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The Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania's hills are known as a mysterious and spectacular land, made famous by Bram Stoker's legend of Dracula. Whilst the legends of Transylvania are an enticing reason to visit this fascinating region, cycling through untouched villages and soaking up the friendly atmosphere will be the lasting legacy on this inspiring journey by bike. Transylvania also attracted the Saxons, who arrived in the 11th century to guard the strategic passes in the Carpathian Mountains against the Tatars and the Ottomans. Littered through the region are relics of this rich history, with fortresses presiding over valleys, mediveal citadels, archaeological remains and uniquely designed monasteries. All of these sites are discovered as you pedal through quiet valleys and forests, beneath the imposing peaks of the Fagaras Mountains. An optional extension offers experienced cyclists the opportunity to ride the Transfagarasan road, one of Europe's most stunning mountain roads. In the evening stay in small comfortable guesthouses and feast on local cuisine, soaking up the unique culture of the region.
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36kg of CO2-e PP per day
(252kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Join Bucharest, by train and transfer to Zarnesti via Brasov
As the first day includes taking the train (included) from Bucharest to Brasov, it is recommended you arrive in Bucharest in the morning or book a pre-tour night. We can assist with your hotel booking in Bucharest on request. Today you make your way to Bucharest North train station to take the train to Brasov (takes approx 2.5 hours). At Brasov, a private transfer will take you to your guesthouse in the mountain village of Zarnesti (takes approx 40 mins), the main gateway to the Piatra Craiului National Park. On arrival at the guesthouse you will receive your rental bike. Overnight and dinner at the guesthouse.
Meals: D
Day 2
Cycle via Ohaba at the foot of the Fagaras Mountains to Bucium (50km/31mi)
Today you will cycle north to a typical village at the foot of the Fagaras mountains, the highest mountains in Romania. Along the way you can take a 7km detour on a gravel road to visit the famous Bear Sanctuary in Zarnesti. From there you head to Ohaba, where you can visit the oldest flour mill in the country, powered by water and with a fascinating history from the Communist period. Dinner and accommodation in an authentic guest house located in the beautiful mountain environment of Bucium. (+250m/820ft, -400m/1312ft).
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Pass ancient monasteries & traditional villages en route to Carta (60km/37mi) - optional extensions
You will start the day's cycle at the foot of the Fagaras mountains, pass over Bucium river and via the original village of Lisa, where a 100+ year old machine still operates and produces thick woollen blankets. Then you will pass by Sambata de Sus and its impressive Brancovenesc monastery dating from 1696. Continue and cross Victoria town, an old communist workers' residence, and via the small village of Cartisoara to Carta, where you can visit the spectacular ruins of the Cistercian monastery. With luck you will meet the pastor and hear his insightful stories. Dinner and overnight at an old stone guesthouse in Carta village. (+300m/984ft, -450m/1476ft) ** Optional extensions are available in Carta (each involves an extra night) - must be requested at time of booking and a supplement applies: **Visit Sibiu by train (travel time is approx 1hr15min each way). Sibiu is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Romania. Developed on a Roman village, Sibiu was the largest and wealthiest of the Saxon's seven-walled 12th century citadels and later the residence of the Austrian government in Transylvania. Both options are non-cycling days. - option 1: return day trip to Sibiu, overnight in Carta - included is dinner and breakfast in Carta plus return train tickets to Sibiu. - option 2: stay overnight in Sibiu rather than Carta - included is accommodation in a centrally located simple hotel (own lunch & dinner arrangements) plus return train tickets to Sibiu. Note this requires an early morning train back to Carta and a packed breakfast to reclaim your bike in Carta (eg 7am departure). **Cycle the Transfagarasan Road - only available on a Mon, Wed & Fri from 01 July - option: includes extra night in Carta with dinner, bed and breakfast, bus ticket (bus approx 45mins) up to Balea waterfall (1250m) and additional day of bike rental. The cycle is a steep and long descent of approx 30km, and needs attention and experience with going downhill on mountain roads. The road surface is not always smooth. Part of this road, from the village to approx. 1250m (to Balea Falls) is available starting with mid-May. From Balea Waterfall you can take a cable car (allow eur20 pp with bike) or cycle (up, 8km) to Balea Lake (2000m), but in May and June the road may be blocked by snow between the lake and the waterfall. - note - for very experienced cyclists only: it is also possible to ride up and down the Transfagarasan road.
Day 4
Cycle to the UNESCO World Heritage listed village of Biertan (65km/40.5mi)
Today you leave Carta and continue through Transylvania towards Biertan, cycling on country roads through pastoral landscapes and past the fortified church of Richis. In Biertan you can visit the fortified church, built between 1493 and 1522, with well preserved Renaissance artwork, an intricately carved pulpit and mosaic door. The church and its majestic fortifications, along with the medieval core of Biertan village, are UNESCO World Heritage listed. Dinner and accommodation in Biertan. (+600m/1968ft, -650m/2133ft)
Day 5
Cycle to the inhabited medieval citadel of Sighisoara (40km/25mi)
The cycling today will allow you to discover more treasures of Transylvania. You move on to UNESCO World Heritage listed Sighisoara, one of the few medieval cities in Europe that is still fully inhabited. Discover the Old Town, with its famous clock tower, the covered stairs and medieval streets. Visit the house where Vlad Dracul, the father of Vlad the Impaler who inspired the character Dracula, was born. You can make a small detour to Dumbraveni, another lovely town with an important Armenian Catholic Church and a witness to the region's glorious past. Own dinner arrangements. Overnight in Sighisoara. (+450m/1476ft, -500/1640ft)
Meals: B,L
Day 6
Cycle through the Transylvanian hills to Soars (48km/30mi)
Today you will cycle through the Transylvanian hills to Apold village, which also has a lovely fortified church. Continue to peaceful Soars, where you will spend the night. The country road you follow today takes you to remote areas where you will likely encounter shepherds watching over their herds. Overnight in Soars. (+600m/1969ft, -500/1640ft)
Day 7
Cycle to Viscri with its impressive fortified church (35km/22mi)
From Soars you will cycle to one of the highlights of the trip, Viscri, a properly restored Saxon village. Here you can visit the local fortified church. which was restored with the help of King Charles’ foundation. Cycling through these old but beautiful villages will have you meditating at the passing of time and the connection with nature. Enjoy strolling through this postcard village and visit the local blacksmith. Overnight in Viscri. (+350m/1148ft, -300m/985ft)
Day 8
Transfer to Brasov, train to Bucharest & trip concludes
After breakfast a private transfer will take you to Brasov (around 1.5hrs) to take the train to Bucharest (approx. 2.5hrs). The trip concludes on arrival in Bucharest. We are happy to book additional nights in Bucharest on request as well as transfers to the airport. You can choose a later afternoon train to spend some time in Brasov, or optional extras, highly recommended: 1 - spend a night in Brasov to see more of this wonderful town - supplement applies. 2 - visit Bran Castle en route to Brasov - supplement applies. Note: this requires an extra night in Brasov or Bucharest or a late flight from Bucharest, after 7 PM. Please take into consideration that visiting Bran castle may require up to 1 hour for queuing to enter during the high season (July-August).
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will be provided with a Trek 21 speed hybrid bike with light aluminium frame, front suspension and disc brakes, equipped with repair kit, pump and lock, and one pannier to carry your gear required for the day. Helmet rental is available on request, or bring your own. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a puncture repair kit, to fix the issue.
An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 155cm / 5ft1in.
You cycle mostly on paved/asphalted county-roads, with very low traffic, and a small section on gravel/dirt path. Only on one day, you will cycle 5km on a main road with traffic.
GRADE 4 - During the 6 days of cycling you will cycle between 35 to 65km/22 to 40.5mi per day. There are some more demanding stages during the cycle with steep uphills, descents, and some sections which require more care. Traffic is likely when entering and exiting the towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace, to have time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need experience cycling in traffic and a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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