Transylvanian Alps Explorer
Transylvanian Alps Explorer
Transylvanian Alps Explorer
8 Days Starting and ending in 45.657975,25.601198
Visiting: Romania
Tour operator:
Tour code:
16
Recommended For:
Group size:
1 - 7
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
This holiday (together with its moderate to strenuous version) is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the totally different world that you will find in Transylvania and Romania. Dubbed the Transylvanian Alps, the Fagaras Mountains are impressive with multiple peaks over 2.500 m. Your active trip starts near Balea Lake, a picturesque glacier lake at just over 2.000 m. For a spectacular view of the Fagaras you will hike to one of the highest peaks in Romania, before descending back to Balea Lake and Balea Waterfall. In the following days you will explore the charming landscapes around Cisnadioara, where you also visit the Cistercian and Evangelical churches. For a glimpse into medieval Transylvania and its towns with narrow, winding streets, you take a stroll around the stunning cities of Sibiu and Brasov. Accommodation is in hand-picked 3 or 4 star hotels. Highlights:
- Hiking the Transylvanian Alps and reaching Vanatarea lui Buteanu Peak, 2.507 m
- Transfagarasan Road, dubbed the most beautiful road in the world
- Balea Glacier Lake, 2.034 m
- Brasov, former capital city of medieval Transylvania
- Beautifully restored Old Town of Sibiu, the 2007 European Culture Capital
Highlights
Itinerary
Arrive in Bucharest, the capital of Romania and start your transfer to Brasov. Easy Jet, Wizz Air and Ryan Air all fly directly to Bucharest; Brasov is then accessible via a 2-hour train ride or a private transfer. Visit the medieval fortress, the Black Church and stroll the beautiful streets of the old town.
Accommodation: a hand-picked guesthouse close to the main square and the old town of Brasov
Day 2: Balea Lake, Vanatarea Lui Buteanu Summit (2507 m) 5 km
Morning transfer to Balea Lake (150 km / 2.5 hours from Brasov), a beautiful resort in the Carpathian Mountains’ heart situated at just over 2000 m. Arrive at the hotel. Afternoon hike to one of the highest peaks in the Carpathian Mountains (Vanatarea Lui Buteanu, 2507 m), where you can enjoy the impressive panorama of the surrounding mountains.
Walking for the day: 5 km, 4 hours, 600 m elevation gain
Accommodation: 3-star chalet next to Balea Lake (Cabana Balea Lac)
Day 3: Balea Waterfall – Cisnadioara 9 km
Hike from Balea Lake towards Balea Waterfall, the largest step waterfall in Romania. You get the chance to experience multiple levels of vegetation, starting with the high alpine and reaching down to the dense coniferous forests. Transfer to the guesthouse in Cisnadioara (55 km / 1 hour), a small village famous for its Saxon heritage.
Walking for the day: 9 km, 4 hours, 900 m elevation loss
Accommodation: a 3-star traditional guesthouse
Day 4: Cisnadioara – Magura Peak (1500 m) – Rasinari 10 km
The central landmark is the Medieval Fortified Church on top of the hill where you enjoy a spectacular view of the entire region. Also, you visit the Evangelical Church. In the village, you can still find traditional potters, and you can see their workshop. The hike of the day is a short but intense trek up to Magura Peak (1500 m) and then back down to Rasinari.
Walking for the day: 10 km, 4-5 hours, 500 m elevation gain
Accommodation: 3-star traditional guesthouse
Day 5: Rasinari – Paltinis 6 km
Morning transfer (30 km, 40 minutes) to Paltinis, a famous ski resort but also a base camp for various treks in the region. The trail for today is very smooth, just perfect for a relaxing walk in nature through a dense spruce forest -an oasis of freshness in hot summers. Take a break at the Gaujoara Glade, the panoramic view of the Paltinis is fabulous! Transfer back to Rasinari.
Walking for the day: 6 km, 4 hours, 180 m elevation loss
Accommodation: 3-star traditional guesthouse
Day 6: Rasinari – Sibiu 15 km
The route for the day is a spectacular descending trail with an altitude difference of 880 m. The landscape alternates between wooded areas, meadows, sunny pastures, steeper heights and gentle slopes. Evening transfer to Sibiu (12 km, 25 minutes).
Walking for the day: 15 km, 6 hours, 880 m elevation loss
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Sibiu
Day 7: Sibiu – Brasov
Walk around the beautiful and picturesque old town of Sibiu, a place where Europe’s culture has its unique place since the 1800’s. Visit the Main Square, the Liars Bridge, the History Museum and stroll around Astra Outdoor Museum, one of the largest outdoor museums in Europe. Transfer to Brasov (150 km, 2.5 hours). Overnight in Brasov.
Accommodation: a hand-picked guesthouse close to the main square and the old town of Brasov
Day 8: Departure
Departure on your own after breakfast (or optional private transfer to Bucharest International Airport)
What's Included
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- Detailed pre-departure holiday information pack including:
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- gps-checked and regularly updated route descriptions and road notes
- detailed maps with daily routes and optional hikes marked
- visual day-by-day photo guide
- daily distances and approximate walking times
- daily vertica
What's Not Included
Check out our Q&As
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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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Book with Confidence
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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.
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