Romania Cycle Explorer

As the first day includes taking the train (included) from Bucharest to Brasov, it is recommended you arrive in Bucharest in the morning or book a pre-tour night. We can assist with your hotel booking in Bucharest on request. Today you make your way to Bucharest North train station to take the train to Brasov (takes approx 2.5-3 hours). At Brasov, a private transfer will take you to your guesthouse in Zarnesti (takes approx 40 mins). Zarnesti is a mountain village and the main gateway to the Piatra Craiului National Park. On arrival at the guesthouse you will receive your travel documents and rental bike. Overnight and dinner at your guesthouse.

Today you will ride north to a typical village at the foot of the Fagaras mountains, the highest mountains in Romania. Along the way you can take a 7km detour on a gravel road to visit the famous Bear Sanctuary in Zarnesti. From there you head to Ohaba, where you can visit the oldest flour mill in the country, powered by water and with a fascinating history from the communist period. Dinner and accommodation in an authentic guest house located in the beautiful mountain environment of Bucium. (+250m/820ft, -400m/1312ft).

You will start the day's cycle at the foot of the Fagaras mountains, pass over Bucium river and by the original village of Lisa, where a 100+ year old machine still operates and produces thick woollen blankets. Then you will pass by Sambata de Sus and its impressive Brancovenesc monastery dating from 1696. Continue and cross Victoria town, an old communist workers' residence, and via Cartisoara to the small village of Carta, where you can visit the spectacular ruins of the local Cistercian monastery. With luck you will meet the pastor and hear his insightful stories. Dinner and overnight at an old stone guesthouse in Carta village. (+300m/984ft, -450m/1476ft) ** Optional extensions are available (each involves an extra night) - must be requested at time of booking and a supplement applies: **Visit Sibiu by train (travel time is approx 1hr15min each way). Sibiu is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Romania. Developed on a Roman village, Sibiu was the largest and wealthiest of the Saxon's seven-walled 12th century citadels and later the residence of the Austrian government in Transylvania. Both options are non-cycling days. - option 1: return day trip to Sibiu, overnight in Carta - included is dinner and breakfast plus return train tickets to Sibiu. - option 2: as above but stay overnight in Sibiu rather than Carta - included is accommodation in a centrally located simple hotel (own lunch & dinner arrangements) plus train ticket Carta/Sibiu/Carta. Note this requires an early morning train Sibiu/Carta eg depart 7am to collect your bike and packed breakfast. **Cycle the Transfagarasan Road - only available on a Mon, Wed & Fri from 01 July - option: includes extra night in Carta with dinner, bed and breakfast, bus ticket (bus approx 45mins) up to Balea waterfall (1250m) and additional day of bike rental. The cycle is a steep and long descent of approx 30km, and needs attention and experience with going downhill on mountain roads. The road surface is not always smooth. Part of this road, from the village to approx. 1250m (to Balea Falls) is available starting with mid-May. From Balea Waterfall you can take a cable car (allow eur20 pp with bike) or cycle (up, 8km) to Balea Lake (2000m), but in May and June the road may be blocked by snow between the lake and the waterfall. - for very experienced cyclists only: it is also possible to ride up and down the Transfagarasan road, with an extra night in Carta with bed & breakfast, and bike rental.

Today you leave Carta and continue through Transylvania towards Biertan, riding along country roads and enjoying the postcard-landscapes and the fortified church of Richis. In Biertan you can visit the fortified church, built between 1493 and 1522, with well preserved Renaissance artwork, an intricately carved pulpit and mosaic door. The church and its majestic fortifications, along with the medieval core of Biertan village, are UNESCO World Heritage listed. Dinner and accommodation in Biertan. (+600m/1968ft, -650m/2133ft)

The cycling today will allow you to discover other treasures of Transylvania. You move on to the UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Sighisoara, one of the few medieval cities in Europe that is still fully inhabited. Discover the Old Town, with its famous clock tower, the covered stairs and medieval streets. Visit the house where Vlad Dracul, the father of Vlad the Impaler known as Dracula, was born. You can make a small detour to Dumbraveni, another lovely town with an important Armenian Catholic Church and a witness to the region's glorious past. Own dinner arrangements. Overnight in Sighisoara. (+450m/1476ft, -500/1640ft)

Today you will cycle through the Transylvanian hills to Apold village, which also has a lovely fortified church. Continue to peaceful Soars village, where you will spend the night. The country road you follow today takes you to remote areas where you will likely meet shepherds watching over their herds. Overnight Soars. (+600m/1969ft, -500/1640ft)

From Soars you will cycle to one of the highlights of the trip, Viscri, a properly restored Saxon village. Here you can visit the local fortified church. which was restored with the help of King Charles’ foundation. Cycling through these old but beautiful villages will have you meditating at the passing of time and the connection with nature. You can stroll through the village and visit the local blacksmiths. Overnight Viscri. (+350m/1148ft, -300m/985ft)