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3
moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 5 nights rural pensions, 1 night 3 star hotel
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 4 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

7 Days£950GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: TCM

Trip highlights

  • Soaking up the unique culture of Transylvania
  • Exploring Bran Castle and the legend of Dracula
  • Discovering unique villages
  • Walking in the stunning landscapes of Piatra Craiului and the Bucegi mountains
  • Experience genuine cultural exchange with the local people

Explore some of Romania's most stunning mountain landscapes and soak up the unique culture of Transylvania on this inspiring self guided walk. 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.

Countries:

Romania

Starting Point:

Bucharest

Finishing Point:

Bucharest

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

As the first day includes taking the train (included) from Bucharest to Brasov, it is recommended you arrive in Bucharest in the morning or book a pre tour night. We can assist with your hotel booking in Bucharest on request. Today you make your way to Bucharest North train station to take the train to Brasov (takes approx 2.5 hours). At Brasov, you will be met and transferred by taxi to your guesthouse (takes approx 1hr) in Magura (Zarnesti), a traditional village at the foot of Piatra Craiului National Park. NOTE: Trains operate throughout the day, you can choose a departure to suit your arrangements. The latest train departure from Bucharest we recommend is around 3pm. If your flight arrives in Bucharest after 1pm an extra night there will be required. We can assist with an arrival transfer from Bucharest airport to Bucharest North station on request - supplement applies.

Meals:  D

Today you will walk along a small ridge and through flower filled meadows to Bran Castle at the foot of the Bucegi mountains. The castle, which was built as a gift from Ludovic d'Anjou in the 14th century to the inhabitants of the region, had a defensive role against the migratory peoples and later it protected Transylvania from the Ottoman invasions. The castle was also associated with the prince Vlad Tepes of Walachia, upon whom it is widely thought the fictional character 'Dracula' was based. Entry into the castle is optional (it is busy in peak season and on weekends, we suggest buying tickets online). In the late afternoon transfer back to your guesthouse in Magura. There are 2 options today, both approx 10km/6.5mi: Steep: +350m/1148ft, -600m/1969ft Less steep: +400m/1312ft, -620m/2034ft

Meals:  B,L,D

The walk continues at the base of the Piatra Craiului Mountains. It's an interesting contrast to the landscape of the previous day, as you traverse pastures, sheepfolds and woods. Scattered villages which seem unchanged for centuries dot the landscape, while the surrounding mountains are a constant companion. Overnight Ciocanu. Walking: 16.5km/10.3mi, +700m/2296ft, -550m/1804ft

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning you leave the Piatra Craiului mountains and walk to Bucegi's mountains. It's an easy walk with “picture postcard” landscapes to a traditional Romanian mountain village with small and ancient houses, at the foot of the Bucegi mountains. The inhabitants are livestock breeders and the village has a long tradition in cheese making. Overnight in Moeciu de Sus. Walking: 13km/8mi, +500m/1640ft, -700m/2296ft

Meals:  B,L,D

A strenuous day today as you ascend trails into the Bucegi mountains. A longer walk is possible along the meadow of Gutanu and the vertical walls of the Bucegi’s ridge, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes and over Piatra Craiului ridge. Overnight in Moeciu de Sus. There are 3 walking options for today and you can decide on the spot: Long loop with extension: 17km/10.6mi, +900m/2953ft, -1000m/3280ft Long loop: 15km/9.4mi, +720m/2362ft, -850m/2789ft Short loop: 9km/5.6mi, +450m/1476ft, -560m/1837ft

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, transfer to Brasov (1hr). Drop your luggage at the hotel and the remainder of the day is free to explore. One of the seven cities founded by the Saxons in the 12th century when they were invited to Transylvania to guard the mountain passes, Brasov has a rich Saxon, Hungarian and Romanian heritage, manifested in a lot of sights to visit: the White and the Black Towers, the Black Church, the Council place with the Council House, St Nicholas Church, the first Romanian school, narrow streets and coloured houses, all very well preserved within the old city walls and towers. You may wish to walk through the woods surrounding the city to the top of the Tampa Hill (960m) for great views or you can choose to go by cable car. Stay overnight in a central, cosy hotel. Optional walk from 1 to 3 hrs, +/-300m. There is also the opportunity to visit the Libearty Bear Sanctuary outside Brasov. Ask for details, must prebook.

Meals:  B

Make your own way to Brasov station to take the train to Bucharest, where the trip concludes. If you take eg the 9.15am train you'll arrive in Bucharest at approx. 11.45am. Do not book a flight until at least 3hrs after your arrival at Bucharest station to allow time to reach the airport and check-in. We can assist with a transfer to the airport on request - supplement applies. We can also assist with booking extra nights in Brasov &/or in Bucharest on request, please ask our team.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 breakfasts, 4 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 from 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 only 2 courses.
  • 5 nights rural pensions, 1 night hotel (in Brasov) on a twin share basis mainly with ensuite facilities (shared facilities on one night - Ciocanu). Upgrade option available (except in Ciocanu) - supplement applies
  • Information pack including route notes and maps, GPS Tracks
  • Luggage transfer (note: you carry your luggage with you on the trains)
  • Train from Bucharest (North station) to Brasov and return
  • Private transfers - from Brasov to the guesthouse in Magura on day 1, from Moeciu to Brasov accommodation on day 6
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Bucharest North train station
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Tour guide – this is a self guided walking trip
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Day 7: Transfer from your hotel in Brasov to the train station
  • Entrance fees
  • Optional 'welcome meeting' in Bucharest - either at the train station or at your pre tour hotel (if booked with us). Our local representative will go through the information pack with you and answer any questions you may have - supplement applies.
  • Optional: extra nights before and after the trip can be booked in Bucharest. It's also possible to stay longer in Brasov - please request at time of booking.
  • Optional private transfers: Bucharest Airport to North train station & Bucharest Airport directly to Magura on day 1. Ask for details
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

moderate

3

GRADE 3 - The walking is moderate 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.

Departure dates

Daily from 18 Apr to 15 Oct

Notes

Note:
As the first day includes a train transfer from Bucharest to Brasov and on to your accommodation for the first night, it is recommended you arrive in Bucharest in the morning or book a pre tour night. For departures in April, early May and October, shorter walks are available if there is snow.
Note:
A guided trip for groups of 6 or more people can be arranged on request. We also have a guided 8 day trip - see trip code TCG
Note:
This trip is not suitable for solo travellers. Please contact our team for alternative tour suggestions.

Priceper person from

£950GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Discount to remove night in Brasov - upgrade accommodationGBP£-44
  • Discount to remove night in Brasov - standard accommodationGBP£-37
  • Private transfer Bucharest airport to train station (ow, 1-3pax, on request)GBP£36
  • Optional welcome briefing in BucharestGBP£40
  • Accommodation upgrade (except in Ciocanu) supplementGBP£160
  • Single Supplement - standard accommodationGBP£180
  • Single Supplement - upgrade accommodationGBP£230
*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.