Transylvania Castles Mountains

transylvania castles & mountains
explore europe your way

A UTracks holiday is all about exploring Europe - your way. Its about U + the walking tracks and cycling trails you want to discover, be it hiking with the family in the European Alps, a leisurely cycle with friends along the quieter backroads of Holland or France, trekking the famous pilgrimage trails of Spain, Italy or England or even discovering the islands of Croatia and Greece by bike and boat. Together with our sister company Sherpa Expeditions, we offer over 300 active tours across the continent and its many exotic islands, with active holiday ideas for families, culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, experienced alpine walkers or those that just want to see Europe differently. Since we began in 2006, UTracks has quickly become known as the leaders in active European holidays. Our itineraries are creative - and very affordable - making them popular with travellers both young and young-at-heart. Set your own pace on a exible self guided trip or enjoy the benets of an experienced local guide on a guided tour. The physical demands range from introductory to challenging - with all offering unique opportunities to discover the untrodden Europe, spanning postcard landscapes, centuries-old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting culinary delights. Best of all, our trips start on virtually any day of the week, so you can combine any tour to create exactly the holiday you want. Compare the price and you will see that we offer exceptional value active programs that are virtually all-inclusive, giving you more time to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders youve come to experience.
TRIPNAME: TRANSYLVANIA CASTLES
TRIP COST Joining Bucharest:450
& MOUNTAINS
Single Supplement:49
OPTIONS & TRIPCODE: TCM SUPPLEMENTS TRIPDURATION: 6DAYS

GRADE: MOdERATE - 3 ACTIVITY: SELF GUIDED WALK ACCOMMODATION: 5 NIgHTS RURAL PENSIONS
Romania
Piatra Craiului Bucharest Brasov
As the trip price is based on twinshare, a single supplement is payable if a single room is required. Please refer to the price options for costs or ask our ofce for details. Note regarding single rooms - The single supplement guarantees the privacy of your own room, however, rooms can at times be small and in some places may not enjoy the same facilities as double/twin rooms.
Bulgaria
DATE detaiLS: DAILY dEPARTURES fROM 1 MAY TO 10 OCT
highlights
Exploring Bran Castle and the legends of Dracula Discovering unique villages Walking along limestone ridges to take in the stunning landscapes of Piatra Craiului Experience genuine cultural exchange with the local people
the trip
Explore some of Romanias most stunning mountain landscapes and soak up the unique culture of Transylvania on this inspiring self guided walk. Piatra Craiului meaning royal stone, is a dramatic limestone ridge which rises sharply from the forests and plains below, offering one of the best ridge walks in Europe. Enroute to the Bucegi Mountains, explore the gorges and ridgetops of Piatra Craiului to experience exceptional views of the region. The Bucegi mountains are home to a diverse range of landscapes from pine and beech forests to ower laden meadows and high limestone cliffs. It is also where you can nd Bran Castle connected through folklore to the ctitious character, Dracula. Whilst the legends of Transylvania are an enticing reason to visit this region, the walking opportunities and the friendly atmosphere in the mountain refuges guarantee this will be a unique and diverse adventure.
2011 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Baker 28/02/2013 2:46:35 PM
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itinerary at a glance
Day 1 Arrive Bucharest, train to Brasov and transfer to the rst guesthouse Day 2 Day 4 Walk to Bran Castle home to the origin of the character known as Dracula (4hrs) Walk to Bucegis mountains through picture postcard landscapes (4.5hrs) Day 3 Continue on foot through Piatra Craiului mountains and rural villages (4hrs) Day 5 Ascend the Bucegi Mountains with stunning views (6hrs or 4.5 hrs) Day 6 Transfer to Brasov, train to Bucharest, trip concludes
detailed itinerary
Note: The heading for each days description above shows the approximate time it will take to complete the walk for someone of good to excellent fitness and the days ascent and descent in metres. The hours indicated are for walking only and do not include breaks for lunch and rest stops. The planned itinerary can be affected by mountain weather and trail conditions. DaY 1 Arrive Bucharest, train to Brasov and transfer to the first guesthouse On arrival at the Bucharest north train station there will be a handover of documents and a short briefing before your train to Brasov, a journey of around 2 hours. On arrival you will be met and transferred by taxi to your first nights accommodation in a guesthouse set in a traditional village at the foot of Piatra Craiului National Park. Overnight Magura.
meals: D
DaY 2 Walk to Bran Castle home to the origin of the character known as Dracula (4hrs) Walk on a small ridge to Bran Castle at the foot of the Bucegi mountains. The castle, which was built as a gift from Ludovic dAnjou in the 14th century to the inhabitants of the region, always had a role of defence against the migratory peoples and later it protected Transylvania from the Ottoman invasions. The castle was also said to be associated with the prince Vlad Tepes of Walachia who it is widely thought that the fictional character of Dracula was based upon. Overnight Magura. (4hrs, 12km, +350m, -600m).
meals: B,L,D
DaY 3 Continue on foot through Piatra Craiului mountains and rural villages (4hrs) The walk continues at the base of the Piatra Craiului Mountains. An interesting contrast to the landscape of the previous day as you traverse pastures, sheepfolds and woods. Scattered villages which seem to have not changed for centuries break up the landscape, while the surrounding mountains are a constant companion. Overnight Ciocanu. (4h30, 13km, +450m, -450m).
meals: B,L,D
DaY 4 Walk to Bucegis mountains through picture postcard landscapes (4.5hrs) This morning you leave the Piatra Craiului mountains and walk to the Bucegi mountains. An easy walk with picture post-card landscapes to a traditional Romanian mountain village with small and ancient houses, at the foot of the Bucegi mountains. The inhabitants are livestock breeders; therefore the village has a long tradition in cheese making. (Approx. 4h30, 14km, -150m, +250m.)
meals: B,L,D
DaY 5 Ascend the Bucegi Mountains with stunning views (6hrs or 4.5 hrs) A more strenuous day today as you ascend trails into the Bucegi mountains. A longer walk is possible along the meadow of Gutana and the vertical walls of the Bucegis ridge, which will offer you beautiful views of the landscapes surrounding and over Piatra Craiului ridge. (Approx 6h, 18 km, +650m, -900 or a shorter one, around 4h30).
meals: B,L,D
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DaY 6 Transfer to Brasov, train to Bucharest, trip concludes Transfer to Brasov where you take the train to Bucharest. Trip concludes on arrival in Bucharest.
meals: B
inclusions
5 breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches, 5 dinners - Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, tea, coffee & juices. Picnic lunches will include fresh produce such as bread, spreads, salad and meats sourced from local hosts. Dinner is generally 3 courses consisting of entre or soup, a main dish and dessert, including local and international dishes. Occasionally dinner is only 2 courses. 5 nights rural pensions in twin share with ensuite facilities note there may be times when only dormitory share is available Information pack including route notes and maps Luggage transfer Train from Bucharest to Brasov and return and private transfer from Brasov train station to Magura and from Bran to Brasov train station Emergency hotline
items not included

Travel to and from Bucharest train station Breakfast and lunch on day 1 and lunch and dinner on day 6, all drinks Items of a personal nature Tour guide this is a self guided walking trip Entrance fees Travel insurance
getting there
BY CAR Driving routes can be accessed via the following websites: www.viamichelin. com BY TRAIN Bucharest can be reached from points throughout Europe. We are happy to assist with booking your rail travel arrangements. BY AIR The best way to arrive in Bucharest is by flight. There are numerous airlines which fly into the city. We are happy to assist with booking your flights. Transfers from the airport to the train station can be arranged on request.
trip grading
MODERATE GRADE 3 The walking is moderate (3) grade with daily guided walks of around 46 hours. There are some more demanding stages during the walk with steep uphills, descents, and some sections of the trail require more care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. The planned walks may change depending on the group level of fitness or weather conditions.
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a note on our self guided adventures
Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If youve never been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of it as the vast majority of our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly and we provide a 7day service hotline in the event of any problems. Using directions and maps can be more difficult for solo travellers as often two heads are better than one when it comes to finding your way. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self guided trips, however with a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self guided trip is something that, once experienced, is sought time and time again.
joining instructions
You will be met at Bucharest North Train station where you will have a handover of your documents and a short briefing of the tour. Confirmed joining instructions will be provided approximately 3 weeks before departure.
accommodation
DURING TOUR During the trip you will be accommodated in rural pensions which are rated as 3 stars in Romania, however would be closer to 2 stars when compared to similar properties in western Europe. These are traditional guesthouses which while simple, provide a unique dimension to the cultural experience of travelling in Romania. Usually you will have a private bathroom, however there may be one night where you will need to share a bathroom.
the region
The European Unions newest member, Romania, is a country of contrasts. With all the trappings of the western world in the form of expensive cars, overt consumerism and mobile phones, there remains the vestiges of a recent past; in the countryside horse drawn carriages are common, as are potholed unpaved roads and cone shaped hay stacks whilst in Bucharest you are reminded of the countrys communist past by the incredible oversized monuments. In the Carpathian mountains one can find the national treasures of painted monasteries, unique wooden churches and farmhouses and incredible landscapes which are ideal for hiking in summer and skiing in winter. Romania shares its borders with Moldova to the north and northeast, the Ukraine in the East, Hungary and Serbia to the west and Bulgaria in the south. It has just 209km of coastline in the southeast along the Black Sea. An arc of heavily forested mountain ranges known as the Carpathian Mountain System, cuts through the countrys centre and north, surrounding the Transylvanian Plateau (366m above sea level). In turn, surrounding the mountains are the plains to the east, south and west which is where most of the farming, cities and towns are located. Mount Moldoveanu in the Transylvanian Alps is the highest mountain at 2543m, although typically the mountains range in height from 910m to 1800m above sea level. The Danube River flows 1400km through Romania to the Black Sea. The capital, Bucharest has a population of just over 2 million people which is around 10% of the countrys 22 million.
fast facts
countriES ViSitEd Romania ViSaS Visas are not required for citizens of Australia, Britain, Canada, USA and New Zealand for stays of up to 90 days. For all other nationalities and longer stays please contact the relevant embassy.
2011 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Automated Import 7/06/2013 5:28:52 PM
Page 4

CLiMatE The climate is a combination of temperate and continental with significant variations between the mountains and the south (Bucharest and the Black Sea coast). In Summer, temperatures average between 1316 degrees Celsius in the mountains but can reach the 30s in Bucharest. Rainfall is common in the mountains where around 1000mm falls each year compared to 670mm in the south. Most rainfall occurs in Spring and Summer, but can be expected at any time of the year. Min grouP SiZE 2 SPEciaLiSt gEar rEQuirEd Rucksack (35L); 3season walking waterproof boots with suitable ankle support; waterproof outer shell garment (breathable if possible!); sunglasses with UV protection; sunscreen lotion. (A comprehensive gear list will be provided on booking).
how to book
Booking a UTracks holiday is simple. You can book online, via our secure payment facility, at your own convenience. Alternatively, fill out our booking form which can be found at the back of our brochure, on our website or we can email you a copy then scan/email, fax or post the form to your nearest UTracks or World Expeditions office, or travel agent, along with the relevant deposit by cheque or credit card (note: surcharges may apply for credit card payments). UTracks has access to competitive airfares to Europe. Contact us, or your travel agent, for assistance with your travel arrangements including flights, travel insurance & additional accommodation.
follow us
Stay up to date with all our latest information, view traveller pics and connect with others on your trip at: https://www.facebook.com/UTracks https://twitter.com/UTracks_Travel
slide shows
UTracks invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website www.utracks.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!
e-newsletter
To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly enewsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.utracks. com or contact our office.
IMPORTANT NOTE
These trip notes represent the most current information available for this itinerarY,and supersede anY information detailed in the current brochure, including but not limited to the itinerarY and price.
talk to us
If you require any further assistance regarding this trip or any other adventure, please contact your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office.
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AUSTRALIA UTracks / World Expeditions Level 5, 71 York St Sydney NSW 2000 T: (02) 8270 8488 F: (02) 8270 8489 Toll free: 1300 303 368 info@utracks.com.au Feel free to visit our World Expeditions offices in: Melbourne Perth Brisbane Adelaide (Thor Travel) Our staff will be happy to assist with your enquiries. For address and office phone numbers see our website at www.worldexpeditions.com NEW ZEALAND World Expeditions Level 2, 35 High St Auckland CBD PO Box 137-052 Parnell, Auckland T: (09) 368 4161 F: (09) 368 4162 Toll Free: 0800 350 354 info@worldexpeditions.co.nz
CANADA - OTTAWA World Expeditions 78 George St Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1N 5W1 T: 613241 2700 F: 613 2414189 Toll Free: 1-800-567-2216 info@worldexpeditions.com Canada - Montreal Expditions Monde 1705 St-Denis Montral, Qubec H2X 3K4 Canada T: 514844 6364 F: 514844 8144 Toll Free: 1-866-606-1721 info@expeditionsmonde.com UNITED KINGDOM World Expeditions 81 Craven Gardens Wimbledon LondonSW19 8LU T: 0845 241 7599 F: 020 8543 8316 T: 1800 946 258 (Ireland) info@utracks.com
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Transylvania Castles Mountains

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Transylvania Castles Mountains

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transylvania castles & mountains

explore europe your way

TRIP COST Joining Bucharest:450

OPTIONS & TRIPCODE: TCM SUPPLEMENTS TRIPDURATION: 6DAYS

DATE detaiLS: DAILY dEPARTURES fROM 1 MAY TO 10 OCT