Village life in Transylvanian Carpathian mountains – 8 days

Transfer Otopeni Airport - Brasov (the most important touristic city of Romania) approx. 3 hours or Brasov Airport - Brasov (20-30 minutes). Accommodation at a 3* guesthouse/hotel located nearby the old city center. Depending on the flight time we can have an evening Brasov walking tour. Fringed by the peaks of the Southern Carpathian Mountains and resplendent with Gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture, as well as a wealth of historical attractions, Brasov is one of the most visited places in Romania. Founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211 on an ancient Dacian site and settled by the Saxons as one of the seven walled citadels, Brasov exudes a distinct medieval ambiance and has been used as backdrop in many recent period films.

Welcome Traditional Romanian dinner. Accommodation at a 3* guesthouse/hotel located nearby the old city center.

Breakfast. Transfer to Bran village (about 40 minutes). We visit Bran  Castle (on Mondays it opens at 12:00) also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’ —  a hilltop estate that conjures up visions of howling wolves and bats  fluttering in the moonlight. Wander the castle’s Gothic chambers and  learn about its ties to Bram Stoker’s undead antihero. Head from Bran  village toward Magura village - nestled on the hills of Piatra Craiului  national Park, Magura is a small village with traditional Romanian  houses and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It's a serene  spot for those seeking a quiet escape. The path is the route which links  Bucegi Mountains to the Piatra Craiului National Park. It is an easy to  medium walk, through forest and meadows, with great views to both  mountains and to the Bran area with its mountain villages. Info about  the hike: 4-6 hours, medium effort, uphill/downhill walk 750 m / 450 m, 8  km. Accommodation 2 nights at a village guesthouse in Magura Village.  Lunch pack and home made dinner.

Breakfast. Trek in the heart of Piatra Craiului National Park which is a  stunning protected area located in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania.  It is known for its dramatic limestone ridge, deep gorges, and diverse  flora and fauna. The park offers several hiking trails of varying  difficulty levels, providing opportunities for both beginners and  experienced hikers to explore its natural beauty. Cross the epic  Zarnesti Gorges - a stunning natural attraction. The gorges are renowned  for their spectacular limestone formations, towering cliffs, and a  picturesque landscape. Bring your camera to capture the breathtaking  scenery, especially the play of light and shadow on the rock formations.  Continue to Curmatura hut located at 1470 m. The hut serves as a base  for hikers exploring the Piatra Craiului massif, providing shelter,  accommodation, and facilities for visitors. Info about the hike: 5 - 6  hours, medium, uphill/downhill walk 700 m, 14 km. Picnic lunch. Dinner  at the guesthouse.

Breakfast. Walk through the villages at the foothills of the Piatra  Craiului National Park and Bucegi Natural Park: Magura - Pestera (a  village surrounded by hills and forests; it provides a tranquil setting  for visitors exploring Piatra Craiului) - Sirnea (the first touristic  village of Romania; also, a traditional mountain village with wooden  houses and a peaceful atmosphere) – Ciocanu (surrounded by beautiful  natural landscapes) - Fundata. Experience the authenticity of rural life  in the Carpathians and may have the opportunity to interact with the  friendly locals. Info about the hike: 5-6 hours, easy to medium, uphill/  downhill walk 639 m / 445 m, 15 km. Lunch pack. Home made dinner and  accommodation at a 3* guesthouse for 3 nights.

About Sirnea village: in order to develop the village and attract as  many tourists as possible, Professor Nicolae Fruntes initiated two  feasts: "The measure of milk and the meeting of the village sons" held  every June and "Winter at Sirnea", aimed at presenting the customs of  the villagers, both during summer and winter. Launched in 1969, the  feast "Winter at Sirnea" entails a skiing race with torches in hands,  sleigh rides and parties organized at the Cultural Centre.

Breakfast. Today we have a walk in the villages of  Fundata and Fundatica. Info about the hike: 4 - 5 hours, easy to medium,  uphill/downhill walk 300 m / 300 m, 10 km. Lunch pack and home made  dinner.

Fundata is a picturesque village surrounded by lush meadows, dense  forests, and offers panoramic views of the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului  mountain ranges. It is often referred to as the highest-altitude village  in the country. Fundata is known for its stunning landscapes,  traditional architecture, and the serene atmosphere of a mountain  retreat. In August 1916, when troops from the Romanian Old Kingdom  entered Austria-Hungary, the first village they took was Fundata, also  capturing their first prisoners there and suffering their first battle  death.

Breakfast. Short transfer to Simon village (about 40  minutes). Full day hiking trip in Bucegi Natural Park known for its  diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, and iconic geological formations.  Hike on the northern part of the mountain which is wilder and no so  touristic. During the hike discover the Devil's Mill Waterfall and a  local sheep farm (from  middle of June to middle of September). Transfer back at the guesthouse.  Info about the hike: 5-6 hours, medium effort, uphill/downhill walk 800  m / 800 m, 14 km. Lunch pack and dinner.

Breakfast. Transfer about 1 1/2 hour to the starting point for "7  Ladders Canyon" from Piatra Mare mountain. The canyon has been carved in  Jurassic limestone and is composed by seven waterfalls, the tallest  being 15 meters high. The trail within the canyon is arranged with metal  stairs and platforms. Duration: 4-5 hours, medium effort,  uphill/downhill walk: 400 m, 8 km. Lunch pack. Transfer  to Brasov (about 30 minutes). Accommodation at a 3* guesthouse/hotel  located nearby the old city center and farewell dinner.