Tales & Trails of Transylvania
Busting the myth of the storm-lashed spooky backwater depicted in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, this Transylvania tour brings a new perspective on a place immortalised in Western culture. Tucked away in the dramatic curve of the Carpathian Mountains, it’s a land of rugged peaks, rolling hills, and Gothic castles fit to house horror’s most iconic character. Walk captivating trails in vast national parks teeming with wildlife and tales from the past. Soak up the rich history at Bran Castle and take a thrilling cable car ride over the Bucegi Plateau. There’ll also be guided tour of Romania’s capital, Bucharest, and visits to traditional Transylvanian villages like Viscri that preserve the region’s unique charm and heritage.
What you’ll love
- Exploring the beautiful Carpathian Mountain range
- Visiting Piatra Craiului National Park and the Rasnoava Valley
- Discovering the history of Bran Castle, famed for its associations with Dracula
- Guided tours of both Brasov and Romania’s capital, Bucharest
- Views over the Bucegi Plateau on a cable car ride
- Spending time in traditional Transylvanian villages, including Viscri
What’s included
- Full programme of guided walks led by local leaders
- HF Holidays Tour Manager
- 3-star accommodation
- Half-board (breakfast and evening meal)
- All sightseeing and entrance fees (as per itinerary)
- Return flights from the UK including hold baggage and airport transfers
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
We arrive in Bucharest, join our local guide and transfer onwards to Brasov, with an introduction to our tour on the way. Our dinner this evening will be a set menu selection of traditional Romanian fayre.
Distance: 6.5 miles (10km)
Total Ascent: 770 feet (235m)
Total Descent: 985 feet (300m)
We begin with a walking tour of historic Brasov, before heading to the eastern hills of Piatra Craiului, a beautiful mountain range of southern Carpathians. We’ll cross through Zarnesti Gorges and Magura village, descending to visit famous Dracula’s Castle in Bran. On a rocky outcrop guarding the entrance to a mountain pass, the castle was built by the Saxons in the late 14th century. Inside you’ll find displays of rich Western European furniture, which Queen Marie, granddaughter of Queen Victoria, purchased in the 1920s when the castle was a royal residence.
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)
Total Ascent: 200 feet (60m)
Total Descent: 1,540 feet (470m)
Starting in Predeal, the highest-located town in Romania, on the former border between the provinces of Wallachia and Transylvania, we’ll explore the wild and spectacular landscape that stretches throughout the entire area all the way to Rasnoava Valley. Here the beautiful gorges, steep cliffs, and karst formations offer a fascinating visual landscape, and the contrast between the rocky walls and the crystalline waters of the Rasnoava River creates a magical setting for our walk.
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)
Total Ascent: 1,000 feet (315m)
Total Descent: 590 feet (180m)
Our walk begins in the popular mountain destination of Bucegi, from where we take the cable car transfer up to 2,000m. We will pass Babele and Sfinx on our route, taking in a unique complex of carved rock formations and enjoying beautiful views over the Cross of Caraiman, a monument dedicated to rail workers who died serving their country during World War I. From here we descend to the town of Busteni and continue our journey back to Brasov.
Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently, or visit local places of interest.
You may decide to explore more of Brasov. We recommend a ride on the cable car up to the top of Mount Tampa, to soak up the views of Brasov below and the scenery beyond.
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)
Total Ascent: 1,015 feet (310m)
Total Descent: 1,015 feet (310m)
Step back in time as we head from Mesendorf, over hills and through meadows to reach the remote traditional village of Viscri. With the help of benefactors, including King Charles III, restoration schemes have helped save many villages, and Viscri is the most famous example. Here barns, cottages, cattle troughs and more have been repaired and rustic skills re-introduced. After our walk we can explore the village and have a tour of Viscri’s UNESCO-listed fortified church. We’ll enjoy a leisurely evening, with a set menu dinner at our hotel.
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Total Ascent: 1,390 feet (425m)
Total Descent: 1,150 feet (350m)
Today’s tour takes us from the charming mountain village of Poiana Tapului, through the vistas of mountains and meadows, to reach Sinaia, home to a historic 17th century monastery and the neo-Renaissance Peles Castle. After the walk, we will continue onward by coach back to Bucharest, where we’ll enjoy an insightful city tour, seeing landmarks including The Palace of the Parliament, before our final dinner at a local restaurant and overnight stay.
Transfer to the airport for the flight home.
Hotel Prinz Gregor
Located in the heart of the historical city of Brasov, the Prinz Gregor offers an ideal base for guests looking to explore Transylvania. Each room is furnished with taste and attention to detail, offering all mod cons for a relaxing stay. There’s also a small-but-stylish restaurant serving breakfast and evening meals.
Mercure Bucharest City
With decor inspired by some of Romania's most famous composers, the Mercure Bucharest City is music to the ears of any tourist looking for a relaxing stay in a great location. The Romanian Athenaeum, the Royal Palace and the National Art Museum are all within walking distance and 114 spacious rooms offer a welcoming place to unwind. Enjoy views over the city skyline, decor portraying scenes of early 20th century Bucharest, and in the morning, a generous continental breakfast buffet.
Essential information
It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Insulated jacket/top
- Walking clothing
- Walking socks (plus spares)
- Sunhat
- Gloves/mitts and warm hat
- Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
- Headtorch
- High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
- Sunglasses with a dark lens
- Rucksack (15-30 litres)
- Mobile phone
- Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Copy of your travel insurance policy
- UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)
Recommended
- Collapsible walking poles
- Swimwear and travel towel
- Snacks
- Dry bags
- Rubbish bags
- Insect repellent
Optional extras
- Camera
- Sit mat
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- GPS device
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
All packages that include flights are ATOL protected. Advertised prices listed below show the lowest economy flight price option for that departure. On holidays where we offer local UK airports, details will appear in the “Important Information” section below and available alternative flight options will be offered when you book. Seating upgrades may be available on request and at an additional charge, please call 020 3974 8865 for a quote.
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
15 Jun - 22 Jun 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £1,824 £1,774 Double from £1,599 £1,549 pp |
from £1,599 £1,549 pp |
from £1,824 £1,774 |
Save £50 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
07 Sep - 14 Sep 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £1,914 Double from £1,689 pp |
from £1,689 pp |
from £1,914 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
05 Oct - 12 Oct 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £1,874 Double from £1,649 pp |
from £1,649 pp |
from £1,874 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
15 Jun - 22 Jun 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,714 £1,664 Double from £1,489 £1,439 pp |
from £1,489 £1,439 pp |
from £1,714 £1,664 |
Save £50 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
07 Sep - 14 Sep 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,744 Double from £1,519 pp |
from £1,519 pp |
from £1,744 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
05 Oct - 12 Oct 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,704 Double from £1,479 pp |
from £1,479 pp |
from £1,704 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
7 nights
from
£1,479pp
£1,439pp
New holidays
or call 020 3974 8865
942Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
