Cycle Romania

Upon arrival, we will be greeted by an Exodus leader and transferred out of
Bucharest to the small town of Vulcan in Brasov County, Transylvania. This
transfer is roughly three hours long but will be broken up with a short break
en route. We should arrive in Vulcan with plenty of time for our evening meal
and will have the opportunity to visit the fortified church as well as learn
about the Saxon heritage of the area.*
*

Day 2

Once we are happy and comfortable after the bike fitting, we set off for our
first experience of cycling in this region. We begin on the flat, accompanied
by views of the snow-covered peaks of the Bucegi Mountains. Today we also
take time to visit the oldest flour mill in Romania, powered to this day by
the river by which it was built. The tale of how it survived the communist
period is also well worth our time.

Our goal is the town of Bucium however if the weather is favourable we may
take a detour to a nearby cave that served as a place of worship over two
centuries ago. At that time the local people – the Dacians – would have
prayed to Zalmoxis, a popular deity in the lower Danube region. Little is
known about Zalmoxis, thought what is known is based mainly on the writings
of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus.

Once we are happy and comfortable after the bike fitting, we set off for our
first experience of cycling in this region. We begin on the flat, accompanied
by views of the snow-covered peaks of the Bucegi Mountains. Today we also
take time to visit the oldest flour mill in Romania, powered to this day by
the river by which it was built. The tale of how it survived the communist
period is also well worth our time.

Our goal is the own of Bucium however if the weather is favourable we may
make a detour to what is known as a

If the weather is good we will make a detour to a nearby cave that served as
a place of worship over two centuries ago. At that time the local people –
the Dacians – would have prayed to Zalmoxis, a popular deity in the lower
Danube region. Little is known about Zalmoxis, thought what is known is 
based mainly on the writings of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus.

 

Day 3

We ride to the village of Lisa, with the ridge of the highest mountain range
in Romania, the Fagaras Mountains, as our constant companion. There we visit
a wool mill to see how woollen blankets and clothes are still being made
using old methods. There is even a 100-year-old machine still in operation.
We then cycle to the village of Cartisoara and on to Carta itself and visit
the Cistercian Monastery. The oldest buildings on the site date back to
around 1205 and like many buildings in the area it has a fascinating history.

Please note that on some departures our groups stay in the town of Cartisoara
and will visit the Monastery in Carta on day 4. The distances of each day
would, therefore, change by 5km.

Day 4

Today’s ride starts with a crossing of the river Olt and continues along
quiet country roads. We cycle past the fortified church of Richis as we make
our way towards Biertan. Once in Biertan, we have a tour of the UNESCO listed
fortified church set up on a hill overlooking the vineyards and surrounding
fields. Building began in 1486 by the German Transylvanian Saxon community
when the area was part of the Kingdom of Hungary.

As a late Gothic church, it stands out thanks to the concentric ringed walls
and huge towers, and is often considered one of the most impressive of its
kind in Romania.  It achieved UNESCO status in 1993 and has numerous
interesting buildings in the complex. The church contains some beautiful
Renaissance pieces, while there are also three bastions, six towers and three
rows of walls to ward of undesirables.  

Day 5

Today we have a beautiful ride through the countryside and remote villages of
Transylvania. Following the river Tarnava Mare we pass hop fields and set our
sights on Sighisoara. This truly is a place worth visiting, as one of the few
medieval citadels in Europe that is fully inhabited. Another to feature on
the UNESCO list of world heritage sites, we have a free afternoon to wander
the streets and immerse ourselves in place so wonderfully preserved and
faithful to its origins. There is even the house where Vlad Dracul, father of
Vlad the Impaler, was born. 

Day 6

Today’s ride follows a lovely quiet country road through the Transylvanian
hills to Apold village. After looking around the fascinating old town before
we hop back on the bikes to continue our ride through small farming towns and
pastures. The medieval church at Bradeni will provide the backdrop to our
lunch spot. Today’s ride ends in the small town of Soars; here our
accommodation will be split over four small family houses. This is a great
opportunity to experience real Romanian rural life and get to know your
hosts. Today’s evening meal is taken as a group at the largest guesthouse
house and will be a traditional Romanian meal cooked by the family.

Day 7

After breakfast, we ride out of Soars. The day starts with a short climb
through the forest before a lovely stretch of road through several small
towns takes us to Viscri. Here we have the opportunity to explore this lovely
old town as well as visit Viscri’s well-known fortified church and meet the
brickmakers and blacksmiths who helped restore the building. The church was
restored with the help of the Prince of Wales Foundation in 1991 and is now
regarded as one of the best examples of a fortified church anywhere in the
world. There will be plenty of time to fully explore Viscri as we stay in the
centre of town.

Day 8

After breakfast we have a private transfer to Bran Castle, situated on the
border between Transylvania and Wallachia. Here we take a tour around this
spectacular building which has become known as 'Dracula’s Castle'. Inside
there are displays of art and furniture collected by Queen Marie and the
grounds feature a small open air museum displaying Romanian peasant
structures. After exploring the castle and grounds we hop back in the vehicle
and continue our journey to Bucharest. The afternoon is free to explore
Bucharest and we can go out for a final meal as a group.

*Please note.* Bran Castle is an extremely popular tourist destination and
can be very busy. Therefore our local guide will give the option to either
visit Bran Castle (as stated above) or make a quick stop to see the castle
from the outside before transferring to the spectacular though less well
known Peles Castle for a tour. 

Day 9

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport and fly home.