Carpathian Mountains and Castles - self-guided version

Our agent will meet you in Bucharest, at the North Train Station, to give you your documents (road book, maps…). You will then get on a train to Brasov (2.40hr). Once you arrive, you will change in Brasov with a train to Zarnesti (50 min). Several train options depending on the arrival flight and if you wish to stop in Brasov to visit this beautiful medieval city. Dinner and Accommodation in a lovely guesthouse in Zarnesti.
Dinner included

Today you head into the heart of the Piatra Craiului National Park. Your walk starts with a nice steady climb following woodland trails that are picturesque and rich in birdsong. We end up to the lovely lunch spot at Cabana Curmatura, where you can take-in the views of the Valley and Canyon surrounding you. Lunch will be a real delight today with local soup and an amazing apple pie. Fill up from lunch you can either take a detour to a pass offering beautiful views, either make your way downhill through open hills before entering a large wooded area along the river. We will follow an old track to The Jurassic Zarnesti Canyon.
Approx 5h, 15km, +800m, -500m Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner included

Today you will walk on a small ridge going down to Bran castle. This castle was built in the 14th century and had a role of defense 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 the prince Vlad Tepes of Wallachia. Transfer to the same guesthouse as the night before.
Approx. 4-5h, 11km, +300m, -600m Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner included

Trek in the National park of Piatra Craiului till the south of the limestone ridge. In this bucolic landscape we find our way in the middle of pastures, sheepfolds and woods. We will end the stage in a rustic scattered village which seems not to care about the fact that time is passing. Overnight in a welcoming guesthouse.
Approx. 5h, 15km, +700m, -550m Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner included

Leave the Piatra Craiului mountains. An easy walk with “picture post-card” landscapes through scattered villages with small and ancient houses, at the foot of Bucegi mountains. The inhabitants are livestock breeders; therefore the village has a long time tradition in cheese preparing.
Approx. 4h, 13km, +350, -500m. Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner included

Trek towards the Bucegi massif. A long hike which you will not regret: magnificent landscapes and sights of the Piatra Craiului’s crest.
Approx. 6h, 15km, +700m, -900m (Possible shorter walk 4h, 12km, +400m, -700m) Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner included

Continue to hike in the Bucegi mountains. A trek along the meadow of Gutanu and the vertical walls of the Bucegi’s crest. Starting with June you can find the shepherds with their flocks and maybe even ask to taste the cheese they prepare. Take the time and enjoy these landscapes.
Approx. 6h, 18km, +700m, -900m Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner included

Today you will get a private transfer to Brasov and then you'll get on the train to Bucharest. End of the journey
Breakfast included

On behalf of my quartet of walkers I just want to thank you and Adina for a wonderful hiking holiday! The only major problem was that it was too short and didn't finish back at Magura, our favourite place!
We thought you might value some feedback and a few suggestions from us so here goes.


The transfers were on time. The booklet of instructions was great and we didn't get lost! We feel it should have a map of the whole area we're walking in (I know you gave us the big map) and also a bit of a history of the area and names of the villages we walk through. The other thing we found (and we're not that unfit) was that the timings were unrealistic. Most days, especially day 2 we took at least 25% more time. I guess we were taking photos and smelling the roses and chatting to people we met.

Finally, Paul's Casa Dobre is terrific. (We had the bathroom with the amazing view.) He's a great cook and host and the guest house is lovely. Maria's food was sensational as were Daniela's award winning cabbage rolls!

I am in Dubai on my way home to Melbourne and can't wait to come back to explore some more of your wonderful country.

All the very best to you and Adina,

Mairi.

PS Keep in touch with any new walking holidays!

Thank you for this wonderful and seamless experience. Everything was very well organized and coordinated. Raluca Maria kindly welcomed us a Bucharest with all the necessary information to enjoy our hike, and was very helpful at the end of our holidays.
The transfers four ourselves and our luggage were simply perfect.

Hello,

The trip was fantastic: the walks were great, the accommodation excellent, the people friendly and your organization outstanding. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Regards
Richard