Carpathian Walking & Bears

Carpathian Walking & Bears

8 Days Starting and ending in Bucharest Airport

Visiting: Romania

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

WVR

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1800 $1440 Operator discount: -$360 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

History and geography conspired to make Transylvania in central Romania one of the most wild and fascinating regions in Europe. For centuries, the local people have existed in harmony with a variety of wildlife, including the highest concentration of wolves, lynx and bears on the continent – almost half the European population of brown bears is recorded in the Carpathian Mountains. Meanwhile, dense forests have remained largely untouched. Our days are spent on walks through spectacular canyons, virgin forests and Saxon villages. We go in search of brown bears and explore the medieval town of Brasov as well as Bran Castle, best known as the residence of Dracula.

Highlights

  • Explore the wilds of central Romania, home to brown bears, Saxon villages and the Carpathian Mountains

  • Visit the largest brown bear sanctuary in Europe and opt to join a bear-watching evening with a forester

  • Hike through the spectacular landscape: meadows, forests and mountain trails

  • Visit Vlad the Impaler’s Bran Castle, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula

  • Enjoy an authentic Carpathian welcome at Villa Hermani in the remote village of Magura

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Bucharest; Transfer To Magura

Meals Included: Dinner

Our family-run guesthouse, and home for the week, is in the quaint village of Magura within Piatra Craiului National Park. It is approximately 105mi (170km) from Bucharest Airport and takes around 3hr 30min to reach by road. Therefore, we highly recommend you join the group minibus transfer. Due to the late arrival of the group transfer, dinner tonight is a light snack.

Day 2 : Walk To Visit Kalibash Villages

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we spend the day exploring the area surrounding the unique Kalibash villages of Magura and Pestera, where the houses are built along mountain ridges with deep ravines and valleys in between. We learn about the history of the settlements, which were built against the medieval invasions of Mongols, Tartars and Turks.

Day 3 : Horse-Drawn Cart Ride And Hike In Barza Valley; Evening Brown Bear Watching

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, after a walk into the Barza Valley, we travel the traditional way as horse-drawn carts take us on a journey. As we slowly make our way, we enjoy a spectacular view to Piatra Craiului Mountain and the dispersed settlement of Poiana Marului. We then leave the carts and hike uphill through hay meadows to a hermitage in the rocks.



This evening, we can go brown bear watching. A forester will take us to a safe hide deep in the forest. The hides are managed by the forestry commission and access is dependent on their permission, which is why it is organised and paid for locally. Not being able to get access to the hides is extremely rare.

Day 4 : Visit Dracula's Castle

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, we start from the guesthouse and hike uphill across the flower meadows. Here we have splendid views over the wide landscape of small hamlets and mountains. We stay on the ridge and walk slowly downhill through beech forests to busy Bran.



Bran Castle was built on the border to Wallachia, where Vlad the Impaler, Duke of Wallachia, once ruled. Vlad was a brutal tyrant and provided inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Vlad himself never went to Bran Castle, but Stoker saw an image of it and felt it was the perfect setting for his gothic tale. In the afternoon, we are picked up and return to quiet Magura.

Day 5 : Take A Train To Brasov, City Tour

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we hang up our hiking boots and take a combination of train and electric buses to Brasov (approximately one hour), the cultural and economic heart of the region. This medieval town has been a mix of nations ever since it was founded in the 12th century. We have a guided tour before time to explore at leisure. In the evening we taste Romanian cuisine in one of the restaurants before taking the train back to Magura.



Please note that potential delays in train services can be expected in the summer months. The last train back to Magura is normally around 8:20pm.

Day 6 : Hike Through Alpine Pastures To Curmatura Cabin

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The first highlight this morning is a hike through Zarnesti Gorge, which was formed 3m years ago by water cutting through the limestone massif of Piatra Craiului. We hike up to Curmatura Cabin at 4,820ft (1,470m), right under the walls of Piatra Craiului, which is open to hikers year-round. If weather and fitness allow, we can go further and climb Piatra Mica, the highest peak is at 5,941ft (1,811m). The return leads us over shepherd meadows and forest into the valley and finally up again to Magura.

Day 7 : Visit Brown Bear Sanctuary; Hike To Vulcan

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We head down to the valley and visit LiBearty, the largest brown bear sanctuary in Europe. Set in oak and hazel forests, it is home to more than 100 rescued bears, many of whom suffered years in captivity as dancing bears or in circuses.



From the sanctuary, we go on a gentle hike across meadows to the village of Vulcan. This region, around Brasov, is closely related to the history of the Transylvanian Saxons, settlers who emigrated 800 years ago from the Rhine‐Moselle valleys. Their strong fortified churches have attracted international attention and some are Unesco World Heritage sites.



We will be welcomed with coffee and tea in the yard of a fortified church. The churches in Transylvania were strongly fortified during the Middle Ages when the region was raided several times by Mongols and Tartars.

Day 8 : To Bucharest Airport; End

Meals Included: Breakfast

The adventure comes to an end after breakfast. Bid a fond farewell to the guesthouse, which may feel like a second home by now, and begin your return journey home.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, five packed lunches and six dinners

  • All accommodation

  • Free group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Visas and vaccinations

  • Single supplement

Accommodation

We spend seven nights in Villa Hermani, a private guesthouse in the remote village of Magura. It’s ideally situated for our adventure, sitting at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains and within Piatra Craiului National Park. 



The property has twin and single rooms in a range of sizes and styles, almost all of which have private facilities (there are two rooms that share one bathroom). There is free wifi at the guesthouse.



Our friendly hosts, German couple Hermann and Katharina Kurmes, possess a wealth of knowledge on Transylvania, wildlife conservation and serve delicious homemade food. 

Food

All breakfasts, five packed lunches and six dinners are included.



Meals are a mixture of fresh local produce and Romanian/Transylvanian specialities.



Transylvanian cuisine is influenced by several traditions and cultures (German, Hungarian and Romanian cuisine) but maintains a distinct character with a love for homemade cooking. Soups are a staple, main meals tend to be hearty with a strong focus on local produce, while desserts are varied and plentiful.



Breakfasts are usually a small buffet including an egg dish, cold cuts, cheeses, boiled eggs, vegetables, spreads, bread, yoghurt, cereals, jam, juice, herbal teas and coffee.



Lunches included on this trip will usually be self-made sandwiches; you can choose your own fillings from the morning buffets.



Each evening there is a choice between a meat or vegetarian dish. Dinner on the first evening is typically a light snack (cold platters with local food and bread) due to the late arrival of the group.



On one evening, we enjoy dinner in a typical Romanian restaurant in Brasov. This meal is not included, allow approximately 120 Romanian lei (US$25) – without drinks – for this.



Vegetarian and special diets can be catered for, but options can be limited throughout Romania – please inform the office of any specific requirements upon booking.

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Check out our Q&As

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Carpathian Mountains Rumania

This was a wonderful holiday in every respect, one that we will remember for many years.The scenery, location, food, company were all great. The villa and it's hosts were superb - could not have been better. Nothing was too much trouble and they were so friendly and helpful. It was fabulous to meet new people and share the experience with them - great fun and exhilarating.

CARPATHIAN CULTURE AND WILDLIFE

Carpathian Culture and Wildlife (May 2011) is a wonderful mix of visiting ridgetop villages and farms in the Transylvanian mountains, hikes up into the forests and pastures, nibbling on delicious fresh cheese at a shepherd's hut, and visits to other local highlights such as the lovely medieval architecture of Brasov and the castle known as Dracula's Castle which is surprisingly charming and lovely.

Carpathian walking and bears

One of the best holidays we've been on, beautiful scenery, lovely walks, good food and company.

CARPATHIAN CULTURE AND WILDLIFE

An overall excellent trip and most enjoyable holiday, made all the more so by the delightful company of fellow travellers at the hotel.  The hotel was beautifully situated in stunning scenery, and it was always a pleasure to return from a day out with a good appetite to enjoy a steaming bowl of soup and a tasty meal.

Carpathian Walking and Bears

This was a great trip with lots of gentle hiking in incredible scenery. The guesthouse is amazing with great food, beautiful views and a wonderful passionate owner who also accompanied us on some excursions. Magura is a beautiful, remote, rural and peaceful village. It is like going back in time. Go now before things change!

Carpathian Walking & Bears

This was well led trip to a fascinating area, which made for an excellent week, and left me keen to return to explore the area in more detail.

Carpathian Walking and Bears

A most excellent holiday led by Thomas, who was an knowledgeable guide, and who adjusted the walks according to the group ability and the temperature which was in the mid 30s Centigrade. Walking in such temperatures and at such altitudes can be challenging. Thank goodness for fresh water springs on the hillsides! The guesthouse was well appointed and the food was excellent. An honesty bar came in for much use when we returned from our travels! The major criticism arose when we came to settle our bills at the end of the week as the guesthouse did not take credit cards. This MUST be added to the travellers advice as there is no access to cash machines without a long drive. We only just managed to cobble together enough money by adding £ sterling, Lei and a few dollars which we had fortunately carried.

CARPATHIAN CULTURE AND WILDLIFE

Transylvania was a really beautiful part of the world, it felt as if we had stepped back in time. To a Europe of 40 years ago.

Carpathian Walking & Bears

A wonderful holiday based in the beautiful, remote, rural village of Magura. The village is accessed via a long, winding unmade road so get used to a bumpy ride. If you get out of the van immediately after you leave the tarmac it will take approximately 45 - 50 minutes to walk up hill to Villa Hermani through the woods - follow the bright pink paint splodges on rocks or trees. Transylvania is like stepping back in time, where local people still travel via horse and cart and cut hay with scythes, although they will be on their mobiles as mobile signals, 3 & 4G and WiFi are readily available. Romania is home to many European brown bears and seeing them from a hide in the forest was one of the highlights of our trip. In addition to the walking there is a visit to Bran Castle which was given to Queen Maria of Romania in 1918, and to the delightful city of Brasov.

CARPATHIAN CULTURE AND WILDLIFE

A great mix of walking & sight seeing in a relatively untouched part of Europe with the added bonus of a lovely hotel.  

Read all 102 reviews

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