Product Description

Travel back in time to appreciate movie-like castles, quaint villages, and stunning views on this small-group walking tour through the Carpathian Mountains. Local meals, cozy nights at guesthouses, and walks through traditional villages, all to fully immerse yourself in ancient customs that are still vibrantly alive. See fortresses erected in the 14th century and wander through the secret passages of the “Dracula Castle” to discover hidden mysteries! 

In this bucolic country, locals still rely on craftsmanship and have a strong link with nature, so your days here will allow you to learn about their pastoral life. Well-preserved landscapes such as the Piatra Craiului and Bucegi Mountains provide ideal settings for hikes overlooking sheepfolds, green pastures, and woods. Our climb following woodland trails, rich in birdsong, will lull all your senses.

Highlights:

• Take a train ride through the Carpathian Mountains
• Climb through picturesque woodlands at Piatra Craiului National Park
• Explore the famous “Dracula Castle”
• Visit a remote cheese house (available through mid-September)
• Walk through quaint traditional villages
• Walk ridge to ridge walk along the Bucegi mountains
• Visit a bear sanctuary
• Visit the Vulcan Fortified Church

Locally produced lunches, such as soups and apple pies, and home-cooked dinners at our guesthouse will allow you to taste traditional Romanian meals while taking in the natural, idyllic views. To engross yourself even more in Romania’s traditions, visit the Vulcan Fortified Church, an ancient building that witnessed the Saxon Empire’s colonization of Transylvania.

This trip also includes some unique experiences. For example, you can explore the alluring Bran Castle, the same castle that inspired the story of Dracula. We’ll also visit a nearby bear sanctuary, home to formerly captive bears.

Bucharest, the capital of the country, is as enchanting as Romania’s natural landscapes. Bucharest welcomingly invites you to wander and discover its eclectic style. In your free time, seize the opportunity to see this vibrant city whose architecture has French as well as Ottoman and Communist influence.

This small-group trip through the Carpathian Mountains has multiple fixed dates in 2023: 

• May 21-28
• June 18-25
• July 2-9 (guaranteed departure*)
• August 26 – September 2
• September 17-24
• October 8-15

*The minimum of 6 participants has already been reached, and more participants are welcome to join. The group maximum is 12 participants.

Related Trips:

[8 days] Carpathian Mountains & Castles
[9 Days] Villages of Bucovina & Maramures

Seasonal Notes:

The rich history and stunning landscapes of the country are much enjoyed if traveling in spring or summer. Mild temperatures allow pleasant walks around the villages and hikes along breathtaking settings. Traditional cheese tasting is available through mid-September.