Testimonials 2016

"All I can say about this trip is - A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.!

Charlie, our driver and guide, was what made the tour. He arrived punctually and as soon as we met, my husband and I felt relaxed and at ease. Throughout the day Charlie was friendly, genuine and strived to ensure we were ok - which we very much were! We quickly fell into easy and natural conversation with him and conversed for most of the ten hours we were together. He's a confident and capable driver and we never felt anxious, despite some terrible road conditions and poor visibility at times.

The first stop was to view Balea Waterfall and take some great photos, something Charlie consistently ensured we had opportunities to do - for the duration of the tour. It was a stunning sight and got us excited for the rest of the tour. Travelling up and over mountains, along the winding Transgarasan Road and around hairpin bends, we felt exhilarated and calm at the same time. The views are simply breathtaking on this trip, including those at Balea Lac. Here Charlie even recommended and ordered us some lunch - typical Romanian sausage. Mmmm!

During the afternoon we visited Beaver Dam (impressively high!) and Poienari Fortress - quite a hike up the 1480 steps! Well worth it though once you get to the top. We didn't manage the climb in Charlie and his guests best time (22 minutes) but were happy enough with our half hour effort. It's certainly easier on the way down!

As others have said, at each point of interest Charlie was able to give us interesting and detailed information about the sites. That said, he didn't just produce a rehearsed spiel as he was able to answer all our questions - not just about the tourist attractions we saw but also about Romanian history, economy, culture, wildlife, landscapes etc. He was equally happy to engage in personal conversations and his tales and anecdotes really enabled us to get to know him and to understand what life is like as a Romanian, far better than if we'd visited museums or read guidebooks.

We were sad when the tour was over but pleased to have a souvenir from Charlie to remember the day by. I can't stress enough how wonderful a driver and guide Charlie is and how great this Active Travel tour is. Worth every penny!"

"We spend for days with the same guide from Active Travel Day Tours named nicknamed Charlie. The most helpful and overal nice guy you could imagine.
The first day we did a tour to the Bear Sanctuary and the Bran castle. Really worthwhile and a certain must-do! The bear santuary in really an experience and it is great that by visiting it you also help to maintain the santuary. Before going in the santuary you get to see a video clip to see what it stands for and how the santuary came to be. Afterwards you get to see the bear in group.
The Bran Castle is one of those castles that really leaves an impression. The fact that there is a medieval market at the bottom only adds to the overal impression and atmosphere. The castle is really warm and still contains a lot of the original furniture inside. Also the great thing with having a guide with this company was that you don't have to stand in line. This was something we didn't knew before hand but it certainly came in handy, as there was a 2 hour waiting line. ANd we could just pass them all.
In the evening we also did the bearwatching in the wild with this company as it is one of the few that offers it. Basically you drive about 30 min out of Brasov and head into the woods. Don't worry there is a ranger with you who has a gun in case a bear gets close. You walk up to a viewing cabin and from there you look onto a feeding platform where the bears will appear. For the bears this is just a snack. We saw a lot like 8/9 bears only a few meters away from us truely magnificant!!! (we even a little one and it's mother)
The second day we went on to the Transgarasan Road. Charlie arrived on time and has done so the whole time we spend with him. It is a long drive to the Road but the sight is breathtaking! When you are at the very top of the road certainly try the sausages with mosterd in a little stand at the side of the road! It will be the best sausage you ever had. Also the castle we did afterwards called Poenari castle was a real task. 1480 stairs up towards the castle was a lot and your legs will hurt for sure but it gives a nice sight and the castle was a nice sight to although the Bran castle was wayyy more inpressive. Even when the climb was difficult Charlie didn't leave us behind but stayed with us and encouraged us to get to the top. Not every guide would do this.
The next day we did something that isn't really known or even requested. But this company made it happen en we got to see it thanks to them. Charlie took us to something called ' The Temple of Wishes' in English. It is a very special place where most of the Romanians like to go. And afterwards we also went to an old fashioned watermill. This was not planned but Charlie suggested it and it really was a lovely place and let's you see the real way that farmers live in Romania. Very intresting to see how everything works as well.
This company is really amazing! It would move mountains to please you and is very helpful. At one point I had to reseducle everything in our trip and they helped without problems. And as I mentioned before the guide was also very friendly and helpful. He even became a friend of ours.
If you plan of doing something like these day tours be certain you are in good hands with Active Travel!"