Easy hiking trip in

The Carpathian Arch: Bucegi and Piatra Craiului Mountains

The trip begins and ends in . Transylvania is surrounded by the Carpathians. The wild mountains with tall and abrupt cliffs, large woods with beautiful flora and fauna give us the feeling that there's nothing more beautiful, or more recreational than to hike around here. The trip we introduce, is an easy- medium difficult hike trip, with not too long daily stages. On our way you will get the chance to see natural monuments like "the Sphinx", but also the simple way of life in the mountain villages of Magura and Pestera.

Date: free choice Group size: min. 6 to 15 persons

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival- Transfer 100 km (2h drive) Flight to Bucharest Otopeni airport. Arrival at the airport in Bucharest and meeting with the English speaking guide and transfer to or Bucegi. Our trip starts in Valley. Overnight accommodation in a very nice pension in Prahova Valley. Dinner and program planning with the guide.

Day 2: Bucegi Plateau- the "Babele" and "Sphinx" rocks - (4 hours walking time) Today we will hike up to 2300 m. First we will climb with the cable car up to the Bucegi Plateau, where we will visit the famous "Babele" and "Sphinx" rocks, two natural wonders. Here the powerful wind together with the rain has carved in millions of years the profile of a male head that has an enigmatic smile. In order to enjoy the most beautiful views over the Prahova Valley we will go to Ialomicioara peak. Afterwards we will visit the "Pestera" monastery- this will last for about 2 hours. Dinner and overnight accommodation at the monastery

Day 3: The : - (5 hours walking time) Breakfast at the monastery. Today we will get familiar with the Bucegi Mountains, the tallest in the South . Our destination is to get to Bran/ Törzburg, where we'll find the so called Dracula Castle. Dinner and overnight accommodation in a Pension close to the castle.

Day 4: The Dracula Castle and Brasov - 60k m (2 hours drive): Today we will take a one day trip to Brasov/ Kronstadt. First we will visit the Dracula Castle in Bran. Afterwards we'll drive to Brasov. We will visit the most important cultural sightseeing points like the Black Church, the Weaver Bastion, the White and the Black Tower, the First Romanian School, the Town Hall Square. Free afternoon in the beautiful city of the Carpathian Arch. Drive back to the Pension. Return to the pension. Day 5: The Romanian Villages in the Carpathian Arch - (4 hours walking time):

Today you'll get the chance to see the simple and natural life of the peasants who live in the villages in the Carpathian Arch. In our journey we will visit the scattered villages Pestera and Magura. In this area we have the feeling that time has stopped 100 years ago. The people live here in total harmony with the nature. We are invited for lunch at one of the locals. On our way back we can explore some caves populated with bats. Overnight accommodation at the pension.

Day 6 & Day 7: The Natural Reservation Piatra Craiului- (5 h walking time) After breakfast we are heading towards the Natural Reservation Piatra Craiului. On our way we pass through the spectacular "Zarnesti" gorge(500 m). In the reservation we can see kingfishers as well as rare plants- the living marks of the Ice Age. Another important feature of this reservation is the fact that the largest number of brown bears in is located here. "The Large Carnivores Project"- a study about bears, wolves and lynxes in the Carpathians still takes place here (this project was sponsored by the EU until a few of years ago). Next we head towards the hidden "Curmatura" cabin (1.470 m). On our way we can also visit a sheep farm where the secrets of the cheese making process will be revealed. Cheese tasting on the farm. Overnight accommodation in a rustic Pension. Optional: In the evening -Bear watching in the Reservation from a tall stand . Day 8: Transfer to Bucharest and Departure - 180 km (3 hours drive) After breakfast we drive towards Bucharest on a small bus. City tour in Bucharest, where you will see the main touristic objectives of the "Little Paris of the East" e.g.: Palace of Parliament, the Romanian Athenaeum, the King Carol palace- during the communist period in Romania it was the headquarter of the Communist Party, the Lipscani Street etc. transport to the airport where you will say goodbye to the guide.

Inclusive services:

• Hiking trip in Romania from/to Bucharest • English- language speaking guide to/from Bucharest. • Transfers in modern mini van or local transportation means. • 7nights accommodation in very good 3* Pensions (DBL with own Shower/WC) 1x bunk bed. • Full board: • Horse pulled wagon ride • Sheep farm visitation • Cable car ticket in the second day. • Entrances according to the program planning. • Flyers/ maps with information about the program

Price:

• For 6 participants 649,00 EUR • Single room supplement: on request