Nature & Culture Tour: The Carpathians uncovered – Wild landscapes and living heritage
Covering vast stretches of Transylvania and Wallachia, the Făgăraș Mountains represent one of Europe’s most significant and biodiverse natural regions. These mountains are home to ancient forests, alpine meadows, and some of the continent’s last large carnivores, including brown bears, wolves, and lynx. This landscape is not only a refuge for wildlife but also a living cultural tapestry, where traditional villages and centuries-old practices persist.
Foundation Conservation Carpathia, Europe’s largest private conservation initiative, is leading efforts to protect and restore these critical habitats. Their vision includes the creation of a vast, fully protected national park to safeguard the Carpathians’ ecological integrity. By joining this journey, you will not only explore breathtaking landscapes and vibrant local culture but also actively contribute to the conservation of one of Europe’s last great wilderness areas.
This tour offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty, observe wildlife in its natural habitat, and engage with communities striving to live in harmony with nature.
Day 1: COBOR Biodiversity farm
Upon arrival at the airport, your guide welcomes you before embarking on a scenic two-hour drive into the hills of Transylvania. Your first night is spent in the charming traditional village of Cobor, home to the Cobor Biodiversity Farm. After checking in and taking a moment to freshen up, you can explore the grounds with your guide, soaking up the tranquil surroundings. Our chef will prepare a delicious meal using local products served to you on an oak pasture as the sun sets and casts a warm glow over the surroundings.
Day 2: COBOR Biodiversity farm
In the early hours of the morning, you can join a guided nature walk to discover the hidden gems of the countryside in the quiet of the morning before the hustle and bustle of farm life begins. After breakfast, horse-drawn carts will be waiting to take you on a tour of the farm, where you’ll learn the story of how Cobor Farm came to be, hike along the fearless but loving Carpathian Shepherd dogs and the charismatic Transylvanian Grey cattle. Return to the guesthouse for a light lunch in the garden.
Driving Distance
From Bucharest approx. 230 km. (approx. 4 h)
Accomodation
Guesthouse Cobor Biodiversity Farm** (single rooms available upon request and availability).
Meal plan
Dinner
In the afternoon you can try your hand at baking traditional bread or weaving wicker baskets under the guidance of locals eager to share their craft. To accompany the bread you’ve made, you can enjoy a traditional goulash dish paired with local organic wines for dinner.
Driving Distance
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Accomodation
Guesthouse Cobor Biodiversity Farm** (single rooms available upon request and availability).
Meal plan
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hikes
short walking distances in the surroundings of the farm
Day 3: Equus Silvania
After an early breakfast, you’ll drive to Viscri, a traditional Saxon village that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking along the village street, surrounded by colourful houses, you’ll reach the fortified church at the top of the hill and learn about this imposing structure, a testament to the region’s tumultuous history. Continuing through the rural villages of southern Transylvania, where time seems to stand still amidst ancient traditions and rustic beauty, you’ll arrive at Equus Silvania – Horse Riding and Wilderness Centre. After some time to check in, lunch is served.
Day 4: Comisu wilderness hut
Today you have the option to start the day with an early visit to nearby beaver dams to observe beaver activity during the quiet morning hours. For those wishing to stay a bit longer in bed, the group will reunite for breakfast with hot steaming coffee and tea. Before continuing to the Făgăraș Mountains, you can enjoy a relaxing walk in the surrounding hills. On your way to the Făgăraș mountains at the entrance to Dâmbovița Valley you’ll enjoy lunch in a local home, where you’ll be greeted with generosity and warm hospitality.
The afternoon brings you closer to nature with a hike in the nearby primaeval forest, home to the tallest measured fir tree in Europe, followed by a visit to a local bear hide. Return to the guesthouse for a delicious dinner.
Driving Distance
Cobor – Equus Silvania (approx. 120 km – approx. 2 h),
Equus Silvania – primeval forest – Equus Silvania (20 km – approx. 40 min one way).
Accomodation
Equus Silvania Guesthouse*** (single rooms available upon request and availability).
Meal plan
breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hikes
primeval forest hike – 3 km, 200 m ascent, 200 m descent, about 2 h
After lunch you’ll change vehicles and head off-road towards Lake Pecineagu entering the cool of the forest. Leaving civilisation behind, you will board an electric raft (weather permitting) to cross the lake into the wilderness. Equipped with just your backpack you will hike along a wide forest path towards the Comisu Wilderness Hut. The refurbished shepherd’s hut will serve as our shelter for the night, offering a cosy retreat with breathtaking views. Dusk may reveal curious neighbours out for stroll, such as the famous brown bear, red or roe deer, bison, wild boar, and even shy creatures such as the elusive wild cat, wolves, or even lynx if you are very lucky.
Driving Distance
Equus Silvania – Lake Pecineagu (approx. 80 km, approx. 3h)
Accomodation
Comisu Wilderness Hut (bunk beds with bedding and towels, shared facilities, no running water or electricity, poor signal).
Meal plan
breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hikes
Docking point of raft (1100 m) – Comisu (1600 m), approx. 3 km, 500 m ascent, wide forest path with occasional viewpoints over the mountains.
Day 5: Poiana Tămaș
Early birds have another chance to spot their wild neighbours before the sun rises and announces the start of the new day. Today you will descend from Comisu hut and walk around Lake Pecineagu in search of wild animal tracks and signs. The lakebed offers the perfect track trap in the soft, muddy ground, capturing glimpses into the abundant forest life. After enjoying a picnic lunch next to the lake, you’ll be taken by the raft back across the lake.
Day 6: Nucșoara
After breakfast in the refurbished shepherd’s hut of the camp, you descend through an old-growth beech forest following the tracks of wild animals. At the end of the hike, you will continue travelling on to the region of Nucșoara, a picturesque village nestled in the mountain slopes, part of historic Wallachia. On the way, we’ll enjoy lunch prepared by locals, who are also the producers of local products such as ‘zacusca’, a spread made of grilled peppers and aubergines, typical of the winter months, as well as numerous jams and pickles.
Following a short drive, you can stretch your legs on the way to Poiana Tămaș Wilderness Camp by hiking towards the tented camp situated at the end of the Făgăraș Mountains ridge. The ridge spans over 100 km in length and is home to the largest undisturbed wilderness area of Romania. With a refurbished traditional shepherd’s hut and glamping style tents overlooking three mountain ranges, the camp offers a comfortable retreat away from the noisy and hectic rhythm of city life. A warm campfire paired with local organic wines, or a fresh beverage, accompany the last hours of the day.
Driving Distance
Pecineagu Dam – Richita by 4×4 vehicle (4 km, approx.10 min, forest road)
Accomodation
Poiana Tămaș Wilderness Camp Glamping style tents 2.5 m high, 4-5 m diameter, beds and bedding provided, shared facilities, poor signal, no electricity. (Two people per tent, single tents available upon request and availability).
Meal plan
breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hikes
Comisu (1600 m) – Raft docking point (1100 m), approx. 3 km, 500m descent; Richita (980 m) – Poiana Tămaș (1420 m), 5 km, approx. 500 m ascent, wide forest path,mainly through forest with occasional viewpoints over the mountains
Steeped in natural and cultural heritage, Nucșoara offers visitors an insight into traditional crafts still preserved by the local people, such as sculpting or sowing ‘Ii’ – traditional handmade blouses. This afternoon we will indulge in the stories and crafts of a local artist, followed by dinner at our local guesthouse for the next two nights
Driving Distance
Richita –Nucșoara (approx. 70 km, approx. 3h)
Accomodation
Local Guesthouses 2** (single rooms available upon request and availability).
Meal plan
breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hikes
Poiana Tămaș (1420 m) – forest road (910 m): 5.5 km, approx. 100 m ascent, 650 m descent, approx. 2.5 h, mainly on forest paths with occasional views over the mountains.
Day 7: Nucșoara
Today you explore the surrounding area through the lens of the Forest of Immortal Stories, a forest of centuries-old beech trees that tell stories that would otherwise be lost to time. They were the hiding place of anti-communist resistance groups and became a refuge for the belief in a better future. Nucșoara was a key site of anti-communist resistance, where the spirit of defiance against oppression remains a powerful narrative in the local culture.
Day 8: Departure
Today we say farewell. After breakfast we drive back to the airport.
This day offers a glimpse into Romanian history, as well as the current way of life and challenges tied to the region’s natural heritage. Overlooking the vast region of mountain slopes covered in endless forests, we enjoy a picnic lunch on the peak of Strunga. The afternoon is yours to experience the spirit of the village at your leisure. Enjoy a final evening with your new friends over delicious local food and drink.
Driving Distance
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Accomodation
Local Guesthouses 2** (single rooms available upon request and availability).
Meal plan
breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hikes
Forest of Immortal Stories – Strunga Peak: 4.8 km, approx. 400 m ascent, 400 m descent, approx. 2h
1.895€ / person
154€ Single room supplement
Maximum 8 participants.
9th to 16th May
6th to 14st June
8th to 15th August
26th September to 3rd October
Important information
Please arrive in Bucharest before 15:00 on the first day, so that we can proceed with the programme as planned. The exact pick-up time at the airport will be communicated to you prior to arrival based on the collective arrival times. On your departure day please choose a flight from Bucharest no earlier than 16:00, as otherwise due to traffic conditions departure to the airport will have to be very early in the morning. Transfers outside of collective option are available upon request and an additional cost.
Tour leader specialised in nature & wildlife, English speaking.
All meals and drinks according to the itinerary outlined above. *
Transport to and from the airport, as well as between locations.
Accommodation.
Main luggage transfer in between locations.
Entry fees.
Visits to UNESCO world heritage sites.
* Dietary restrictions of any kind can be catered for upon prior request. Table wine and beer are included, while our special wine selection and other beverages from the bar are available at an additional cost.
Flights
Travel Insurance
Transfers outside of collective transfer options
Mountain weather is always variable, with cloud and rain always a possibility, especially in the afternoons. However, during summertime the weather should be becoming settled, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15ºC to 30ºC (depending on altitude), and plenty of clear sunny weather. However, at high altitudes, overcast conditions can rapidly reduce temperatures, and here waterproofs and a warm jacket should always be carried. We will provide you with a full equipment list necessary for this tour prior to your arrival.
* We reserve the right to change the programme in case of bad weather conditions, as long as it doesn’t change the character of the trip.
You will be accompanied by a certified mountain and wildlife guide throughout your journey, who is equipped with bear spray in case of wildlife encounters in the wild. However, such encounters are very rare, as truly wild animals are shy creatures who creep away from human presence. The tented camp is surrounded by an electric fence.