The Very Best Of The Carpathian Mountains And Culture (Romania)
High-roofed wooden churches, citadels, legendary castles, troubled history, splendid mountain scenery and alpine peaks, scattered villages …these are just a few of Transsylvania's assets!
This tour will take you on an enchanting trip through the stunning mountains of the Eastern Carpathians and the historic region of Transylvania combining trekking in pristine natural surroundings and visits of cultural and historic landmarks and famous Romanian towns and villages. You will spend few days of moderate hiking in some of the most picturesque mountains and National parks of Romania - Bucegi Mountains National Park, Piatra Craiului National Park, Prapastiile Zarnestilor Gorge, and enjoy the rich biodiversity and marvelous mountain views of the Carpathian landscape - alpine meadows, large fir forests, rocky alpine peaks, stunning gorges and beautiful valleys. You will also sense the magical medieval spirit of Transylvania when visiting the historic city of Sighisoara, The Bran castle, and several monasteries.
Tour Highlights:
♦ Marvelous natural alpine landscapes of the Carpathian mountains and its national parks and nature reserves
♦ Typical Transylvanian mountain villages with traditional culture and way of life
♦ The beautiful Medieval old town of Sighisoara (Unesco site)
♦ The famous Dracula's Castle in Bran
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival - Risnov Castle - Risnov
Arrival at Bucharest airport and transfer to Risnov, where we visit Risnov Castle or Rosenau as it was called by its founders, the Teutonic knights. From the ramparts we will have spectacular panoramic mountain views to the Bucegi, Postavarul and Piatra Craiului mountains. We spend 2 nights in Risnov.
Day 2. Risnov - Brasov
After a transfer to Brasov, we do a hike on the Piatra Mare Massif, through "7 Ladders" canyon. (Duration: 5-6 hours, uphill/downhill walk: 800 m/800 m).
Day 3. Brasov - Bucegi - Craiului Mountains
The legendary Dracula castle will be visited today. Walk in the Bucegi with splendid views to the Craiului Mountains, first to the mountain village of Simon, known for its special smoked cheese and then to Moieciu village. Overnight in Moieciu. (Duration: 5 - 6 hours, uphill/downhill walk: 500 m/500 m).
Day 4. Moieciu - Fundata - Magura
From Moieciu we continue on foot to the shepherd village of Fundata, followed by a visit to the “Kings stone”, eventually arriving in Magura. On our way we may see orchids, gentians, campanulas and endemic flowers like the Carpathian Iris, scattered around over beautiful alpine pastures and meadows covered with wildflowers. We will stay two nights in these beautiful surroundings. (Duration: 5 - 6 hours, uphill/downhill walk: 200 m/200 m).
Day 5. Magura
Today we make a round walk with spectacular views to the Postavarul, Bucegi and Piatra Craiului. On our way we may visit the Pestera Liliecilor (The Bats Cave). (Duration: 4 - 5 hours, uphill/downhill walk:100 m/100 m).).
Day 6. Curmatura Mountains hut - Prapastiile Zarnestilor gorge - Zarnesti
Walk to the rustic Curmatura Mountains hut where we may have a drink, then walk through the spectacular Prapastiile Zarnestilor gorge to Zarnesti. Zarnesti once was made famous through the “Large Carnivore Project” dealing with the bears, wolves and lynx in Romania. In the evening, we may watch a video about the ‘Wolfs project” and the Piatra Craiului National Park. Overnight in a welcoming guesthouse in Zarnesti. (Duration: 5 hours).
Day 7. Weisskirch - Sigishoara
Drive to Weisskirch - a pretty, typical German/Saxon fortified village with beautiful old farm houses. Short walk to the impressive church castle. In the afternoon we head for a sightseeing tour in Sighisoara - the birth place of count Dracula. The town is UNESCO heritage listed and it is also known as the pearl of Transylvania.
Day 8. Departure
Transfer to Bucharest airport for departure.
Included in the price: 7 nights in in family run guesthouses, hotels and cottages on HB (breakfast abd dinner included) ► English-speaking guide throughout the program ► all ground transfers ►entrance fees
Not included: ►flight tickets ► meals, not mentioned in the program ►medical insurance ►alcohol drinks and personal expenses ►photo or video taxes during the visits ►tips
Other expences: ►Single room supplement: 130 euro
Good to know: Hiking specifics: we use well marked trekking trails in the forested and alpine parts of the Carpathian mountains. You may extend your holiday with a week spent in Bulgarian mountains or seaside at an incredibly low price! For more information please check "Vacation extensions".
Recommended travel period of the year: June - September
Vacation Extensions:
Pirin-Rodopi Mountain Trek (Bulgaria)
Transbalkan Trek (Bulgaria)
Sozopol (Bulgaria)
Sunny Beach (Bulgaria)
Lozenets (Bulgaria)
Nessebar (Bulgaria)
Varna / Golden Sands (Bulgaria)
"Via Pontica" Autumn Migration Birding (Bulgaria)
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