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!

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.

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

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.

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.

Other Info
Meeting: Brasov
Airport: Bucharest
Transfer: Bucharest (train to Brasov)

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.

Mountains and Castles

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Packages and Options

Transfer and Other Options:

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