Walks Worldwide Dossier

TRIP DOSSIER

Grand Tour of the Carpathians ROMANIA • Trek in Transylvania, Bucovina and the Maramures • See “Castle Dracula” at Bran • Sweeping views of Transylvania from the summit of Omu • World famous painted monasteries in Bucovina

Guided Group Departures Walking Grade: B/C – Moderate/Demanding

Trip Code: TGTC For dates and prices visit www.walksworldwide.com

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Date of issue: 08 Sep 2014

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Grand Tour of the Carpathians

Important Note

Introduction Based on the many trekking and travelling adventures that we’ve undertaken ourselves to this very special country, we’ve created this exceptional and unique to Walks Worldwide trek and tour of the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. From the soaring peaks of Transylvania, to the rolling and bucolic landscapes of unspoiled Maramures this epic journey encompasses what we believe to be the “best of Romania” that is possible within a two-week adventure holiday. Way up high in the Bucegi Mountains on the summit of Omu, the panoramic views across the Carpathians to the plains 2000m below will take your breath away. You’ll visit the fairytale palace of Peles, the iconic castle at Bran (a.k.a. “Castle Dracula”), as well as explore the medieval heart of the delightful city of Brasov. In complete contrast you’ll be transported by horse and cart to a hill-side beneath the imposing jagged peaks of Piatra Craiului to enjoy a Transylvanian BBQ amongst true scenic splendour, visit the UNESCO world heritage tiny saxon village of Viscri where little has changed for hundreds of years and discover the incredible citadel of Sighisoara too, where the real Dracula was born. The world famous “Painted Monasteries of Bucovina” (again world heritage sites) set amongst a backdrop of idyllic rural hillsides are next, before we whisk you over a high mountain pass into the land aptly described as “where Earth meets Heaven”, the ancient lands of the Maramures, just a stone’s throw from the Ukraine. Maramures will enchant even the most discerning world traveller. Here you will discover tiny villages set amongst a dreamy landscape of rolling hills and remote mountains, steeped in history and where local customs still hold strong. Maramures truly is a world treasure and her jewels are the ancient hand built wooden churches (many of which are now World Heritage sites). Maybe you’ll get the joke at the brightly painted “Merry Cemetery” here too. As well as trekking high onto the Bucegi plateau, you’ll also be discovering rural Romania on foot too throughout the course of this special connoisseur’s adventure holiday. You’ll meet the fascinating and friendly locals along the way, experience a way of life long since passed in the U.K. and all whilst trekking through landscapes of outstanding natural beauty.

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Due to the specialist nature of our holidays, day to day itineraries should be taken as a guide only, and as statements of intent and not contractual obligations. We regularly update our trip dossiers to take into account changes to trekking routes, accommodation, local transport etc. Such changes are a factor of this type of holiday and when made are out of necessity. Other factors such as adverse weather, unforeseen circumstances and other matters entirely out of our control etc can also lead to enforced changes during the course of the holiday. It is not possible to guarantee that any of our holidays will operate exactly as per the anticipated itinerary. The most current trip dossier will be made available on our website. We will also send you the most up to date trip dossier with your “Final Joining Instructions” approx. 2 weeks before departure and you should carefully check this for any changes that may affect your plans. Before booking you should read our “Types of Trip” and “Essential and Useful information” sections on www.walksworldwide.com including our ‘Important Warning’.

Your Holiday Life on trek As this is quite a varied adventure holiday there is no one particular routine. However, as a general rule you’ll take breakfast at your overnight accommodation and then head out for the day’s walk. Stop en route for a picnic lunch and then carry on with the remainder of the days walk, taking dinner at your overnight accommodation.

Walking conditions In a word - varied! In the Bucegi you walk on a high mountain plateau and then down through a spectacular valley. In the Bucovina region the landscape is hilly/moderately mountainous and in Maramures the walks are generally lower level. Conditions underfoot are generally good throughout as you’ll be walking along rocky mountain trails, dirt tracks and stony, rural footpaths linking villages etc. Ascent and descent is a natural feature of this holiday and on a few occasions there will be some steeper sections, although these are not particularly sustained. There may be very brief

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sections of easy scrambling on a couple of walks only. As the walking is quite varied, with some walks being longer and more challenging than others this is quite a difficult trip to grade. However, we have selected the grade as an overall indicator. A full explanatio n of the trip grading can be found in our brochure or online at www.walksworldwide.com. You should ensure you are comfortable walking at this level of grading and are physically prepared for the trip and capable of walking for 5-7hrs per day continuously.

Detailed itinerary Day 1 Arrive Bucharest, transfer to Sinaia Rendezvous at Bucharest Otopeni Airport. A single timed group transfer will be provided from the airport to the group hotel in Sinaia. (See How to join and depart this trip section later in this trip dossier). Hotel (dinner)

Day 2 Visit Peles Palace, then trek to summit of Omu

Mountain hut (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Into Transylvania. With the imposing Bucegi Mountains looming overhead and perched above the lovely Prahova valley, Sinaia (formerly a stop for the Orient Express) is known as ‘The Pearl of the Carpathians’ and the home of the stunning former Royal Palace of Peles. With its fairytale style towers and turrets a visit to majestic Peles will surely enthral as you are taken after breakfast on a guided tour (in English) through the various ornate rooms used by King Carol 1st as his summer residence. From Sinaia it’s a very short drive to Busteni. Here the Bucegi Mountains are at their most impressive, as they loom menacing above Busteni as a seemingly impenetrable 1500m rock wall. From Busteni a spectacular cable car ride whisks you high up into the Bucegi above the Prahova Valley. Despite their imposing appearance from Busteni, the top of the Bucegi is mostly broad, open plateau, presenting a very straightforward way to experience some high mountain walking. The views from the Bucegi are simply magnificent across the Prahova, the Ciucas Mountains, and westwards toward the jagged Fagaras and Piatra Craiului ranges.


Take a look at the weird, eroded mushroom-like rock formations known as Sphinx Rock. Heading across the Bucegi plateau we’re now at an elevation of just over 2000m, and an option is to take a detour to the Caraiman Cross that affords incredible views down to the Prahova Valley and across the Ciucas range. Trails on the Bucegi are many, and invariably broad and easy to follow. Today’s objective is the highest point of the Bucegi, the summit of Varful Omu (The Man), which you will see on your distant horizon. Heading towards Omu, the trail mostly undulates with just gradual ascents and descents. However, there is a sting in the tail as you ultimately ascend steeply for the final 45 mins to reach the open summit of Omu (2505m). As well as a manned weather station here, right on the very summit (in fact it’s constructed around Omu rock itself) is a mountain hut! This is in fact the highest mountain hut in the entire Carpathian range. Needless to say the views from here are absolutely incredible. On clear nights, the numbers of stars (and sometimes planets) visible from this high vantage point beggars belief. Walking time approx 6 hrs. Approx. 500m ascent.

Day 3 Descend Valea Cerbului, transfer to medieval Brasov If it’s a clear weather day, it’s a good idea to try and wake early to witness the sunrise from upon high. Perhaps you may also encounter a shy Chamois if you’re lucky. Today is virtually all downhill and back to the floor of the Prahova Valley, through the spectacular Valea Cerbului. From the high plateau, the trail initially zig-zags quite steeply to reach a shepherds summer pasture. The trail then continues down through this narrow-sided valley where steep, jagged cliffs loom impressively above you. It’s down, down, down (approx 1200m), all the way through the valley and into forest to emerge by a river and then a short, flat walk along a dirt road to Busteni. It may be virtually down all the way, but this is arguably the toughest day of the trip. Going down takes it out on the legs! From Busteni, it’s around a 45 minute drive to the wonderful city of Brasov, often dubbed a “miniPrague”, but thankfully without the stag parties. The largest of the Transylvanian cities, ‘Old Brasov’ remains

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Grand Tour of the Carpathians by and large intact within the ancient city walls and easily explored on foot. There’s certainly both a cosmopolitan and bohemian feel to Brasov, but unlike Prague thankfully not the hordes of stag parties. In fact Brasov has a very relaxed feel to it with café bars on the main-square, fascinating ancient Saxon architecture, hidden alleys and narrow streets to be discovered. Above Brasov looms the forested Mount Tampa where an optional short cable car ride whisks you high above the city for amazing views down to Brasov and over to the Carpathian mountains. Bears are regularly seen in the forests around Brasov and even on the outskirts of the city and it is not unknown for the odd (very bold) wolf to literally take a short cut through the city centre. Adjacent to the main square with its very attractive town hall and clock tower is the imposing ‘Black Church’, the largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul. Other highlights of Brasov include a walk along the city walls to the white gate, or simply taking it easy and soaking up the atmosphere. Tonight is free for you to explore Brasov at your leisure. Walking time approx. 6-7hrs. Pension (breakfast and lunch)

Day 4 Transfer to “Castle Dracula”, trek to Zarnesti, evening Transylvanian BBQ From high mountains to rural landscapes is today’s contrast. However, first up is what is seemingly top of every visitors “must see” when in Romania, Bran Castle-better known these days as “Castle Dracula”.

looking through is where Nicole Kidman and Jude Law became re-acquainted. A quick descent from Magura and then along the valley floor to reach sleepy Zarnesti. Here you’ll meet our good friends Gigi and Elena who own the Pension you stay in tonight. However, this wonderful day is far from over as we’ve a special treat in store for you this evening. You’ll journey from Zarnesti into the heart of the stunning Piatra Craiului National Park by traditional horse and cart along a bumpy track and then up a hillside to where Gigi has a summer hut. Towering immediately above Gigi’s hut is the knife-edge ridge of King’s Rock and across the valley are the densely forested hillsides, which are the realm of bear, wolf and lynx. Don’t expect to see any of these wonderful creatures though. Bears are fearful of man (they are still hunted), wolves are way too smart to let you see them and the lynx is very elusive and very rare. All the same it adds to the atmosphere of this simply stunning location to know that they are “out there” doing bear, wolf and lynx ‘stuff’. Why have you come here? For a Transylvanian BBQ! No questionable charred burgers and sausages as Gigi will prepare a selection of mouthwatering Transylvanian grilled meats and perhaps washed down with some Tuica (homemade plum brandy/firewater). Pension (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 5 Transfer to Viscri, explore and trek

This fortress is perched impressively atop a hill some 200m above Bran itself and was of great importance as it is situated on the border between Transylvania and Wallachia. Of course Bram Stokers vampire was fictional, and it was never the home of the ‘real’ Dracula, Vlad Tepes “The Impaler” either, but it is the closest real life thing in Romania to the Hollywood ideal of what Dracula’s Castle should be. The name “Castle Dracula” has stuck and as this is Transylvania, land of myths and legends, so Bran Castle has become one of the most famous and visited landmarks in Romania as a result. All the same a quick tour of inside the castle is interesting and then it’s time to get on with today’s walk. It’s a really beautiful walk too, and will refreshingly get you immediately away from the Dracula paraphernalia and almost immediately into real-life rural Transylvania. Climbing out of Bran you’ll encounter isolated homesteads and enter a beautiful landscape where time appears to have stood still. Perhaps along the way we’ll meet shepherds making sheep cheese. The shepherds here are a hardy lot, literally sleeping out at night in the fields with their flocks to protect them from wolves and bears. Gaining height, as you approach the village of Magura, turn around and the immense wall of the Bucegi Mountains is revealed in all its glory. Yes, you really did spend the night up there on the very top, and that little dot on the summit is the Omu mountain hut. Ahead of you as you walk through these pastoral, dreamy hills dotted with haystacks,you’ll see part of the impressive Piatra Craiului ridge. If it all looks a bit familiar, that’s because this was the setting for some of the filming of “Cold Mountain” and the gorge you’re

We did say that this trip was varied, so it should come as no surprise that today is different and yet equally fascinating. Leaving the mountainous part of Transylvania behind, we drive for around 2hrs into the rolling, open lands of Transylvania to reach the UNESCO World Heritage Saxon village of Viscri and perhaps the finest example of a living mediaeval Saxon village in all of Romania. Not only that, but Prince Charles visited here (apparently he likes the Chicken Soup they make here and bought and restored a house in Viscri) and so did Michael Palin during the filming of the “New Europe” series. Colourful Saxon houses line the main ‘street’ (better suited and more used by horse and cart than a motor car), poultry roams freely and in summer storks nest in the rooftop chimneys. Viscri is attractively located amongst a landscape of rolling hills, quite different from the Carpathian Mountains and you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve just travelled back hundreds of years in time. Our guide should be able to gain us access to go inside a couple of the homes here that are like living museums. Just a very short stroll to a knoll at the edge of the village stands the impressive ‘Weissekirch’, a perfect example of an ancient fortified church used by the village for both worship and safety during times of invasion. We’ll also take a nice walk amongst the rolling, rural landscapes of Viscri, that make for very pleasant, very moderate walking and different to the type of walks we’ve enjoyed thus far. Walking time approx. 4 hrs, approx 200m ascent and descent. Village guesthouse (breakfast, lunch and dinner)


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Grand Tour of the Carpathians Day 6 Transfer to Sighisoara A day off the walking trails today. About an hour’s drive from Viscri lies the dreamy citadel of Sighisoara where the REAL Dracula, Vlad Tepes was born. Vlad’s birthplace is actually now a restaurant, so maybe you’ll fancy taking dinner there tonight and trying a bloody steak. Today is free to explore the charms of Sighisoara and find out why Vlad was known as “The Impaler” The fascinating main citadel is contained within its fortified walls and is easily explored on foot. You can also visit the impressive mediaeval clock tower and discover Sighisoara’s link with outer space too, as well as why there are graves for people who haven’t yet died. Hotel (breakfast)

Day 7 Drive via Bicaz Gorge to Bucovina Today we make the long drive north, which will take most of the day. However it is a fascinating journey as we track and cross the Carpathians. Along the way we pass through the spectacular Bicaz Gorge and see one of Romania’s largest lakes. As we approach southern Bucovina (northern Bucovina is across the border in the Ukraine), the colourful Moldavian homes here will appear noticeably different to those of Saxon influenced Tranyslvania. Whereas Transylvania could best be described as mountainous, then Bucovina in comparison is hilly. However, it is a region of outstanding natural beauty as well as being home to the world famous World Heritage Painted Monasteries that are further enhanced by such a beautiful setting. Pension (breakfast and dinner)

Day 8 Visit Sucevita Monastery then rural trek from Ciumarna pass to Moldovita The painted monasteries of Bucovina are some of the greatest artistic monuments in Europe and among the most picturesque treasures in Romania. Most of the churches were fortified with strong defensive surrounding walls as protection against Turkish invaders and they sheltered large armies of soldiers awaiting battle. The exterior walls of the monasteries are richly decorated with vivid frescoes depicting dramatic Biblical scenes, intended to teach Christianity to the illiterate by means of pictures. The artwork has amazingly survived harsh exposure to the elements for over 450 years and the intense colours have been well preserved. Bucolic rural landscapes steeped in legend and folklore, fairy tale villages and some of Europe’s wildest scenery and oldest forest is the order of the day in this part of Moldavia. So, firstly we’ll pay a visit to Sucevita Monastery and then we’ll gain height quickly by taking advantage of Ciumarna Pass (1100m) and driving to the top! Leaving the pass, we could almost set our clocks back by 100 years, as we journey on foot through isolated, remote, tiny wooden farmsteads seemingly scattered at random amongst these rolling hills. Today’s walking could best be described as ‘undulating’ as we follow a series of open, rounded crests and ridges sometimes through forest, other times through www.walksworldwide.com

open pasture where the friendly locals will be both surprised and delighted to see us. Reaching Toante Peak (1200m), we’ll halt for lunch and enjoy the magnificent vista. Our journey back in time continues through more scattered settlements where we can observe a way of life long since forgotten in most of Europe, to descend gradually to the village of Moldovita where we’ll visit the monastery here before returning to our accommodation for dinner. Walking time approx 7 hrs with 400m ascent and 700m descent. Pension (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 9 Circuit walk in the Rarau Mts We sure you’ll agree that Bucovina is just too beautiful to leave straight away, so we won’t. Today we’ll take a circuit walk into the Rarau Mountains. We’ll be ascending up to Pietrele Doamnei from where there are fine views of the Carpathians and down to the beautiful Golden Bistrita Valley. Our route then continues through the ancient forests of Slatioara, a nature reserve where one should always keep a sharp eye out for bird life. We should have time after the walk to visit Voronet, the “Sistine Chapel of the East”. Walking time approx 6hrs, with 500m ascent and descent. Pension (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 10 Over Prislop Pass to the Maramures on foot We think we’ve saved the best ‘til last. The remote region of the far north, the mythical Maramures. Tiny traditional villages and remote, solitary homesteads, authentically rural in nature are sparsely scattered within the rolling hills and dreamy landscapes of Maramures. The locals engage in farming on a very small scale in a manner long since forgotten in Western Europe without the aid of modern mechanisation. Getting around by Horse and Cart, or on foot is still the preferred mode of transport. Walking in the Maramures feels like you are travelling through a living museum. Wooden homes with their symbolic carved wooden gates with the last thriving European peasant culture, traditional folk music, colourful costumes and of course the intricate wooden churches are all here for you to discover. Maramures is the ‘heart and soul’ of Romania. Leaving Bucovina our route to Maramures is by road over the Prislop Pass (1416M) from which we’ll have fine views over to the rocky massifs of the Rodna Mountains. We’ll detour into the idyllic Iza Valley, where you’ll see traditional wooden roofed Maramures villages and homesteads that are remarkably different to those on the other side of the Prislop Pass in Bucovina. Notice the ancient wooden fences surrounding many homes and traditional wooden gates, a typical Maramures status symbol. Here the modern world is almost non-existent. We’ll stretch our legs to explore the almost medieval village of Ieud and its surroundings, so typical of the Maramures and visit the historic wooden church here, which looks so picture postcard perfect within the landscape.

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Grand Tour of the Carpathians Of course there are telephone and electricity cables, but beneath the surface life in the Maramures remains as it always has been. Moving on we’ll pay a visit to the very impressive Barsana Monastery. Reaching our overnight halt at the tiny village of Hoteni, the rest of the day we can use to explore our surroundings amongst this rural paradise in the foothills of the Gutai Mountains. Village guesthouse (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 11 Discover the delights of bucolic Maramures on foot Today we’ll explore this part of Maramures on foot. We’ll trek from village to village through valleys and over small hills. We’ll visit a couple of wooden churches along the way, as well as enjoy fine views too. Our guide will help us meet the local people of the Maramures along the way and we can learn more about their lives here, as well as possibly step inside a couple of homes too. Walking time approx 5 hrs, with around 350m ascent and descent. Village guesthouse (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 12 Trek in the Gutai Mts and to the Roosters Crest A short drive takes us to the top of the Gutai Pass (987m). Our objective today is the Creasta Cocosului (1428m), the Roosters Crest. From the pass why the peak is so called will be apparently obvious as the rocky formation looks just like a cockerels ‘comb’ on the top of its head. Heading initially through forest and the occasional clearing the trail to the summit begins to steepen to reach the summit. It only takes around 2hrs 30mins to reach the top, but you may be rewarded with an outstanding panoramic view of the villages below in the Mara and Cosau valleys and of the Gutai range. This area is also a nature reserve for the protection of various wild flowers including snowflakes, edelweiss and gentian. Our descent takes us to the village of Breb before we drive back to Hoteni. Walking time approx 6hrs, with around 600m ascent and descent. Village guesthouse (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 13 Visit the “Merry Cemetery”. Overnight train to Bucharest A touring/travelling day. Just 4km from the Ukraine border lies the otherwise ordinary village of Sapanta. However in Sapanta is located what has become perhaps the most iconic image of the Maramures, the world famous “Merry Cemetery”. The idea of carving brightly painted wooden tombstones in the church cemetery here began in 1935 by Ioan Stan Patras. As examples of Ioan’s creations began to appear in art galleries across Europe, thus the cemetery itself at Sapanta became a visitor attraction, much to the bemusement of the local villagers and with the exception of a couple of souvenir stalls, life in Sapanta carries on as normal. Each cross in the cemetery is painted blue (the traditional colour of freedom) and along with a witty epitaph, pictures on the crosses depict the life (or death) of the departed. www.walksworldwide.com

However, before we visit Sapanta we’ll take a look at the lively weekly fair/market that goes on in Ocna Sugatag. Certainly, it appears as if anything and everything from livestock to furniture is on sale here, and is a great way of doing a spot of people watching as the locals go about their business. Later on we make our way to the town of Sighetu Marmatei, the most northern town in Romania and more often than not simply referred to as “Sighet”. If time permits, there may be the option to visit the Sighet Memorial Museum, a former prison for those that opposed the communist regime and a sobering insight into Romania’s not too distant and very grim past. In the early evening we board the overnight train from here to Bucharest. Sleeper train (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 14 Arrive Bucharest – optional tour then depart The train arrives into Bucharest just after 0700hrs (subject to change), and in time for breakfast, which we’ll take at a nearby hotel/restaurant to Gara de Nord. For those that may have late afternoon/early evening flight departures your guide will be happy to arrange a guided tour of Bucharest (at extra costs payable to your guide), including the iconic “Peoples Palace”, nowadays the Parliament building and second largest building in the world after The Pentagon. Depart Bucharest. (breakfast)

Practical Information How to join and depart this trip The joining point for this trip is Bucharest Otopeni International Airport arrivals hall on day 1 of the Trip Itinerary above. This single, timed group transfer is included because your first night in Sinaia is 110km from Bucharest. If your flight times do not coincide with this, our consultants can arrange a transfer for you on request – please contact us for prices. The departure point for this trip is Bucharest, and you can plan your departure anytime on day 14 of the trip itinerary. Please note your departure airport transfer is not included as group members may be departing at very different times. If you prefer, our consultants can arrange a departure transfer for you on request - please contact us for prices. Alternatively, a licensed, metered taxi or local, public transport may be arranged from the hotel to take you to the airport.

Flight Inclusive We recommend that you book this trip as a 'Flight Inclusive' package. Booking your international flights through Walks Worldwide guarantees you peace of mind and provides 100% financial protection under our CAA ATOL licence. What's more, if you book your flights with us as well as your ground arrangements, we will manage these flight arrangements both before and during your trip. As an ATOL Licence holder, we are able to secure and arrange competitively-priced airfares with most major airlines from the UK (as displayed on

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Grand Tour of the Carpathians our website), as well as the option of regional departures too.

Land Only If you would prefer to arrange your own international travel you can book this trip as a 'Land Only' package, where the price does not include international flights. Please note that if you are booking your own flights there are certain risks you should be aware of. Many airline tickets purchased directly are non-refundable and often do not provide you with any financial protection (unlike booking your flights with ourselves where you would be 100% protected under our CAA ATOL licence). For this reason we strongly advise that you check the rules of any flight booking you make, and check the limitations under any insurance policy you may have in relation to cancellation or date changes. We cannot be held liable for any losses incurred or consequences of any flight bookings or related travel arrangements you have made yourself, such as if your international flights were delayed or cancelled and you could not join or depart your holiday on time. If you do decide to book Land Only, we strongly advise that you do not book international flights or make other travel arrangements (especially if there are financial penalties for cancellation or change) until your chosen holiday is guaranteed to run. Please also ensure when making your own international travel arrangements that they enable you to join and depart this trip in accordance with the criteria specified in the How to join and depart this trip section of this Trip Dossier.

Local transport

Food in Romania is honest and delicious. With agriculture still practiced in time honoured, traditional fashion, this pays dividends in food quality. Using only fresh and seasonal produce even the simplest of foods contain real flavour and taste. The vast majority of accommodations that you will stay at will source their meat, vegetables and fruit locally. Dinners will usually consist of Ciorba (soup) often accompanied separately with soured cream and chilli, followed by Grilled Meat/Chicken/Fish with potatoes, or mamaliga and vegetables, or stews like Goulash followed by dessert. Breakfasts are continental style. Lunches will often be picnic style, which you’ll carry in your day-pack. Look out for specialities like Zakuska, pickles etc when in season too. The food for the one night at the mountain hut will be simpler by default. Please note that vegetarian options will be limited.

Climate It is of course impossible to predict the precise weather conditions you will encounter during the course of your holiday. However, we do schedule our holidays to coincide with what should be the most suitable weather periods for walking. Romania enjoys warm summers where temperatures range from 15ºC to 25+ºC at lower levels, followed by very cold winters. Mountains are notorious for creating their own, localised weather conditions, so you should always be prepared for inclement weather conditions. For climate statistics visit www.worldweather.org Roughly speaking temperatures decrease by approx. 1ºC for every 200 metre increase in altitude.

Airport and all land transfers will be by private vehicle with your guide as driver.

Altitude

Travel by Train

This holiday reaches only moderate altitudes and you should not anticipate any problems.

If you would prefer to travel by train www.raileurope.co.uk provides an online booking service for European rail services, including Eurostar. Please do not book your International rail tickets or make any other travel arrangements until your chosen holiday is guaranteed to run.

Baggage

Accommodation The accommodation used during the course of this holiday is as varied as the trip itself. For nights spent in hotels, friendly pensions and simple, atmospheric village guest houses the accommodation will be reserved for you on a twin share basis unless you have already requested a single room at extra cost. Hotels and Pensions usually will have en-suite facilities, however in the village guest houses, some of which may be extensions of a family home, bathroom/toilet facilities may be communal. One night is spent in a remote mountain hut on the summit of Omu. Accommodation here is in a small dormitory room, with blankets provided (bring a sleeping bag liner). The mountain hut is very basic with particularly rudimentary washing and toilet facilities. On the sleeper train the night is spent in four bed berths. Please note single accommodation is not available/applicable for the night spent in the mountain hut or sleeper train.


Food

Please make sure that your baggage is clearly marked with your name, inside as well as outside, in case the labels get detached. As your main baggage will be transported by vehicle a normal suitcase (one piece maximum) can be used for your main baggage. Please note you will not have access to your main baggage for the one night spent at the Omu mountain hut and will need to carry minimal overnight gear with you in your day pack for this night only.

Vaccinations & health We always recommend visiting your doctor and dentist for a check up before travelling. Your doctor will also have access to the most up to date information on vaccinations and medical precautions for the country you are about to visit. In general, no vaccinations are necessary for Romania and health problems here are quite rare. A useful travel health online resource is www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk Please make sure that you obtain form EHIC either online www.dh.gov.uk or from your local post office – you will need to produce this if you have to see a doctor.

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Grand Tour of the Carpathians First Aid

Travel Insurance

You should always carry your own small, personal first aid kit. This should consist of the following: A general anti-biotic, throat lozenges, painkillers, plasters (bandaids), blister treatment, insect repellent (DEET), rehydration salts, antiseptic cream, diarrhoea treatment (e.g. Imodium).

It is a condition of booking any of our holidays that you have comprehensive travel insurance. It is your to responsibility to ensure you are covered for medical and personal accident risks for the part of the world you intend to travel and the activities involved. This cover should include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue. It is also advisable to take out cancellation insurance, as all deposits paid are nonrefundable. You may arrange either single-trip or annual multi-trip travel insurance through Walks Worldwide. Please call us on 01962 737 565 for a quotation.

Security Whilst the vast majority of travellers never experience anything untoward it is worth taking precautions particularly in urban areas. You should take sensible precautions in crowded areas such as street markets and airports, where pick-pocketing is common, and keep clear of any street disturbances. Don’t wear jewellery, or leave your bags unattended, keep large amounts of money, cameras and mobile phones out of sight when walking in town centres, and avoid walking in city centres after dark. Keep copies of important documents, including passports, in a separate place to the documents themselves, together with details of credit cards. Leave copies at home with a friend too. Safeguard valuables, important documents and cash and deposit them in hotel safes, where practicable.

Passports & Visas British passport holders (and other EU passport holders) do not require a visa for stays up to three months (please ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity).

Staff on your trip

Currency The Romanian currency is the Lei (Ron) Please refer to www.xe.com for up to date rates. ATM machines are common in Romanian towns and cities. There is an ATM in the arrivals hall of Bucharest Airport and ATM’s are widespread in the city. There is also an ATM in Zarnesti and other larger towns that we pass through. If you are exchanging cash on arrival, you should be aware that the rates offered by Bureaux de Change at Bucharest Airport are pretty abysmal. IMPORTANT- You are strongly advised to inform your credit/debit card service provider that you are travelling to Romania and intending to use your card in advance of travelling.

Each day you will be accompanied by a professional, English-speaking, qualified local mountain guide, who will also take the role of driver too. Romanians are very friendly, light hearted people as a rule, and your guide will be no exception. As well as being a constant source of information about the mountains, through your guide you will be able to learn more about the fascinating history, culture, traditions, flora and fauna of Romania. As you will encounter many friendly locals, who will probably not speak any English, your guide is a valuable asset in being able to communicate with the local people in the Carpathian Mountains.

Budgeting for your trip Please refer to the detailed itinerary for information on what is included in this trip. You will need to budget for meals and drinks not included in the holiday, any optional sightseeing, souvenirs and items of a personal nature such as laundry.

Language

Clothing & Equipment

The national language of Romania is Romanian. Your guide will speak very good English, as do many younger generation Romanians. Your guide will of course help you communicate with the locals, but it’s also a good idea to take along a phrasebook and try to learn a few phrases in the local language. The locals will certainly appreciate this, and although Romanian can seem like a bit of a tongue twister, your guide will also help you with your pronunciations.

Please check our website for the most up to date information regarding packing for your trip. The information we provide is our suggested guide to help you with your packing based upon our many years of travelling. Using your own judgment for packing is of course important, especially with regard to casual clothing etc. but please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about packing for your trip.

Tipping Tipping is not mandatory and should rightly be at your discretion. However, if you have received good service from your guide (and we are certain you will) then a tip is the accepted form of saying ‘thank you’. As a guideline we recommend £25-£35 per person to be sufficient.

Maps We recommend Stanfords at 12-14 Long Acre, London WC2E 9LP (Tel: 0207 836 1321) www.stanfords.co.uk. www.walksworldwide.com

01962 737 565
