Day 1: Bucharest – Transylvania
Individual arrival in Bucharest and meeting with the guide. Transfer (private or by train depending on the group size) to the quiet village of Vulcan located in Brasov County, at the gates of Transylvania. The total duration of the transfer is approximately 3 hours, with breaks planned along the way. Dinner and overnight in the welcoming parish house of the village.
Day 2: Transylvania – Bucium (55 km; +250/-400 m)
After breakfast, the bike ride begins on a flat stretch of road that is easy to ride, immersed in a spectacular landscape dominated by the snowy peaks of the Postavaru Mountains. The route passes through the mountain village of Zarnesti. Stop for lunch and visit to the oldest mill in Transylvania, powered by the transparent waters of the river flowing next to it. The owner will tell us about the trials and tribulations he and his mill underwent during the communist period. After a lemonade and a slice of cake, our adventure continues in the direction of the beautiful village that will welcome us for the night, on the slopes of the Fagaras Mountains. If the weather permits, we will also make a brief detour to visit the ancient cult cave dedicated to Zalmoxis, a deity of Dacia. Dinner and overnight stay in a welcoming family-run guest house.
Day 3: Bucium –Cârţa/Cartișoara(65 km; +300/-450 m)
The Fagaras Mountains, the highest in Romania, will accompany us throughout the day. In the morning, after breakfast, we will head towards the small village of Lisa, where an old machine for weaving thick woolen blankets is still in use. The owner will tell us about the history of the village, once a thriving industrial town. We will enjoy lunch from a local artisan who will impress us with tasty local products and amaze us by showing us his craft. Later we will reach the ruins of a remarkable Cistercian Monastery where we will stay overnight and meet the shepherd who will tell us about the rich history and legends of the place. Possible diversion to reach the Sambata de Sws Monastery (+ 10km). Dinner and overnight stay in a comfortable guest house which, depending on the period, will be in Cârţa or Cartisoara; in some cases, therefore, the visit to the Cârța Monastery will be scheduled for day 4.
Day 4: Cârţa/Cartișoara – Biertan (68 km; +600/-650 m)
After breakfast, our bike day begins with an adrenaline-filled crossing of the bridge over the Olt river. Our journey then continues on picturesque country roads, animated by local people working in the fields. We continue on to the fortified church of Richis, a UNESCO site dating back to the 15th century, where we will have some free time to explore the magic of its interiors. Dinner and overnight in a lovely guesthouse next to the church.
Day 5: Biertan – Sighisoara (40 km; +380/-400 m)
Today we have in store a splendid route that, through authentic Transylvanian villages, will take us to the Tarnava Mare river, passing by nearby hop plantations. We will then spend part of the afternoon and evening in one of the most beautiful cities in Romania, Sighisoara, one of the few medieval citadels in Europe that is still fully inhabited and a UNESCO site. We will explore the old city with its famous Clock Tower, which once served as a gateway into the city, its stairways, medieval streets, and the birthplace of Vlad Dracul, father of Prince Vlad Tepes (known as the Impaler), who inspired Bram Stoker's famous character of Dracula. Overnight in a hotel in the heart of the Citadel of Sighisoara.
Day 6: Sighisoara – Șoarș/Cobor (48 km; +600/-500 m)
We will cycle through the hills of Transylvania to the village of Apold, with a beautiful fortified church, where we will make a brief stop before resuming our journey. We then continue through a remote and bucolic countryside, where it is easy to encounter shepherds watching over their flock. We will stop for lunch at another amazing fortified church, where we will discover some interesting Saxon traditions. We will spend the evening in an authentic Romanian house; dinner, naturally based on local dishes, will be served in the largest guesthouse in the village.
Day 7: Șoarș/Cobor – Viscri (35 km; +300/-250 m)
Today's itinerary starts with a short climb through a shady forest and then continues with an easy stretch of road that passes through several villages before arriving in Viscri. Once there, we will explore this charming village and see firsthand how the Saxons lived here in past centuries. We may also visit the beautiful fortified church, one of the most picturesque in Transylvania, restored thanks to the foundation created by Prince Charles and based in the village of Viscri, with the aim of preserving the historical and artistic heritage of the region. To fully immerse ourselves in local life, we will meet a brick producer and the village blacksmith, the only people authorized to work on the church during restoration works. Free time and overnight stay in the heart of the village of Viscri.
Day 8: Viscri – Bucharest
After breakfast, transfer by bus to Bran Castle, better known as Dracula's Castle, located on the border between Transylvania and Wallachia. If there is time, we will also make a stop at the romantic Peles Castle, once a summer residence of the royal family. Once in Bucharest, you are free to explore the city on your own, with the help of the informational material that will be provided. End of services and possibility of booking an additional night in Bucharest.