Adventure in the Carpathians

Mountain trail on the following route: Sinaia (1200m) – Bucegi ridge (2000m) – Ialomita River (1600m). Duration: 5 hrs; length: 8 km; climb: 800 m, descent: 400 m.

After leaving the dirt road close to Poiana Stanii chalet we start an intense hike through the forest for about 2 hrs. Once we reach the alpine the effort become gently and we have the chance to admire Prahova valley just left behind. Bushes of junipers and wild flowers surround us all the way of the summit plateau. After crossing the suspended plateau of Bucegi Mountains we begin the descent thru the inner Ialomita River.  Dinner and overnight in Sinaia.

The trekking route is: Ialomita river (1600m) – Babele chalet (2200m) – Omu chalet (2500m) – Gaura valley – Bran (800m). Duration: 10-11 hrs; length: 12 km; climb: 900m; descent: 1500m.

A long endurance day which offer the option to go uphill to the top and then to cross a glacier valley down to the mountain foothills. We start early morning to hike back to the suspended plateau up to the Babele chalet (cable car option to take as a possibility to shorten the route). We admire here these two interesting rock formations fashioned by the wind erosion, Babele (“The old ladies”) and Sphinx, then we continue to gently hike for 2 hrs up to the summit, Omu peak – 2507m. Superb panoramic view over the surrounding mountain ridges, Piatra Craiului to W, Postavarul to N and Ciucas to far E. Short break for the lunch. From here we start to descent. The trail goes through an impressive glacier valley up to the end of it, and then we take a dense coniferous forest to a dirt road where a car is expecting us for the transfer to hotel. Festive dinner with folkloric program. Accommodation in Predeal.

Predeal – Pestera – Sirnea – Ciocanu – Dambovicioara Gorge – Podu Dambovitei – Bran – Brasov.

Duration: 6 – 8 hrs, including car transfer. Length: 5 km (on foot only); climb: 100m, descent: 300m. First part of the day we assign to visit Bran Castle. It represents an important national monument and landmark of the Romanian tourism, due not only to the beauty of the Castle and the landscape but also to the legend of Count Dracula. The first documentary attestation of the Bran Castle is the act issued on November 19, 1377, by Ludovic I D’Anjou giving the inhabitants of Brasov the privilege to build the Citadel “on their own work and expense”. On December lst, 1920, the Brasov Town council donated the Bran Castle to Queen Marie of Great Romania, as a symbol of gratitude for her contribution to the achievement of the “Great Union” of 1 December 1918. Between years 1920 – 1927 the Bran Castle was restored under the guidance of the Royal Court architect. He transformed it into a beautiful summer residence, surrounded with a park, fountains, a lake, walking alleys and halt terraces and built the “Tea House” of Queen Maria.  Since 1956 the Castle was opened as a museum of history and feudal art.

Trekking after the lunch through the hills from Rucar – Bran Pass as a short and relaxing day. Gentle walk on grassy meadows and spectacular limestone gorge. Car transfer to Brasov city.

Dinner and accommodation in Brasov.

Highlights:

– Brasov, the Saxon’s Kronstadt (Town of the Crown) attracts with the largely Baroque area coiled beneath Mount Tampa and Mount Postavaru – old city. Visits to the Black Church, the Council Square, the Franciscan Monastery, the Central Park, the Black and White Towers,  Ecaterina’s Gate, Schei Gate and the Rope Street ( one of the narrowest street in Europe). Peles Castle: is the most notable residents Romanian Royal family, one of the most beautiful castles in Eastern Europe. As well as the buildings belonging to the castle: Pelisor Castle, The Watch Tower situated right near the castle. Monastery of Sinaia, built in 1695 by Prince Mihail Cantacuzino after a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, at Mount Sinai. Return to Bucharest in the evening. Dinner and accommodation.

Breakfast in the hotel. Depending on the flight schedule: half day tour of Bucharest. The primary entry point into Romania. Known in the past as “The Little Paris,” Bucharest has changed a lot lately, and today it has become a very interesting mix of old and new that has little to do with its initial reputation. Finding a 300 year old church, a steel-and-glass office building and Communist-era apartment blocks next to one another is a common sight. Bucharest offers some excellent attractions, and has, in recent years, cultivated a sophisticated, trendy. Transfer to the airport. End of services.