Transylvanian Castles Walk
Transylvanian Castles Walk
Transylvanian Castles Walk
8 Days Starting in Brasov and ending in Zarnesti
Visiting: Romania
Tour Overview
'Every known superstition in the world is gathered into the Carpathians, as if it were the centre of some sort of imaginative whirlpool.' So says the narrator of Dracula, the late 19th century English novel of Victorian superstitions that used this area of Romania to represent something on the edge of civilisation.
A trip to this part of the world is to enter a maelstrom of natural sensation. There is everywhere a bewildering mass of flora and fauna. Profusions of trees and flowers and grasses are barely touched by agricultural exploitation. Be alert, however, for roe deer and chamois and hedgehogs and rodents, plus the sight and sound of the area's 190 bird species. Transylvania is a region full of beauty of every kind, sometimes little towns or castles on the top of steep hills.
This trek rises daily through Carpathian lower reaches, a green land full of forests and woods, with here steep hills crowned with clumps of trees, and there villages newly built in a riot of colour and style. Smile and say Boo Naa (Hello) and you'll meet open-faced strangers who say all the country people show 'hospitality, flexibility, honesty'. The message is that tourists are welcome.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Brasov
After your flight to Bucharest or Sibiu you will be transferred to your first hotel in Brasov (2hr 20 min from either airport). This transfer is included if we book your flights, or an optional extra if you book your own. Spend the rest of the day exploring this rich city, with its own castle, famous Black Church, historic old town and viewpoints over the city.
Day 2 : Brasov To Rasnov
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
If you didn't have time when you arrived, it is worth spending a while exploring Brasov before commencing your walk. Leaving the streets of Brasov behind, you enter the forest and ascend up to a more open area of pastures. This provides a nice contrast to the first section of the walk. Easy walking takes you to the high point for the day where you re-enter the forest for a winding descent to Rasnov. The route is generally well way-marked. There is a chance to visit Rasnov castle when you arrive.
Day 3 : Rasnov To Bran
Meals Included: Breakfast
Known locally as Calea Haiducilor, which translates as Path of the Outlaws, you follow a forested track all the way to the village of Sohodol. Gradually climbing through pine forest until you reach a clearing with views over the surrounding mountains and villages. You are getting increasingly close to the mighty Carpathian Mountains. From Sohodol you descend to the small town of Bran, with its magnificent castle.
Day 4 : Bran To Moieciu De Sus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving Bran, you walk towards the mountains until well within the forest. From there, you have a climb through forest until you are rewarded with alpine views down to your destination and a magnificent panorama of mountains. Thereafter you descend steeply through pastures straight down to Moieciu de Sus
Day 5 : Moieciu De Sus To Magura
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Another varied day - and the longest walk of the trek. Apart from fairly short sections in the forest, much of the time you will be walking past farms and through villages, but with the impressive Carpathians often in view.
Day 6 : Magura Circular
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
There are two circular routes today, which can be undertaken as a single, figure-of-eight route, passing your accommodation part way through the day.
The first route provides ample opportunity to see rural life and farming practices whilst enjoying magnificent views of the mountains. You pass caves in limestone cliffs which are home to several bat species. It is essential to take a torch if you wish to go in.
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The second option is relatively short but involves a very steep ascent and quite a steep descent, followed by an easy walk back to Magura. You go up and behind the rocky summits visible from your accommodation and it feels quite remote up there. The views are great - you will see your routes to the south and over to Zarnesti to the north and across to Rasnov, as well as the huge ranges of the Craiului and Bucegi mountains.
Day 7 : Magura To Zarnesti
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This is a spectacular day to complete the trek, walking in the Piatra Craiului National Park. After a steep descent from Magura, you walk along the impressive Zarnesti gorge, carved through the limestone. A lengthy ascent then follows up to the trek's high point with superb views. A descent through forest and pasture land takes you down to the valley and an easy walk to your accommodation.
Day 8 : Leave Zarnesti
You are transferred to Bucharest or Sibiu airport (2hrs 30 mins), in time for your flight home. This transfer is included if we book your flights, or an optional extra if you book your own.
What's Included
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Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of
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and
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hotels
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All breakfasts and 5 dinners
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Luggage transfers between hotels
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Headwater Navigation App
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Visas or vaccinations
Food
Accommodation
CURTEA BRASOVEANA, BRASOV
Located in the oldest part of Brasov “Scheii Brasovului”, Curtea Brasoveana is classified by the Ministry of Tourism as a 4* boarding house. Curtea Brasoveana combines modernity with tradition. Rooms are comfortable and very well appointed with a TV, Telephone, WIFI and hairdryer. They also have a fitness centre, sauna and laundry facilities.
PENSIUNEA CASA RASNOVEANA, RASNOV
This small country inn is classified locally as a 3* resort, however it only has 6 rooms, and is a long way from the sea. You will however be assured of an excellent welcome from the owners who are very proud of their hotel. The rooms are simple but clean with showers rather than baths. Dinner is taken in the small restaurant just 300m from the guesthouse, and you will be assured of a hearty traditional Romanian dinner. There is a small garden to relax in with views of the Rasnov Citadel. The hotel will provide a picnic lunch if booked the night before. All rooms have private bathroom with WC, shower and hairdryer.
PENSIUNEA CASA DIN BRAN INN CUISINE, BRAN
Located just 5 mins from the World Famous ‘Draculas’ Castle, Pensuinea Casa Din Bran Inn Cuisine provides lovely bright rooms with wooden floors and private balconies where you can enjoy the mountain air.
All rooms have free Wi-Fi, television, and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
PENSIUNEA VLAHIA INN, MOIECIU DE SUS
Located in the heart of the mountains, this small, modern hotel was built by a local family. Each room is stylishly decorated and some have a balcony. Dinner is taken in the restaurant and will feature local specialities.
All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone and private bathroom with WC, shower and hairdryer.
PENSIUNEA HODAITA, MAGURA
With sustainability as its core value, Pensiunea Hodaita is in the village of Magura, idyllically located at the top of a hill, at the foot of the Pietrei Craiului mountains. The rooms are well equipped with simple but elegant furnishings, and outside they have a lovely picnic area and sun terrace where you can enjoy your beautiful mountain surroundings. They provide an excellent dinner and breakfast.
PENSIUNEA HORA CU BRAZI, ZARNESTI
Located near the entrance of Piatra Craiului National Park, this is a traditional Pension where you will receive a friendly welcome. There is a garden and most rooms have a balcony. Traditional meals are freshly prepared from local produce and can be enjoyed on the terrace if the weather is good. Rooms are comfortable, airy and spacious, each with a seating area, flat screen TV, and en suite bathroom with toiletries and hairdryer provided.
Check out our Q&As
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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