This week-long journey through Romania takes you from the dramatic peaks of Bucegi and Piatra Craiului National Parks to the cozy charm of mountain villages, with cultural landmarks like the Bucegi Sphinx and Heroes’ Cross, and a taste of rich Romanian cuisine along the way.
Summary of daily hikes/activities:
- September 28: Meet in Bucharest; Night in a hotel
- September 29: Transfer from Bucharest to Bușteni; Hike to Cascada Urlătoarea (medium, 7km, 380m+)
- September 30: Drive to Zărnești (45 minutes); Hike to Cabana Curmătura (medium, 10.8km, 670m+)
- October 1: Cable car from Bușteni, Hike to the Sphinx (medium, 6.75km, 406m+); Bran castle visit
- October 2: Hike to Cabana Poiana Izvoarelor (medium, 11km, 650m+); Lunch in Cabana Gura Diham
- October 3: Hike Garganta de Orzei (easy, 8.3km, 240m+); Trip finale dinner in Brașov
- October 4: Transfer to Bucharest
↓ Sign up for reduced price until September 1 ↓
Munții Bucegi
Bucegi Mountains, located in the heart of Romania, is one of the country’s most spectacular natural reserves, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, deep gorges, and high plateaus. Dominated by the Bucegi Mountains, the park offers a stunning mix of alpine landscapes and dense forests, home to a rich variety of wildlife including chamois, bears, and lynx. Iconic natural formations like the Sphinx and Babele, sculpted by wind and erosion, add a mysterious charm to the high-altitude terrain. The park is crisscrossed with well-marked hiking trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints, waterfalls, and ancient shepherd settlements, making it a favorite destination for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers.
Piatra Craiului
Piatra Craiului National Park is a striking mountain range in the Southern Carpathians, renowned for its narrow, sawtooth limestone ridge that stretches over 25 kilometers and offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Romania. Often considered a paradise for experienced hikers and climbers, the ridge provides breathtaking panoramic views and challenging trails that traverse rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and dense beech forests. The park is also a biodiversity hotspot, home to a rich array of plant species and wildlife, including wolves, bears, and the elusive lynx. Beyond its natural beauty, Piatra Craiului preserves elements of traditional Romanian mountain life, with scattered pastoral settlements and sheepfolds adding cultural depth to this wild and spectacular landscape.
The Bucegi Sphinx
The Bucegi Sphinx and the Heroes’ Cross are two iconic landmarks in the Bucegi Mountains, each rich in symbolism and set against a backdrop of dramatic alpine scenery. The Sphinx is a natural rock formation resembling a human face, sculpted over millennia by wind and erosion, and often associated with ancient legends and mystical energy. Just a short hike away stands the Heroes’ Cross (Crucea Eroilor), an imposing 39-meter steel monument erected in the 1920s to honor Romanian soldiers who died in World War I. Perched on the Caraiman Peak at over 2,200 meters, the cross offers sweeping views over the Prahova Valley and is one of the highest mountain crosses in the world. Together, these two sites reflect both the natural wonders and historical depth of the Carpathians, making them must-see destinations for visitors to Bucegi National Park.
The Bran Castle
Bran Castle, often referred to as “Dracula’s Castle,” is one of Romania’s most famous landmarks, perched dramatically on a cliff at the edge of Transylvania. Though its connection to Bram Stoker’s fictional Count Dracula is tenuous, the castle’s imposing towers, narrow stairways, and medieval architecture evoke the atmosphere of gothic legend. Built in the 14th century as a strategic fortress between Transylvania and Wallachia, it later became a royal residence and is now a museum showcasing furniture, weapons, and art from different periods. Surrounded by forested hills and offering panoramic views of the countryside, Bran Castle captures both the imagination and the history of Romania, drawing visitors with its mix of myth, mystery, and architectural beauty.
Accommodation
Hotel Iri is a cozy 3-star hotel nestled in Bușteni, just steps away from the town’s cable car to Babele and the Kalinderu ski slope, and only a 10‑minute walk from the train station. With 30 well-appointed rooms—many featuring balconies overlooking the Caraiman massif—guests enjoy modern comforts like free Wi‑Fi, soundproofing, fridges, and private bathrooms. On-site amenities include a restaurant serving both Romanian and international dishes, a bar, terrace, ski storage, free parking, and a meeting room
Sign Up
The price of the trip is €1050 Euros per person (€950 signing up before September 1). 250 euros paid in advance to reserve the spot, balance due by September 12. The price is for a person sharing a twin room. You can reserve a single room for additional 350 euros.
Members get a 25 euro discount.
Free cancellation until September 12.
The price includes transportation, six nights of accommodation with breakfast, insurance and a professional guide.
Price does not include flights.
You can get more info about the trip by contacting us by e-mail: info@valenciamountainenthusiasts.com