Trip code: W07RO 4.8 (31 reviews)
Guided group walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
20.0Kg CO2e
Surrounded, and partially divided, by the high peaks of the Carpathian Mountains, the fabled, mountainous region of Transylvania in central Romania has become synonymous with Bram Stoker's Dracula, but on this wonderful seven-night guided holiday we leave fiction behind to uncover a beautiful country with a rich and fascinating history.
The region presents a splendid mix of medieval castles, high peaks, incredible wildlife, and of course - welcoming and warm locals. Steeped in tradition, it's easy to see where the inspiration for the tales came from. Starting in Sinaia, our walks begin at the foot of the Bucegi range just a couple of minutes from the fairytale castle of Peles. From here the walks take us across high mountain plateaus and through beautiful wildflower-covered pastures, where you can see rare birds and butterflies. Our paths lead on through ancient forests and rocky canyons - home to black chamois, lynx, brown bears and even wolves - to medieval villages.
We visit the famous Bran Castle, a Gothic fortress that was the setting for Roman Polanski's 'Dance of the Vampires' as well as a place of refuge for Queen Mary of Romania. Then in towns like Brasov and Pestera, we explore medieval squares and winding alleyways, whilst marvelling at Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings, including the famous clock tower and the house with the deer antlers, where the real Vlad Dracula was born.
Your accommodation for the week offers a blend of high quality hotels and spectacular views; from the 5 star chalet-style Villa Oblique in Sinaia and the elegant 4 star Casa Din Bran Inn Center, to the mountain hotel Samedru, the 3 star Safrano Palace located in the heart of Brasov and the more rustic Transylvanian Inn. To complete the package, we've also included all meals.
Walks are on forest tracks, mountain paths and quiet country lanes, there are some short steep accents and descents. Many of the walks at 1000+ metres, and some cold weather clothes would be useful. Walking boots are essential, waking poles recommended.
Read more about this holiday in our blog.
We pick you up from Bucharest airport and transfer you (1hr 45min) to Sinaia in the Bucegi range of the Carpathian Mountains.
You stay at Villa Oblique.
Just 500 yards from Peles Castle on the hill above the town of Sinaia is the 5 star guesthouse Villa Oblique. Opened in 2014, the Oblique is a modern, chalet-style building that offers free access to the onsite spa, featuring a sauna, a steam bath and a hot tub. Rooms at Oblique are individually decorated to a high standard and come with superb mountain views; many also have a balcony.
In the morning we visit the fairytale castle of Peles, summer residence of King Carol. Then we take the cable car up onto the Bucegi plateau (2,100m) and walk first to the Piatra Arsa Chalet and further on to Babele Chalet. Close to it are two natural rock formations, the Bucegi Sphinx (named so because of its resemblance to the Great Sphinx of Giza) and Babele (meaning 'the old women'.)
Scenic drive to the start of today's walk to Bran with stunning views of the Piatra Craiului Massif. In the afternoon we visit Dracula's castle, the setting for Roman Polanski's 'Dance of the Vampires', and a refuge for Queen Mary. The night is spent in Bran with dinner included at the hotel.
You stay at Casa Din Bran - Inn Centre.
Conveniently located within a 5 minute walk from the history, the myth and intrigue of Bran Castle, this elegant hotel has 15 elegantly styled and comfortable rooms.
Enjoy traditional Romanian cuisine in the restaurant, which also has a large outdoor terrace for alfresco dining.
A short transfer to the start of today's walk over meadows and pastures to the mountain village of Magura. On the way look out for orchids, gentians, campanulas and endemic flowers like the 'Carpathian Iris'. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and picturesque landscapes. You will spend the next two nights in a mountain hotel in Magura with dinner included at the hotel.
You stay at Hotel Samedru.
Hotel Samedru is a newly built mountain hotel offering spectacular views. Rooms are modern and comfortable and the restaurant offers traditional and local foods, focusing on sourcing local dairy, vegetables and other bio ingredients from nearby farmers.
Today's circular walk from Magura gives an insight into rural life along with beautiful mountain views. Pass farms with no car access, where farming is still done in traditional ways. Explore a cave in the limestone cliffs that is home to a few bat species.
You stay at Transylvanian Inn.
Perched on a hillside with panoramic views over Bran Castle (just 2km away), Rasnov citadel and the Bucegi Mountains, is the charming family-run Transylvanian Inn. The hotel offers comfort and tranquility along a quiet lane away from the popular town of Bran and the views from the terrace are second to none. Guests can dine on the terrace as the sun sets behind the mountains, enjoying traditional Romanian dishes made from fresh, local produce with superior local wines. Rooms are modern and comfortable, with earthy tones in line with the surrounding nature.
This morning we walk through the beautiful Prapastiile Zarnestilor gorge which has been used as a filming location for the movie Cold Mountain and is home to creeper, alpine swift and also the elusive three-toed woodpecker. We then make the climb up to the rustic Curmatura mountain hut where we will enjoy lunch (included) and a well-earned rest before descending again into Zarnesti and a transfer to your hotel in Predelut. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Visit Rasnov Fortress before starting a walk along the Sticlariei Valley as it descends to the medieval town of Brasov, where we visit the town square, surrounded by Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque Patrician buildings as well as the Gothic 'Black Church' with its world-famous Buchholz organ and a rare collection of oriental carpets brought back from trading missions to the Ottoman Empire. Stay in the centrally located Safrano Palace with dinner included at a local restaurant.
You stay at Safrano Palace.
Located in the heart of medieval Brasov overlooking beautiful Council Square in the cobbled old town. Surrounded by colourful Baroque buildings and lively cafes, the hotel is central to Brasov's main attractions.
Beautifully decorated and comfortable rooms, all with amenities such as flat screen TV and minibar.
Group transfer to Bucharest airport.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.
Please contact our sales team on 01606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Guided group walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
20.0Kg CO2e