick photo and some history. The Vidraru Dam offers impressive views and photo opportunities, followed by a two-hour break at Balea Lake & Chalet—a perfect spot for lunch or simply soaking in the landscape. The highlight is the scenic drive along the Transfagarasan, often called “the best road in the world” for its twists, turns, and sweeping vistas.
Reviewers consistently praise the professionalism and friendliness of guides, especially mentioning their ability to customize the day. “We saw bears on our journey,” one traveler recalls, highlighting the tour’s connection with the wild. This trip is perfect for those who want a luxurious, detailed experience with plenty of stops for photos and stories.
Bottom Line: If you want a private, flexible, and in-depth exploration of the Transfagarasan with an expert guide, this tour offers unbeatable value and memorable sights.
2. Private Day Tour from Bucharest to Transfagarasan Road
Coming in at number 2, this Private Day Tour from Bucharest to Transfagarasan Road is slightly shorter, around 9 hours, but still packs a punch with its focus on the most spectacular sights. Priced at $187 per person, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a private, guided experience with an emphasis on photos and scenic stops. The tour is rated 4.7/5, reflecting strong satisfaction among travelers.
What makes this tour appealing is its simplicity and focus on highlights. It includes a visit to Vidraru Dam, where you can enjoy panoramic views and snap photos of the enormous structure. The drive continues along the Transfagarasan Highway, with frequent stops for sightseeing and taking in the breathtaking scenery. The tour is ideal for travelers who want a more streamlined experience—seeing the key sites without the need for a full-day itinerary or extra activities.
The guides here are described as knowledgeable, providing insights into the area’s geography and history, making the scenery even more meaningful. You’ll also appreciate the flexibility of a private tour—you can customize your timing and focus. While shorter, this trip still offers a satisfying taste of Romania’s stunning mountain roads.
Bottom Line: For a more compact, private experience emphasizing scenic views and photography, this tour offers great value and flexibility.
$187 per person
3. SUPER TOUR: Top Gear Road with Wild Bears Sightseeing
Finally, at number 3, the SUPER TOUR: Top Gear Road with Wild Bears Sightseeing is perfect for adventure lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. This 12-hour tour combines a visit to Curtea de Arges Monastery, a trip to Balea Lake, and, most notably, the chance to see wild bears in their natural habitat. It’s rated 4.8/5, reflecting the thrill and depth of the experience.
What makes this a standout is its combination of scenic driving and wildlife observation. The day begins in Victoriei Square, then takes you to Curtea de Argeș Monastery, a beautiful example of Romanian religious architecture. From there, you’ll visit Balea Lake, perched at over 2,000 meters altitude, with the chance to enjoy regional food and street snacks. The centerpiece is the Transfagarasan Highway itself, where you’ll spend approximately 1.5 hours for sightseeing, walking, and possibly spotting bears, thanks to the guide’s expertise.
This tour is best suited for active travelers who want an immersive experience with breathtaking landscapes and wildlife encounters. It’s more expensive but delivers a full day of adventure, scenery, and cultural insights. Reviewers mention the “surprises along the route,” making it a memorable and dynamic choice.
Bottom Line: If your goal is a full-day adventure with a mix of scenic beauty, culture, and wildlife, especially bears in the wild, this tour is hard to beat.
How to Choose
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and schedule. If you want a luxurious, private experience with detailed storytelling, the first tour provides the most comprehensive and customizable option. For those seeking a shorter, more focused trip emphasizing photography and scenic stops, the second is ideal. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for adventure, wildlife, and a bit of thrill, the third tour combines all those elements.
Consider your fitness level and how much walking or hiking you’re comfortable with, especially for the wildlife tour. Also, think about timing; the longer tours better suit travelers with full days, while the shorter options fit well into tight schedules.
Booking early is recommended, particularly for the private tours, as they tend to fill up quickly. Check availability in advance and align your choice with your specific interests—whether it’s history, scenery, wildlife, or all three.
In summary, Curtea De Arges offers a range of excellent tours that showcase its stunning mountain roads, historic landmarks, and natural wonders. For a personalized, in-depth experience, the From Bucharest: Private Transfagarasan Highway Day Tour remains our top pick. If you prefer a shorter, private trip, the Private Day Tour is also highly recommended. For those craving wildlife encounters and a full-day adventure, the SUPER TOUR offers unforgettable memories.
Whichever you choose, these tours promise an authentic taste of Romania’s natural beauty and cultural heritage—so don’t wait too long, book early, and enjoy your journey through the clouds and beyond.