Things to Do in Romania
Dotted among the peaks and valleys are fairytale castles and sleepy Saxon villages rooted in tradition. There’s glorious countryside, Stalinist architecture, medieval walled towns and fairytale castles teetering on hilltops. And that’s before we’ve mentioned food and drink – typical Romanian dishes to try includesarmale, spicymicisausages, and warming pork and polenta stews, while the country produces some delicious white, red and sparkling wines.
Knowledgeable guides at the sanctuary will teach you all about bear behavior and their history in Romania. These bears are completely wild and adults, sub-adults and cubs all visit the feeding stations regularly. They come and go as they please while you quietly observe and photograph them from above. You can experience guided ghost tours, voodoo shops and street parties such as the famous Krewe of Boo. You can even book a guided tour of Bran Castle to hear tales of Vlad the Impaler, thought to be the inspiration behind Bram Stoker's spooky 'Count Dracula'. The Vinho Verde Route in Portugal offers more than just the chance to taste unique wines.
Our first stop for the day was in the 12th century town of Sighișoara in Mureș County. A popular stopping point for tour groups due to its unbelievably picturesque architecture and cute cobbled streets. Sadly the lake was closed until ‘proper summer’ (even tho it was already 24 degrees…enough for any Brit to swim in). The alternative was the lakes that are open year round including a dirty brown lake full of healing salt and other elements which an older chap in Speedos was enjoying.
After breakfas you take your airport transfer to Otopeni Airport for your travel home. Heading out from Podragu with a tasty packed lunch, it is a 13km walk to the summit via Podragu col , Vista Mare Peak, Romania's 3rd highest and then onto Moldoveanu. After pausing to absorb the scenery and the achievement, we return to Podragu for a second nigh. Leaving Romanian history behind for a while, we head to Busteni , in the Bucegi Mountains, for the first of a 2 night stay.
This castle was constructed by the Saxons in the late 14th century to defend Brasov from invasion by the Turks. Purchased by Queen Marie in the 1920s for use as a royal residence, its interior contains rich medieval furniture. Afterwards, we return to Brasov for a free evening, to further explore or relax. This town is also famous for being the birthplace of “Dracula”, Vlad Tepes.
Morning flight from London to Bucharest, arriving late afternoon. Train from airport into the city where the Gara de Nord station is close to our hotel. Viscri was almost Romania bear tours unknown until Prince Charles, the son of Queen Elisabeth II, discovered the place, and with the help of his association, put the place on the touristic map of the world.
You'll leave the plateau behind and descend until you cross the Mures river and head into the mountains of Harghita. Climb to the next peak to admire the spectacular view across the basin of Gheorgeni and snow covered mountains of Gorgenyi to your right. After lunch follow a winding path downhill to your camp near Ordog Lake ('Devil's Lake'). You can refresh in the cold mountain stream and visit a nearby hot spring whilst your dinner is cooking over the fire.
The original Covrigi is smothered in poppy seeds, bu there are many varietals of this favorite snack. This little bakery is pumping out fresh Covrigi and other baked goodies. It is only a few short blocks from Brasov’s city landmark, the Black Church. This street has top bragging rights to one of the most narrow streets in all of Europe.
Romania has a sizeable population of Brown Bears and the Zarnesti area is the best place bear watching from comfortable and secure hides. To learn more about some amazing wildlife tours in Romania, have a look at the local tour operators featured on Blue Sky Wildlife. You can use the enquiry form on their pages to ask questions that will help you choose your best wildlife holiday in Romania. Further inland, the Carpathian mountains in the region of Romania known as Transylvania have an abundance of natural wonders. Vast, undisturbed forests there are inhabited by over 5500 Brown Bears, 3000 Grey Wolves, and 1500 Eurasian Lynx. And there are a number of other large European mammals to find, such as European Bison.
The trip notes are extremely accurate and you do need a certain level of fitness to access the walking. Thomas was extremely knowledgeable about Romania and anxious to help us understand the Carpathian history. He was also aware of the needs of the group and allowed us some flexibility where he could regarding walking speed as there were differences in the group. He had many local contacts which enhanced my enjoyment as I love meeting local people. My only slight criticism is the amount of time that he spent on his phone. Romania is certainly off the beaten track for most Brits but it's certainly worth a look.
Set off riding away from the ranch to Kovaks Peter and on to the Olt River spring where you stop for a break and to allow the horses to rest. You then ride a steep ascent up Soveto mountain and onto Sipos mountain where you stop for lunch at its peak . After lunch, descend over flowering mountain meadows into the Gheorgheni valley, where the open plains are ideal for short canters. After being transferred from the airport to Gheorgheni, in the afternoon, you set off on a jeep along trails through the forest to the ranch . You arrive in time for dinner with your guides where you will have a safety briefing and learn about the trail you are about to embark on.
At the bear sanctuary, learn about the conservation efforts being made to protect some of their natural environment. Wildlife Worldwide provide tailor-made holidays and expert led small group tours including bear watching and a “Festival of Bears”. We have have been operating active self guided walking holidays for over 45 years. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore Romania at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.
Brasov is home to 2 small watchtowers, the White Tower and the Black Tower, both of which were originally built late in the 15th century. The Black Tower was given its name after its walls were blackened in a fire during the 16th century. Both towers have been renovated in recent years and so the Black Tower no longer lives up to its name.
Knowledgeable guides at the sanctuary will teach you all about bear behavior and their history in Romania. These bears are completely wild and adults, sub-adults and cubs all visit the feeding stations regularly. They come and go as they please while you quietly observe and photograph them from above. You can experience guided ghost tours, voodoo shops and street parties such as the famous Krewe of Boo. You can even book a guided tour of Bran Castle to hear tales of Vlad the Impaler, thought to be the inspiration behind Bram Stoker's spooky 'Count Dracula'. The Vinho Verde Route in Portugal offers more than just the chance to taste unique wines.
Our first stop for the day was in the 12th century town of Sighișoara in Mureș County. A popular stopping point for tour groups due to its unbelievably picturesque architecture and cute cobbled streets. Sadly the lake was closed until ‘proper summer’ (even tho it was already 24 degrees…enough for any Brit to swim in). The alternative was the lakes that are open year round including a dirty brown lake full of healing salt and other elements which an older chap in Speedos was enjoying.
After breakfas you take your airport transfer to Otopeni Airport for your travel home. Heading out from Podragu with a tasty packed lunch, it is a 13km walk to the summit via Podragu col , Vista Mare Peak, Romania's 3rd highest and then onto Moldoveanu. After pausing to absorb the scenery and the achievement, we return to Podragu for a second nigh. Leaving Romanian history behind for a while, we head to Busteni , in the Bucegi Mountains, for the first of a 2 night stay.
This castle was constructed by the Saxons in the late 14th century to defend Brasov from invasion by the Turks. Purchased by Queen Marie in the 1920s for use as a royal residence, its interior contains rich medieval furniture. Afterwards, we return to Brasov for a free evening, to further explore or relax. This town is also famous for being the birthplace of “Dracula”, Vlad Tepes.
Morning flight from London to Bucharest, arriving late afternoon. Train from airport into the city where the Gara de Nord station is close to our hotel. Viscri was almost Romania bear tours unknown until Prince Charles, the son of Queen Elisabeth II, discovered the place, and with the help of his association, put the place on the touristic map of the world.
You'll leave the plateau behind and descend until you cross the Mures river and head into the mountains of Harghita. Climb to the next peak to admire the spectacular view across the basin of Gheorgeni and snow covered mountains of Gorgenyi to your right. After lunch follow a winding path downhill to your camp near Ordog Lake ('Devil's Lake'). You can refresh in the cold mountain stream and visit a nearby hot spring whilst your dinner is cooking over the fire.
The original Covrigi is smothered in poppy seeds, bu there are many varietals of this favorite snack. This little bakery is pumping out fresh Covrigi and other baked goodies. It is only a few short blocks from Brasov’s city landmark, the Black Church. This street has top bragging rights to one of the most narrow streets in all of Europe.
Romania has a sizeable population of Brown Bears and the Zarnesti area is the best place bear watching from comfortable and secure hides. To learn more about some amazing wildlife tours in Romania, have a look at the local tour operators featured on Blue Sky Wildlife. You can use the enquiry form on their pages to ask questions that will help you choose your best wildlife holiday in Romania. Further inland, the Carpathian mountains in the region of Romania known as Transylvania have an abundance of natural wonders. Vast, undisturbed forests there are inhabited by over 5500 Brown Bears, 3000 Grey Wolves, and 1500 Eurasian Lynx. And there are a number of other large European mammals to find, such as European Bison.
The trip notes are extremely accurate and you do need a certain level of fitness to access the walking. Thomas was extremely knowledgeable about Romania and anxious to help us understand the Carpathian history. He was also aware of the needs of the group and allowed us some flexibility where he could regarding walking speed as there were differences in the group. He had many local contacts which enhanced my enjoyment as I love meeting local people. My only slight criticism is the amount of time that he spent on his phone. Romania is certainly off the beaten track for most Brits but it's certainly worth a look.
Set off riding away from the ranch to Kovaks Peter and on to the Olt River spring where you stop for a break and to allow the horses to rest. You then ride a steep ascent up Soveto mountain and onto Sipos mountain where you stop for lunch at its peak . After lunch, descend over flowering mountain meadows into the Gheorgheni valley, where the open plains are ideal for short canters. After being transferred from the airport to Gheorgheni, in the afternoon, you set off on a jeep along trails through the forest to the ranch . You arrive in time for dinner with your guides where you will have a safety briefing and learn about the trail you are about to embark on.
At the bear sanctuary, learn about the conservation efforts being made to protect some of their natural environment. Wildlife Worldwide provide tailor-made holidays and expert led small group tours including bear watching and a “Festival of Bears”. We have have been operating active self guided walking holidays for over 45 years. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore Romania at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.
Brasov is home to 2 small watchtowers, the White Tower and the Black Tower, both of which were originally built late in the 15th century. The Black Tower was given its name after its walls were blackened in a fire during the 16th century. Both towers have been renovated in recent years and so the Black Tower no longer lives up to its name.
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