We offer a seven day programme for connoisseurs. We will explore wild forest habitats and sleep there in the vicinity of bears and wolves. We will visit the last remaining virgin forest in the Piatra Craiului National Park. At the end of the week we will visit the most interesting historic site in the Barsa Country: Bran Castle (mythically linked with Dracula), as well as Rasnov Fortress and the old fortified city of Brasov. For wildlife conservation reasons, we must be a minimum of three persons and maximum of eight each day.
First day:
– meet at guesthouse
– visit meadows and Coltii Chiliilor monastery
Second day:
08.30 – meet at guesthouse
09.10 – walking large carnivore trails
11.30 – visit traditional sheepfold at Curmatura. Picnic lunch on route
13.00 – in the habitat of the chamois on the Piatra Craiului ridge
14.30 – explore the northern part of the Piatra Craiului ridge
17.30 – return to guesthouse
Third day:
08.30 – meet at guesthouse
09.20 – walking large carnivore trails in virgin forests of the Piatra Craiului National Park. Picnic lunch on route
17.00 – drive to the bear watching observatory
22.30 – return to Zarnesti
Fourth day:
08.30 – meet at guesthouse
09.00 – walking large carnivore trails in the forests of the Barsa Valley. Picnic lunch on route
17.00 – accommodation at a forest lodge
18.00 – wildlife observation
Fifth day:
06.00 – wildlife observation
08.00 – sandwich breakfast
08.30 – walking large carnivore trails in the forests of the Barsa Valley. Picnic lunch on route
16.00 – walk to guesthouse (optional)
17.00 – drive to the bear watching observatory
22.30 – return to Zarnesti
Sixth day:
Cultural programme:
08.00 – breakfast
08.45 – visits by minibus to Bran Castle (mythically linked with Dracula), Rasnov Fortress and the old fortified city of Brasov. Picnic lunch on route
16.30 – return to guesthouse
19.00 – barbeque
Seventh day:
08.00 – breakfast
09.00 – depart
Includes: full-board accommodation at a three star guesthouse for 5 nights, specialized wildlife and mountain guides, and entry fees for two evenings bear watching at the observatories. Because the bears are wild, we have a 70 – 75% chance of seeing them at the observatories but we offer no guarantees!
On one night we will sleep at a hunting lodge in the forest in simple, rustic accommodation with shared bedrooms, no running water, and an outside toilet. You must bring a good sleeping bag and sleep mat.
Essential equipment and clothing needed
Besides ordinary travelling clothes you will also need: a small backpack, comfortable walking boots with good ankle support, water bottle, waterproof jacket and warm sweater, sunglasses, sunscreen and sun hat.
Medical and Health Requirements
To the best of our knowledge the Romanian Government does not currently require you to have any special vaccinations. Please consult your family doctor (G.P.) before your visit to Romania. All our activities imply physical effort, walking long distances at medium and high altitudes and possibly climbing. Please check with your doctor if your health allows you to participate!
You must have travel insurance which must include:
- Accident and medical treatment
- Medical repatriation
- Loss of or theft of baggage, personal belongings, money, credit cards, etc.
- Cancellation, curtailment or change to programme
You must ensure that your insurance is suitable for adventure activities such as: climbing, abseiling, horse riding, skiing, high altitude hiking, or any other activity as specified in the programme itinerary.
