HOW TO GET THERE

The best round-trip loop to Romania is Vienna, Budapest and then southeast until you hit the northern start of the Transfagarasan. Explore the Carpathian mountain roads and then down to Bucharest to the infamous Communist-era Palace of Parliament. If you’ve got time, head west to Belgrade, Sarajevo, Split and the Croatian coast north then home.

ROMANIA’S REVELATION

Length 71 miles Best for Scenery, hairpins, communist relics Route Cartisoara — Curtea de Arges

Love it because The Transfagarasan is a testament of man’s power over nature. Take a picture at The Vedere Panoramic Transfagarasan observation deck.

Stop for a cuppa at One of the roadside kiosks on the main pass.