Transylvania is not only the most famous part of Romania thanks to the legend of Dracula, but it is also the most romantic and inspiring of all country's provinces. Settled over a plateau area (305-600 m high) and part of the magnificent Carpathian mountains range (rising at above 2000m) in the north-west of Romania, it is among the most advanced regions of the country. We visit here well known medieval towns dating from the 14th century as Brasov, Sighisoara and Sibiu. High-roofed wooden churches, citadels, legendary castles, troubled history, splendid mountain scenery and alpine peaks, scattered villages …these are just a few of the entire region's assets! The top of the cherry is the magnificent Transfagarasan road climbing up to 2000 and crossing the highest mountains in Romania. And since no visit to Transylvania would be complete without visiting the castle of the literary Count Dracula, the dramatic Bran Castle is also one of the stops there.
Tour highlights:
• Typical landscapes of the Transylvania plateau and stunning views to the Carpathian mountains
• Historic towns, fortified churches from Medieval times and ancient Roman remains
• Typical Transylvanian settlements and vivid local life and culture
• The beautiful Medieval old town of Sighisoara (UNESCO site), Sibiu and Brasov
• T the famous Dracula's Castle in Bran
• The spectacular Transfagarasan road crossing the highest part of the Carpathian mountains
• The capital of Rumania - Bucharest
Departure dates:
03 July 2010; 14 August 2010; other dates upon request
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival at Otopeni Airport in Bucharest and transfer to Sinaia for overnight.
Day 2. After a visit of the magnificent Peles Castle in Sinaia we are transferred to Brasov. We cycle up to Poiana Brasov ski resort (1030m) on a panoramic road through Postavarul mountains with splendid views over Brasov city. After a pleasant descend in nice forests we visit the famous Bran castle (Dracula castle). Transfer back to Brasov for accommodation. Cycling distance: 32 km
Day 3. Transfer to Zarnesti town. We start at the end of Zarnesti with a climb to a 770m pass through nice forested area among small mountain villages and pastures followed by a downhill ride in a nice valley. We reach the foothills of the majestic Fagaras mountains and continue cycling through many small villages and farmlands on a flat terrain with great views to the numerous valleys and ridges of the mountains. We finish cycling at Statiunea Sambata mountain resort where we stay overnight. Nearby is Brancoveanu Monastery dating back from 17 century. Cycling distance: 64 km
Day 4. Today we start exploring the hilly area of Sibiu – Sighisoara region famous for its Saxon fortified churches. We will pass by numerous small villages and the fortified churches of Cincu, Dealu Frumus, Agnita, Iacobeni, Bradeni and Apold. We end up in Sighisoara which old town is considered to be one of the most beautiful and well preserved inhabited citadels in Europe (Unesco World heritage site). Cycling distance: 86 km.
Day 5. After breakfast we continue exploring the hilly region with fortified churches west of Sighisoara. The cycling starts 25 kilometers from Sighisoara on a small peaceful road passing through agricultural lands, small villages and 4 fortified churches – Biertan (Unesco World heritage site), Rechis, Alatana and Hosman dating back from 14 – 16 century. Today we finish cycling in the beautiful city of Sibiu (European capital of culture 2007). Free time for walks in the old town.Cycling distance: 78 km.
Day 6. In the morning we make a short walk in the second biggest open air village museum in Europe near Sibiu (Astra open air museum). Short transfer to Cartisoara village brings us at the foothills of Fagaras mountains where we start biking on the spectacular Transfagarasan road. First we climb through nice coniferous forests, reach the cabin lift station where we can have lunch in a small restaurant. Once you reach the tree line at about 1600 m the alpine landscapes of Fagars mountains will reveal its beauty to you. You will pass nearby the cascade waterfalls Balea and continue cycling on the numerous serpentines climbing gradually in the valley until you reach the picturesque region of Balea lake at 2030m where you stay overnight. Free time for afternoon hikes around the lake. Cycling distance: 35 km.
Day 7. After breakfast and a short transfer through a tunnel passing through the mountains we start biking downhill exploring the Southern slopes of Fagaras mountains. After we leave the alpine landscapes we enter the green gorge of Arges river and reach the spectacular Vidraru dam (165m high dam wall) Nearby is the Poenari Fortress (former residence of Vlad Tepes also known as Dracula) and the The sculpture of Prometheus. We continue cycling downhill among nice forested areas passing by few waterfalls and finish cycling in Curtea de Arges (one of the oldest towns in Romania). Transfer to Bucharest for overnight Cycling distance: 70 km
Day 8. Transfer to the airport for departure.
PRICE: 770 euro
The price includes: accommodation and boarding as per program; road bike (without helmet); supporting vehicle with Penguin travel representative throughout the trip; map; route notes and map; transfer from/to Bucharest airport; VAT
Price of extra services: single supplement: 125 Euro;rent of a helmet: 10 euro/week; rent of a rear saddlebag: 10 euro/week; rent of a handle-bar bag: 5 euro/week.
Accommodation & boarding: Family pensions and hotels with en-suite facilities. Boarding is based on BB (7 nights). Luggage is taken care of throughout the whole trip.
Practical information:
NB! Please consider airport arrival not later then 16:00 on the starting day of the tour or overnight in Bucharest on the previous day (our representatives will pick you up from your hotel for the transfer to Sibiu).
BIKES: You can choose (depending on the availability) from 2 types of bikes: 1 hardtail performance mountain bike “RAM” with road tires, 24 gears and 80mm front suspension fork and 2. quality road touring bike “DRAG” with 21 gears, 28 inch rims and Shimano components.
ROAD CONDITIONS: We use mostly two-way roads (one band per direction) with an asphalt covering. The country roads are quite peaceful, sometimes without any cars. Horse-driven carts are usual sight. Rarely some of the stages pass along national roads, where the traffic is busier. The terrain along most of the stages represents low hills, lands under cultivation, fields, generally flat. Days 6 and 7 include biking on roads with gradual incline and decline at highest elevation 2034m (Transfagarasan road).
TOUR INFO: All bikers receive a route notes and map. There is a Romanian/English speaking guide cycling near the group giving them talks by the most interesting sites en-route. Penguin travel driver/guide with the supporting vehicle and the luggage inside checks several times a day if everything is OK with the group, waiting by crossroads, accompanying them for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bikers can always skip some harder stages using the supporting vehicle.
RECCOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: We strongly recommend you wearing a helmet during the cycling. You can bring your own helmet or rent one from us. Cycling gloves are also advisable.
EXTENSION AT THE BLACK SEA COAST: we have a unique proposal, which gives you the opportunity to stay on a sea holiday for extra week after your active tour at an incredibly low price in Sozopol, Nessebar, Sunny Beach, Lozenets, St. Vlas, Golden Sands etc. and all this with arranged transportation right after your tour and before your departure flight. For more information please check "Vacation extensions" below.
Tour type: IT+ / GT
Difficulty grade: B
Group size: min.4
Best period: May-October
