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A UTracks holiday is all about exploring Europe - your way. It’s about U + the walking tracks and trails you want to discover, be it hiking with the family in the European Alps, a leisurely cycle friends along the quieter backroads of Holland or France, trekking the famous pilgrimage trails of Spain, Italy or England or even discovering the islands of Croatia and Greece by bike and boat. Together with our sister company Sherpa explore europe your way Expeditions, we offer over 300 active tours across the continent and it’s many exotic islands, with active holiday ideas for families, culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, experienced alpine walkers or those that just want to see Europe differently. Since we began in 2006, UTracks has quickly become known as the leaders in active European holidays. Our itineraries are creative - and very affordable - making them popular with travellers both young and young-at-heart. Set your own pace on a flexible self guided trip or benefits of an experienced local guide on a guided tour. The physical demands range from introduct to challenging - with all offering unique opportunities to discover the ‘untrodden’ Europe, postcard landscapes, centuries-old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting culinary delights. Best of all, our trips start on virtually any day of the week, so you can combine any tour to create exactly the holiday you want. Compare the price and you will see that we offer exceptional value active programs that are virtually all-inclusive, giving you more time to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders you’ve come to experience.
TRIP COST TRIP NAME: TRANSYLVANIA CASTLES Joining Bucharest: £450 & MOUNTAINS
OPTIONS & TRIP CODE: TCM Romania SUPPLEMENTS TRIP DURATION: 6 DAYS Single Supplement: £49 Brasov Piatra As the trip price is based on twinshare, GRADE: MODERATE - 3 a single supplement is payable if Craiului a single room is required. Please Bucharest refer to the price options for costs or ask our office for details. Note ACTIVITY: SELF GUIDED WALK regarding single rooms - The single Bulgaria supplement guarantees the privacy ACCOMMODATION: 5 NIGHTS RURAL PENSIONS of your own room, however, rooms can at times be small and in some places may not enjoy the same DATE DETAILS: DAILY DEPARTURES FROM 1 MAY TO 10 OCT facilities as double/twin rooms.
highlights Exploring Bran Castle and the legends of Dracula Discovering unique villages Walking along limestone ridges to take in the stunning landscapes of Piatra Craiului Experience genuine cultural exchange with the local people
the trip Explore some of Romania’s most stunning mountain landscapes and soak up the unique culture of Transylvania on this inspiring self guided walk. Piatra Craiului meaning royal stone, is a dramatic limestone ridge which rises sharply from the forests and plains below, offering one of the best ridge walks in Europe. Enroute to the Bucegi Mountains, explore the gorges and ridgetops of Craiului to experience exceptional views of the region. The Bucegi mountains are home to a diverse range of landscapes from pine and beech forests to flower laden meadows and high limestone cliffs. It is also where you can find Bran Castle connected through folklore to the fictitious character, 8 views 0 0 RELATED TITLES Transylvania Castles Mountains
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itinerary at a glance Day 1 Arrive Bucharest, train to Brasov and transfer to the first guesthouse Day 2 Walk to Bran Castle home to the origin of the character known as “Dracula” Day 3 Continue on foot through Piatra Craiului mountains and rural villages (4hrs) Day 4 Walk to Bucegi’s mountains through picture postcard landscapes (4.5hrs) Day 5 Ascend the Bucegi Mountains with stunning views (6hrs or 4.5 hrs) Day 6 Transfer to Brasov, train to Bucharest, trip concludes
detailed itinerary Note: The heading for each days description above shows the approximate time it will take to complete the walk for someone of good to excellent fitness and the days ascent and descent in metres. The hours indicated are for walking only and do not include breaks for lunch and rest stops. The planned itinerary can be affected by mountain weather and trail conditions. DAY 1 Arrive Bucharest, train to Brasov and transfer to the first guesthouse On arrival at the Bucharest north train station there will be a handover of documents and a short briefing before your train to Brasov, a journey of around 2 ½ hours. On arrival you will be met and transferred by taxi to your first nights accommodation in a guesthouse set in a traditional village at the foot of Piatra Craiului National Park. Overnight Magura. meals: D DAY 2 Walk to Bran Castle home to the origin of the character known as “Dracula” Walk on a small ridge to Bran Castle at the foot of the Bucegi mountains. The castle, which was built as a gift from Ludovic d’Anjou in the 14th century to the inhabitants of the region, always had a role of defence against the migratory peoples and later it protected Transylvania from the Ottoman invasions. The castle was also said to be associated with the prince Vlad Tepes of Walachia who it is widely thought that the fictional character of Dracula was based upon. Overnight Magura. (4hrs, 12km, +350m, -600m). meals: B,L,D DAY 3 Continue on foot through Piatra Craiului mountains and rural villages (4hrs) The walk continues at the base of the Piatra Craiului Mountains. An interesting contrast to the landscape of the previous day as you traverse pastures, sheepfolds and woods. Scattered villages which seem to have not changed for centuries break up the landscape, while the surrounding mountains are a constant companion. Overnight Ciocanu. (4h30, 13km, +450m, -450m). meals: B,L,D DAY 4 Walk to Bucegi’s mountains through picture postcard landscapes (4.5hrs) This morning you leave the Piatra Craiului mountains and walk to the Bucegi mountains. An easy walk with “picture post-card” landscapes to a traditional Romanian mountain village with small and ancient houses, at the foot of the Bucegi mountains. The inhabitants are livestock breeders; therefore the village has a long tradition in cheese 8 views 0 0 RELATED TITLES Transylvania Castles Mountains
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DAY 6 Transfer to Brasov, train to Bucharest, trip concludes Transfer to Brasov where you take the train to Bucharest. Trip concludes on arrival in Bucharest. meals: B
inclusions 5 breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches, 5 dinners - Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, tea, coffee & juices. Picnic lunches will include fresh produce such as bread, spreads, salad and meats sourced from local hosts. Dinner is generally 3 courses consisting of entrée or soup, a main dish and dessert, including local and international dishes. Occasionally dinner is only 2 courses. 5 nights rural pensions in twin share with ensuite facilities – note there may be times when only dormitory share is available Information pack including route notes and maps Luggage transfer Train from Bucharest to Brasov and return and private transfer from Brasov train station to Magura and from Bran to Brasov train station Emergency hotline
items not included Travel to and from Bucharest train station Breakfast and lunch on day 1 and lunch and dinner on day 6, all drinks Items of a personal nature Tour guide – this is a self guided walking trip Entrance fees Travel insurance
getting there BY CAR Driving routes can be accessed via the following websites: www.viamichelin com BY TRAIN Bucharest can be reached from points throughout Europe. We are assist with booking your rail travel arrangements. BY AIR The best way to arrive in Bucharest is by flight. There are numerous which fly into the city. We are happy to assist with booking your flights. Transfers from the airport to the train station can be arranged on request.
trip grading MODERATE – GRADE 3 The walking is moderate (3) grade with daily guided walks of around 4-6 hours. There are some more demanding stages during the walk with steep uphills, descents, and some sections of the trail require more care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. The planned walks may change depending on the group level of fitness or weather conditions. 8 views 0 0 RELATED TITLES Transylvania Castles Mountains
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a note on our self guided adventures Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you’ve never been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of it as the vast majority of our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly and we provide a 7day service hotline in the event of any problems. Using directions and maps can be more difficult for solo travellers as often two heads are better than one when it comes to finding your way. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self guided trips, however with a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self guided trip is something that, once experienced, is sought time and time again.
joining instructions You will be met at Bucharest North Train station where you will have a handover of your documents and a short briefing of the tour. Confirmed joining instructions will be provided approximately 3 weeks before departure.
accommodation DURING TOUR During the trip you will be accommodated in rural pensions which are rated as 3 stars in Romania, however would be closer to 2 stars when compared to similar properties in western Europe. These are traditional guesthouses which while simple, provide a unique dimension to the cultural experience of travelling in Romania. Usually you will have a private bathroom, however there may be one night where you to share a bathroom.
the region The European Unions newest member, Romania, is a country of contrasts. With all the trappings of the western world in the form of expensive cars, overt consumerism and mobile phones, there remains the vestiges of a recent past; in the countryside horse drawn carriages are common, as are potholed unpaved roads and cone shaped hay stacks whilst in Bucharest you are reminded of the country’s communist past by the incredible oversized monuments. In the Carpathian mountains one can find the national treasures of painted monasteries, unique wooden churches and farmhouses and incredible landscapes which are ideal for hiking in summer and skiing in winter. Romania shares its borders with Moldova to the north and northeast, the Ukraine in the East, Hungary and Serbia to the west and Bulgaria in the south. It has just 209km of coastline in the southeast along the Black Sea. An arc of heavily forested mountain ranges known as the Carpathian Mountain System, cuts through the country’s centre and north, surrounding the Transylvanian Plateau (366m above sea level). In turn, surrounding the mountains are the plains to the east, south and west which is where most of the farming, cities and towns are located. Mount Moldoveanu in the Transylvanian Alps is the highest mountain at 2543m, although typically the mountains range in height from 910m to 1800m above sea level. The Danube River flows 1400km through Romania to the Black Sea. The capital, Bucharest has a population of just over 2 million people which is around 10% of the country’s 22 million. 8 views 0 0 RELATED TITLES Transylvania Castles Mountains
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CLIMATE The climate is a combination of temperate and continental with significant variations between the mountains and the south (Bucharest and the coast). In Summer, temperatures average between 13-16 degrees Celsius in the mountains but can reach the 30’s in Bucharest. Rainfall is common in the mountains where around 1000mm falls each year compared to 670mm in the south. Most rainfall occurs in Spring and Summer, but can be expected at any time of the year. MIN GROUP SIZE 2 SPECIALIST GEAR REQUIRED Rucksack (35L); 3-season walking waterproof boots with suitable ankle support; waterproof outer shell garment (breathable if possible!); sunglasses with UV protection; sunscreen lotion. (A comprehensive gear list will be provided on booking).
how to book Booking a UTracks holiday is simple. You can book online, via our secure payment facility, at your own convenience. Alternatively, fill out our booking form - which can be found at the back of our brochure, on our website or we can email you a copy - then scan/email, fax or post the form to your nearest UTracks or World Expeditions office, or travel agent, along with the relevant deposit by cheque or credit card surcharges may apply for credit card payments). UTracks has access to competitive airfares to Contact us, or your travel agent, for assistance with your travel arrangements including flights, travel insurance & additional accommodation.
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slide shows UTracks invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website – www.utracks.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two! e-newsletter To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.utracks. com or contact our office.
IMPORTANT NOTE THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS ITINERARY,AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE. 8 views 0 0 RELATED TITLES Transylvania Castles Mountains
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AUSTRALIA CANADA - OTTAWA UTracks / World Expeditions World Expeditions Level 5, 71 York St 78 George St Sydney NSW 2000 Ottawa, Ontario T: (02) 8270 8488 Canada F: (02) 8270 8489 K1N 5W1 Toll free: 1300 303 368 T: 613 241 2700 [email protected] F: 613 2414189 Toll Free: 1-800-567-2216 Feel free to visit our World Expeditions [email protected] offices in:- • Melbourne CANADA - MONTREAL • Perth • Brisbane Expéditions Monde • Adelaide (Thor Travel) 1705 St-Denis Montréal, Québec Our staff will be happy to assist with your H2X 3K4 Canada enquiries. For address and ofce phone T: 514 844 6364 numbers see our website at F: 514 844 8144 www.worldexpeditions.com Toll Free: 1-866-606-1721 [email protected] NEW ZEALAND World Expeditions UNITED KINGDOM Level 2, 35 High St World Expeditions Auckland CBD 81 Craven Gardens PO Box 137-052 Wimbledon Parnell, Auckland London SW19 8LU T: (09) 368 4161 T: 0845 241 7599 F: (09) 368 4162 F: 020 8543 8316 Toll Free: 0800 350 354 T: 1800 946 258 (Ireland) [email protected] [email protected]