ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFO

Romania - Dracula's Lair and the Carpathian Mountains 2008

A self-guided walking holiday

This area, for long associated with Dracula (very loosely based on the reputation of the Romania king, 'Vlad the Impaler'), is one of the loveliest areas of the country, with its fauna and flora, gentle valleys and spectacular landscapes. In the heart of Carpathian mountains, the area was for centuries an important buffer between Transylvania and Romanian country. Life in rural Romania has changed but little, and its charm is best discovered on foot.

PRICE

£395 per person based on two people sharing with a single supplement of £85

INCLUDED

7 nights accommodation with private facilities, 7 breakfasts, 5 picnics and 5 dinners. Dinner: 3 course menu with several choices - entrée, main dish and a dessert. Occasionally dinner is a 2 course meal. Meeting at airport and transfers to Zarnesti from airport (Day 1) and from Bran to Bucharest airport (Day 8) using public transport (you will carry your luggage with you during these transfers). Luggage transfers on walking days. Route instructions. Emergency back-up. Taxi transfers between airport and Bucharest North railway station, or between Brasov and Zarnesti and Bran and Brasov may be arranged at extra cost.

NOT INCLUDED

Journeys from/to home, entry fees, taxi transfers in Bucharest (arranged on request), anything not specifially mentioned in programme.

Departure dates 2008:

Any day May 11 to September 23 (self-guided)



To book email: walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive Bucharest (ideally by close to midday). Transfer to the train station and then train to Zarnesti with change at Brasov. Overnight Zarnesti.

Day 2: Walk in Piatra Craiului (“Rock of the King”) mountains and the fascinating Zarnesti gorges with their 200m high vertical walls. Overnight Pesera. (around 4h, 13 kms/8 miles, +800m, -300m).

Day 3: Walk in Piatra Craiului National park among sheepfolds, valleys, woods and scattered villages. In the Middle Ages peasants would build their houses on the hills and not in the valleys, so to be less vulnerable to the attacks. Overnight Sirnea. (around 4h, 13 kms/8 miles, +300m, -250m)

Day 4: Leave Piatra Craiului mountains and walk to Bucegi mountains, admiring the way that locals still work the land in traditional ways. End of the day in an authentic village, well known for its smoked cheese. Overnight Fundata.
(around 3h, 10 kms/6.5 miles, -150m, +250m)

Day 5: Climb into the Bucegi mountains. A long walk but one you won’t regret: beautiful landscape and view over the Piatra Craiului ridge. Overnight Simon or Moieciu (around 6h, 18 kms/11.25 miles, +650m, -900)

Day 6: Continue to climb among the Bucegi mountains. Walk along the Gutana sheep pastures at the foot of the vertical walls of Bucegi ridge and take your time to enjoy for this last long walk. Overnight Bran (2 nights)
(around 6h, 18 kms/11.25 miles, +700m, -900m)

Day 7: Last day in Bran country. Possibility of visiting Bran Castle, for long associated with Count Dracula in the form of 'Vlad the Impaler'. The castle dates back to the 13th century when Ludovic I de Anjou ordered the inhabitants to build a new stone fortress “with their own efforts and expenses” You can also visit Rasnov fortress, the other south Transylvanian border protection against the Ottomans,or just enjoy the village. Overnight Bran.

Day 8: Return to Bucharest (bus to Brasov, train Brasov-Bucharest) and departure. Extra night possible in Bucharest on request.

   

DIFFICULTY OF WALK

Moderate

GROUP SIZE

Two or more

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HIGHLIGHTS

Untouched way of life. Beautiful countryside, interesting castles and villages. If you have done this walk before, we would like to hear of your personal highlights. Mail Us

WEATHER

Click here to view the weather forecast Link courtesy of uk met office

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ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ACCOMMODATION

Small hotels and B & Bs with private bathrooms. Occasionally a shared bathroom will be used according to availability.

GETTING THERE

Bucharest airport is well served from around the world. You should aim for a flight that arrives in at Bucharest airport no later than 12.30 pm in order to be sure of getting the train to Zarnosti. Otherwise, a night in Bucharest at the beginning of the holiday is recommended. If you are already in Bucharest, you will be met at the North railway station.

WHAT TO TAKE
Walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, water bottle, insect repellent, sunglasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch, mobile phone, container for sandwiches and a first-aid kit.

WHEN TO GO

2007: Any day May 11 to 23 September.

INSURANCE

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.

To book, contact worldwalks  at:
email:walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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