Transylvania: Cycling Through Legends and Landscapes

950 €, 8 Days

Transylvania is something very special: a blend of dramatic natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Its rolling hills, ancient villages, and legends—like that of Dracula—create a unique, almost timeless atmosphere. With its mix of Saxon, Hungarian, and Romanian influences, the region offers a rare glimpse into a beautifully preserved and diverse past.

Transylvania’s magic lies in its many legends, breath-taking scenery, kind locals, and historic charm. This journey leads you through the heart of rural Transylvania, where time seems to slow down and tradition is still part of daily life. Over several days, you’ll pass through peaceful villages, scenic valleys, and gently rolling hills, all while enjoying the warm hospitality and cultural richness of the region.

This cycling trip promises an exceptional experience you won’t soon forget. Alongside stunning landscapes and great exercise, you'll enjoy a carefully curated selection of visits and stops. It’s a holiday full of history, culture, and hearty food—ideal for those looking for an authentic and enriching adventure on two wheels.

Highlights:
♦ Bear Sanctuary near Zărnești – A unique wildlife conservation project home to rescued bears
♦ Brâncovenesc Monastery in Sâmbăta de Sus – A stunning 17th-century Orthodox monastery
♦ Cistercian Monastery Ruins in Cârța – Striking medieval ruins with Gothic architecture
♦ Fortified Church of Biertan – A UNESCO-listed medieval church with a rich history
♦ Sighișoara Citadel – One of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns, also UNESCO-listed

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. including dinner -/-/D

Day 2: Cycling Zarnesti - Bucium
Cycling at the foot of the Fagaras Mountain, visiting the bear sanctuary near Zarnesti and the country's oldest flour mill in Ohaba. Dinner and accommodation in an authentic guest house B/LP/D
Cycling distance: ~50 km; ascent/descent: +250/-400m

Day 3: Cycling Bucium - Carta
Cycling along Bucium river to the village of Lisa. After that we continue through Sambata de Sus (the High Saturday) to experience its impressive Brancovenesc monastery which dates all the way back to 1696. Then continue to the village of Dragus visiting the ethnographic museum. Our cycling ends in Carta, where you will visit the spectacular ruins of the local Cistercian monastery. Dinner and accommodation at an old stone mill guesthouse in Carta village. B/LP/D
Cycling distance: ~60 km; ascent/descent: +300/-450m

Day 4: Carta - Biertan
Today we head Biertan, a peaceful little town, known for its fortified church with an amazing history. This too has made the Unesco World Heritage list since 1993. If you would like to make an extra little detour, there is also a second beautiful fortified church nearby to visit. B/LP/D
Cycling distance: ~65km; ascent/descent: +600/-650m

Day 5 Biertan - Sighișoara
Sighisoara is one of the few medieval citadels in Europe included on the UNESCO list of World Heritage. On your way to Sighisoara you can also make a small detour to Dumbraveni, another lovely town which is home to an important Armenian Catholic Church, Accommodation in a central 3* hotel. B/LP/-
Cycling distance: ~40km; ascent/descent: +380/-400m

Day 6 Sighisoara - Soars
Today you will have a great exercise cycling through the brilliant Transylvanian hills to Apold village, home to another gorgeous fortified church. At the end, you will arrive in the peaceful Soars village where you will spend the night. Today's ride will take you through remote and bucolic areas where you will surely meet shepherds watching over their sheep herds. Make sure you have your camera ready! B/LP/D
Cycling distance: ~48km; ascent/descent: +600/-500m

Day 7 Soars - Viscri
From Soars, you move further to one of the highlights of this trip, Viscri. This is a properly restored Saxon village whereas the Prince of Wales bought himself a house and helped the villagers bring back to life their authentic past. Viscri also has a very interesting fortified church which was also refurbished with the help of Prince’s Charles foundation. A cycling day through these old but beautiful villages will have you meditating at the passing of B/LP/D
Cycling distance: ~35km; ascent/descent: +300/-250m

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/-/-

***

Do you miss a visit in Sibiu? Let us suggest you to take an extra-night in Carta at the same guesthouse as Day 3 (half-board) OR Sibiu (breakfast only included) + train tickets to Sibiu and back (around 1h15 per section). Price per person, based on minimum 2 participants (you need to add +25 euros, if single room) : 90 euros per person.

Want to ride the Transfagarasan road ? Built as a strategic military route, it is the highest (2034m) and most dramatic paved road in Romania. It runs north to south across the highest sections of the Carpathian Mountains. Book an extra night in Carta at the same guesthouse as Day 3 (half-board) + bus in the morning to Balea Lake (2050m) + bike rental to ride on the Transfagarasan road. Available only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, starting with 1st of July. Price per person for a double room, based on minimum 2 participants (you need to add +25 euros, if single room) : 160 euros per person.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

Tour start / Tour end: Bucharest train station
Good to know: There is a fast train connection between Henri Coandă Airport, Bucharest Otopeni and Bucharest North Railway Station.Trains run 24 hours a day, every 40 minutes. The duration of the trip is approx. 20 minutes. If you want a private transfer, please ask for a quote.
Arrival: Please consider airport arrival not later then 16:00 on the starting day of the tour or overnight in Bucharest on the previous day
Bikes: hardtail mountain bike or hybrid bike
Road conditions: We use mostly two-way roads (one band per direction) with an asphalt covering. The country roads are quite peaceful, sometimes without any cars. Horse-driven carts are usual sight. Rarely some of the stages pass along national roads, where the traffic is busier. The terrain along most of the stages represents low hills, lands under cultivation, fields, generally flat.
Necessary equipment: We strongly recommend you wearing a helmet during the cycling. We recommend to bring your own helmet (if you want to rent please check for availability in due course before arrival). Cycling gloves, breathable clothes, waterproof gear, cycling shoes/trainers. If you want to read in the evening, bring a headlamp (some guesthouses may not have bedside lamps).

Price Includes:
1 night in 3* charming hotel in Sighisoara and 6 nights in authentic guesthouses with en-suite facilities and all meals acc. itinerary (B=breakfast/Lp=lunch package/D=dinner)
English-speaking driver with a supporting vehicle
all ground transfers
luggage transportation
map
technical support
train tickets

Not Included:
Flight or other transport to Bucharest
accommodation in Bucharest
transfer to the meeting point and from the drop off point
transfer to the airport on the day of departure
meals and drinking not mentioned included
bike rental/rent of pannier bags/helmet
entrance fees
tips
travel insurance
personal expenses

Additional Services:
Rental of E-Bike during the trip 300 EUR
Rental Trek Hybrid Bikes w/ front suspensions,disc brakes and bottle holder 100 EUR
Extra-night in 3* central hotel in Bucharest - DBL B&B 90 EUR pp
Solo-traveller: Please ask for the additional fee

See above for extra night in Sibiu or in Carta to ride the Transfagarasan road

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