When to go
January and February
Price
From £1,599 pp (excluding flights)
Flight time
03hrs 06mins
Introduction
Transylvania is known for its gothic castles, expansive mountain ranges, and icy cold winters. Not to mention the origin of the legend of Dracula. On this walking and snowshoeing trip to Transylvania, you will spend the week hiking through remote villages, farmsteads, woodlands, and deep into a gorge formed during the Jurassic period. And you will stay in the Villa Hermani guesthouse in the small village of Magura, which features 17 rooms and a spacious dining area.
At a Glance
Duration
8 days & 7 nights
Guide price
Group: £1,599pp (including flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Bucharest – Magura – Pestera – Kalibash Villages – Piatra Craiului and Bucegi Mountains – Libearty Bear Sanctuary – Vulcan and Brasov Village – Bran Castle – Zarnesti Canyon – Piatra Craiului Mountains – Bucharest
Tour Type
Experienced local tour manager and guided sightseeing
Tour Theme
Group Tour
Activity Level
3 out of 7 - Moderate
Age Range
16+
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Villa Hermani guesthouse
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for details
Min|Max Group Size
Average 4 people with a maximum of 16
Start/Finish
Bucharest – Bucharest
Highlights
Marvel at the Carpathian Mountains
Stretching over 900 miles from Slovakia to Romania in an arc-shaped bend, the Carpathian Mountains are a series of geologically young mountains. They occupy around 50 percent of Romania, making them relatively easy to see from Transylvania.
Visit the Iconic Bran Castle
Originally built as a medieval stronghold in the late 14th century, Bran Castle is most well known for its association with the fictional novel Dracula. The castle is open to the public all year round, and retains much of its medieval architecture, making it a must-see destination in Transylvania.
Search for Bear and Wolf Tracks in the Snow
Romania is home to a wide array of wildlife. These include the Eurasian lynx, the official national animal of Romania, as well as the brown bear and wolf. Depending on the weather and snow conditions, you may encounter wildlife tracks.
Recommended Hotels
Villa Hermani guesthouse
Sample Itinerary
Winter Walk and Snowshoe in Transylvania
Visit Transylvania in winter for an authentic Romanian experience. On this 8-day sample itinerary, you will brace the cold and explore the many villages, woodlands, and farmsteads that are scattered throughout Transylvania. You’ll also spend 7 nights in a comfortable, family-run guest house, complete with near-daily breakfast and dinner.
Day 1: Bucharest – Magura
Fly from London to Bucharest and transfer to your guesthouse. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome home-hooked dinner, and get to know your guesthouse hosts.
Spend 7 nights at the Villa Hermani.
(D)
Day 2: Bat Cave – Pestera Village
Head to a local cave by foot, which is home to a large number of bats. Use a flashlight to explore the cave without disturbing the habitat. From there, proceed to Pestera village and explore this charming rural town. After lunch, head back to Magura.
(B, L, D)]
Max ascent: 985ft
Max descent: 985ft
Day 3: Kalibash Villages
Make your way to Magura, one of many Kalibash villages in the area. Here you can marvel at the long series of houses, which stretch along the hilltops.
From your guesthouse, hike up to Dealul Magurice and keep an eye out for bear, lynx, and wolf snow prints. Lastly, return to Magura, and enjoy a homemade plumb brandy with a local farmer.
(B, L, D)
Max ascent: 1.150ft
Max descent: 1.150ft
Day 4: Piatra Craiului and Bucegi Mountains
In the morning, head to a high plateau in the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului mountains. During winter, the plateau is surprisingly quiet and peaceful, adding to the serenity of the remote wilderness.
Max ascent: 1,970ft
Max descent: 1,970ft
(B, L, D)
Day 5: Libearty Bear Sanctuary – Vulcan and Brasov Village
Drive to a nearby village and enter the Libearty Bear Sanctuary. Established in 2005, the sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of more than 100 bears, many of which were captured and forced to dance.
From there, head to the village of Vulcan. The village was once home to Transylvania Saxons who emigrated here more than 800 years ago. The Saxons built many architectural sites, such as fortified churches, and many of these dwellings are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Leave Vulcan and drive to Brasoc. Go on a guided tour of the area and enjoy free leisure. Enjoy a traditional Romanian dinner at a local restaurant.
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Day 6: Bran Castle
Hike from Magura to Bran Castle, and marvel at its beautiful architecture, clearly defined lines, and medieval aesthetic. Rumor has it that Bram Stoker was influenced by the appearance of the castle, however the author never actually visited Transylvania. Nonetheless, many of the architectural details of Castle Dracula match those of Bran Castle, adding credibility to the comparison.
Max ascent: 1,310ft
Max descent: 1,640ft
(B, L, D)
Day 7: Zarnesti Canyon – Piatra Craiului Mountains
In the morning, walk to Zarnesti Canyon. Here you can walk inside the canyon, do some rock climbing, and take photographs of the nearby forest.
Proceed to Curmatura Cabin, which is open all year-round, and then return to your guesthouse.
Max ascent: 2,950ft
Max descent: 2,950ft
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Day 8: Bucharest Airport – London
Bid farewell to your fellow travelers and tour leader. Then go to Bucharest Airport and fly back to London.
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