The Heritage Of Transylvania (Romania)

Itinerary:

Day 1: Bucharest - Brasov - Zarnesti
Transfer from Bucharest airport  to the North train station, from where you continue by train to the Saxon city of Brasov (~ 2.5h). Once you reach Brasov, we'll get a regional train to Zarnesti for overnight (~ 45min). Overnight in a guest house close to Piatra Craiului National Park. -/-/D

Day 2: Cycling Zarnesti - Bucium
You will ride to the North, to a small typical village at the foot of Fagaras Mountains, the highest mountains in Romania. On the way, you can make a 7 km detour on a gravel road to visit the famous Bear Sanctuary off Zarnesti. From there you head to Ohaba where you will visit the oldest, water-powered, cereal mill in the county, and you will hear its amazing story, especially that of the Communism period. Dinner and accommodation in a local guesthouse.  B/PL/D
Cycling distance: ~40 km; ascent/descent: +200/-400m

A longer route is possible, through the villages of Vulcan and Holbav. 

Day 3: Cycling Bucium - Carta
You cycle at the foot of Fagaras Mountains over Bucium river and you will pass by Lisa Village where a 100 years old machine tailoring thick woolen blankets is still in function. Later on, you will visit the impressive Brancoveanu monastery in Sambata de Sus; its history goes back to 1696. Crossing Victoria town and to the small village of Cartisoara, you will reach Carta, where you will visit the ruins of the Cistercian monastery. Hopefully you will have the opportunity to meet the pastor and hear his beautiful stories. Overnight at guesthouse in Carta village.  B/L/D 
Cycling distance: ~60 km; ascent/descent: +300/-450m

Three extensions are possible in Carta:

1. One for the visit of Sibiu: we recommend to have an extra day in this magnificent village so as to go by train to visit Sibiu, one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Romania. This is certainly the reason why Sibiu was chosen as “the cultural capital of Europe” in 2007. Developed by Saxons on a Roman site, Sibiu was the residence of the Austrian government in Transylvania. The narrow streets, the picturesque courtyards and the carved stone stairs create a romantic atmosphere. Lots of monuments and interesting museums are also waiting for you there. In the evening you return by train to Carta village. 

2. The same option, but with an overnight in Sibiu instead of Carta. (Att : Early morning train back to Carta & packed breakfast to reclaim your bikes)

3. Another option meant for riding down the Transfagarasan road.

Day 4: Carta - Biertan
The route through Transylvania continues towards Biertan and its enormous fortified church with several ring-walls. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage listed site since 1993. The trip carries on along country roads and you'll enjoy the pastoral landscapes, as well as the fortified church of Richis. Dinner and accommodation in a guesthouse in Biertan. B/L/D
Cycling distance: ~65km; ascent/descent: +500/-550m

Day 5: Biertan - Sighișoara
This cycling day will allow you to discover more treasures in Transylvania. You will move on to Sighisoara, one of the few medieval citadels in Europe that is still fully inhabited and also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the old town with its famous clock tower, which initially served as the main entrance to the citadel, but also have a look at the covered stairway, the mysterious medieval streets, the house where Vlad Dracul, Vlad the Impaler’s father, was born. On the way you can make a small detour to Dumbraveni, a town with an important Armenian Catholic church. Accommodation in a charming 3* hotel.  B/L/-
Cycling distance: ~40km; ascent/descent: +400/-400m

Day 6:  Sighisoara - Soars
Today you will cycle among Transylvanian hills to Apold, a village that also hosts a lovely fortified church. You will then arrive in Soars, where you will spend the night. The country road today will take you across remote and bucolic land, where you will surely encounter shepherds watching over their sheep. Do not miss the occasion to look into the traditional way of life! B/L/D
Cycling distance: ~46km; ascent/descent: +600/-500m

Day 7: Soars - Viscri
From Soars you carry on cycling to one of the highlights of this trip, Viscri, where you will have the opportunity to visit the local 0fortified church. This church was restored with the help of King Charles’ foundation. A ride day thorough those old and time-standing villages allows you to enjoy time for introspection, time to meditate at the passing of time and at the connection with the nature around. If you want the maximum out of your trip, you can go have a stroll through this postcard village, visiting the local blacksmith. B/L/D
Cycling distance: ~35km; ascent/descent: +250/-200m

Day 8: - Viscri - Brasov - Bucharest.
Private transfer from Viscri to Brasov to take the train to Bucharest (first train leaving at 13:30).
End of services. B/-/-

***

Planning of Day 1

The standard train is around 2:30pm, arrival in Brasov around 5pm, followed by 30min train to Zarnesti and a 10 min private transfer to the guesthouse.

If the flight doesn’t arrive in time to take the 3pm train, there are 2 options:

1. Take the 4.45 train, arrival at the guesthouse around 9.30pm

2. Book a pre-tour extra-night in Bucharest. This allows us to book earlier trains from Bucharest to Brasov, including an early train allowing to visit Brasov for half a day before the private transfer to Brasov. The visit of Brasov is highly recommended, preferably taking an extra-night in Brasov, pre or post tour.

Planning of Day 8

The standard program is departure from the guesthouse at 7:15am, followed by a train transfer at 9.15. Arrival in Bucharest around 11.45. Possible flight minimum 3 hours later.

Extra-night in Brasov recommended.