MYSTERIES OF THE CARPATHIAN MOUNTAINS AND SAXON CITADELS OF TRANSYLVANIA	price from 395 €
Romania - Walk & Drive - 8 days

Transylvania is a hilly area surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains that always knew how to protect its mysteries. Your trip will take you in this bastion loaded with history (where Romanians, Hungarians and Saxons live together) on the route of the Saxon citadels, registered as UNESCO world heritage sites. As one of the unforgettable spots of this civilization, the city of Sibiu (Hermannstadt), founded by Saxons, was elected European capital of culture in 2007. You will also discover the villages perched on the trays of the Carpathian Mountains which have kept until our days a pastoral life in perfect harmony with the wild nature of the surroundings. This walk & drive tour will give you the possibility to have a vision of the whole Transylvania and to truly discover this fascinating world during the hikes.

Program

Day 1 Reception in Bucharest Depending on the arrival time, it is possible to visit the Old Bucharest or the Castle of Peles, a real architectural jewel which served as a mountain holiday house for the Monarchs. Transfer to Zarnesti.

Day 2 Gorges and mountain refuges Trek in the Piatra Craiului Mountains (the "Prince’s Rock" in Romanian). From Zarnesti gorges to the Curmatura hut, you will discover the miracles of one of the wildest massifs in Europe, where still roam free wolves, lynxes and bears. The gorges of Zarnesti, called by the local population "The abysses" have vertical walls of 200m and offer, all the year round, colours of an extreme variety. The end of the day will take you to the magnificent traditional village of Magura.

Day 3 Perched villages Today you hike at the feet of Piatra Craiului crest through pastures, sheep-folds, secular forests and villages perched on the trays. These villages retained their pastoral traditions for centuries.

Day 4 Saxon citadels Today you take the car to visit the country of the Saxon citadels. On your road, you will stop at one of the Transylvanian "pearls" - the Viscri’s fortified church, which has just celebrated its 700th anniversary. You will spend the end of the day in the medieval city of Sighisoara. This citadel is one of the best kept in Eastern Europe. Every tower of the citadel was managed by a guild of craftsmen. The tower of the dressmakers is a real miracle of medieval architecture.

Day 5 Culture and heritage On this day you will leave Sighisoara to visit Sibiu, the 2007’s European capital of culture. This town is representative for the Transylvanian Saxon culture. Then, the citadel of Valea Viilor will give you the occasion of a rural break. The church of this citadel is only frequented today by few remaining Saxons in the village. Mrs Schneider, the oldest women in the village, will be pleased to show you the monuments and their history.

Day 6 Saxon Villages This morning you can continue the visit of Sibiu, then, go to the traditional villages of the region. You will arrive at Cisnadioara, known for its Roman style church of the 13th century, which will offer you a beautiful sight of the surrounding villages.

Day 7 Hike in the Carpathian Mountains Last hike to enjoy the magnificent landscapes of Transylvania and the Carpathian Mountains. We will have great views over the villages and beautifully coloured houses.

Day 8 End of the stay Transfer to the airport after the breakfast (~240km). End of the trip.