| Departures | | From April to the end of October. |
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| MOUNTAIN BIKE IN THE CARPATHIAN MOUNTAINS | price from 435 € | | Romania - Mountain biking - 7 days |
| Romania has forests with the biggest biodiversity in the temperate zone and the last virgin natural areas. Piatra Craiului, is the longest limestone mountain range of Romania. It is also the paradise of the wild fauna and flora. The plenitude of nature and its vitality have allowed here the survival of a fauna which disappeared or has become very rare in other countries of Europe. The presence of numerous carnivores is representative: although the Romanian’s Carpathian Mountains cover only 1.4 % of the surface of Europe, here there live 50% of the bears, 35% of the wolves and 30% of the lynx from all Europe. For the flora, 1678 botanical species are sheltered there, out of which there are 50 endemic sorts. |
Day 1 Reception in Bucharest.
Trip starts in Bucharest. Arrival before 3:00 pm. If you arrive early enough, possibility to visit the old Bucharest. Private transfer to Zarnesti (around 4 hours). |
Day 2 Familiarization with the landscape.
Warming-up day in the North of the Piatra Craiului’s Crest (“The Prince’s Rock” in Romanian) to the Plaiul Foii Hut (~ 22km, +150m, -150m). You have the possibility to make an additional ride, so that you better know the landscape. Night in the same place as the day before. |  |
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Day 3 Zarnesti’s Gorges.
Ride through the Zarnesti's gorges to the magnificent Curmatura Hut. These Gorges, called “Abysses”, in popular Romanian, present vertical walls of 200m and offer, especially during autumn, colours of an extreme variety. The end of the day will bring us in a magnificent traditional village, which offers great views on the crests of the surrounding mountains. (~ 25km, +750m, -450m) |
Day 4 Bran's castle.
Small trip outside this pastoral world to visit the Bran Castle. This castle, built pursuant to a favour granted by Ludovic d'Anjou in the 14th century to the inhabitants of the region, always had a role of defence against the migratory peoples and later it protected Transylvania from the Ottoman invasions. The castle was also associated during a long time with the prince Vlad Tepes of Walachia. Born in Transylvania, he is at the origin of the fictional character of Dracula. (~ 22km, -250m, +250m). Night in the same place as the day before. |  |
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Day 5 From a village to another one
Today you continue the ride at the feet of the Piatra Craiului Mountains in this bucolic landscape in the middle of pastures, sheepfolds and woods. You will cross scattered villages which seem not to care about time passing. You will see surprising landscapes in the surrounding mountains. Night in a traditional village in the Piatra Craiului Mountains. (~ 23km, +600m, -400m). Night in a traditional village of Piatra Craiului’s mountains. |
Day 6 Dambovicioara’s Gorges.
Last day of riding at the feet of the beautiful Piatra Craiului crest in this magnificent landscape until the south extremity of the mountain. Crossing of the Dâmbovicioara’s gorges. Possibility of visiting the cave with the same name, which is on your route. (~ 22km, -300m, +550m). Night in the same village as the day before. |  |
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Day 7 End of stay.
Transfer to Bucharest (about 4 hours). 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 rooms of 2 persons exceptionnaly 3. Private facilities.
Number of people
Minimum of 2 persons.
Level of difficulty
Requires a medium-high level. Maximum of 25 km a day and 750m of positive change in altitude.
Carrying
The transfers of your luggage is ensured. You only have to carry your things needed for the day (picnic, camera...)
Options
- Guide : 350€
- Discount for a group of 4 or 5 persons : -20€
- Discount for a group over 6 persons : -40€
- Moutain Bike rental : 75€
Included
The nights, meals (except dinner and pic-nic day 7), roadbook, maps, transfer of luggage, permenently contactable local assistance.
Not included
Moutain bikes rental, transfer to the meeting point and to the drop off point, the insurances, the drinks and the personal expenses.
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