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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Romania
Intro to Romania
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 AlbaniaHungary Bulgaria Slovenia
Extensions:
Castles of Transylvania
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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 Paitra 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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Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
7 nights acommodation in ***guesthouses/hotels (all rooms with private facilities). 7 breakfasts, 5 picnics and 6 dinners, transfers by local bus or train, luggage transport from accommodation to accommodation, telefon contact, route descriptions, walking maps.
| A | 2012 | 8 day trip | 8d / 7n | €595 | $800 |
| Single supplement | €85 | $115 |
| Optional private transfer options from Brasov to Zarnesti or from Bran to Brasov each | €33 | $45 |
| Extra night in Bucharest pp (dbl) 3* | €45 | $60 |
Transfer Option:
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2012
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Transfer from Bucharest train station is included
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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.
Tour Dates for 2012
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| A |
2012
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05/07
- 10/09
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip
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2
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Reserve
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Arrival can be any day of the week during the season.
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Rates do not include:
Drinks. Lunch Day 7.
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Day 1 Reception
Your journey starts at the train
station in Bucharest. Take the train to Zarnesti (change in Brasov). Train to Zarnesti (change in Brasov). Stay overnight in
Zarnesti.
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Day 2 Zarnesti Gorges
Walk through Piatra Craiului (‘Rock of the King’) Mountain. At midday you
arrive at a typical Transylvanian mountain hut – the perfect place for a
lunch break. Afterwards, you head towards Magura, a tiny pastoral village,
via the fascinating Zarnesti Gorges and their 200m vertical walls.
Accommodation tonight is in a traditional ecotourism guesthouse. (5 hours
hiking, 15km, +800m, -300m).
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Day 3 Scattered Villages
Today you explore Piatra Craiului National Park as you walk through
sheepfolds, clearings, woods and dispersed villages. On this day the
landscape becomes even more spectacular: you reach Poiana Frumoasa, an
alpine pasture where you find shepherds and their flocks from May to
September. (5 hours walking, 13km, +300m, -250m)
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Day 4 From Piatra
Craiului to Bucegi
Today you leave the Piatra Crailui Mountain to arrive at the foot of
the Bucegi Mountains. As you cross the border between the ancient
principalities of Walachia and Transyvania, you have the opportunity to
explore the south side of Bran country. You hike up to Fundatica, a
traditional Romanian mountain village full of old, small houses, situated at
the base of the Bucegi Mountains. The residents here are livestock breed and
the village has a long tradition in preparing smoked cheese – delicious after
a long day’s hike! (4.5 hours walking, 13km, -150m, +250m)
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Day 5 High Mountain Pastures
and Forests
Today you climb into the Bucegi Mountains and head towards Mucegi
massif. It is a long walk but one that you won’t regret: beautiful landscapes
and views over the Piatra Craiului ridge, There is the possibility of a
longer walk, along the stunning north ridge of the Bucegi Mountains, with postcard-perfect
vistas. (4-6 hours walking, 12-18km, +450/+650m, -550/-900m)
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Day 6 Meadow of Gutana
Continue the trek into the Bucegi Mountains. Walk along the meadow of
Gutana at the foot of the vertical walls of the Bucegi ridge. This is your
last long walk; take your time and enjoy it. (6 hours walking, 18km, +700m,
-900m)
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Day 7 Castle of Bran
You can stroll in the village or visit the Bran Castle. This fortress was built
in the 14th century when Louis I of Hungary ordered the village people to
build a fortress with their own efforts and expenses. Later it protected
Transylvania from the Ottoman invasions and became a customs post for the
border between Transylvania and Wallachia. The castle was also associated
with the fictional character of Dracula, who was based on Prince Vlad Tepes
of Wallachia. You can also visit the nearby Rasnov Castle (built in 1215 by
the Teutonic Knights) or explore the streets of this village.
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Day 8 End of the
journey
Transfer to Bucharest. End of tour itinerary.
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Meeting:
Brasov
Airport:
Bucharest
Transfer:
Bucharest (train to Brasov)
Distance:
110 miles
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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Tack:
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Horses:
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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 riders
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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 lodging is in guesthouses with private bath (exceptionally share bath).
- 1 night in Zarnesti.
- 1 night in Magura
- 1 night in Ciocanu.
- 1 night in Moieciu.
- 1 night in Simon.
Meals included: 7 breakfasts, 5 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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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 riders
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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 |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Mountains and Castles in Transylvania
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