South Carpathians Hiking Tour – 4 days

BUCEGI AND PIATRA MARE MASSIF HIKING TOUR 

The difficulty level of this tour is easy – medium. We require hiking boots or minimum hiking shoes.  We will do our best to cover all the attractions mentioned below. This tour will be adjusted according to your equipment, physical strength, weather …   

Trip Highlights:

• Visit Sinaia Mountain Resort.
• Admire the fantastic view of the valley and hills of Carpathians
• Enjoy a challenging hike in unique surroundings of Bucegi Mountains
• Marvel at the stunning natural stone formations of The Gossip Ladies, Romanian Sfinx, Hero`s Cross.
• Cross the 7 Ledders Canyon
• Learn about fauna of the Carpathians Mountain
• Take stunnig pictures with Romania`s Mountains
• Visit Dracula`s Castle as well as Peles Castle and Brasov old town

Day 1: Bucharest – Bucegi Plateau – Babele – Sfinx – Caraiman – Sinaia

Leaving Bucharest in the morning we pass through a chain of villages to reach Parhova Valley, where the Prahova River makes its way between the Bucegi Massif and the Baiu Massif, in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania.  Prahova River break the Eastern Carpathians chain from the Southern Carpathians. Historically, this narrow corridor was the most important passageway between Wallachia Region and Transylvania Region.

From Sinaia Mountain Resort we will take the cable car to reach 2000 m from where our hiking will start. Crossing the large Monk Valley, we reach a dense forest of juniper twisted trees. After a couple of hours we reach Babele (meaning The old women) The name Babele of Gossip Ladies comes from some mushroom shaped rock formations, the result of erosion and varying hardness of the rock layers. Not far from Babele is The Bucegi Sphinx, another rock formation, named for its sphinx-like appearance.

One of the last but maybe the most beautiful attraction is Heroes’ Cross, a memorial of World War I soldiers. This steel structure was erected between 1926 and 1928, and was commissioned by Queen Maria of Romania. The monument is 29.5 meters high and the arms’ length is 14 meters. The cross was built at an altitude of 2291 m. From Here you will take stunning pictures with views over the Valley of Prahova Valley.

Overnight in Sinaia Mountain resort or somewhere near the hiking trails.

Day 2: Piatra Arsa – Piciorul Pietrei Arse – Sinaia- Mountain Resort – Peles Castle – Timisu de Sus

From Piatra Arsa Hut we follow the path that reach Sinaia Resort. Along this 4 hours of hiking we will pass different elevations and admire different types of landscapes. From 2000 m we will admire amazing views of Baiului Mountains part of Eastern Carpathians and once we reach the forest level we will wind on the narrow path that leads to some meadows and then to Sinaia Mountain Resort.

Once we reach Sinaia Reasort, first interesting stop of the day is Peles Castle. This impressive 19^thcentury castle is one of the best preserved castles in the Eastern part of Europe. This architectural masterpiece belong to Hohenzollern Family, one of the most influent densities in Europe. Falling in love by beautiful mountain scenery, Prince Charles planned the construction of Peles Castle. And this was the first European Castle entirely lit by electrical current, produced by the castle`s own plant. Our day continue towards Timisu de Sus but in the way we can stop to different interesting places such as: Cantacuzino Palace or Azuga sparkling wine celler.

Overnight in Brasov (Bran, Rasnov, Moieciu) area in a local guesthouse.

Day 3: Timisu de Sus – Piatra Mare – Piatra Mare Peak – Canionul 7 Scari – Dambu Morii

This beautiful hiking day will start from the foothills of Piatra Mare Massif – Dambu Morii. From here we’ll walk the path and signs following the Valley of Sipoaia ; From the large green meadows, our track squeezes through the forest revealing wonderful views, accompanied by the sound of the river. As we go further into the heart of the forest, our route becomes harder warning us about the approaching of 7 Ladders Canyon. Once arrived here, we’ll be just breathless. The 7 Ladders Canyon is 160m long and it has a difference of elevation of 58m. First ladder is 8m high, followed by other 6; the longest ladder has 35m. The steel ladders contrast with the limestone walls and the clear water which falls next to you.

Our hiking tour continue to Piatra Mare mountain hut, located at an elevation of 1630m, where we can stop for a break. One more hour of hiking and your will reach a spectacular panorama place. During the clear days we’ll have the opportunity to admire Brasov city, as well as the large Valley of Timis River which split the on Western and Eastern massifs of Carpathians. We can go back to Dambul Morii on the same rout or we can take alternative routes. In the evening we will relax with a good meal and some refreshing beer.

Overnight in Brasov area (Bran, Moieciu, Rasnov) in a local guesthouse.

Day 4: Dambu Morii – Brasov – Bran Castle – Bucharest

First part of the day will be dedicated to Brasov Old Town. Take a relaxing walking tour of the most important tourist sites of Brasov, one of the most important cities of Transylvania. Visit the impressive Black Church, walk on the cobbled medieval stone streets of Brasov, take the cable car to Tampa Mountain from where you can take amazing photos, wonder to the medieval houses and building in the old town Brasov, admire the fairy tale gate of Saint Katherine.

Our day continue with another interesting stop at Bran Castle. Your private guide will take you through the maze of rooms of Dracula`s Castle explaining you the historical facts connected with the real life historical character Vlad the Impaler and the fictional one created by the writer Bram Stoker.

After this interesting lesson of history we can enjoy a beautiful walking day at the foothills of another important Massif of Carpathians passing through Piatra Craiului National Park. You can visit Zarnesti Gorges, see from far away the impressive limestone ridge of 22km, visit a local shepherd house and taste some local cheese, see the life from the countryside passing through the mountain villages.

Evening return to Bucharest after 4 enjoyable days with RTS.

Details about trekking tour In Ciucas Mountains: 

• Optimal time: May – October;
• For this tour  you nedd hiking shoes and no running shoes;
• Rain jaket is neccesary;
• Number of participants: minimum 2, maximum 7;
• Transportation is made by car (Bucharest- Cheia Mountain Resort-Bucharest);
• Mountain tour requires a very good physical shape, with resistance to hard effort;
• Licensed mountain guide during the entire trekking tour.