Hiking and driving to discover the mysteries of the Carpathians Mountains and Saxon Citadels of Transylvania

Transylvania is a region of hills surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains which always knew how to protect its mysteries. Your trip will drive you in this bastion loaded with history (where live Romanians, Hungarians and Saxons) on the route of the Saxon citadels, registered on the UNESCO world heritage. High spot of the discovery of this civilization, the city of Sibiu (Hermannstadt), founded in Transylvania by the Saxons under the domination of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was elected European capital of culture in 2007.
You will also discover the villages perched on the trays of the Carpathian Mountains which have kept until our days a pastoral life in perfect harmony with the wild nature of the surroundings. This walk & drive tour will give you the possibility to have a vision of the whole Transylvania and to truly discover this fascinating world during the hikes.

Program

Day 1 Reception in Bucharest.
According to the arrival time, it is possible to visit the Old Bucharest or the Castle of Peles, a real architectural jewel which served as a mountain holiday house for the Monarchs. Transfer to Zarnesti.

Day 2 Gorges and mountain refuges.
Trek in the Piatra Craiului Mountains (the “Prince’s Rock” in Romanian). From Zarnesti gorges to the magnificent refuge of Curmatura, you will discover the miracles of one of the wildest massifs in Europe, where there still live wolves, lynxes and bears. The gorges of Zarnesti, called by the local population “Abysses” present vertical walls of 200m and offer, all the year round, colours of an extreme variety. The end of the day will take you to the magnificent traditional village of Magura.

Day 3 Perched villages.
Today you hike at the feet of Piatra Craiului crest through pastures, sheepfolds, secular forests and villages perched on the trays. These villages have always known how to keep their pastoral traditions for centuries.

Day 4 Saxon citadels.
Today you take the car to visit the country of the Saxon citadels. On your road, you will stop at one of the Transylvanian “pearls”: the Viscri’s strengthened church, which has just celebrated its 700th anniversary. You will spend the end of the day in the medieval city of Sighisoara. This citadel is one of the best kept in Eastern Europe. Every tower of the citadel was managed by craftsmen's congregation. The tower of the dressmakers is a real miracle of medieval architecture.

Day 5 Culture and heritage.
Today you leave Sighisoara to visit Sibiu, the 2007’s European capital of culture. This town is representative for the Transylvanian Saxon culture. Then, the citadel of Valea Viilor will give you the occasion of a rural break. The church of this citadel is only frequented today by the last German family of the village. Mrs Müller, the oldest women in the village, will be pleased to present you the monuments and their history.

Day 6 Saxon’s Villages.
This morning you can continue the visit to Sibiu, then, go to the traditional villages of the region. You will arrive at Cisnadioara, known for its Roman style church of the 13th century, which will offer you a beautiful sight on the surrounding villages.

Day 7 Hike in the Carpathian Mountains.
Last hike to enjoy the magnificent landscapes of Transylvania and the Carpathian Mountains. We will have gret views over the villages and coloured houses.

Day 8 End of stay.
Transfer at the airport after the breakfast (~ 240km). End of the trip.

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Details

Starting point
Bucharest airport or Bucharest train station.
End
Bucharest airport or Bucharest train station.
How to get there
By plane: Otopeni or Baneasa airports in Bucharest.
By train : Bucharest train station.
Accommodation
Nights in guest-houses in double rooms with private facilities.
Number of people
Minimum of 2 persons.
Level of difficulty
Requires a medium fitness level. Maximum of 5H walking a day. 3 days of hiking.
Carrying
The transfers of your luggage is not ensured because you have a car.
Options
- Car rental - type Renault Logan (for other types, please contact us) : 295€
Included
Breakfast, picnics for the hiking days(day 2, 3 and 7), the dinner (1, 2, 3, 6 et 7), the nights, roadbook, maps, transfer of luggage, permenently contactable local assistance.
Not included
The rent of the car, transfer to the meeting point and to the drop off point, the insurances, the drinks, the optional activities and the personal expenses.