Tour Romania Cycle Explorer

Accommodation

7 nights rural pensions usually twin share with ensuite facilities (shared facilities also possible on occassion) 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 will need to share a bathroom.

Transport

Luggage transfer Train from Bucharest to Zarnesti via Brasov (DAY 1), private transfer from Viscri to Brasov train station (Day 8), train from Brasov to Bucharest (Day 8)

Meals

7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches, 6 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.

Others

Information pack including route notes and maps per room Emergency hotline 21 speed hybrid bike with repair kit, pump, helmet (on request only), map holder and lock (e-bike available on request - supplement applies) Bike rental is included in the trip price. This will generally be a Trek hybrid bike, 21 gears, light aluminium frame, Shimano derailleur, repair kit, pump, helmet, lock and pannier. We do not include: speedometer, gloves, handlebar bag. Helmet rental is available on request, or if possible, we recommend you bring your own well fitted helmet. E-Bikes are available on request - a supplement applies. MECHANICAL PROBLEMS During the tour, if the bicycles should have any type of technical problem that prevents you from continuing, please contact the emergency number. If the bike is not able to be ridden, we will organize a transfer to the next accommodation where the bike can then be fixed. In case of puncture no intervention or assistance is foreseen. You will be given a proper puncture repair kit to repair the puncture. OWN BIKE If you want to take the tour with your own bike, before departure we suggest you ensure all parts of the bike are functioning properly. A cycle computer is necessary to follow the road book. We also highly recommend bringing a repair kit because the emergency number in case of breakdown cannot be used if you are using your own bike. Don’t forget to bring a padlock and always lock your bike. OWN SPD PEDALS SPD pedals are not available locally. If you want to bring your own you will need to also bring your own tool to fit them. The rental bikes are delivered to the joining guesthouse ie there is not a meeting with the bike mechanic, but we can provide the mechanic’s details who may be available to assist you/check on the first cycling day. Note: not open daily. BICYCLE SECURITY Locks will be provided. Please use the locks to secure your cycles every time they are left unattended (particularly overnight). No security deposit is taken for the bikes however you will be expected to pay for a replacement if a bicycle is stolen or damaged.

Not included:

Flights

Others

Travel to and from Bucharest train station Breakfast and lunch on day 1, dinner on day 5, all drinks Items of a personal nature Tour guide – this is a self guided cycling trip Entrance fees Travel insurance Carta village extra night options (supplement applies): see day 3 of the itinerary for further details Bucharest airport to city transfers available on request - supplement applies Private transfer Brasov to Zarnesti available on request - supplement applies Extra transfer to Bran (a detour during the final Viscri-Brasov transfer) available on request - supplement applies. This requires an extra-night in Brasov or Bucharest or a very late flight out, after 7 PM. Please take into consideration when visiting Bran castle that it is normal or more to queue for an hour to enter during the high season (July-August). Wet weather gear, sunscreen, jogging shoes and sun hat. A comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking. (A comprehensive gear list will be provided on booking). A rental helmet is provided however we cannot guarantee its suitability and suggest bringing your own well fitted helmet from home. We can arrange transfers for you on the first/last day of the trip, from either the airport or train station in Bucharest. Speak to your reservations consultant for pricing and details.

Guide

Self Guided Tour.

Insurance

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Join Bucharest, Transfer By Train To Zarnesti Via Brasov
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Join Bucharest, Transfer By Train To Zarnesti Via Brasov

The trip begins at Bucharest North train station. From here you will take the train to Brasov (approx 2h 45mins), and another to Zarnesti (approx 40mins). Zarnesti is a mountain village and the main gateway to the Piatra Craiului National Park. On arrival at the guesthouse you will receive your printed maps and route book, together with your rental bike and accessories. Overnight and dinner at your guesthouse. Alternatively, there is a lovely restaurant in town, Casa Rustica, which is great for dinner and drinks. No discount applies if you forgo dinner at the guesthouse.
Day 2 Day 2: Cycle Via Ohaba At The Foot Of The Fagaras Mountains To Bucium (50Km/31Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Cycle Via Ohaba At The Foot Of The Fagaras Mountains To Bucium (50Km/31Mi)

Today you will ride north to a typical village at the foot of the Fagaras mountains, the highest mountains in Romania. Along the way you can take a 7km detour on a gravel road to visit the famous Bear Sanctuary in Zarnesti. From there you head to Ohaba, where you can visit the oldest flour mill in the country, powered by water and with a fascinating history from the communist period. Dinner and accommodation in an authentic guest house located in the beautiful mountain environment of Bucium. (+250m/820ft, -400m/1312ft).
Day 3 Day 3: Pass Ancient Monasteries & Traditional Villages En Route To Carta (60Km/37Mi) - Optional Extensions
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Pass Ancient Monasteries & Traditional Villages En Route To Carta (60Km/37Mi) - Optional Extensions

You will start the day’s cycle at the foot of the Fagaras mountains, pass over Bucium river and by the original village of Lisa, where a 100+ year old machine still operates and produces thick woollen blankets. Then you will pass by Sambata de Sus and its impressive Brancovenesc monastery dating from 1696. Continue and cross Victoria town, an old communist workers’ residence, and via Cartisoara to the small village of Carta, where you can visit the spectacular ruins of the local Cistercian monastery. With luck you will meet the pastor and hear his insightful stories. Dinner and overnight at an old stone guesthouse in Carta village. (+300m/984ft, -450m/1476ft) ** 3 options are possible from Carta (involves an extra night) - must be requested at time of booking and a supplement applies: *Visit Sibiu by train (travel time is approx 1hr15min each way). Sibiu is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Romania, chosen as ’the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2007’. Developed on a Roman village, Sibiu was the largest and wealthiest of the Saxon’s seven-walled 12th century citadels and later the residence of the Austrian government in Transylvania. option 1 - return day trip to Sibiu, overnight in Carta - included is dinner and breakfast plus return train ticket to Sibiu. option 2 - as above but stay overnight in Sibiu - included is accommodation in a centrally located simple hotel with breakfast (own arrangements for lunch and dinner) plus train ticket Carta/Sibiu/Carta Or cycle the Transfagarasan Road - only available on a Mon, Wed & Fri from 01 July option 3 - includes extra night accommodation in Carta with dinner and breakfast, bus ticket (bus takes approx 45mins) up to Balea Lake (2050m) and additional day of bike rental. The cycle is a steep and long descent of approx 30km, and needs attention and experience with going downhill on mountain roads. The road surface is not always smooth. From mid-May it is possible to ride to Balea Cascada at 1250m then cable car to Balea Lake (2000m), and descend by bike as above. This is because in May and June the road might be blocked by snow between Balea Lake and Balea Waterfall.
Day 4 Day 4: To The Unesco Village Of Biertan With Its Enormous Fortified Church (65Km/40.5Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: To The Unesco Village Of Biertan With Its Enormous Fortified Church (65Km/40.5Mi)

This morning you leave the village of Carta and cycle through Transylvania towards Biertan. On the way you cycle along country roads and can enjoy the postcard-landscapes and fortified church of Richis. In Biertan you can visit its church, built between 1493 and 1522, with well preserved Renaissance artwork, an intricately carved pulpit and mosaic door. The church and its majestic fortifications, along with the medieval core of Biertan village, are UNESCO World Heritage listed. Dinner and accommodation in Biertan village. (+600m/1968ft, -650m/2133ft)
Day 5 Day 5: Cycle To The Inhabited Medieval Citadel Of Sighisoara (40Km/25Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Cycle To The Inhabited Medieval Citadel Of Sighisoara (40Km/25Mi)

The cycling today will allow you to discover other treasures of Transylvania. You move on to the UNESCO World heritage listed town of Sighisoara, one of the few medieval cities in Europe that is still fully inhabited. Discover the Old Town, with its famous clock tower, the covered stairs and medieval streets. Visit the house where Vlad Dracul, the father of Vlad the Impaler known as Dracula, was born. You can make a small detour to Dumbraveni, another lovely town with an important Armenian Catholic Church and a witness to the region’s glorious past. Own dinner arrangements. Overnight in Sighisoara. (+380m/1246ft, -400/1312ft)
Day 6 Day 6: Cycle Through The Transylvanian Hills To Soars (48Km/30Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Cycle Through The Transylvanian Hills To Soars (48Km/30Mi)

Today you will cycle through the Transylvanian hills to Apold village, which also has a lovely fortified church. Continue to peaceful Soars village, where you will spend the night. The country road you follow today takes you to remote areas where you will surely meet shepherds watching over their herds. Overnight Soars. (+600m/1969ft, -500/1640ft)
Day 7 Day 7: Cycle To Viscri With Its Impressive Fortified Church (35Km/22Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Cycle To Viscri With Its Impressive Fortified Church (35Km/22Mi)

From Soars you will cycle to one of the highlights of the trip, Viscri, a properly restored Saxon village where King Charles owns property and has helped the villagers bring back to life their authentic past. You can visit Viscri’s fortified church, restored with the help of the Prince of Wales’ foundation. Cycling through these old but beautiful villages will have you meditating at the passing of time and the necessary connection with nature. You can stroll through the village and visit the local blacksmiths. Overnight Viscri. (+300m/984ft, -250m/820ft)
Day 8 Day 8: Transfer To Brasov, Train To Bucharest & Trip Concludes
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Transfer To Brasov, Train To Bucharest & Trip Concludes

After breakfast a private transfer will take you to Brasov (around 1.5hrs), where you’ll have time to explore before taking the train to Bucharest. The trip concludes on arrival in Bucharest. We are happy to book additional nights in Bucharest on request and transfers. Highly Recommended: Alternative 1 - Spend a night in Brasov to see more of this wonderful town - supplement applies. Alternative 2 - Visit Bran Castle en route to Brasov - supplement applies.

8 days tour

Romania Cycle Explorer

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Romania Cycle Explorer

Day 1: Join Bucharest, Transfer By Train To Zarnesti Via Brasov

Day 2: Cycle Via Ohaba At The Foot Of The Fagaras Mountains To Bucium (50Km/31Mi)

Day 3: Pass Ancient Monasteries & Traditional Villages En Route To Carta (60Km/37Mi) - Optional Extensions

Day 4: To The Unesco Village Of Biertan With Its Enormous Fortified Church (65Km/40.5Mi)

Day 5: Cycle To The Inhabited Medieval Citadel Of Sighisoara (40Km/25Mi)

Day 6: Cycle Through The Transylvanian Hills To Soars (48Km/30Mi)

Day 7: Cycle To Viscri With Its Impressive Fortified Church (35Km/22Mi)

Day 8: Transfer To Brasov, Train To Bucharest & Trip Concludes

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