Authentic Village Life & Carpathian Wildlife

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 & MOUNTAIN VILLAGE

Arrival

· Pick-up from the airport/city

· Transfer to Bran/Rucar area

· Check in at the traditional guesthouse

· Meet your host family

Afternoon/Evening

· Village exploration walk

· Discover hidden paths and local life

· Mountain views and fresh air

· Traditional dinner with homemade products

· Stories around the fire

DAY 2 - WILD CARPATHIANS

Morning

· Breakfast at the guesthouse

· Wildlife tracking in Piatra Craiului Mountains

· Learn about the Carpathian ecosystem

· Spectacular mountain scenery

Afternoon

· Return to the village

· Hands-on craft workshop:

o Traditional pottery OR

o Wool weaving OR

o Wood carving

· Free time to relax

Evening

· Traditional dinner

· Local music (seasonal)

DAY 3 - HIDDEN GORGES & DEPARTURE

Morning

· Breakfast

· Explore Cheile Dâmbovicioarei (Hidden Gorges)

· Hike through a dramatic limestone canyon

· Cave visit

· Untouched nature and photo opportunities

Afternoon

· Transfer to the airport/city

· End of the Hidden Romania experience

ACCOMMODATION:

Bran/Rucar Traditional Guesthouse

· Hidden away from tourist crowds

· Authentic Romanian mountain architecture

· Family-run hospitality

· Private rooms with en-suite bathrooms

· Home-cooked meals from the garden and local farms

· Panoramic Carpathian mountain views

· Clean, comfortable, genuine experience

INCLUDED:

✅ Transport: Private vehicle from/to airport or city ✅ Guide: English-speaking local expert (full program) ✅ Accommodation: 2 nights traditional guesthouse (private room, en-suite) ✅ Meals: 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners - traditional, locally sourced food ✅ Craft Workshop: 1 hands-on traditional session (choice of 3)

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS:

Meals:

· Lunch Day 1 - £15

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

· Lunch Day 3 - £15

Activities:

· Cheile Dâmbovicioarei entrance & guide - £20

· Extra craft workshop - £35

· Horseback riding (2 hours) - £45

· Traditional cooking class - £55

· Extended wildlife experience (sunrise/sunset) - £65

· Shepherd mountain visit - £75

· Wine tasting - £35

Accommodation Upgrade:

· Premium room with fireplace - £40 per night

PRICING:

£395 per person

See full modular options for complete itineraries

HIDDEN ROMANIA - MODULAR EXTENSIONS

Discover Secret Romania Beyond Tourist Maps

Add extra regions to your Hidden Romania base experience. Each module takes you deeper into authentic, untouched areas

MODULE 1: HIDDEN BRAȘOV MOUNTAINS (2 nights)

Add £270 per person

Secret Experiences:

· Explore Piatra Craiului's hidden trails (locals only)

· Visit remote shepherd camps in the Bucegi Mountains

· Discover abandoned Saxon villages

· Hike to secret waterfalls unknown to tourists

· Stay in a mountain cabin with a shepherd family

· Learn traditional cheese-making at high altitude

Accommodation: Remote mountain guesthouse/cabin

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

Optional Add-Ons:

· Shepherd cheese-making experience - £35

· Secret cave exploration - £30

· Traditional shepherd dinner - £20

· Guided sunrise hike - £25

· Lunches and dinners - £12-25 per meal

MODULE 2: HIDDEN APUSENI (2 nights) - "Forgotten Mountains"

Add £240 per person

Secret Experiences:

· Underground glacier in Sc

HIDDEN ROMANIA - MODULAR EXTENSIONS

Discover Authentic Romania Beyond Tourist Routes

Add extra regions to your Hidden Romania base experience, Modules listed in logical travel order across the country

MODULE 1: HIDDEN BRAȘOV & SURROUNDINGS (2 nights)

Add £270 per person

The Secret Side of Transylvania's Heart

What You'll Discover:

· Brașov's hidden courtyards and secret passages

· Abandoned Saxon villages locals know

· Râșnov Fortress before the crowds arrive

· Traditional shepherd communities in the Piatra Craiului foothills

· Secret viewpoints tourists never find

· Local craft beer makers and artisan workshops

Accommodation: Family guesthouse in a village near Brașov (not in a tourist centre)

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

Optional Add-Ons:

· Early morning Râșnov visit (before tourists) - £15

· Shepherd breakfast in the mountains - £25

· Traditional blacksmith workshop - £30

· Secret hiking trail with local - £35

· Craft brewery visit & tasting - £20

· Lunches and dinners - £15-25 per meal

MODULE 2: HIDDEN SIBIU & FORGOTTEN SAXON VILLAGES (2 nights)

Add £260 per person

Where Saxons Still Live & Traditions Survive

What You'll Discover:

· Sibiu's medieval cellars and hidden alleys

· Villages where time stopped: Rășinari, Gura Râului

· Mărginimea Sibiului shepherd culture (not touristy)

· Traditional cheese making with local families

· Fortified churches with no tour buses

· Home-cooked meals in Saxon houses

Accommodation: Saxon guesthouse in a forgotten village

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

Optional Add-Ons:

· Shepherd day experience - £40

· Traditional cheese making workshop - £35

· Saxon church private tour - £10

· Village-to-village hiking - £30

· Local wine cellar visit - £25

· Lunches and dinners - £15-25 per meal

MODULE 3: HIDDEN TRANSALPINA & SHEPHERD MOUNTAINS (3 nights)

Add £340 per person

Remote Mountain Roads & Pastoral Life

What You'll Discover:

· Transalpina Road's secret stops locals use

· Remote shepherd camps in high mountains

· Traditional sheep migration routes

· Villages accessible only by mountain roads

· Wild camping spots with shepherds (optional)

· Retezat National Park hidden trails

· Cheese making at 2000m altitude

Accommodation: Mountain cabins and shepherd guesthouses

Included: ✅ 3 nights accommodation (private rooms, shared facilities in remote areas) ✅ Transport (4x4 for mountain roads) ✅ English-speaking mountain guide ✅ 3 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Sleep at shepherd camp (1 night) - £45

· Retezat wilderness hiking - £40

· Traditional wool processing workshop - £30

· Mountain fishing experience - £35

· Lunches and dinners - £12-20 per meal

MODULE 4: HIDDEN APUSENI - CAVES & FORGOTTEN VILLAGES (2 nights)

Add £240 per person

Romania's Last Wild West

What You'll Discover:

· Scărișoara Ice Cave (underground glacier)

· Villages cut off from the modern world

· Traditional mining communities

· Hidden waterfalls locals swim in

· Motzi people and their unique culture

· Wild camping in karst landscapes

· Artisan potters in Corund (not touristy)

Accommodation: Remote village guesthouse, mountain cabin

Included: ✅ 2 nights accommodation (private room, basic facilities) ✅ Transport (4x4 for rough roads) ✅ English-speaking local guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Scărișoara Cave entrance - £8

· Hidden waterfall hiking - £25

· Traditional mining tour - £30

· Potter's workshop - £30

· Wild swimming spots tour - £20

· Lunches and dinners - £12-18 per meal

MODULE 5: HIDDEN CLUJ (2 nights)

Add £250 per person

Where Hungarian & Romanian Traditions Blend

What You'll Discover:

· Cluj's underground tunnels and hidden gardens

· Villages untouched by tourism

· Traditional embroidery masters at home

· Village churches with painted wooden ceilings

· Home-cooked Hungarian-Romanian fusion meals

· Artisan workshops (not for tourists, real work)

· Local markets where villagers actually shop

Accommodation: Village house in the region

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

Optional Add-Ons:

· Embroidery master class - £35

· Traditional costume fitting & photos - £25

· Village church painting tour - £15

· Local market shopping & cooking - £40

· Artisan workshop visits - £20

· Lunches and dinners - £15-22 per meal

MODULE 6: HIDDEN MARAMUREȘ - LIVING WOOD CULTURE (3 nights)

Add £330 per person

Europe's Last Medieval Countryside

What You'll Discover:

· Villages where horses outnumber cars

· Wooden churches locals still use (not museums)

· Families living like 100 years ago (by choice)

· Traditional gate carving masters at work

· Merry Cemetery's real story from locals

· Moonshine (horincă) making with villagers

· Hay harvesting and traditional farming

· Wool spinning and weaving in homes

Accommodation: Village family homes (authentic, not hotels)

Included: ✅ 3 nights accommodation (private room, shared bathroom) ✅ Transport (including rough village roads) ✅ English-speaking local guide ✅ 3 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Participate in hay harvest (seasonal) - £30

· Wood carving workshop with master - £40

· Traditional weaving lesson - £35

· Horincă tasting & making - £25

· Horse cart ride to mountain pastures - £20

· Wooden churches tour - £15

· Lunches and dinners - £12-18 per meal

MODULE 7 SIGNATURE: HIDDEN BUCOVINA - BEYOND THE MONASTERIES (3 nights)

Add £310 per person

Spiritual Romania & Mountain Traditions

What You'll Discover:

· Painted monasteries at sunrise (no crowds)

· Nun-led icon painting workshops (real monastery work)

· Mountain villages where old rituals survive

· Traditional egg painting masters at home

· Hutsul culture in remote areas

· Monastery meals with monks/nuns

· Forest mushroom foraging with locals

· Ceahlău mountain sacred sites

Accommodation: Village guesthouse near monasteries (not tourist zone)

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

Optional Add-Ons:

· Private monastery workshop with nuns - £45

· Egg painting master class - £35

· Monastery meal experience - £20

· Ceahlău sacred mountain hike - £35

· Mushroom foraging & cooking - £40

· Monastery entrance fees (5 total) - £20

· Lunches and dinners - £12-20 per meal

MODULE 8: HIDDEN BICAZ GORGES & WILD MOLDAVIA (2 nights)

Add £255 per person

Dramatic Landscapes & Forgotten Fortresses

What You'll Discover:

· Bicaz Gorges secret viewpoints

· Red Lake's mysterious origins from locals

· Neamț Fortress hidden chambers

· Ceahlău mountain shepherd trails

· Traditional Moldavian villages (not touristy)

· Wine cellars in family basements

· Wild berry picking in forests (seasonal)

Accommodation: Village guesthouse in the mountain area

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

Optional Add-Ons:

· Neamț Fortress private tour - £12

· Ceahlău wilderness hiking - £35

· Family wine cellar tasting - £25

· Red Lake local legends tour - £15

· Forest foraging walk - £30

· Lunches and dinners - £12-18 per meal

MODULE 9: HIDDEN DANUBE DELTA - FISHERMEN'S WORLD (3 nights)

Add £360 per person

Europe's Last Wilderness, Local Way

What You'll Discover:

· Delta channels only fishermen know

· Villages accessible only by boat

· Traditional fishing techniques (hands-on)

· Letea Forest wild horses tracking

· Birdwatching with a local ornithologist

· Fish smoking traditional method

· Sunrise fishing trips

· Lipovan community culture (Russian Old Believers)

Accommodation: Fisherman's house in a remote delta village

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

Optional Add-Ons:

· Daily boat trips (local fisherman) - £40 per day

· Traditional fishing experience - £45

· Letea Forest wild horse expedition - £55

· Fish smoking workshop - £30

· Birdwatching guided tour - £50

· Delta permits - £10

· Lunches and dinners (fresh fish) - £15-22 per meal

MODULE 10: HIDDEN BUCHAREST - LOCAL'S CITY (2 nights)

Add £280 per person

Beyond Tourist Bucharest

What You'll Discover:

· Neighbourhoods locals actually live in

· Communist-era apartment block life

· Hidden courtyards and passages

· Markets where Bucharesters shop

· Underground culture scene

· Traditional food spots (no tourists)

· Street art neighborhoods

· Local parks and hangouts

· Real Bucharest nightlife

Accommodation: Boutique guesthouse in residential neighbourhood (not Old Town)

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

Optional Add-Ons:

· Communist apartment visit & coffee - £20

· Local market food tour - £40

· Underground art scene tour - £30

· Traditional restaurant experience - £25

· Palace of Parliament tour - £15

· Street food evening tour - £35

· Lunches and dinners - £18-30 per meal

BUILD YOUR HIDDEN ROMANIA JOURNEY:

Start with: 2-night base in Bran/Rucar. Add: Any combination of regional modules, Travel: South to North, or customise your route

Recommended combinations:

"Hidden Transylvania" - 8 nights

Base (2) + Brașov (2) + Sibiu (2) + Apuseni (2) £1,010 per person

"Hidden Mountains & Traditions" - 10 nights

Base (2) + Transalpina (3) + Maramureș (3) + Apuseni (2) £1,135 per person

"Hidden Spiritual Romania" - 11 nights

Base (2) + Bucovina (3) + Maramureș (3) + Danube Delta (3) £1,225 per person

"Grand Hidden Romania" - 13 nights

Base (2) + Maramureș (3) + Bucovina (3) + Danube Delta (3) + Bucharest (2) £1,450 per person

WHAT MAKES THESE "HIDDEN"?

�� No tourist traps - We avoid overcrowded sites �� . Local connections - Access through personal relationships �� . Real communities - places where people actually live. Authentic experiences - Not staged for tourists �� . Small groups - Maximum 8 people, often smaller �� . Flexible timing - Visit when locals do, not peak hours �� . Insider knowledge - Guides from these communities �� . Sustainable - Money goes directly to families

Group sizes: 2-8 people. Available: Year-round (some activities seasonal)

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

1. Brașov & Surroundings - £270 (2n) - "Secret Side of Transylvania's Heart"

2. Sibiu & Saxon Villages - £260 (2n) - "Where Saxons Still Live"

3. Transalpina & Shepherds - £340 (3n) - "Remote Mountain Roads"

4. Apuseni - £240 (2n) - "Romania's Last Wild West"

5. Cluj - £250 (2n) - "Romanian Blend"

6. Maramureș - £330 (3n) - "Europe's Last Medieval Countryside"

7. Bucovina - £310 (3n) - "Beyond the Monasteries"

8. Bicaz & Moldavia - £255 (2n) - "Dramatic Landscapes"

9. Danube Delta - £360 (3n) - "Fishermen's World"

10. București - £280 (2n) - "Local's City"

WHY "HIDDEN ROMANIA"?

�� Off the beaten path - Away from tourist crowds �� Authentic village life - Real families, real stories �� Wild nature - Untouched Carpathian wilderness �� Small groups - Maximum 8 people, intimate experience �� Local experts - Guides from the mountains, insider knowledge �� Hands-on experiences - Participate, don't just observe �� Sustainable tourism - Money goes directly to local communities

WHAT MAKES THIS SPECIAL:

✨ Sleep in a traditional mountain guesthouse, not a hotel ✨ Track bears with a local ranger who knows every trail ✨ Learn traditional crafts from village artisans ✨ Explore hidden gorges tourists never find ✨ Eat food grown in your host's garden ✨ Experience Romania locals know and love

BUILD YOUR OWN:

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

You can choose any combination:

· Start from any module

· Skip modules that don't interest you

· Do modules in any order that suits your travel plans

· Add or remove days as needed

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)

AIRPORT TRANSFER OPTIONS:

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

Included: ✅ Direct transfer from your last accommodation to the airport ✅ Comfortable private vehicle ✅ English-speaking driver ✅ Luggage assistance

Flexible stops:

· Stop anywhere along the route for photos, refreshments, or sightseeing

· Visit additional attractions on the way to the airport (entrance fees not included)

· Flexible departure time based on your flight schedule

Available from any location to:

· Bucharest (OTP)

· Brasov

· Sibiu

· Craiova

EXTEND YOUR STAY:

Extra Days in Any Location

1 extra night - £85 per person Includes: Accommodation, breakfast, dinner

2 extra nights - £160 per person Includes: Accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Guide services (optional) - £50 per day Driver services (optional) - £50 per day

Popular extensions:

· Extra days in Bucharest for city exploration

· Additional hiking days in the mountains

· More time in traditional villages

· Relaxation days at thermal spas

WHY CHOOSE US:

✨ Local Expertise - Born and raised in Romania, we know the hidden gems tourists never find

✨ Small Groups Only - Maximum 8 people for intimate, personalised experiences

✨ Direct Community Impact - Your money goes directly to local families, artisans, and guides

✨ Authentic Access - Exclusive connections with shepherds, craftspeople, and village families

✨ Flexible & Modular - Build your perfect adventure, your way

✨ English-Speaking Guides - Locals who share insider stories, not Wikipedia facts

PERFECT FOR:

✅ Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts ✅ Cultural explorers seeking authenticity ✅ Photographers and outdoor adventurers ✅ Travelers tired of tourist traps ✅ Anyone wanting real Romania, not a postcard

Not for: Luxury seekers, those needing constant WiFi, people uncomfortable with rural life

BEST TIME TO VISIT:

�� OPTIMAL: May (mid-late) & September (entire month)

· Perfect weather (15-25°C)

· Fewer tourists

· Best value

· All activities available

· Wildlife active

⭐ EXCELLENT: June & October

· June: Warm, lush, possible afternoon showers

· October: Autumn colours, harvest season, cooler temperatures

☀️ GOOD: July-August

· Hot weather (30-35°C)

· Long days

· Peak season (higher prices, more tourists)

· Great for mountain escapes

❄️ WINTER LOVERS: December-February

· Snow-covered landscapes

· Traditional winter customs

· Budget-friendly

· Limited wildlife viewing

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

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Group sizes: 2-8 people

Walking difficulty levels:

· Easy: Flat terrain, 1-3 km

· Moderate: Some hills/stairs, 3-6 km

· Difficult: Steep terrain, 6+ km

All modules include: Accommodation, transport, a guide, and breakfasts. Optional: Entrance fees, activities, and most meals for maximum flexibility

Book with confidence: Create your perfect itinerary by combining any modules in any order!

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

BOOK NOW:

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)