Bear Watching and Castle Hopping in Romania

Put a wild spin on your weekend with this Romanian adventure. Hike to an isolated hide in the Carpathian Mountains to watch enormous brown bears feed right in front of you. It's a chance like no other to connect with these animals, and the photo op is incomparable. You'll also visit an acclaimed bear sanctuary, enjoy a night in buzzing Bucharest, and explore two famous Transylvanian castles. Your hassle-free adventure includes:

• 3 days of exploring the cities and mountains of Romania
• 2 nights of accommodation in 4-star boutique hotels
• All meals
• Bear watching from a forest hide
• Visit to a bear sanctuary
• Bucharest walking tour
• Entrance to Peles and Bran Castles
• Professional, experienced guide
• Airport transfers
• All activity transfers

**Perfect for: **
This is the perfect trip for adventurous travellers who want a little of everything: city, history, nature and learning.

Friday: Arrival

Hop on a flight to Bucharest where your friendly host is waiting for you.

Check into your boutique hotel in the heart of the city, then join your guide for a fascinating walking tour of Bucharest’s old town.

You have the rest of the evening to explore this vibrant city. Your guide will lead you to some excellent food and drinks in one of the many bohemian cafes, funky bars and top-notch restaurants.

Saturday: Peles Castle and wild bear watching

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel, then drive through the scenic Transylvanian countryside and into the rugged Carpathian Mountains.

Stop along the way to visit the fairy tale Peles Castle, then continue to the Medieval town of Brasov.

There you'll check into your hotel then explore town and enjoy a delicious local lunch.

In the afternoon you’ll drive to a remote trailhead in the mountains, then hike a further 40 minutes through peaceful forests and meadows until you're really in the wilderness.

Halt at an official bear hide operated by the local wildlife authority. It's elevated like a treehouse, giving you a great view as the bears wander in for dinner. You'll be able to observe and photograph these massive animals as they feed and play. Maybe you'll get lucky and see some cubs!

As night falls you’ll hike out and return to Brasov. Go out for dinner and swap stories and photos of your incredible experience.

2.5 hours driving, 1.5 hours hiking, 2 - 4 hours bear watching

Sunday: Bear sanctuary, Bran Castle and departure

After breakfast you’ll visit the highly acclaimed Libearty Bear Sanctuary to learn more about these awesome creatures and the history of bears in Romania. It's a great way to add perspective to yesterday's experience.

Next you’ll visit Bran Castle, better known as Dracula’s Castle. With its blood-red turrets and eerie rooms the castle lives up to its creepy reputation.

Spend the afternoon driving back to Bucharest through beautiful countryside. You’ll be dropped off at the airport around 18:00 to catch your flight home.

1.5 hours at bear sanctuary, 3.5 hours driving

This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, special events, etc.

In Bucharest you’ll stay at the Rembrandt, Z Hotel or similar. These 4-star hotels are classy yet unpretentious with beautiful facilities in historic buildings. Amenities include free wifi, delicious breakfast buffet, onsite café and excellent location.

In Brasov you’ll stay in a 4-star boutique hotel right on the main square, probably Bella Muzica or Casa Wagner. Both hotels are housed in historical buildings with modern amenities, excellent service, and lots of character.

You will be staying in shared twin or triple rooms. If you're a solo traveller and would like a private room, this upgrade is £60 (subject to availability). Please request at the time of booking.

Roughly 60% of Europe’s Brown Bear population lives in the Carpathian Mountains in Romania. After centuries of persecution, hunting of bears was outlawed in 2005, and more ethical bear tourism is on the rise.

The large, connected, undisturbed forest of the Carpathian Mountains helps protect and isolate 6,000 or so Brown Bears, along with chamois, wild boar, wolves and lynx. The area also happens to be incredibly beautiful, which you’ll get to see during your drives and the hike to the bear hide.

Brasov is a small medieval town at the foot of the mountains. It’s a very charming place with cobblestone streets, gothic churches, several historical sights, and a wealth of top-notch restaurants.

The capital, Bucharest, is a vibrant and bustling city with a lot of personality. You’ll be staying in the Lipscani district right in the heart of old town within walking distance of numerous historical sights and endless bars, restaurants and cafes.

Bucharest Airport - 14:30 or Your accommodation in Bucharest - 16:00

Your adventure begins at Bucharest Airport (OTP) with your airport transfer at 14:30. Please schedule your flight to arrive more than 30 minutes before this time, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals area. If you’re not able to join the transfer, you can book any flight and easily get to your accommodation via a 30 minute taxi from the airport. You will meet your guide and fellow adventurers after you have checked in for a guided tour of the city.

Bucharest Airport - 18:00

At the end of your adventure, you will be dropped back at Bucharest Airport at 18:00. You’re free to book any flight that departs after 19:45. Alternatively If you would like to be dropped off in Bucharest city centre, please let your host know when booking.