Nicola & Serena
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Carpathian Mountains and Castles - self-guided walk

8 days / 7 nights
Romania - Transylvania - Independent walking
Without guide - Families - Singles - Comfort - Luggage transfer

Last updated: 26/02/2024

price from 870 € per pers.

This 8 days Self Guided Walking Tour is the best way for you to truly experience most authentically the Romanian Country Life! Piatra Craiului and Bucegi are some of the most popular and appreciated Romanian mountains. In Piatra Craiului, you will discover rare flora and fauna and at the feet of the Bucegi Mountains, you will see lovely pastures, and altogether spectacular landscapes amongst perched sheepfolds and medieval fortresses.

Possibility to extend your stay in Brasov or Bucharest, please contact us for accommodations.

Telescopic hiking poles are recommended!

Your day by day program

1
Reception in Bucharest

Our agent will meet you in Bucharest city centre or at Bucharest North Train Station, to give you your documents (road book, maps etc.). The trip therefore starts at Bucharest North Station (or at Bucharest OTP Airport, changing trains at Bucharest North) with a train Bucharest - Brasov (2:45 hours), followed by a private transfer to Magura (1:00 hour). There are several train options depending on the arrival flight and if the clients want to stop in Brasov to visit this beautiful medieval city, but the main option is Bucuresti Nord 15:15 – Brasov 17:37 followed by the private transfer to Magura. Dinner and accommodation in Magura. (D)

2
Zarnesti Gorges

Walk in Piatra Craiului (“King’s Stone”) mountains to the authentic mountain hut of Curmatura. Breath-taking views of the mountain ridge and the valley around the hut. The clients can enjoy the host’s unique recipe, special lunch, local soup and a delicious pie! On the way back to the guesthouse, the clients will cross the mesmerizing Zarnesti gorges with 200m high vertical walls (around 5h, 13km, +800m, -800m). (B,L,D). Possibility for an extension.

3
Bran castle

Today’s walk goes on a small ridge leading to Bran castle. This castle was built in the 14th century and had a role of defence against the migratory people. Later it protected Transylvania from the Ottoman invasions. The castle was also associated with the fictional character of Dracula, who was based on Vlad Tepes, Prince of Wallachia. Private transfer to the same guesthouse the night before, (around 4.5h, 12km, +300m, -600m). (B,L,D)

4
Pastures and forests in "Piatra Craiului" National Park

Trek in the National Park of Piatra Craiului taking in pastures, sheepfolds, woods and scattered villages. The customers will cross traditional villages where time seems to have stopped, and they will end the day in a beautiful and traditional mountain village. (around 5.5h, 16km, +/-750m or shorter option available: around 5h, 14km, +/-600m). (B,L,D)

5
Scattered villages

This morning the route leaves Piatra Craiului Mountains, with an easy walk with picture perfect landscapes through lovely villages sheltering small and olden houses, at the foot of Bucegi Mountains. The locals are livestock breeders, therefore the village has a long standing tradition of cheese making. (around 4h, 13 km, +250m, -350m). (B,L,D). Possibility for a longer walk.

6
Bucegi's mountains

Trek towards the Bucegi massif. A long hike that you will not forget: impressive landscapes and sights of the impressive Strunga Wall, crossing two passes, the Strunga and the Strungulita and passing by a mountain shelter upon the former Transylvanian – Wallachian border (around 6h, 18km, +900m, -900m). (B,L,D)

7
Meadow of Gutanu

The hike continues in Bucegi Mountains, going up to Gutanu Clearing with excellent views towards the dramatic cliffs above. Starting with June, you can encounter shepherds alongside their flocks, and even ask to taste the cheese they prepare themselves. Take your time and enjoy these remarkable landscapes (around 6h, 18km, +750m, -850m). (B,L,D)

Note: if you do this trip late April or beginning of May, in some of the years, the snow could melt late. In this case we will replace it with a transfer to Brasov and overnight in Brasov (small extra cost if you want an upgraded hotel). Same for October if the snow arrives earlier.

8
End of the journey

Private transfer from Simon to Brasov and then travel by train to Bucharest. End of the journey. (B)

Departure board

Every day from April to October, subject to availability of accommodation, response within 48 hours, from Monday to Friday.

Technical information

Fact sheet
Starting point
  • Bucharest North train station / Bucharest OTP Airport train station.
End
  • Bucharest North train station / Bucharest OTP Airport train station.
Accommodation
  • 7 night in lovely guesthouses, in double rooms with showers and toilets (except for 1 night with shared facilities).
Number of people
  • Minimum of 2 people.
Level of difficulty
  • 8 days / 6 days of walking. Medium level of walking with a maximum day at 6 h.
Carrying
  • The transfers of your luggage is provided. You only have to carry your things needed for the day (picnic, camera...)
Options
  • Single supplement per person (price per person, for min. 2 travelers)  : 150€
  • Private transfer: Bucharest airport to the train station or center, for 3 people (45 min) : 35€
  • Private transfer from Bucharest OTP Airport to Magura: price per service one way (base 1-3 pax).  : 170€
  • Private transfer Bucharest OTP Airport - Magura (van, 4-6 persons, one way) : 230€
  • Private transfer Bucharest OTP Airport - Brasov (van, 4-6 persons, one way) : 220€
  • Private transfer from Bucharest city centre to Magura: price per service one way (base 1-3 pax).  : 150€
  • Private transfer from Simon to Bucharest OTP Airport: price per service one way (base 1-3 pax). : 150€
  • Private transfer from Simon to Bucharest city centre: price per service one way (base 1-3 pax).  : 170€
  • Extra night in Bucharest, 3* hotel, price per DBL BB. : 86€
  • Extra night in Brasov, 3* hotel, price per DBL BB : 94€
  • Private transfer Brasov - Magura (1-3 persons) / service / one way. : 40€
Included
  • 7 breakfasts, 6 picnics, 7 dinners
  • All accommodations
  • D1 and D8 transfers by train
  • Baggage transfer
  • The guidebook
  • Hiking maps
  • Assistance always reachable
  • Welcome and briefing
Not included
  • Transport to the starting point and from the final point (Bucharest North Train Station)
  • The insurance
  • The drinks, other than water
  • Personal expenses
  • Site visits
  • Souvenirs

Map

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