Discounted

Walking Romania - Transylvanian Alps Trek

Romania - Trip code TTA Walking and Trekking
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161Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Experience warm rural hospitality and discover the unspoilt beautiful countryside of Romania on this trek in the Transylvanian Alps. The mountains are home to a diverse range of widlife, Chamois and Red Deer graze in the meadows while more elusive predators such as the Brown Bear prowl the deep forest. We overnight in mountain huts and a local guesthouse in Moieciu and enjoy walks through pine forests and flowered meadows.

Why we love this trip
  • Piatra Craiului Mountains - One of the most spectacular ridge walks in Europe
  • Bucharest - Explore Romania's capital on foot
  • Southern Carpathians - Walk in the Bucegi mountains
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 7

    Lunch: 5

    Dinner: 5

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

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    Accommodation

    2 nights simple guesthouse

    2 nights comfortable hotel

    3 nights simple hut

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    Walking grade:

    Moderate and Challenging

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore average 11

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    Wildlife rating

    Expect chance encounters!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Bucharest

The trip starts at our hotel in Bucharest, Romania's largest city that became its capital in 1832. It has gone through a period of urban renewal and modernisation and it is now a bustling city, at the centre of Romanian culture, art and media.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Bucharest at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today you need to arrive into Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP), which is about 30 minutes' drive from the city centre. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner.

If you have free time on arrival then there's plenty to discover in the city's Old Town or there's a multitude of museums available to choose from including the National Art Gallery, National Museum of Romanian History, the Military Museum and the Peasant Museum, to name but a few.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Drive to Sinaia in the Carpathians.Cable car to Bucegi Plateau; hike to the Padina Mountain Hut

We make an early start this morning and head out from the city to Sinaia, a journey of around 2 hours. This is a beautiful mountainous region, at the foothills of the Bucegi Mountains in the Prahova Valley. Sinaia is one of the oldest and most famous mountain resorts, often referred to as 'The Pearl of the Carpathians'. There should be the chance to take a look at Peles Castle (optional) which is considered by many as one of the most beautiful castles in all of Europe. It was the final resting place for several Romanian monarchs including King Carol I, who died here in 1914.

We'll then take a short cable car ride to the Bucegi Plateau before heading out on our first hike of the trip. The route takes us through the Bucegi mountains which make up part of the southern Carpathians. Initially descending from the cable car station through alpine meadows to the edge of the plateau, it's then quite a steep ascent through the forest to the Padina mountain hut where we overnight.

At the hut we'll be accommodated in communal dorm rooms with up to 8 people (potentially a mix of both male and female) sharing a room. There are shared toilet facilities and hot showers within the main building. A simple meal of traditional Romanian fare will be served tonight. Our main luggage is transferred by road today to our next night stop so we have to carry what we need for the night.

If time allows there's the option after arrival at Piadina to visit nearby Ialomita Cave, an interesting show cave with a small monastery at its entrance.

Today's Moderate grade 10 kilometre/6.2 mile trek is expected to take around four hours with 140 metres/460 feet of ascent and 600 metres/1,969 feet of descent. The optional return walk to Ialomita cave is around 3 kilometres/1.86 miles with an ascent and descent of 55 metres/180 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Hut

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 - Descend into the Bran Valley with stunning views of the Piatra Craiului Mountains

Our hike today starts with an ascent of around 450 metres on a well-defined path to the Shepfold Pass where we can enjoy amazing views of both the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the lowlands of Transylvania. Passing the old remains of the border of the Austro-Hungarian Empire we then start the long descent towards Moieciu. Along our way we will see natural monuments, various alpine flora and fauna, which could include the edelweiss, mountain wild rose, capercaillie and chamois. This area is also home to the European brown bear but a sighting would be rare. The wild beauty of this area is truly special. Today we walk with some steep sections and rough terrain, good walking boots are essential. The last part of the trail leads us to the guest house through their orchard. Here after a long day we will be welcomed with hot delicious food, locally brewed alcohol and a well deserved hot shower.

Today's Challenging grade 17.5 kilometre/10.87 mile trek is expected to take around 6 hours with 450 metres/1,476 feet of ascent and 1,100 metres/3,608 feet of descent.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - Visit Bran Castle (optional); walk towards the Piatra Craiului Mountains

Today we start our day with an optional trip to the castle at Bran. The truth behind 'Dracula's Castle' is even more fascinating than its myths! Earlier this century it was the home of the remarkable British born Queen Marie of Romania, grand daughter of Queen Victoria. Vlad the Impaler, the heroic 15th century ruler of Wallachia never lived here and there is no connection with the excellent novel by Bram Stoker - who never came near Transylvania. Perched on a crag in a valley between two high mountain ranges, it controlled an international trade route, but is now a rural back-water. From here we start our walk to the Piatra Craiului mountains. Piatra Craiului (The Royal Rock) is probably Romania's most loved mountain especially by hikers and nature lovers. The shining glow of this huge white limestone ridge can be seen from afar and it is probably the source of its unusual name. The mountain ridge has the biggest bio-diversity of the country. Not surprisingly, it is a national park. The wildlife is very diverse and there are still black chamois on the high cliffs and brown bear, wild boar, deer and stag, foxes, wolf and even lynx in the forests. The Piatra Craiului Mountains are further known for the abundance and diversity of flowers and plants. We walk today for between five and six hours and end at a mountain hut where we spend the next 2 nights.

The wooden Curmatura hut is located at 1,470 metres/4823 feet in Piatra Craiului national park. There is more space in this hut, with dorms rooms solely for the group and a large outdoor terrace. Washing facilities are limited as there is no running water, but a fresh water spring nearby, the toilet is located outside of the main building. For the 2 nights staying in Curmatura Hut the main luggage will be stored at the guesthouse in Moieciu, we have to carry what we need for theese two night in a smaller bag.

Today's Challenging grade 15 kilometre/9.32 miles trek is expected to take around 5/6 hours with 1,130 metres/3,707 feet of ascent and 350 metres/1148 feet of descent.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Hut

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - Piatra Craiului Ridge walk

Today we take a circular walk from our mountain hut to the Piatra Craiului's beautiful limestone ridge, which is about 25 kilometres/15.5 miles long, from where we have superb views over the surrounding country. The walk today is challenging in parts with the odd section where you may need to scramble over rocks or through dense forest. Once we are up on the ridge the views of the southern Carpathians are spectacular. After around 6 hours of walking we will return to our mountain hut for a well deserved hot meal and refreshments. Note: During the walk on the ridge there is a section approximately 2 metres/7 feet in length which will require holding on to a chain to cross. Vertigo sufferers may wish to opt out of this walk. There will also be a descent of 300 metres/984 feet on a scree path. Besides this, today's walk will not operate if it is raining or if there is a threat of rain. If this is the case an alternative walk in the area will be arranged.

Today's Challenging grade 7 kilometre/4.35 mile trek is expected to take around 4 hours with 700 metres/2,296 feet of ascent and descent.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Hut

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Walk from Curmatura Hut through the Zarnesti Gorge to Moieciu

Today we leave the mountain hut behind and walk to our guesthouse in Moeciu. Today's walk takes us through more beautiful countryside including the Zarnesti Gorge which has been used as a filming location for a number of movies including Cold Mountain.

Today's Moderate grade 15.5 kilometre/9.63 mile trek is expected to take around 5 hours with 250 metres/820 feet of ascent and 670 metres/2,198 feet of descent.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - Drive to Bucharest to explore the capital

This morning we drive to Romania's capital, a remarkable blend of turn of the century elegance and communist excess. Situated on the Danube plain and set amid a series of lakes and spacious gardens, remnants of more gracious days still exist to charm the visitor. We visit many of the older parts of the city to see some of the buildings that have earned it the reputation as the Paris of Eastern Europe. After the city tour we have free time for shopping, relaxing or more sightseeing.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Trip ends in Bucharest

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Bucharest.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Bucharest at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) which is around 20 minutes' drive from the hotel.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Romania

Climate

Romania's climate is continental, temperatures being strongly influenced by the physical features of the Carpathians. Temperatures will fall from highs of 18°C (by day) to lows of 6°C (at night) in October; by January they will hover around freezing during the day and go down to -10°C at night.They will then rise to reach October temperatures again by April. Temperatures will generally be lower in the mountains than in Bucharest. Snowfall may occur at any time.

Time difference to GMT

+2

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Eastern Orthodox

Language

Romanian

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Bran Castle - Entrance fee £7.5
Peles Castle - Entrance fee £6
Ialomita Cave- Entrance fee £5.20
Village Museum in Bucharest - Entrance fee £3.5

Clothing

Bring light and comfortable clothing that can be layered according to the temperature. The weather conditions in the mountains can be changeable, and it can become cool, especially at night, so bring warmer layers. It can get as cold as -5°C during the night and can still be in the minuses the next morning, there may also still be snow on the ground in spring and autumn in the mountains. Tops made from wicking materials which keep you drier and warmer are recommended as a base layer, and walking trousers are preferable to trousers of heavier material such as jeans. A waterproof jacket is essential at all times in case of rain and wind.

-Breathable wind and waterproof jacket (you may also wish to bring waterproof trousers)
-T-shirts
-Long sleeved tops
-Sunhat
-Long trousers
-Shorts (if you prefer to walk in them)
-Swimwear and towel
-Midlayer Fleece/pullover
-Socks (liner and thicker pair)
-Insulated jacket
-Hat
-Gloves

Footwear

We recommend you bring walking boots with ankle support- leather or fabric are both fine. Make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. Also trainers or sandals for relaxing and general wear. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

Bring one main piece of luggage and a day pack. A capacity of 40 litres for the latter is recommended as you will need to carry enough clothes (spare underwear, T shirt and toiletries etc) for the nights in the mountain huts when you will not have access to your main luggage (days 2,4 and 5). On any day walking you will also need to carry a raincoat, fleece, camera, sun-cream, water and picnic lunch. On hot days you will carry fewer clothes but more drinking water.

For the two nights staying in Curmatura Hut (days 4 and 5) your main luggage will be stored at our accommodation in Moieciu ready for your return on day 6.

Equipment

-Sunglasses
-Sun cream
-Small Torch (with spare batteries and bulb)
-Camera
-Walking poles highly recommended
-Personal toiletries (there are limited washing facilities in the mountian huts, so hand sanitiser may be useful)
-Personal first aid kit
- On each walk a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials.
-Insect repellent
-Small waterproof dry bag (for items such as your mobile phone)
-Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 litre) - Get 15% discount on a Water-to-Go bottle www.explore.co.uk/about-us/responsible-travel/water-to-go-discount-with-explore
-Lunch bag/Tupperware (for packed lunches)
-Gaiters (if you usually use them)
-Sleeping bag liner will be needed for the nights in mountain huts, blankets and pillows are provided

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £20 to £25 per person per week as a guideline.

Local crew
Although voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow approximately £15 of local c urrency for tipping.

In order to make things easier for you, the Explore Leader may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the trip.

Romania

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£8 -10
Dinner price
£12 -15
Beer price
£2 - 4
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Romanian Leu.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Sterling Pounds, US Dollars and Euros cash can all be exchanged for local currency. Old style £10 and £20 notes are not accepted.
Where To Exchange
Please note that the exchange rates at the airport on arrival are particularly low.
ATM Availability
In most towns, your tour leader will advise you.
Credit Card Acceptance
Major stores and restaurants only.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus

Accommodation notes

On this tour we spend three nights in very simple mountain huts, allowing us to stay well off the beaten track. The two mountain huts that we stay in are well located in the mountains, with fantastic views and meals provided but please be prepared for very basic conditions.

At the Piadina hut we'll be accommodated in communal dorm rooms with up to 8 people (potentially a mix of both male and female) sharing a room. There are shared toilet facilities and hot showers within the main building. A simple meal of traditional Romanian fare will be served. Sheets, blankets and pillows are provided and bringing a sleeping bag liner is recommended.

The wooden Curmatura hut on days four and five is located at 1,470 metres in Piatra Craiului national park. Washing facilities are limited as there is no running water, although there is a fresh water spring thirty metres from the hut. The toilet is outside the main building. We'll also be accommodated in dorm rooms here.

Romania

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Romania: Visas are not required by UK, EU nationalities, Australian, New Zealand US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Maximum altitude (m)

2200

Romania

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, although we recommend vaccination against tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Tick-borne encephalitis is recommended by some medical sources if travelling in certain areas of Eastern Europe, at specific times of the year. The Foreign Office currently recommend considerations of vaccination against rabies if travelling in rural areas of Romania. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

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