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For land only clients the trip starts this afternoon in the village of Magura at about 1040m, within the boundaries of the Piatra Craiului National Park in Tranyslvania.However, we strongly recommend that land only clients meet the group transfer at Bucharest Airport when the group flight arrives due to the guesthouse being located 165km away. Upon the group flight arrival in Bucharest, clients booked onto the group flight or group flight transfers will be transferred to our comfortable guesthouse, approximately 3.5hrs drive away. Dinner on arrival will consist of a cheese and continental meat platter with bread. Our hosts at our guesthouse, the Villa Hermani, are very hospitable and enjoy stopping to chat over a glass of local plum brandy.Villa Hermani
Heading out on foot again, our first destination today is a local cave which is a hibernation roost for a number of bats including lesser and greater horseshoe bats. Remember to bring a torch with you for the cave visit. We then continue on our way to the nearby village of Pestera (which translates as ‘the cave’) witnessing the winter rural life of these mountain communities. After lunch at a local pub we return to Magura.Villa Hermani
Distance in Km: 12
Distance in Miles: 7
Activity Hours: 5
Altitude Gain: 300
Altitude Loss: 300
Magura is one of a number of villages known as the Kalibash villages. The Kalibash once fled Walachia to this remote area which, at the time, was under Austro-Hungarian rule. Here houses stretch along hilltops like pearls on a string. Starting right at our guesthouse we hike up to Dealul Magurice (1300m) where we may spot wolf, lynx and bear prints in the snow in the forest. Later, as we make our way back to Magura, we stop by a local farm to share a hot ‘tuica’ (home-made plum brandy) with the farmer.Villa Hermani
Distance in Km: 8
Distance in Miles: 5
Activity Hours: 4.5
Altitude Gain: 350
Altitude Loss: 350
This morning we walk up to a high plateau between Piatra Craiului and Bucegi mountain. In winter time this plateau is completely uninhabited, everything is still and a quiet serenity permeates the air giving a sense of truly being in a remote and special area. In the afternoon you will return to the guesthouse.Villa Hermani
Distance in Km: 20
Distance in Miles: 12
Activity Hours: 6-7
Altitude Gain: 600
Altitude Loss: 600
Driving down into the valley we make our way to Europe’s largest rescue facility for brown bears: Libearty. Founded in 2005, the rescue centre is home to nearly 100 bears, most of whom suffered over many years in captivity as dancing bears or in circuses. The walk around the bear sanctuary will last approximately one hour. We drive on to the village of Vulcan, which derives its name from the Slavonic word ‘Valc’ meaning wolf. This region is closely related to the history of Transylvanian Saxons who immigrated here 800 years ago from the Rhine-Moselle valleys. They built fortified churches, some of which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. Upon arrival in Vulcan we are greeted by warm coffee and traditional cake in the yard of the fortified church. From Vulcan we drive to Brasov and do a tour around town. We get some free time to explore the town. We will then take our evening meal in a traditional Romanian restaurant and later we return to Magura by minibus.Villa Hermani
Distance in Km: 5
Distance in Miles: 3
Activity Hours: 3
Today we hike from tranquil Magura towards busy Bran where we visit Bran Castle. It’s easy to see why Bram Stoker picked this castle to be the residence of the infamous vampire, Count Dracula. The character himself was based on Vlad Tepes, AKA Vlad the Impaler, Duke of Walachia and a brutal tyrant. Though Vlad himself never went to Bran, Bram Stoker saw an image of the castle and thought it the perfect setting for his dark tale. After visiting the castle we stop by Dracula’s market where we can pick up some vampire-inspired souvenirs. Later we will be picked up by the minibus and return to Magura.Villa Hermani
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8
Activity Hours: 4-5
Altitude Gain: 400
Altitude Loss: 500
This morning we walk through a spectacular canyon, a gorge formed during the Jurassic Period. We continue towards Curmatura Cabin just beneath the rocks of Piatra Craiului Mountain. The cabin is open year-round and we can relax here before going back to our guesthouse.Altitude gain: We first walk down to the gorge 200m, then hike up 700m to Cabana Curmatura, walk down again 700m and hike up to Magura 200m.Villa Hermani
Distance in Km: 15
Distance in Miles: 9
Activity Hours: 7
Altitude Gain: 900
Altitude Loss: 900
End Magura, Transylvania.Clients booked on the group flight or group flight transfers will be transferred (3.5 hours) back to Bucharest Airport in time for the group flight departure.
7 nights at the comfortable Villa Hermani guesthouse with twin and single
rooms; most rooms are en suite6 days guided snowshoeing and winter
walkingGroup normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Min age 16 yrsTravel by private
minibusSightseeing visits to castles and villages
All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners are included during our stay.Meals
are a mixture of local produce and Romanian/Transylvanian
specialties.Breakfasts usually consist of a small buffet including an egg
dish, cold cuts, cheeses, boiled eggs, vegetables, spreads, bread, yoghurt,
cereals, jam, juice, herbal teas and coffee.Lunches included on this trip
will include the following -a picnic lunch provided by a local farmer on one
day, traditional soups, and self-made sandwiches that you can choose your
own fillings from the buffet in the mornings.Each evening there is a choice
of a meat dish or vegetarian option.If you are vegetarian or have special
dietary requirements please let us know at the time of booking.One night we
will have dinner in a traditional Romanian restaurant in Brasov, this meal is
not included and you should allow approx. €20 (without drinks) for this.
7 nights at the comfortable Villa Hermani guesthouse with twin and single
rooms; most rooms are en suite6 days guided snowshoeing and winter
walkingGroup normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Min age 16 yrsTravel by private
minibusSightseeing visits to castles and villages
This trip is graded 3, moderate. Snow conditions dictate whether we will hike
with snowshoes or hiking boots along with the duration of walks. Exact walks
will be selected by the leader at the time to best fit current weather
conditions and safety requirements. The walks will vary from 2 to 7hrs, with
most being around 4-5hrs long.Temperatures are generally quite cold,
averaging 0°C in the valleys, though blue skies are common in winter,
especially in the mountains. In the valleys, mornings tend to be a little
foggier and nicer in the afternoon. Snow can fall at any time between
December and April.Walking distances and hours stated within the itinerary
are given as a guide only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and
will vary depending on the pace of your group.Please note: The leader has the
right to adapt the route and length of the walks according to the weather
conditions and the physical condition of the group. Our local partner uses
various types of snowshoes, all types are easily adjustable to shoe sizes -
snowshoe designs do not vary a great deal - and are recommended for the type
of terrain around Magura.
GuesthouseWe will spend 7 nights in the comfortable private guesthouse, Villa Hermani
that offers twin and single rooms.Villa Hermani is situated in the remote and
beautiful village of Magura at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, located
within the boundaries of the Piatra Craiului National Park. Our friendly
hosts at the Villa Hermani possess a wealth of knowledge on Transylvania,
wildlife conservation and serve delicious homemade food.Almost all rooms have
private facilities but some do have shared bathrooms. In such cases, however,
there are never more than two rooms sharing one bathroom.There is Wi-Fi
available at the guesthouse, however, due to the weak internet lines in this
remote location and the need to go via satellite which is provided by an
external provider, the hosts of the guesthouse kindly request guests to pay a
small fee of €5 for 750MB which should be enough for a week with checking
emails. Single supplements are available on request.
All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners are included during our stay.Meals
are a mixture of local produce and Romanian/Transylvanian
specialties.Breakfasts usually consist of a small buffet including an egg
dish, cold cuts, cheeses, boiled eggs, vegetables, spreads, bread, yoghurt,
cereals, jam, juice, herbal teas and coffee.Lunches included on this trip
will include the following -a picnic lunch provided by a local farmer on one
day, traditional soups, and self-made sandwiches that you can choose your
own fillings from the buffet in the mornings.Each evening there is a choice
of a meat dish or vegetarian option.If you are vegetarian or have special
dietary requirements please let us know at the time of booking.One night we
will have dinner in a traditional Romanian restaurant in Brasov, this meal is
not included and you should allow approx. €20 (without drinks) for this.
Transfers between the airport in Bucharest and the Villa Hermani Guesthouse
will normally be by Mercedes Sprinter bus. Local transport will be by private
minibus.
Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 daysThe group flight from London
is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary.Flights from
LondonWe normally use the scheduled services of TAROM Romanian Airlines
(depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change
regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your
agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a
later date and cannot be confirmeduntil approximately two weeks before
departure. Travelling land only: 8 days starting and ending in MaguraYour
trip normally starts at our accommodation in Magura in the evening of Day 1
of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in
the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before
departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.You can pre‐book private arrival and departure
transfers through Exodus if you wish (payable in advance). Please ensure that
you provide us with all relevant information at least 2 weeks before
departure.The Villa Hermani guesthouse is approximately 165km from the
airport and will take around 3‐ 3.5 hours to reach by road. As such, we
highly recommend you wait for the group at the airport and join the group
transfer or organise a private transfer. It is possible to reach the start
hotel by taxi, but it will cost around 130 Euros.If you decide to make your
own way, on arrival at the Villa Hermani guesthouse please make the
reception staff aware that you are part of the Exodus group. Please contact
Exodus as soon as possible to discuss your arrangements to meet the group.
Romania enjoys a continental weather pattern. Winter is normally cold but
crisp with clear skies, though heavy snowfalls are common. Skies tend to be
clearer in the mountains whilst in valleys and cities it may take a little
longer, usually until lunch time, for the fog to clear. Generally, as long
you dress for cold weather, winter is a nice time to visit the region.
Snowshoes and Poles are provided. Walking boots: 3 or 3-4 season waterproof
walking boots with semi-rigid soles, and good ankle support. These will strap
into your snowshoes. Good quality waterproof jacketWaterproof trousers and
gaitersWarm fleeceWarm hat and glovesT-shirts, lightweight trousers and light
fleeces (occasionally we experience unseasonably warm days)Medium sized
daypack: (approx 30 litres), on occasions you should expect to carry your
snowshoes strapped onto the outside of your pack. Packs with a lid or
adjustable side straps are well suited for this.Refillable water bottle
(large capacity)Thermos flask for tea/ container to carry lunchesSunglasses
and lip protectionBlister kit (some people find they are more prone to
blisters with snowshoes)Sit-mat (or small square of karrimat) for taking
lunches in the snowSunscreenYaktrax- a lightweight and easy to use
ice-traction device. They provides greater stability while walking on snow or
ice.Trainers/comfortable shoes for the eveningsHead torch/torch/flash light
for the bat cave visitYour normal daily clothes
Drinks with meals are not included. Snacks are not included and you may wish
to buy souvenirs. Please note that prices are constantly changing in
Romania. Please allow €20 for the dinner in Brasov (without drinks).
Prices for drinks can vary depending on what you choose and where you eat
and drink. A beer for example is 8‐10 Leu ( €2‐3), and a glass of wine
is 10‐20 Leu (€3‐ 5). A bottle of wine is from 60 Leu (€10).
Tipping is of course entirely at your discretion, but it is customary in
Romania. Our Romanian leader will offer guidelines on appropriate tipping. In
restaurants it is usual to tip 10% of the bill.Although optional, a tip for
the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline we
recommend a contribution of between €15 to €20 per client. It is also
customary to leave a tip for the driver and the local staff at the
guesthouse. This can be handed in to your leader at the end of the trip. For
the local staff we recommend to budget approx. €10-15 per person.
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