Transylvania Walking Holiday

Upon arrival in Bucharest, you will be met by your friendly local guide who will assist you in the transfer to your hotel in Brasov, a city in the Transylvania region of Romania. Surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, Brasov is well known for its medieval Saxon walls and bastions, the towering Gothic-style Black Church and its lively cafes.

3 star hotel in Brasov (5 nights)

Join us for a short orientation meeting this morning before our adventures begin. Today we will explore Piatra Craiului, a 25 km long beautiful mountain range of southern Carpathians. The whole range is part of the Piatra Craiului National Park, an area protecting hundreds of species of flora and fauna / fungi, lichen and mosses, endemic flowers and herbs, spiders, butterflies, amphibians and reptiles as well as over 110 species of birds, 15 species of bat, big mammals such as chamois , wolves, brown bears and lynx. From here, we will visit the famous Dracula’s Castle in Bran. This castle was created by the Saxons in the late 14th century to defend Brasov from invasion by the Turks. Its interior displays rich medieval furniture, which Queen Marie purchased in the 1920's when the castle was used as a royal residence. 

Difficulty level: Leisurely / Length: 8.5km / Incline: 335 m / Decline: 385 m / Duration:  4 hours

In the late afternoon, we will take a city tour with a local guide to discover the major and most beautiful sights of Brasov. Brasov’s main square, Piaţa Sfatului, is situated in the heart of the medieval quarter and it is one of the finest Baroque squares in Romania. Here you can visit the 15th century Town Hall, with its quaint Trumpeter’s Tower on top, and the Lutheran Black Church, the largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul. Another interesting attraction is the Museum of First Romanian School which displays some of the first textbooks written in the Romanian language and printed in Brasov back in the 16th century.

Come with us this evening for a welcome dinner in a local restaurant. We can reflect on our fist day of walking and get to know each other a little better in a relaxed setting. 

After breakfast, transfer to Viscri for a morning hike over the hills of Transylvania towards Mesendorf. Viscri is famous for the few traditional houses that the Prince of Wales bought, restored and converted into guesthouses for tourists, contributing in this way to a better and sustainable future for the people of rural Transylvania. You will have free time for lunch in the village of Viscri. 

Difficulty level: Leisurely / Length: 13km / Incline: 250 m / Decline: 240 m / Duration: 3.5 hours

This evening is free for you to explore Brasov at your own pace. 

Today you will enjoy a mountain walk across the Bucegi Mountains, the number one destination for mountain lovers in Romania. The walk consists of a cable car transfer up Bucegi Plateau, where wind and rain have turned the rocks into spectacular figures such as the Sphinx and Babele. You will then descend to the town of Sinaia, known as the “Pearl of the Carpathians” due to its magnificent mountain scenery and Royal Castle. 

Difficulty level: Leisurely / Length: 7.6 km / Incline: 160 m / Decline: 320 m / Duration: 2.5 hours

Enjoy a full-day guided walking tour of Balea Lake in the Fagaras Mountains, the highest and one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Romania. Balea Lake is a glacier lake that is situated at 2,034m above sea level. You will reach the lake by coach through the scenic Transfagarasan highway, a spectacular mountain road built in the 70’s by dictator Nicolae Ceausescu as a military road connecting the historic provinces of Wallachia and Transylvania. 

Difficulty level: Leisurely / Length: 4.6 km / Incline: 350 m / Decline: 350 m / Duration: 3 hours

Please note, on 2025 departures this excursion will be replaced with an excursion to Libearty Bear Sanctuary and a walk to Vulcan. 

Today’s walking tour takes you to Piatra Mare, a small mountain range located south east of Brasov and very close to the resort of Predeal, a well-known Romanian ski resort. The mountain range is a very popular recreation and hiking area with beautiful panoramic views. During the walk you will reach the Seven Ladders Canyon, which is sure to be the highlight of the day. Seven Ladders Canyon is 160m long and 55m high with 7 main stairs, which you will ascend. The hike will continue towards Piatra Mare Hut, before descending through the forest, back towards the starting point at Dimbu Morii. 

Difficulty level: Leisurely / Length: 8.5 km / Incline: 550 m / Decline: 550 m / Duration: 3.5 hours

After your walk in the Piatra Mare Mountains you will continue to Bucharest, which will be your base for the remainder of your time in Romania. Upon arrival, you will have the remainder of the day at leisure to settle in.

Today you will explore Bucharest during a half-day guided walking tour. Bucharest’s old city centre is well known for its wide Parisian-style boulevards and fascinating Pre-World War I buildings that gave the city the nickname of “Little Paris” in the 1900’s.

Spend your afternoon at leisure strolling along Calea Victoriei, Bucharest’s most famous avenue where the beautiful Romanian Athenaeum, the Royal Palace and the Revolution Square are located. In the evening, a farewell dinner at a local restaurant is included.

Enjoy some time at leisure in Bucharest for any last minute sightseeing or shopping before a transfer from your hotel, with guide assistance, to Bucharest airport for your return flight home.