| Departures | | from | to | | | 18/09/10 | 25/09/10 |  | 595€ |
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| DISCOVER THE CARPATHIAN MOUNTAINS AND ITS VILLAGES IN MTB | price from 545 € | | Romania - Mountain biking - 8 days |
| During this trip we will discover the South-eastern part of Transylvania. Almost all the rides will take place in Bucegi Mountains and in Piatra Craiului Mountains. The rides in those two National Parks, in the middle of pastures, sheepfolds and forests, will not leave you indifferent! The locals abandoned long time ago the valleys to perch on the heights, mostly to avoid Tartars and Turks attacks. A journey in the middle of a pastoral tradition in complete osmosis with a wild nature sheltering brown bears, chamois, wolves and lynxes. |
Day 1 Reception in Bucharest
The trip starts in Bucharest. If you arrive early enough you can visit the old Bucharest. Transfer at the foot of Piatra Craiului Mountains (around 3.5 hours). |  |
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Day 2 The Piatra Craiului Mountains
A medium-level technical mountain-biking route, initially through forest with many ascents and descents. The later part of the route takes us through remote hilly villages into a very attractive rural landscape with steep hills and alpine pastures, on a ridge near the Piatra Craiului Mountains. (~ 42 km, positive altitude change: 1200m) |
Day 3 A fair bit of adrenalin
Today we ride along a stunning ridge that separates two villages with "picture post-card" landscapes to the west of Piatra Craiului. There are plenty of ascents and descents with a fair bit of adrenalin. Along the way we will visit an ancient monastic shrine built in a cave. The last descend is one of our favourite single tracks in this area. (~ 38 km, positive altitude change: 800m) |  |
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Day 4 Dense forest
Today we stay away from civilization. From Plaiul Foii chalet we will ride up and we enter in a wild tract of dense forest where we look for tracks, signs and markings left by large carnivores and other wild animals. Exciting descents, water crossings, the Barsa Valley and one final ascent, to finally arrive in the traditional village of Magura, nested between the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului mountains. Accommodation in a traditional ecotourism guesthouse. (~ 45 km, positive altitude change: 1100m) |
Day 5 Bran Castle
We will start with a very narrow downhill single track and then we ride up through the Jurassic canyon of Zarnesti Gorges. Here the landscape becomes even more spectacular, “Poiana Frumoasa” is one of the alpine pastures where we usually find shepherds and their flocks. We descend to Bran where we visit the open-air village museum and Bran Castle, better know like "Dracula" Castle. For many years the castle was home to Queen Mary, Queen Victoria of England’s granddaughter. (~ 36 km, positive altitude change: 850m) |  |
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Day 6 The border between Wallachia and Transylvania
Today we will we have the opportunity of exploring the South side of the Bran country, crossing the border between the old principalities of Wallachia and Transylvania. We go up to Fundatica, a Romanian traditional mountain village with many small and ancient houses, at the foot of Bucegi mountains. The inhabitants are livestock breeders; therefore the village has a long time tradition in cheese preparing. (~ 38 km, positive altitude change: 1200m) |
Day 7 The Carpathian way of life
We will discover today the Northern side of the Bran area. We will ride up near the ridge of Bucegi Mountains, and than through alpine pastures and sheepfolds. At the nightfall we can get together, enjoy a traditional meal and maybe admire a bonfire in the guesthouse garden. (~ 23 km, positive altitude change: 900m) |  |
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Day 8 End of journey
Transfer to Bucharest (around 3.5 hours). Possible extra-night to visit Bucharest. |
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| Details | Starting point
Bucharest airport or Bucharest train station.
End
Bucharest airport or Bucharest train station.
Accommodation
Accommodation in rural pensions in double occupancy, exceptionally.
Number of people
From 4 to 12 people.
Level of difficulty
6 days of biking. Requires a medium-high level. Maximum of 45 km a day and 1100 m of positive altitude change.
Carrying
Luggage will be transferred by car or cart during the treks.
Options
- Single supplement : 79€
- Bike rental : 75€
- Extra-night in Bucharest (3*** hotel in down-town, double-room + 2 breakfasts) : 115€
Included
English speaking local guide for the 6 days of mountain biking, with a first-aid kit. Nights, meals, transfers,transfer of luggage.
Not included
Transfer to the meeting point and from the drop off point, the insurances, the drinks, entry fees into monuments, the personal expenses.
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