Romania: Hiking Holiday
Raw & Unfiltered Romania: Hiking through Culture, History and Cuisine
Day 1: We briefly discover Romania’s capital, providing context for the week of walking and discovery ahead.
Arrival in Bucharest and pick up from the airport. If I am accompanying you, we meet Dan, my partner in this tour and our guide – otherwise you have him to yourself! En route to the hotel we do a short walking tour, taking in the Arch of Triumph, Victory Boulevard, and the ‘House of the Parliament’ of plus 1000 rooms and over 2000 chandeliers. It’s worth remembering this country had its own hectic communist past. Later in the evening we’re treated to what promises to be delicious local cuisine at one of Bucharest’s finest restaurants.
Accommodation at a three-star hotel in Bucharest
Duke Armeneasca is a typical three-star hotel not far from the center of the capital. A 25 minute walk down wide boulevards and narrow alleys through architectural heritage to the oldest part of town.
Day 2: Bucharest – transfer to Ciucas Mountains – hiking to Ciucas Hut.
After breakfast we start our adventure through Romania with a transfer to the beautiful Ciucas Mountains, part of the Carpathians. After a roughly six-hour hike through the forest, onto the main ridge with its 360 views, we descend in late afternoon to Ciucas hut, our home for the evening. Dan says no dinner is complete without a Ciucas beer. ‘Noroc!’ = Cheers!
Accommodation at Ciucas Hut
Ciucas Hut is located at the foot of Ciucas Peak, surrounded by forest and beautiful mountains. Privately owned, they offer local food and accommodation in double, triple and quadruple rooms. Maybe
Day 3: Ciucas hut – Ciucas Peak (1954 m) – Bratocea ridge – transfer to Zarnesti/Moeciu area
Enjoy a full breakfast at the hut. Sip the coffee, enjoy the silence and mountains. The highest point of the day is Ciucas Peak, the highest in the area at 1954m. After taking some shots from the top, we hike down onto the main ridge. Transfer to Zarnesti in the late afternoon. Once at our accommodation we enjoy downtime with a bottle of Cab Sav or some local brandy or beer – Dan’s treat.
Accommodation in Zarnesti or Moeciu area at a three-star guesthouse
The small town and village of Zarnesti and Moeciu are both beautiful, located at the foot of Bucegi and Piatra Craiului Mountains. Pensiunea Casa Mia in Moeciu is an example of a typical 3 star guesthouse in the area, serving local food.
Day 4: Zarnesti – transfer via Bran castle to Moeciu village, where we hike in the Bucegi Mountains.
En route to Moeciu , with a visit to the Bran castle, we learn about Bram Stoker and his Dracula story, the legends, vampires, Vlad the Impaler and Queen Mary. This is magnificent countryside (Dan makes a cheesy joke that it could be love at first bite). We continue the journey in Transylvania with a hike through rolling hills. The landscape comprises mountain tops, haystacks, people at work on small farms. The hills go hand in hand with your first Romanian picnic.
Accommodation in Zarnesti or Moeciu area at a three-star guesthouse
Zarnesti and Moeciu villages are beautiful small towns and villages respectively, at the foot of Bucegi and Piatra Craiului Mountains. Pensiunea Casa Mia in Moeciu is a typical example of a three-star guesthouse in the area (serving local food).
Day 5: Moeciu – transfer to Trascau Mountains, in Geoagiu de sus
Enjoy some of the most scenic mountain areas in Romania: Trascau Mountains. Time to explore the magical landscapes, the meadows full of flowers, to enjoy the green and the fresh air.
Accommodation at a three-star guesthouse in Geoagiu area
Casa Butnarului is owned by a family. Located near the forest, close to Ramet Gorge, they offer accommodation in double and triple rooms, serving good local food.
Day 6: Geoagiu de sus – transfer to Rametea – exploring Rametea (walking) and hiking on the Hungarian’s rock.
Enjoy a quiet breakfast in Geoagiu. The only things that could disturb you are the sound of the rooster or the sound of the grass growing (a Romanian saying).
Today we will explore the Hungarian village Rametea (walking), learning about the culture of the area and then hike on to the highest peak in the area. Expect a roughly five hour hike, slightly strenuous in places, with plenty of uphill, including steep and with rocky sections.
Return to Geoagiu in the evening, with our lungs and heart full and large appetites.
Accommodation at a three-star guesthouse in Geoagiu area
Day 7: Transfer to Bucharest. Our journey together has come to an end. We had a great time together and we hope to see you again soon in this beautiful country. We will say “La revedere si pe curand’’ in Bucharest!
This is where we wish all a safe flight back.
Cost: from €1542 pp, bed, breakfast and dinner for six days / five nights, costed according to six hikers. The accommodation will always be of a three and four star standard. It can be upgraded and the length of tour shortened or extended according to the group’s wishes (I feel Bucharest deserves two nights).