Trip duration (days): 13
Required gear: sleeping bag, sleeping mattress, tent, camping stove and gas, backpack, trekking boots, waterproof and warm layers of clothes, frontlight, binoculars – you’ll have a complete list by email within 2 weeks of departure.
Accommodation: Tents and basic shelters. Chalets, guest houses and hotels may sometimes be an option (at your own expense).

1^ST DAY – Bucharest – Piatra Craiului Mountain

• Level rating: easy
• Highlights: – From Bucharest International Airport or Bucharest, by car, to Bran – visit of Bran Castle, then Râsnov Fortress and, in the evening, arriving at the foot of Piatra Craiului. The sunset on the limestone rock face is really impressive from this location. After setting up tent you will serve your first picnic-dinner (included) on the mountain.
• Accommodation: Tents near Plaiul Foii chalet, or Plaiul Foii chalet (should you want to book a room at Plaiul Foii, we should know as early as possible before in order to make the booking).

2^ND DAY – Plaiu Foii – Spirla shelter – chasing bears

• Level rating: easy to medium, 3-4 hours.
• Highlights: Wildlife observation from a good sighting spot (if we’ll get lucky, we may see some bears), and Zaplaz natural rock formation (if time permits).
• Accommodation: Spirla shelter (minimal conditions) or tents near Spirla shelter.

8:00 Breakfast (included)
09:00 Leaving our previous night’s camp site for Spirla Shelter
11:30 Pitching up the tents for the new camp site
12:00 Picnic lunch (included)

13:00 After lunch, we meet up with the park rangers to take us to a spotting place for the brown bears. (EUR 25,- photo tax for personal use or EUR50,- photo tax for commercial use are not included )
20:00 We’re back at camp and preparing our picnic dinner.

3^rd DAY –Spirla shelter – Ceardacu Stanciului – Funduri saddle

• Level rating: medium to difficult,  5-6 hours.
• Highlights: Piatra Craiului’s west walls, The Great Scree, Ceardacului Cave.
• Accommodation: Funduri shelter (minimal conditions) or tents near Funduri shelter

8:00 Breakfast (included)
09:00 Leaving our previous night’s camp site and heading towards the Great Scree
13:00 Picnic lunch (included) under the beautiful arcade near Stanciu’s Cave
16:00 Reaching Funduri’ Saddle the southmost extremety of the main ridge of Piatra Craiului
19:00 Dinner (included)

4^th DAY – Funduri saddle – ‘La table’ – Grind 1 shelter – Grind 2 shelter (on the main ridge) – optional return to sleep near Grind 1.

Grind Shelter

• Level rating: medium to difficult,  7-8 hours.
• Highlights: Piatra Craiului east walls, some sheepfolds, the main ridge.
• Accommodation: Grind 1 or 2 shelter (minimal conditions) or tents in the vicinity.

8:00 Breakfast (included)
09:00 Leaving our previous night’s camp site and heading towards “La table” area
13:00 Picnic lunch (included) in “La table” area
15:00 Reaching Grind I shelter and moving onwards to Grind II shelter located up on the ridge
17:00 Arrival at Grind II, located on the narrow ridge close to Piatra Craiului’s highest point “La om” peak.
19:00 Dinner (included)

5^TH DAY – Grind 1 (or 2, it depends on where we’ll choose to sleep) – Prăpăstiile Zărneștilor Gorge – Zărnești town – Sinaia mountain resort.

• Level rating: easy to medium,  4-5 hours easy hiking, then 2 hours by car.
• Highlights: Prăpăstiile Zărneștilor – spectacular gorge, arrival in Sinaia mountain resort in the evening.
• Accomodation: a guest house in Sinaia.

8:00 Breakfast (included)
09:00 Leaving our previous night’s camp site and heading towards the town of Zărnesti (4h) where we meet our driver who will take us to Sinaia
14:00 Lunch in Predeal (not included)
17:00 Reaching Sinaia and checking in to our accommodation
19:00 Dinner (not included)
Take the time in Sinaia to relax after the first trekking session

6^th DAY  – Sinaia – Peleș and Pelișor Royal Castles and transfer to Sighisoara

Peles

A day of relaxation visiting museums in Sinaia in the morning and exploring Sighisoara’s medieval center in the evening
• Highlights: Peles and Pelisor Castles, Sighisoara medieval city, the place where Vlad Tepes, who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula fictional character was born.
• Accommodation: a guest house Sighisoara.
09:00 Breakfast (included)
10:00 We are going to visit the famous Peles and Pelisor castles, as well as the Sinaia monastery (entry fees not included).
14:00 Lunch in Sinaia (not included)
18:00 Arrival at Sighisoara and check in.
19:00 Dinner (not included)

7^th DAY – Sighișoara – Sibiu medieval city – Alba Iulia – Pietroasa

Sighisoara

Transfer by car from Sighisoara to Pietroasa
• Highlights: Visiting Sighisoara medieval city, with the clock tower, torture chamber and other interesting sites
Visiting the city of Sibiu, medieval city in the middle of Transylvania and European Cultural Capital in 2007.
• Accommodation: Tents near Pietroasa Village
09:00 Breakfast (included)
You will have the morning to visit Sighisoara’s historical sites and afterwards we move on to Sibiu where we will have lunch (not included)
14:00 Lunch (not included)
20:00 Arrival at Pietroasa
20:00 Picnic dinner (included) after
pitching up the tents.

8^th DAY – Hiking in Apuseni mountains

Apuseni Mountains

• Level rating: easy- 4-5 hours easy hiking.
• Highlights: Poiana Glăvoi area
• Accomodation: tents

09:00 Breakfast (included)
10:00 We pack the tents and start our easy hike up the mountain
14:00 Picnic lunch (included)
16:00 Arrival at Glăvoi area, where we will set up our camp.
17:00 Relaxation to recover form the long roadtrip
19:00 Picnic dinner. (included)

9^th DAY – Hiking  and caving in Apuseni Mountains – Ponor Fortresses, The Living Fire caves

Focul Viu Glacier

• Level rating: rating: 6-7 hours of moderately difficult hike, 250 m height difference
• Highlights: Focul Viu Cave Glacier, Cetățile Ponorului limestone formations.
• Accomodation: tents

09:00 Breakfast (included)
10:00 We leave camp and head down to Ponor Fortress cave system,
stopping to admire the view from the balconies on the way
14:00 Picnic lunch (included) and moving on to Focul viu cave (Living
Fire), it’s name coming from the fact that on sunny days light comes in
through a hole in the ceiling of the cave and lights up the remains of
the glacial ice inside.
17:00 Arrival at Glăvoi area where we spend the rest of the day relaxing.
19:00 Picnic dinner. (included)

10^th DAY -- Hiking and caving in Apuseni Mountains – The Lost World caves

Galbena Gorge

•Level rating: Moderately difficult
hike, 7-8 hours
• Highlights: The Galbena gorges, the finest gorge in the Western
Carpathians, made by the river Galbena which springs from an
interesting underground water system.
The Evantai waterfall (Fan Waterfall) with it’s superb crystal clear water
and system of pools.
• Accommodation: tents in Glăvoi area

09:00 Breakfast (included)
10:00 We leave the Glăvoi area and set out in the woods to find one of  the most superbe gorge system in the country Cheile Galbenei
14:00 Picnic lunch (included)
18:00 Arrival at Glăvoi area where we spend the rest of the day relaxing.
19:00 Picnic dinner. (included)

The Lost World

11^th DAY – Hiking  and caving in Apuseni Mountains – The Lost World caves

• Level rating: Easy to moderate hike, 5-6 hours
• Highlights: ‘Lumea Pierduta’ cave network the largest system of caves, holes, tunnels and other interesting features carved in limestone in the area
• Accommodation: tents in the vicinity of Padis chalet.

09:00 Breakfast (included)
10:00 We leave the Glăvoi after packing our tents and start our adventure to the Lost World. You’re not going to find Arthur Conan
Doyle’s plesiosaurs flying around, but you’re surely going to be astounded.
14:00 Picnic lunch (included)
18:00 Arrival at Glăvoi area where we spend the rest of the day relaxing.
19:00 Picnic dinner. (included)

12^th DAY – Hiking  and caving in Apuseni Mountains – Padiș – Scărișoara Cave Galcier

• Level rating: Moderate hike, 7-8 hours

Highlights: Padiş, Cheile Gârdişoarei, Casa de Piatră, Izbucul Tăuz, Peştera Scărişoara

• Accomodation: tents in the vicinity Scărișoara Cave Galcier.

14^th DAY – Transfer to Bucharest, by car

On every day spent on the mountains, we’ll have the breakfast at 8.00. The hike will begin at 9.00.

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40 lakes, and 25 small water eyes, together with impressive mountain ridges, makes the beauty Parâng Mountains. The trip takes place in the world of Glacial Lakes, but also presents some of romaniaţs hidden mountains: Latoriţa, Cindrel, Lotru

1 ST DAY, SATURDAY

Transfer by car towards the Carpathian Mountains: Bucharest Airport OTOPENI – Râmnicu Vâlcea – Brezoi – Ciungetu (230 Km)

Pitching the tents in the Repedea Valley area. Stay over night (height: 1.000 m) (3281 feet)

2 ND DAY, SUNDAY

Taking a tour in the “Piatra Târnovului” Massif: Repedea Valley – Stânele (Sheep folds) “Piatra Târnovului” – The “Piatra Târnovului” ridge – back to Repedea Valley. Overnight in our camp.

• Medium to difficult hike.
• Hiking time – 8 (eight) hours
• Height difference: 900 m
• Sightseeing objectives: the beautiful wild limestone area on the “Piatra Târnovului” Ridge.

3 RD DAY, MONDAY

Unpitching the tents and leaving the campsite.

Hiking: Ciungetu – Petrimanu – The Galbenu Lake

• An easy to moderate hike
• Hiking time – 5 ½ (five and a half) hours
• Height difference: 250 m
• Sightseeing objectives: The Latorita Gorge; The Petrimanu Lake; The Galbenu Lake
• Optional: The Galbenu Lake – The Latorita Waterfall (accessible only on dry weather; there are waters to cross). Time: 3 (three) hours. Medium to difficult hike.
  Pitching the tents in the Galbenu Lake area (height: 1.250 m). Stay over night.

4 TH DAY, TUESDAY

Unpitching the tents and leaving the campsite.

Hiking route in the “Latorita Massif”: The “Galbenu Lake” – The “Stefanu Saddle” – The “Lotru’s Spring”.

• A rather moderate hike
• Hiking time – 6 ½ (six and a half) hours
• Height difference: 650 m
• Sightseeing objectives: Beautiful view over the “Latorita’s Pail”
• Pitching the tents in the “Lotru’s Bridge” area (4 Km away from the “Lotru’s Spring”). Height: 1.400 m. Stay over night

5 TH DAY, WEDNESDAY

Hiking tour in the Parâng Massif: Lotru’s Bridge – The Zanoaga Lake – The Setea Mare Peak – The “Bird’s Ridge” (Muchia Păsării) – The “Devil’s Pail” (Căldarea Dracului) – The “Bird’s Lakes” (Tăurile Păsărilor) – The “Câlcescu Lake” – Back to the Lotru’s Bridge.

• A medium-difficult hike
• Hiking time – 10 (ten) hours
• Height difference: -950 m
• Sightseeing objectives: The glacier lakes “Zãnoaga”, “Pãsãrile”, “Câlcescu”, “Muchia Pasarii” as well as the rocky structures in the “Cãldarea Dracului” (The Devil’s Pail)

Stay over night at the campsite (Lotru’s Bridge – 1.400 m).

6^TH DAY, THURSDAY

Unpitching the tents and leaving the campsite.

Hiking route in the Lotru and Cindrel Massifs: Lotru’s Bridge – Lotru’s Spring – The “Cristesti” Peak – The “Steflesti” Pass – Iujbea Cindrelului – Refugiul Cinaia (shelter).

• A medium-difficult hike
• Hiking time – 10 (ten) hours
• Height difference: 900 m
• Sightseeing objectives: Panorama view from the “Cristesti” Summit as well as the glacier lake of “Cindrel”

Stay over night in the “Cinaia” shelter at 1.750 m (rudimentary accommodation available).

7 TH DAY, FRIDAY

Hiking in the Cindrel Massif: The “Cânaia” shelter – The “Cindrel” Lakes – The “Serban” Saddle – Paltinis/Sibiu

• It’s rather a medium-easy hike
• Hiking time : 6 (six) hours
• Height difference : 500 m
• Sightseeing objectives: The glacier lakes of “Cindrel”.

Pitching the tents in Paltinis (1.100 m). Stay over night. Accommodation in bungalows also possible, upon demand.

8 TH DAY, SATURDAY

Unpitching the tents and leaving the campsite.

Transfer by car: Păltiniş – Bucharest Airport ‘Otopeni’. (330 Km).

Our rates fall 2010

• from EUR 265,-/person (valid for full groups 9-10 attendees) – two guides/ transfers by mini-bus

Rates are per trip and include:

• Transfer from the Otopeni Airport to Ciungetu (230 Km),
• Food (3 meals/day)
• Rental of camping gear: tents, camping gas stoves, sleeping mats, trekking poles,
• Guiding service allover the tour English speaker guide;
• Maps of the Massifs Parâng & Latoriţa,
• Transfer Păltiniş -> Bucharest Airport Otopeni

© Outdoor Holidays, 2010

Transfer to Piatra Caiului Mountains

Welcoming you at the Otopeni Int. Airport , transfer thru the mountains: Sinaia – Predeal – Zarnesti

Accommodation at a mountain lodge, in the middle of the forest

2^ND DAY SUNDAY

Deep into the forest, looking for wildlife.

9:00 AM Breakfast

10:00 AM visit the Carpathians’ brown bear habitat. Romania is known for sheltering more than a half of Europeans’ big wildlife population. Watching the brown bear in freedom is definitely a spectacle. Special program with the National Forest Service.

A forester will join the group for the day.

Optional: visit the spruce and firs forest. The forest is a natural reservation, one of the three reservations in Romanian Mountains, the trees being not only old but also having impressing sizes. A two hours walk will take us to this magnificent fir-trees forest.

7:00 PM Dinner

Accommodation at Gura Bârsei lodge

• Easy – Moderate hike.
• Hiking time – ~ 5 hours
• Sightseeing objectives: the brown bear, the spruce forest in the reservation

3^RD DAY MONDAY

Watching wild life (chamois)

9:00 AM Breakfast

10:00 AM 4-6 hours medium hike

For this day’s program we’ll have to climb the steep slopes of Piatra Craiului. Near the ridge a local guide from the forest service will show us the places where the chamois ( Rupicapra rupicapra ) lives. The chances of seeing chamois in their natural habitat are quite big.

7 PM Having dinner

Accommodation at Gura Bârsei mountain lodge

4^TH DAY TUESDAY

Moderate to difficult hike on the Piatra Craiului Mts Ridge (8 -10 hours)

9:00 AM Breakfast

10:00 AM 8 -10 hours hike. The path fallows Spirla Valley, climbing few hundreds meters on a narrow foot-path in the forest, in light ascend, then on the wide path in moderate ascend. The path leaves Spirla Valley to the right ascending steadily in the near by a spring and in windings it comes out of the forest in the glade with Spirla Refuge. The path turns to the East – South- East, towards the steep slope and gently passes through several glades. In short time the path turns left, comes out of the forest and, across an area with scree, ascends steadily to “La Zaplaz”, at the foot of the rocky steep slope. Crossing to the left, ascends a step and then continues to the right through a narrow path endowed with chains. After that we reach a calm place at the level of several holes carved in the limestone rock. Farther upwards the route continues through a wide ravine with several rocky steep steps, endowed with chains, this part is called “La Lanturi” (The Chains); then the path crosses Braul de Mijloc and reaches the main ridge in Saua Grindului (Grind Saddle).

Not far from here there is the highest peak on the massif: La Om or Piscul Baciului 2238m / 7234ft

8 PM Dinner

Accommodation at Gura Bârsei lodge

5^TH DAY WEDNESDAY

Transfer to Sighişoara medieval town

9:00 AM Breakfast

10:30 AM Visit Bran castle

12:00 Pm Visit Râşnov castle.

2 PM Visit Brasov old City (Council square, Black Church – the largest Gothic building in SE Europe, Rope street – the narrowest in Romania)

On the way to Sighisoara the road is passing by nice Transylvanian villages with tall walls, hiding large yards and house keeps. Also we pass by fortified churches and small castles, Rupea ruins and Feldioara being the most spectacular.

7PM: Dinner in the house where Dracula was born.

Accommodation in 3*guest house in the old town.

6^TH DAY THURSDAY

Transfer to Răşinari Village

9:00 AM Breakfast

On the way to Sibiu the road crosses Transylvania from East to West, many villages with typical houses with tall walls and large gates that are closing the yard almost like a citadel. In the town of Medias Vlad Dracul (Dracula) was kept prisoner for a short time. At Slimnic can be seen a stronghold from the defensive system of Sibiu .

City of Sibiu is one of the largest in Transylvania and the largest medieval city in Romania . Visit city of Sibiu ( Main Square , The Small Square, City hall’s tower, Lairs Bridge )

7 PM Dinner

Accommodation in *** guest house in Răşinari

7^TH DAY FRIDAY

Transfer to Bucharest

9:00 AM Breakfast

10:00 AM visit Răşinari village.

Răşinari is a typical Romanian village in Transylvania , with influences of the German style. The streets are narrow; the houses have tall walls, hiding the yard and the house. Large gates allow the wagons and still running horse-driven carriages to enter inside, and nearby there is a small door for people. Rasinari is the village where two of the greatest Romanian writers where born: Octavian Goga and Eugen Ionescu, the last being the founder of the absurd theatre. He lived the last part of his life in France , at Paris , being adopted by the French culture under the name Eugen Ionesco.

The road fallows Olt River to the South by its narrow path cut into the Carpathians, dividing Southern Carpathians: at East Făgăraş Massif and Cozia Mountains and at West Parâng Goup (Lotru and Capatânii Mountains.).

At the end of the narrow path on the right side of Olt river there can be seen the ruins of a Roman military camp. A few miles down there is Cozia Monastery erected in 1386 by Mircea the Great. The church has on top a golden cross. During World War II the soviet army tried to steal it but they could not.

South of Cozia the road takes us through some famous spas in Romania : Caciulata, Calimanesti. The spas are famous for them mineral waters; tourists from allover Europe c o me here every year for different medical treatments. Calimanesti hosts a palace that was built by Napoleon the 3 rd , the king of France as a summer residence. Nowadays the palace hosts Central Hotel.

Râmnicu Vâlcea is the capital City of Valcea County. The city is a typical small one having few objectives to see.

Pre Carpathian Hills are a region famous for the fruit trees, being covered by huge orchards.

Pitesti is the capital city of Arges county, also called The city of Tulips is a trade center situated on the banks of Arges river, being at the contact of Pre Carpathian Hills and Romanian Plain, two reach regions.

Bucharest city tour.

Accommodation at 3* Hotel in Bucharest


8^TH DAY SATURDAY
Breakfast

Transfer to Bucharest International Airport .

Planning upon flight schedule.

Level rate: Moderate

Dates of departure: 11 July, 25 July, 1 August, 15 August, 29 August, 5 Sept

Nr. of team members: 2 – 15

Trip duration (days): 7

Best period: June – October

Required gear: Backpack, boots, waterproof and warm changing cloths, water can, sweets.

Accommodation: Mountain huts, tents.

Transport: We will use minibuses throughout the trip.

1 ST DAY, SATURDAY

Welcoming you at the international Airport Bucharest Otopeni. Introduction and leaving the airport, heading for Retezat Mts.

Schedule of the day:

10:00 leaving Bucharest heading NV on A1 highway across the Romanian Plain (Campia Romana). We keep NV thru Pitesti (the city of tulips). The road take us in the pre-mountain hills of the Arges county (Subcarpati / Muscelele Argesului). Crossing “Dealul Negru” (The Black Hill) we are almost in Râmnicu Valcea (ancient roman fortress) on the banks of Olt river. West of Olt we are entering in the Valcea’s pre-Carpathians (Subcarpatii Valcii). At Costesti - 30km W of Ramnicu Valcea we see a geological sit. (In the weak consolidated sand from Cenozoic era you can see well consolidated sphere called “Trovanţi” – trovants). On the right side (N), in the Buila-Vanturalita Massif (Capatanii Mts), made from Jurassic limestone (Mesozoic). Bistriţa gorges are cut.

12:00 Horezu – 1 hour break

This area is well known as a famous ethnographical centre and an old centre of ancient pottery, well known by the delicacy of the decorative motif, having the cock as the landmark. (plates, dishes, cups.). In the near by there is Hurez monastery (1691), one of the most valuable treasure, from architectural and historical point of view, of the south of the country (the largest medieval architectural ensemble in the Wallachia ).

13:00 leaving Horezu . Keeping west the road follows the sub-mountain depression Polovragi-Hurez, being “guarded” in the north by the Capatanii Mts, part of the Parang Group of the Middle Carpathians (Carpatii Meridionali). Crossing the Oltet we are entering in the Gorj’s pre-Carpathians (Subcarpatii Gorjului). This is also a distinct ethnographic part of the large region of North Oltenia . Oltenia is an old region of Wallachia ( the south part of modern Romania ), it took its name from Olt river, laying west of it as far as the Danube and the South Carpathians where it is contiguous with another historic region of Romania: Banat. The landscape is marked by medium hills on the left side (south), about 800m, and more and more high mountains on the right (north), up to 2500m.

16:00: Tg. Jiu Entering Campu Mare-Targu Jiu depression we’ll take a lunch break at Targu Jiu.

17:30: leaving Tg. Jiu we are heading north on Jiu valley thru Bumbesti depression, getting nearer the mountains. On the left side (west) we’ll have Valcan Mts (“valc” meaning in the old Slavonic wolf) and on the right side (east) Parang Mts. The Jiu’s valley makes 30 km ( 19mi ) long defile between Livezeni (north) and Bumbesti-Jiu (south). It was made by plunging in the hard rocks. The defile is the most spectacular in Romanian Carpathians by its meanders that are “captive” between those two high mountains made of hard rocks in that sector ( Parang and Valcan). The river is followed by the road, at some high there is the railway with its 39 tunnels built in the 20th century to connect the main mining region (Petrosani basin) with the rest of the country. On our way we pass by Lainici monastery, built in Lainici Pass. As soon as we arrive in Petrosani depression we head west, following Jiul de Vest ( The West Jiu). Passing by mining towns: Vulcan, Lupeni, Uricani we reach our final stop for today.

19:00: Cheile Butii chalet. From here a quite easy hike through some scattered houses and a cool forest ends the day. We are at our camp site, near Buta chalet !

21:00: reaching Buta chalet

Highlights of the day:

Pitesti , also known as the city of tulips is seated in the high part of the Romanian Plain at 300m ( 984ft )on the terraces of Arges river at 116km ( 72mi ) northwest of Bucharest .

Ramnicu Valcea, situated in a beautiful area near by Olt river, well known in Romania as a clean quiet city. The town’s development was secured by the flourish commerce exchange between Transylvania and Walachia on the Olt’s transversal valley.

Targu Jiu, a former market town, on the banks of Jiu river, at the contact between the rich hilly region and the plain. The sculptural ensemble erected by Constantin Brancusi (20 th century) is one of the most important in Europe.

Costesti (Vl ) is at 30km ( 19mi ) west of Ramnicu Valcea. There is a geological sit. In the weak consolidated sand from Cenozoic era you can see well consolidated sphere called “Trovanti”

Horezu Monastery (1691) was built by Constantin Brancoveanu, a well known ruler, famous by his wealth. He was also known by the turks as the “King of Gold”. A cleaver businessman he managed to keep the country on a good position over the Ottoman Empire .

Jiu defil . The Jiu’s valley makes a 30 km ( 19mi ) long defile between Livezeni (north) and Bumbesti-Jiu (south). It was made by plunging in the hard rocks. The defile is the most spectacular in Romanian Carpathians by its meanders that are “captive” between those two high mountains made of hard rocks in that sector ( Parang and Valcan). The river is followed by the road, at some high there is the railway with its 39 tunnels built in the 20th century to connect the main mining region (Petrosani basin) with the rest of the country.

Capatanii Mts, Buila-Vanturalita Masiff , are spectacular limestone Mts, +2000m ( +6500ft ) , cut by beautiful gorges ( Bistrita, Oltet, ). Along with Parang Mts, Lotu Mts, Latoritei Mts, Cindrel Mts, Sureanu Mts, those mountains makes the Parang group of The South Romanian Carpathians ( Carpatii Meridionali ), that lies between Olt and Jiu rivers as the eastern and western borders, and Transylvania and Walachia in the north and south. A lot of the most valuable historical and cultural sites are situated on the south end of those magnificent mountains.

Parang Mts, the highest in the group of mountains between Olt and Jiu rivers. The south part is made out of limestone, very spectacular. The central-north part is made of hard rocks of Alpine origin. The glacial lakes, high peaks and large wild areas makes it a good destination for those who like hiking in the wild spectacular areas in the Carpathians.

Valcan Mts, limestone Mts, 1870 m / 6133ft at its highest, has a lot of caves and gorges. This are one of the wildest areas in Romania, there are few chalets, and the paths follows those made by the wildlife, very reach in those remote hard accessible mountains.

Retezat Mts a spectacular alpine massive, hard to decide the period of the year to visit. In winter is as difficult as the French Alps, in the summer as beautiful as the Italian Alps. It’s glacial lakes, alpine valleys and high peaks make it one of the most beautiful mountain from the Carpathians.

Accommodation: Buta Chalet, 1580m / 5182ft

2 ND DAY, SUNDAY

Hiking on Retezat Mountains

• Difficulty: medium-difficult hike
• Hiking time: 9 hours
• Height difference: + 919 m, -309 m ( +3014 ft /-1023 ft )

Schedule of the day :

8:00: wake up / breakfast/ day’s brieffing

9:00 : leaving the camp site we start climbing. After a short distance the path became steep. No more than 30 min later we are at the Plaiu Mic saddle (Saua Plaiu Mic ) on the Dragasanu Mountain at 1872m ( 6140ft ). Here we have the first contact with the gradness of Retezat Mts. From right to left all our day of hiking can be seen: the high peaks ciruling from right to left, and the large glacial circus of Bucura our destination for the day.

9:40 : leaving Plaiu Mic saddle where we also sow the small lakes, we start a nice smooth climb of our first peak Custura peak 2457m ( 8058ft )

10:45: from the top a nice view over the east side of the massive, Patrosani Depressioon, and Parang Mts. At our feet Taul Custurile ( Custurile Lake ) is the first to appear.

11:00 : heading NW towards Papusa peak (Varful Papusa) we follow Custura Papusii. After descending in Fereastra Papusii saddle ( 2200m / 7216ft ) we start climbing steep. The road is following the rocky ridge, the road we take is not used often, those who want to go on the N side of the mountain , starting from Buta use to take the shorter road by descenting in the valley at Gura Bucurei, then staring climbing the upper glacial valley to Bucura lake. From Ferastra Custurii saddle the path is getting triky. The last qarter is also the most difficult. 14:00 Papusa peak 2508m on of highest in massif. From here we take the first look over the north side of the mountain. 4 glacial valleys are descending from about 2200m7216ft . In the upper part of them there are a lot of glacial lakes. On our way to Peleaga peak we can see Taurile din Valea Rea ( the Lakes in the Bad Valley ).

14:30: after a short descent to saua Pelegii ( Pelegii saddle ) 2200m/7216ft we start climbing Peleaga Peack, the highest in Retezat and the last peak over 2500m of the South Carpathians ( Carpatii Meridionali ), a serie opend by Omu Pk in the east.

16:00: reaching Peleaga Pk (2509m/ 8230 ft ). The high might not seem to impressive, but the way up, the scenery ( especialy in the winter ) make from Pelaga a veritable alpine peak. From the top all the beauty of the Retezat is uncovering: the highest on the left ( NW ) is Retezat peak., on west Bucura pk is like an imposible task in our way to Retezat pk.

16:30: continuing to our final destination for the day Bucura Lake we descent to Curmatura Bucurei 2200m / 7216ft .

17:30 : ( Bucura Saddle ) passing by the spectacular Coltii Pelegii ( Peleaga’s sharp teeth ). ( All the way you’ll need to take a lot of pictures..)

18:00: arriving at Bucuta Lake the camp site for the next two nigts.

16:00 hour peak: lunch we’ll try to take a snack on Peleaga .

Highlights: The glacial complex Bucura is the largest in Romanian Carpathians. It is made of some glacial circus well connected and the largest glacial valley in Romania ( 18km/11mi ). The complex has a large number of glacial lake. Some of its are famors: Bucura is the largest in Romania , Zanoaga is the deepest. Other beautiful lakes are: Taul Peleaga, Taul Peleguta, Taul Portii, Taul Agatat, lacurile Florica, Viorica, Ana, Lia..The legend says that the last four lakes took it’s name from a shepherd daughters.

Accommodation : tents, Bucura lake

3 RD DAY, MONDAY

Hiking on Retezat Mountains

• Difficulty: It’s a medium-difficult hiking day.
• Hiking time: ~ 7 hours
• Height difference: +282m-492m+110m-100m+443m-443m; (+ 925ft-1623ft+361ft-1453ft-1435 feet;)

Schedule of the day :

8:30: wake up / breakfast/day’s breafing

9:00: leaving Bucura Lake to Poarta Bucurei, passing Taul Gatat, Taul Pirtii, two spectacular glacial lakes. From Poarta Bucurei all the way to Retezat pk we’ll go on the ridge that separate the Sistifical reservation Gemenele of the rest of the National Park [ gemenele Scintifical Reservation is one of the few restricted area from the natural point of view in Romania (other restricted areas are in Danube Delta, some caves in different parts of the country ( Bodrogea Plateau/ Podisul Dobrogei, Apuseni Mts/ Muntii Apuseni )

10:00: leaving Poarta Bucurei we reach Bucura peak 2433m/ 7980ft.

11:30 : we start descenting to Retezat saddle at 2200m / 7216ft.

13:00 : leaving Retezad saddle ( Saua Retezatului ) we keep following the ridge, and after another saddle we start climbing the Retezat peak [legend.din highlights ]

14:00: arriving at Retezat peak ( 2482m/8141ft ). Nice view over Godeanu Mts, Hateg depression, Stanisoara glacial valley, Bucura peak, Peleaga peak.

14:30: descend to Taurile Stanisoarei 1990m/ 6527ft

15:30: Taurile Stanisoarei 16:00 leaving to Pierele valley, snack at Stanisoara lake

16:45: ariving at the Stanisoara saddle 2100m/ 6720ft

17:30: arriving at Pietrele Lake 2000m/ 6560ft

18:00: start climbing to Curmatura Bucurei ( Bucura Saddle )2200m/ 7216ft

18:45: arriving at Curmatura Bucurei. From here we might climb Bucura peak 2433m/ 7980ft in order to admire the sunset

19:45: Bucura peak 2433m/7980ft. Here we can see the sunset, take pictures or shoot some nice landscape on camera.

21:30: Bucura lake

Highlights : Bucura peak is one of the most difficult peak to climb on winter from the north. From the top there is a magnificent view over tow of the four glacial valleys: Stanisoara valley and Pietrele valley. The other two are on the east. Valea Rea ( The Bad Valley ), we saw it the day before, and Galesu valley could be seen east of it. All of those glacial valleys host beautiful blue water lakes, the small ones being named “tauri”.

Retezat peak is the one that gives its name to the all mountain, and along with the other impressive mountain that lays west of it: Godeanu, gave the name to the western part of the South Carpathians ( Carpatii Meridionali ) The Retezat Godeanu group [ grupa Retezat Godeanu ].

The says that, by the time when giants were ruling the word, a young giant made a sword to fight against an enemy. Wanting to check the sword’s strength he tried it on a mountain top. The sward was good and he managed to cut mountain’s pick. That mountain is called since then Retezat ( the Cut off ) ( a reteza = to cut off ).

Accommodation: tents. at Bucura lake, 2200 m / 7216ft

4 TH DAY, TUESDAY

Hiking on Retezat Mountains

• Difficulty: It’s an moderate hiking day.
• Hiking time: ~ 4.5 hours
• Height difference: -720m / (-2362 ft)
• Highlights: Pietrele glacial valley is the second [ counting from left to right ] of the four valleys on the north side of the mountain. Near by Pietrele hut, Stanisoara and Piertele valleys merge, making a long width valley.

Schedule of the day :

8:30 wake up/ breakfast/ breafing of the day ;

9:30 leaving Bucura Lake, going up to Curmatura Bucurei. From here we descend to Lacul Pietrele;

10:30. From here we keep descending on Pietrele valley. At Bordu Tomii we can see a huge buttom moraine. The Pietrele valley is spectacular. It is guarded by high peaks: Stanisoara 2187 m / 7176 ft. 7173ft , Pietrele 2270m/ 7445ft and offers a nice view over Hateg depression.

11:30 Arriving at Gentiana hut ( 1670m/ 5478ft ). After a short break we continue our way to Pietrele hut, the place where we’ll camp. Now the path is entering into the wood. In less than 30 min we arrive at Pietrele.

13:00 As soon as we are done with setting the tents we can start preparing for the night.

In order to make a nice camp fire we will start collecting wood fire.

20:30 Just before sunset we’ll start the fire, the fresh meat will be cooked in an outlawly style.

21:00 . hour : outlow style dinner

Accommodation : tents, in Pietrele Valley, 1480m / 4854ft

5 TH DAY, WEDNESDAY

Trekking on Retezat Mountains

• It’s an easy hiking + driving day
• Hiking time: ~ 2 hours
• Driving time : 10 hours
• Distance : 5km, 220km /3.1mi, 199mi
• Height difference: – 1130m ( -3616 ft )
• Sightseeing objectives: Sarmisegetusa Regia, the old dacic chapital.

Schedule of the day :

7:30 wake up/breakfast/ day’s breefing

9:00 leaving the camp site Pierele keeping the valley for about one hour on a (forestier) road. Passing an old mine on the right side we reach the Lolaia waterfall. On the left side on the road there is a lateral moraine that proves the large extension of the glaciers in Retezat Mts ( ice age – Riss period)

10:30 reaching Cârnic chalet. The car is waiting to take us into the second part of the trip. That is at least as interesting as the first one, following the encounter with the ancient history of the Romanians. We head north leaving the mountains over a high bridge. In Malaiesti village we can see the remains of an old castle (XV), and also an old fortified church (XV-XVII). The road takes us into Hateg depression]. We are heading west thru Santamaria Orlea, pasyng by the Kendeffy castle XVIII and a XIII century church.

11:00 arriving at Sarmisegetuza . Here are the remains of Sarmisegetuza Ulpia Traiana Augusta Regia, the roman city with the colony statute (Colonia Dacie) built between 108-110, having as the first governor ( guvernator ) in Decimus Terentius Scaurianus the name of Traian Emperor. The city was built on the same spot as the camp of the Vth Macedonica Legion as soon as the conquer of Dacia was completed. It will become the Roman Empire Province Dacia (Dacia Felix). The city was colonized with veterans ( deducio veteranorum ) that took part at maybe the most important conquer of the Roman Empire (Caesars “dream” was taken to the end by Traian). Here there were the headqarters of the province: governors, administrative, financial, military, economical, religious. During Hadrian Emperor (117-138 ) the city gets the name of Colonia Ulpia Traiana Auguata Dacia Sarmizegetusa, getting during 222-235 the epithet ” Metropolis”. Here there is also a archeological museum.

13:00 arriving at Densus where thare is one of the most important building for the early Christianity in this part of Europe . The church built in the 13 th century on the spot of an older one the 4 th century. Leaving Densus we pass Hateg town heading north towards Humedoara.

14:30 arriving at Hunedoara we’ll visit the Corvinesti’s Casle ( Castelul Corvinestilor ) the 14 th Century, a feudal monument of architecture built by Sigismund de Luxemburg, Hungary’s King.

16:30 leaving Hunedoara we had north to Deva settled on the banks of Mures river in a narrow corridor guarded in the north by the Apuseni Mts and in the south-west the Piana Ruscai Mts.

17:00 arriving at Deva . On a neck (neck = hill of volcanic origin ) there is the ruins of Deva’s Citadel (Cetatea Devei ), built in the 13 th century.

18:00 leaving Deva we head east on culoarul Orastiei ( Orastie Corridor) along side the Mures river, having on our left Muntii Metaliferi (the Melatic Mts) and on the right side ( south ) Muntii Sebesului ( Sebes Mts). Passing by Simeria we arrive in Orastie. From where we turn south towards Gradistea de Munte village where in 1950 there was found the main (political, economical, military, religious) centre of the Dacic state: Sarmizegetusa Regia.

19:00 arriving at Sarmisegetusa Regia

20:00 leaving Sarmisegetusa Regia

21:00 arriving at Geoagiu Bai

Highlights of the day:

Sarmisegetuza . Here are the remains of Sarmisegetuza Ulpia Traiana Augusta Regia, the roman city with the colony statute (Colonia Dacie) built between 108-110, having as the first governor ( guvernator ) in Decimus Terentius Scaurianus the name of Traian Emperor. The city was built on the same spot where there was the camp of the Vth Macedonica Legion as soon as the conquer of Dacia was completed. It will become the Roman Empire Province Dacia (Dacia Felix). The city was colonized with veterans ( deducio veteranorum ) that took part at maybe the most important conquer of the Roman Empire (Caesars “dream” was taken at the end by Traian). Here there was the headquarter of the province: governors, administrative, financial, military, economical, religious. During Hadrian Emperor (117-138 ) the city gets the name of Colonia Ulpia Traiana Auguata Dacia Sarmizegetusa, getting during 222-235 the epithet ” Metropolis”. The city knew a great urban development being the capital city of The Roman province Dacia . The ruins have 1500m/4929ft in length and 1000m3280ft width and the historian appreciated at 20.000 number of the inhabitants. The first city formed a 600m/1968ft long and 540m/1771ft width area surrounded by a 5m/16.4ft wall with circular towers at its corners. At the end of the two streets there were the gates. In the middle of the city, around the plaza there was The Augustins’s Palace ( Palatul Augustinilor ).

Now here is a archeological museum.

Densus . There is one of the most important building for the early Christianity in this part of Europe . The church was built in the 13 th century on the spot of an older one from the 4 th century, that had its first origin as a roman sanctuary. The altar is a roman grave stone of an military. The church has a square plan 6m x 6m, the paintings are from 1443, an unique icon presenting Christ in a traditional Romanian shirt is one of the things that makes from Densus church a treasure for our nation.

Hunedoara . The Corvinesti’s Casle ( Castelui Corvinestilor ) 14 th Century feudal monument of architecture built by Sigismund de Luxemburg, Hungary ’s King. The castle was erected on a roman fort. It was given to Voicu, the father of Iancu de Hunedoara who transforms it from a fortress into court residence. His son Matei Corvin ( Mathias Rex ) the king of Hungary , prince of Transylvania , is adding a lodge to it. The entrance in the castle is made on a bridge. The castle has a defending tower called “Nu te teme” ( Don’t be afraid ). The castle is well preserved and a guided tour is available. The museum has interesting exhibits.

Deva . On a neck (neck = hill of volcanic origin ) there is the ruins of Deva’s Citadel (Cetatea Devei ), built in the 13 th century. The word “deva” is of Dacian origin, “dava” meaning settlement. On Dealul Cetatii ( The Citadel’s Hill ) there is a natural reservation of 30 km²/ 18.6sqmi , preserving 1450 species of plants and the Horn Viper. The hill is also used as viewing point.

Sarmizegetusa Regia was the main political, economical, military, religious centre of the Dacian state between the 1 st century B.C and the 1 st century. It was one of the biggest and powerful refuge citadel of the Dacians. The plan of the citadel is a square, having a stone wall with two gates. It had houses, work-shops, and a sanctuary linked by a paved path ( via sacra ). The big sanctuary was round, it was the famous Dacian calendar with 360 days. The city was conquered and destroyed by the Romans during the war between 105-106. For a short period of time a detachment of the IV th Legion Flavia Felix was kept in the former capital. Some interesting proves of the high technologies used by the Dacians proved that they were making steel.

Geoagiu Bai The thermal waters (33ºC/86ºF) were known and used by the Romans. The old name was Germisara – a Thracian-Dacian name, the Roman name being Thermae Dodone. From the 2 nd -3 rd century dates the circular basin carved in rock. The Romans set up a military fort in the road from Sarmisegetuza Ulpia Traiana to Apulum ( Alba Iulia – Alba county’s capital today ) that passes this region at that time.

6 TH DAY, THURSDAY

Transfer by car from Geoagiu Spa to Carpathian mountains

• Distance: 175 km / 109 mi

Schedule of the day :

9:00 wake up / breakfast

10:00 leaving Geoagiu Bai heading east, the first village is Aurel Vlaicu, the place where one of the pioneers of aviation was born.

Sebes is the next town in our way east. Not far away from Sebes there is Rapa Rosie ( The Red Ravine ). Getting out the Apold depression the road takes us into Sibiu depression. The road form Geoagiu to Sibiu gives us a nice view over the Carpathians ( Sebes Mts, Cibin Mts ).

12:00 arriving at Sibiu . One of the biggest open air museum in eastern Europe – Astra Museum of popular technique. Beside this masterpiece of village museums Sibiu has lot of beautiful places to show us: Brukental palace, churches, old streets, towers of the old citadel. The lunch is to be taken at the Astra museum (in one of the old inn brought here form Tulghes / Batrani county).

17:00 leaving Sibiu we head south towards the Carpathians. At Talmaciu. Turning left, following Olt river we enter into Fagaras depression. Avrig

18:30 Cartisoara . Here we’ll turn right ( south ), heading to the tallest mountain in Romania Fagaras. On our way to the top Cartisoara is one interesting village to see. Cartisoara is the last settlement before entering the dark forest on the north side of the Fagaras mountains.

19:30 Balea Fall is situated at the forest limit.It is a waterfall developed on a glacial threshold, the last of the Balea glacial valley. From here the road winds the tall walls of the mountain.

21:00 Balea lake chalet 2027m/6649ft

• Highlights: Aurel Vlaicu is the actual name of the village where was born one of the pioneers of aviation. Aurel Vlaicu was the first that built in 1909 the first plain able to take off by it’s own engine power. The first object havier that the air took of at the Paris air show.Sebes. The area is full of evidences of the ancient living, starting as far as the late Cenozoic 9 – 10 B.C. ( Cotofeni culture ). In 1341 the settlement is known as Civitas Sebus, formally known in 1245 as Malembach ( Sacerdos de Malembach ). In 1341 Sebes is the first town in Transylvania to build a defend wall against the Turks. In 1581 the famous Coresi print an essential book that will lead to the development of the literal language. The ruins of the citadel are preserved, also the defending towers.Râpa Rosie ( The Red Ravine ) is situated at 3km/1.8mi NE of Sebes, being one of the most interesting place from the point of view of those interested in nature spectacular shapes. This is a geological and geomorphologic reservation, at 350m/1151ft – 507m/1663ft altitude, covering 10 ha/24.7ac, being over 125m/410ft high and over 800m/2624ft width. The sedimentary rocks alternate creating read pyramidal shapes.Sibiu At December the 20 th 1191 in a document emitted by The Pope at Rome names the city Cibinium. In 1223 the city is known as Villa Hermani, and in 1366 as Hermannstaldt. The cities in south and east Transylvania were founded by the Teuton Knits to defend the borders of the Hapsburgic Empire. Sibiu was one of those. The commerce flourished during the centuries, the commercial links of it went as far as Wien, Prague , Leipzig , Gdansk .. From the highlights of the city: The Bruckenthal Palace – that host an interesting art collection ( Titian, Rubens.), walls, towers of the old city – The Clock Tower ( Turnul Sfatului ), Pasajul Scarilor ( The Stairs Street ), Podul Mincinosilor ( The layers Bridge ), old churches… Near by the city there is The Museum of Traditional Civilization ASTRA, ( village museum ).OPTIONAL: Talmaciu here we can see the ruins of an old tower: The Red Tower ( Turnul Rosu ) part of a citadel built to defend Sibiu in the 13-14 th century. The spot was chosen to guard the pass on the Olt valley. Avrig. the town was formed by the germans in the 13-th century, and it was knows as Affrica in 1364. Here are the ruins of a citadel (1200), a church from 1265 ( romanic style ) guarded by a defender wall (the 14th century).Cartisoara In this village lived Badea Cartan, a Romanian shepherd that decided in the 19 th century to go to Rome to see the Dacians graved on The Traian’s Column, in order to make clear for that time that the Romanians are the direct followers of the Romans that conquered Dacia .Balea Lake chalet is situated on the glacial lake Balea at an altitude of 2027m/6649ft . The surroundings are spectacular, peaks over 2500m, the glacial lake with its trout, the grey color of the rocks, the chamois, everything makes you dreaming.

Accommodation: pitching the tents near Balea Lake – “Frantz and Reghina” chalet, 2027m / 6649ft

7 TH DAY, FRIDAY

Travelling by bus. Fagaras Mts, preCarpathian hills, Romanian Plane

• Travelling distance : 210 km / 130 miles

Schedule of the day: 9:00 wake up/breakfast. day’s breaffing

10:00 leaving Balea glacial valley we head south passing the longest road tunnel in Romania ( 1.8 km/1.1mi ) we enter the south side of the Fagaras, in Capra glacial valley heading to Vidraru reservoir. On our left side we’ll see Capra waterfall, descending from the high glacial lake Capra . On our way we are going to pass Capra chalet 1520m/ 4985ft , Valea cu Pesti chalet 860m/ 2820ft , and from the left side of the reservoir we can also see Cumpana complex 832m/ 2728ft ( hotel, camping, sports field ).

11:30 Vidraru dam . We descent on a steep road to one of the most interesting historical spots in the south of Romania.

12:00 Poienari citadel ruins.

14:00 leaving Poienari we are heading to our next stop, Curtea de Arges in a nice landscape of pre-Carpathians ( subcarpatii Argesului ), in Arefu pre-Carpathian depression, guarded by small hills.

15:00 Curtea de Arges is our next stop. Here will have our lunch and we’ll visit the most famous monastery in the country Curtea de Arges monastery ( Manastirea Curtea de Arges ). We keep our way south throw the small hills all the way to Pitesti . Near of Pitesti we pass by Bascov lake. Piresti is seated in the high plains on the terraces of Arges river at 300m/ 984ft .

19:00 reaching Pitesti

21:00 arrival in Bucharest

Highlights of the day:

Vidraru dam : built in 1966 on Arges river, the water of the reservoir is used for a power plant and also to keep large amount of water during the dry seasons. The dam has 166.6m/546ft high, 305m/1000ft length the deep is 155m/508.5ft and the length of the reservoir is 14 km/8.7mi. The place where the dam was built is a narrow sector between Fruntii Mts ( west ) and Ghitu Mts ( east ), part of south Carpathians ( Carpatii Meridionali).

Poienari citadel (ruins) : built on the peak of an hard accessible rock, it is the real castle of Dracula – Vlad the Impeller (Vlad Tepes) the son of Vlad Dracul, trasilvan prince, member of the German order of The Dragon. The citadel was built in the 14-th century.

Curtea de Arges : in the towns area were found ancient necropolis ( Hallstadd period, Ferigile culture: 1154 – 450 B.C. ). Here was the court of Basarab the First ( Basarab I ) ( 1310-1352 ) . At 1352 the was build a church, on the same spot during 1512-1517 Neagoe Basarab makes a new one, the works being conducted according to the legend by the Manole the craftsman ( Mesterul Manole ), Manolii from Nikosia. The legend tells that in order to complete the church in time Manole had to sacrifice his wife Ana by walling her into the south wall. The exact spot is marked on the exterior south wall.

Accommodation : *** hotel, Bucharest ]]> http://www.outdoorholiday.com/hiking/from-caesars-dream-to-draculas-castle-over-the-carpathians/feed/ 1 http://www.outdoorholiday.com/hiking/hiking-maramures-rodnei/ http://www.outdoorholiday.com/hiking/hiking-maramures-rodnei/#comments Wed, 06 May 2009 23:38:51 +0000 admin http://www.outdoorholiday.com/?p=40

Area: Rodnei Mountains, in the North of the Romanian Carpathians
Level rate: Moderate
Dates of departure: May – October, in demand
Nr. of team members: 2 – 10
Trip duration (days): 8
Required gear: Backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, tent, food, spot light, good boots, waterproof and warm changing clothes, water can, sweets, first-aid kit.

Summary: the tour will take you in the North part of the Romanian Carpathian Mountains, namely Rodnei Mountains.

1^ST DAY SATURDAY

Transfer by bus Cluj Napoca – Sighetu Marmatiei ( 205 km/ 127 mi )

Schedule of the day :

9 :00 AM leaving Cluj Napoca
10:00 AM: Reaching Gherla
12:00 AM arriving at Baia Mare
14:00 ( 2 PM ) arriving at Gutâi Pass
snack brake
16:00 ( 4 PM ) Vadu Izei
16:30 ( 4:30 PM ) arriving at Sighetu Marmatiei, accommodation

Highlights of the day:

The road follows Somesul Mare valley that made the contact between the Cluj’s and Dej’s hills on the left side and Somesan Plain, part of the Transylvanian Plain on the right side. (The plain term is given by the agricultural character of the region, that is a hilly region after all)

Gherla. The city is situated on the banks of Somes river, on the place being discovered ancient living traces. In the city there are some workshops specialized in hand making of oriental carpets. The city is first mentioned in 1291 . The citadel built in 1541 has been transformed in prison since 1785; the communist authorities made it one of the hardest for the political prisoners of the regime.

Dej First mention in 1061 the city’s name came from the Slavonic word desa meaning swamp. Being robed by the Turks in 1214 and 1556 the city recovers as a trade city specialized in salt commerce having salt mines in the near by at Ocna Dej . The ” Saint Stephan ” church was made in gothic style between 1453-1536 has a steeple-tower 72m (236ft.) tall.

Baia Mare depression is situated in the NW part of Transylvania at the feet of volcanic Oas Mts. and Gutîi Mts. , it is a tectonic and erosion made depression. The relief has two distinct parts; a tall one at 200-350m (656-1148ft.) made by the piedmonts and a low part at 140-200m (459-656ft). In here there are centenarian eatable chestnut trees preserved in a reservation.

Baia Mare is situated on the banks of Sasar river, being the most important metallurgical centre specialized in copper and lead. The archaeological diggings brought the remains of Dacian mines as well as traces of Bronze Age. The city is first mentioned in 1327 . Being a free city it knows a fast development based on workshops, trade with logs. In 1469 Mathias Rex, Hungary ’s King gives the privilege of building walls and defending towers. In 1472 there are made the first public utilities: paving the streets, water supplies .. In 1995 was finished a chimney 351,5m (1153ft), the tallest in Europe . The Mineralogy Museum is one of the best of its kind in Europe and can’t bee missed.

Baia Sprie , at 500m (1640ft) elevation on the banks of Sasar river, at the feet of Gutîi Mts . At 3 Km (1.8 mi) there is Lacul Albastru (The Blue Lake), with circular shape made in 1920 by the collapse of an old mine, the water being high acid because of sulphur and cooper.

Gutîi Pass is situated at 987 m (3238ft) and makes the connection between Baia Mare depression in the South and Maramureş depression in the North. From here starts a 2h hike to Creasta Cocosului (Cock’s Ridge) 1428 m (4685ft); a fragment of an old volcanic crater. The ridge is a complex reservation that preserves geological, botanical and fauna, the most important being the Raven Corvux corax , rock’s osprey Aquila chryssaetos , kite Accipiter nisus .

Gutîi Mts. are located in the NW part of Romanian Carpathians, made from volcanic rocks, Gutîi peak has 1443 m ( 4724 ft).

Maramures depression has the shape of a large bay filled with alluvium over 90 Km(56 mi ) long on NW-SE direction, laying between the old volcano mountains and the central Carpathians area made of metamorphic rocks. It is direct contact with the others depressions by many high elevation passes. The depression is hilly having piedmonts and a high ridge that divide Iza and Viseu valley.

Maramures is a land of ancestral traditions and legendary Romanian individuality. The isolation of the region is the main reason for the preservation of the traditional architecture and rural culture in the villages. Here, the way of life, the houses, the churches, the famous wooden gates have remained almost unchanged for centuries. Maramures is renowned for its typical towns, with rich display of markets, peasant costumes and livery atmosphere. The local traditions and festivals reflect that agriculture has always been the lifeblood of existence in this region.

The villages in Maramures are generally large, laid out along a road, with orchards, pastures and woods around them .Woodcarving skills and the dominant feature of Maramures crafts. Particularly characteristic of the villages are wooden churches, with tall steeples and shingled roofs, some dating back to the 14 th century. Highly developed, too, is the embroidery of traditional costumes and Easter and Christmas festivals are particularly interesting to see.

The local inhabitants here have always been proudly independent and have retained their traditions, still wearing typical costume and practicing age-old crafts and folklore. Their wild and lively music reflects the beauty of the hills that surround them.

Mara valley is the most spectacular valley in Maramures with some of the most beautiful wooden gates, nice villages lived by kind people. The mane of the two rivers: Mara and Mures gave also the mane of the depression and the county ( MARA + MURES = MARAMURES )

Vadu Izei is situated at the confluence of Mara and Iza rivers, its first mention in document is on 1383 . In 1968 there was discovered a treasure made of 12 bracelets dating from the late part of Bronze period.

Sighetu Marmatiei is situated on the NW side of Maramures depression in the near by of confluence of Iza river with Tisa , at Ukrainian border. The oldest traces of human dwelling dates from Stone Age. The city’s first mention is recorded at 1329. The city hosted one of the main prisons in the communist era, prison well known as the final destination for the political and between wars period leaders. Now the prison is the most important sightseeing spot of the city, Memorialul Durerii ( Pain Memorial ) being the name of today’s museum, set in 1997 . The Museum of Folk Architecture is an open air museum that gathers in all kind off buildings from the typical Maramuresan village. Every year in December for 3 days The Annual Festival of winterTtraditions and Customs took place on the main street. A parade of traditional singing, dance and costumes is a thing that can’t be missed for nothing.

2^ND DAY SUNDAY

Transfer Sighetu Marmatiei – Borsa

9:00 AM breakfast
10:00 AM leaving for Borsa on Viseu valley
11:00 Viseul de Sus
11:30 Moisei
12:00 Setref pass, photo brake, snack,
15:00 leaving for Borsa resort
16:00 arriving at Borsa, accommodation.

Highlights of the day:

Rona de Sus is a village on the banks of Rona River, the Apafi castle, built in the 5th century. There is also a salt lake made by the falling of a salt mine ceiling.
Petrova is a main center of wood carving in Maramures, the famous wood carved gates and the impressive wood churches are the landmark of this ancient Romanian province.
Leordina is also known by its wood carved gates and as a centre of traditional cloths.
Viseul de Jos is a famous village for leather, sheepskin coats, texture and sewing . The village was first mentioned in 1365. The village is also an important railway junction on the line that links Maramures region with the rest of the country.
Viseul de Sus is first mentioned on 1365, since 1773 till 1812 here where brought by the Austro-Hungarian Empire wood workers from Slovakia. Here there are also mineral springs that are related with the old volcanic region.
Maramures Mts are made of a mosaic of rocks, metamorphic, limestone, volcanic. 1957 m (6421ft) mesures the tallest peak. The wet climate was favorable for the dense network of springs and also for the large extension of the forest that keeps valuable venison. Maramure? Mts. are also reach in minerals and mineral springs.
Moisei is an old village, the monastery here, dating since the 14th century, kept interior paintings made on cloth. In the 17th and 18th century here there was in important center of church painting. A monument made by the Romanian sculptor Vida Gheza remembers of the tragedies form World War II, when the Hungarian army set on fire the village and killed the Romanians in 1944.
Sacel village is well known for its red unpolished pottery, decorated with thin black stripes. At 1040 m (3412 ft.) there is The Blue Spring of Iza river.
Setref Pass lies at 817m (2680ft.) and is situated at the contact between Rodnei Mts. and Tibles Mountains, at the border of Maramures and Bistrita counties. A spectacular panoramic view over Maramures depression opens to the North and over Salauta valley to the South.
From here the road turns back on the same way to Moisei, from here just a few miles to Borsa for overnight.
Borsa is the longest city in Romania, laying on 25 Km (15.5mi) from West to East. The first documentary mention dates from 1365; in 1717 the inhabitants fought against the Tatarians on their way back from Transylvania to Moldavia. Borsa was a center for weekly and annual fairs. The main products that where sold in here where wood, wool, pottery, sheep …
Borsa Turistic Complex is at 12 Km (7.8mi) from downtown Borsa. The Complex is situated at 700-850 m (2296 – 2789 ft) elevation at the foot of Rodna Mts. and Maramures Mts., in the near by of Prislop Pass 1414 m (4639 ft) that links Maramures to Bucovina (the Northern part of Moldavia). Mineral springs, ski facilities and many hiking opportunities made of Baile Borsa one of the most complex tourist resort in Romania. As a ski resort it has ski lifts, lift chairs, the largest natural Olympic springboard in Romania (113m/371 ft), and the longest ski slope in the country 6 Km (3.7 mi).
Bors a is the starting point of the next part of the trip, hiking Rodna Mountains.

3^RD DAY MONDAY

Hiking Rodnei Mountains – The north of the Romanian Carpathians : Borsa – Lala Valley – Lala Mare Lake

• An easy to moderate hike
• Hiking time – 5 (five) hours
• Height difference: 250 m
• Highlights of the day: Prislop Pass is a high elevation pass at 1414 m (4639ft ) elevation, at the contact between NE ridge of Rodna Mts . and SE ridge of Maramures Mts . It connect Maramures depression with Dorna depression on Bistrita river, its spring in this region being named Bistrita Aurie. (Golden Bistrita)Lala valley in the NW part of Rodnei Mts.; the road was been widened by the foresters during the last 20 years, being used during the summer by the locals for picking up mushrooms.Lala Mica is a medium size glacial lake, in a spectacular glacial caldera at 2000 m (6560 ft.)Lala Mare is also a glacial lake, as the name says, it is larger that Lala Mica, at about 2100 m the view over Ineu peak is spectacular, and a dramatic landscape to the North give the viewer the opportunity to admire Maramures Mts .Ineu peak. At 2280m is the highest point in the west part of Rodna Mts. In this point the landscape is spectacular. From this high point of north part of Carpathians Mountains can be seen Moldavian Carpathians to the South and South-West, Ceahlau Mts. being easy to identify by its pyramidal shape.
• Schedule of the day:8:00 AM waking up and breakfast
  9:00 AM leaving Lala Mare caldera
  15:00 (3 PM) reaching Galatului peak (2159m/ 7083 ft.), short snack on the peak
  17:30 (5:30 PM) reaching Galatului sadlle.
  19:00 (7 PM) dinner at the camping site.

4^TH DAY TUESDAY

Hiking Rodnei Mountains: Lala Mare lake – Galatului saddle

Highlights of the day:
Saua cu lac (Lake saddle) 2120 m (6995 ft) – beautiful perspective over Maramures Mts in the north. – La Tomnatec 2051m (6729 ft.) – Putredu saddle 1960 m (6430 ft.) – Cisa peak 1970 m (6463 ft.) – A spectacular landscape opens over Bargau Mts., on the south. Cisa Saddle – Omului peak 2134m (7001 ft.) – Gargalau peak 2159m – Gargalau saddle 1925 m (6315 ft.) - Galati saddle 1960 m (6430 ft.)

Schedule of the day :

8:00 AM waking up and breakfast
9:00 AM leaving Lala Mare caldera
15:00 ( 3 PM ) reaching Galatului peak (2159 m / 7083 ft.), short snack on the peak
17:30 ( 5:30 PM ) reaching Galatului sadlle.
19:00 ( 7 PM ) dinner at the camp

• A rather moderate hike
• Hiking time - 6 – 7 (six to seven) hours
• Height difference: 650 m.
• Sightseeing objectives: Beautiful view over the Northern part, Maramures mountains and over Bargau Mts on South

5^TH DAY WEDNESDAY

Hiking Rodnei Mts: Galatului sadlle – Pietrosu peak.

• An easy to moderate hike
• Hiking time – 4 (four) hours
• Highlights of the day:From Galatului saddlethe road takes us on the level curve, bypassing Galatu peak (2145m/7073 ft)and Anies peak (2167/ 7109 ft).The short climb just is fallowed by a medium descent to to Tarnita Bârsanului (1870 m 7073 ft) (Shepherd’s saddle)Following the level curve Negoiasa Mica (2013m / 6899 ft) and Negoiasa Mare (2049m / 6722 ft) we’ll be on our way to the peak

Schedule of the day :

8:00 AM waking up and breakfast

9:00 AM leaving

14:00 ( 3 PM ) reaching Intre Izvoare saddle (Between Springs saddle). Short snack

17:30 ( 5:30 PM ) reaching.

19:00 ( 7 PM ) dinner at the camp

6^TH DAY THURSDAY

Unpitching the tents and leaving the campsite.
Hiking route in the Rodnei Massifs: Pietrosu peak – Borsa.

Schedule of the day :

9:00 AM waking up and breakfast
10:00 AM leaving Pietrosu peak (2303m/ 7554 ft)
11:30 ( 11:30 AM ) reaching Iezer glacial lake
12:30 ( 12:30PM ) reaching Meteo Station Pietrosul
16:00 ( 4 PM ) reaching Borsa
18:00 ( 6 PM ) accommodation at a guest house in Borsa

• A moderate hike
• Hiking time – 4 hours
• Height difference: 900 m
• Highlights of the day:
  • Nice perspective over Pietrosul peak.
  • Iezer glacial lake.
  • Nice view over Borsa.
  • Meadows and hay fields worked by the locals for sheep and cattle.
• Pitching the tents in Borsa

7^TH DAY FRIDAY

transfer Borsa- Sighetu Marmatiei

Schedule of the day:

9:00 breakfast
10:00 leaving for Sighetu Marmatiei
10:30 arriving at Dragomiresti
11:00 arriving at Bogdan Voda
12:00 arriving at Ieud
13:00 (1 PM) arriving at Botiza
14:30 (2:30 PM) arriving at Bârsana, snack brake
16:00 (4 PM) leaving for Sapânta
17:00 (5 PM) arriving at Sapânta
18:30 (6:30 PM) leaving for Sighetu Marmatiei
19:00 (7 PM) accommodation at hotel

• Highlights of the day:From Borsa the road follows the same route that in day 2 by Moisei to Sacel . From here the road turns North on Iza valley.Dragomiresti is the first village to visit in our tour to this incredible region full of masterpieces of rural architecture and traditions in wood carving. The tall wooden church from 1772 was taken to The Village Museum in Bucharest . The village shelters a unique museum in Romania : The Romanian Women Museum. Bogdan Voda was known until 1968 as Cuhea , and was the residence of the first ruler of Moldavia , Bogdan The First ( 1359-1365 ). Saint Nicolas church was built of fir tree wood between 1718-1722 on the same spot of an old one burned by the Tatarians in 1717 . The church is one of the most valuable monuments of its kind in Romania . It preserves original paintings, a wooden carved chandelier from 1722 , an 1801 bell and some valuables books from 1750-1771. Every year in middle May takes place an ancient shepherd’s holiday, a local variant of Sâmbata Oilor ( Sheep’s Saturday ), named here Ruptul Oilor .Ieud keeps the most valuable wooden church in Romania , the pearl of Maramures, Made in 1364 in the oldest wooden church, the only one that wasn’t burned by the invaders in 18 th century. Inside paintings are made on wood, an impressive collection of glass icons, an ancient one piece leader carved in one log. In the church’s loft there was discovered Codicele de la Ieud the oldest Romanian hand writing ( 1391 ), unique in Romania keep at Academy’s Library in Bucharest . Ieud is also the place from were in the 14 th century left Dragos the first Moldavian ruler.Botiza is an old village in Maramures on the scenic Botiza valley, a famous center for wood carving (carved wooden gates, dowry trunk) and wool (blankets). The wooden church was made in 1796 and it was moved hare in 1899 from Viseul de Sus village.
• Rozalvea is a typical village for Maramures, the wooden church dates from 1716 Stâmtura the wooden church of the village was broth here in 1771 from Rozavlea. Stâmtura, the name of the village can be translated The Narrow is famous for traditional costumes made here.Bârsana. In Oncesti on the spot named Cetatiua ( The Citadel ) there were discovered the remains of a settlement dating from Bronze and Iron period (bracelets), and Dacian pottery from 1 st A.D. to 1 st B.C. The most important objective in Botiza is the nun’s monastery made in 1994 with the incredible two level wooden church built between 1991-1992. In Botiza lives the famous folk artist Nicolae Bârsan , well known all over the world for its wooden gates and wood sculptures.Vadu Izei and Sihetul Marmatiei where passed during the day one, but the road continues along the left banks of Tisa river.Câmpulung la Tisa is situated on the banks of Tisa river, and is at the border with Ukraine . The Protestant church was made in 1793 and it is the most important church in the village.
• Săpânţa The village is situated on the North face of Gutâi Mts . at 500 m ( 1640ft ) elevation, at the confluence of Sapânta river with Tisa . The rich mineral springs are good for internal therapy. The village is also known for its traditional house use goods, blankets, traditional costumes, pottery, straw hats. (the traditional man head wear is named Clop , a small straw hat with colorful tassels and a chinstrap)The village was first mentioned in 1373 but it becomes famous all over the world since 1936 when the traditional craftsman Ioan Stan Patras made the Merry Cemetery.  The Merry Cemetery in Săpânţa is unique and original and shows in an astonish way the traditional Romanian way to see and treat life and death, the traditional fun of trouble is taken at its limits. On the graves crosses Ioan Stan Patras and later his apprentices curved epitaphs and painted in vivid colors, with a lot of ingenuousness and humour imagines of the dead ones, showing the good and especially the bad parts of them. The epitaphs on rimes, full of wisdom get the essence of the biography of the deceased, completing the artistic value of the painted imagines. The Dacians where celebrating the death and mourn the birth, seeing life as punish for the soul and death as an end of it.Making fun of trouble seems to be the secret of the lasting of Romanian people against all the hard times. On the same way back to Sighetu Marmatiei for overnight.

8^TH DAY SATURDAY

transfer Sighetu Marmatiei – Cluj Napoca

• Schedule of the day :

9:00 breakfast
10:00 leaving for Cluj Napoca
11:30 arriving at Baia Mare, Mineralogy Museum
13:00 (1 PM) arriving at Jibou , visit to Botanical Garden
15:00 (3 PM) leaving Jibou
18:00 (6 PM) arriving at Cluj Napoca

Highlights of the day:

The road back follows Mara valley to Baia Mare passing Gutâi Pass . At Rastoci 47 Km ( 29mi ) from Baia Mare 1H national road will be fallowed to Surduc .

Lozna is situated on the left banks of Somes , having less than 2000 inhabitants. In here there were discovered Bronze period (13 th -12 th B.C.) pieces such as: weapons, tools, harness parts.

Surduc is situated on the banks of Somes river at its confluence with Almas and Cristoltel , in the SE of Prisnel knolls ( made of metamorphic rocks, being not very tall because of the heavy layer of sediments that still covers it ) was first mentioned in 1554 , in village are there were found a Roman military camp ruins dating from 2 nd and 3 rd century. The village is also famous for red pottery made in here and for wickerwork. In Surduc there is also a 17 th century palace named Jozsica and a small size Orthodox Church made of wood from 17 th century.

Jibou was first mentioned in 1219 under the name of Villa Chybur , in 1564 is knows as a commercial city Sibou , since 1854 having the actual name.

In the near by there was found a silver hoard having pieces from 315-285 B.C., 487 coins from 209, 48-47 B.C. and 33 coins from Thásos weighing 2.4 Kg ( 5.5pds ). They also found traces of a settlement dating from 2 nd -4 th century.

The city is famous for its botanic garden (the most beautiful one in Romania) with over 500 species of flowers. Two castles worth the attention, Wesselenji – built between 1779-1810 in Transylvanian Baroque style, and Beldy castle that has a park too.

Creaca is a village situated in Almas-Agrij hilly depression, on Agrij river. The village first mentioned in 1385 is famous for artistic wood carving.

Agrij depression is a well known area for its apple, pear and plum orchards. It is laying along Agrij river at 120 – 450 m ( 393-1476ft ) elevation.

Românasi is situated in the NE part of Meses Mts. (small mountains of Western Carpathians made of a mosaic of rocks, north of Apuseni Mts .) in Agrij depression. In the place named Cetate ( The Citadel ) there were discovered the ruins of a Roman military fort dating from 3 rd century known as Largiana . The village was first mentioned in documents in the year 1310 and has some interesting wood churches, some painted on the exterior walls too as the two patron saints church built in 1730 Saint Nicolas and Nativity.

Sânmihaiu Almasului

Zimbor is situated in the south part of Almas depression, at the NW foothills of Dealurile Clujului ( Cluj’s Hills ) on Almas river. The village has about 1200 inhabitants and is the middle of the important fruit tree region of Salaj . In Sutoru there were found the ruins of Roman military fort known as Opatiana , dating from 2 nd – 3 rd century. In Zimbor , known in 1332 as Zumbur there is 15 th century church, today the Lutheran church.

Mihaesti

Sânpaul is a village situated in Dealurile Clujului (Cluj’s hills) on Valea Mare river, first mentioned in 1295 has a wood church made in 1722 painted in 1788 .

Cluj Napoca, the most important city in this area.

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