Carpathian Walking & Bears
Experience Overview
History and geography conspired to make Transylvania in central Romania one of the most wild and fascinating regions in Europe. For centuries, the local people have existed in harmony with a variety of wildlife, including the highest concentration of wolves, lynx and bears on the continent – almost half the European population of brown bears is recorded in the Carpathian Mountains. Meanwhile, dense forests have remained largely untouched. Our days are spent on walks through spectacular canyons, virgin forests and Saxon villages. We go in search of brown bears and explore the medieval town of Brasov as well as Bran Castle, best known as the residence of Dracula.
Profile
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Villa Hermani) — Five days of walking — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16 — Altitude maximum: 5,941ft (1,811m); average: 4,265ft (1,300m) — Option to travel by train to your adventure
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Villa Hermani) — Five days of walking — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16 — Altitude maximum: 5,941ft (1,811m); average: 4,265ft (1,300m) — Option to travel by train to your adventure
Trip For You
The trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate) and has a Wildlife Rating of Three. For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Walking times will vary from half to full days. There are numerous uphill sections on paths and tracks with walking distances up to 12mi (20km). Optional longer walks are sometimes available. The trip goes up to altitudes of almost 6,560ft (2,000m), so good fitness levels are required. The exact trails, lengths and difficulties may be adapted according to the weather, trail conditions and group fitness.
Seeing brown bears
The chance of seeing brown bears from the hide is good; our groups have also seen wolves, beavers and other wildlife here too. Our leaders are knowledgeable about the local wildlife but, as with all wildlife viewing, we cannot guarantee which animals you will see.
Baiting is a common practice in attracting wildlife around the world, which has led to discussions on the ethics of feeding wild animals. In some circumstances, we are strongly against baiting. However, in this area, the bears are wild animals that forage freely in their natural habitat, and are not reliant on the small quantities of maize left at the hide. Because of this, we believe the practice can have conservation benefits, including increased understanding and protection of the species in this area.
We ensure our clients do not have direct contact with the bears and only watch from the hide. We also make sure our clients are not just seeing the brown bears but learning about them. This helps to raise awareness of the issues and importance of conserving the wildlife. Growing support locally to protect the wildlife is important in Exodus taking this stance.
The itinerary may be followed in a different order due to various reasons such as weather and local conditions, but we will still do all these activities even if on different days.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, five packed lunches and six dinners are included.
Meals are a mixture of fresh local produce and Romanian/Transylvanian specialities.
Transylvanian cuisine is influenced by several traditions and cultures (German, Hungarian and Romanian cuisine) but maintains a distinct character with a love for homemade cooking. Soups are a staple, main meals tend to be hearty with a strong focus on local produce, while desserts are varied and plentiful.
Breakfasts are usually a small buffet including an egg dish, cold cuts, cheeses, boiled eggs, vegetables, spreads, bread, yoghurt, cereals, jam, juice, herbal teas and coffee.
Lunches included on this trip will usually be self-made sandwiches; you can choose your own fillings from the morning buffets.
Each evening there is a choice between a meat or vegetarian dish. Dinner on the first evening is typically a light snack (cold platters with local food and bread) due to the late arrival of the group.
On one evening, we enjoy dinner in a typical Romanian restaurant in Brasov. This meal is not included, allow approximately 120 Romanian lei (US$25) – without drinks – for this.
Vegetarian and special diets can be catered for, but options can be limited throughout Romania – please inform the office of any specific requirements upon booking.
Transportation
Transfers between Bucharest Airport and the guesthouse will normally be by Mercedes Sprinter bus. Local transport will be by minibuses. During the week, we sometimes use local low-impact transport, such as horse-drawn cart.
Joining Instructions
Key details
Guesthouse: Villa Hermani, Sat Magura 130, Măgura 507133
Phone: +40 740 022 384
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Bucharest (OTP)
Getting to the guesthouse
Villa Hermani is approximately a 3hr 30min drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
It’s not possible to reach Villa Hermani by public transport. We therefore highly recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, a cab from the airport costs around €200. On arrival, please make the staff aware that you are part of an Exodus group and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Bucharest Airport (OTP) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
Romania has warm summers and snowy winters. Rainfall is usually quite low except in the mountains; spring and summer are the wetter seasons. The weather changes abruptly from winter to summer and spring is generally short. The Carpathian Mountains can be blanketed in snow until mid to late May at higher altitudes. Summer days are often long and warm with 10 to 11 hours of sunshine, while nights can range from pleasantly warm in the lower valleys to cold at higher elevations. September temperatures tend to be lower than those in July and August but changeable weather with cloud, rain and chilly daytime temperatures can occur at any time of the year. Expect temperatures in the village to be lower than Bucharest.
Spending Money
Drinks are not included but the guesthouse has a bar from which you can purchase drinks. Payment can be made at the end of the week by cash or card, however cash is preferred. Villa Hermani accepts euros, British pounds or Romanian lei.
Snacks are not included and you may wish to buy souvenirs. Allow approximately 120 lei (US$25) for dinner and 50 lei (US$10) for lunches on days when these are not included (see itinerary). Please note that prices regularly change in Romania.
Optional excursions
— Brown bear hide visit: The bear hide visit is approximately 250 lei (€50) per person and subject to availability. This is organised and paid for locally in cash or card at Villa Hermani.
Please be familiar with your camera settings. You will need to turn off the flash and illuminator. Please also mute any camera noises. We do not want to disturb the bears when we are in the hide.
The cost of the bear sanctuary is included in your tour package. Please note, there is a charge of 50 lei (US$11) to use your camera. You can take pictures using your phone for no extra charge.
— Brasov mountain cable car ride: Take a cable car to the viewpoint in Brasov for approximately 35 lei (€7) per person. The cable car is not bookable in advance, and can be paid for locally in cash at the entrance, subject to availability.
Tipping
Tipping is entirely at your discretion, but is customary in Romania. Our leader will offer guidelines on appropriate tipping. In restaurants, it is usual to tip 10 percent of the bill.
Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline we recommend a contribution of €15-€20 per client per week. It is also customary to leave a tip for the driver and Villa Hermani staff. This can be handed to your leader at the end of the week. For local staff, we recommend approximately €10-€15 per person.
Highlights
— Explore the wilds of central Romania, home to brown bears, Saxon villages and the Carpathian Mountains — Visit the largest brown bear sanctuary in Europe and opt to join a bear-watching evening with a forester — Hike through the spectacular landscape: meadows, forests and mountain trails — Visit Vlad the Impaler’s Bran Castle, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula — Enjoy an authentic Carpathian welcome at Villa Hermani in the remote village of Magura
Trip Details
Product Code: 4402
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: awn cart.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: WVR
Starts: Bucharest Airport, Bran
Finishes: Bucharest Airport, Bran
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
— All breakfasts, five packed lunches and six dinners — All accommodation — Free group arrival and departure transfers availableAccommodation
Villa Hermani, a private guesthouse in MaguraWe spend seven nights in Villa Hermani, a private guesthouse in the remote village of Magura. It’s ideally situated for our adventure, sitting at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains and within Piatra Craiului National Park. The property has twin and single rooms in a range of sizes and styles, almost all of which have private facilities (there are two rooms that share one bathroom). There is free wifi at the guesthouse. Our friendly hosts, German couple Hermann and Katharina Kurmes, possess a wealth of knowledge on Transylvania, wildlife conservation and serve delicious homemade food.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,280 ($285 /day)
Itinerary
Our family-run guesthouse, and home for the week, is in the quaint village of Magura within Piatra Craiului National Park. It is approximately 105mi (170km) from Bucharest Airport and takes around 3hr 30min to reach by road. Therefore, we highly recommend you join the group minibus transfer. Due to the late arrival of the group transfer, dinner tonight is a light snack.
After breakfast, we spend the day exploring the area surrounding the unique Kalibash villages of Magura and Pestera, where the houses are built along mountain ridges with deep ravines and valleys in between. We learn about the history of the settlements, which were built against the medieval invasions of Mongols, Tartars and Turks.
Today, after a walk into the Barza Valley, we travel the traditional way as horse-drawn carts take us on a journey. As we slowly make our way, we enjoy a spectacular view to Piatra Craiului Mountain and the dispersed settlement of Poiana Marului. We then leave the carts and hike uphill through hay meadows to a hermitage in the rocks. This evening, we can go brown bear watching. A forester will take us to a safe hide deep in the forest. The hides are managed by the forestry commission and access is dependent on their permission, which is why it is organised and paid for locally. Not being able to get access to the hides is extremely rare.
In the morning, we start from the guesthouse and hike uphill across the flower meadows. Here we have splendid views over the wide landscape of small hamlets and mountains. We stay on the ridge and walk slowly downhill through beech forests to busy Bran. Bran Castle was built on the border to Wallachia, where Vlad the Impaler, Duke of Wallachia, once ruled. Vlad was a brutal tyrant and provided inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Vlad himself never went to Bran Castle, but Stoker saw an image of it and felt it was the perfect setting for his gothic tale. In the afternoon, we are picked up and return to quiet Magura.
Today we hang up our hiking boots and take a combination of train and electric buses to Brasov (approximately one hour), the cultural and economic heart of the region. This medieval town has been a mix of nations ever since it was founded in the 12th century. We have a guided tour before time to explore at leisure. In the evening we taste Romanian cuisine in one of the restaurants before taking the train back to Magura. Please note that potential delays in train services can be expected in the summer months. The last train back to Magura is normally around 8:20pm.
The first highlight this morning is a hike through Zarnesti Gorge, which was formed 3m years ago by water cutting through the limestone massif of Piatra Craiului. We hike up to Curmatura Cabin at 4,820ft (1,470m), right under the walls of Piatra Craiului, which is open to hikers year-round. If weather and fitness allow, we can go further and climb Piatra Mica, the highest peak is at 5,941ft (1,811m). The return leads us over shepherd meadows and forest into the valley and finally up again to Magura.
We head down to the valley and visit LiBearty, the largest brown bear sanctuary in Europe. Set in oak and hazel forests, it is home to more than 100 rescued bears, many of whom suffered years in captivity as dancing bears or in circuses. From the sanctuary, we go on a gentle hike across meadows to the village of Vulcan. This region, around Brasov, is closely related to the history of the Transylvanian Saxons, settlers who emigrated 800 years ago from the Rhine‐Moselle valleys. Their strong fortified churches have attracted international attention and some are Unesco World Heritage sites. We will be welcomed with coffee and tea in the yard of a fortified church. The churches in Transylvania were strongly fortified during the Middle Ages when the region was raided several times by Mongols and Tartars.
The adventure comes to an end after breakfast. Bid a fond farewell to the guesthouse, which may feel like a second home by now, and begin your return journey home.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Janet Leverton - Traveled, July 2023
Just 'Bears!' This was a really interesting trip in rural Romania; we were blessed with amazing weather, so the views and scenery were quite beautiful. The trip was a good mix of sight seeing, exploring and walking. The walking wasn’t difficult and very leisurely, plenty of time to soak in the surroundings. Personally, I would have enjoyed more walking , but visiting Bran Castle and Brasov was interesting. The visit to the bear hide was undoubtedly the highlight, we watched 9 females and 5 cubs for over an hour, a very special moment. The guest house was comfortable and the food was delicious, home cooked and plentiful. There were no options, vegetarians and vegans may struggle. Most Inspirational Moment Has to be the bears, watching bears in the wild was an absolute privilege, Katerina who ran the guest house, is a passionate bear supporter, it was so interesting and informative listening to her. Thoughts on Group Leader Sebi was a great leader, he ensured our week was the best it could be. The walking pace and experience of our group was quite diverse, he managed the differing paces and needs with ease. Advice for Potential Travellers Just to be aware, the guest house is in a rural community, hot water is not a given; showers were often on the chilly side. We extended our stay and enjoyed a few days in Bucharest, would recommend the city, lots to see, easy and safe to get around, and reasonably priced. Suggestions We had been looking forward to the walk on the final day, which offered the option to climb to the highest point, Piatra Mica. As not all our group were keen, this was not an option, as the group had to stay together. Understandable, but disappointing all the same.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/10/2023
Richard Lowry - Traveled, September 2022
Wild Carpathian Mountains Walking & Bears The trip content is very varied and if you love wildlife, wildflowers and fungi this is a great trip. Wild European Brown bear watching in the forest and the bear sanctuary was brilliant. Local hikes in the rugged countryside- Barza valley; Coja, Pestera and Postavarul nature reserve were wonderful. Brasov and Bran castle visits were informative and took you back to the past. Most Inspirational Moment Watching wild European Brown bears in their natural surroundings and visiting bears at Europe's largest brown bear sanctuary- learning about how many suffered from conditions in captivity was quite emotional. We found several fire salamanders, a Common European viper (Adder), European firebugs and many species of fungi. I also spotted a Lesser Spotted Eagle, Black Redstarts, Chiffchaff, Ravens, Wood Sandpiper, Caspian gull, Little Stint, Black Stork and a Green as well as a Great Spotted Woodpecker. Thoughts on Group Leader Thomas was a very friendly, organised and flexible leader. Advice for Potential Travellers You can pay for your drinks and bear hide in £s or Euro at Villa Hermani. Change your money in Brasov's exchange shops as the rate is so much better than at home and in the airport. Take binoculars for bears and birds. Learn about your camera settings. A sandwich box is useful. I took my own travel kettle and tea bags to make my own drinks. If you love wildlife, wildflowers and fungi this is a great trip. Wildflowers are best earlier in the year (May-June-August). Suggestions Food portions for some of the main meals was inadequate... a bit embarrassing having to count out pieces of vegetables to ensure everyone in the group was fed fairly. Low quality of local fruit for eating on picnics... I was glad I had brought my own fruit.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2022
Dan Curran - Traveled, August 2022
Carpathian Walking & Bears (566) An excellent week in the heart of Transylvania Most Inspirational Moment Watching a mother bear and 2 cubs Walking and scrambling up the Cheile Pisicii - Cats Gorge Thoughts on Group Leader Great fun and very knowledgeable Advice for Potential Travellers Read the Trip Notes - this is a walking holiday with the added benefit of seeing bears from a hide plus at the Sanctuary. It's tempting to want to see a bear/wolf in the wild on a walk - it's both very unlikely and probably very dangerouse if you were to. Bran Castle is just a tourist trap. It obviously isn't "Dracula's Castle" as that's a fictional character. It's highly "disneyfied" and very crowded Suggestions I realise that you probably have to do Bran Castle, but do you? It really isn't worth it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2022
Joseph Harper - Traveled, July 2022
Absolutely Fantastic I absolutely loved this trip. Our guide Tudor was absolutely fantastic, he went above and beyond when organising things. We also met his wife Andra, another tour guide who helped out with some people who were unable to complete all of the walking, saving them from just sitting around the hotel. She also took me to the hospital when I had an allergic reaction to a wasp sting. Honestly the tour guides were amazing. The accommodation was brilliant, Katherina and Herman who ran the guesthouse were friendly and knowledgeable, the other staff couldn’t do enough for you. The food was delicious and we were given far too much to actually eat. The beer was nice too as well as the cherry schnapps. Excursions were all good, I enjoyed every one of them. The scenery was beautiful and people friendly. 10/10 go on this trip. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing wild bears was amazing. Also visiting the sanctuary was quite humbling. Thoughts on Group Leader Amazing. Honestly 278437892278743377 out of 10. Advice for Potential Travellers Just go and enjoy it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/11/2022
Karen Guest - Traveled, September 2019
Ramblings in Romania (with bears!) Magura was a lovely base from which to explore this beautiful part of Romania, and a good variety of walks and activities were offered during the week. The walking was mostly fairly easy going. Most Inspirational Moment Magura itself! Such a beautiful setting, particulary with the Autumn foliage lighting up the surrounding hills. The bear sanctuary was very thought-provoking and it was inspirational to see the passion felt by Katerina and the others involved in the project. Having lunch in the local 'pub' in Pestera with a few bewildered, smiling locals who watched in amazement as 16 very wet and bedraggled hikers walked in! Thoughts on Group Leader Thomas was excellent: very knowledgeable and good humoured. He was also very patient when dealing with the differing levels of walking abilities within the group. His organisation was excellent and he changed the itinerary around when needed to ensure we could enjoy most of the activities during the better weather days. Special mention too to Theo who ably assisted Thomas during the week, and was very friendly and helpful. Sebastian, who guided us on the first couple of days, was also an excellent leader. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for changeable weather! We had everything from cold (with light snow on the mountains) and wet to sunny and warm. Sandwiches are made up from the breakfast buffet, but bring any other snacks with you if needed as these are not provided at the hotel. ATM machines are available at the airport (although a charge is incurred) and we were given the opportunity to use them before we left the terminal. Excluding the bear hide, which we paid in Euros, we spent about £100 in local currency for 2 of us over the week, which included the meal out, a few souvenirs, tips and drinks at the hotel (although the latter can also be paid in Euros). Hairdryers are available in the rooms, despite checking with Exodus and being advised that I needed to take my own! Tap water was perfectly potable (no ill effects felt by anyone in our party as far as I know!), so bring refillable bottles as advised by Exodus. Be prepared to spend quite a lot of time travelling in the vans and be prepared for crowds at Bran Castle! Suggestions We found Villa Hermani very comfortable, with friendly and helpful staff. The food at the hotel was enjoyable and varied, although not always piping hot (particularly the soup). The bread was a bit stodgy and was not to everyone's liking, particularly for making sandwiches. We were also a bit disappointed there was a charge for teas and coffees (apart from breakfast time). We think it might be useful if the hotel sold some juice drinks or similar for the walks as a change from plain water. The seating arrangements in the bear hide were not ideal for such a big group. The front row of seats only had space for 5-6 people and these were the people who obviously had the best view and were able to take good photos. People in the second and third rows of seats had restricted views and this was very disappointing for many. On a positive note, we did see a lot of bears! In my opinion, the walk on Postavarul Mountain was not worthwhile. It was quite a long drive to get there and the walk itself was not particularly inspiring. I would have much preferred another local walk around the Magura or the nearby National Park which are far more attractive areas.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2019
Jeremy Sackett - Traveled, September 2019
An outstanding holiday This holiday is a great mix of mountains walks, wildlife encounters ( Bear hide and Sanctuary, Bird lakes ) , historic towns (Brasov) and visits ( Bran Castle, Byzantine monastery, churches and cathedral ) Most Inspirational Moment Walking up to high mountain meadows and then through virgin Transylvanian forest with the trees dusted with snow and sparkling in the sunlight. Thoughts on Group Leader Thomas is an outstanding Leader for local knowledge and insights, great organisation and leadership and empathy for the group. First class English Up there with the best Exodus Leaders Advice for Potential Travellers This holiday is a real mix of activities so wouldn't suit "hard core" walkers. Most walks were fairly easy but a degree of fitness needed to get up to high levels and enjoy outstanding views Suggestions This holiday gives a great insight into the real heart of Transylvania and Romanian history and visits a really beautiful unspoilt area. Get there soon in case it changes
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/03/2019
Natasha Challoner - Traveled, September 2019
A vegan in Romania A great trip that was as described in the trip notes, I felt the most relaxed I have felt on holiday. September is a good time to go as there is still some sun during the day & the leaves are starting to change. A great trip with a variety of walks and activities. The long hike through Coja & Pestara is particularly nice. The beech and pine forests were beautiful. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing wild bears from the bear hide. It is great that the forests are being kept wild and are protected. Every thing else was also great. The visit to the bear sanctuary was very emotional. Thoughts on Group Leader Thomas had a great love for the area and he was able to share this with us. He was well organised. Advice for Potential Travellers There is no need to take any local currency as the hotel keeps a drinks list. There is no shops nearby. You then change money in Brasov you don't need much, less than £100. May be useful to take Euros and to borrow a small amount if you want to buy some souvenirs in Bran. Take some snack bars etc for the walks. You make up a good lunch from the breakfast table. A walking pole is useful for some steep down hills. Suggestions We are vegans and were a bit worried about the food. The hotel catered well, with a different meal every night. The portions were good and very flavoursome. There was a good variety of non dairy milks. You make the lunch from the breakfast table which had 3 different spreads eg homemade Houmas & Beetroot pate. We took our own snack bars & nuts as well. The Romanian restaurant didn't have much choice, we just had chips, salad & sautéed veg, which was cheap & we were glad of a lighter meal so was ok. Brasov has a vegan café with raw cheesecakes. Our hotel room had a balcony with an amazing view of the mountains.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2019
Suzy Franklin - Traveled, September 2018
Wildlife and hiking A well paced hiking tour with free time to relax in the remote alpine accommodation, in the mountains of Transylvania. This is certainly the place time forgot with small farming communities farming sheep and cattle, and small orchards aplenty. Dogs are tied up or in the fields protecting the livestock from the bears and other predators. The accommodation is basic but comfortable. We went when the weather was getting cooler and at times it was a little cold in the room. We had to remind the owners to put the heating on, which they did! There were 3 course set meals in the evening that were hearty and consisted of local produce but possibly limited if you are vegetarian/vegan. Don’t expect there to be snacks like crisps and chocolate to be available, expect local fruits instead! The guide kept us updated on the itinerary during the week and gave a very informative tour of Brasov and Bran. All in all – a place to get away from it all and enjoy a slower pace of life! It was a very noncommercial region to visit and very refreshing in that sense! Most Inspirational Moment The hard work of the people in the bear sanctuary, who had rescued bears that had suffered cruelty and now been given the best chance of life - all funded by donations with no government money! One bear had been blinded and had its claws cut so it would tolerate people having their picture taken alongside it. Quite emotional to hear the sad back history of some of the bears. The good news is that owning a bare is now banned in Romania. Thoughts on Group Leader He was friendly, quiet, amenable and informative. Advice for Potential Travellers Take your thermals, scarf and gloves if going in the autumn as it get's cold in the mornings.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2018
Denise Fagan - Traveled, July 2023
"Walking and bears" Well organised trip, faultless hosts at Villa Hermani and an excellent leader in Sebi. The scenery was amazing and the walks were all excellent and well paced for our group. The bear watching in the hide was outstanding. Most Inspirational Moment Bear watching in the hide along with our host Katharina's knowledge and dedication of the brown bears and their protection. Thoughts on Group Leader Sebi was excellent. He assessed our group's walking ability on the first day and adjusted the pace accordingly on subsequent days. He was friendly and very approachable and would answer any questions we had about the routes, landscape, wildlife and Romania. He became part of the group rather than just the leader. His English and knlowledge of his own area and country was excellent. Advice for Potential Travellers The walks are very much as described and I would definitely recommend walking poles, mainly for the descents down some rocky paths. Suggestions Would absolutely recommend this trip if you love wildlife and amazing views in a wonderful country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/09/2023
John Chapman - Traveled, August 2018
Lots of bears I enjoyed the walks although quite a proportion of the walking was on dirt tracks ( Romania doesn’t appear to have much in the way of public rights of way over farm land) Most Inspirational Moment The Bear watching was great, we saw lots. Thoughts on Group Leader Thomas was an ideal leader for this type of holiday.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/11/2018
Julie Bridge - Traveled, August 2018
Carpathian walking and bears! We were extremely lucky with the weather (Aug), however, this did result in some of the hiking being rather more strenuous than anticipated as it was really warm most days – take lots of water! The trip was brilliant, highlights every day, but the bears (in the wild and at the sanctuary) definitely made the trip!!! Our guide, Thomas, couldn’t have been more interesting (and funny) and extremely knowledgeable about the fauna, flora and history – simply the best! Villa Hermani was a hit too; friendly & helpful, good food and very reasonably priced drinks. Highly recommended trip. Most Inspirational Moment The bears without a doubt! Lovely to see in the wild, however, visiting the sanctuary in bright daylight produced the best photos. Thoughts on Group Leader Our guide, Thomas, couldn't have been more interesting (and funny) and extremely knowledgeable about the fauna, flora and history - simply the best! Advice for Potential Travellers Take plenty of water on your hikes, especially if warm weather. Villa Hermani - don't bother with their wi-fi; extremely slow (used 4G instead).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/11/2018
Nicola Ball - Traveled, August 2019
Great holiday Really good mix of culture, wildlife and walking. Clean and comfortable hotel and all the meals were excellent. Most Inspirational Moment The highlight for me was definitely watching the bears in the wild, it is worth every penny, we were fortunate enough to see 8 adult bears and 2 cubs, I could have watched them all night. Thoughts on Group Leader Could not fault our group leader Sebi he was excellent - attentive, knowledgeable and extremely professional. He saw to it that everything ran very smoothly and he looked after everyone in the group equally very well (we had a full group of 16 people) he was quietly passionate about Romania and it’s wildlife and had a lovely sense of humour. On several days he was assisted by Radetch a guide in training who was equally delightful. Advice for Potential Travellers The trip to the bear Hyde is a must, take some binoculars. Suggestions We were very happy to have travelled with a group of really lovely people. Everyone got along very well, we had lots of laughs, many happy memories made.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2019
Daniela Amabile - Traveled, September 2018
Beauty, as to be found nowhere else. Waking up every morning to the glorious Autumn colours of the Carpathians is something I will remember for the rest of my life. The beauty of the forests, the splendour of the mountains and the simplicity of the life there is something I never imagined. Granted, I was initially inspired by my interest in the Dracula legend to go but after experiencing the wilderness there, I can honestly say that I fell in love with “the land beyond the forest”. Most Inspirational Moment When I managed to make it to the top of the mountain on the long hike without collapsing :-). Seeing Bran castle. Sitting up at the monastery, looking at the mountains with the sun behind them. The views of the scenery during our lunch breaks in various locations. Being on top of the mountains and looking down at the clouds. Thoughts on Group Leader Thomas was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the natural environment of Romania and its history. He also has a great sense of humour that kept us entertained. With his experience as a leader and training in the army, I definitely felt safe and in capable hands. And he was unexpectedly charming. Advice for Potential Travellers Try to remain as healthy as possible the week before this trip. I came down with a 24 hour stomach virus 2 days before the trip and it made the first few days difficult as I was still weakened. Also, walking poles are your friends. Definitely learn how to use a pair before you begin. Suggestions No.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2018
Jacqueline Harris - Traveled, July 2018
Good varied trip with great guide. This was an interesting and varied holiday with excellent trips, varied walks and an excellent guide. Some of the days were long and involved a fair amount of time in a transit or small bus which was not always comfortable especially when it was hot. However , it wasn’t overly arduous and added to the overall interest of the week. Most Inspirational Moment The scenery on the first two days of walking. Watching the bears feed from a hide was also fascinating. Thoughts on Group Leader Thomas was really excellent. He was knowledgeable about the area and it’s history and had a great sense of humour. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for some long days of varied activities. Take some biscuits/ energy bars ! While the walks were not overly demanding you should be used to walking with sturdy shoes. The transfer to the hotel takes several hours from Bucharest which means a late arrival , especially if the flight is delayed ( we arrived at 6a.m ) . Suggestions I would suggest that the hotel offers snacks for sale particularly on the evening of the bear hide trip when the main meal is eaten very early.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/15/2018
Emma Cowen - Traveled, July 2018
Picturesque places, lush landscape and beautiful bears. A great way to spend the week, walking in the countryside, seeing many sites with fantastic architecture and cute bears doing their thing in the wild. Most Inspirational Moment Watching the bears in the wild from our bear hide and seeing how they play, eat and look out for each other. Also the visit to sanctuary was interesting, but sad to hear how those bears had been treat in their earlier years before being rescued from their previous owners. I also enjoyed the long walk along the canyon and the visit to Dracula's castle. Thoughts on Group Leader Thomas was very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly and always had an answer for every question asked. He also made sure every one's needs were catered for. He also knows the area very well. His assistant Sebi was also helpful and friendly and knows the area well too. Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure you have a good pair of walking boots, plenty of water and waterproof gear. Suggestions The hosts at the lodge were very friendly and approachable, making everyone's stay comfortable and making everyone feel at home. They also catered for vegetarians and always accommodated every one's requirements, no matter how big or small.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/04/2018
Sylvia Ryan - Traveled, July 2018
Transylvanian experience and hospitality at its finest I booked this trip primarily to see the bears and enjoy some leisurely walks through the meadows and forests. It exceeded my expectations, mainly due to our guide Thomas, the lovely hosts Herman and Katerina at Villa Hermani and the variety of local experiences from the ride in a horse cart, tea at a hilltop monastery, dinner at a restaurant specialising in game meats, harvesting mushrooms after the rain, and schnapps and cake at a fortified church with an intriguing priest! Transylvania is a beautiful part of the world, still in a time when we were closer to nature where animals are respected and in proximity, shepherds tend the flocks, and the landscape provides a bounty of wildflowers, fruit, hay and mushrooms. Most Inspirational Moment The visit to the Libearty sanctuary, learning of the history and great work they do to return these wild creatures to a semblance of a wild existence they deserve. The story of Maya was very sobering and I'm glad to see I wasn't the only one to shed a tear. Seeing these bears' behaviour compared to the real wild bears from the hide was quite a contrast. I was also pleased to see they had some wolves at the sanctuary - dogs did bark for a short while in the late evening around Magura but the second night I heard distant howling and I want to believe that was some of the wild wolves! Also the bear hide is a must, we spent a good couple of hours viewing well over a dozen bears plus four cubs. Thoughts on Group Leader Thomas was a gentleman guide. Literally. Modest, engaging, and genuine. Wealth of knowledge about the history and culture of Transylvania, interested in the experiences and thoughts of the folks in the tour group and always willing to assist. An excellent leader in which you are in no better hands. Advice for Potential Travellers Because of the mountainous nature of the region it is hard to gauge the weather more than a couple of hours out and rain can start and stop fairly quickly on a cloudy day. I note from a previous review that they thought the horse cart ride should have been cancelled because it was a rainy day, but in our case it was raining up to when we got to the carts and then it stopped raining. When we finished the ride, the rain started again! The cart ride was a highlight for me and I would have enjoyed it even if it continued raining. I would also say bring more than two pairs of shoes as it does take a couple of days to dry a pair after a rainy day. And yes bring cash to cover the extras (bear hide was 210 lei and wifi access about 25 lei). Suggestions Roll with it and find enjoyment in things that are small or simple. Don't worry too much about getting wet, possible familiarity or monotony or the basic nature of some amenities. One review stated Bucegi mountain was like Dartmore; I've never been there but I reckon it's not 2500m altitude with a gorgeous view of a Transylvanian valley. The simplest things were often the best moments: a yellow spotted salamander in the rain; barley for breakfast; a deer darting in the distance; a vivid pink wildflower; the sharpening of a scythe; a fluffy puppy; a large parasol mushroom ripe for harvest; a herd of donkeys approach while bird watching; drinks at the local "bar" on the side of a meadow hill with Benno the dog watching over us. Brilliant.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2018
Richard Albutt - Traveled, June 2018
Carpathian Mountains a revelation This was a thoroughly enjoyable trip. I was not expecting the Carpathian mountains to be so beautiful or there to be such an abundance of wild flowers. The accommodation was very good quality and the hosts Katarina and Herman, very welcoming and helpful. It was particularly good that several of the walks started directly from the Villa Hermanii and we enjoyed being accompanied by the resident dogs. The visit to Castle Bran and Brasov were also very good and well organised as was the evening spent at the bear hide where we were fortunate to see several bears. Most Inspirational Moment Probably the longest days walk through the forest and a lovely gorge where we saw wild chamoix. Thoughts on Group Leader Thomas was a great leader, very knowledgeable about the complex Romanian history ( especially military strategy) and the local flora and fauna. His English is excellent and he was very helpful as well as entertaining, Advice for Potential Travellers You might want to take a travel kettle if you want a coffee in the evening as it was only available at breakfast. Flasks of hot water are left out for you to make tea etc which was great but the water was not really hot enough by 5ish. There is an honesty bar, the beer is really cheap and all the Romanian wines were worth trying.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/19/2018
Neil Thompson - Traveled, August 2019
Breathtaking Having been on several Exodus trips before I was unsure of what to expect as I not done any trips as remote as this. Not removed from civilisation but bit on the verge of wilderness. The walks produced breathtaking scenery of the mountains and forests, all conducted at a leisurely pace mainly over unmade paths, meadows or very easy woodland walks, which posed no problems for any of the group. Although not able to see every animal that inhabits the forest there presence was evident. The added option to under the guidance of a local ranger, see the brown bears in the wild is something that should not be missed. This was defiantly a highlight of the trip. Most Inspirational Moment The stunning scenery was only beaten by seeing the Brown Bears in their natural environment which was by far the highlight of the trip, this was even more so augmented by visiting the bear sanctuary which was heartbreaking to see and hear how thes poor animals had been persecuted for the amusement of humans. Thoughts on Group Leader In Thomas we could have not had a better guide for our holiday. He was both funny and increadably knowledgeable about the environment and the history of his country. On any of these groups holidays the guide plays a pivotal role and Thomas really help make the week special and an unforgettable holiday. Advice for Potential Travellers Located within the mountains the weather can be changeable host to hour so would suggest a good light weight rain coat/clothing, again good walking boots are definitely an advantage. Walking poles are an advantage on some of the walks, but I do have a slightly weak knee. I took £100 in the local currency and spent a little over, being able to pay the hotel for the visit to the Bear hides and the honesty bar in Euros helps with this.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2018
(Edna) Pat Arlette - Traveled, June 2018
What does this mean? This was a very well thought out holiday with an excellent mixture of walks and visits designed to give us an insight into the local way of life that fell exactly into the leisurely/moderate grading. Most Inspirational Moment Can't think of anything in particular Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent - very easy going manner with a wealth of historical knowledge
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/18/2018
Rosalind Jarvis - Traveled, May 2018
Amazing bears Overall a good holiday. The best things for me were seeing the bears in the wild and the local walks around Magura. The high alpine scenery, the flower filled meadows, the limestone gorges, were beautiful. The guest house is pleasant and food good. Breakfasts are help yourself, semi-continental with a egg option, using this good selection to make packed lunch. Generally I thought the evening meal food was very good, the staff seem to work tirelessly preparing them and must be commended. Though on one or two days, whilst portions were perfect for my small/normal appetite, I think a large man may have been left a bit hungry. Honesty bar for beers and wine works well. Negatives – we had mixed weather and the leaders Thomas and Katrina rejigged the week’s schedule. The rain entirely spoilt the horse and cart ride/walk to the monastery day. Out of exodus’s control yes, but not quite sure why the leaders insisted upon us starting this activity if they knew how rainy it was in the valley below the guesthouse. Perhaps a bit more leeway to add in a visit to an indoor place or town would be sensible here? Secondly, Exodus should reconsider the addition of the cable car and high alpine walk. This involved a near two hour transfer there and back (4 hours in total driving), and a less inspiring walk at the top (think Dartmooresque scenery) than those around Magura itself. The restaurant on this day was good but game orientated. I would entirely leave this option out and add in another walk around Magura. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing the bears in the wild was brilliant. I would have been happy to see one or two, but we saw 10-15 in a three hour period including mother and cubs. Secondly visiting the fortified church, having local schapps and cake with a very different type of priest. The beautiful scenery around Magura for walking. Observing some of ongoing traditional farming practices. Thoughts on Group Leader Thomas, and Katrina (who owns the guest house), were very knowledgeable leaders about the local history and environment. Katrina would accompany us on some of the excursions e.g. bird watching (where we saw a pelican!) Advice for Potential Travellers This is certainly not a walking holiday for anyone who does a reasonable level of walking - I found this frustrating. However, if you are not a walker, the nature of some of the shorter (10km walks) makes them a little more challenging than normal. There is also a considerable amount of time spent on mini-buses transferring between activities due to the location of Magura in the mountains, which I didn't appreciate on booking. Magura is a peaceful location, there is no other source of evening amusement apart from the guesthouse and a local "bar" (read cabin on stilts).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/07/2018
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