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 Brașov, and then explores the dramatic landscapes of the Făgăraș 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 with all breakfasts and dinners included.
- Brașov
- Bran Castle
- The Bridge of Lies
- Făgăraș Mountains
- Cindrel Mountains
- Piatra Craiului National Park
Itinerary
Day 1: Bucharest – Brașov
You are transferred from Bucharest Airport to Brașov. If time allows, take a stroll around the city, one of the Siebenbürgen (seven-walled citadels) which were built by the Transylvanian Saxons. Overnight in the heart of Brașov’s Old Town.
- Accommodation: Hotel Bella Muzica or similar in Brașov
- Meals: dinner
Day 2: Brașov – Rășinari | 10km
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 Făgăraș 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 Rășinar for the evening, where dinner and a glass of Romanian Schnapps called tuică is served.
- Walking for the day: 10km, 2-3h, ↑470m ↓470m
- Accommodation: Badiu Guesthouse or similar in Rășinari
- Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day 3: Rășinari – Păltiniș | 18km
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, Păltiniș, the highest resort in Romania. You are transferred back to the guesthouse.
- Walking for the day: 18km, 5.5h, ↑720m ↓530m
- Accommodation: Badiu Guesthouse or similar in Rășinari
- Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day 4: Rășinari circular walk | 22km
The day begins with an easy hike from Rășinari 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
- Accommodation: Badiu Guesthouse or similar in Rășinari
- Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day 5: Rășinari – Bran – Măgura | 10km
Start the day with a transfer and a guided tour to explore Sibiu, the 2007 European Capital of Culture. 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 Măgura. 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
- Accommodation: Pensiunea Mosorel or similar in Măgura
- Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day 6: Măgura – Zărnești | 15km
Start on an easy hiking trail in the village of Măgura, 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 Zărnești Ravine. The last part of the hike goes uphill, back to the guesthouse.
- Walking for the day: 15km, 5-6h, ↑590m ↓850m
- Accommodation: Pensiunea Mosorel or similar in Măgura
- Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day 7: Măgura – Brașov | 16.5km
Head back down into Zărnești Ravine, before continuing uphill to Cabana Curmătura, 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 Curmătura. Finally, transfer to Brașov for a farewell dinner.
- Walking for the day: 16.5km, 5h, ↑430m ↓540m
- Accommodation: Hotel Bella Muzica or similar in Brașov
- Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, you are transferred to Bucharest airport.
- Meals: breakfast
- Complimentary transfer from Brașov to Bucharest
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mixture of 3-star hotels and family-run guesthouses. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria, including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
Click to view default hotels
- Hotel Bella Muzica (Brașov)
- Badiu Guesthouse (Rășinari)
- Pensiunea Mosorel (Măgura)
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
This tour is on a half board basis with all breakfasts and evening meals included. When no restaurant location is available on route lunches and snacks should either be bought from local shops, alternatively packed lunch can be pre-ordered from your accommodation the night before.
Difficulty and terrain
This tour is graded moderate, with daily walking distances up to 22km.
The tour would suit walkers with a moderate amount of walking experience (no high mountain experience required) and requires an average level of fitness (read more about difficulty grades).
When to go
This small-group tour (4-12 people) is available from the end of April until October, departing on selected dates. Please click the Dates and prices button to view exact dates. The weather is best in June – September.
This trip needs a minimum of four people to operate. Therefore, if you are booking has fewer than four travellers, please note that confirmation is dependent on the group size coming up to at least four.
Additional dates are available on request with a private tour supplement (minimum four people). For more information, see our blog, Best time to go to Romania.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP).
By train or bus
- Complimentary return group transfers to and from Bucharest Airport are included in the trip
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 breakfasts and dinners
- English-speaking guide
- All ground transfers as listed in the itinerary, including shared transfers from/to Bucharest airport on days one and eight
- Entry fees to attractions mentioned in the itinerary
- Luggage transport between accommodations
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare
- Lunches, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes (payable on-site)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers. However, a supplement will be charged as the cost of rooms and also luggage or private transfers (when applicable) is not shared. Please note that solo travellers are always accommodated in their own room. For logistical reasons, we don’t offer an option for solo travellers to share rooms with other solo travellers
- This trip needs a minimum of four people to operate. Therefore, if you are booking has fewer than three travellers, please note that confirmation is dependent on the group size coming up to at least four.
- This holiday is available as a private tour by request on any date (a minimum of four participants required). When booking, select any available date and request your preferred dates in the “Notes or special requirements” field
