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:
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Walking tour of vibrant Bucharest – dive into Romania’s buzzing capital and uncover its hidden gems
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Guided visit to fairytale Peles Castle – a royal gem nestled in the mountains
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Explore Brasov’s cobbled charm – one of Eastern Europe’s most picturesque towns
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Wild Bear Hide Experience – hike deep into the forest and witness bears in their natural habitat (a truly goosebump-worthy moment!)
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Guided mountain hike in Piatra Craiului National Park – a biodiversity hotspot bursting with alpine beauty
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Visit to Libearty Bear Sanctuary – meet rescued bears and hear their heartwarming stories
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Wander through Dracula’s Castle (Bran) – uncover the legend, the lore, and the local market
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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
🗓️ 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
🤔 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