Cycling Transylvania

Your Itinerary          

1: Meet Bucharest, walking tour of Brasov
Your group of adventurers will meet at Bucharest's airport, then transfer to Brasov. Here you will stroll through the historic centre, explore the most important landmarks of the town, discover one of Europe's narrowest street and visit the gothic Black Church. Dinner in one of the best traditional restaurants of Brasov follows, accompanied by a short introduction of the tour and a welcome package.
Meals: L D

2: Cycle to Draculas Castle, visit Prejmer Fortified Church
After a wholesome breakfast, we start our day cycling up to Poiana Brasov ski resort (1030 m) on a panoramic road through Postavarul Mountains and with splendid views over the town of Brasov. After a pleasant descend through pine forests, we visit the dramatic Bran Castle, commonly known as Dracula’s Castle. From Bran you will be transferred first to Prejmer Fortified Church, part of the the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Transylvania, for a guided tour of this amazing fortification. Here you can be amazed by the powerful surrounding walls, the great architecture of the church and the incredible stories about how successful and well-organized was the local community in surviving the many Turkish sieges. Overnight and dinner in the authentic Mikes estate in the Szekely village of Zabola where you can relax and dine like a Transylvanian nobleman.
Cycling: 20 mi / 32 km, Terrain: 600 meter climb, mountainous, Meals: B L D

3: Cycling the Haromszek region, museums, craftshops
Your day starts with flat cycling through the Haromszek region, first we visit the the church from Ghelin?a dated from the 14th century and famous for its Gothic mural paintings, then historical center and the Crafts Museum in Targu Secuiesc. We continue our journey towards the village of Cernat where in the past more than 30 watermills operated to serve the needs of many villages in the region. We visit Szekeyland's biggest open-air museum, learn about the folk culture and architecture of the Szakelys, then we have a break at a cultural center built around a more than 150 years old watermill. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch prepared by the local women based on traditional recipes and learn about the old craft of milling. Finish our day climbing up to Balvanyos Resort to enjoy the mineral springs and a relaxing evening.
Cycling: 40 mi / 65 km, Terrain: flat then gradual climb, Meals: B L D

4: Cycling Mohos Peat-bog Natural Reserve and the Land of Woods
Today we head for the Baraolt region, known as the Land of Woods. Our first stop is the Mohos Peatbog Natural Reserve where we be introduced to its medicinal and carnivorous plants and St Anne Lake, where perhaps weather permitting a swim is in order. Descending from the crater rim, we ride through forests and along remote rural roads where locals still lives traditional lives. We will visit with an 80 year old lady and her working water mill, rest at the fizzy mineral water springs and bath of Batanii Mici or pay a visit to the local traditional brick and tile making workshop in the neighboring village.
Cycling: 32 mi / 51 km, Terrain: flat, Meals: B L D

5: Cycle to Racos Geological Complex and Saxon villages
Today first we visit the Racos Geological Complex, then say farewell to Szakelyland as we depart to explore the medieval heritage of the Saxon settlements located in the south-eastern part of Transylvania. After 1.5 h ride we reach Racos village where the mining activities revealed huge geologic sections (over 50 m height and 200 m in length) allowing you to observe the system's geological structure. From Racos we head towards Rupea fortress on paved country roads with optional stops at the ruins of the Hungarian Sukosd-Bethlen Castle and the Saxon fortified church of Homorod. Next is the beautiful Saxon village of Viscri. Upon arrival, we can visit the wool felt shop and its UNESCO-designated fortified church.
Cycling: 36 mi / 59 km, Terrain: flat, Meals: B L D

6: Ride the Saxony Bike Trail, explore the medieval citadel of Sighisoar
Today we cycle part of a network of trails which link Viscri with the other two neighboring villages of Mesendorf and Crit. In Mesendorf you can visit the Peasant Citadel, dating from 14-15thcenturies, while in Crit meet Mr Emil Pandrea, a skillful beekeeper, who has recently become the British Royal Court's honey provider and find out how he earned this position whilst sampling this sweet delicacy. We bod the bikes good bye in Crit and transfer to the medieval citadel of Sighisoara where a guided walking tour through the UNESCO protected citadel and to the Lower old center awaits you. During this tour you will have the chance to learn more about how nature and the territory influences the local food and the characteristics of the local gastronomy in the oldest school of Sighisoara. Try some typical cheese from the Tarnave area of the Transylvanian Highlands and taste some delicious pork specialties and some local white wines. Gather for a finale dinner tonight at our luxurious inn.
Cycling: 15 mi / 24 km, Terrain: flat, Meals: B L D

7: Farewell
We bid farewell to Transylvania and transfer back to the Bucharest Airport.
Meals: B