Carpathian Walking & Bears

1 / 11
Conditional cancellation
24/7 customer support
Best price guarantee

Description

Summary

Starts
Bucharest
Duration
8 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
16 years

Description

Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of Romania, where history, culture, and nature intertwine to create a captivating journey. From the tranquil village of Magura, nestled in the Piatra Craiului National Park, to the medieval charm of Brasov, each day offers a new adventure. Explore ancient villages, hike through breathtaking landscapes, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Transylvanian heritage. With comfortable accommodations and authentic experiences, this tour promises a unique and enriching escape into the heart of Romania's natural and cultural wonders.

Read more

Included

All breakfasts, five packed lunches and six dinners are included.

Meals are a mixture of fresh local produce and Romanian/Transylvanian specialities.

Transylvanian cuisine is influenced by several traditions and cultures (German, Hungarian and Romanian cuisine) but maintains a distinct character with a love for homemade cooking. Soups are a staple, main meals tend to be hearty with a strong focus on local produce, while desserts are varied and plentiful.

Breakfasts are usually a small buffet including an egg dish, cold cuts, cheeses, boiled eggs, vegetables, spreads, bread, yoghurt, cereals, jam, juice, herbal teas and coffee.

Lunches included on this trip will usually be self-made sandwiches; you can choose your own fillings from the morning buffets.

Each evening there is a choice between a meat or vegetarian dish. Dinner on the first evening is typically a light snack (cold platters with local food and bread) due to the late arrival of the group.

On one evening, we enjoy dinner in a typical Romanian restaurant in Brasov. This meal is not included, allow approximately 120 Romanian lei (US$25) – without drinks – for this.

Vegetarian and special diets can be catered for, but options can be limited throughout Romania – please inform the office of any specific requirements upon booking.

vegetarian, vegan, meat

Read more

Listed activities

Read more

Tour leader throughout

Read more

Transfers between Bucharest Airport and the guesthouse will normally be by Mercedes Sprinter bus. Local transport will be by minibuses. During the week, we sometimes use local low-impact transport, such as horse-drawn cart.

Read more

We spend seven nights in Villa Hermani, a private guesthouse in the remote village of Magura. It’s ideally situated for our adventure, sitting at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains and within Piatra Craiului National Park. 

The property has twin and single rooms in a range of sizes and styles, almost all of which have private facilities (there are two rooms that share one bathroom). There is free wifi at the guesthouse.

Our friendly hosts, German couple Hermann and Katharina Kurmes, possess a wealth of knowledge on Transylvania, wildlife conservation and serve delicious homemade food.

Read more

Destinations

Bran
Moeciu de Jos

Map

Attractions

Rezervația De Urși Libearty Zărnești, Zărnești, Brașov, RomaniaLibearty Bear Sanctuary Zarnesti
Poiana Stânei
Pârtia Cazacu
Fortified Evangelical Church Harman
Cheile Zănoagei
Photo of Magura, Transylvania, Romania. Landscape with houses on green hills. Rural countryside in romanian mountains near Zarnesti, Bran and Brasov in Piatra Craiului National Park, Romania ."Piatra Craiului" National Park
Rock St Anne
Mănăstirea Bran, Bran, Brașov, RomaniaMănăstirea Bran
Photo of aerial view of the medieval Castle of Bran, known for the myth of Dracula, Romania.Bran Castle
Photo of Stalactites and stalagmites in Valea Cetatii Cave, Rasnov, Romania .Valea Cetatii Cave
Photo of Tiger among bushes looking away ,Brasov ,Romania .Brașov Zoo
Photo of Panoramic view of Cantacuzino Castle in Busteni, Romania.Southern Carpathians Mountains, Transylvania.Cantacuzino Castle

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Magura

  • Moeciu de Jos - Arrival day
  • More
  • "Piatra Craiului" National Park
  • More

Nestled within the serene landscapes of Piatra Craiului National Park, the quaint village of Magura welcomes you to your home for the week. After a scenic journey from Bucharest Airport, unwind at our family-run guesthouse (or similar), where a light dinner awaits to ease you into the tranquil ambiance of this picturesque locale.

Read more
Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Discovering Kalibash Villages

  • Moeciu de Jos
  • More
  • Cheile Zănoagei
  • More

Embark on a journey through time as you explore the unique Kalibash villages of Magura and Pestera. Marvel at the houses perched along mountain ridges, and delve into the rich history of these settlements, which stood resilient against medieval invasions. Enjoy a day immersed in the cultural tapestry of this enchanting region.

Read more
Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Traditional Journeys and Bear Watching

  • Moeciu de Jos
  • More
  • Poiana Stânei
  • "Piatra Craiului" National Park
  • Rock St Anne
  • More

Experience the charm of traditional travel with a horse-drawn cart ride through Barza Valley, offering breathtaking views of Piatra Craiului Mountain and Poiana Marului. Hike to a secluded hermitage nestled in the rocks. As dusk falls, venture into the forest for a thrilling bear-watching experience, guided by a local forester.

Read more
Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Hiking to Bran Castle

  • Moeciu de Jos
  • Bran
  • More
  • Bran Castle
  • More

Set out on a morning hike from Magura, traversing vibrant flower meadows and beech forests, leading to the bustling town of Bran. Explore the iconic Bran Castle, steeped in history and legend, before returning to the peaceful embrace of Magura for a restful evening.

Read more
Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Medieval Brasov

  • Moeciu de Jos
  • Bran
  • More
  • Brașov Zoo
  • More

Trade your hiking boots for a train ride to the heart of Transylvania, Brasov. Discover the city's medieval charm on a guided tour, then enjoy free time to explore its vibrant streets. Savor authentic Romanian cuisine before returning to Magura, with memories of Brasov's rich cultural tapestry.

Read more
Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Hiking Zarnesti Gorge

  • Moeciu de Jos
  • More
  • Pârtia Cazacu
  • Mănăstirea Bran
  • Cantacuzino Castle
  • More

Embark on an exhilarating hike through the dramatic Zarnesti Gorge, ascending to the welcoming Curmatura Cabin. For those seeking a challenge, continue to the summit of Piatra Mica, rewarded with panoramic views. Descend through lush meadows and forests, returning to the tranquil village of Magura.

Read more
Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Bears and Saxon Heritage

  • Moeciu de Jos
  • More
  • Libearty Bear Sanctuary Zarnesti
  • Fortified Evangelical Church Harman
  • Valea Cetatii Cave
  • More

Visit the LiBearty Sanctuary, home to rescued brown bears, before a gentle hike to the village of Vulcan. Immerse yourself in the Saxon heritage, exploring fortified churches that echo tales of resilience. Enjoy a warm welcome with coffee and tea, surrounded by the echoes of history.

Read more
Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Farewell to Magura

  • Moeciu de Jos - Departure day
  • More

As your adventure draws to a close, savor a final breakfast at the guesthouse. Bid farewell to the enchanting village of Magura, carrying with you memories of a week filled with discovery, culture, and natural beauty.

Read more

How it works

Secure your spot with Europe’s biggest travel platform—instant confirmation, best price guarantee, and 24/7 expert support.

Secure your spot
Book instantly and lock in your place on one of Europe’s top-rated tours. Enjoy the best price and secure checkout so you can focus on the fun.
Get instant confirmation
Receive your e-ticket and booking summary immediately after checkout, with all meeting points and schedules included.
Easily make changes
Plans changed? No problem. Our team is just seconds away—ready to help with any adjustments quickly and smoothly.
Explore with confidence
From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.
Secure your spot
Book instantly and lock in your place on one of Europe’s top-rated tours. Enjoy the best price and secure checkout so you can focus on the fun.
Get instant confirmation
Receive your e-ticket and booking summary immediately after checkout, with all meeting points and schedules included.
Easily make changes
Plans changed? No problem. Our team is just seconds away—ready to help with any adjustments quickly and smoothly.
Explore with confidence
From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

Verified reviews

Link to appstore phone
Install Europe’s biggest travel app

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.