(Europe’s Oldest and Newest Lands)

Area: Dobrogea, Danube Delta, Măcin National Park

Level rate: Medium

Dates of departure: April – October

Nb. of team members: 2 – 8 + guide
Trip duration (days): 9 days
Gear: Backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, tent, front light, good boots, waterproof and warm changing clothes, water can, sweets, first-aid kit, chlorine pills for disinfecting the water.

1^st DAY – Arrival

-         Welcome to Romania

-         We meet at the Bucharest’s Intl. airport ;

-         Transfer by car to Bucharest

-         Accommodation in a 3 stars hotel, very close to the city center

2^nd DAY –  First day on the bikes

-         Cycling in Romania

-         Breakfast (included)

-         9:00 transfer by car to Dobrogea (Dobruja) area (250km / 155 miles) where we will start our bike tour

-         On the bikes we pass next to Hazarlâc Lake and head for Topolog forest, one of the largest forest in Dobrogea, our camping place for the night. In this day we cover around 35 km / 22 mi on bikes.

-         Picnic lunch (included)

-         In the evening we set our camp and enjoy the great view next to the campfire

-         Picnic dinner (included)

3 ^rd DAY – Cycling & Birdwatching on Dobrogea Hills and Steppe areas

-         Breakfast (included)

-         After packing we get on the bikes again and head for Tulcea

-         In this day we have the chance to admire some of the last natural Steppe Areas in Europe. Also there is a high chance of seeing buzzards, eagles and other big birds of prey, hunting.

-         The 35 km /22 mi route takes us through some of the small villages, where life hasn’t change much for many years. The traditional houses and fences, the old churches and the way of life of these people are just some of the highlights of the day.

-         Picnic lunch (included)

-         In the evening we arrive in Tulcea and accommodate in a 3 stars hotel, right next to the Danube.

-         Dinner (not included)

4 ^th DAY – Cycling to Celic Monastery

-         After breakfast (included) we head for some of the best areas of Tulcea County

-         In the first part of the day we can admire Danube Delta’s lakes and Marches on our right and on the left the Northen Dobrogean Hills , covered with steppe areas and oak forests.

-         Picnic lunch (included)

-         We bike up and down on the hills until we arrive at Celic Monastery, after 25 km, a remote and peaceful place. The monastery is situated in a valley covered by forests.

-         We set camp in this gorgeous valley next to Celic creek

-         Picnic dinner next to the campfire (included)

5 ^th DAY – Celic Monastery

-         Breakfast (included)

-         Visit the monastery

-         Picnic lunch (included)

-         We head for Tulcea on the bikes (17 km)

-         Arrival in Tulcea and accommodation in a 3 stars hotel, right next to the Danube.

-         Dinner (not included)

6 ^th DAY – Transfer to the Danube Delta

-         Breakfast (included)

-         Visit the Danube Delta Museum (included)

-         Lunch (not included)

-         Transfer by hydrofoil to Crişan Village, right in the hard of the Danube Delta

-         Traditional dinner (included)

-         Accommodation in Crişan, in a family own pension house

7 ^th DAY – First strokes on water

Canoeing in Danube Delta, Romania

Canoeing in Danube Delta, Romania

-         After breakfast (included) start our canoe tour: Crişan – Iacob Lake – Caraorman Channel – Suez Chanel – Perivolovca Chanel – Litcov Chanel – Lung Chanel – Crişan

-         Exciting birds like White & Dalmatian Pelicans, Pygmy Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Penduline Tit and the majestic White-tailed Eagle are just some of the star species a birdwatcher can see on this day.

-         But you don’t need to be a specialist to admire these birds. The spectacular big numbers and size of some of the birds will amaze you to for sure. Beside canoeing, relaxing and photo opportunities will be on the menu

-         Around midday we will stop in a nice spot for the picnic lunch (included)

-         In the second part of the day we arrive back in Crişan after having paddled for almost 27 km (16 miles).

- Accommodation in Crişan, in a family own pension house

- Dinner(included)

8 ^th DAY – Canoeing in search of the White Pelicans

-         Breakfast (included)

-         We start our tour from Crişan Village heading north: Old Danube – Bogdaproste Channel – Bogdaproste Lake – La Amiaza Lake – Trei Iezere Lake

-         Picnic lunch(included)

-         These lakes are very close to Europe’s largest colony of White Pelicans. Being so close, they are known as one of the best places to spot the majestic pelicans fishing.

-         We camp on a wild bank, close to Trei Iezere Lake

-         Picnic dinner next to the campfire (included)

9 ^th DAY – Pelicans, Coots, Glossy Ibises, Swans, Marsh Terns – a paradise for birds

-          Breakfast (included)

-         We start our on Eracle Channel – Lopatna Channel – Rădăcinos Lake – Căzănel Lake – Old Danube – Sulina Arm – Crişan

-         In this day we are getting very close to the common feeding grounds of many birds species. Glossy Ibises, Sandpipers and other species love the muddy banks of the old Danube, or Căzănel Lake. Beside the birds we will admire on Rădăcinos Lake the high density of White Water Lilies.

-         Picnic lunch (included)

-         We arrive in Crişan, one more time and accommodate at our family own pension house, right on the Danube’s Bank.

-         Dinner (included)

Note: Please be aware that the present schedule is subject to alterations according to the weather condition, daily timing, the physical shape of the attendees, as well as unforeseen delays.

The quotes are:

And include:

• - All transfers in Romania (including Catamaran/Ferry boat transfer in Danube Delta)
• - Accommodation: camping in tents
• - All picnic meals that are mentioned as included
• - Guiding service (English speaking) for the whole program
• - Rental of specific equipment such as: kayaks, live vest, tents, etc.

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Wishing you a pleasant vacation on Romanian Land!

CENTRAL HIGHLIGHTS CIRCUIT

Our summer 2009 rates

My trip

Trip’s Map

Level rate: Easy – Moderate hiking, easy horse-riding

Dates of departure: June – October 2009 (on demand).

Nr. of team members: 4 – 9

Trip length (days): 8

Required gear: Backpack, boots, waterproof and warm changing clothes, water can, sweets, preferably horse-riding pants.

Accommodation: ** and *** hotels and tourist guest house.

Welcoming the guests at the international Airport Bucharest Otopeni. Check out, introduction and leaving the airport, heading for the Carpathian Mountains.

16.00 – 21.00: Transfer by mini-bus from the Bucharest-Otopeni airport to Tuşnad Spa. (320 km /200 miles)

Evening town walk – Tuşnad Spa.

21.00: Dinner(not included) & accommodation in Tuşnad Spa; 700 m., *** small hotel.

Hiking tour on Harghita (Ciomat) Mts.

8.00: wake up

8.15 – 9.00: breakfast and getting ready for the trip

9.00: starting the hike, heading for Pilisca Mare Peak, passing by Stânca Şoimilor, 824 m altitude (2703 feet) (The Falcon’s Rock).

11.30: reaching Pilisca Mare Peak, 1374 m (4508 feet).

13.30: Reaching Muntele Mitaci (the Mitaci Mountain) 1282 m altitude (4206 feet)

13.30 – 14.00: picnic lunch.

14.00 – 16.30: descent to Tuşnadu Nou

• Difficulty: medium hike
• Hiking time: 6,5 – 7 hours
• Height difference: + 724 m; – 874 m (+2375 feet; -2867 feet)
• Highlights: The Falcons’ Rock, panorama over Ciomat Mts, Harghita Mts from Poiana Artarului (the Maple’s Meadow), Mitaci Meadow.

16.30 – 18.00: Transfer to the Homorod Spa – 50 Km (30 miles)

18.30: Dinner and accommodation in Homorod Spa

Accommodation: *** guest house: 760 m altitude (2493 feet)

Horse Riding towards “Harghita Madaras” Mountain Hut

• Trip length: 28 km (~18 miles)
• Difficulty: It’s an easy – medium horse ride.
• Riding time: ~ 4 hours
• Height difference: + 850 m (+ 2789 feet)
• Highlights: The Homorod Spa, Ilona Valley, the mineral springs. – Capalnita Village – Csihanyos Fountain – Altar Rock – Mita Fountain – Cso – Dögleszto – Harghita Mădăraş Hut

7.30: wake up;

8.00: breakfast (included) & preparations for the trip

8.30 – 12.00: Horse riding: Visiting Capalnita Village, visit the Csihanyos Fountain

12.00 – 13.00: picnic lunch (included) and rest at Sandrofali house

13.00 – 17.00: Riding up to Harghita Mădăraş Hut.

- in the evening we arrive at Mădăraş Mountain Hut and prepare the camp site

- Open fire cooked dinner (included) and relaxing around the campfire.

Optional accommodation in Madras Mountain Hut (not included)

Accommodation: tents, near Harghita Mădăraş Hut.

Hiking up to ‘Harghita Madaras’ Peak, then horse-riding back to ‘Homorod Spa’

• It’s a medium horse ride
• Trip length: 29 km (~18 miles)
• Hiking time: 1.5 hours
• Riding time: 4 hours
• Height difference: +/- 900 m, (+/- 2953 feet; )
• Sightseeing objectives: The Homorod Spa, Ilona Valley, The mineral spas.

Itinerary: Harghita-Madaras Peak – Csikut Meadow – Piatra Or (the Golden Rock) – Vlahita – Capâlnita – Homorod Spa

8.00: Breakfast

8.30 – 10.00: Hiking up to Harghita Madaras Peak, descend through Visinii Meadow

10.30 – 13.00: Ride back to Homorod Spa

13.00 – 14.00: – picnic lunch ( included ) and rest time near Pokad

- after rest we head for Vlahita Village where we will enjoy a relaxing time in a thermal poll (included)

- before nightfall pitching the tents and dinner around the camp fire ( included );

Accommodation: tents, in Vlahita area.

Horse-riding towards the mineral springs ( for groups, from 4 to 9 persons )

• It’s a medium horse ride
• Sightseeing objectives: Vlahita Village , The mineral spas, Narciselor Meadow

- picnic breakfast ( included )

- we head on the horses for Mineral Water Spring Nadasszek. This is a well known spring, with mineral thermal waters good for your health.

- picnic lunch ( included )

- in the afternoon we pass Narciselor Meadow and in the evening we arrive back at our horse riding starting point

-dinner ( included )

Accommodation Homorod Spa *** guest house: 760 m altitude (2493 feet)

Hiking on Piatra Mare Mountains

• Level rate : It’s an easy hike
• Hiking time : 4-5 hours
• Highlights: beautiful landscape over Bucegi Mountains , spectacular view of the canyon.

- 9.00: breakfast at the guest-house ( included )

- 10.00 – 12.30: transfer to Timisul de Jos Village (150 km/78 miles) and hike to Seven leaders canyon

-picnic lunch at the entrance of the Seven Leaders Canyon ( included ).

-after the hike transfer by car to Cheia Resort, one hour (21 miles)

-20.00 dinner here in Cheia ( not included ).

Accommodation in Cheia Resort, ***hotel 1000 m altitude (3281 feet)

Hiking in Ciucas Mts. – Carpathians’ Arch

• Rate Level: It’s an easy – medium hike.
• Hiking time: ~ 4-5 hours
• Highlights of the day : The Landscape of Baiului Mts., Siriu Mts. , Gropsoarele – Zaganu Ridge. Landscape over Cheia resort, Cheitei Gorge.

- 9.30: breakfast at the guest house ( included )

- 10.30: Transfer to Muntele Rosu hut (the Red Mountain ) – 1281m. altitude (4203 feet). – 12 Km (7 miles) Driving time: 15 minutes

- 11.00: start our hike, going up to Muntele Rosu Peak , 1765 m (5791 feet)

- picnic lunch ( included )

- descent back to Cheia through Cheitei Gorge.

- 19:00 dinner ( not included ).

Accommodation in Cheia Resort, ***hotel 800 m altitude (3281 feet)

Timing according to the flight schedule

- breakfast;

- transfer by car from Cheia to the Bucharest’s Intl. Airport – 100 km (61 miles)

Subscribe to this tour now and be able to choose the desired period !

1^ST DAY, SATURDAY

Welcoming the guests at the international Airport Bucharest Otopeni. Check -out, introduction and leaving the airport, heading directly to the Danube Delta.Transfer by minibus towards Macin Mountains National Park : Bucharest Airport OTOPENI – Braila – Smardan– Luncavita – Valea Fagilor Natural Rezerve.

Pitching the tents. Stay over night (height: 100 m)

• A stop for buying the food

2^ND DAY, SUNDAY

Hiking Macin Mountains

• Hiking through the European beech ( Fagus sylvatica ) forest towards the Tutuiatu Peak (467 m) highest altitude of Dobrogea and Ioanesu Peak .Camping area at 5 min from Ioanesu Peak.• Medium hike.• Hiking time – 6 (six) hours• Height difference: 367 m

3^TH DAY, TUESDAY

Hiking on Macin Mountains

Hiking toward Greci village and Pricopan Ridge . Pitching the tents in the Piatra Raioasa Peak area (height: 200 m). Stay over night.

• Medium hike

• Hiking time – 6 (six) hours

• Visiting Greci Village (a large community of ex stone workers community), the Sulucu Mare Peak (370 m) and Pricopan Summit, the Dinosaurus and the sleeping girl (granite rock formations).

Walking, canoeing and birdwatching in Danube Delta

Macin – Tulcea – Danube Delta

Unpitching the tents and leaving the campsite for the Town of Macin.Transfer to Tulcea by minibus and to Crisan(a tipcal delta village) by boat. A canoe training ,a little practicing and canoeing for Caraorman chanel sleeping spot(south from Crisan).

• Easy hike towards Macin, then heading to the Danube Delta.

Danube Delta holds a third place in the world as bio-diversity, after The Big Reef Barrier and Galapagos Islands. Meantime here there are the biggest reef areas worldwide.

• Transfer with a catamaran boat 47km

• Easy canoeing

• Camping on a sandy beach on the side of Caraorman Chanel in the hart of the delta

• Birdwatching

Canoeing and birdwatching in Danube Delta

Caraorman Chanel – Suez Chanel – Perivolovca Chanel – Litcov Chanel – Cuibul cu Lebede Lake (Nest of Swans Lake).

• Easy canoeing
• Canoeing close to the Caraorman sand dunes
• Birdwatching on the Lakes in Danube Delta

Birdwatching in Danube Delta

Litcov Chanel – Lung Chanel – short visit to Obretin Lake – Sulina arm – Dunarea Veche

• Easy canoeing in places that can only be reached with the canoe

• Short visit to Obretin Lake

• Visit to Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration Information point in Crisan (if it’s open)

• Birdwatching

• Camping close to the old Danube path (Dunarea Veche)

• Or if you decide in the last night we could accommodate in a pension house in Crisan Village

Exploring Dobrodgea County, transfer by car to Bucharest

A) Dunarea Veche – Crisan –Tulcea – Bucharest

We wake up early in the morning, raise the camp and leave for Crisan (45 min of canoeing).Transfer by ferry to Tulcea at 8:00 . Transfer from Tulcea to Bucharest by minibus and arrival in Bucharest around 17:00 ( 270 km).

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B) Crisan – Tulcea – Bucharest

Transfer by ferry to Tulcea at 8:00 . Transfer from Tulcea to Bucharest by minibus and arrival in Bucharest around 17:00 ( 270 km).

RIVER RAFTING MOVIE Area: Bucovina, Rarau, Calimani, Suhard mountains, Painted Monasteries
Level rate: Moderate – Demanding
Dates of departure: June – September
Nr. of team members: 4 – 12
Trip duration (days): 10
Required gear: Backpack, sleeping bag, spot light, good boots, waterproof and warm changing cloths, water can, first-aid kit

1^ST DAY

Welcoming at Suceava/Iasi Airport

Transfer to Vatra Dornei – by car/train, according to your prefferences

Accommodation at Vatra Dornei

Vatra Dornei is situated in the middle of Eastern Carpathians where Dorna river flows into Bistrita. Famous both as a spa (mineral waters) and ski resort during the winter (that last here 8 months) Vatra Dornei has a lot to offer being surrounded by mountains. Hiking trails, mountain biking, river rafting, rock climbing, paragliding, horse riding. The world famous painted monasteries of Bucovina are in the near by and can be seen on a day trip.

2^ND DAY

Hiking in Calimani Mountains

9:00: breakfast

10:00: 5-6 hours moderate hike on Calimani Mts.

15:00 picnic lunch

19:00: dinner on your own at Vatra Dornei

Accommodation in Vatra Dornei

3^RD DAY

Rock climbing day

9:00 breakfast

10:00 transfer to Rarau Mts. (30 km).

Rarau Mts. offer a breath taking overview over the surrounding area (Giumalau, Calimani Mts). Famous by its bizarre shaped rocks called Pietrele Doamnei, rocks that can be climbed by those that like rock climbing.

Rock climbing, assisted by a professional instructor – all level categories

15:00 pic-nic lunch

18:00 return to Vatra Dornei

19:00 dinner at Vatra Dornei, on your own

Acoommodation at Vatra Dornei

4^TH DAY

River rafting on Bistrita River

9:00 breakfast

10:00 transfer to Bistrita River

River rafting from 3 up to 25 Km on Bistrita River

Bistrita is the largest river in Romanian Carpathians, having the longest mountain course in Romania . By the first half of 20 th century logs where transported as rafts all the way the Galati at Danube . The best sector for rafting is in the narrow path called Zugreni at 35 Km south of Vatra Dornei. Here large rocks make the river struggle against the Rarau Mts

15:00 picnic lunch

18:00 return to Vatra Dornei

19:00 dinner on your own at Vatra Dornei

Accommodation at Vatra Dornei

5^TH DAY WEDNESDAY

Horse Riding

9:00 breakfast

9:30 transfer to Calimani National Park

Calimani National Park is the protected area in Calimani Mts., famous in Romania for its well kept volcanic traces. Volcanic bizarre shapes, traces of old craters, the largest volcanic caldera in Carpathians are the main geological attractions are part of what we call the Europe’s Best Kept Secrets . Numerous species of flowers, as well as the rich wild life (over 180 species of birds) make a trip to Calimani Mts. a beautiful memory.

At the beginning of the day, getting to know the horses.

Horse riding to Pietrele Rosii, in company of a horse-riding guide.

15:00 picnic lunch at 12 Apostoli

Horse riding to Tamau

18:30 camping at Maieris

19:00 camp dinner

6^TH DAY THURSDAY

Horse riding

9:00 breakfast

10:25 Horse riding to Gruiu

14:00 picnic lunch

18:00 transfer to Vatra Dornei

20:00 dinner on your own

Accommodation at Vatra Dornei

7^TH DAY FRIDAY

Visit the painted monasteries of Bucovina (300 Km drive)

9:00 breakfast

10:00 departure

The painted monasteries of Bucovina are famous worldwide for them remarkable external paintings that where to communicate to common people the divine message. A real history of the religion is concentrated on the walls of the late middle age churches.

Moldoviţa is a fortified monastery built in 16-th century, the dominant color being red

The masters who painted its interior and exterior walls have decorated them with scenes from 16th century Moldavian daily life. But the most interesting painting is the Siege of Constantinople on the south facade, relating to the Romanians’ fights against foreign invasions, especially Turks. The painting combines scenes of the siege of Constantinople from 1453 with others referring to a previous such attempt made by the Persians, in 626.

Suceviţa Monastery, built in 16-th century, has the dominant color blue. The monastery in fortified with thick walls guarded by towers.

Paintings at Sucevita were best preserved both on the outside and on the inside.
Frescoes are painted in purple red and blue against an emerald green background. There is plenty of gold too, taken from the art of miniature.

Situated in a valley 50 km north of Gura Humorului, Humor church was built in 1530 by Petru Rares and his high chancellor Teodor Bubuiog, on the site of a monastic complex built before 1415. The church, consecrated to the Assumption of the Virgin, is smaller than other churches of the painted monasteries and does not have any cupolas. Humor Monastery was among the first churches to be painted. Its frescoes are due to Toma of Suceava and were performed in 1535, the dominant color is yellow.

A convence consecrated to St.George, Voroneţ Monasterylies at walking distance from the Gura Humorului town. An old Romanian chronicle written by Ion Neculce records that Stephen the Great founded Voroneţ Monastery in 1488 to fulfill a pledge to the hermit Daniil who had encouraged the ruling prince of Moldavia to chase the Turks from Wallachia. After having won the battle against the Turks, Stephen erected Voroneţ in three months and 21 days, on the very spot Daniil had his small wooden hermitage.
Its interior and exterior paintings were made later on, between 1534-1535, during prince Petru Rares’ rule. The dominant color is the world famous Voronet blue .

20:00 dinner on your own at Vatra Dornei

Accommodation at Vatra Dornei

8^TH DAY

Mountain Biking

9:00 breakfast

10:00 mountain biking

15:00 picnic lunch

19:00 dinner on your own at Vatra Dornei

Accommodation at Vatra Dornei 9^TH DAY

Transfer to Suceava/ Iasi , depending to your plane departure airport.

9:00 breakfast

leaving Vatra Dornei according to the train schedule.

18:00 arrive at Suceava/ Iasi

20:00 dinner on your own

Accommodation at 3 * hotel Day 10

Transfer to the airport according to the flight schedule.