SLOW ROMANIA - 2 NIGHTS VILLAGE RETREAT

Disconnect, Breathe, Live Like a Local

ARRIVAL CITIES:

Choose your gateway:

· Bucharest (OTP) - 2.5 hours to Bran/Rucar

· Brasov - 30 minutes to Bran/Rucar

· Sibiu - 2 hours to Bran/Rucar

· Craiova - 3 hours to Bran/Rucar

3-DAY PROGRAM:

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL & SETTLING IN

Arrival

· Pick-up from the airport/city

· If your flight arrives in the morning, we can arrange a city tour before heading to the retreat.

· Scenic drive to Bran/Rucar mountains

· Check in at the family guesthouse

· Welcome tea with homemade cake

· Meet your hosts - hear their stories

Afternoon

· Unpack and unwind

· Slow village walk at your own pace

· No rush, no schedule

· Discover hidden corners, meet neighbours

· Watch sunset from the garden

Evening

· Traditional dinner prepared by your host

· Local wine or palinca (plum brandy)

· Conversations around the table

· Early night or stargazing

DAY 2 - VILLAGE RHYTHMS

Morning

· Wake naturally (no alarm clocks!)

· Leisurely breakfast with fresh bread, cheese, eggs

· Optional: Join host family morning activities:

o Feed the animals

o Collect eggs from chickens

o Pick vegetables from the garden

o Learn to milk a cow (seasonal)

Midday

· Slow walk to the nearby meadow or forest

· Picnic lunch in nature (optional)

· Read a book, sketch, meditate

· Simply be present

Afternoon

· Hands-on village experience (choose one):

o Bake traditional bread with your host

o Make cheese or butter

o Preserve fruits/vegetables (seasonal)

o Learn traditional craft (weaving, pottery, wood carving)

· Free time for:

o Napping in a hammock

o Walking country lanes

o Chatting with locals

o Doing absolutely nothing

Evening

· Help prepare dinner (if you wish)

· Traditional meal with stories

· Local music or folklore tales

· Sleep to mountain silence

DAY 3 - NATURE & DEPARTURE

Morning

· Breakfast on the terrace

· Gentle hike to Dambovicioara Gorges

· Walk at sa low pace, absorb nature

· Limestone cliffs, cave exploration

· Forest bathing, bird songs

Afternoon

· Simple lunch (optional)

· Last moments in the village

· Say goodbye to your host family

· Transfer back to the city/airport

· Return refreshed, not exhausted

ACCOMMODATION:

Traditional Romanian Guesthouse - Bran/Rucar

· Family-run, warm hospitality

· Private room with en-suite bathroom

· Garden with mountain views

· Home-cooked meals from local ingredients

· WiFi available (but we encourage disconnecting!)

· Hammocks, outdoor seating

· Quiet, peaceful, authentic

INCLUDED:

✅ Transport: Private vehicle from/to airport or city ✅ Accommodation: 2 nights traditional guesthouse (private room, en-suite) ✅ Meals: 2 breakfasts and 2 local dinners ✅ Local Host: English-speaking family throughout your stay ✅ Village Experience: 1 hands-on activity (baking/cheese-making/craft) ✅ Nature Walk: Gentle guided hike to Dambovicioara Gorges

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS:

Meals:

· Lunch Day 1 - £15

· Lunch Day 2 (picnic in meadow) - £12

· Lunch Day 3 - £15

Slow Experiences:

· Extra hands-on workshop (pottery/weaving/bread) - £30

· Shepherd visit in the mountains (half day) - £70

· Traditional cooking class (3 hours) - £50

· Foraging walk with local guide - £40

· Horseback riding through villages (2 hours) - £45

· Massage/wellness session - £50

· Wine tasting at local cellar - £35

Comfort Upgrades:

· Room with fireplace - £35 per night

· Private terrace/balcony - £25 per night

PRICING:

Per person:

£395

MODULAR EXTENSIONS - BUILD YOUR ADVENTURE

Add extra regions to your Hidden Romania base tour. Modules listed in logical travel order

MODULE 1 EXPLORER: BRASOV & SURROUNDINGS (2 nights) - "Mountain Town Experience"

Add £270 per person

Highlights:

· Brasov Old Town walking tour

· Peles Castle (royal residence)

· Sinaia mountain resort

· Rasnov Fortress

· Black Church

· Local craft beer tasting

· Traditional restaurant experiences

Included: ✅ 2 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Peles Castle entrance - £12

· Rasnov Fortress entrance - £8

· Black Church entrance - £5

· Craft beer tasting - £20

· Lunches and dinners - £15-30 per meal

MODULE 2: SIBIU & SAXON VILLAGES (2 nights) - "Medieval Heritage"

Add £260 per person

Highlights:

· Sibiu Old Town (European Capital of Culture)

· Viscri fortified church (UNESCO) - Prince Charles village

· Biertan fortress (UNESCO)

· Sighisoara citadel (birthplace of Vlad the Impaler)

· Traditional Saxon guesthouse

· Local cheese and wine tasting

Included: ✅ 2 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Viscri church entrance - £5

· Biertan fortress entrance - £5

· Sighisoara citadel tour - £10

· Cheese and wine tasting - £25

· Lunches and dinners - £15-25 per meal

MODULE 3: TRANSALPINA & SOUTHERN CARPATHIANS (3 nights) - "Scenic Routes"

Add £340 per person

Highlights:

· Transalpina Road (the highest paved road in Romania)

· Traditional villages of Marginimea Sibiului

· Shepherd culture and sheep farming

· Hiking in Retezat National Park

· Mountain passes and panoramic views

· Authentic mountain accommodation

Included: ✅ 3 nights mountain accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 3 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Retezat National Park entrance - £8

· Shepherd visit and cheese tasting - £30

· Guided hiking tour - £40

· Lunches and dinners - £12-25 per meal

MODULE 4 GRAND: APUSENI MOUNTAINS (2 nights) - "Wild Carpathians"

Add £240 per person

Highlights:

· Scarisoara Ice Cave (underground glacier)

· Turda Salt Mine (underground amusement park)

· Cheile Turzii gorges hiking

· Remote village Rimetea

· Mountain cabin accommodation

· Traditional shepherd culture

Included: ✅ 2 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Scarisoara Cave entrance - £8

· Turda Salt Mine entrance - £15

· Guided gorge hiking - £25

· Village cultural tour - £20

· Lunches and dinners - £12-20 per meal

MODULE 5: CLUJ & APUSENI VILLAGES (2 nights) - "Culture & Crafts"

Add £250 per person

Highlights:

· Cluj-Napoca city tour

· Traditional villages

· Folk art and embroidery workshops

· Traditional costume demonstration

· Pottery village of Corund

· Local artisan visits

Included: ✅ 2 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Embroidery workshop - £35

· Pottery workshop - £30

· Traditional costume demonstration - £20

· Artisan visits - £25

· Lunches and dinners - £15-25 per meal

MODULE 6: MARAMURES (3 nights) - "Living Traditions"

Add £330 per person

Highlights:

· Wooden churches (UNESCO)

· Merry Cemetery of Sapanta

· Traditional villages (Barsana, Ieud, Botiza)

· Stay with local families

· Hand-carved wooden gates

· Artisan workshops (wood carving, weaving)

Included: ✅ 3 nights accommodation with local families (private room, shared bathroom) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 3 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Wooden church entrance (multiple) - £15 total

· Merry Cemetery entrance - £5

· Cooking class - traditional dishes - £45

· Wood carving workshop - £40

· Weaving workshop - £35

· Lunches and dinners - £12-20 per meal

MODULE 7 SIGNATURE: BUCOVINA (3 nights) - "Painted Monasteries"

Add £310 per person

Highlights:

· 5 UNESCO painted monasteries (Voronet, Sucevita, Moldovita, Arbore, Humor)

· Icon painting workshop on glass

· Decorated eggs museum and workshop

· Traditional guesthouse stay

· Mountain hiking

· Local pottery village

Included: ✅ 3 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 3 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Monastery entrances (5 total) - £20

· Icon painting workshop - £40

· Decorated eggs workshop - £35

· Pottery village visit - £20

· Guided mountain hiking - £30

· Lunches and dinners - £12-20 per meal

MODULE 8: BICAZ GORGES & NEAMT (2 nights) - "Dramatic Landscapes"

Add £255 per person

Highlights:

· Bicaz Gorges spectacular drive

· Red Lake (Lacul Rosu)

· Neamt Fortress

· Ceahlau Massif hiking

· Traditional Moldavian villages

· Local wine and food tasting

Included: ✅ 2 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Neamt Fortress entrance - £5

· Guided Ceahlau hiking - £35

· Wine and food tasting - £30

· Red Lake boat ride - £15

· Lunches and dinners - £12-20 per meal

MODULE 9: DANUBE DELTA (3 nights) - "Wilderness on Water"

Add £360 per person

Highlights:

· Boat exploration through channels

· Birdwatching (300+ species)

· Letea Forest - wild horses

· Traditional fishing village

· Sulina or Sfantu Gheorghe stay

· Fresh fish meals daily

· Sunrise/sunset boat trips

Included: ✅ 3 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport to/from Tulcea ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 3 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Boat trips (full day) - £45 per day

· Birdwatching guided tour - £50

· Letea Forest excursion - £55

· Fishing experience - £40

· Delta permits and fees - £10

· Lunches and dinners (fresh fish) - £15-25 per meal

MODULE 10: BUCHAREST (2 nights) - "Little Paris of the East"

Add £280 per person

Highlights:

· Palace of Parliament (world's 2nd largest building)

· Old Town (Lipscani)

· Village Museum

· Communist history tour

· Traditional food tour

· Vibrant nightlife option

· Therme Spa (optional add-on)

Included: ✅ 2 nights central hotel accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Palace of Parliament entrance - £15

· Village Museum entrance - £8

· Traditional food tour - £45

· Therme Spa visit - £25

· Lunches and dinners - £15-30 per meal

Final Day Return Transfer - £145 per vehicle (up to 8 people)

POPULAR COMBINED PACKAGES:

"Complete Transylvania" - 9 nights

Starter (2) + Brasov (2) + Sibiu & Saxon Villages (2) + Apuseni (2) £1,010 per person

"Spiritual & Wild Romania" - 10 nights

Starter (2) + Bucovina (3) + Danube Delta (3) + Bucharest (2) £1,110 per person

"Grand Romania Explorer" - 13 nights

Starter (2) + Sibiu (2) + Maramures (3) + Bucovina (3) + Danube Delta (3) £1,450 per person

"Mountain & Culture Journey" - 11 nights

Starter (2) + Brasov (2) + Maramures (3) + Apuseni (2) + Transalpina (3) £1,270 per person

BUILD YOUR OWN:

Mix and match any modules to create your perfect Romanian adventure.

Recommended minimum: Starter + 1-2 modules (5-8 nights total). Optimal experience: Starter + 2-3 modules (8-11 nights total) Grand tour: Starter + 4+ modules (12+ nights total)

Group sizes: 2-8 people

All modules include accommodation, transport, a guide, and breakfasts. Entrance fees, activities, and most meals are optional add-ons for maximum flexibility.

RECOMMENDED FOR SLOW TRAVEL: ✅ Most peaceful: May, September, October, November ✅ Best weather: June, September ✅ Most activities: July, August, September (harvest) ✅ Ultimate disconnect: January, February (winter quiet) ✅ Avoid if seeking perfect weather: March (unpredictable)

WHAT IS SLOW ROMANIA?

Slow travel philosophy:

· Quality over quantity

· Being, not doing

· Connection, not collection

· Experience, not itinerary

· Presence, not performance

You will NOT: ❌ Rush between 10 attractions per day, ❌ Follow rigid schedules, ❌ Eat at tourist restaurants ❌ Take selfies at famous landmark,s ❌ Feel exhausted

You WILL: ✅ Wake without alarm clocks ✅ Eat food from the garden you're staying in ✅ Learn a traditional skill from locals ✅ Have time to read, think, breathe ✅ Leave feeling restored, not tired ✅ Make real human connections ✅ Understand Romanian village life ✅ Return home changed

WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT:

�� No tourist attractions - just real life �� . No rush - move at nature's pace �� . Small, intimate - maximum 8 people �� . Local immersion - live with a family �� . Hands-on participation - help, learn, do �� Mindful presence - be here now �� Sustainable - support local families directly

PERFECT FOR:

✅ Burned-out professionals needing reset ✅ Digital nomads craving offline time ✅ Travelers seeking authentic experiences ✅ Anyone tired of "doing" tourism ✅ People who value connection over sightseeing ✅ Those wanting to truly rest ✅ Culture enthusiasts, not attraction collectors

Not for: ❌ People who need constant entertainment ❌ Luxury seekers (this is simple, authentic comfort) ❌ Those uncomfortable with rural life, and ❌ Anyone needing WiFi 24/7

PRACTICAL INFO:

What to bring:

· Comfortable walking shoes

· Layers for changing weather

· Book to read

· Journal for reflections

· Open mind and patient heart

· Leave expectations at home

What NOT to bring:

· Tight schedule

· Need to "see everything"

· Expectation of luxury

· Constant WiFi dependency

Fitness level: Easy - gentle walks, optional activities Language: English-speaking hosts Age: All ages welcome (especially good for the 30-60 age group)

Ready to slow down?

✅ Filosofie SLOW: disconnect, breathe, no rush ✅ Activitati slow:

· Wake naturally (no alarms)

· Feed animals, collect eggs

· Bake bread, make cheese

· Picnic in the meadow

· Nap in a hammock

· Do absolutely nothing

TESTIMONIALS STYLE:

"We did nothing, and it was everything."

"Finally, a holiday where I actually rested."

"This isn't tourism. It's therapy."

"I learned more in 2 days here than in 2 weeks of city tours."

Slow Romania - 2-Night Village Retreat - FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What is included in the 2-night village retreat?

The retreat includes accommodation with a local family in a traditional village home, all meals prepared with homegrown organic ingredients, participation in daily village activities (bread baking, gardening, animal care, cooking), guided village walks, cultural storytelling sessions, and complete digital detox support. Transportation from the nearest city to the village is included.

What does "digital detox" mean? Do I have to give up my phone?

Digital detox is voluntary but encouraged. Many village homes have limited or no WiFi, creating a natural disconnect. We recommend storing devices in the provided box and embracing the offline experience. However, you can access your phone for emergencies. The goal is to be present, reduce screen time, and reconnect with simple living.

What are the daily activities like?

Days follow the natural rhythm of village life. Mornings might include feeding chickens, collecting eggs, milking goats, or baking bread in a traditional oven. Afternoons involve garden work, preparing meals together, learning crafts, or exploring nearby nature. Evenings feature home-cooked dinners, storytelling by the fire, stargazing, and early rest. The pace is intentionally slow and unstructured.

What are the accommodations like?

You'll stay in a clean, comfortable traditional village home with a local family. Expect simple, authentic accommodations—shared bathrooms in some cases, basic furnishings, and a genuine rural atmosphere. This is not a hotel; it's real village life. Beds are comfortable, homes are heated, and hospitality is warm and genuine.

Is this suitable for solo travellers or only couples/groups?

Perfect for all! Solo travellers find it deeply restorative and often connect meaningfully with host families and other guests. Couples enjoy quality time away from distractions. Small groups appreciate shared slow-living experiences. The intimate village setting creates natural connections regardless of how you arrive.

What should I pack for a slow living retreat?

Bring comfortable, casual clothes suitable for farm work and outdoor activities (clothes that can get dirty), sturdy shoes, warm layers, personal toiletries, any medications, a journal for reflection, and books if you enjoy reading. Leave laptops and work behind. Embrace simplicity—you won't need much in the village.

Can I extend my stay beyond 2 nights?

Absolutely! Many guests find 2 nights too short once they settle into the slow rhythm. We offer 3-night, 5-night, and week-long options. Extended stays allow deeper immersion, stronger connections with your host family, and more complete mental rest. Contact us to customise your retreat length.

Is this experience suitable for people who don't speak Romanian?

Yes! Your host family may speak limited English, but we provide a local coordinator who facilitates communication and cultural exchange. Much of village life is hands-on and visual—cooking, gardening, animal care—which transcends language barriers. The experience often deepens through gestures, smiles, and shared activities rather than words alone.

PERFECT TIME TO VISIT

🌸 SPRING (April - May)

Why Visit:

• Nature awakening—blossoming orchards, fresh green landscapes

• Baby animals (lambs, chicks, calves) bring extra joy to farm activities

• Mild temperatures are perfect for outdoor work and village walks

• Spring planting season—participate in garden preparation

• Fewer visitors, more intimate family connection

Seasonal Activities:

• Planting vegetables and herbs

• Spring cleaning traditions

• Foraging for wild greens and herbs

• Lambing season on farms

• Birdwatching and nature walks

Best For: Nature lovers, those seeking renewal and fresh starts

☀️ SUMMER (June - August)

Why Visit:

• Long, warm days with extended outdoor time

• Abundant garden harvests—pick fresh vegetables daily

• Outdoor cooking and dining experiences

• Haymaking and traditional summer farm work

• Warm evenings are perfect for stargazing and outdoor storytelling

Seasonal Activities:

• Berry picking (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries)

• Haymaking and traditional farming

• Outdoor bread baking in traditional ovens

• Garden harvesting and preserving

• Swimming in nearby rivers or natural springs

• Evening firepit gatherings

Best For: Families, those who love warm weather and outdoor activities

🍂 AUTUMN (September - October)

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED SEASON

Why Visit:

• Harvest season—most rewarding time for farm participation

• Stunning fall colours in the surrounding landscapes

• Perfect comfortable temperatures (not too hot, not too cold)

• Preserving season—learn traditional food storage methods

• Cosy atmosphere as days shorten

Seasonal Activities:

• Apple and plum harvesting

• Traditional jam and preserve making

• Grape harvest in wine regions

• Mushroom foraging in nearby forests

• Preparing winter stores with families

• Autumn feasts and harvest celebrations

Best For: Anyone seeking the most authentic and productive village experience

❄️ WINTER (November - March)

Why Visit:

• Ultimate cosy retreat—fireplaces, warm kitchens, slow indoor rhythms

• Deepest disconnect from modern life

• Snow-covered village landscapes (December-February)

• Traditional winter crafts and indoor activities

• Christmas and New Year village traditions (December)

Seasonal Activities:

• Indoor crafts (knitting, weaving, wood carving)

• Traditional winter cooking and baking

• Animal care in winter conditions

• Snow activities if available

• Christmas traditions (December): cookie baking, carol singing

• Storytelling and long evening conversations by the fire

Best For: Those seeking deep rest, writers, artists, and anyone needing a complete mental reset

YEAR-ROUND SLOW LIVING ACTIVITIES

No matter when you visit:

• Daily bread baking in traditional ovens

• Cooking traditional meals with your host family

• Animal feeding and care

• Village walks and nature connection

• Storytelling and cultural exchange

• Complete digital detox

• Restful sleep in the quiet countryside

• Stargazing (weather permitting)

OUR RECOMMENDATION

For maximum relaxation: September-October or April-May (perfect weather, beautiful nature)

For families with children: June-August (outdoor activities, warm weather)

For deepest disconnect: November-March (cosy indoor retreat, minimal distractions)

For an authentic farm experience: September-October (harvest season, most activities)

For budget travellers: November-March (lower season rates, equally authentic experience)

Every season offers unique slow-living rewards. The best time is whenever you need to pause, breathe, and reconnect with life's simple rhythms.

2026 DEPARTURE DATES:

SPRING SEASON (Best for: Wildlife tracking, wildflowers, fewer crowds)

· May 9-11 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· May 16-18 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· May 23-25 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· June 6-8 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· June 13-15 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· June 20-22 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

SUMMER SEASON (Best for: Long days, all regions accessible, festivals)

· July 4-6 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· July 18-20 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· August 1-3 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· August 15-17 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· August 22-24 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

AUTUMN SEASON (Best for: Fall colours, harvest season, ideal weather)

· September 5-7 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· September 12-14 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· September 19-21 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· September 26-28 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· October 3-5 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· October 10-12 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· October 17-19 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

Custom dates available for groups

All extensions can be added to any guaranteed departure date

OUR GUARANTEE:

��️ Departure Guaranteed - All listed dates run with a minimum of 2 people - 8 people

��️ Quality Commitment - If accommodation doesn't meet our standards, we'll upgrade you at no cost

��️ Transparent Pricing - No hidden fees, all inclusions clearly listed

BOOKING:

Deposit: 30% at confirmation. Balance: 45 days before departure.

Cancellation Policy

• 31+ days before departure:
Full refund minus £50 administration fee

• 0–30 days before departure:
No refund (100% cancellation fee)