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When thinking about Romania, the image of Vlad the Impaler, aka Dracula, may come to mind, along with chilling stories about the fearsome Dracula. However, on our journey, we’ll debunk the myth and reveal a kind guy who was tough on his enemies but dedicated himself to his people’s well-being.
Vlad’s generosity fostered a mountainous culture with warm-hearted locals. During our trip, they’ll delight in hosting us for lunch under their porch, sharing a glass of traditional plum brandy for dessert. They’ll unveil the majestic Carpathian Mountains, where we might still spot wild bears in the heart of nature, witness horse-drawn carts used as primary transportation, explore ancient well-preserved medieval towns, impressive wooden churches, and the unforgettable Dracula’s Castle.
All of this is immersed in breathtaking landscapes—endless forests, rivers, magnificent canyons, and ice caves. The best way to experience this beauty is through off-road vehicles along trails and roads that weave through towering cliffs, charming lakes, and vineyards characterizing the ancient Saxon towns.
This is an invitation to a journey in Romania, providing a time travel experience found nowhere else.
Day 1
Arrival in Romania – Into the Wild
Your Romanian off-road adventure begins as you touch down in the heart of this stunning country. Meet our team at the airport, collect your 4WD vehicle, and set course for the Carpathian Mountains. Our first stop: Bucegi Natural Park, a must-visit national treasure. Explore the mesmerizing Bolboci Lake, often referred to as “The Sea of Bucegi.”
Continue your off-road escapade to Podu cu Florile Peak, treating yourself to breathtaking panoramic views of the Bucegi Mountains. In the evening, we’ll settle into our cozy accommodation in Brasov.
Dinner and Overnight: Brasov Area.
Day 2
Diham Cottage, Dracula’s Castle, and Poiana Marului
Today, our off-road journey takes us to Diham Cottage, with inspiring views of the Bucegi Mountains. Discover the legendary “Dracula’s Teeth” peaks, known as “Coltii Morarului,” and savor a cup of coffee next to this breathtaking natural beauty. Our next stop is the famous Bran Castle, often associated with Dracula’s spirit. We’ll then drive toward Poiana Marului village, passing through captivating mountain landscapes. The village itself is like a page out of a fairytale.
In the evening, we’ll find our cozy accommodation at an altitude of 1100m and indulge in a delicious Romanian dinner, complete with local drinks.
Dinner and Accommodation: Poiana Marului Area.
Day 3
Zarnesti Canyon, Magura Pestera, and Vidraru Dam
After breakfast, depart Poiana Marului and head to Zarnesti. Here, our guide will lead a brief hike through the scenic Zarnesti Canyon, allowing you to breathe in the crisp mountain air while taking in the stunning landscapes that once graced the movie “Cold Mountain.”
Your off-road adventure continues as you drive through the rolling hills of Magura and Pestera, two charming traditional villages framed by the Piatra Craiului and Bucegi Mountains. Traverse the breathtaking Bran Pass before reaching Fundatica, the highest traditional village in Romania, perched at an altitude of 1360 meters. Drive through the scenic Key Valley Canyon and arrive at the colossal Vidraru Dam, the tallest dam in Romania, standing at 166 meters. The day concludes as we head to our hotel.
Dinner and Accommodation: Vidraru Dam Area.
Day 4
The Legendary Transfagarasan Road and Voineasa
Our day begins with a tour of the impressive Vidraru Dam, a true engineering marvel.
Next up is the world-famous Transfagarasan Road, dubbed by the Top Gear team as “the best road in the world.” This mountain highway was originally constructed for strategic military purposes and runs across the Carpathian Mountains. Make a pit stop at Balea Lake, a pristine glacier lake sitting at 2040 meters above sea level. Here, you can enjoy a cup of coffee while marveling at the breathtaking views.
In the evening, we’ll reach Voineasa for a well-deserved overnight stay.
Dinner and Accommodation: Voineasa Area.
Day 5
The Transalpina Road and Saxon Villages – Marginimea Sibiului
After breakfast, head on the Transalpina Road, Romania’s highest road, often referred to as ‘King’s Road’ or ‘The Devil’s Pathway.’ This dramatic route crosses the Parang Mountains from North to South, offering unparalleled views, majestic passes, and thrilling driving. Pause for a coffee break at the mountaintop overlooking Vidra Lake, where the view is nothing short of spectacular. Continue your journey to Marginimea Sibiului, a region where you’ll encounter pastoral villages and a serene way of life.
Dinner and Accommodation: Marginimea Sibiului.
Day 6
Marginimea Sibiului, Sinca Veche, and Poiana Brasov
After breakfast we depart to lovely Marginimea Sibiului and head to Sinca Veche village. Here, you’ll visit the extraordinary cave Monastery, also known as the “Temple of Wishes.” This unique sanctuary exudes a “strange energy” and is considered a truly special place. Your off-road adventure continues through Barsa Land, featuring stunning landscapes.
Dinner and Accommodation: Poiana Brasov Area.
Day 7
Poiana Brasov, Brasov, and Return to Bucharest
On your last day of off-road exploration, go on a short walking tour of Brasov’s Old Town. Here, you’ll discover the renowned Black Church, the largest Gothic structure in Eastern Europe. Brasov’s old town is a well-preserved gem boasting splendid architecture and historic fortifications. The city’s rich history is reflected in its influences from Germany, the Austria-Hungarian Empire, and the former communist state. Lastly, we’ll head back to Bucharest.
Overnight, Dinner and Farewell Party: Bucharest.
Day 8
Panoramic Bucharest and Departure
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Bucharest, followed by a panoramic city tour by bus. Highlights include the Parliament Palace, the Romanian Athenaeum, and the Arch of Triumph. Later, indulge in some last-minute shopping or relaxation before we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
The authentic experiences, attention to detail, and expert guides you expect from Vered Hasharon—now in new destinations such as Romania, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, South Africa, Georgia, and Namibia!
With over 50 years of proven experience crafting exclusive travel worldwide, we know how to deliver iconic adventures that go above and beyond the standard tour. Now, we’re leveraging that experience to give you access to some of the world’s hidden gems.
Our expert guides have been working in all those destinations for 20+ years, getting to know the people, the landscapes, and the cultures firsthand so they can give you a unique insider’s perspective into these vibrant ancient cultures and thrill you with their unparalleled natural beauty.
At Vered Hasharon, we make every moment count. You get the best of both worlds–the adventure you crave and the peace of mind that everything has been taken care of, down to the tiniest details. All that’s left for you to do is to sit back and enjoy the trip as you stimulate your senses in these unforgettable journeys through history and time.
Treat yourself this year—explore the remote trails of the Carpathians on Vered Hasharon’s Romania trips!
We cannot tell you everything, or else we will ruin all of the surprises…. What we can tell you is that among your experiences will be: driving up the legendary Transfăgărășan, crowned as one of the world’s most beautiful roads, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Continue into the wild wonders of the Apuseni Natural Park, a sanctuary for bears and a nature lover’s paradise.
You will Delve deep into the earth’s secrets as you explore Romania’s largest salt mine, an underground marvel that will leave you amazed. And no visit to Romania is complete without a stop in Sighișoara, where Dracula’s palace awaits.
Lastly, as we drive through the heart of the Carpathians, we won’t miss the hidden gems of the charming Saxon villages – each with its own unique charm.
Unique local accommodation: Romania provides magical and special accommodation sites. As always, our hotels during the trip were carefully chosen. We will stay in charming hotels in the rural heart of the mountains or alongside magical beaches.
Forget about napping on tour buses! On our trips, your heart will expand as you self-drive your own rental 4WD vehicle through breathtaking landscapes, from dense forests & water streams to narrow canyons and steep mountain passes.
You don’t need any previous off-roading experience as our experienced guides will lead you safely through any obstacles on the way to the beautiful hidden places accessible only via off-road routes and mountain passes.
Previous knowledge of the hidden trails and scenic routes is needed if we wish to reach the Saxon fortresses or the heart of the Transylvanian villages along the Carpathian Mountains. Together with our guide and local team, we will ascend to the peaks of the Bucegi Mountains, passing by magical alpine lakes and enjoying the stunning views of the Carpathians. On most days we will end up in rural villages for unique and warm hospitality.
We’ll hike through breathtaking canyons, next to rivers and authentic agricultural farms on our way to ancient walled cities.
We’ll get to know Romania as only the locals do, through its spectacular off-road routes.
We don’t leave anything to chance.
• Every group is always accompanied by our staff members, including a VHS guide and professional local staff members. Our guide and staff will lead you in high-powered off-road vehicles, following the group to provide you with the amenities that will keep you happy and reassured throughout the trip, and ensure evacuation of group members if needed.
• The rental SUV vehicles are reliable and well maintained, and fully equipped with off road gear.
• We have excellent communication devices (walkie-talkies) with us that allow guides to share many fascinating stories and instructions during the journey. These communication devices are top-notch guiding tools and are not only intended for giving directions but also for enhancing your overall experience.
Our Romania trip includes everything. i
The Romanian cuisine combines various cultural influences, reflecting the fusion of different cultures that have shaped Romania’s history. The Romanian culinary tradition is primarily influenced by the Balkan and Turkish cuisines, but it also bears more distant influences, such as German and Hungarian cuisines. We cannot wait for you to taste our Mamaliga!
