Grand Tour of the Carpathians

Transcription

TRIP DOSSIER
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• Trek in Transylvania, Bucovina and the Maramures
• See “Castle Dracula” at Bran
• Sweeping views of Transylvania from the summit of Omu
• World famous painted monasteries in Bucovina
Guided Group Departures
Walking Grade: B/C – Moderate/Demanding
Trip Code: TGTC
For dates and prices visit
www.walksworldwide.com
www.walksworldwide.co.uk
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Date of issue: 23 Jan 2015
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Introduction
Based on the many trekking and travelling adventures
that we’ve undertaken ourselves to this very special
country, we’ve created this exceptional and unique to
Walks Worldwide trek and tour of the Carpathian
Mountains of Romania. From the soaring peaks of
Transylvania, to the rolling and bucolic landscapes of
unspoiled Maramures this epic journey encompasses
what we believe to be the “best of Romania” that is
possible within a two-week adventure holiday.
Way up high in the Bucegi Mountains on the summit of
Omu, the panoramic views across the Carpathians to the
plains 2000m below will take your breath away. You’ll
visit the fairytale palace of Peles, the iconic castle at Bran
(a.k.a. “Castle Dracula”), as well as explore the medieval
heart of the delightful city of Brasov. In complete contrast
you’ll be transported by horse and cart to a hill-side
beneath the imposing jagged peaks of Piatra Craiului to
enjoy a Transylvanian BBQ amongst true scenic
splendour, visit the UNESCO world heritage tiny saxon
village of Viscri where little has changed for hundreds of
years and discover the incredible citadel of Sighisoara
too, where the real Dracula was born.
The world famous “Painted Monasteries of Bucovina”
(again world heritage sites) set amongst a backdrop of
idyllic rural hillsides are next, before we whisk you over
a high mountain pass into the land aptly described as
“where Earth meets Heaven”. Maramures will enchant
even the most discerning world traveller. Here you will
discover tiny villages set amongst a dreamy landscape
of rolling hills and remote mountains, steeped in history
and where local customs still hold strong. Maramures
truly is a world treasure and her jewels are the ancient
hand built wooden churches (many of which are now
World Heritage sites). As well as trekking high onto the
Bucegi plateau, you’ll also be discovering rural Romania
on foot too throughout the course of this special
connoisseur’s adventure holiday. You’ll meet the
fascinating and friendly locals along the way, experience
a way of life long since passed in the U.K. and all whilst
trekking through landscapes of outstanding natural
beauty.
Your Holiday
Life on trek
As this is quite a varied adventure holiday there is no one
particular routine. However, as a general rule you’ll take
breakfast at your overnight accommodation and then
head out for the day’s walk. Stop en route for a picnic
lunch and then carry on with the remainder of the days
walk, taking dinner at your overnight accommodation.
Walking conditions
In a word - varied! In the Bucegi you walk on a high
mountain plateau and then down through a spectacular
valley. In the Bucovina region the landscape is
hilly/moderately mountainous and in Maramures the
walks are generally lower level. Conditions underfoot are
generally good throughout as you’ll be walking along
rocky mountain trails, dirt tracks and stony, rural
footpaths linking villages etc. Ascent and descent is a
natural feature of this holiday and on a few occasions
there will be some steeper sections, although these are
not particularly sustained. There may be very brief
sections of easy scrambling on a couple of walks only.
As the walking is quite varied, with some walks being
longer and more challenging than others this is quite a
difficult trip to grade. However, we have selected the
grade as an overall indicator.
A full explanation n of the trip grading can be found in
our brochure or online at www.walksworldwide.com. You
should ensure you are comfortable walking at this level
of grading and are physically prepared for the trip and
capable of walking for 5-7hrs per day continuously.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Bucharest, transfer to Sinaia
Rendezvous at Bucharest Otopeni Airport. A single
timed group transfer will be provided from the airport to
the group hotel in Sinaia. (See How to join and depart
this trip section later in this trip dossier).
Hotel (dinner)
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Day 2 Visit Peles Palace, then trek to
summit of Omu
Into Transylvania. With the imposing Bucegi Mountains
looming overhead and perched above the lovely
Prahova valley, Sinaia (formerly a stop for the Orient
Express) is known as ‘The Pearl of the Carpathians’ and
the home of the stunning former Royal Palace of Peles.
With its fairytale style towers and turrets a visit to
majestic Peles will surely enthral as you are taken after
breakfast on a guided tour (in English) through the
various ornate rooms used by King Carol 1st as his
summer residence. From Sinaia it’s a very short drive to
Busteni. Here the Bucegi Mountains are at their most
impressive, as they loom menacing above Busteni as a
seemingly impenetrable 1500m rock wall. From Busteni
a spectacular cable car ride whisks you high up into the
Bucegi above the Prahova Valley. Despite their imposing
appearance from Busteni, the top of the Bucegi is mostly
broad, open plateau, presenting a very straightforward
way to experience some high mountain walking. The
views from the Bucegi are simply magnificent across the
Prahova, the Ciucas Mountains, and westward.
Take a look at the weird, eroded mushroom-like rock
formations known as Sphinx Rock. Heading across the
Bucegi plateau we’re now at an elevation of just over
2000m, and an option is to take a detour to the Caraiman
Cross that affords incredible views down to the Prahova
Valley and across the Ciucas range. Trails on the Bucegi
are many, and invariably broad and easy to follow.
Today’s objective is the highest point of the Bucegi, the
summit of Varful Omu (The Man), which you will see on
your distant horizon. Heading towards Omu, the trail
mostly undulates with just gradual ascents and descents.
However, there is a sting in the tail as you ultimately
ascend steeply for the final 45 mins to reach the open
summit of Omu (2505m). As well as a manned weather
station here, right on the very summit (in fact it’s
constructed around Omu rock itself) is a mountain hut!
This is in fact the highest mountain hut in the entire
Carpathian range. Needless to say the views from here
are absolutely incredible.
Day 3 Descend Valea Cerbului, transfer to
medieval Brasov
If it’s a clear weather day, it’s a good idea to try and wake
early to witness the sunrise from upon high. Perhaps you
may also encounter a shy Chamois if you’re lucky. Today
is virtually all downhill and back to the floor of the
Prahova Valley, through the spectacular Valea Cerbului.
From the high plateau, the trail initially zig-zags quite
steeply to reach a shepherds summer pasture. The trail
then continues down through this narrow-sided valley
where steep, jagged cliffs loom impressively above you.
It’s down, down, down (approx 1200m), all the way
through the valley and into forest to emerge by a river
and then a short, flat walk along a dirt road to Busteni. It
may be virtually down all the way, but this is arguably the
toughest day of the trip. Going down takes it out on the
legs! From Busteni, it’s around a 45 minute drive to the
wonderful city of Brasov, often dubbed a “mini-Prague”,
but thankfully without the stag parties. The largest of the
Transylvanian cities, ‘Old Brasov’ remains by and large
intact within the ancient city walls and easily explored on
foot. There’s certainly both a cosmopolitan and
bohemian feel to Brasov with café bars on the mainsquare, fascinating ancient Saxon architecture, hidden
alleys and narrow streets to be discovered. Above
Brasov looms the forested Mount Tampa where an
optional short cable car ride whisks you high above the
city for amazing views down to Brasov and over to the
Carpathian mountains. Bears are regularly seen in the
forests around Brasov and even on the outskirts of the
city and it is not unknown for the odd (very bold) wolf to
literally take a short cut through the city centre. Adjacent
to the main square with its very attractive town hall and
clock tower is the imposing ‘Black Church’, the largest
Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul. Other
highlights of Brasov include a walk along the city walls to
the white gate, or simply taking it easy and soaking up
the atmosphere. Tonight is free for you to explore Brasov
at your leisure.
Walking duration: 6-7 hours
Pension (breakfast and lunch)
Walking duration: 6 hours
Ascent 500m
Mountain hut (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
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Day 4 Transfer to “Castle Dracula”, trek to
Zarnesti, evening Transylvanian BBQ
From high mountains to rural landscapes is today’s
contrast. However, first up is what is seemingly top of
every visitors “must see” when in Romania, Bran Castlebetter known these days as “Castle Dracula”.
This fortress is perched impressively atop a hill some
200m above Bran itself and was of great importance as
it is situated on the border between Transylvania and
Wallachia. Of course Bram Stokers vampire was
fictional, and it was never the home of the ‘real’ Dracula,
Vlad Tepes “The Impaler” either, but it is the closest real
life thing in Romania to the Hollywood ideal of what
Dracula’s Castle should be. The name “Castle Dracula”
has stuck and as this is Transylvania, land of myths and
legends, so Bran Castle has become one of the most
famous and visited landmarks in Romania as a result. All
the same a quick tour of inside the castle is interesting
and then it’s time to get on with today’s walk. It’s a really
beautiful walk too, and will refreshingly get you
immediately away from the Dracula paraphernalia and
almost immediately into real-life rural Transylvania.
Climbing out of Bran you’ll encounter isolated
homesteads and enter a beautiful landscape where time
appears to have stood still. Perhaps along the way we’ll
meet shepherds making sheep cheese. The shepherds
here are a hardy lot, literally sleeping out at night in the
fields with their flocks to protect them from wolves and
bears. Gaining height, as you approach the village of
Magura, turn around and the immense wall of the Bucegi
Mountains is revealed in all its glory. Yes, you really did
spend the night up there on the very top, and that little
dot on the summit is the Omu mountain hut. Ahead of
you as you walk through these pastoral, dreamy hills
dotted with haystacks,you’ll see part of the impressive
Piatra Craiului ridge. If it all looks a bit familiar, that’s
because this was the setting for some of the filming of
“Cold Mountain” and the gorge you’re looking through is
where Nicole Kidman and Jude Law became reacquainted.
A quick descent from Magura and then along the valley
floor to reach sleepy Zarnesti. Here you’ll meet our good
friends Gigi and Elena who own the Pension you stay in
tonight. However, this wonderful day is far from over as
we’ve a special treat in store for you this evening. You’ll
journey from Zarnesti into the heart of the stunning Piatra
Craiului National Park by traditional horse and cart along
a bumpy track and then up a hillside to where Gigi has a
summer hut. Towering immediately above Gigi’s hut is
the knife-edge ridge of King’s Rock and across the valley
are the densely forested hillsides, which are the realm of
bear, wolf and lynx. Don’t expect to see any of these
wonderful creatures though. Bears are fearful of man
(they are still hunted), wolves are way too smart to let
you see them and the lynx is very elusive and very rare.
All the same it adds to the atmosphere of this simply
stunning location to know that they are “out there” doing
bear, wolf and lynx ‘stuff’. Why have you come here? For
a Transylvanian BBQ! No questionable charred burgers
and sausages as Gigi will prepare a selection of mouthwatering Transylvanian grilled meats and perhaps
washed down with some Tuica (homemade plum
brandy/firewater).
Pension (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 5 Transfer to Viscri, explore and trek
We did say that this trip was varied, so it should come as
no surprise that today is different and yet equally
fascinating. Leaving the mountainous part of
Transylvania behind, we drive for around 2hrs into the
rolling, open lands of Transylvania to reach the UNESCO
World Heritage Saxon village of Viscri and perhaps the
finest example of a living mediaeval Saxon village in all
of Romania. Not only that, but Prince Charles visited
here (apparently he likes the Chicken Soup they make
here and bought and restored a house in Viscri) and so
did Michael Palin during the filming of the “New Europe”
series. Colourful Saxon houses line the main ‘street’
(better suited and more used by horse and cart than a
motor car), poultry roams freely and in summer storks
nest in the rooftop chimneys.
Viscri is attractively located amongst a landscape of
rolling hills, quite different from the Carpathian
Mountains and you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve
just travelled back hundreds of years in time. Our guide
should be able to gain us access to go inside a couple of
the homes here that are like living museums. Just a very
short stroll to a knoll at the edge of the village stands the
impressive ‘Weissekirch’, a perfect example of an
ancient fortified church used by the village for both
worship and safety during times of invasion.
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We’ll also take a nice walk amongst the rolling, rural
landscapes of Viscri, that make for very pleasant, very
moderate walking and different to the type of walks we’ve
enjoyed thus far.
Ascent and descent 200m
Village guesthouse (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 6 Transfer to Sighisoara
A day off the walking trails today. About an hour’s drive
from Viscri lies the dreamy citadel of Sighisoara where
the real Dracula, Vlad Tepes was born.
Vlad’s birthplace is actually now a restaurant, so maybe
you’ll fancy taking dinner there tonight and trying a
bloody steak. Today is free to explore the charms of
Sighisoara and find out why Vlad was known as “The
Impaler” The fascinating main citadel is contained within
its fortified walls and is easily explored on foot. You can
also visit the impressive mediaeval clock tower and
discover Sighisoara’s link with outer space too, as well
as why there are graves for people who haven’t yet died.
Hotel (breakfast)
Day 7 Drive via Bicaz Gorge to Bucovina
Today we make the long drive north, which will take most
of the day. However it is a fascinating journey as we track
and cross the Carpathians. Along the way we pass
through the spectacular Bicaz Gorge and see one of
Romania’s largest lakes. As we approach southern
Bucovina (northern Bucovina is across the border in the
Ukraine), the colourful Moldavian homes here will appear
noticeably different to those of Saxon influenced
Tranyslvania. Whereas Transylvania could best be
described as mountainous, then Bucovina in comparison
is hilly. However, it is a region of outstanding natural
beauty as well as being home to the world famous World
Heritage Painted Monasteries that are further enhanced
by such a beautiful setting.
Pension (breakfast and dinner)
Day 8 Visit Sucevita Monastery then rural
trek from Ciumarna pass to Moldovita
The painted monasteries of Bucovina are some of the
greatest artistic monuments in Europe and among the
most picturesque treasures in Romania. Most of the
churches were fortified with strong defensive
surrounding walls as protection against Turkish invaders
and they sheltered large armies of soldiers awaiting
battle. The exterior walls of the monasteries are richly
decorated with vivid frescoes depicting dramatic Biblical
scenes, intended to teach Christianity to the illiterate by
means of pictures. The artwork has amazingly survived
harsh exposure to the elements for over 450 years and
the intense colours have been well preserved. Bucolic
rural landscapes steeped in legend and folklore, fairy tale
villages and some of Europe’s wildest scenery and
oldest forest is the order of the day in this part of
Moldavia. So, firstly we’ll pay a visit to Sucevita
Monastery and then we’ll gain height quickly by taking
advantage of Ciumarna Pass (1100m) and driving to the
top! Leaving the pass, we could almost set our clocks
back by 100 years, as we journey on foot through
isolated, remote, tiny wooden farmsteads seemingly
scattered at random amongst these rolling hills.
Today’s walking could best be described as ‘undulating’
as we follow a series of open, rounded crests and ridges
sometimes through forest, other times through open
pasture where the friendly locals will be both surprised
and delighted to see us. Reaching Toante Peak
(1200m), we’ll halt for lunch and enjoy the magnificent
vista. Our journey back in time continues through more
scattered settlements where we can observe a way of
life long since forgotten in most of Europe, to descend
gradually to the village of Moldovita where we’ll visit the
monastery here before returning to our accommodation
for dinner.
Ascent 400m / descent 700m
Day 9 Circuit walk in the Rarau Mts
We are sure you’ll agree that Bucovina is just too
beautiful to leave straight away, so we won’t. Today we’ll
take a circuit walk into the Rarau Mountains. We’ll be
ascending up to Pietrele Doamnei from where there are
fine views of the Carpathians and down to the beautiful
Golden Bistrita Valley. Our route then continues through
the ancient forests of Slatioara, a nature reserve where
one should always keep a sharp eye out for bird life.
We should have time after the walk to visit Voronet, the
“Sistine Chapel of the East”.
Day 10 Over Prislop Pass to the Maramures
on foot
We think we’ve saved the best ‘til last. The remote region
of the far north, the mythical Maramures. Tiny traditional
villages and remote, solitary homesteads, authentically
rural in nature are sparsely scattered within the rolling
hills and dreamy landscapes of Maramures. The locals
engage in farming on a very small scale in a manner long
since forgotten in Western Europe without the aid of
modern mechanisation. Getting around by Horse and
Cart, or on foot is still the preferred mode of transport.
Walking in the Maramures feels like you are travelling
through a living museum. Wooden homes with their
symbolic carved wooden gates with the last thriving
European peasant culture, traditional folk music,
colourful costumes and of course the intricate wooden
churches are all here for you to discover. Maramures is
the ‘heart and soul’ of Romania. Leaving Bucovina our
route to Maramures is by road over the Prislop Pass
(1416M) from which we’ll have fine views over to the
rocky massifs of the Rodna Mountains. We’ll detour into
the idyllic Iza Valley, where you’ll see traditional wooden
roofed Maramures villages and homesteads that are
remarkably different to those on the other side of the
Prislop Pass in Bucovina. Notice the ancient wooden
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fences surrounding many homes and traditional wooden
gates, a typical Maramures status symbol. Here the
modern world is almost non-existent.
We’ll stretch our legs to explore the almost medieval
village of Ieud and its surroundings, so typical of the
Maramures and visit the historic wooden church here,
which looks so picture postcard perfect within the
landscape. Moving on we’ll pay a visit to the very
impressive Barsana Monastery.
Reaching our overnight halt at the tiny village of Hoteni,
the rest of the day we can use to explore our
surroundings amongst this rural paradise in the foothills
of the Gutai Mountains.
Day 11 Discover the delights of bucolic
Maramures on foot
Today we’ll explore this part of Maramures on foot. We’ll
trek from village to village through valleys and over small
hills. We’ll visit a couple of wooden churches along the
way, as well as enjoy fine views too. Our guide will help
us meet the local people of the Maramures along the way
and we can learn more about their lives here, as well as
possibly step inside a couple of homes too.
Day 12 Trek in the Gutai Mts and to the
Roosters Crest
A short drive takes us to the top of the Gutai Pass
(987m). Our objective today is the Creasta Cocosului
(1428m), the Roosters Crest. From the pass why the
peak is so called will be apparently obvious as the rocky
formation looks just like a cockerels ‘comb’ on the top of
its head. Heading initially through forest and the
occasional clearing the trail to the summit begins to
steepen to reach the summit. It only takes around 2hrs
30mins to reach the top, but you may be rewarded with
an outstanding panoramic view of the villages below in
the Mara and Cosau valleys and of the Gutai range.
This area is also a nature reserve for the protection of
various wild flowers including snowflakes, edelweiss and
gentian. Our descent takes us to the village of Breb
before we drive back to Hoteni.
Cemetery”.
A touring/travelling day. Just 4km from the Ukraine
border lies the otherwise ordinary village of Sapanta.
However in Sapanta is located what has become
perhaps the most iconic image of the Maramures, the
world famous “Merry Cemetery”. The idea of carving
brightly painted wooden tombstones in the church
cemetery here began in 1935 by Ioan Stan Patras. As
However, before we visit Sapanta we’ll take a look at the
lively weekly fair/market that goes on in Ocna Sugatag.
Certainly, it appears as if anything and everything from
livestock to furniture is on sale here, and is a great way
of doing a spot of people watching as the locals go about
their business. Later on we make our way to the town of
Sighetu Marmatei, the most northern town in Romania
and more often than not simply referred to as “Sighet”. If
time permits, there may be the option to visit the Sighet
Memorial Museum, a former prison for those that
opposed the communist regime and a sobering insight
into Romania’s not too distant and very grim past. In the
early evening we board the overnight train from here to
Bucharest.
Sleeper train (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 14 Arrive Bucharest – optional tour
then depart
Day 13 Visit the “Merry
Overnight train to Bucharest
examples of Ioan’s creations began to appear in art
galleries across Europe, thus the cemetery itself at
Sapanta became a visitor attraction, much to the
bemusement of the local villagers and with the exception
of a couple of souvenir stalls, life in Sapanta carries on
as normal. Each cross in the cemetery is painted blue
(the traditional colour of freedom) and along with a witty
epitaph, pictures on the crosses depict the life (or death)
of the departed.
The train arrives into Bucharest just after 0700hrs
(subject to change), and in time for breakfast, which we’ll
take at a nearby hotel/restaurant to Gara de Nord. For
those that may have late afternoon/early evening flight
departures your guide will be happy to arrange a guided
tour of Bucharest (at extra costs payable to your guide),
including the iconic “Peoples Palace”, nowadays the
Parliament building and second largest building in the
world after The Pentagon. Depart Bucharest.
(breakfast)
Practical Information
How to join and depart this trip
The joining point for this trip is Bucharest Otopeni
International Airport arrivals hall on day 1 of the Trip
Itinerary above. This single, timed group transfer is
included because your first night in Sinaia is 110km from
Bucharest. If your flight times do not coincide with this,
our consultants can arrange a transfer for you on request
– please contact us for prices.
The departure point for this trip is Bucharest, and you can
plan your departure anytime on day 14 of the trip
itinerary. Please note your departure airport transfer is
not included as group members may be departing at
very different times. If you prefer, our consultants can
arrange a departure transfer for you on request - please
contact us for prices. Alternatively, a licensed, metered
taxi or local, public transport may be arranged from the
hotel to take you to the airport.
Flight Inclusive
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We recommend that you book this trip as a 'Flight
Inclusive' package. Booking your international flights
through Walks Worldwide guarantees you peace of mind
and provides 100% financial protection under our CAA
ATOL licence. What's more, if you book your flights with
us as well as your ground arrangements, we will manage
these flight arrangements both before and during your
trip. As an ATOL Licence holder, we are able to secure
and arrange competitively-priced airfares with most major
airlines from the UK (as displayed on our website), as well
as the option of regional departures too.
Land Only
If you would prefer to arrange your own international
travel you can book this trip as a 'Land Only' package,
where the price does not include international flights.
Please note that if you are booking your own flights there
are certain risks you should be aware of. Many airline
tickets purchased directly are non-refundable and often
do not provide you with any financial protection (unlike
booking your flights with ourselves where you would be
100% protected under our CAA ATOL licence). For this
reason we strongly advise that you check the rules of any
flight booking you make, and check the limitations under
any insurance policy you may have in relation to
cancellation or date changes. We cannot be held liable
for any losses incurred or consequences of any flight
bookings or related travel arrangements you have made
yourself, such as if your international flights were
delayed or cancelled and you could not join or depart
your holiday on time. If you do decide to book Land Only,
we strongly advise that you do not book international
flights or make other travel arrangements (especially if
there are financial penalties for cancellation or change)
until your chosen holiday is guaranteed to run. Please
also ensure when making your own international travel
arrangements that they enable you to join and depart this
trip in accordance with the criteria specified in the How
to join and depart this trip section of this Trip Dossier.
Local transport
Airport and all land transfers will be by private vehicle
with your guide as driver.
Travel by Train
If
you
would
prefer
to
travel
by
train
www.raileurope.co.uk provides an online booking
service for European rail services, including Eurostar.
Please do not book your International rail tickets or make
any other travel arrangements until your chosen holiday
is guaranteed to run.
Accommodation
The accommodation used during the course of this
holiday is as varied as the trip itself. For nights spent in
hotels, friendly pensions and simple, atmospheric village
guest houses the accommodation will be reserved for
you on a twin share basis unless you have already
requested a single room at extra cost. Hotels and
Pensions usually will have en-suite facilities, however in
the village guest houses, some of which may be
extensions of a family home, bathroom/toilet facilities
may be communal. One night is spent in a remote
mountain hut on the summit of Omu. Accommodation
here is in a small dormitory room, with blankets provided
(bring a sleeping bag liner). The mountain hut is very
basic with particularly rudimentary washing and toilet
facilities. On the sleeper train the night is spent in four
bed berths. Please note single accommodation is not
available/applicable for the night spent in the mountain
hut or sleeper train.
Food
Food in Romania is honest and delicious. With
agriculture still practiced in time honoured, traditional
fashion, this pays dividends in food quality. Using only
fresh and seasonal produce even the simplest of foods
contain real flavour and taste. The vast majority of
accommodations that you will stay at will source their
meat, vegetables and fruit locally. Dinners will usually
consist of Ciorba (soup) often accompanied separately
with soured cream and chilli, followed by Grilled
Meat/Chicken/Fish with potatoes, or mamaliga and
vegetables, or stews like Goulash followed by dessert.
Breakfasts are continental style. Lunches will often be
picnic style, which you’ll carry in your day-pack. Look out
for specialities like Zakuska, pickles etc when in season
too. The food for the one night at the mountain hut will
be simpler by default. Please note that vegetarian
options will be limited.
Climate
It is of course impossible to predict the precise weather
conditions you will encounter during the course of your
holiday. However, we do schedule our holidays to
coincide with what should be the most suitable weather
periods for walking. Romania enjoys warm summers
where temperatures range from 15ºC to 25+ºC at lower
levels, followed by very cold winters. Mountains are
notorious for creating their own, localised weather
conditions, so you should always be prepared for
inclement weather conditions. For climate statistics visit
www.worldweather.org
Roughly speaking temperatures decrease by approx.
1ºC for every 200 metre increase in altitude.
Altitude
This holiday reaches only moderate altitudes and you
should not anticipate any problems.
Baggage
Please make sure that your baggage is clearly marked
with your name, inside as well as outside, in case the
labels get detached. As your main baggage will be
transported by vehicle a normal suitcase (one piece
maximum) can be used for your main baggage. Please
note you will not have access to your main baggage for
the one night spent at the Omu mountain hut and will
need to carry minimal overnight gear with you in your day
pack for this night only.
Vaccinations & health
We always recommend visiting your doctor and dentist
for a check up before travelling. Your doctor will also
have access to the most up to date information on
vaccinations and medical precautions for the country you
are about to visit. In general, no vaccinations are
necessary for Romania and health problems here are
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quite rare. A useful travel health online resource is
www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
the accepted form of saying ‘thank you’. As a guideline
we recommend £25-£35 per person to be sufficient.
Please make sure that you obtain form EHIC either
online www.dh.gov.uk or from your local post office
– you will need to produce this if you have to see a
doctor.
Maps
Travel Insurance
First Aid
You should always carry your own small, personal first
aid kit. This should consist of the following: A general
anti-biotic, throat lozenges, painkillers, plasters (bandaids), blister treatment, insect repellent (DEET),
rehydration salts, antiseptic cream, diarrhoea treatment
(e.g. Imodium).
Security
Whilst the vast majority of travellers never experience
anything untoward it is worth taking precautions
particularly in urban areas. You should take sensible
precautions in crowded areas such as street markets
and airports, where pick-pocketing is common, and keep
clear of any street disturbances. Don’t wear jewellery, or
leave your bags unattended, keep large amounts of
money, cameras and mobile phones out of sight when
walking in town centres, and avoid walking in city centres
after dark. Keep copies of important documents,
including passports, in a separate place to the
documents themselves, together with details of credit
cards. Leave copies at home with a friend too. Safeguard
valuables, important documents and cash and deposit
them in hotel safes, where practicable.
Currency
The Romanian currency is the Lei (Ron) Please refer to
www.xe.com for up to date rates.
ATM machines are common in Romanian towns and
cities. There is an ATM in the arrivals hall of Bucharest
Airport and ATM’s are widespread in the city. There is
also an ATM in Zarnesti and other larger towns that we
pass through. If you are exchanging cash on arrival, you
should be aware that the rates offered by Bureaux de
Change at Bucharest Airport are pretty abysmal.
IMPORTANT- You are strongly advised to inform your
credit/debit card service provider that you are travelling
to Romania and intending to use your card in advance of
travelling.
Language
The national language of Romania is Romanian. Your
guide will speak very good English, as do many younger
generation Romanians. Your guide will of course help
you communicate with the locals, but it’s also a good idea
to take along a phrasebook and try to learn a few phrases
in the local language. The locals will certainly appreciate
this, and although Romanian can seem like a bit of a
tongue twister, your guide will also help you with your
pronunciations.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory and should rightly be at your
discretion. However, if you have received good service
from your guide (and we are certain you will) then a tip is
We recommend Stanfords at 12-14 Long Acre, London
WC2E 9LP (Tel: 0207 836 1321) www.stanfords.co.uk.
It is a condition of booking any of our holidays that you
have comprehensive travel insurance. It is your to
responsibility to ensure you are covered for medical and
personal accident risks for the part of the world you
intend to travel and the activities involved. This cover
should include repatriation costs, air ambulance and
helicopter rescue. It is also advisable to take out
cancellation insurance, as all deposits paid are nonrefundable. You may arrange either single-trip or annual
multi-trip travel insurance through Walks Worldwide.
Please call us on 01962 737 565 for a quotation.
Passports & Visas
British passport holders (and other EU passport holders)
do not require a visa for stays up to three months (please
ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity).
You can obtain the latest visa information, as well as
book your visa either by contacting your reservation
consultant, or by following the link below to our
designated visa service:
http://www.walksworldwide.com/information/visa.html
Staff on your trip
Each day you will be accompanied by a professional,
English-speaking, qualified local mountain guide, who
will also take the role of driver too. Romanians are very
friendly, light hearted people as a rule, and your guide
will be no exception. As well as being a constant source
of information about the mountains, through your guide
you will be able to learn more about the fascinating
history, culture, traditions, flora and fauna of Romania.
As you will encounter many friendly locals, who will
probably not speak any English, your guide is a valuable
asset in being able to communicate with the local people
in the Carpathian Mountains.
Budgeting for your trip
Please refer to the detailed itinerary for information on
what is included in this trip. You will need to budget for
meals and drinks not included in the holiday, any optional
sightseeing, souvenirs and items of a personal nature
such as laundry.
Important Note
Due to the specialist nature of our holidays, day to day
itineraries should be taken as a guide only, and as
statements of intent and not contractual obligations. We
regularly update our trip dossiers to take into account
changes to trekking routes, accommodation, local
transport etc. Such changes are a factor of this type of
holiday and when made are out of necessity. Other
factors such as adverse weather, unforeseen
circumstances and other matters entirely out of our
control etc can also lead to enforced changes during
the course of the holiday. It is not possible to guarantee
01962 737 565
ROMANIA
9
that any of our holidays will operate exactly as per the
anticipated itinerary. The most current trip dossier will
be made available on our website. We will also send
you the most up to date trip dossier with your “Final
Joining Instructions” approx. 2 weeks before departure
and you should carefully check this for any changes
that may affect your plans. Before booking you should
read our “Types of Trip” and “Essential and Useful
information” sections on www.walksworldwide.com
including our ‘Important Warning’.
Clothing & Equipment
Please check our website for the most up to date
information regarding packing for your trip. The
information we provide is our suggested guide to help
you with your packing based upon our many years of
travelling. Using your own judgment for packing is of
course important, especially with regard to casual
clothing etc. but please do not hesitate to contact us if
you have any questions about packing for your trip.
01962 737 565

Grand Tour of the Carpathians

Transcription

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