Romania

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome in Brasov

Transfer from Otopeni Airport - Brasov (the most important tourist city of Romania), approx. 3 hours or Brasov Airport - Brasov (20-30 minutes). Accommodation at a 3* guesthouse/hotel located near the old city center. Depending on the flight time, we can have an evening Brasov walking tour. Welcome to a Traditional Romanian dinner. Fringed by the peaks of the Southern Carpathian Mountains and resplendent with Gothic, baroque, and Renaissance architecture, as well as a wealth of historical attractions, Brasov is one of the most visited places in Romania. Founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211 on an ancient Dacian site and settled by the Saxons as one of the seven walled citadels, Brașov exudes a distinct medieval ambiance and has been used as a backdrop in many recent period films.

Day 2: Legendary Castle and Village Charm

Breakfast. Transfer to Bran village (about 40 minutes). We visit Bran Castle (on Mondays it opens at noon), also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’ — a hilltop estate that conjures up visions of howling wolves and bats fluttering in the moonlight. Wander the castle’s Gothic chambers and learn about its ties to Bram Stoker’s undead antihero. Head from Bran village toward Magura village - nestled on the hills of Piatra Craiului National Park, Magura is a small village with traditional Romanian houses and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It's a serene spot for those seeking a quiet escape. The path is the route that links the Bucegi Mountains to the Piatra Craiului National Park. It is an easy to medium walk, through forest and meadows, with great views to both mountains and the Bran area with its mountain villages. Info about the hike: 4-6 hours, medium effort, uphill/downhill walk 750 m / 450 m, 8 km. Accommodation 2 nights at a village guesthouse in Magura Village. Lunch pack and homemade dinner. Complimentary drinks will be provided at dinner (1 beer or 1 glass of wine per dinner).

Day 3: Hiking in Piatra Craiului National Park

Breakfast. Trek in the heart of Piatra Craiului National Park, which is a stunning protected area located in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. It is known for its dramatic limestone ridge, deep gorges, and diverse flora and fauna. The park offers several hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, providing opportunities for both beginners and experienced hikers to explore its natural beauty. Cross the epic Zarnesti Gorges - a stunning natural attraction. The gorges are renowned for their spectacular limestone formations, towering cliffs, and a picturesque landscape. Bring your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery, especially the play of light and shadow on the rock formations. Continue to the Curmatura hut located at 1470 m. The hut serves as a base for hikers exploring the Piatra Craiului massif, providing shelter, accommodation, and facilities for visitors. Info about the hike: 5 - 6 hours, medium, uphill/downhill walk 700 m, 14 km. Picnic lunch. Dinner at the guesthouse.

Day 4: Traditional Villages and Timeless Scenery

Breakfast. Walk through the villages at the foothills of the Piatra Craiului National Park and Bucegi Natural Park: Magura - Pestera (a village surrounded by hills and forests; it provides a tranquil setting for visitors exploring Piatra Craiului) - Sirnea (the first touristic village of Romania; also, a traditional mountain village with wooden houses and a peaceful atmosphere) – Ciocanu (surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes) - Fundata. Experience the authenticity of rural life in the Carpathians and may have the opportunity to interact with the friendly locals. Info about the hike: 5-6 hours, easy to medium, uphill/ downhill walk 1083 m / 890 m, 15 km. Lunch pack. Homemade dinner and accommodation at a 3* guesthouse for 3 nights.

About Sirnea village: to develop the village and attract as many tourists as possible, Professor Nicolae Fruntes initiated two feasts: "The measure of milk and the meeting of the village sons" held every June and "Winter at Sirnea", aimed at presenting the customs of the villagers, both during summer and winter. Launched in 1969, the feast "Winter at Sirnea" entails a skiing race with torches in hands, sleigh rides, and parties organized at the Cultural Centre.

Day 5: Exploring Fundata and Fundatica villages

Breakfast. Today we have a walk in the villages of Fundata and Fundatica. Info about the hike: 4 - 5 hours, easy to medium, uphill/downhill walk 300 m / 300 m, 10 km. Lunch pack and homemade dinner.

Fundata is a picturesque village surrounded by lush meadows and dense forests, offering panoramic views of the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului mountain ranges. It is often referred to as the highest-altitude village in the country. Fundata is known for its stunning landscapes, traditional architecture, and the serene atmosphere of a mountain retreat. In August 1916, when troops from the Romanian Old Kingdom entered Austria-Hungary, the first village they took was Fundata, also capturing their first prisoners there and suffering their first battle death.

Day 6: Bucegi Natural Park Hike

Breakfast. Short transfer to Simon village (about 40 minutes). Full day hiking trip in Bucegi Natural Park, known for its diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, and iconic geological formations. Hike on the northern part of the mountain, which is wilder and not so touristic. During the hike, discover the Devil's Mill Waterfall and a local sheep farm (from the middle of June to the middle of September). Transfer back to the guesthouse. Info about the hike: 5-6 hours, medium effort, uphill/downhill walk 800 m / 800 m, 14 km: lunch pack and dinner.

Day 7: Adventure in 7 Ladders Canyon

Breakfast. Transfer about 1 1/2 hours to the starting point for "7 Ladders Canyon" from Piatra Mare mountain. The canyon has been carved in Jurassic limestone and is composed of seven waterfalls, the tallest being 15 meters high. The trail within the canyon is arranged with metal stairs and platforms. Duration: 4-5 hours, medium effort, uphill/downhill walk: 400 m, 8 km. Lunch pack. Transfer to Brasov (about 30 minutes). Accommodation at a 3* guesthouse/hotel located near the old city center and farewell dinner.

Day 8: Farewell Transfer

Breakfast. Transfer to the Bucharest airport (about 3 hours) or to the Brasov airport (about 20-30 minutes).

From NZ$4,205 per person, twin share.

Single supplement applies

Upgrades to accommodation are available

Cost Includes:

· 7 nights accommodation according to the program with HB (breakfast & dinner included), six lunch packs

· licensed English-speaking mountain guide from day 2 to day 7

· all transfers by car or minibus

· luggage transfers

· entrance fees to “7 Ladders Canyon”, Piatra Craiului National Park, Bran Castle

Departs every Saturday from mid April to the end of October.

Notes:

The programme could be changed because of weather conditions.

Compulsory equipment: waterproof hiking boots and clothes, as well as warm clothes.