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3
moderate
Activities
  • guided walk
Accommodation
  • hotels and rural pensions
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1490GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: TCG

Trip highlights

  • Exploring Bran Castle and the legend of Dracula
  • Discovering picturesque mountain villages
  • Walking along limestone ridges to take in the stunning landscapes of Piatra Craiului
  • Experiencing genuine cultural exchange with the local people and with your Romanian English speaking guide
  • Visiting the Bear Sanctuary in Zarnesti to learn of the incredible work they are doing to rescue bears

The memories this journey will create for you will last a lifetime. There are so many facets to this week long experience which will ensure a good insight into Romanian rural life. Explore some of Romania's most stunning mountain landscapes and soak up the unique culture of Transylvania on this inspiring guided walk in the company of a like minded group. Piatra Craiului meaning royal stone, is a dramatic limestone ridge which rises sharply from the forests and plains below, offering one of the best ridge walks in Europe. En route to the Bucegi Mountains, explore the gorges and ridgetops of Piatra Craiului to experience exceptional views of the region. The Bucegi mountains are home to a diverse range of landscapes from pine and beech forests to flower laden meadows and high limestone cliffs. It is also where you can find Bran Castle, connected through folklore to the fictitious character, Dracula. Whilst the legends of Transylvania are an enticing reason to visit this region, the walking opportunities and the friendly atmosphere created by your hosts in the rural pensions guarantee this will be a unique and diverse adventure. The journey includes a visit to a Bear Sanctuary, whose work has been vital in rescuing bears and preserving habitats. Finally, visit Peles Castle enroute to the capital, Bucharest.

Countries:

Romania

Starting Point:

Bucharest

Finishing Point:

Bucharest

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Make your way to Bucharest North train station to meet your guide and group - the meeting time is usually at noon (12pm). From here we take the train to Brasov (approx 1pm and travel time 2hrs 40mins), enjoying stunning views along the way of the Prahova Valley where the Prahova river winds its way between the Bucegi and Baiului Mountains along the Carpathian Mountain range. Check in to our centrally located hotel and later there is an orientation walking tour to discover the history of this beautiful medieval town. Dinner at leisure.

Meals:  Nil

After a short transfer, we will visit the Bear Sanctuary, where you will hear interesting stories about the bears that you will see. We then venture (1hr transfer) into Piatra Craiului National Park. Our walk begins with a gentle ascent along scenic woodland trails resonating with melodious birdsong. Our destination is Cabana Curmatura, a delightful lunch spot offering panoramic views of the valley and canyon. Lunch promises a treat with local soup and a delectable apple pie. We descend through open hills, traverse a sizable wooded area by the river, and follow an ancient path to the Jurassic Zarnesti Canyon. Our final climb leads to the enchanting village of Magura. Our base for the next two nights is in a charming, traditional guesthouse. 15km/9.3mi, +890m/2920ft, -600m/1969ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Walking from Magura, we have a gradual ascent through lush pastures and traditional farmland. Progressing along a shaded forest track, we continue our ascent until the woodland unveils a breathtaking hilltop vista. This serves as a perfect pause for marveling at the splendid views below. Our leisurely walk leads to a hillside lunch spot, offering picturesque views of a remote farmhouse owned by a charming local farmer tending to his cattle, oblivious to modern amenities. Post-lunch, we traverse favorable terrain before descending a very steep 500m hill, with Bran Castle in sight. Renowned as "Dracula's Castle," its Gothic architecture provides an immersive experience into 14th-century Transylvanian life. After exploring the castle, a private transfer (35mins) takes us back to our guesthouse, concluding a day rich in historical and scenic wonders. (Castle admission fee not included). 12km/7.5mi, +350m/1148ft, -600m/1969ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Our walk today takes us beneath the majestic Piatra Craiului Mountains, amidst a picturesque panorama of pastures, sheepfolds, and woodlands. The day ends in a quaint village seemingly unaffected by the passage of time. Revel in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains before retiring to a charming guesthouse nestled in an enchanting village setting. 14.5km/9mi, +645m/2116ft, -500m/1640ft

Meals:  B,L,D

After a hearty breakfast we head out on the trail. We traverse a tapestry of charming villages, where time-honoured customs endure. Stroll past a nearly two-century-old dwelling, a testament to the region's history, and stop at a lovely local residence housing a small museum showcasing the heritage of the traversed villages. Depending on the hour, we can visit two local Orthodox Churches, then unwind in a snug guesthouse owned by a renowned cook. Meals are home-cooked using produce from the owner's farm and are full of authenticity and flavour. 13km/8.07mi, +250m/820ft, -350m/1148ft

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we ascend gradually to a ridge's summit, passing numerous shepherds huts en route to La Bisericuta. At this vantage point, breathtaking views of the Bucegi Mountains and the Bangaleasa Valley unfold, offering ample photo opportunities. A gentle descent leads us into the serene Bucegi National Park. From here a longer walk is possible to a second ridge, culminating in a well-deserved break at Poiana Gutanu Meadows. We'll recharge with a packed lunch, surrounded by the beauty of the landscape that stretches out before us. 18km/11mi, +/-850m/2788ft or 12 km/7.4mi, +/-350m/1,148ft

Meals:  B,L,D

After a short transfer, we visit the fortified church of Vulcan, a remarkable testament to Saxon heritage dating back to their colonisation of Transylvania in the 13th century. In the village, we will enjoy a delightful encounter with the priest of this historic church—an enthusiastic and insightful person who will share the story of the site and offer us a tasting of local specialties. From here we will transfer back to Bucharest (4hrs), with a small stop to see the magnificent Peles Castle in Sinaia. In Bucharest, check in at our comfortable centrally located hotel and the evening is at leisure. With our recommendations, you’ll be sure to enjoy your time in the capital.

Meals:  B,L

Trip concludes after breakfast. Bucharest is an eclectic city, where influences from the medieval era and Ottoman occupation blend with those of the modern period, marked by French neoclassical architecture and the imposing legacy of the communist era. We can assist with booking extra nights on request, also an airport transfer - please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches, 5 dinners - Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, tea, coffee & juices. Picnic lunches will include fresh produce such as bread, spreads, salad and meats sourced by our local hosts. Dinner is generally 3 courses consisting of entrée or soup, a main dish and dessert, including local and international dishes. Occasionally dinner is 2 courses only.
  • 7 nights accommodation: 2 nights comfortable hotels, 5 nights rural pensions/guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (note: shared facilities 1 night, at Ciocanu)
  • English speaking qualified Romanian guide (from day 1 until the evening of day 7)
  • Luggage transfer on walking days (note: you carry your luggage on the train)
  • Transfers as noted in the itinerary by train or private minibus / car
  • Entrance to Bear Sanctuary and Peles Castle
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Bucharest train station
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • A supplement will apply if you are booked in a single room
  • Entrance to Bran Castle and other entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Optional: we can assist with arrival and departure transfers: from the airport to the station to join the trip, or from the airport to the airport.
  • Optional to rent: walking poles (must be pre-booked and pre-paid)
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

moderate

3

GRADE 3 - The walking is moderate (3) grade with daily walks of around 4-6 hours. There are some more demanding stages during the walk with steep uphills, descents, and some sections of the trail require more care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. Note some walks may change depending on group fitness or the weather conditions.

Departure dates


Notes

Note:
We also have a self guided 6 day trip - see trip code TCM for further details
Note:
Singles - if you would like to share a room with someone of the same gender please request this and we will do our best to match you. However, if we are unsuccessful, the single supplement is payable.
DN3
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Priceper person from

£1490GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Rent walking poles - must be pre-booked & pre-paidGBP£15
  • Transfer Bucharest: OTP airport-train station or central hotel- or vv (ow, 1-3pax with luggage)GBP£36
  • Single SupplementGBP£220
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.

Great Value & Quality

Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.

Self-Guided Specialists

We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.