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Transylvania Nature Trails Escape - 8 days
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Be surprised by the unique 19th century architecture in Rimetea, one of the most beautiful villages in Romania
Enjoy breathtaking views in the Apuseni Mountains with its unspoiled beech forests and hidden caves
Venture to the most spectacular gold mine in Rosia Montana
Visit Alba Iulia town the most representative star fortification in Romania
Stop to see the enormous underground salt mine in Turda
Be inspired by the history of Corvin Castle or historical centre of Sibiu (optional objectives)
Discover the fascinating historical centre of Cluj-Napoca dominated by St. Michael's Church and Banffy Palace
Starting point:
Cluj-Napoca International Airport, Romania
Duration:
8 days/7 nights- 2 days inbound/outbound flights into Romania
- 4 days of Moderate difficulty trekking; maximum 5-6 hours per day
- 2 days visiting main towns/touristic objectives in the area
Level of difficulty:
Moderate - Strenuous in places
Meals options:
The meals will be a mix of traditional Romanian or Szekely meals and more 'westernised' food. Lunches during the trekking days will be mostly picnics, but this will depend on the weather, and you may opt for an indoor meal on occasions.
Accommodation:
Hotel/ Bed and Breakfast
Description of the trip:
Apuseni Mountains is one of the best places for those looking for adventure and also try to get a taste of this culturally exciting and vibrant part of Romania. This trip gives options for everyone regardless of age, experience or skill levels, however you do need to be of a physical condition to be able to pass narrow sections between rocks and have a reasonable sense of risk at high altitude.
Transylvania's rolling hills are home to many unspoilt medieval towns rich with history, art and architecture. The best months to visit are April and May when all the wildflowers are booming, although September and October are equally stunning and pleasantly warm.
This trip starts in Cluj-Napoca International Airport.
Depending on your ability you can venture onto an easy walk or go for a challenging scramble. There are endless routes to choose from and your guide will be there to find the best route for you up the rocky terraces of the mountain.
This area is well known for climbing and other mountaineering sports, though if you are an adventure lover you can get kitted up and embark on an intrepid tour in the surroundings of Apuseni Mountains where you have as well the option to learn how to ascend and descend on a rock face using the single rope technique, to venture in a wild cave or get a scramble on the local canyons (optional activities are operated on prior arrangement/ full gear provided/full or half day arrangements possible).
This trip is accessible to all those in good health, who are doing some sport regularly, and who are used to all-terrain walks.
The weather conditions may be unpredictable, therefore it is advisable to have a waterproof jacket with you at all the times.
View detailed itinerary
Accommodation:
Optional objective: As you make your way back to the hotel you should not miss the 3000 years old ice deposit in Scarisoara Cave that was used for centuries by local inhabitants as a source of water melting ice for domestic purposes during periods when water was not available. To get there you will be diverted 30km drive from the planned route taking you through woodlands with a spectacular scenery crossing colourful meadows and charming villages.
Optional objectives: In the afternoon you can choose an optional trip to wander around the attractive town of Sibiu with its wealth of impressive churches, museums, schools and other objectives which stand before you to visit. The Astra Village Museum in Sibiu is worth visiting as a nice walk introducing you into the lives of Romania’s inhabitants over the centuries.
An alternative may be to visit Corvin Castle in Hunedoara. The castle is a mixture of architectural elements that belong to the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-gothic styles and it prides itself as being during the years the host for many prestigious cinema productions such as Henry VIII, Michelangelo Buonarroti or Martin Luther.
A third optional objective of great importance is Sarmizegetusa Regia, the capital and the most important military, religious and political centre of the Dacians prior to the wars with the Roman Empire. Erected on top of a 1200 m high mountain, the fortress, comprising six citadels, was the core of a strategic defensive system in the Orăştie Mountains.
In the evening you will have plenty of time to explore further the bastioned fortification Alba Carolina before you sample some of the area’s delicacies in a medieval restaurant.
In the afternoon you will discover the fascinating historical centre of Cluj-Napoca with 18th and 19th century buildings dominated by the 15th century St. Michael's Church, one of the finest examples of gothic architecture in Romania. Equally impressive monuments worth seeing include Banffy Palace which houses the weaponry and the collection of the art museum, and the Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania, a veritable display of folk architecture. After spending the afternoon exploring the exquisite monuments in the surroundings you will be more than ready to head for some well-earned rest and friendly urban atmosphere. There is a broad range of places where you can eat traditional meals as a final stop before your departure.
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