Bucharest: Top Gear Road and Wild Brown Bears Day Day Trip
Bucharest, Romania
- 12 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Cruise along one of Europe's most scenic mountain roads on a day trip to the Transfagarasan Road—an alpine pass featuring countless switchbacks and spectacular views of the Southern Carpathians. Instead of tackling the drive, you're free to soak up the scenery. Along the way, explore medieval Romanian history and breathe in the fresh mountain air while taking in views of the Vidraru Dam.
- Cruise along mountain ridges and through valleys on one of Romania's highest roads
- Enjoy magnificent views of the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvanian countryside
- Keep watch for native brown bears in their natural habitat
- Round-trip transportation ensures a seamless experience
What's Included
- English-speaking driver and multilingual audio guide via QR code (14 languages)
- Multilingual audio guide via QR code in 14 languages
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Round-trip transport from central Bucharest
- English-speaking driver (groups under 20); driver + live guide (groups of 20+)
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Volo HotelBulevardul Schitu Măgureanu 6, 030167 București, Romania
Volo Hotel on Boulevard Schitu Magureanu no 6 Departure time 7:00 am Look for a vehicle with One Excellence Tours sign
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Start time.7:30 am
Itinerary
Triumph Arch (Arcul de Triumf) (Pass By)
1
Vidraru Dam
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Transfagarasan Highway
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
3
Capra Wasserfall
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Le Lac Balea
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
5
Bucharest
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- From November to March bears are into hibernation state
- From November to May or mid June access to Balea Lake Top and Capra Waterfall cannot be reached due factors that are beyond the control of the tour operator
- No luggage or large bags allowed. One small handbag or small backpack per person allowed onboard the coach.Company or staff involved in the activity are not responsible for any of the guests belongings
- From November to May access to Balea Lake Top and Capra Waterfall cannot be reached due factors that are beyond the control of the tour operator
- Food and drinks in vehicle are not allowed.
- One small handbag or small backpack per person allowed onboard the coach. Company or staff involved in the activity are not responsible for any of the guests belongings
- Company reserves the right to refuse service or disembark any passenger for conduct deemed inappropriate, without entitlement to a refund.
- During winter period itinerary will be adjusted with a stop at Curtea de Arges Monastery and free time at Chalet Ursului at 1200 metres altitude for lunch and ski time. Without Balea Lake peak and Capra Waterfall. Applicable if road is partially closed.
- Presence of wild bears alongside the main public road is subject to availability determined by factors that are beyond the control of the tour operator
- Not recommended for guests with motion sickness/ car sickness
- Minimum passenger age is 12 years old. Under this is age it is prohibited.
- Presence of wild bears alongside the main public road is subject to availability determined by factors that are beyond the control of the tour operator
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
This tour was one of the highlights of our trip! The Transfăgărășan Highway is every bit as stunning as shown on Top Gear, with incredible mountain views and unforgettable stops along the way.
Our guide “Emmanuel” was fantastic professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about Romania. He made the whole experience smooth, fun, and informative. We felt well taken care of throughout the day.
Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Bucharest. A perfect mix of scenery, history, and great guiding. Would definitely book again!
Reviews
4.1
based on 81 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
It was a fantastic day. Pick up in Bucharest, then off to the mountains. We had a short comfort break to grab some breakfast and coffee then we went along the Top Gear road up to the lake. Unfortunately it was foggy, but the food in the tent was amazing. On the way up and down we saw 6 bears. A photostop and pause at the dam before heading back. 12 hour trip and worth every penny.
The trip was really nice. Very scenic roads. Lake view was ruined by fog.. but saw 6-7 bears on the way and back.
Special thanks to our guide Andrio.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Dear Rohan,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback and for giving us a 5-star review!
We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the scenic drive along the Transfăgărășan highway and were lucky enough to spot 6–7 wild brown bears along the route! While mountain fog at the lake is beyond our control, we are glad it didn't take away from the magic of your day.
Andrei (Andrio) will be delighted to read your special mention. It was a true pleasure hosting you, and we hope to welcome you back to Romania for more unforgettable adventures in the future!
Warm regards,
The Tour Operations Team
What an absolute amazing trip from start to finish Highley recommend booking this trip seen around 18 bears the views were incredible 10/10
Stefan, the driver, did an excellent job. Friendly, calm... We found seven bears and the views were nice. If I had time I would go there again.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful 5-star review! We're delighted you enjoyed the Transfăgărășan road and that the day delivered — seven bears is a fantastic sighting! We'll pass your kind words on to the driver, who will be very happy to hear them. We'd love to welcome you back on another adventure whenever you return to Romania. Safe travels!
— The One Excellence Tours Team
We saw 19 brown bears 🐻 and our driver did great job with driving and was helpful. Wish more time at top but it’s a long drive from Bucharest.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hello Cynthia,
Wow, 19 brown bears! That is absolutely incredible and definitely a jackpot day on the Transfagarasan road! 🐻
Thank you so much for the 5-star review and for highlighting the great job done by your driver. Navigating the famous Top Gear road requires skill, and we are glad his helpfulness and driving made the long journey smooth and comfortable for you.
It is indeed a long drive from Bucharest, and while we always try to maximize the time spent at the top, we are thrilled that the breathtaking views and the wildlife encounters made it such a memorable day trip.
Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back for more amazing adventures!
Best regards,
The Management Team
No one said the Transfaragasun Highway was closed so we drove to the waterfall, saw 1 brown bear along the way and were then forced to spend 1h 45 mins before going back the same way.
Absolute bloody rip off and a waste of a day. Didn't see the lake either as the road was closed.
Never saw the monastery that was mentioned in the audio nor did we stop to see Vlad's castle ruins.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear PENNY_C,
Thank you for your feedback. While we understand your disappointment regarding the road closure, we must strongly reject the claim that our tour is falsely advertised. All the limitations you encountered are explicitly detailed in our tour description and the "Information travelers need from you" section, which every guest is required to read before booking.
Please allow us to clarify the facts based on our official tour terms:
Transfăgărășan Road & Bâlea Lake Closure: Our description clearly states: "From November to May or mid-June, access to Balea Lake Top and Capra Waterfall cannot be reached due to factors beyond the control of the tour operator." As your tour took place on June 6, the high-altitude section of the pass was still officially closed due to snow and safety regulations, exactly as advertised.
The Winter/Alternative Itinerary: Our terms explicitly state that if the road is partially closed, "the itinerary will be adjusted with a stop at Curtea de Argeș Monastery and free time at Chalet Ursului for lunch." The audio guide mentions the history of the region, but stopping at the Poenari Citadel (Vlad's castle ruins) is not part of this specific itinerary due to safety or logistics, which is why it is not listed in the stops.
Wild Bears Sightings: Seeing wildlife is never guaranteed. However, our terms clearly note: "Presence of wild bears alongside the main public road is subject to availability determined by factors beyond the control of the tour operator." You did, in fact, get to see a wild brown bear during the drive, which fulfills this highlight of the trip.
We operate strictly within the safety parameters of the mountain authorities and the transparent terms listed on our page. It is unfair to label a tour a "rip-off" when we precisely followed the contingency itinerary that was presented to you at the time of booking.
Best regards,
I love Bucharest : Romania 🇷🇴
This is an excellent trip . Driver is amazing. His knowledge is phenomenal . The places . The stops and the people. Loves it all .
This tour was one of the highlights of our trip! The Transfăgărășan Highway is every bit as stunning as shown on Top Gear, with incredible mountain views and unforgettable stops along the way.
Our guide “Emmanuel” was fantastic professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about Romania. He made the whole experience smooth, fun, and informative. We felt well taken care of throughout the day.
Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Bucharest. A perfect mix of scenery, history, and great guiding. Would definitely book again!
This is a summer activity for sure. Even he tour says roads may close October through winter. However, early October was available to book so we booked second week of October hoping the weather wouldn’t get cold yet to enjoy the drive. The driver told us bears probably went hibernating, which is fine. Bear sighting wasn’t my top priority. I went for the top view of hairpin turns and Lake Balea but left disappointed seeing nothing due to poor weather. My complaint is that the tour agency and guides knew that the weather has already changed a week ago and did not proactively cancel the trip. Most shops at lake balea were closed too.
Worth doing, great drive, scenic views, lakes, dams, waterfalls and tbe Transfagarsan. Unfortunately no bears. That's nature.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the spectacular scenery along the Transfăgărășan Highway — the lakes, waterfalls, and mountain views truly make it one of Romania’s most beautiful routes.
As you mentioned, bear sightings are never guaranteed, but the adventure and views always make the journey worthwhile. We appreciate your positive feedback and hope to welcome you on another tour soon!
Warm regards,
One Excellence Tours
I really enjoyed the destination of this tour, though the bus trip was fairly long there and back at approximately eight hours. It was difficult to see the road once we arrived due to fog and snow, but I enjoyed it all the same.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Mark,
Thank you for your kind review. Zenobia on TripAdvisor on the same coach with you did not enjoy the tour and stated the schedule was changed but we are happy to see proof that we have positive and happy guests who enjoy trips.
I waited at the pick up point on the Viator voucher for two hours and was not picked up. Later contacted tour operator and was advised the pick up point on the voucher was incorrect. Viator repeatedly refused a refund. Their 'customer service' is a disgrace. Cannot recommend One Excellence Tours and will never use Viator again.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Pretzel Lover,
The fact that Viator sent you a voucher does not make One Excellence Tours responsible. It's like buying an product from the supermarket but you blame the factory because the supermarket sold it. Customer Service asked you if you were at the proper meeting point from the page and you responded with another meeting point. We never advised anything and we are happy to publish the emails where you were redirected to Viator Customer Service, if they gave the wrong meeting point cause we don't know that.
Cannot recommend our experience to illiterates incapable of following simple instructions. We deal with adults, not late bloomers.
Meeting time 7:30 - I arrive early, go round the corner for breakfast and coffee. Go back to the meeting point at 7:28.
I stand waiting until 8am. No one is there. Operator does not answer phone or respond to messages.
Worst experience I’ve ever had on a tour. And I’ve used Viator in three continents in several different countries. Can’t believe this has been allowed to happen.
I then ended up renting a car for £122 to go and do the tour myself. To rub salt into the wound Viator rejected my request for a refund as the operator wouldn’t allow it - how can they even have a say in this?
This operator needs to be struck off. Totally inexcusable.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Dear Pretzel Lover,
Thank you for your review. We’re puzzled, though: at 07:30 and 18 seconds, our big, red coach was parked right at the meeting point, greeting 40 other guests who all managed to board without difficulty. Here’s the proof: https://ibb.co/xt5w8pqS
You mention returning at 07:28—yet somehow, the other 40 travelers experienced the magical ability to both see the coach and meet the guide at the very same spot. Perhaps the coffee was stronger than expected?
As for refunds: just as you wouldn’t expect a plane to wait while you stroll back from breakfast, our tours also follow strict departure times. The operator does indeed have a say, because the operator is the one providing the service. That’s how travel works—otherwise, the pretzels would be running the tours.
We understand the disappointment, but in this case, the bus, the guide, and dozens of happy travelers all left exactly as scheduled. We hope your future journeys (and breakfasts) are timed a little better.
Truly impressive experience with a fascinating guide and great small company of tourists! We saw 6 bears in total, 1 of which was a mama bear. Special gratitude to Emanuel, our guide, who told us a lot of historical and cultural facts about Romania and the people and slowed down to see bears longer :) I wish only we could enjoy this wonderful place longer 🥹
The guide was really friendly and informative. He pointed out a lot of landmarks along the way and gave good information at the official stops. The stop at the top was really cool and he gave a good recommendation for where to get traditional food for lunch. My advice for future travellers is to bring a jacket and cash as there are stalls at some of the stops that only take cash. As for bears, there were heaps about after lunch. Unfortunately I only caught glimpses of them due to where I was sitting. They all seemed to be on the right-hand side of the van, if that helps.
Amazing tour definitely worth the price just make sure to bring an umbrella or sweatshirt just in case it starts to rain because the clouds. Besides that amazing and a must do.
Great tour! Perfect for outdoor/ nature lover. We had a fantastic day with Stefan and Jhonny the driver. We saw 23 bears.
Highly scenic drive along the forest and mountains. The views at the final destination around the glacier are breathtaking. Spotted around 15 brown bears and the trip was totally worth it.
Waited at pick up point half hour before pick up time no one turned up it’s a scam avoid at all costs
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Dear Hairy,
You have been informed on 11th of June of the new departure point via email by Viator Customer Service. However they confirmed to our company that you have never read the email. Your booking was for 26th of June.
We might add that you have been refunded by Viator without our consent although we placed request with them 15 days in advance before.
We also like to mention that on TrustPilot you have accused the responder to your review of throwing 'a tantrum' while your review was updated 7 times.
We truly hope that you never encounter a situation at the airport where the flying gate may change 2 hours before without emailing and just showing on screens (website on our case).
Highly recommended tour! We saw many bears along the way and the view at the top was beautiful. Tour guide was super friendly too!
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Dear Esteemed Customer,
Thank you for your review. We are glad to read positive reviews and hope to receive more. Due to negative reviews from No Show customers who fail to meet 2 or 4 or even 9 coaches at the location, the price is going to be increased.
We used to charge 21 EUR which is less than an Uber drive from airport to the city, for a 12 hours day trip. While we thought that the price will make more customers happy, we noticed how, although payment is being retained by reseller, the company is always at fault for something. For that reason the price is going to be increased.
Customers who review us on a positive manner are a blessing and we hope to receive more happy and positive customers.
Our company offers a quality tour with right amount of free time at each location in comparison to our competition.
Due to these reasons, we want to fully avoid customers that cannot find our coaches at the location nor follow guide instructions for that matter.
Great day. Highly recommend. We got to see lots of bears, this was amazing. Very scenic. Great tour guide.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Dear Viator customer,
Thank you for your review. We are delighted to have had you as our guest. Any related review upon delivered service, it holds up to Viator comprehensive standards.
We wish you best of travel!
We enjoy cruise along mountain ridges and through valleys on the highest roads, along the way we see all beautiful color like the leaves turn orange and yellow while season changing. Only 1 disappointed was no spot of wild brown bear.
Beautiful scenery Guide was very personable. Only suggestion I can make is to give information at the places we visited, little was said.scenery. Don't expect to see bears as our guide said they recently killed 600 to control over population and now fine people who feed them. He said they seldom sees bears anymore. So that was disappointing but the beautiful scenery still makes it a worthwhile trip.
There where no beats at all then They insisted to continue And drove under heavy traffic
Horrible waste of time
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Dear Sarakie,
There is no traffic on the Transfagarasan road except for those who go for the same purpose: enjoy fantastic views, mountain road, waterfall, lake, river dam, lake view and the very top of 2300 metres altitude with clear sky.
Bears are wild animals who lately have been coming out less due to truck who transport lumber and scares them away. There were days with 5 bears and next day 0 but again, they are wild animals. This is why we have a disclaimer at important information section. If you signed up just for the bears, next time you can sign up to go at the sanctuary or the zoo.
The road has been rated by Top Gear as the greatest road in the world. You are there for the sights, not for the animals.
Next time we will open the door so you can go and talk with the bear chieftain of their tribe and ask'em to send some bears down the road who are not afraid of trucks and road construction.
We wish you best of travel!
We had a nice day trip and Marius was a pleasant guide. The scenery was beautiful and we even saw a bear. I would definitely recommend it.
Paul was a very informative and knowledgable guide. He gave a history lesson with every occasion which was great know so much of country. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and would suggest this tour group for anyone. It is a long day in the van but with frequent stops and so much to see, well worth it. Not to mention that it is very inexpensive for all you get.
Mike and Monkia
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Dear Mike,
Thank you for your review. We will inform Paul of the review and we truly appreciate your kindness.
Hope to see you soon in Romania for more adventures.
We wish you best of travel!
We saw 12 bears throughout the drive which was amazing, but besides that, the guide didn't seem to care much about the guest experience.
The bus was so small and compact, that there's no way that everyone could see the bears, and I wish something was communicated about the restricted viewing beforehand. With each bear, we only stopped for 1 minutes or less, which again meant there was no time to even shuffle around for everyone to get a view. I thought the driver was also driving too fast so if we did see a bear there wouldn't be enough time to slow down/stop safely.
You spend most of your time on the bus, which was so uncomfortable. My back was really aching by the end of the trip. There's literally no space to even turn your body without touching someone else. During the 4-5 hour journey each way, there only 1 bathroom stop at a gas station, which meant we couldn't really drink throughout the journey. We also couldn't eat or even snack on the bus which I find ridiculous since we are stuck on the bus for such a long time. Stops were short at the gas station so there was no point buying food, as you'd have to rush to finish it.
It would really be nice if they used a larger bus so at least people can be more comfortable since you spend around 9 hours of the 12 hour tour on the bus. I understand not wanting to make mess, but a compromise could be no hot food, and allowing snacks at least. When we got to the lunch spot, I was so hungry, and the service in the restaurant was appalling so actually didn't end up eating anything.
It was great to see the bears but I would not recommend this tour. It is crazily overpriced for the experience. I would suggest renting a vehicle for yourself as it's so cheap in Romania and driving through the Transfagarasan yourself.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Dear Sarakie,
Thank you for your review. Yes, no hot food like soups or anything that can spill cause this is a road mountain with switchbacks and u turns, not a flat road. This is not a food tour or restaurant van. On the way back van stopped at gas station on the descend part roughly 1h30 after departing from lunch. Numerous stops were made at the river dam bears and view. 11 bears at which the van stopped. 4-5 hours not even the guide or driver can survive. We don't use buses. We use vans. Buses or coaches will have a hard time climbing on that road. If you do not know difference between a bus and a van, please research. A coach/bus takes 49-60 people while our van has 19 seats in the back maximum.
What can the guide do to enhance experience when taking pictures of the bears? Go out and feed them? Explain their claws are dangerous?
It's a bear tour, where the van will stop at the bear as much as possible, while on national road that is circulated by other cars as well.
This is not a sightseeing trip, where you get out of the van and go next to the bear. This goes without saying.
Not sure what is restricted in terms of seeing, cause the van has windows on all sides. It's not like only the right side has windows but bears are wild animals and they show up on both sides of the road.
You arrived at lunch at 12 o clock which is regular lunch for anyone who starts at 8 am.
Van has 19 seats and only 18 were being used.
We do stops every 1h30 max 2 hours, thus you can stretch your legs for 20 minutes about at each small stop.
Please rent the car next time cause under a day, no rental car company will give it and for 1 day to rent with 50 euros and then pay a deposit of 400 euros with risk of loosing it plus gas and the work around the road is what you deserved.
However, we charge 49 euros for this trip ('crazily overpriced') while our competition is at the moment charging 119 euros for the same trip. If our 49 euros, less than car rental is crazy overpriced, how can you define the 119 eur?
If you were searching for the cheapest, we recommend the bicycle.
The whole purpose of the trip is to see the bears, dam and fantastic views on top of the mountain.
We made this tour affordable and are getting pinched by your kind of reviews. Maybe we should switch to our competition price and to avoid this in search of cheapest attitude.
Best is to eliminate the tour guide. Just a driver and this will solve all issues.
We wish you best of travel!
It was great to get out into the open to see natural beauty and bears. Pavel was great. It’s kind of sad the only reason we saw bears is because people feed them on the side of the road when they know they are not supposed to. So the bears come to the road looking for food. But if people stopped feeding them then the bears wouldn’t come out and then this tour wouldn’t exist. So it’s an interesting situation.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
this tour existed before and it was for the great road on top of the mountain but frankly no one cares. Everyone cares about the bears so we advertised the bears as well and starting selling it, thus creating the tour, which is sad cause in Romania we are not blessed with overtourism and a local is paying more than a tourist, when it comes to travel expenses (official statistic). Thus our company is kinda of stopping to offer the best and more focusing on mass tourism with locals.
Besides the point that the bears are too many and the forests are not enough for them or the berries, but it is good that everyone gets to see them, although it seems not satisfactory.
The scenery was amazing. We looked at the countryside, the lake, a waterfall, travelled the Transfagarasan road up to Carpathian mountains and saw bears on the road side. The views and food on the mountain top were amazing (if you like meat). The roads fortunately were less busy with it being on a Sunday otherwise the traffic can be bad. Paul gave us a lot of information during the drive. Be prepared for a long day, but would recommend.
Great day trip out , we loved every minute of it 😁 seeing the bears was amazing and the food at the top of the mountain was great !
Pavel our tour Gide was fun and friendly too 😎
Member Pricing
From
$53.77
per personWas $56.60(-5%)
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Member Pricing
Bucharest: Top Gear Road and Wild Brown Bears Day Day Trip
81
12 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$56.60
$53.77
5% savings
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Attractions in Bucharest, Romania
- Romanian Peasant Museum (Muzeul National al Taranului Roman) Tours & Tickets
- Great Synagogue (Sinagoga Mare) Tours & Tickets
- Palace of Parliament (Palatul Parlamentului) Tours & Tickets
- Carol Park (Parcul Carol) Tours & Tickets
- Bucharest Jewish History Museum Tours & Tickets
- Cotroceni Palace (Palatul Cotroceni) Tours & Tickets
- Stavropoleos Monastery (Manastirea Stavropoleos) Tours & Tickets
- National Museum of Art of Romania (Muzeul National de Arta al Romaniei) Tours & Tickets
- Patriarchal Cathedral (Metropolitan Church) Tours & Tickets
- Lipscani Tours & Tickets
- Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Roman) Tours & Tickets
- Mogosoaia Palace Tours & Tickets
- Choral Temple (Templul Coral) Tours & Tickets
- National Village Museum (Muzeul Satului) Tours & Tickets
- Royal Court of Targoviste Tours & Tickets
- Snagov Monastery (Manastirea Snagov) Tours & Tickets
- Holocaust Memorial Tours & Tickets
- CEC Palace (Palatul CEC) Tours & Tickets
- Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse (Macca-Villacrosse Passage) Tours & Tickets
More attractions near Bucharest, Romania
- Palace of Parliament (Palatul Parlamentului) Tours & Tickets
- Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Roman) Tours & Tickets
- Arcul de Triumf (Arch of Triumph) Tours & Tickets
- Stavropoleos Monastery (Manastirea Stavropoleos) Tours & Tickets
- National Village Museum (Muzeul Satului) Tours & Tickets
- Revolution Square (Piata Revolutiei) Tours & Tickets
- CEC Palace (Palatul CEC) Tours & Tickets