Historic Transylvania Day Trip from Brasov

Leave your Brasov accommodations behind in the morning for the 3-hour journey to Poenari Fortress along the Transfagarasan, one of the most famous roads in the world. Carved through 3-million tons of stone, a famous British auto-enthusiast show once tested it and classified it as 'the most beautiful road in the world'. It climbs to the highest altitude in Romania, 2,042 meters, and has more tunnels and viaducts than any other road in the country. The winding road, dotted with steep hairpin turns, long S-shaped curves, and steep descents combined with absolutely stunning views, connects Transylvania and Walachia. Reaching the glacier Lake Balea, with its overwhelming scenery and austere beauty, you can admire mountain vegetation, numerous complex glacier valleys, splendid waterfalls, and lush forests.

Crossing over the Vidraru Dam, considered by specialists a real jewel of engineering, the trip will head toward the Poenari Fortress. If there is a castle in Romania which should be called 'Dracula's castle', this is the one. Situated in a strategic position, Vlad Tepes rebuilt and strengthened the castle, making it one of his main fortresses. Learn about the legend surrounding this fortification and prepare to climb all of the 1,480 steps for an amazing view over Arges valley.

Leaving behind the Dracula-esque scenery, head toward more divine lands and the Curtea de Arges Monastery, one of the oldest and most complex historical and art monuments in Romania. It may very well be the only monastery which is more about the legends than religion. Learn the myths surrounding this place and take a bow at the tombs of the greatest kings and queens of Romania that are buried there.

After, return to Brasov, arriving by approximately 6:30pm.