According to the legend, the most beautiful Romanian monastery ever was built on the banks of Arges river: its construction secret was the human sacrifice that made it possible. Next, we reach the spectacular roads crossing the Carpathian Mountains. On top of an isolated cliff, 850 meters above ground, we’ll explore Poenari Fortress built by prisoners of Vlad Tepes, none other but the cruel prince who gave birth to the Dracula legends. We’ll also take advantage of a panoramic view of Vidraru Lake from the 166-metre high dam. On our way back, get ready to indulge in a sweet treat: we’ll visit the Topoloveni jam and preserves factory, a highly-valued Romanian brand that manufactures 100% natural products.

The monastery at Curtea de Arges
A monument of Romanian mediaeval art, the monastery at Curtea de Arges is the pinnacle of artistic creation in the feudal age.The church was built between 1515 and 1517, and by the 17th century it had become famous for its beauty, foreign travellers to this land calling it “one of the wonders of the world”. A genuine architectural jewel, the church is decorated with minutely detailed motifs of Georgian and Arabic origin, perfectly harmonised with Romanian folk motifs.

The Poenari fortess
A former place of refuge for the rulers of Walachia, who would retreat here when fleeing foreign invaders. Perched atop a cliff like an eagle’s nest, at an altitude of over 800 m, the fortress was built in the 14th century on an isolated peak, and it can only be reached by climbing a stairway of 1480 stone steps. The fort was used at some point by Vlad the Impaler, the Romanian prince at the origin of the Dracula character.