Village Life in Transylvanian Carpathians Mountains, an eco-certified program

Transfer Otopeni Airport - Brasov (the most important touristic city of Romania) approx. 3 hours or Brasov Airport - Brasov (20-30 minutes). Accommodation at a 3* guesthouse/hotel located nearby the old city center. Depending on the flight time we can have an evening Brasov walking tour. Welcome 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, Brasov exudes a distinct medieval ambiance and has been used as backdrop in many recent period films.

Transfer to Bran village (about 40 minutes). We visit Bran Castle (on Mondays it opens at 12:00) 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. Than we start from Bran our first day of walking in Piatra Craiului National Park toward Magura village - an authentic and cozy mountain village. The path is the route which links Bucegi Mountains to the Piatra Craiului National Park. The route is easy to medium, through forest and meadows, with great views to both mountains and to 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.

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 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.

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 639 m / 445 m, 15 km. Lunch pack. Home made dinner and accommodation at a 3* guesthouse for 3 nights.

About Sirnea village: in order 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.

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 home made dinner.

Fundata is a picturesque village surrounded by lush meadows, dense forests, and offers 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.

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 no so touristic. During the hike discover the Devil's Mill Waterfall and a local sheep farm where we can stop to have a Shepherd's lunch (from middle of June to middle of September). Transfer back at the guesthouse. Info about the hike: 5-6 hours, medium effort, uphill/downhill walk 800 m / 800 m, 14 km. Lunch pack and dinner.

Transfer about 1 1/2 hour to the starting point for "7 Ladders Canyon" from Piatra Mare mountain. The canyon has been carved in Jurassic limestone and is composed by 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 nearby the old city center and farewell dinner.

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

OPTIONAL: 1 extra night in Bucharest, with 4-hour Bucharest Panoramic Tour included - from 140 euro/person (minimum 2 people). More details about it at the time of the booking.