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Cross the Transylvanian Alps by bike |
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Transylvania, famed as the homeland of Dracula, with alpine meadows and peaks, caves, indigenous forests sheltering bears, wolves and wild boars, still remains one of the least known regions of Europe. On this trip you will discover the beauty of southern Transylvania. The main aim of this trip is to cross the Transylvanian Alps, the mightiest part of the Carpathians on the Trans-Făgărăşan Highway at over 2000m altitude, said to be one of the highest roads in Europe. The tour starts by visiting Curtea de Argeş Monastery, where the legend said that the wife of the stonemason, Manole, is embedded in the stone walls of the church, in accordance with a local custom which obliged the mason to bury a loved one alive within the church to ensure the success of his work. We continue to drive to Poienari where you can climb the 1449 steps to the castle ruins, considered to be the Romania's 'real ' Dracula's castle, then passing along the artificial Lake Vidraru, we head on the Trans-Făgărăşan highway, a mountain pass that will lead you across the Carpathians into Transylvania. You will have the opportunity to fully experience the mountain environment up close by bike through an exhilarating descent of up to 2400m.
Other highlights include a visit to the Sāmbăta
Monastery, one of Romania's greatest and wealthiest monasteries and a
stroll through the medieval streets of Braşov, a city founded by
Saxons in the 12th century. From Poiana Braşov you will experience
a rough single track through the forest that will take you to Rāşnov
where you can see on the top of the hill the 13th century Rāşnov
Fortress built by the local population as protection against Turkish
invasions. You can either choose to bike or to take the car from Rāşnov
to Bran, famous for its 'Dracula's Castle'. Perched on a rocky bluff,
the castle rises in tiers of towers and ramparts from the woods, against
an impressive mountain background.
On the final day of your tour you will have the opportunity to explore by bike or by foot the villages around Bran where traditional occupations such as sheep farming, wool weaving and cheese making are still in use.In the evening enjoy a glass of ţuica - a traditional plum brandy, a cheese tasting and a barbecue in a traditional village house. During your stay , there will be plenty of time for purchasing some of Romania's renowned arts and crafts, including painted eggs, carpets, sweaters and wooden goods. The tour has full vehicle support to transport your luggage, provide refreshments and mechanical assistance or to give you a lift if you fancy a break, leaving you free to fully enjoy your holiday. |
Terrain What Includes: |
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 Braşov town |
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Sāmbăta
Monastery