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A perfect short fly drive combining Bucharest’s elegance with Transylvania’s medieval charm and the unforgettable drive over the legendary Transfăgărășan Highway.
Activity code: ROFD04
Duration: 7 Days
This short self-drive holiday is the perfect introductory tour of Romania, combining the charm and history of Transylvania with the resurgent, cosmopolitan energy of Bucharest. Within just a few days, you can experience two of Romania’s most strikingly contrasting regions — the lively and elegant capital city and the dramatic mountain scenery of central Romania — making it an ideal taster itinerary for first-time visitors.
Your journey begins in Bucharest, a city that fuses Belle Époque elegance with bold modernity. Often called the “Little Paris of the East”, Bucharest is filled with architectural landmarks and vibrant street life. Take time to explore the Old Town (Lipscani) with its cafés and boutiques, admire the vast Palace of Parliament, and enjoy an evening stroll along Calea Victoriei before heading north into the heart of Romania.
As you leave the capital, you’ll travel through the scenic Prahova Valley, framed by the majestic Carpathian Mountains. Stop in the charming alpine town of Sinaia, home to the fairy-tale Peleș Castle, one of Europe’s most beautiful royal residences. From here, continue towards Bran, where the medieval Bran Castle — forever linked with the Dracula legend — guards the mountain pass between Wallachia and Transylvania.
Next, visit the medieval Saxon city of Brașov, one of Transylvania’s cultural jewels. Its cobbled streets, pastel houses, and lively central square are watched over by Mount Tâmpa and the gothic Black Church, while cafés and restaurants spill out onto the picturesque Council Square.
The highlight of your trip, however, is the unforgettable drive along the Transfăgărășan Highway — a masterpiece of mountain engineering and once hailed by the BBC’s Top Gear as “the best road in the world”. Winding its way up through hairpin bends, tunnels, and viaducts, the road reaches its peak at over 2,000 metres. Stop to admire the breathtaking views at Bâlea Lake, a glacial lake nestled high in the Făgăraș Mountains, before descending through lush valleys towards Curtea de Argeș, renowned for its ornate monastery and royal tombs.
Finally, return to Bucharest, where you may choose to extend your stay for a final evening enjoying the city’s excellent dining scene and lively atmosphere.
Your fly-drive can be as active or leisurely-paced as you please. Staying one night at each stop allows for maximum sightseeing; adding extra nights in Brașov or near Bâlea Lake offers more time to relax or explore on foot.
If you prefer not to drive, we can arrange a private driver or guided excursions throughout your journey. We can also pre-book sightseeing, lunches, or special experiences according to your interests.
Flights are available to and from Bucharest with a range of airlines from the UK and across Europe, and booking through us ensures your holiday is fully ATOL protected.
Prices are provided as a guideline “from” amount (in GBP) based on two adults travelling together. Single supplements, family discounts, and reductions for larger parties are available upon request. We always aim to match high-quality experiences with exceptional value for money.
Based upon 2 persons travelling.
Itinerary
On arrival into Bucharest International Airport we will provide a private transfer directly to your hotel in the city centre. Bucharest is one of the least known European capitals, yet the sixth largest city by population. As part of your introduction to the country we recommend including a traditional Romanian dinner at Caru cu Bere restaurant, emblematic of the glittering Bucharest Belle Epoque.
On your main full day in Bucharest we include a private sightseeing tour with visits to the outstanding open air Village Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, Calea Victoriei, Palace Square, the iconic Athenaeum, the Revolution Square, the monumental Parliament Palace, the University Square and the National Theatre opposite. Afterwards, stroll around the narrow streets of the historic quarter, one of the most popular leisure districts.
NB. a visit to the Parliament Palace is also highly recommended but as you must join a group tour to gain access we would need to add this to your itinerary in advance.
After breakfast collect your hire car and drive north from Bucharest across the Wallachian plain towards the mountains. Your first place of interest will surely be Sinaia, the "Pearl of the Carpathians", for a visit of Peles Castle, former summer residence of the Romanian royal family. From here it is a short drive through the beautiful Prahova Valley, passing the small resort town of Busteni to a recommend lunch stop in nearby Azuga at the Rhein Cellars (with optional wine tasting).
In the afternoon continue over the scenic mountain pass from Predeal to Rasnov (with a visit of the fortress if time allows) and a short onward drive to Zarnesti.
A free day to choose your sightseeing options:
Bran Castle, well known as Dracula's Castle; Brasov, a large Saxon mediaeval town (visit the Council Square, the Black Church which is the biggest Gothic cathedral in south eastern Europe, and the narrow, cobbled streets of Schei District; Poiana Brasov, the largest ski resort in Romania, ideal for a short walk in the high Carpathians; Prejmer & Harman fortified churches. The Bear Sanctuary, near Zarnesti is best visited in the morning.
In the morning, drive west to visit Sibiu. A city tour of the old parts of this superb Transylvanian town would include the Big Square with the Brukenthal Museum, the Stairs Passage, the Small Square, the Ancient Romanian School, the Iron Bridge (also known as the "Liars Bridge") and Huet Square with the Evangelical Church. A short excursion to Sibiel is recommended to visit the glass icon museum.
After breakfast drive back towards Bucharest, an optional route today would be via the famous "Trans Fagarasan Highway" and a picnic stop at the dramatic Lake Balea (NB. this route is usually only possible between late June and early October). The alternative route would be south along the Olt Valley which is also scenic for much of its route but takes a much lower altitude route through the Carpathians. We suggest a stay in the charming town of Curtea de Arges or you may wish to continue all the way back to Bucharest.
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