CARPATHIAN MOUNTAINS: ROMANIA

The wide open spaces of the Romanian countryside beckon as we leave the city and climb the Carpathian Mountains for the first time for spectacular views over the Carpathian Gateway.  In the shadow of the Parc Natural Bucegi, we’ll eat a traditional lunch and visit the largest salt mine in Europe, before taking the Cheia Pass to our hotel. Tonight you can walk the narrowest street in Europe; if you can find it?

The next day’s first stop is the fangtastic Bran Castle. Experience the history, the myth, the intrigue and the magic of Dracula’s Transylvanian Castle. Haven’t got your teeth into that, it’s time to ride the spectacular Rucar- Bran pass and the Dâmbovicioara gorges as we head west to the famous Transfagarasan Pass. We’ll stay deep in the mountains, next to Lake Vidraru before leaving early morning to catch the stunningly beautiful Balea glacier lake.

We’ll  continue to snake across the iconic and demanding Transfagarasan Pass. Some say it’s the best road in the world? Find out for yourself as we climb and fall along the serpentine curves of this famous route on our way to two UNESCO World Heritage sites. A historical fortress and a medieval village are ahead as we make our way north to our hotel in the medieval walled city of Sighisoara.

Another great riding day as we leave behind beautiful Sighisoara, twisting our way towards one of the most important cultural cities of Romania. Designated a European Capital of Culture, the old city of Sibiu was ranked as “Europe’s 8th-most idyllic place to live”. Sibiu was the largest and wealthiest of the seven walled citadels built in the 12th century by German settlers known as Transylvanian Saxons. We have two nights in Sibiu, and the day off the bike will allow you to lose yourself, wandering this beautiful city. Walk to the Grand Square, the largest square in the city or visit the Brukenthal Palace, one of the most important Baroque monuments in Romania which lies on the north-western corner of the square.

Fully rested, it’s time to head to the spectacular Transalpina Pass, the highest road in Romania. At over 2000 metres above sea level, you can literally ride above the clouds. Tonight we are wine tasting and dining at a luxury vineyard deep in the heart of Romanian wine country. Enjoy the ambience, tomorrow, we ride to where it all began.  

Bucharest calling! Time to leave the Carpathian Mountains and head for the hustle and bustle of the city and our farewell dinner. Tonight we celebrate all that is Romanian with our new riding companions, before leaving for the airport and our final leg home, full of great memories, new friendships and plenty of stories.