Walking Romania's Countryside
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"MIR is a 'Class Act.' The destinations were great! We got to meet the people of Romania and learn much about their country. Excellent trip leader. Enjoyed it all!"
Shirley Jill Grace
Springfield, IL
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Romania is a country that has everything - fortified medieval towns, gorgeous mountains, castles complete with vampire legends, hospitable people - and travelers are just beginning to discover it. Roam on foot through the Carpathians, spending time with shepherds and villagers, admiring the painted monasteries and walking in Dracula's Transylvanian footsteps.
Days 1-2: Bucharest, Moeciu village
Arrive in Romania's capital, Bucharest, known for its glorious Belle Epoque buildings. After a tour of this “Paris of the Balkans,” drive to the foothills of the southern Carpathian Mountains.
Days 3-4: Brasov, Bran, Piatra Craiuli & Bucegi Mountains, Sighisoara
Beginning our rambles, we set out from Bran Castle, the inspiration for Dracula's ancestral home, to explore some of the highest villages in Romania. Hike in a newly created national park centered around the crested limestone ridge of Piatra Craiuli and wander the old town of Sighisoara.
Days 5-6: Transylvanian villages, Sibiu
Spend a day walking a rarely-traveled route in the heart of Saxon Transylvania, sprinkled with walled villages and fortified churches decorated with frescoes. Visit Cris Castle, nationalized by the Communists and recently returned to its rightful owners. Explore Sibiu, selected as the 2007 European Cultural Capital, and spend a night in a Carpathian spa resort.
Days 7-10: Maramures, Bucovina, Painted Monasteries
Moving north, survey the lovely countryside of Maramures, Romania’s most untouched region. In the Bucovina area, roam the hills where shepherds tend their flocks, and attend a folk art demonstration at a farmhouse before spending the night with locals. Walk the trail of Orthodox pilgrims, admiring the painted monasteries at Voronet and Sucevita.
Days 11-12: Hirja, Prahova Valley, Sinaia
Head south via dramatic Bicaz Canyon and overnight in Hirja, said to be the village of legendary Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci, and a stronghold of the country’s ecotourism efforts. Hike the Seven Stairs Canyon in Prahova Valley near Brasov, and top it off with a visit to extraordinary Peles Castle.
Days 13-14: Bucharest
Back in Bucharest, celebrate the adventure with a festive dinner.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
14 Days |
| Departures in 2008: |
1 |
| Dates: |
June 23-July 6 |
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| Land Tour Cost |
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| 4-12 travelers |
$3,695 |
| Partial Single Supplement |
$450* |
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MIR Signature Features
- Crest the rocky ridge of Piatra Craiuli
- Explore Vlad the Impaler's menacing Bran Castle
- Spend the night in private homes in the traditional village of Sibiel
Map
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| Day 1: |
Bucharest |
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| Day 2: |
drive to Moecui |
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| Day 3: |
hike to Bran Castle |
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| Day 4: |
drive to Sighisoara via Bran, Brasov |
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| Day 5: |
day hike in Transylvanian countryside |
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| Day 6: |
Sibiu |
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| Day 7: |
drive to Maramures region with a stop in Cluj |
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| Day 8: |
day hike in Maramures region |
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| Day 9: |
morning hike in Carpathians, drive to Bucovinia |
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| Day 10: |
hike to painted monasteries |
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| Day 11: |
drive to Hirja with a hike through Red Lake Bicaz Canyon |
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| Day 12: |
hike Seven Stairs Canyon, Peles Castle, drive to Sinaia
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| Day 13: |
drive to Bucharest
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| Day 14: |
Bucharest
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Suggested Extensions
Extend your stay with a visit to Bulgaria. Contact us for details..
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