Highlights
- Hike along a high ridge with splendid views of the Carpathians
- Explore the exceptionally well preserved medieval city of Sighisoara
- Tour fortified villages & citadels, remnants of the Saxon past
- Drive on the jaw-dropping Transfagarasan Pass
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Bucharest & Drive to the Mountains | Magura |
| Day 2 | Magura - Curmatura hut - Magura, Piatra Craiului National Park | Moieciu de Sus |
| Day 3 | Bucegi Mountains (Moieciu de Sus) | Moieciu de Sus |
| Day 4 | Rasnov-Viscri-Sighisoara | Sighisoara |
| Day 5 | Sibiu | Sibiu |
| Day 6 | Ruins, Wool Mill & Fagaras Mountains | Brasov |
| Day 7 | Brasov - Bucharest | Bucuresti |
| Day 8 | End of the Trip |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Bucharest & Drive to the Mountains
Welcome to Romania! You'll meet your tour representative in Bucharest to pick up any necessary travel documents and materials. From here begin your trip Brasov, known as the City of the Crown. Depending on arrival time stop to see the romantic Castle of Peles, a dreamy architectural treasure which used to serve as a holiday home for Romanian monarchs.
Overnight in a cozy traditional guesthouse in a small mountain village.
Day 2: Magura - Curmatura Hut - Magura, Piatra Craiului National Park
Today you'll head into the heart of the mountains to visit the Piatra Craiului National Park. This park is home to Romania's biggest limestone ridge, as well as a wide range of biodiversity. Wolves, brown bears, lynx, chamois, wild boars, and a variety of bird species call the park home.
The hiking trail takes you up to the mountain refuge of Curmatura, where you'll enjoy a delightful picnic lunch of hot soup and sweet apple pie. Fill up, then make your way downhill through open hills to enter a large wooded area on the river. Follow an old path to the Jurassic Zarnesti Canyon where crystal-clear springs burble through the woodland. Continue the hike to the vehicle, then drive to the next lovely village at the base of the Bucegi Mountains—your home for the night.
The total trek will take approximately 5.5 hours over 10 miles (16 km), with an elevation change of 750m (2460 ft). An easier route is also available.
Day 3: Bucegi Mountains (Moieciu de Sus)
After breakfast hit the trail for a full day hike in the Bucegi Mountains through thick forests and jaw-dropping scenery (a half-day option is also available). Explore the hillsides on a long walk along the Gutanu meadows and along the vertical walls of Bucegi's ridge. This section of the hike is particularly beautiful, offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountainsides.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. The longer version of the hike takes about 6 hours and covers 11 miles (18 km), while the shorter hike is 4.5 hours.
Day 4: Rasnov-Viscri-Sighisoara
In the morning make the drive to one of Europe's most beautifully preserved medieval citadels—the city of Sighisoara. On the way stop to see the infamous Dracula's Castle, as well as the striking medieval castle of Rasnov. After continue to one of Transylvania's highlights—the 700-year-old Viscri Fortified Church and the surrounding village.
End the day in Sighisoara, where narrow cobblestone streets and ancient city walls give you the feeling of traveling back in time. The fortified town is famous for its watchtowers, which were formerly managed by the congregations of artisans. Visit the Tailor's Tower to see the medieval architecture, then spend the night in the city center.
Day 5: Sibiu
Start the morning early with a transfer to the heart of Transylvania. Arrive in time for lunch in Sibiu, a beautiful and well-preserved medieval city. Its unique architecture and atmosphere won the title of European Capital of Culture in 2007. Visit the Brukenthal Museum and the “Holy Trinity” Roman Catholic Cathedral. The Astra Open-Air Village Museum to learn about Romanian traditions and folklore.
Overnight in a centrally-located hotel.
Day 6: Ruins, Wool Mill & Fagaras Mountains
Spend the morning exploring Sibiu on your own, then head out of town to visit the region's traditional villages. If you visit in the off-season, visit the beautiful ruins of a Cistercian Church at the base of a high mountain range, then continue to see Romania's oldest operational wool mill and water mill. Spend the evening in Brasov.
If you visit in the summer, hike 1.5 hours up into the Faragas Mountains instead, where you will spend the evening in a traditional mountain log cabin.
Day 7: Brasov - Bucharest
If you spent the previous night in Brasov, head out to explore the beautiful city and go for a short hike to see a panoramic viewpoint. Brasov was founded in the 12th century when Romanian monarchs invited the Saxons to Transylvania to guard the seven major mountain passes. Because of this, the city has a rich Saxon, Hungarian, and Romanian heritage with lots of notable historic sights. See the White and Black Towers, the Black Church and the Council House, St. Nicholas Church, and the first Romanian school.
If you spent the night in the mountain cabin, continue your drive to Romania's most impressive mountain road, the Transfagarasan. With both options spend the night in Bucharest.
Day 8: End of the Trip
Spend your last morning exploring the city before transferring to your connection home. Safe travels!
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