Walking Romania - Transylvanian Alps Trek - 8 Days

Our trip begins today in Bucharest, Romania's vibrant capital. Once hailed the \ Paris of the East', the city lost much of its grandeur during its harsh communist regime and an earthquake in 1977. Today, it's reemerged as a European gem, thanks to its mix of Art Nouveau and Brutalist architecture, picturesque parks and thriving cultural scene.
There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Bucharest at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP), which is around a 30-minute drive from the city centre. For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. If you arrive earlier in the day, there's plenty to discover in the city's Old Town and many museums to choose from including the National Museum of Romanian History, the Military Museum and the Folk Art Museum.

We'll make an early start this morning and head out from the city to Sinaia, a journey of around two hours. This is a beautiful mountainous region, at the foothills of the Bucegi Mountains in the Prahova Valley. Sinaia is one of the oldest and most famous mountain resorts, often referred to as 'The Pearl of the Carpathians'. There should be the chance to take a look at Peles Castle (optional) which is considered by many as one of the most beautiful castles in all of Europe. It was the final resting place for several Romanian monarchs including King Carol I, who died here in 1914. We'll then take a short cable car ride to the Bucegi Plateau before heading out on our first hike of the trip. The route takes us through the Bucegi mountains which make up part of the southern Carpathians. Initially descending from the cable car station through alpine meadows to the edge of the plateau, it's then quite a steep ascent through the forest to the Padina mountain hut where we overnight. At the hut, we'll be accommodated in communal dorm rooms with up to eight people (potentially a mix of both male and female) sharing a room. There are shared toilet facilities and hot showers within the main building. A simple meal of traditional Romanian fare will be served tonight. Our main luggage is transferred by road today to our next night stop so we have to carry what we need for the night. If time allows there's the option after arrival at Piadina to visit nearby Ialomita Cave, an interesting show cave with a small monastery at its entrance. Today's moderate-grade 10-kilometre/6.2-mile trek is expected to take around four hours with 140 metres/460 feet of ascent and 600 metres/1,969 feet of descent. The optional return walk to Ialomita Cave is around 3 kilometres/1.86 miles with an ascent and descent of 55 metres/180 feet.

Our hike today starts with an ascent of around 450 metres on a well-defined path to the Shepfold Pass where we can enjoy amazing views of both the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the lowlands of Transylvania. Passing the old remains of the border of the Austro-Hungarian Empire we then start the long descent towards Moieciu. Along our way, we will see natural monuments, and various alpine flora and fauna, which could include the edelweiss, mountain wild rose, capercaillie and chamois. This area is also home to the European brown bear but a sighting would be rare. The wild beauty of this area is truly special. Today we walk with some steep sections and rough terrain, good walking boots are essential. The last part of the trail leads us to the guest house through their orchard. Here after a long day, we will be welcomed with hot delicious food, locally brewed alcohol and a well-deserved hot shower. Today's challenging-grade 17.5-kilometre/10.9-mile trek is expected to take around six hours with 450 metres/1,476 feet of ascent and 1,100 metres/3,608 feet of descent.

Today we start our day with an optional trip to Bran Castle - also known as Dracula's castle. The truth behind the castle is even more fascinating than its myths. Earlier this century it was the home of the remarkable British-born Queen Marie of Romania, granddaughter of Queen Victoria. Vlad the Impaler, the heroic 15th century ruler of Wallachia never lived here and there is no connection with the novel by Bram Stoker - who never came near Transylvania. Perched on a crag in a valley between two high mountain ranges, it controlled an international trade route but is now a rural backwater. From here we start our walk to the Piatra Craiului mountains. Piatra Craiului (The Royal Rock) is probably Romania's most loved mountain, especially by hikers and nature lovers. The shining glow of this huge white limestone ridge can be seen from afar and it is probably the source of its unusual name. The mountain ridge has the biggest biodiversity of the country. Not surprisingly, it is a national park. The wildlife is very diverse and there are still black chamois on the high cliffs and brown bears, wild boar, deer and stag, foxes, wolves and even lynx in the forests. The Piatra Craiului Mountains are further known for the abundance and diversity of flowers and plants. We walk today for between five and six hours and end at a mountain hut where we spend the next 2 nights. The wooden Curmatura hut is located at 1,470 metres/4823 feet in Piatra Craiului National Park. There is more space in this hut, with dorm rooms solely for the group and a large outdoor terrace. Washing facilities are limited as there is no running water, but a freshwater spring nearby, and the toilet is located outside of the main building. For the 2 nights staying in Curmatura Hut the main luggage will be stored at the guesthouse in Moieciu, we have to carry what we need for these two nights in a smaller bag. Today's challenging-grade 15-kilometre/9.32-mile trek is expected to take around five to six hours with 1,130 metres/3,707 feet of ascent and 350 metres/1,148 feet of descent.

Today we take a circular walk from our mountain hut to the Piatra Craiului's beautiful limestone ridge, which is about 25 kilometres/15.5 miles long, from where we have superb views over the surrounding country. The walk today is challenging in parts with the odd section where you may need to scramble over rocks or through dense forest. Once we are up on the ridge the views of the southern Carpathians are spectacular. After around six hours of walking, we will return to our mountain hut for a well-deserved hot meal and refreshments. Note: During the walk on the ridge there is a section approximately 2 metres/7 feet in length which will require holding on to a chain to cross. Vertigo sufferers may wish to opt out of this walk. There will also be a descent of 300 metres/984 feet on a scree path. Besides this, today's walk will not operate if it is raining or if there is a threat of rain. If this is the case an alternative walk in the area will be arranged. Today's challenging-grade 7-kilometre/4.35-mile trek is expected to take around four hours with 700 metres/2,296 feet of ascent and descent.

Today we leave the mountain hut behind and walk to our guesthouse in Moeciu. Today's walk takes us through more beautiful countryside including the Zarnesti Gorge which has been used as a filming location for several movies including Cold Mountain. Today's moderate-grade 15.5-kilometre/9.63-mile trek is expected to take around five hours with 250 metres/820 feet of ascent and 670 metres/2,198 feet of descent.

This morning, we drive to Romania's capital, a remarkable blend of turn-of-the-century elegance and communist excess. Situated on the Danube plain and set amid a series of lakes and spacious gardens, remnants of more gracious days still exist to charm the visitor. We visit many of the older parts of the city to see some of the buildings that have earned it the reputation as the Paris of Eastern Europe. After the city tour, we have free time for shopping, relaxing or more sightseeing.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Bucharest. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Bucharest at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) which is around a 20-minute drive from the hotel.