Accommodation: Guesthouse/Hotel 3*
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overview:
Experience the traditional Transylvanian way of life on a small group tour from Brașov to the rural villages of Pestera and Magura. We may visit Bran Castle a.k.a Dracula's Castle, also. We do a walking tour in the area visiting the Bat Cave enjoying the landscapes and village life, interacting with the locals (3 - 4 hours, easy to medium, up to 12 km). Now, the Bat Cave is a national natural monument, part of the National Park “Piatra Craiului”. Cave entrance is through a narrow corridor, followed by a grotto and a gallery. You can admire the Jurassic limestone formations, formed over centuries, including so-called "tears of the earth". The cave is not electrified, in order not to change the natural habitat of the bats. Visit the oldest guesthouse in the National Park, taste several varieties of handcrafted cheese, than we have a farm-fresh cuisine. With a flexible pace and the personalized attention of your guide, it’s a unique and authentic way to experience the Romanian countryside.
Highlights
- Small group day trip to the authentic Romanian mountain villages of Pestera and Magura from Brașov
- Discover the culture of the villages, nestled in Transylvania’s Piatra Craiului National Park mountain
- Take a trek into the forests and meadows to see wild flowers and go inside of Bat cave
- Savor lunch made from fresh, simple ingredients at one of the guesthouses in the area
- Enjoy a flexible itinerary and the undivided attention of a guide on this small group tour
- In these 2 villages the people never died because of cancer or heart attack - they live an healthy life: working the land, taking care of animals (sheep and cows), preparing and eating home made food from their small farm (meat, eggs, milk), drinking fresh water from the spring and home made alcoholic drink called "tuica" made from different fruits: apples, plumps, pears!
What You Can Expect
Sample traditional Romanian cheese on a small group day trip to Magura and Pestera.
Nestled in the Piatra Craiului National Park Mountains in the Southern Carpathians, the villages of Pestera an Magura offer an authentic glimpse into rural Romanian life. Your immersive, full-day tour begins in central Brașov, where you’ll meet your local guide and board a private vehicle for the 45-minute drive to the village. Along the way, let your guide know if you have any specific interests so he or she can customize the day’s itinerary.
Learn about the history of the villages, where the traditional industries of sheep farming and cheese making are still practiced by many of the village’s. Visit the Bat Cave about 10 minutes. Next, set off into the surrounding hills and meadows of Magura village for a moderate guided hike for 2 to 3 hours. Let your guide know if you prefer to hike for longer or shorter, and go at a pace that’s comfortable to you.
Make a stop to the oldest guesthouse in the National Park. Meet some of the farmers, and sample two-three different kinds of cheese.
After working up an appetite, we have a hearty lunch. Savor simple Romanian cuisine homemade from local farm-fresh ingredients including eggs, vegetables or pork. Purchase beer or wine to top off your meal. From the guesthouse we have a walk in Pestera Village back to the car, about 1 hour. We can visit also the local church.
Relax on the scenic return drive to Brașov.
3 Comments
4.4
From the moment I joined this small group tour, I felt a sense of adventure as I delved into the enchanting citadels scattered across Transylvania. One of the highlights was sharing a hearty meal in a quaint village; the homemade sarmale left a lasting impression on my taste buds. The guides were knowledgeable and truly passionate about the history of the region, making the stories of these enigmatic sites come alive. However, there were a couple of days where my itinerary felt a bit rushed, leaving little time to absorb the atmosphere. Overall, this journey offered a memorable mix of culture, history, and some delightful culinary experiences.
4.6
I found myself completely captivated by the charm of the citadels, particularly while wandering the cobblestone streets of Sibiu, where history feels alive. Sharing meals with fellow travelers deepened the experience, especially the hearty goulash that brought warmth on chilly evenings. While the itinerary was well-paced, there were moments where I wished for a bit more time to soak in the atmosphere at each stop. The accommodations were cozy, and I appreciated the small group size, which made interactions feel genuine and personal. Overall, this adventure through the enigmatic landscapes of Transylvania was a delightful journey that I would recommend to anyone seeking a mix of exploration and camaraderie.
4.8
Exploring the vast landscapes and mysterious citadels of this enchanting region was an unforgettable experience for us. We loved the small group atmosphere, which allowed for meaningful interactions with fellow travelers and deeper connections to our guide, who shared fascinating stories and local secrets. While the accommodations were charming, a couple of nights could have benefited from more modern amenities, but overall, the adventure far outweighed any minor drawbacks.