Tales & Trails of Transylvania

We arrive in Bucharest, join our local guide and transfer onwards to Brasov, with an introduction to our tour on the way. Our dinner this evening will be a set menu selection of traditional Romanian fayre. 

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km) 

Total Ascent: 200 feet (60m) 

Total Descent: 1,540 feet (470m)  

Starting in Predeal, the highest-located town in Romania, on the former border between the provinces of Wallachia and Transylvania, we’ll explore the wild and spectacular landscape that stretches throughout the entire area all the way to Rasnoava Valley. Here the beautiful gorges, steep cliffs, and karst formations offer a fascinating visual landscape, and the contrast between the rocky walls and the crystalline waters of the Rasnoava River creates a magical setting for our walk. 

Distance: 6.5 miles (10km) 

Total Ascent: 770 feet (235m) 

Total Descent: 985 feet (300m)  

We begin with a walking tour of historic Brasov, before heading to the eastern hills of Piatra Craiului, a beautiful mountain range of southern Carpathians. We’ll cross through Zarnesti Gorges and Magura village, descending to visit famous Dracula’s Castle in Bran. On a rocky outcrop guarding the entrance to a mountain pass, the castle was built by the Saxons in the late 14th century. Inside you’ll find displays of rich Western European furniture, which Queen Marie, granddaughter of Queen Victoria, purchased in the 1920s when the castle was a royal residence. 

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km) 

Total Ascent: 1,000 feet (315m) 

Total Descent: 590 feet (180m) 

Our walk begins in the popular mountain destination of Bucegi, from where we take the cable car transfer up to 2,200m. We will pass Babele and Sfinx on our route, taking in a unique complex of carved rock formations and enjoying beautiful views over the Cross of Caraiman, a monument dedicated to rail workers who died serving their country during World War I. From here we descend to the town of Busteni and continue our journey back to Brasov.

Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently, or visit local places of interest. 

You may decide to explore more of Brasov. We recommend a ride on the cable car up to the top of Mount Tampa, to soak up the views of Brasov below and the scenery beyond.

Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)  

Total Ascent: 1,015 feet (310m)  

Total Descent: 1,015 feet (310m)  

Step back in time as we head from Mesendorf, over hills and through meadows to reach the remote traditional village of Viscri. With the help of benefactors, including King Charles III, restoration schemes have helped save many villages, and Viscri is the most famous example. Here barns, cottages, cattle troughs and more have been repaired and rustic skills re-introduced. After our walk we can explore the village and have a tour of Viscri’s UNESCO-listed fortified church. We’ll enjoy a leisurely evening, with a set menu dinner at our hotel. 

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)  

Total Ascent: 1,390 feet (425m)  

Total Descent: 1,150 feet (350m)  

Today’s tour takes us from the charming mountain village of Poiana Tapului, through the vistas of mountains and meadows, to reach Sinaia, home to a historic 17th century monastery and the neo-Renaissance Peles Castle. After the walk, we will continue onward by coach back to Bucharest, where we’ll enjoy an insightful city tour, seeing landmarks including The Palace of the Parliament, before our final dinner at a local restaurant and overnight stay. 

Transfer to the airport for the flight home. 

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see whether any health precautions are needed for your trip. Health advice and requirements can change, so we recommend doing this in good time before travel.

As a general rule, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and boosters, including, for example, MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Some countries may require you to have specific vaccinations such as Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever. Please check with your GP if you are unsure.

Please note that the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is restricted or banned in certain countries. If you will be carrying medication, you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. As an extra precaution, we recommend keeping medication in its original packaging, carrying a copy of your prescription, and, where possible, asking your pharmacist to provide the medication name in the language of the country you are visiting.

For further country-specific health advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk. If you are travelling from outside the UK, please consult your own doctor and check local entry requirements.

This information applies to travellers holding a full British Citizen passport. Entry requirements vary by destination and can change at short notice. For most EU and worldwide destinations, passports must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some countries also require a minimum period of validity remaining on your passport (often up to 6 months beyond your return date), even if you are not staying that long.
We strongly recommend ensuring your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of travel to avoid any issues.

If you hold a different type of British passport or a passport issued by another country, you must check the requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or official government website.