Carpathian Walking & Bears

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Description

Summary

Starts
Bucharest
Duration
8 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of Romania, where history, culture, and nature converge. Stay in a charming family-run guesthouse in the picturesque village of Magura, nestled within the breathtaking Piatra Craiului National Park. Explore medieval villages, hike through stunning landscapes, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Transylvania. From the iconic Bran Castle to the vibrant town of Brasov, each day offers a new adventure. Encounter wildlife at Europe's largest brown bear sanctuary and visit fortified churches steeped in history. This tour promises a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and cultural discovery.

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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

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Listed activities

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Tour leader throughout

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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.

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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.

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Destinations

Bran
Brasov - city in RomaniaBrasov

Map

Attractions

Photo of Caraiman Cross and Busteni city in the background, the tallest summit cross in the world situated at such an altitude, Caraiman Peak in Bucegi mountains, Prahova, Romania .Heroes' Cross on Caraiman Peak
Rezervația De Urși Libearty Zărnești, Zărnești, Brașov, RomaniaLibearty Bear Sanctuary Zarnesti
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
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

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Magura

  • Bucharest - Arrival day
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  • "Piatra Craiului" National Park
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Welcome to our charming family-run guesthouse in the picturesque village of Magura, nestled within the stunning Piatra Craiului National Park. After a scenic 3.5-hour drive from Bucharest Airport, settle into your cozy accommodation and enjoy a light dinner as you prepare for the adventures ahead.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Kalibash Villages

Day 2: Exploring Kalibash Villages

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a journey through the unique Kalibash villages of Magura and Pestera. Discover the fascinating history of these settlements, built along mountain ridges to defend against medieval invasions. Marvel at the stunning landscapes of deep ravines and valleys as you learn about the local heritage.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Traditional Journey and Bear Watching

Day 3: Traditional Journey and Bear Watching

  • Libearty Bear Sanctuary Zarnesti
  • "Piatra Craiului" National Park
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Begin your day with a walk into the Barza Valley, followed by a traditional horse-drawn cart ride offering breathtaking views of Piatra Craiului Mountain and Poiana Marului. Hike uphill through hay meadows to a secluded hermitage. In the evening, join a forester for an unforgettable brown bear watching experience in a safe hide deep within the forest.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Hike to Bran Castle

  • Bran
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  • Bran Castle
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Start your morning with a hike from the guesthouse, crossing flower meadows and beech forests to reach the bustling town of Bran. Visit the iconic Bran Castle, famously associated with Vlad the Impaler and Bram Stoker's Dracula. After exploring the castle, return to the tranquility of Magura for a restful evening.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Cultural Excursion to Brasov

  • Brasov
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  • Brașov Zoo
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Today, leave your hiking boots behind and travel by train and electric bus to the vibrant town of Brasov. Enjoy a guided tour of this medieval gem, rich in cultural and economic history. Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace before savoring traditional Romanian cuisine at a local restaurant. Return to Magura by train in the evening.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Hiking Zarnesti Gorge

Day 6: Hiking Zarnesti Gorge

  • Mănăstirea Bran
  • Cantacuzino Castle
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Embark on a morning hike through the awe-inspiring Zarnesti Gorge, carved by water over millions of years. Ascend to Curmatura Cabin, nestled at the base of Piatra Craiului. If conditions permit, challenge yourself with a climb to Piatra Mica. Descend through shepherd meadows and forests, returning to Magura by evening.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Visit to LiBearty Sanctuary and Vulcan

Day 7: Visit to LiBearty Sanctuary and Vulcan

  • Libearty Bear Sanctuary Zarnesti
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This morning, visit LiBearty, Europe's largest brown bear sanctuary, home to over 100 rescued bears. Afterward, enjoy a gentle hike to the village of Vulcan, rich in Transylvanian Saxon history. Visit a fortified church and enjoy refreshments in its yard, learning about the region's medieval defenses against invaders.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Magura

Day 8: Departure from Magura

After a final breakfast at the guesthouse, bid farewell to the serene village of Magura. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and scenic beauty of your multi-day tour as you begin your journey home.

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