This area, for long associated with Dracula (very loosely based on the reputation of the Romanian king, ‘Vlad the Impaler’), is one of the loveliest areas of the country, with its fauna and flora, gentle valleys and spectacular landscapes.
This area, for long associated with Dracula (very loosely based on the reputation of the Romanian king, ‘Vlad the Impaler’), is one of the loveliest areas of the country, with its fauna and flora, gentle valleys and spectacular landscapes. In the heart of Carpathian mountains, the area was for centuries an important buffer between Transylvania and the old state of Romania. Life in rural Romania has changed but little, and its charm is best discovered on foot.
Price:
£730 per person based on two people sharing
Single supplement £140
Solo walker +£70
Included:
Day 1 – Private transfer Brasov – Magura ~ 1.00h.
Day 8 – Private transfer Bran – Brasov ~ 45 minutes.
Day 8 – Train transfer Bucharest – Brasov and return ~ 2.45h
Not Included:
Private transfers:
Private transfers can be prebooked if you do not want to use public transport. Please pay the driver on the spot.
Day one: from Brasov train station to Zarnesti: € 25 (up to 4 people)
Day 8: Optional stop to Rasnov on the way to Brasov (1h stop to visit the fortress): € 15
Private transfer from Otopeni Airport to Bucharest train station or centre : € 25
Departure Dates:
Beginning of May to beginning of October
Day 1:
The trip starts at Bucuresti North Station with the train leaving at 15:07 and arriving in Brasov in approximately 2h45m (we offer customized transfer options on request).
This will be followed by a private transfer to Magura accommodation (approximately 1 hour).
Dinner and accommodation in Magura.
Day 2: Piatra Craiului Mountains (5h30, 15km, +/-800m)
Walk in Piatra Craiului (“Rock of the King”) mountains and the fascinating Zarnesti gorges with their 200m high vertical walls.
Overnight Magura.
Day 3: Bran Castle (4h, 10km, +450m, -700m)
Today you will walk on a small ridge going down 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 the prince Vlad Tepes of Wallachia. Transfer back to your guesthouse in Magura.
Day 4: Piatra Craiului National Park (5.5h, 17km, +775, -65 or shorter option 5h, 14km, +/-600m)
Walk in Piatra Craiului National park among sheepfolds, valleys, woods and scattered villages. In the Middle Ages peasants would build their houses on the hills and not in the valleys, so to be less vulnerable to the attacks. Overnight Ciocanu.
Day 5: Bucegi Mountains (5h, 15 km, +550m, -700)
Leave the mountains of Piatra Craiului and walk to the Bucegi mountains, admiring the way that locals still work the land in traditional ways. End of the day in a village well known for its smoked cheese. Overnight Moieciu de Sus.
Day 6: Strunga & Strungulit Passes (6h, 18km, +/-900m) possible extension of 4.7km, +200m, -300m)
Climb into the Bucegi mountains. A long walk but one you won’t regret: beautiful landscape and view over the Piatra Craiului ridge. Overnight Moieciu de Sus.
Day 7: Bucegi mountains (6h, 18km, +750m, -850m; 2 shorter versions available: 9km and 15km)
Continue to climb among the Bucegi mountains. Walk along the Gutana sheep pastures at the foot of the vertical walls of Bucegi ridge and take your time to enjoy this last long walk. Overnight Simon.
Day 8: Departure
Private transfer from Simon to Brasov and then travel by train to Bucharest.
Included:
Pensions or hotels – Double occupancy with private facilities except one night in Ciocano with shared facilities.
Double occupancy with private facilities. Exceptionally, there are shared facilities.
– 3 nights in Magura (B, L, D).
– 1 night in Ciocanu (B, L, D) – shared facilities, basic rooms, yet welcoming hosts
– 2 nights in Moieciu de Sus (B, L, D).
– 1 night in Simon (B, D) – possible to share one bathroom for 2 rooms if group is more than 2 people
OR equivalent boarding house / hotel nearby.
Meals
Drinks not included.
LENGTH & LEVEL OF WALKS
Medium level of walk – maximum of 6 hours per day.
