| Departures | | from | to | | | 21/08/10 | 28/08/10 |  | 595€ | | 18/09/10 | 25/09/10 | | 595€ |
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| DISCOVER THE CARPATHIAN MOUNTAINS AND HIS VILLAGES IN MTB | price from 545 € | | Romania - Mountain biking - 8 days |
| During this trip we will discover the Southeastern part of Transylvania. Almost all the rides will take place in Bucegi Mountains and in Piatra Craiului Mountains, the longest limestone chains from Romania which is also a floral paradise. The rides in this National park, in the middle of pastures, sheepfolds and forests, will not let you indifferent! The houses of the inhabitants abandoned the valleys to perch on the heights in order to avoid attacks. A journey in the middle of a pastoral tradition in complete osmosis with a wild nature sheltering brown bears, chamois, wolves and lynx. |
Day 1 Reception in Bucharest.
Trip starts in Bucharest. If you arrive early enough, possibility to visit the old Bucharest. Transfer at the foot of Piatra Craiului Mountains (around 3.5 hours). |  |
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Day 2 The Piatra Craiului Mountains
A medium-level technical mountain-biking route, initially through forest with many ascents and descents. The later part of the route takes us through remote hilly villages into a very attractive rural landscape with steep hills and alpine pastures, on a ridge near the Piatra Craiului Mountains. (~ 42 km, positive altitude change: 1200m) |
Day 3 A fair bit of adrenalin
Today we ride along a stunning ridge that separates two villages, with “picture post-card” landscapes to the west of Piatra Craiului plenty of ascents and descents with a fair bit of adrenalin. Along the way we visit an ancient monastic shrine built in a cave. The last descend is one of our favorite single tracks in this area. (~ 38 km, positive altitude change: 800m) |  |
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Day 4 Dense forest
Today we get right away from civilization. From Plaiul Foii chalet we ride up and we enter in a wild tract of dense forest where we look for tracks, signs and markings left by large carnivores and other wild animals. Exciting descents, water crossings, the Barsa Valley and one final ascent, to arrive in the traditional village of Magura, situated in the area between the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului mountains, where many of the inhabitants are livestock breeders and shepherds. Accommodation in a traditional ecotourism guesthouse. (~ 45 km, positive altitude change: 1100m) |
Day 5 TheBran Castle
We start with a very narrow downhill single track and then we ride up through the Jurassic canyon of “Prapastiile Zarnestilor”. Here the landscape becomes even more spectacular, “Poiana Frumoasa” is one of the alpine pastures where from May to September we find shepherds and their flocks. We descend to Bran where we visit the open-air village museum and Bran Castle better know like “Dracula” Castle. For many years the castle was home to Queen Marie, Queen Victoria of England’s granddaughter. (~ 36 km, positive altitude change: 850m) |  |
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Day 6 The border between Walachia and Transylvania
Today we will we have the opportunity of exploring the South side of the Bran country, crossing the border between the old principalities of Walachia and Transylvania. We go up to Fundatica, a Romanian traditional mountain village with many small and ancient houses, at the foot of Bucegi mountains. The inhabitants are livestock breeders; therefore the village has a long time tradition in cheese preparing. (~ 38 km, positive altitude change: 1200m) |
Day 7 The Carpathian way of life
We will discover today the Northern side of the Bran country. We will ride up near the ridge of Bucegi Mountains, and than through alpine pastures and sheepfolds. At the nightfall we can stay together, enjoy a traditional meal and maybe admire a bonfire in the guesthouse garden. (~ 23 km, positive altitude change: 900m) |  |
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Day 8 End of journey
Transfer to Bucharest (around 3.5 hours). Possible extra-night to visit Bucharest. |
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| Details | Starting point
Bucharest airport or Bucharest train station.
End
Bucharest airport or Bucharest train station.
Accommodation
Accommodation in rural pensions in double occupancy, exceptionally.
Number of people
From 4 to 12 people.
Level of difficulty
6 days of biking. Requires a medium-high level. Maximum of 45 km a day and 1100 m of positive altitude change.
Carrying
Luggage will be transferred by car or cart during the treks.
Options
- Single supplement : 79€
- Bike rental : 75€
- Extra-night in Bucharest (3*** hotel in down-town, double-room + 2 breakfasts) : 115€
Included
English speaking local Romanian guide for the 6 days of mountain biking, with a first-aid kit. Nights, meals, transfers,transfer of luggage.
Not included
Transfer to the meeting point and from the drop off point, the insurances, the drinks, entry fees into monuments, the personal expenses.
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