Mountains and Castles

Introduction
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!

Accomodation

Accommodations
Double occupancy with private facilities. Exceptionally, there are shared facilities.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Zarnesti - Garofita Pietrei Craiului guesthouse 
Night 2 & 3: Magura - Pepino guesthouse 
Night 4: Ciocanu - Garofita Pietrei Craiului guesthouse 
Night 5: Moieciu de Sus - Daniela guesthouse 
Night 6: Simon - Laura guesthouse 
Night 7: Bran - Cojanu guesthouse

Garofita Pietrei Craiului Guesthouse (Zarnesti)
Located in Zarnesti, at the foothills of the Piatra Craiului Mountains, Pensiunea Garofita Pietrei Craiului features free WiFi. All rooms are equipped with a cable TV. Most have an en-suite bathroom while the others offer access to shared bathroom facilities.

Pepino Guesthouse (Magura)
Surrounded by a charming garden, Pensiunea Pepino is located in the village of Măgura, and offers you en-suite rooms. You can also make use of the common living room with satellite TV, or the washing machine or play football, basketball or table tennis on site.

Garofita Pietrei Craiului Guesthouse (Ciocanu)
Located in Ciocanu, Pensiunea Garofita Pietrei Craiului has a garden and terrace where guests can relax. The property provides free WiFi. At the guesthouse, the 9 rooms all have a TV and their own bathrooms.

Daniela Guesthouse (Moieciu de Sus)
Pension Daniela Clinciu, located in Moeciu de Sus at the foot of the mountains, offers accommodation in 12 rooms (7 doubles and 5 triple rooms) and 1 apartment. All rooms are equipped with bathroom, TV, balcony and central heating.

Laura Guesthouse (Simon)
Surrounded by a beautiful orchard of apple and plum trees, Pensiunea Laura features elegant white tiled stoves in several rooms. The house is built and designed with a combination of stone and wood.
The guesthouse offers 4 bedrooms with private bathrooms (please bring your own bath towel). Most rooms have a TV. Free WiFi is available in all areas.

Giulia Guesthouse (Bran)
Pensiunea Giulia is located at only 2 km from Bran Castle, in a quiet area and with a great landscape.
The pension has 5 rooms (3 double rooms with en suite bathroom and 2 double rooms with bathroom in the lobby). The rooms all have wireless internet access, a TV and a central heating system.


Meals:
Meals included: 7 breakfasts, 6 picnics and 7 dinners.
Dinner: 3 course menu with several choices - entrée, main dish and a dessert. Occasionally dinner is a 2 course meal.
Not included: Drinks.

Riding

Level of difficulty
Requires a medium fitness level. Maximum of 6h walking a day.

Luggage Transfers
The transfers of your luggage is arranged. You only have to carry your things needed for the day (picnic, camera...)

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Our agent will meet the clients in Bucharest, at the train station or at the hotel, to give them the documents (road book, maps…). Train Bucharest - Brasov (2.40hr) & Brasov - Zarnesti (50 min). Several train options depending on the arrival flight and if the clients want to stop in Brasov to visit this beautiful medieval city.
Ascent: approx. 625 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 700 m / approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight in Zarnesti

Day 2: Zarnesti Gorges
Walk in Piatra Craiului (“King’s Stone”) mountains to the authentic mountain hut of Curmatura. Breath-taking views of the mountain ridge and the valley around the hut. The clients can enjoy the host’s unique recipe special lunch, local soup and a delicious pie! On the way back to the guesthouse, the clients will cross the mesmerizing Zarnesti gorges with 200m high vertical walls.
Ascent: approx. 800 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 300 m / approx. 5 hours (15km)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Magura

Day 3: Bran Castle
Today’s walk goes on a small ridge leading 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 Vlad Tepes, Prince of Wallachia. Private transfer to the same guesthouse from the night before.
Ascent: approx. 300 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 600 m / approx. 4.5 hours (12km)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Magura

Day 4: Pastures and forests in "Piatra Craiului" National Park
Trek in the National park of Piatra Craiului through pastures, sheepfolds, woods and scattered villages. You will cross traditional villages where time seems to have stopped. You will end your day in a beautiful and traditional Romanian mountain village.
Ascent: approx. 550 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 550 m / approx. 5 hours (14km)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Ciocanu

Day 5: Scattered Villages
Leave the Piatra Craiului Mountains. An easy walk with picture perfect landscapes through lovely villages sheltering small and olden houses, at the foot of Bucegi Mountains. The locals are livestock breeders, therefore the village has a long time tradition of cheese production. Possibility for a longer walk.
Ascent: approx. 250 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 350 m / approx. 4 hours (13km)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Moieciu de Sus

Day 6: Bucegi's mountains
Trek towards the Bucegi massif. A long hike that you will not forget: impressive landscapes and sights of the Piatra Craiului’s summit. Possibility for a shorter walk (around 4h, 12km, +400m, -700m).
Ascent: approx. 650 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 900 m / approx. 6 hours (18km)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Simon

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 peak. Starting June, you can encounter shepherds alongside their flocks, and even ask to taste the cheese they prepare themselves. Take your time and enjoy these remarkable landscapes.
Ascent: approx. 700 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 900 m / approx. 6 hours (18km)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Bran

Day 8: Departure
Private transfer from Bran to Brasov and then travel by train to Bucharest. End of the journey.
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Mountains and Castles

Dates Note: Arrival can be any day of the week during the season.

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

Climate:
                                                Brașov area