Highlights
- Cycle through historic towns and monuments from medieval Saxon times
- Learn about the complex history of eclectic and buzzy Bucharest
- Ride a cable car to the top of Tâmpa Hill for incredible views of Brașov
- Taste fresh, regionally-sourced, and organic meals prepared by your local hosts
- Ride horses into the high-alpine meadows of the Carpathian Mountains
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bucharest - Explore | Bucharest |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Transylvania - Explore the City of Brasov | Brasov |
| Day 3 | Cycle the Country Roads from Brasov to Vulcan | Vulcan |
| Day 4 | Cycle to a Charming Farm Stay in Șinca Nouă | Sinca noua |
| Day 5 | Relax in the Traditional Village of Șinca Nouă | Sinca noua |
| Day 6 | Cycle through an Orthodox Monastery to the Town of Bucium | Bucium |
| Day 7 | Return to Bucharest - Depart Romania |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bucharest - Explore
Welcome to Bucharest, the dynamic capital city of Romania!
After settling into your accommodation, take some time to explore this interesting and complex city. Make the most of your first day by taking a walk around the newly-preserved Old Town, enjoying a stroll through the city's oldest and most charming park, Cișmigiu Park, or enjoying the impressive National Museum of Art. Other suggested activities include:
- Take a tour of the Palace of Parliament. It's the largest building in Europe—measured by usable space—and the heaviest in the world. Also known as the "House of People" in Communist times, this almost surreal building is symbolic of the love-hate relationship between the city and its dwellers.
- Enjoy a coffee break in one of the many specialty coffee cafes that have newly spawned all over the city, placing Bucharest on the hipster coffee map. Some great options include Artichoke, M60, Bandit, Sonder, and more.
- Take a guided tour of Bucharest. This complex city is best understood through the eyes of its locals, especially those who lived through its recent, turbulent history. Take an alternative tour of the city to learn more about how the effects of Communism still linger, and how a younger generation is breathing new life into the city.
In the evening, you'll meet with your local guide for a welcome dinner at one of the city's traditional restaurants. You won't be in the city center surrounded by other tourists; rather, you'll dine in a truly authentic restaurant loved by the locals.
Day 2: Transfer to Transylvania - Explore the City of Brasov
After breakfast in Bucharest, your guide will transfer you to the city of Brașov in the beautiful region of Transylvania. Here you will begin your tour through one of the country's most beloved and historic areas. After settling into your hotel, take some time to explore this incredibly historic city, known as Kronstadt in the German language.
Founded on an ancient Dacian settlement by Teutonic knights in 1211, the city was originally established to guard the southern border of the Kingdom of Hungary. Thanks to the German Saxon population that followed, Brașov blossomed into a medieval citadel known for its trade due to its location on a popular route linking Western Europe with the Ottoman Empire to the east. This city exudes a distinct medieval ambiance, and is filled with picturesque buildings, squares, and cobblestone streets.
Wandering the streets is an excellent way to enjoy Brașov. To help guide your exploration, some suggested activities include:
- Take a peek inside the Biserica Neagră (Black Church), the largest Gothic church in Romania.
- Visit the two towers Turnul Negru (Black Tower) and Turnul Alb (White Tower) for scenic vistas of the Old Town.
- Walk through the 16th-century stone gate, Poarta Ecaterinei.
- Stroll down Strada Sforii (Sforii Street), one of the narrowest streets in Europe.
- Ride the cable car to the top of Tâmpa Hill for a spectacular view of the city from behind the Hollywood-like Brașov sign. Alternatively, you can climb up a small hill to Cetățuia de pe Strajă (The Fortress on the Sentinel) for an eye-catching and different view of the city.
- Take an alternative guided tour that will help you explore some of the best places for craft beer and authentic local cuisine.
After exploring the city, find a cozy restaurant to grab a traditional meal. Due to its Germanic Saxon roots, the city has a delicious mix of both German and Romanian cuisine.
Day 3: Cycle the Country Roads from Brasov to Vulcan
One of the best ways to truly see the beauty of Transylvania is to cycle through it. Today you will be fitted with your bike and start the route towards the village of Vulcan. You'll enjoy the view of rolling hills set under the towering Făgăraș Mountains, the tallest in Romania.
On the way to Vulcan, you'll explore the Saxon fortified churches that are specific to this region, including those in the towns of Ghimbav and Cristian. As you arrive to your final destination, you'll settle into a wonderful spa hotel situated right in the middle of a forest. Enjoy time relaxing in the sauna or the outdoor hot tub. You can also sit on loungers to take in the solitude of nature.
In the evening, you'll have a chance to taste a wide range of traditional and international dishes.
Cycling Details:
Distance - about 25 miles (40 km)
Elevation Gain - about 1,000 feet (300 m)
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Cycle to a Charming Farm Stay in Șinca Nouă
Today you'll continue to enjoy the beautiful views of the Transylvanian countryside as you cycle to the rural and traditional village of Șinca Nouă. Your accommodation for the night is Equus Silvania, a charming guesthouse and riding center tucked away into the surrounding pastures.
Equus Silvania passionately combines high international standards with quaint Romanian traditions, cuisine, and lifestyle. You'll spend two nights here enjoying the tranquility of the region, learning more about rural life in Transylvania. You can also partake in hosted activities, such as horseback riding, cycling, hiking, or wildlife viewing. Alternatively, you can simply enjoying the tranquility around you and relax in the comfort of this beautiful guesthouse.
Cycling Details:
Distance - about 25 miles (40 km)
Elevation Gain - about 1,000 feet (300 m)
Day 5: Relax in the Traditional Village of Șinca Nouă
Today is all about rest and relaxation! Enjoy a leisurely morning with a traditional Romanian breakfast in your guesthouse, homemade from local and organic foods. Slowly sip a coffee in the lounge before heading out on an outdoor adventure.
Equus Silvania offers many different activities to its guests. You can ride horses up into the wildflower-infused valleys of the Carpathian foothills, go on a guided hike to the top of the peaks, or try your luck finding bears on a wildlife viewing tour. The Carpathian Mountain Range is one of the few European regions where bears can still be seen in the wild.
You can also stay at the guesthouse and learn a bit about the care of animals. Equus Silvania still uses traditional methods for farming and ranching, which are known to be gentler and kinder to the animals and the environment. You will certainly feel like you've stepped back in time.
Day 6: Cycle through an Orthodox Monastery to the Town of Bucium
Get back on your bikes and cycle through the Translyvanian hills to the small village of Bucium, where you'll stay in a traditional, family-owned guesthouse. On the way, you'll stop at an Orthodox Monastery Ensemble, comprised of a newly constructed building and medieval monastery that's set inside a cave. Local folklore claim that the place has a special energy and those who visit it will get their wishes granted.
In the vicinity, you can also visit a spectacular and protected daffodil meadow. Nearby are to unique sites: a natural washing machine constructed in the roaring waters of a neighboring river, and the oldest working watermill in Romania.
Your accommodation will fill you with tasty treats sourced from the best local food products and drinks. Your contribution to the local community is best expressed by merely enjoying the owners' overwhelming hospitality. Here you will meet local, hard-working people and show appreciation for their craftsmanship by being their guest.
Cycling Details:
Distance - about 25 miles (40 km)
Elevation Gain - about 1,000 feet (300 m)
Day 7: Return to Bucharest - Depart Romania
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before your return to Bucharest. Enjoy a final walk around the grounds of your guesthouse to get one last glimpse of the beauty of Transylvania.
Your driver can take you to the Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) or to the train station, where you can catch your connection home or onto your next destination.