ADMIRE,
EXPLORE,
CONQUER

SCHEDULE MADE BY
MIHAI ZLAVOG

My trip

Map of the first days
Map of the last days

2^ND DAY SUNDAY

Hiking through Papusa Mts. to Dambovita Valley

• Level rating: Moderate hike.
• Hiking time: 8,5 (eight and a half) hours
• Height difference: 1400 m/4592 ft
• Highlights: Silvery Valley - unspoiled and almost unknown, this valley abounds in small waterfalls of rare beauty. The abrupt river sides are host to lizards, birds, lots of insects and not only. The flora is also spectacular. Among the beautiful flowers, the imposing trees, we can also find delicious berries.
  Papusa Peak (2391 m/7843 ft) - the highest point of our journey today which allows us to enjoy a magnificent view: towards the north-east, the Piatra Craiului Mts. - our next day destination - with the impressive steeps of the Great Scree; in the north and south, the pastoral landscape, and also Pecineagu and Rausor lakes; in the west,, the glacial valleys of the Iezer Mts., covered in snow till late summer; in the north-west, the Fagaras Mts. (with Romania's highest peak - Moldoveanu 2544 m/8344 ft)

3^RD DAY MONDAY

Trekking towards Plaiul Foii Chalet (849 m/2784 ft) in Piatra Craiului Mts.

• Level rate: An easy hike
• Hiking time: 4- 5 (four - five) hours
• Height difference: 500 m/1640 ft
• Sightseeing objectives: Plaiul Foii Chalet - the oldest recorded settlement in Piatra Craiului, previously a ranger picket and now a beautiful 3 stars chalet with all the facilities. The area where Cold Mountain (starring Nicole Kidman) was shot offers us a breathtaking view of the Northern Ridge of Piatra Craiului Mts.
  First steps in orientation (optional) - it consists of finding your way in the forest, using clues previously given and a compass. At the end, a fun and challenging contest with prizes.

4^TH DAY TUESDAY

Hiking the Piatra Craiului Mts., reaching the highest peak "La Om" (2238 m/7341 ft), descending at a traditional Romanian farm - Folea Farm (1200 m/3936 ft)

• Level rate: demanding
• Hiking time: 9 (nine) hours
• Height difference: 1400 m/4592ft
• Sightseeing objectives: "La Zaplaz" - gorgeous rock formations resembling windows of the wind. These arcades have been carved in limestone by the forces of the nature.
  "La Lanturi" (Westwand) - an area of adventurous hike towards the peak which makes each one of us choose his method of climbing. "Lanturi" means chains; along the passage, there are areas where we will use chains to help us climb through this labyrinth of rocks.
  "La Om" Peak - the highest peak of Piatra Craiului Mts. offers an incredible view: the Papusa Mts., our "host" only two days ago, Plaiul Foii beneath us, the Bucegi Mts., the Leaota Mts., the Fagaras Mts.
  "La Table" - a crossroad where no less than 10 paths meet.
  Folea Farm - after the tiring hike, there's nothing we'd enjoy more than a hot traditional meal. It is the perfect atmosphere to relax, drinking a glass of "tuica" (Romanian drink). Under the impression of the day that is about to end and surrounded by such a welcoming landscape, we will surely feel our souls filled with contentment.

5^TH DAY WEDNESDAY

Relaxing day, passing through Zarnesti, visiting the city of Brasov, camping in Poiana Brasov resort (transfer by bus from Zarnesti to Brasov - 30 km/18.6miles - and from Brasov to Poiana Brasov.

• Level Rating:A very easy hike
• Hiking time: 230 hours (to Zarnesti)
• Height difference: 470 m/1541ft
• Highlights: Zarnesti Town - situated at the foot of Piatra Craiului, 30 km/18.6miles south - west of Brasov. Founded on the ruins of the ancient Roman colony Zarnizis, it officially became town in 1951. Today it has an area of 18,3 sq km and a population of over 26 000 inhabitants, representing 4% of the population of the county. The unique beauty of the landscape mirrored in the clear waves of Barsa River has been a great site of interest for the tourists eager to spend their spare time on these fairy realms.
  Brasov - situated in the central part of the country, it is considered the second best town in Romania. Located 160 km/100miles from Bucharest, Romania's capital, Brasov is surrounded like a halo by the Carpathians, being in the middle of the country at the crossroads of the Eastern Carpathians and the Southern Carpathians. Across the mountains to the South and East there are Wallachia and Moldavia, to the West the Banat region and to the North the rolling hills of Northern Transylvania. Stretching over a surface of 5,363 sq km, the County of Brasov comprises Barsa depression and Fagaras land and in the North-Northeast Persani Mountains and the depression neighbored by Olt river and Tarnave (Hartibaciului Plateau).
  The Black Church - initially known as St. Mary's Church, the building was partly destroyed after the great fire in 1689. Built around 1380, the Black Church is the most representative gothic art monument in Romania. If you are in Brasov don't miss the weekly organ concerts performed here on the largest organ in South-east Europe.
  Adormirea Maicii Domnului Cathedral - the building of the cathedral began in 1895 under the direct order of the archpriest Bartolomeu Baiulescu and was finished in 1896. "Adormirea Maicii Domnului", the masterpiece of the archimandrite G. Bruss, is a perfect copy of the Greek Church in Vienna. The only difference is the tower built above the parish house, which has elements belonging to the Byzantine style.
  The Old City Hall - initially built as a watch tower, once the city has developed, the building was turned into the city hall. Starting with 1420, when the building was renovated, the local council meetings and all the trials were held here. Nowadays the building hosts the History Museum of Brasov. The plaza in front of the City Hall is home to the famous music festival "The Golden Stag".
  Poiana Brasov Resort - the most valuable ski resort in Eastern Europe. Poiana Brasov has long been known as a place to relax and unwind. For many years, people have come from all over the world to breathe the ozone-rich air in Poiana. Many famous people, including football players like Hagi or Adrian Ilie own luxury hotels in the resort.
  

6^TH DAY THURSDAY

Entertainment in Poiana Brasov: horse riding, carriage ride or paragliding

7^TH DAY FRIDAY

Trekking from Poiana Brasov to Rasnoavei Gorge

• It's rather easy hike
• Hiking time: 6 (six) hours
• Height difference: 770 m/1870 ft
• Highlights:
  • Milky Cave - owes its name to the fact that it is almost entirely covered by "cave milk"; 175 m/574 ft long.
  • Postavaru Chalet - offers us a spectacular view over Piatra Craiului Mts. and Bucegi Mts. and the possibility to enjoy the scenery while having a mug of hot wine or a tea.
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  • Rasnoavei Gorge - massive rock walls on the valley of river Cheia, home of many difficult rock climbing tracks.

  
  

8^TH DAY SATURDAY

Characteristics: transfer by car to Bucharest Otopeni Airport
NOTE: timing according to flight schedule (330 Km).

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