Village life in Transylvanian Carpathian mountains - 8 days

15% OFF if you book till 29.02.2024: From €1,599 €1359. Guaranteed Departures: Every Saturday!
A perfect way to discover the real life in the mountain villages from the bottom of Piatra Craiului National Park and Bucegi Natural Park.
This tour is awarded by the ECO-ROMANIA ecotourism certification scheme from December 2023 until November 2026!

This tour is awarded by the ECO-ROMANIA ecotourism certification scheme from December 2023 until November 2026!

UPDATE: 1 person booked for 06.04 / 20.04 / 20.07 / 17.08.24 and 2 people booked for 11.05.2024. In case you book for one of those dates we offer you a special discount - 25% OFF!

For more details about the ecotourism or for recommendation about this program, please contact AER (The Association of Ecotourism in Romania).

Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Min 2 - Max 10

Age requirement: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Guaranteed Departures: Every Saturday!

Rate: 1599 EURO/PERSON

Single rate: 1878 euro/person

Solo traveler: 2599 euro/person

The package includes:

•  7 nights accommodation according with the program with HB (breakfast & dinner included), 6 lunch packs
•  licensed English speaking mountain guide from day 2 to day 7
•  all transfers by car or minibus
•  luggage transfers
•  entrance fees to “7 Ladders Canyon”,  Piatra Craiului National Park, Bran Castle

Not included: airfare, tips, travel insurance, meals and drinks not listed in the program, upgrade at 3* to 5* hotels in Brasov located in the old city center (eg. Bella Muzica, Safrano Palace, Casa Chitic, Schuster Boarding House, Radisson Blu Aurum, subject of availability)

Day 1: Transfer Otopeni Airport - Brasov (the most important touristic city of Romania) approx. 3 hours or Brasov Airport - Brasov (20-30 minutes). Accommodation at a 3* guesthouse/hotel located nearby the old city center. Depending on the flight time we can have an evening Brasov walking tour. Welcome Traditional Romanian dinner. Fringed by the peaks of the Southern Carpathian Mountains and resplendent with Gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture, as well as a wealth of historical attractions, Brasov is one of the most visited places in Romania. Founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211 on an ancient Dacian site and settled by the Saxons as one of the seven walled citadels, Brasov exudes a distinct medieval ambiance and has been used as backdrop in many recent period films.

Day 2: Breakfast. Transfer to Bran village (about 40 minutes). We visit Bran Castle (on Mondays it opens at 12:00) also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’ — a hilltop estate that conjures up visions of howling wolves and bats fluttering in the moonlight. Wander the castle’s Gothic chambers and learn about its ties to Bram Stoker’s undead antihero. Head from Bran village toward Magura village - nestled on the hills of Piatra Craiului national Park, Magura is a small village with traditional Romanian houses and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It's a serene spot for those seeking a quiet escape. The path is the route which links Bucegi Mountains to the Piatra Craiului National Park. It is an easy to medium walk, through forest and meadows, with great views to both mountains and to the Bran area with its mountain villages. Info about the hike: 4-6 hours, medium effort, uphill/downhill walk 600 m / 400 m, 8 km. Accommodation 2 nights at a village guesthouse in Magura Village. Lunch pack and home made dinner.

Day 3: Breakfast. Trek in the heart of Piatra Craiului National Park which is a stunning protected area located in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. It is known for its dramatic limestone ridge, deep gorges, and diverse flora and fauna. The park offers several hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, providing opportunities for both beginners and experienced hikers to explore its natural beauty. Cross the epic Zarnesti Gorges - a stunning natural attraction. The gorges are renowned for their spectacular limestone formations, towering cliffs, and a picturesque landscape. Bring your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery, especially the play of light and shadow on the rock formations. Continue to Curmatura hut located at 1470 m. The hut serves as a base for hikers exploring the Piatra Craiului massif, providing shelter, accommodation, and facilities for visitors. Info about the hike: 5 - 6 hours, medium, uphill/downhill walk 700 m, 15 km. Picnic lunch. Dinner at the guesthouse.

Day 4: Breakfast. Walk through the villages at the foothills of the Piatra Craiului National Park and Bucegi Natural Park: Magura - Pestera (a village surrounded by hills and forests; it provides a tranquil setting for visitors exploring Piatra Craiului) - Sirnea (the first touristic village of Romania; also, a traditional mountain village with wooden houses and a peaceful atmosphere) – Ciocanu (surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes) - Fundata. Experience the authenticity of rural life in the Carpathians and may have the opportunity to interact with the friendly locals. Info about the hike: 5-6 hours, easy to medium, uphill/ downhill walk 639 m / 445 m, 15 km. Lunch pack. Home made dinner and accommodation at a 3* guesthouse for 3 nights.

About Sirnea village: in order to develop the village and attract as many tourists as possible, Professor Nicolae Fruntes initiated two feasts: "The measure of milk and the meeting of the village sons" held every June and "Winter at Sirnea", aimed at presenting the customs of the villagers, both during summer and winter. Launched in 1969, the feast "Winter at Sirnea" entails a skiing race with torches in hands, sleigh rides and parties organized at the Cultural Centre.

Day 5: Breakfast. Today we have a walk in the villages of Fundata and Fundatica. Info about the hike: 4 - 5 hours, easy to medium, uphill/downhill walk 300 m / 300 m, 10 km. Lunch pack and home made dinner.

Fundata is a picturesque village surrounded by lush meadows, dense forests, and offers panoramic views of the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului mountain ranges. It is often referred to as the highest-altitude village in the country. Fundata is known for its stunning landscapes, traditional architecture, and the serene atmosphere of a mountain retreat. In August 1916, when troops from the Romanian Old Kingdom entered Austria-Hungary, the first village they took was Fundata, also capturing their first prisoners there and suffering their first battle death.

Day 6: Breakfast. Short transfer to Simon village (about 40 minutes). Full day hiking trip in Bucegi Natural Park known for its diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, and iconic geological formations. Hike on the northern part of the mountain which is wilder and no so touristic. During the hike discover the Devil's Mill Waterfall and a local sheep farm where we can stop to have a Shepherd's lunch (from middle of June to middle of September). Transfer back at the guesthouse. Info about the hike: 5-6 hours, medium effort, uphill/downhill walk 900 m / 800 m, 18 km. Lunch pack and dinner.

Day 7: Breakfast. Transfer about 1 1/2 hour to the starting point for "7 Ladders Canyon" from Piatra Mare mountain. The canyon has been carved in Jurassic limestone and is composed by seven waterfalls, the tallest being 15 meters high. The trail within the canyon is arranged with metal stairs and platforms. Duration: 4-5 hours, medium effort, uphill/downhill walk: 400 m, 8 km. Lunch pack. Transfer to Brasov (about 30 minutes). Accommodation at a 3* guesthouse/hotel located nearby the old city center and farewell dinner.

Day 8: Breakfast. Transfer to the Bucharest airport (about 3 hours) or to the Brasov airport (about 20-30 minutes).

OPTIONAL: 1 extra night in Bucharest, with 4-hour Bucharest Panoramic Tour included -  from 140 euro/person (minimum 2 people). More details about it at the time of the booking.

Notes:

The program could be changed because of weather conditions!

Compulsory equipment: waterproof hiking boots and clothes; warm clothes.

Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival.

As mentioned above, most of the meals on this tour are included in the tour price. When a meal is not included, this is because there are often many options available - we would like to give you the opportunity to explore a bit and taste the local cuisine yourself. In these cases, your guide will be able to suggest some good local restaurants or options for you to choose from. Usually, when it is possible, most of the all included meals will be prepared from fresh local produce.