Transylvanian Castles Walk

8 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Map not provided by operator
Additional images not provided by operator
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
'Every known superstition in the world is gathered into the Carpathians, as if it were the centre of some sort of imaginative whirlpool.' So says the narrator of Dracula, the late 19th century English novel of Victorian superstitions that used this area of Romania to represent something on the edge of civilisation. A trip to this part of the world is to ente...
$1,991
From$1,475
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Visit historic old towns with many intriguing castles, including Dracula`s Castle itself
    • Walk along the impressive Zarnesti gorge, carved through the solid limestone
    • Rise through the Carpathian lower reaches, a green land full of mysterious woodlands

What's this trip about?

    'Every known superstition in the world is gathered into the Carpathians, as if it were the centre of some sort of imaginative whirlpool.' So says the narrator of Dracula, the late 19th century English novel of Victorian superstitions that used this area of Romania to represent something on the edge of civilisation. A trip to this part of the world is to enter a maelstrom of natural sensation. There is everywhere a bewildering mass of flora and fauna. Profusions of trees and flowers and grasses are barely touched by agricultural exploitation. Be alert, however, for roe deer and chamois and hedgehogs and rodents, plus the sight and sound of the area's 190 bird species. Transylvania is a region full of beauty of every kind, sometimes little towns or castles on the top of steep hills. This trek rises daily through Carpathian lower reaches, a green land full of forests and woods, with here steep hills crowned with clumps of trees, and there villages newly built in a riot of colour and style. Smile and say Boo Naa (Hello) and you'll meet open-faced strangers who say all the country people show 'hospitality, flexibility, honesty'. The message is that tourists are welcome.Enjoy self-guided walking in Romania

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range18 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityBRASOV
End CityZARNESTI

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Activities

  • Hiking

Trip includes

    • Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of *** and **** hotels
    • All breakfasts and 5 dinners
    • Luggage transfers between hotels
    • GPX files

Itinerary

Day 1 1: ARRIVE IN BRASOV

After your flight to Bucharest or Sibiu you will be transferred to your first hotel in Brasov (2hr 20 min from either airport). This transfer is included if we book your flights, or an optional extra if you book your own. Spend the rest of the day exploring this rich city, with its own castle, famous Black Church, historic old town and viewpoints over the city.

Day 2 2: BRASOV TO RASNOV 17KM/10.5MI/5.5HR/+580M/-580M

Leaving the streets of Brasov behind, you enter the forest and ascend up to a more open area of pastures. This provides a nice contrast to the first section of the walk. Easy walking takes you to the high point for the day. where you re-enter the forest for a winding descent to Rasnov. The route is generally well way-marked. There is a chance to visit Rasnov castle when you arrive.

Day 3 3: RASNOV TO BRAN 15KM/9.5MI/4HRS/+400M/-270M

Today makes a nice contrast with yesterday’s route as there is no forest walking. The walk is in three distinct parts. The first is on completely flat land, thereafter you gradually climb up into hilly terrain getting increasingly close to the mighty Carpathian Mountains. Finally, you reach villages and more houses before descending to the small town of Bran, with its magnificent castle.

Day 4 4: BRAN TO MOIECIU DE SUS 18KM/11.25MI/5HRS/+800M/-600M

Leaving Bran, you walk towards the mountains until well within the forest. From there, you have a climb through forest until you are rewarded with alpine views down to your destination and a magnificent panorama of mountains. Thereafter you descend steeply through pastures straight down to Moieciu de Sus.

Day 5 5: MOIECIU DE SUS TO MAGURA 21KM/13.25MI/5.75HRS/+770M/-700M

Another varied day - and the longest walk of the trek. Apart from fairly short sections in the forest, much of the time you will be walking past farms and through villages, but with the impressive Carpathians often in view.

Day 6 DAY 6: MAGURA CIRCULAR OPTION 1 - 11KM/ 6.75MI/3HRS/+450M/-450M

This route provides ample opportunity to see rural life and farming practices whilst enjoying magnificent views of the mountains. You pass caves in limestone cliffs which are home to several bat species. It is essential to take a torch if you wish to go in. OR MAG...

Day 7 7: MAGURA TO ZARNESTI 14KM/8.75MI/4.75HRS/+600M/-850M

This is a spectacular day to complete the trek, walking in the Piatra Craiului National Park. After a steep descent from Magura, you walk along the impressive Zarnesti gorge, carved through the limestone. A lengthy ascent then follows up to the trek's high point with superb views. A descent through forest and pasture land takes you down to the valley and an easy walk to your accommodation.

Day 8 8: LEAVE ZARNESTI

You are transferred to Bucharest or Sibiu airport (2hrs 30 mins), in time for your flight home. This transfer is included if we book your flights, or an optional extra if you book your own.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $1,475
Price per day$184
Last Updated: 2/2/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
03 May 2025
10 May 2025
$1,400
$1,687
8 spots left
04 May 2025
11 May 2025
$1,400
$1,687
8 spots left
05 May 2025
12 May 2025
$1,400
$1,687
8 spots left
06 May 2025
13 May 2025
$1,400
$1,687
8 spots left
07 May 2025
14 May 2025
$1,400
$1,687
8 spots left
08 May 2025
15 May 2025
$1,400
$1,687
8 spots left
09 May 2025
16 May 2025
$1,400
$1,687
8 spots left
10 May 2025
17 May 2025
$1,400
$1,687
8 spots left
11 May 2025
18 May 2025
$1,400
$1,687
8 spots left
12 May 2025
19 May 2025
$1,400
$1,687
8 spots left

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Adventure Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,502
Great
3,265
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
190
Write a Review

Other Exodus Adventure Travels Reviews

S

Sheila Bissell

Apr 2025

Written on
Exodus Adventure Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Adventure Travels

Excellent service

Excellent service

R

Roger hil

Apr 2025

Written on
Exodus Adventure Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Adventure Travels

Roger

They were very helpful, polite and knowledgeable

G

Gill Barber

Apr 2025

Written on
Exodus Adventure Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Adventure Travels

Quick invoice receipt sent...prompt

Quick invoice receipt sent...prompt, good service

Write a Review

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Adventure Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

Period before departure in which you notify us

From the date your Booking Confirmation is issued up to, and including, 90 days prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.

  • 89 to 52 days (inclusive) prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.
  • 51 to 31 days (inclusive) prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.
  • 30 days or less prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation, or after the booking has started

Cancellation charge

Deposit can be transferred to a new booking which must be made within 3 months of the date the original booking was cancelled, and depart within 12 months of the new booking date. If a new booking is not made within this period then the deposit will be forfeited. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.

  • 50% of the total holiday cost. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.
  • 75% of the total holiday cost. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.
  • 100% of the total holiday cost.

For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made:

Cancellation period (before departure) - Cancellation Fee (per person)

Outside of 180 days - No fee if cancelled within 15 days of booking date. US $1,250 cancellation fee if cancelled 16 days or more of booking date.

179 to 120 days - Loss of deposit.

119 to 90 days prior to departure - 50% of the holiday cost.

89 to 60 days prior to departure - 75% of the holiday cost. 

59 to 0 days prior to departure - 100% of the holiday cost.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of Exodus Adventure Travels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
18 years and up
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
exodus-W07RM

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save