Carpathian Mountains and Castles - self-guided version
8 days / 7 nights
Transylvania - Independent walking
Self-guided - Families - Singles - Comfort - Luggage transfer
This 8 days Self Guided Walking Tour is the best way for you to truly experience most authentically the Romanian Country Life! Piatra Craiului and Bucegi are some of the most popular and appreciated Romanian mountains. In Piatra Craiului, you will discover rare flora and fauna and at the feet of the Bucegi Mountains, you will see lovely pastures, and altogether spectacular landscapes amongst perched sheepfolds and medieval fortresses.
Telescopic hiking poles are recommended!
Your day by day program
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
Departure board
Every day from April to October, subject to availability of accommodation, response within 48 hours, from Monday to Friday.
Technical information
- Bucharest train station.
- Bucharest train station.
- 7 night in lovely guesthouses, in double rooms with showers and toilets (except 1 night with sanitary in common).
- Minimum of 2 people.
- 8 days / 6 days of walking. Medium level of walking with a maximum day at 6 h.
- The transfers of your luggage is ensured. You only have to carry your things needed for the day (picnic, camera...)
- Single supplement per person (price per person, for min. 2 travelers) : 80€
- Private transfer: Bucharest airport to the train station or center, for 3 people (45 min)
: 30€ - Departure at 1 person (only for very experienced hikers) : 125€
- 7 breakfasts, 6 picnics, 7 dinners
- All accommodations
- J1 and J8 transfers by train
- Baggage transfer
- The guidebook
- Hiking maps
- Assistance always reachable
- Transport to the meeting point and from the point of dispersion (Gare du Nord)
- The insurance
- The drinks, other than water
- Personal expenses
- Site visits
- Souvenirs
Map
Testimonials
Dear Rulaka, thank you and your team so much for the wonderful tour and the fantastic organisation of it! So again thank you for the wonderful time we‘ve had and still have! Best regards from Birgit and Astrid and Johannes and Markus
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
Similar holidays
Bike & wine in Romania
Walachia - Culture & gastronomy - E-bike tours - Cycling short trips - 2 days / 1 nights
Carpathian Mountains and unspoiled villages
Transylvania - Independent walking - 5 days / 4 nights
Christmas story in Bucovina
Moldavia Bukovina - Traditional holidays - 5 days / 4 nights
Guided walk through Bucovina - the land of the painted monasteries
Moldavia Bukovina - Guided walking - 5 days / 4 nights
The Carpathian Mountains, villages and castles - guided version
Transylvania - Guided walking - 8 days / 7 nights
Villages of Bucovina and Maramures
Moldavia Bukovina - Maramures - Guided walking - 9 days / 8 nights
The nature and culture heritage of the Balkan and Transylvania Mountains
Bulgaria - Transylvania - Guided walking - 14 days / 13 nights