Castles & villages of the Carpathian Mountains
€930
per person
Explore the Carpathian mountains – the most celebrated mountain range in Romania, and dip into the cultural gems of Transylvania. This self-guided hiking tour will take you to Piatra Craiului and Bucegi, the most famous mountains in the Southern Carpathian range. Behold the incredible biodiversity of the Piatra Craiului National Park and the vast pastures of the Bucegi Mountains as you advance through hidden high mountain sheepfolds and medieval fortresses. The highlights of this incredible independent walking tour are the incredible Bran Castle and the architectural masterpieces of Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle. Dive into the local traditional culture in the historical center of Brasov. Enjoy this magnificent combination of scenic nature walks on harmonious hiking trails and exploring some of the most iconic cultural heritage sites of Romania.
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Destination
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Duration8 Days I Level: 3 (of 5)
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What is includedFamily pensions (en-suite rooms), incl. breakfast (and dinner in Magura village); private transfers as per itinerary (including Day 1, but excluding Day 8, when you should choose between train and private transfer to Bucharest (payable extra); Detailed route notes and maps in English (+ GPS tracks); Emergency hotline;
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What is not includedDrinks and other meals; transfers different than mentioned in the "included in the price" section; entry fees/park taxes; lift tickets; train tickets;
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Best periodJune, July, August, September, October
FROM OUR GALLERY
Independent hiking tour in Transylvania (Carpathian Mountains), Romania
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Day 1. Arrival in Bucharest
Your driver will meet you at the Bucharest Airport or pick up from your hotel in Bucharest for a private transfer to Brasov where your first overnight will be. (2.30-3hrs drive).
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Day 2. Brasov - The Seven Ladders Canyon - Brasov (16km, 7-8hrs, +800m/-800m)
After a healthy breakfast, a short transfer will take you to the trailhead of the first hiking day of the independent walking tour in the Piatra Mare Mountain. You start walking at the top of the mountain and enter The Seven Ladders Canyon. As you ascend to the highest part of the narrow path you follow, you can opt to conquer the highest peak in the area (1843m). The Seven Ladders Canyon is the most attractive hiking area of the Piatra Mare (Big Rock) mountain. It is famous for its indisputable natural beauty and the Seven Ladders Waterfall - the second highest in Europe. A transfer will take you back to Brasov in the afternoon.
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Day 3. Brasov - Bran Castle - Magura village (circular walk) (9km, 3hrs, +300m/-300m)
A morning transfer after breakfast will take you to the Bran Castle. You will have time on your own to explore the famous castle of Dracula. You will be taken to the Magura village directly from there. Check-in your hotel and leave your luggage. We have foreseen a short self-guided walk across the beautiful mountain villages Magura and Pestera offering great views over the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului Mountains. You can choose to make a stop at the oldest guesthouse in the National Park (booked at least 24 hours in advance) for some cheese tasting or lunch (appr. 10-12 EUR/person, payable on the spot).
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Day 4. Magura village - Curmatura chalet - Magura village (circular walk) (16km, 6-7hrs, +500m/-700m)
Today’s self-guided walking section explores the Piatra Craiului National Park and offers some of the most beautiful sights in the Carpathian mountains. You will follow a picturesque trail through lush meadows and dense forests. Have a rest at the Curmatura chalet (1470m) and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding area. You will gradually return to the Magura village in the afternoon.
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Day 5. Magura village - Bucegi Mountains - Brasov (14km, 5-7hrs, +800m/-800m)
A short morning transfer will take you to the starting point of your independent hiking route in the Bucegi Mountains. Follow a forest trail and ascend toward the highlands for some great views. You can take a short detour to the Evil Waterfall. Continue walking until you reach a sheep farm where you can taste some local cheese products. Your driver will be waiting for you at the end of the trail and take you to Brasov.
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Day 6. Rest day in Brasov
Take a break and enjoy Brasov. Take a walk around the historic center or a hike up the Tampa mountain (960m) to enjoy some amazing panoramas of the city. You can reach the top by cable car (closed on Мondays) and have a walk down. You can join the free guided free tour of Brasov for some nice evening city views or just to explore in details the hidden gems of the medieval city (https://brasov.walkaboutfreetours.com/).
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Day 7. Brasov - Busteni - Peles Castle and Sinaia Monastery - Sinaia (4km, 2-3hrs, +100m/-100m)
A morning transfer will take you to the village of Busteni where you will take the cable car up to the main ridge of the Bucegi Mountains. Follow a trail to the ‘Sphynx’ rock formation and then reach another cable car which will take you to Sinaia. Take the time to visit the Peles Castle and Sinaia Monastery in the afternoon. The overnight is in Sinaia. Please note that the Busteni cable car doesn't work Tuesdays and the Sinaia one is closed on Monday. If this day from your self-guided hiking route falls on one of these weekdays you will only be able to use one of the lifts for your hike.
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Day 8. Departure day
Take the train to Bucharest (it passes nearly every hour) or order a private transfer (contact us for details) to your hotel in Bucharest city or Bucharest airport.
TOUR LOCATION
Price
930 Euro per person in twin/dbl room
Single room & Solo Traveller supplement
Single room supplement: 260 Euro
Solo Traveler supplement (incl. also single room supplement): N/A (min. group size: 2 pax)
Tips
Daily departures between June and October. Well-marked trails, part of the Carpathian hiking network. Changing weather in summer, requiring good rain gear just in case. Note that walking in the national parks of Romania means you may come across wild animals, incl. Brown bears. To avoid unexpected meetings, try to speak louder with your travel mates when hiking in some of the most dense forests.
Accommodation
Family-run pensions with en-suite rooms; Breakfast included all days, and also dinner in Magura village (lunch packs and other dinners can be ordered in the accommodations). Samples of the inns we would normally book (subject to availability), or similar category: Days 1/2/6/7: Brasov - Apollonia Hotel; Days 3/4: Magura Village - Pepino Guesthouse; Day 5: Busteni resort - Hotel Silva;
Send an enquiry about this tour
The reservation confirmation you will get right after placing an order only confirms that your booking is received and an agent has started working on it. It doesn't mean your tour is guaranteed! Wait to hear from us with final confirmation before booking flights or making any other arrangements, related to your holiday. The dates as listed below do not correspond with real-time availability!
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