Embark on an unforgettable hiking adventure through the heart of Transylvania, where history, culture, and natural beauty come together. From the medieval charm of Brașov to the rugged peaks of Piatra Craiului, this journey takes you to breathtaking landscapes and iconic destinations like Bran Castle. Explore the serene trails of the Cindrel Mountains, the vibrant city of Sibiu, and the tranquil Păltiniș area. Perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts, this trip promises a mix of adventure, discovery, and the magical allure of Romania’s Carpathian Mountains.
Day 1: Arrival Bucharest – Brasov (approx. 200 Km) Welcome to Romania! After arrival at Bucharest airport, drive to Transylvania, the land beyond the forests, towards the town of Brasov. Enjoy a short stop along the way for a snack and refreshments. Overnight in Brasov area. In the evening you are invited to a local restaurant in Brasov, for a welcome dinner incl. 1 glass of wine. (D)
Day 2: Brasov – Tampa Mountain hike (approx. 60 Km)
Brasov was the most important economic, political and cultural centre of Transylvania during the Middle Ages. The Black Church, the largest Gothic church between the Ural Mountains and Vienna, is a must see. Interesting sites are also the Town Hall Square, where the Old Town Hall was built in the 15th century and the hidden Orthodox Church. Thanks to its defence system, the city has never been conquered. Some of these towers, like the White and the Black Tower are now open for tourists. Enjoy a short hike in the morning up Tampa Mountain, from where you will have a spectacular view of the entire city. For your descent, you can also use the cable car system. After the hike and city tour, enjoy some free time for lunch in the Old Town and explore the town on your own. Overnight in Brasov. (B)
↑ approx.350 m; ↓ approx.350 m; approx. 2,5 km; approx. 2 hrs., difficulty level: easy / medium
Day 3: Brasov – Zarnesti – Bran – Brasov (approx. 70 Km)
This morning you will enjoy a hike in Piatra Craiului Mountains (King’s Stone Mountain), the steepest mountains in Romania. During this trail, you will admire the wilderness of the Romanian forests and the stunning views with the edge of King’s Stone Mountain. You begin the hike at Botorog’s Fountain, the starting point for all the hiking trails in the area. Follow the marked trail up the Dwarf Trail until you reach the Magura village. In the nearby meadow you will stop for a delicious picnic (not included in the package price). If you are lucky, you can spot some black mountain goats on the top of the rocky canyon. Your trail ends in the village of Bran, where you will visit the most famous castle in Eastern Europe - Dracula Castle. The castle was built by the German Saxons in the 14th century and served as customs for many centuries between Transylvania and Wallachia. Dinner at „Tea House” Restaurant, the former Royal Tea House. Transfer to Brasov and overnight. (B, D) ↑ approx.650 m; ↓approx.700 m; approx. 15 km; approx. 6 hrs., difficulty level: medium
Day 4: Brasov – Sighisoara – Sibiu (approx. 210 Km)
While you drive to Sighisoara, you can admire the picturesque landscape of Transylvania and stop at a local farm to enjoy a cheese tasting from the various types that they produce. Sighisoara is one of the very few medieval fortresses still inhabited. The main attraction is the Clock Tower, the oldest entrance to the city known due to the clock mechanism built in the 17th century. You can also see Dracula’s birthplace and the Church on the Hill. Enjoy free time for lunch in the medieval citadel and a brandy tasting at a local 500-year-old cellar. In the afternoon you travel towards Sibiu, which was the 2019 European Gastronomy Region. Check-in at the hotel. In the evening you travel to the nearby village of Sibiel, where you will enjoy a home cooked dinner at the locals with wine and brandy. (B, D)
Day 5: Sibiu – Nucet – Hosman – Sibiu city tour (approx. 60 Km)
This morning you will travel to the Nucet village, near Sibiu, from where your hiking route begins, through the Transylvanian countryside. You will follow the line of the forest, through an area of Angus cattle, all the way to the Saxon village Hosman, where you will visit the local fortified church and enjoy a tasting of local products at the Old Mill in Hosman. In the afternoon you return to Sibiu and begin the city tour of the largest and wealthiest walled citadel built in Transylvania in the 12th century by the German settlers. The town has a pedestrian-friendly area, with two accessible levels: The Upper Town and The Lower Town, connected through The Stairs Passage. Preserving until today its wonderful medieval atmosphere, Sibiu was listed by Forbes in its top 10 of the most idyllic places to live in the whole world and was chosen as Europe’s Cultural Capital City in 2007, together with Luxembourg. Visit the Grand Square, the Small Square, the Liar’s Bridge and the impressive Evangelical Cathedral. Time at leisure in the old town. (B, L) ↑ approx.150 m; ↓approx. 150m; approx. 7 km; approx. 2.5 hrs., difficulty level: easy
Day 6: Hiking in the Cindrel Mountains
In the morning you travel to the village of Rasinari, from where you begin your trail up to the Magura Peak, situated at 1304m. The trail takes you through Prislop until you reach the Rose Meadow, where you stop for a delicious picnic lunch (not included in the package price), with a splendid view over the valley. You continue the trail until you reach the village of Cisnadioara, where you admire the fortification from the 13th century. In the afternoon return to Sibiu and enjoy some time at leisure. Overnight in Sibiu. (B) ↑ approx.800 m; ↓approx. 800m; approx. 12 km; approx. 6.5 hrs., difficulty level: medium-challenging
Day 7: Hiking in Paltinis
Today prepare for another day of hiking, this time in the mountains around Sibiu. After breakfast drive to Paltinis, one of the most famous ski resorts in the country. Here you walk through coniferous forests to the meadow Gaujoara. Then you continue to the mountain hut Muncel, Garden Oncesti, to the summit Oncesti. Continue hiking back to Paltinis. In good weather you can admire the whole region (Cibin Mountains). Enjoy a picnic lunch (not included in the package price). Return to Sibiu and enjoy some free time in the Old Town. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D) ↑ approx.600 m; ↓approx. 600m; approx. 16 km; approx. 6.5 hrs., difficulty level: medium Day 8: Sibiu – Bucharest / Departure (approx. 280 Km) After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Bucharest for your departure. Have a safe flight! (B)
Included:
- 7x overnights in very good, centrally located hotels with breakfast buffet •
- 1x 3-course dinner at a local restaurant in Brasov incl. 1 glass of wine on Day 1
- 1x 3-course dinner at the Bran Castle Tea House Restaurant on Day 3
- 1x Cheese tasting at a local farm near Brasov on Day 4
- 1x brandy tasting at a local cellar in Sighisoara on Day 4 •
- 1x Traditional dinner at the locals with homemade wine and brandy on Day 4
- 1x tasting of local products at the Old Mill in Hosman on Day 5
- 1x Farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Sibiu on Day 7
- Throughout professional English-speaking Mountain guide
- All entrance fees included as per itinerary (Black Church, Bran Castle, Clock Tower, Birth House of Dracula, Church on the Hill, Hosman Fortified Church) •
- Throughout transportation by modern A/C vehicle
Lufthansa City Center