Hiking in Romania

After breakfast you'll embark on your first proper hike, a route that will bring you directly from the hotel to the peak of Omul (2501m) - the 6th highest in the southern Carpathians. Along the way your guide will take you across the Bucegi plateau passing the Sfinx and the Babele rock formations. At Omul peak there will be a picnic lunch break and on the way back to your hotel you'll pass the Obarsia waterfall.

Dinner & accommodation in Hotel Pestera.

• Distance: Hiking trail of 15km (start-height: 1596m, highest point: Omu Peak 2504m)
• Terrain: Medium hiking trail.
• Duration: approx. 5-6 hours.

Today your guide will take you on a visit of the city of Brasov, considered the heart of Romania. It is one of the most secure fortresses in Europe with massive stone walls, 32 towers and 4 fortified gates. During the Brasov tour you will visit the magnificent Black Church, the largest gothic-style church between Vienna and Istanbul, and stroll around the old Council Square, lined with beautiful red-roofed merchant houses. You will also have time to admire the Black and White Towers, Ekaterina’s Gate and the Schei Gate, Rope Street - the narrowest street in Europe.

Free time for lunch in Brasov and afterwards a transfer to Bran for a visit of the famous Bran Castle.

Dinner & accommodation in Magura village at the Guesthouse Mosorel.

Today starts with an easy hiking trail in the village of Magura, passing through dairy farms to reach Joaca Peak (1452m). Here you can admire the mighty splendour of the Piatra Craiului Mountain and, if you are fortunate, you'll encounter wild animals, as Piatra Craiului is the home of bears, lynx and mountain goats! After a well deserved lunch break* on the peak, the path heads down to the Zarnesti gorge; the final part of today's hike brings you back uphill to your guest house.

Dinner and accommodation at the Guesthouse Mosorel

• Distance: Hiking trail of 18km (start-height: 950m, highest point: Joaca Peak 1478m)
• Terrain: Easy hiking trail.
• Duration: approx. 5-6 hours.

*NB. For this hiking trip each participant will prepare their own lunch. Ingredients will be available at breakfast and are included.

Your hiking day begins directly from the guest house by descending into the Zarnesti gorge (the short section you covered the day before). Continue uphill to the Curmatura Cottage (1470m) where you'll stop for a warm lunch (here there are 2 to 3 different traditional Romanian soups prepared each day and at least one main dish).

Depending upon group preferences your guide will take you up to the Piatra Mica (1816m) or you can remain at the same altitude for a short hike and then the return route is across Poiana Zanoaga to the village of Magura.

Dinner & accommodation at the Guesthouse Mosorel.

• Distance: Hiking trail of 16km, start-height: 1100m (Mosorel guest house), descent to the ravine at 850m, ascent to the Curmatura chalet at 1470m; (ascent from the cottage to the Piatra Craiului Mica peak at 1816m is optional).
• Terrain: medium to difficult hiking trail. From the Cabana Curmatura chalet to the “Piatra Mica” peak there are some places that require non-technical climbing.
• Duration: approx. 7-8 hours.

After breakfast you'll leave the village of Magura and drive for around 30 minutes to visit the LIBEARTY bear sanctuary in Zarnesti - the only one in Romania. Following your visit you will be transferred by bus to Sibiu (approx. 150km), where there will be a guided walking tour of the city. You'll learn the story of the "Bridge of Lies" and the three squares that make up the central area as well as hearing other interesting tales about Sibiu. Free time for lunch in the city centre and an afternoon at leisure to explore further, visit a museum and/or gallery or simply relax.

Dinner & accommodation for 2 nights in Rasinari - at Badius Guesthouse.

After breakfast your guide will take you to visit the highest climatic spa in Romania, Paltinis. Then a short drive brings you to the start of your next hike - setting off on a pleasant forest road, at approximately 1400m, you will comfortably reach the Oncesti Peak, at 1713m. From here the path continues through a dense forest on an excellent hiking trail up to 1800m. A stop will be made to have your packed lunch.

In the afternoon you'll cross an alpine hayfield to reach the Batrana peak at 1970m; a relatively easy return path leads you back to the starting point, Paltinis. Relax and unwind in the garden of the guesthouse Badius.

Dinner at Badius Guesthouse.

• Distance: Hiking trail of 20km, start-height: 1400m, highest point: Batrana top 1970m
• Terrain: easy to medium hiking trails.
• Duration: approx. 6-7 hours.

On your last full day you'll be leaving Transylvania behind to travel back to Bucharest. On the way you will stop at the Cozia and Curtea de Arges monasteries. The first monastery dates back to the 13th century, the second one is an architectural masterpiece of Romanian culture. Lunch will be in a local restaurant at Curtea de Arges.

In the afternoon you will arrive into Bucharest where there will be a short tour of the city. Enjoy a farewell dinner in a traditional Romanian restaurant.

Overnight in a city centre hotel.

Depending on your departure flight, free time in Bucharest and transfer to the airport.

(Other transport options include an internal flight to a different region of the country such as Moldova or Maramures, a pre-booked first class train to the Black Sea or why not pick up a hire car for a few days of self-drive exploration).