ROMANIA BEAR WATCHING, MOUNTAIN HIKE & CASTLE HOPPING

£800.00£950.00

Dates: 25th – 28th June 2026

Where Wildlife Roams and Legends Linger…

Step into a world of wild bears, dramatic castles, and hauntingly beautiful landscapes as we whisk you away on an unforgettable 4-day escape to the heart of Transylvania.

This is not your average weekend break. It’s a spine-tingling, soul-stirring journey through Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, home to the mighty Brown Bear, with a side of medieval magic and gothic grandeur.

✈️ Highlights Include:

  • Walking tour of vibrant Bucharest – dive into Romania’s buzzing capital and uncover its hidden gems

  • Guided visit to fairytale Peles Castle – a royal gem nestled in the mountains

  • Explore Brasov’s cobbled charm – one of Eastern Europe’s most picturesque towns

  • Wild Bear Hide Experience – hike deep into the forest and witness bears in their natural habitat (a truly goosebump-worthy moment!)

  • Guided mountain hike in Piatra Craiului National Park – a biodiversity hotspot bursting with alpine beauty

  • Visit to Libearty Bear Sanctuary – meet rescued bears and hear their heartwarming stories

  • Wander through Dracula’s Castle (Bran) – uncover the legend, the lore, and the local market

  • All accommodation, transfers, some meals & expert guides included

This trip is for curious adventurers, wildlife lovers, and those with a taste for legends, forests, and unforgettable encounters. Whether you’re watching bears roam freely at dusk or standing inside the walls of a castle cloaked in myth, Romania will steal a piece of your heart.

🎒 Group size is limited.

🛫 Flights from Luton (not included but we will confirm which flights you need to book).

📷 Camera and sense of wonder: essential.

GET OUTSIDE AND GET INSPIRED

Pay a deposit of £135.00 per item

🗓️ Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Thursday 25th June 2026
Arrival in Bucharest & City Tour

  • Fly from Luton to Bucharest
  • Private transfer to the boutique Concorde Old Bucharest Hotel
  • Afternoon walking tour of Bucharest with a local guide
  • Discover the city’s vibrant old town, architecture, and rich history
  • Enjoy a traditional Romanian dinner at a local restaurant (included)

Day 2 – Friday 26th June 2026
Castles & Wild Bears

  • Depart Bucharest and drive to Transylvania
  • Visit the stunning Peles Castle in Sinaia
  • Arrive in Brasov, check in at Hotel Gott and enjoy lunch (included)
  • Free time to explore the medieval old town and Black Church
  • Late afternoon: travel to the Carpathian Mountains
  • Bear Hide Experience – Hike to a secluded hide for a magical wildlife encounter
  • Return to Brasov for a late dinner (included)

Day 3 – Saturday 27th June 2026
Hiking in the Carpathians

  • Full-day guided hike in Piatra Craiului National Park
  • Forest trails, alpine meadows, and breathtaking views
  • Wildlife spotting: chamois, deer, birds of prey, butterflies and more
  • Lunch at Curmătura Chalet (local home-cooked meal)
  • Evening meal back in Brasov (included)

Day 4 – Sunday 28th June 2026
Bear Sanctuary & Bran Castle

  • Check out of hotel after breakfast
  • Visit to Libearty Bear Sanctuary – meet rescued bears and hear their stories
  • Continue to Bran Castle – explore Dracula’s legendary home
  • Lunch in Bran before heading back to Bucharest
  • Transfer to the airport for return flight to Luton

You will pay a non refundable deposit of £135 and then the final payment is due 12 weeks before we fly (Thursday 2nd April 2026

Our standard terms apply.

🤔 Is This For Me?

This trip is perfect for those who want to combine thrilling wildlife encounters, epic hiking, and legendary castles — all wrapped up in the breathtaking landscapes of Transylvania. 🐻⛰️🏰

It’s ideal for:

  • Adventurers who want to see wild brown bears in their natural habitat
  • Wildlife lovers and photographers seeking authentic experiences in nature
  • Hikers with a reasonable level of fitness — the mountain trek is around 6 hours with some challenging sections, uneven terrain, and uphill stretches
  • Culture and history buffs excited to explore castles, medieval towns, and myths of Dracula
  • Travellers who enjoy small group travel and expert-led itineraries

You’ll need:

  • A good level of walking fitness
  • A sense of adventure and curiosity
  • Suitable footwear and a willingness to disconnect from the modern world for a while

If you love the idea of exploring deep forests, spotting bears at dusk, hiking alpine trails, and discovering Romania’s magical charm — then yes, this is very much for you!

🧠 Did You Know?

  • 🐻 Romania has one of the largest populations of wild brown bears in Europe, with over 6,000 roaming the Carpathian Mountains.
  • 🏰 Bran Castle may be known as Dracula’s Castle, but there’s no historical evidence that Vlad the Impaler (the real Dracula) ever lived there!
  • 🌦️ June weather in Transylvania is usually mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures averaging 20–26°C (68–79°F). However, mountain areas can be cooler – pack layers!
  • 💰 Romania’s currency is the Leu (plural: Lei). Most places accept card payments, but it’s useful to carry some cash for smaller shops or market stalls.
  • 🍽️ Expect hearty and delicious meals! Traditional Romanian cuisine includes sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), ciorbă (tangy soups), mămăligă (polenta), and papanași (a type of doughnut dessert).
  • 🗣️ The official language is Romanian, a Romance language closely related to Italian and French. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
  • 📶 While Bucharest and Brasov have good internet access, mobile signal and Wi-Fi can be patchy in the mountains – perfect for a digital detox!
  • 🐾 The Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zărnești rescues bears from captivity and abuse, offering them 173 acres of natural forest to roam safely.
  • 🍷 Romania produces some fantastic local wines, particularly in the Transylvania and Dealu Mare regions – worth trying if you’re a wine lover!
  • 🎭 Romanian culture is a mix of Latin, Slavic, and Balkan influences – with rich folklore, gothic tales, and a deep-rooted connection to nature and spirituality.

✅ What’s Included

  • ✈️ Return airport transfers in Romania (airport to hotel and back)
  • 🏨 3 nights’ accommodation in boutique hotels:
    • 1 night in Bucharest (Concorde Old Bucharest Hotel)
    • 2 nights in Brasov (Hotel Gott or similar)
  • 🍽️ Meals:
    • 3 x breakfasts (provided at your hotels)
    • 2 x dinners (including a traditional Romanian welcome meal and final night in Brasov)
  • 🚐 All ground transport between locations in a comfortable, private vehicle
  • 🐻 Bear Hide Experience with professional wildlife guide
  • 🥾 Guided hike in Piatra Craiului National Park (approx. 6 hours)
  • 🏰 Entry & guided visits to:
    • Peles Castle
    • Bran Castle
    • Libearty Bear Sanctuary
  • 🎤 Walking tour of Bucharest with a local expert
  • 📸 Small group experience, expert guides, and full trip coordination

❌ What’s Not Included

  • ❌ International flights (to and from Romania)
  • ❌ Travel insurance (required)
  • Lunches – you’ll have the freedom to choose your own meals during the day
  • ❌ Tips and personal spending
  • ❌ Optional activities or souvenirs