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Mountains and Castles in Transylvania
Transylvania
Romania
Come and explore the ancient and mysterious Carpathian Mountains. Running in a great arc across Romania, these mountains include some of the wildest territory in Europe. Although you are unlikely to encounter them bears and wolves still roam in this area. Romania is home to more than half of Europe’s wildlife population and on this trip you may spot deer, foxes, boars or even lynxes. Many natural springs, rivers and streams dot the area with the occasional waterfall flowing from the mountains. Mountain walking is an age old past time for local Romanians; trails are predominantly marked as you encounter lush forests, green pastures, medieval settlements and shepherds tending to their flocks.
This trip takes you through the Bucegi Mountains and Piatra Craiului National Park, declared a natural reserve in 1938. Discover the city of Zarnesti, the small village of Magura, and the Bran castle – long touted as Dracula’s Castle. Transylvania, the ‘heart’ of Romania, is a mixture of rural beauty and Old World culture, come and explore this enchanting area on foot!
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Walking Tour
Meeting:
Brasov
Airport:
Bucharest
Transfer:
Bucharest (train to Brasov)
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Rates include:
7 nights acommodation in ***guesthouses/hotels (all rooms with private facilities). 7 breakfasts, 6 picnics and 6 dinners, luggage transport from accommodation to accommodation, emergency phone number, route descriptions, walking maps.
| A | 2013 | 8 day trip | 8d / 7n | €529 | $690 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Bucharest train station is included
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2013
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Single supplement
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Arrival can be any day of the week during the season.
Rates do not include:
Drinks. Lunch and dinner on Day 7. Transfers to the meeting point or transfer back to Bucharest.
Day 1 Reception in Bucharest
Beginning of the journey in
Bucharest. Arrival before 2:00 pm if you don't want a private transfer.
Reception at the train station or at your hotel in Bucharest. Train to Zarnesti
(change in Brasov). Night in Zarnesti.
Day 2 Zarnesti Gorges
Walk in Piatra Craiului (“Rock of the King”) mountains to the typical
mountain hut of Curmatura. On your way to the guesthouse you will cross the
fascinating Zarnesti gorges with 200m high vertical walls. Approx 5h, 15km,
+800m, -300m.
Day 3 Bran castle
Today you will walk on a
small ridge going down to Bran castle. This castle was built in the 14th century
and had a role of defence against the migratory people. Later it protected
Transylvania from the Ottoman invasions. The castle was also associated with the
fictional character of Dracula, who was based on the prince Vlad Tepes of
Wallachia. Transfer to the same guesthouse as the night before. Approx. 4h30,
14km, +300m, -600m).
Day 4 Pastures and forests in
"Piatra Craiului" National Park
Trek in the National park of Piatra
Craiului till the south of the ridge through pastures, sheepfolds, woods and
scattered villages. You will arrive in a Romanian traditional mountain village.
Approx. 4h30, 13km, +300m, -250m.
Day 5 Scattered
villages
Leave the Piatra Craiului mountains. A easy walk with
“picture post-card” landscapes through scattered villages with small and ancient
houses, at the foot of Bucegi mountains. The inhabitants are livestock breeders;
therefore the village has a long time tradition in cheese preparing. Approx. 4h,
14km, -150m, +250m.
Day 6 Bucegi's mountains
Trek towards the Bucegi massif. A long hike which you will not regret:
magnificent landscapes and sights of the Piatra Craiului’s crest. Approx. 6h,
18km, +650m, -900m. (Possible shorter walk 4h, 12km, +400m, -700m)
Day 7 Meadow of Gutanu
Continue to hike in the Bucegi mountains. A
trek along the meadow of Gutanu and the vertical walls of the Bucegi’s crest.
Starting with June you can find the shepherds with their flocks and maybe even
ask to taste the cheese they prepare. Take the time and enjoy these landscapes.
Approx. 6h, 18km, +700m, -900m.
Day 8 End of the journey
Transfer by bus to Brasov and then by train to Bucharest. End of the
journey.
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Meeting:
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Brasov
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Airport:
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Bucharest
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Transfer:
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Bucharest (train to Brasov)
Train/bus transfers: Day 1 and 8 : Bucharest/Brasov and return about 3 hours.
Day 1 and 8 Brasov/Zarnesti and Bran/Brasov about 45 minutes.
Direct bus (780) from Otopeni Airport to Bucharest North train station about 1 hour.
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Level:
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Easy to Moderate
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Moderate walking level with a maximum of 6 hrs a day
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Participants:
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Min
2
participants
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Level of difficulty
Requires a medium fitness level. Maximum of 6h walking a day.
Carrying
The transfers of your luggage is arranged. You only have to carry your things needed for the day (picnic, camera...)
Not included
Transfer to the meeting point and to the drop off point, the insurances, the drinks, the optional activities and the personal expenses.
Options
- Private transfer (instead of train) from Brasov station to Zarnesti
- Extra-night in Bucharest, hotel in the centre
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. Not required by all natio. more
The
climate in Romania is continental temperate with the average temperature
in the summer of 22- 24 *C (it can sometimes get up to 35 *C especially
in the South).
Annual
rainfall all over the country is 677 mm, 1000 mm in the mountains. Due
to the continental influences from the East, the summers can be dry with
more rain in the mountains.
In
the mountains, the weather is cooler, more favorable for walking. The
annual average temperatures are 0- 6 C in the (high) mountains, 7- 8 C
in the extra mountain areas. The hottest month is July with an average
of 18- 19 *C (12- 16 *C in the mountains). Strong winds and storms are
rare in the summer, they occur sometimes in the mountains during late
autumn. Bucharest, being situated in the south of the country, is hotter.
Walking boots and
walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, warm
pullover/jumper, waterproofs, water bottle, insect repellent, sunglasses, sun
hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch, mobile phone, container for sandwiches and
a first-aid kit.
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… this list is only a guideline
for you |
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Hidden Trails Travel Documents and Trip
Voucher (contains important local tour contact info.) |
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Flight tickets |
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Passport |
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Visa (check with your consulate) |
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Walking Gear
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Walking Boots and Socks (with a change of
socks in rucksack) |
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Rucksack/day pack |
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Warm pullover/jumper |
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Waterproofs |
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Water bottle |
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Insect repellent |
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Sunglasses |
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Sun Hat |
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Sun block/cream |
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Compass |
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Torch |
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Mobile Phone |
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Container for sandwiches |
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First Aid Kit |
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Towel and small bar of soap |
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Personal Toiletries |
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Personal medications |
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Sore cream (for an emergency) |
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Adapter for electric appliances |
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Camera and extra film or batteries |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
The lodgings are in guesthouses with private bath (exceptionally share bath).
- 1 night in Zarnesti.
- 1 night in Bran
- 2 nights in Magura
- 1 night in Ciocanu
- 1 night in Moieciu
- 1 night in Simon
Meals included: 7 breakfasts, 6 picnics and 6 dinners.
Dinner: 3 course menu with several choices - entrée, main dish and a dessert. Occasionally dinner is a 2 course meal.
Not included: Drinks. Lunch day 7.
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Tack:
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--
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Horses:
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--
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Pace:
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Moderate walking level with a maximum of 6 hrs a day
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Level:
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(2
to
3
out of 5) Moderate
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Riders:
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Min
2
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Level of difficulty
Requires a medium fitness level. Maximum of 6h walking a day.
Carrying
The transfers of your luggage is arranged. You only have to carry your things needed for the day (picnic, camera...)
Not included
Transfer to the meeting point and to the drop off point, the insurances, the drinks, the optional activities and the personal expenses.
Options
- Private transfer (instead of train) from Brasov station to Zarnesti
- Extra-night in Bucharest, hotel in the centre
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following lengths of visit:
(a) nationals of EU countries for a three-month period (those intending to stay for a longer period than three months must apply for a registration certificate issued by the Romanian Authority for Aliens);
(b) 2. nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for touristic stays of up to three months.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No/2 |
| USA |
No/2 |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
No |
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Mountains and Castles in Transylvania
Tour Code:
ZZ-HKRM03
8 days /
7 nights
~$690.00
Dates: May to Oct
Trip Rating :
Level :
Difficulty Levels Explained
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1. |
Easy
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Easy pace and an average-to-sedentary level of fitness. You should be in good health and fit enough for full day of normal sightseeing and walking.
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2. |
Easy to Moderate
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An average level of fitness or some experience with the featured
activity is recommended.
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3. |
Moderate
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Requires you to have performed the featured activity regularly, with
some periods on challenging terrain. Activities are mandatory and
you may be traveling at high elevations. You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy these trips, with adequate muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.
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4. |
Demanding
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You must be extremely physically fit and are expected to hike or
ride four to six hours over steep or more rugged terrain. |
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5. |
Strenuous
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Prolonged hiking/biking on moderate to difficult terrain (five to nine hours a day).
May include high altitude, rugged terrain etc.. |
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Airport:
Bucharest
Activities:
Hiking, sightseeing, culture
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
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