Top Bucharest activities
Top Bucharest landmarks
Beyond Bucharest
Bucharest trip ideas

Transfăgărășan Highway & Balea Lake - Private Tour from Bucharest

35 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 35 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Bucharest, Romania

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 18 (0) days in advance.

12 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

This is a relaxing private day trip from Bucharest to the Transfagarasan area.
The Transfăgărășan is a paved mountain road crossing the Carpathian Mountains, is the second-highest paved road in the country with an altitude of 2,042 metres (6,699 ft).

The road also provides access to Bâlea Lake a glacier lake situated at 2,034 m of altitude. Here we will benefit from the fresh air and low temperature, admire the view of Trasnsilvania and have lunch.

On the way back we will admire Bâlea waterfall, we'll stop at the Vidraru Dam to refresh us.

It is very possible to meet brown bears on the route.

On our way we will be able to see on a mountaintop a fortress built by Vlad the Impaler. This is Poienari fortress.

What's Included

  • WiFi on board
  • Private Tour
  • Pick-up and Drop-off from your hotel
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
See 1 moreSee 2 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Vidraru Dam

Vidraru Dam is a dam in Romania. It was completed in 1966 on the Argeș River and creates Lake Vidraru. The arch dam was built with the primary purpose to produce hydroelectricity. The dam's height is 166 metres, the arch length 305 meters and it can store 465 million cubic metres of water. The reservoir has a total shoreline (perimeter) length of 28 km.
Read more

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Transfagarasan Highway

Transfagarasan Highway is Romania’s most spectacular and best known road and, thanks to an appearance on BBC Top Gear in 2009, now one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. Fully open only from June to October, the road’s highest point is at 2042 metres: the tunnel which links the northern and southern sides at Lake Balea (Balea Lac).
Read more

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Le Lac Balea

Bâlea Lake is a glacier lake situated at 2,034 m of altitude in the Făgăraș Mountains, in central Romania, in Sibiu County. There are two chalets opened all the year round, a meteorological station and a mountain rescue (Salvamont) station. It is accessible by car on the Transfăgărășan road during the summer, and the rest of the year by a cable car from the "Bâlea.
Read more

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Capra Wasserfall

The Capra Waterfall is a spectacular sight, with its cascading waters plunging over the cliffs. Visitors will be able to explore the surrounding area, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the waterfall.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Poienari Castle

Surrounded by legends and forests, overlooking the abys from its high-altitude location, the fortress of Poenari is part of the legacy of the mythical Vlad the Impaler. This medieval prince, praised for his victories against the Turks and his ultimate sense of justice, was also dreaded for his extreme punishments against traitors.
Read more

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 4 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • In the mountains area it is colder than Bucharest, dress thickly!
  • We will NOT visit the interior of Poenari Fortress, we will only see it from from the roadside viewpoint
  • Operated by a business

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Transfăgărășan Highway & Balea Lake – Private Tour from Bucharest?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EEST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-140542P8

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
35 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 35 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
35
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 18 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Hike Bulgaria Veliko Tarnovo and Tarevet Fortress

Explore the neighboring country, Bulgaria. Cross the border using the bridge over Danube river, which is only 60 km (40 miles) from Bucharest. Take advantage...

9 to 11 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
9 to 11 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
9 to 11 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
5.0 (6)
from
$194.04

Therme-entrance ticket and transfer pick-up/drop-off Bucharest
Special Offer
Special Offer

Enter the largest indoor entertainment and wellness center in Europe as you spend your time relaxing in pools and saunas or having fun on the...

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation
5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation
5 to 6 hours • Free Cancellation
4.2 (13)
$67.90
$66.90

Day Trip Through Brasov in Transylvania and Bran, Peles, and Rasnov Castles

This is a unique opportunity to discover one of the most beautiful and picturesque regions of Romania. Visit, what are probably the most beautiful castles...

11 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
11 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
11 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
4.0 (9)
from
$266.49

Private Day Tour to Historical Villages in Sinaia

Embark on a captivating 8-10 hour journey from Bucharest to the enchanting town of Sinaia. Enjoy a picturesque 2-hour drive through the Romanian countryside, immersing...

10 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
10 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
10 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
5.0 (6)
from
$183.68

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town

The most popular pub crawl in Bucharest and a great way to discover the amazing nightlife of Romania along with many other people! A unique...

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation
4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation
4 to 5 hours • Free Cancellation
4.9 (471)
from
$28

The Real tour of Communism

The Real Tour of Communism will take you through all of the major aspects regarding the life under communist rule in Romania which lasted officially...

3 hoursFree Cancellation
3 hoursFree Cancellation
3 hours • Free Cancellation
5.0 (712)
from
$33.49

Dracula's Castle, Peles Castle and Brasov Day Trip from Bucharest

Transylvania is perhaps one of the most popular places in the world for the legends and mysteries surrounding his paths. On this tour you will...

12 hoursFree Cancellation
12 hoursFree Cancellation
12 hours • Free Cancellation
4.6 (1,391)
from
$28.11

Bucharest Highlights Walking Tour

Discover, interact and finally learn what other things you can explore in the city. It is a tour that will help you shape a first...

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
2 hours 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
5.0 (670)
from
$24.16

What's Included

Activity name

  • WiFi on board
  • Private Tour
  • Pick-up and Drop-off from your hotel
  • Professional English Speaking Guide
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • In the mountains area it is colder than Bucharest, dress thickly!
  • We will NOT visit the interior of Poenari Fortress, we will only see it from from the roadside viewpoint
  • Operated by a business

Protecting you

Activity name

For your protection and stress-free bookings, use our secure platform to pay for bookings. Day Trip Romania

Report Product Issue

Activity name

Language
Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Activity name

Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EEST).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Activity name

Cool Destinations wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Destinations over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Choose an option

Activity name

or

Cool Rewards Terms & Conditions

Activity name

Cool Rewards

  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
  • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
  • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
  • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
  • If a booking where rewards were issued is canceled, the earned rewards will not be redeemable and will be moved to a canceled state.

Redeeming rewards

  • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
  • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
  • You will not be able to redeem only a portion of your available rewards at checkout. It is only possible to redeem all or none of your available rewards.
  • There is no minimum order value required to redeem your rewards. This means that you can pay for 100% of your order with rewards.
  • Rewards are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
  • If rewards are redeemed against a booking that is canceled or refunded, the rewards will be reissued to your account.

Miscellaneous

  • You can check your Cool Destinations account to see the rewards you have collected at any time. You are responsible for ensuring that your rewards balance is correct.
  • We reserve the right to modify these Cool Rewards Terms and Conditions at any time, with or without notice, including the rules for earning and redeeming rewards. Any changes will be reflected in the updated Terms and Conditions.
  • We reserve the right to terminate the Cool Rewards program and cease issuing any further rewards on future bookings. All pending and available rewards balances will be honored.
  • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.