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Transylvania adventure 9 days
Tour starts on a Saturday. Maximum four people.
Take in the rugged beauty of the Carpathians with the ultimate 9 day adventure. This tour gives you a real insight into Transylvania with a mixture of cultures past and present. You will meet Romanians, Hungarians, and Saxon Germans.
We will provide you with an experience that offers you a combination of rural life, culture, nature and medieval town life.
Day 1: Bucharest to Bran
You will fly to Bucharest where we will meet you at either Bucharest International Airport or Baneasa airport. If you feel brave enough we will spend our first night near Bran or infamously known as Dracula’s Castle! We will stay in a very nice and comfortable guest house where we will discuss in detail your itinerary for the following ten days. This gives you an ideal opportunity to get to know your guide over a meal and a few drinks.
Day 2: Dracula’s Castle and Fagaras Mountains
The following morning we will head straight for the castle. For the next few hours you can explore this wonderful place along with the beautiful grounds.
After lunch we will head for the Fagaras mountains. First we will check into a local guest house and for the rest of the afternoon you can take in the mountain air and scenery. Relax and enjoy the views and remember to take lots of photographs. In the evening we will meet for dinner and discuss the day ahead.
Day 3: Walking from Balea to Capra glacial lakes
After a hearty breakfast our objective today is to walk to Capra lake from Balea glacial lake at an altitude of more than 2000 metres. This is a beautiful walk that sticks to mainly mountain paths. This requires a moderate level of fitness and sturdy hiking boots. Packed lunch will be provided.
Early evening we return to the guest house for dinner and a welcome nights sleep after all the fresh mountain air and exercise.
Days 4-5: Medieval Saxon town of Sighisora
Today we drive to the medieval Transylvania Saxon town of Sighisoara, said to be the birthplace of Vlad Tepes or Count Dracula. This is a picturesque town with an amazing history and offers spectacular German style architecture. The Transylvanian Saxons were invited here in the 12th century by the King of Hungary to protect his realm. The reward was the promise of land and a unique level of autonomy.
We will stay in a small but welcoming hotel which will be your base for the next two nights. We will provide you with details of important sights within the town and will be free to explore and relax in this town before our departure on day six to village of Ojdula.
Day 6: Ojdula and Bear Watching
After breakfast we will head for Ojdula in the county of Covasna. This drive will also take us through the heavily forested county of Harghita.
After booking into a local guest house (4 nights) you will be offered a locally prepared hearty lunch in the village of Ojdula. After lunch we will take a walk to meet the villagers before meeting the local forest ranger. He will take you to see bears in the wild. He has intimate knowledge of the mountains, and he will take you to view the bears from the protection of a viewing platform. This will offer you a unique opportunity to photograph these magnificent animals.
Note: Transylvania 4x4 Tours is committed to the conservation of Carpathian Wildlife. However, we cannot guarantee sightings of bears. Due to the fact that these bears are in a completely wild and natural setting they do not always arrive to the viewing area as expected. Transylvania 4x4 Tours does not take responsibility for failed encounters when day trips are arranged in the forest with a ranger.
For the best possible chance to see bears in the wild we recommend you book your tour in April or October. All visits to bear hides are with an armed forest ranger to ensure your safety.
In the evening you will have a unique opportunity to talk with a local villager and his family in the comfort of his house and experience local hospitality.
Day 7: Carpentry and the baking of bread in the village of Cernat
The following morning we will drive to the village of Cernat and book you into your next guest house well known for good quality food and comfortable accommodation. We will then take you to see traditional carpentry and the baking of bread. Again you will be treated to local village hospitality . There will also be time to wander around the village before returning to your guest house accommodation for dinner.
Day 8: A trip to Balvanyos and St Anna’s Lake
After breakfast we drive to the spa resort of Balvanyos. After parking we will put on our walking boots and walk uphill from the spa to the ruins of Balvanyos Castle. This is one of the early medieval castles found in the area. It is supposed to have been built between the 11th and 12th century. There is a wonderful view from its only square shaped tower to the resort.
Lunch will be in Balvanyos at the Var restaurant where delicious local cuisine will be prepared for you.
This spa and resort in the mountains is between 770 and 940 meters above sea level. All around it there are 1000 metre high mountain peaks. Deep under the mountains volcanic and sediment rock layers alternate, which made it possible for mineral water springs to break through. The water here is rich sulphur-hydrogen, and although an acquired taste is said to have healing and health promoting properties. People travel here from afar to take in the vapours, bath in the rich sulphur pools and to drink its waters.
After lunch we will drive to St Anna’s Lake an extinct volcano now filled with pure mountain water. This is a wonderful and picturesque area, where you are bound to return home with great memories and photos.
Day 9: 4x4 off road in the Carpathian mountains
today you will have all the fun and adventure of a day trip off road in the Carpathian mountains. We will drive across rugged terrain and experience views rarely seen due to the remoteness of this area. A picnic lunch will be provided.
In the evening you will return for your last night to the guest house in Cernat.
Day 10: Targu Secuiesc - Bucharest airport and onward journey home
After packing and a good breakfast your driver transports you to Bucharest for your onward flight home.
- Included in your tour package:
- All drives as per suggested itinerary, transportation by Land Rover, with experienced local guide
- All dining and meals as per itinerary
- Bottled water is included throughout the day
- Any park daily entrance and conservation fees
- Hotel and guest house accommodation as per itinerary.
- Not Included:
- Travel Insurance
- Items of personal nature
- Hotel and guest house beverages
- Flights
- Passport and visa expenses
- Price: £699 per person
© Transylvania 4x4 Tours - Specialists in Overland Tours