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Tales & Trails of Transylvania

Early Booking Offer

■ Location: Romania

■ Duration: 7 nights

■ Board Basis: Half Board

■ Travel Dates: Jun-Oct 2027

■ Itineraries available: 1

■ Choice of Walking Grade: 4 details

■ Carbon Footprint: 942kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£1,599

pp

Inc flights

Members From

£1,549

pp

Inc flights

Members Save £50 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
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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.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...
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.
Hotel Prinz Gregor Brasov - Ext.jpg

Walking grades

From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.

Gentle walking grade 4

Gentle walking grade 4

The most active Gentle grade, with longer walks, some ascent, and possible steps, stiles, or off-path uneven ground. Typically, 6-7 miles (10-12km) with around 1,000ft (300m) of ascent.

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

  • Return flights from London Heathrow, including baggage and transfers
  • Guided walks and sightseeing with local leaders
  • HF Holidays Tour Manager
  • 6 nights' accommodation in Brasov & 1 night in Bucharest
  • 7 breakfasts & 7 dinners
  • All in-destination transport

Itinerary

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.

Itinerary

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: 4.5 miles (7.5km) 

Total Ascent: 50 feet (16m) 

Total Descent: 1,440 feet (438m)  

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: 5.6 miles (9km) 

Total Ascent: 1095 feet (334m) 

Total Descent: 1263 feet (385m)  

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: 1,000 feet (315m) 

Total Descent: 1036 feet (316m) 

Our walk begins in the popular mountain destination of Bucegi, from where we take the cable car transfer up to 2,200m. 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: 7.7 miles (12.5km)  

Total Ascent: 850 feet (259m)  

Total Descent: 850 feet (259m)  

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. 

View all

Accommodation

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.
Hotel Prinz Gregor Brasov - Ext.jpg
Hotel Prinz Gregor Brasov - Room.JPG
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  2. Hotel Prinz Gregor Brasov - Room.JPG

Hotel Capitol, Bucharest

Located in the heart of Bucharest, Hotel Capitol is just 2 minutes' walk away from the pedestrian area of the Old Town. Built in 1901 the hotel houses a renowned restaurant and café, a favourite meeting place for many writers, musicians and artists. With views over the internal gardens or the National Military Palace, facilities include Air-conditioning and high-speed Wi-Fi.
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More Information

Book your holiday ‘with flights’ and you can choose to depart from a range of UK airports* to your destination. For latest flight times and prices please call us on 0203-974-8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk  

If you choose to book your flights with us, we automatically include return transfers between the destination airport and hotel.  

If you are booking on a land-only basis, you can join the group transfer at an additional cost. To do so, your arrival and departure times must be in line with the scheduled group flight timings. Guests travelling at different times will need to arrange their own transfers. Please contact us before booking to discuss the available options and costs.

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)  

  • Swimcap (compulsory in Itialian resorts)

  • 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 (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see whether any health precautions are needed for your trip. Health advice and requirements can change, so we recommend doing this in good time before travel.

As a general rule, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and boosters, including, for example, MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Some countries may require you to have specific vaccinations such as Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever. Please check with your GP if you are unsure.

Please note that the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is restricted or banned in certain countries. If you will be carrying medication, you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. As an extra precaution, we recommend keeping medication in its original packaging, carrying a copy of your prescription, and, where possible, asking your pharmacist to provide the medication name in the language of the country you are visiting.

For further country-specific health advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk. If you are travelling from outside the UK, please consult your own doctor and check local entry requirements.

 

This information is for those travelling with a full ‘British Citizen’ passport; for all other nationalities or passport holders, please check with your local consulate for advice.

Passport Requirements

This information applies to travellers holding a full British Citizen passport. Entry requirements vary by destination and can change at short notice. For most EU and worldwide destinations, passports must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some countries also require a minimum period of validity remaining on your passport (often up to 6 months beyond your return date), even if you are not staying that long.
We strongly recommend ensuring your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of travel to avoid any issues.

If you hold a different type of British passport or a passport issued by another country, you must check the requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or official government website.

Visa Requirements

Visa rules depend on your nationality, destination, length of stay, and purpose of travel, and they can change frequently. It is your responsibility to check whether you require a visa before travelling.
British passport holders should check the latest entry, passport validity and visa requirements for their destination on the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

 

 

Travel insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore, if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so before you travel.

For more information about healthcare and its costs, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/

Drinking Water

Standards for drinking water vary widely around the world. In many destinations, tap water may not be safe to drink, brush your teeth with, or use for making ice. Where advised, you should drink only bottled or treated water and ensure that bottle seals are intact before use. If bottled water is unavailable, water should be boiled or filtered.

Staying well hydrated is particularly important in hot climates and during active holidays. Carry water with you and drink regularly. 

If you are unsure about local water safety, check official country-specific health advice before travel, or ask your accommodation or local guides for guidance once you arrive.

Carbon Footprint - 942kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

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Dates & availability

Tales & Trails of Transylvania

Members save an additional £50 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. Read more about membership

2027

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

6 Jun - 13 Jun 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Fully Escorted

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,749 £1,699

£1,439 £1,389

pp

Members

£1,699 £1,649

£1,389 £1,339

pp
Single rooms

£2,039 £1,989

pp

£1,989 £1,939

pp

£1,729 £1,679

pp

£1,679 £1,629

pp
Book Now

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

20 Jun - 27 Jun 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Fully Escorted

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,649 £1,599

£1,459 £1,409

pp

Members

£1,599 £1,549

£1,409 £1,359

pp
Single rooms

£1,939 £1,889

pp

£1,889 £1,839

pp

£1,749 £1,699

pp

£1,699 £1,649

pp
Book Now

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

12 Sep - 19 Sep 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Fully Escorted

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,699 £1,649

£1,469 £1,419

pp

Members

£1,649 £1,599

£1,419 £1,369

pp
Single rooms

£1,979 £1,929

pp

£1,929 £1,879

pp

£1,749 £1,699

pp

£1,699 £1,649

pp
Book Now

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

3 Oct - 10 Oct 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Fully Escorted

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,699 £1,649

£1,489 £1,439

pp

Members

£1,649 £1,599

£1,439 £1,389

pp
Single rooms

£1,979 £1,929

pp

£1,929 £1,879

pp

£1,769 £1,719

pp

£1,719 £1,669

pp
Book Now
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We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent, group and self-guided bookings).

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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