Walking in the Carpathian Mountains
Walking in the Carpathian Mountains
Walking in the Carpathian Mountains
8 Days Starting and ending in Bucharest, Romania
Visiting: Brașov, Păltiniș, Rășinari, Sibiu, Piatra Craiului National Park, Bucharest
Tour operator:
Tour code:
962
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
An eight day, small group tour, walking in the Carpathian Mountains, with a perfect mix of both natural and cultural heritage. The tour starts and ends in the Saxon town of Bra?ov, and then explores the dramatic landscapes of the Fagara? Mountains, the highest in the Southern Carpathian range. They're also known as the Transylvanian Mountains, as they are in the beating heart of this historic central Romanian region. As well as some spectacular guided hikes, of between 10-22km, you get to visit the ancient heritage highlights of Sibiu and Bran Castle. This tour is on a half board basis
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Bucharest – Brașov
Location: Brașov
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Brașov
Meals Included: Dinner
You are transferred from Bucharest Airport to Brașov. If time allows, take a stroll around the city, one of the Siebenburgen (seven-walled citadels) which were built by the Transylvanian Saxons. Overnight in the heart of Brașov’s Old Town.
Day 2 : Brașov – Rașinari 10Km
Location: Brașov
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Rașinari
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, explore Brașov on a guided city tour, taking in the biggest church in Romania, the Black Church, as well as Strada Sforii and Catherine’s Gate. Afterwards, you are transferred to Fagaraș Mountains for a 2.5h hike to Bâlea Lake, a glacial lake located at 2,034m. After a lunch break at Bâlea waterfall, continue on to Rașinar for the evening, where dinner and a glass of Romanian Schnapps, or tuica, is served.
Walking for the day: 10km, 2-3h, ↑470m ↓470m
Day 3 : Rașinari – Paltiniș 18Km
Location: Păltiniș
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Rașinari
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After a 25km drive, hike along a forest road towards Mount Oncești (1,713m). Continue on through the forest on a hiking trail, before reaching the base of Mount Surdu (1,970m). Finally a relatively easy return path leads back to the starting point, Paltiniș, the highest resort in Romania. You are transferred back to the guesthouse.
Walking for the day: 18km, 5.5h, ↑720m ↓530m
Day 4 : Ra?Inari Circular Walk 22Km
Location: Rășinari
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Ra?inari
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The day begins with an easy hike from Ra?inari through the Roma village of Prislop to Rosegarden. From here, there is the option to climb up Magura Cisnadiei (1,304m) with views across Sadu Valley and the Transylvanian Alps the other name given to the Carpathian Mountains in this region. Descend through Silvercreek Valley to Cisnadioara. End the day with a horse and carriage ride back to the guesthouse.
Walking for the day: 22km, 6.5h, ?610m ?560m
Day 5 : Ra?Inari – Bran – Magura 10Km
Location: Sibiu
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Magura
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start the day with a transfer and a guided tour to explore the city of Sibiu. Learn about the Bridge of Lies and the Great Square, and visit the main church of this ancient city. Continue by transfer on to Bran, with a visit to the famous Dracula Castle. Then, hike from Bran to the guesthouse in the village of Magura. The village is located at 1,100m and offers views of the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului Mountains.
Walking for the day: 10km, 3h ?360m ?360m
Day 6 : Magura – Zarne?Ti 15Km
Location: Piatra Craiului National Park
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Magura
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start on an easy hiking trail in the village of Magura, passing by dairies to reach a nearby peak with views of Piatra Craiului National Park. After a well deserved lunch break, follow the path down to Zarne?ti Ravine. The last part of the hike goes uphill, back to the guesthouse.
Walking for the day: 15km, 5-6h, ?590m ?850m
Day 7 : Magura – Bra?Ov 16.5Km
Location: Brașov
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Bra?ov
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Head back down into Zarne?ti Ravine, before continuing uphill to Cabana Curmatura, a great place to stop for lunch as fresh soups are prepared here for hikers. If you are up for the challenge, the route continues up an additional 350m to Piatra Craiului Mica. Please note that some places are exposed and require climbing on this route. Alternatively, continue along the route at the same altitude as Cabana Curmatura. Finally, transfer to Bra?ov for a farewell dinner.
Walking for the day: 16.5km, 5h, ?430m ?540m
Day 8 : Departure
Location: Brașov, Bucharest
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, you are transferred to Bucharest Airport.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Complimentary transfer from Bra?ov to Bucharest Airport
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in Bra?ov, Ra?inari, and Magura throughout the tour.
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Meals
Breakfast and dinner are included each day of the tour.
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Transfers
Transfers are provided from Bucharest Airport to Bra?ov and from Bra?ov to Bucharest Airport.
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Guided Tours
Guided city tours are included in Bra?ov and Sibiu.
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Horse and Carriage Ride
A horse and carriage ride is included on Day 4 back to the guesthouse.
What's Not Included
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Lunch
Lunch is not included in the tour package.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional snacks are not covered.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from Bucharest are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transfers are provided from Bucharest Airport to Bra?ov, and between various locations including Ra?inari, Paltini?, Bran, and Magura, ensuring a seamless travel experience throughout the Carpathian Mountains.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in the heart of Bra?ov’s Old Town, the charming village of Ra?inari, and the picturesque village of Magura, with accommodations offering a cozy and authentic Romanian experience.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes breakfast and dinner each day. Lunch is not included, so participants will need to arrange their own midday meals.
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Are transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, transfers are included from Bucharest Airport to Brașov and between various locations such as Rășinari, Păltiniș, Bran, and Măgura.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour provides comfortable accommodations in Brașov, Rășinari, and Măgura, offering a cozy and authentic Romanian experience.
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Is there a guided tour included in the itinerary?
Yes, guided city tours are included in Brașov and Sibiu, allowing participants to explore historical sites and learn about the local culture.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes hiking in the Carpathian Mountains, a horse and carriage ride, and visits to historical sites such as Dracula Castle in Bran.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package. It is recommended that participants purchase travel insurance separately.
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What is the difficulty level of the hikes during the tour?
The tour includes various hikes, some of which are challenging, such as the hike to Piatra Craiului Mica, which involves exposed areas and climbing.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.