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The Bram Stoker Trail

8 days - Cluj-Napoca to Cluj-Napoca

This delightful riding holiday uses guesthouse accommodation and includes 5 full days riding along with a visit to one of Transylvania's most precious gems, Sighisoara, a small fortified Saxon town. The ride allows you to experience the raw beauty of the Transylvanian landscape and even visits Borgo Pass, famous from Bram Stoker's book "Dracula".

Transylvania's beautiful mountain scenery offers fabulous riding in a region where horses still outnumber vehicles. You will take a step back in time and witness a land rich in history, culture and wildlife. Workhorses are used daily on the many small farm holdings, ploughing the fields, pulling carts full of hay and dragging the logs from the surrounding forests. Wolves, bears, lynx, boar and deer as well as a multitude of birdlife inhabit the region.

Day 1(D)
Transfer from Cluj-Napoca Airport to the lodge in the Ilva Valley overnight accommodation.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
In the morning, depart for the Ungurasului Valley, Lunch at a sheepfold where you can taste different types of local cheese. On the way back to the lodge visit one of the former bear hunting observatories (this activity has been banned in Romania).
Day 3 (B,L,D)
Depart after breakfast for the nearby village of Lunca Bradului. Continue to the Fintinele Valley, riding through a mixed landscape of meadows and forest, scattered with trenches from WW II (there were battles between the Germans and the Russian Red army in this are) before finally descending to the village of Rastolita, on the Mures Valley. Dinner and accommodation in a guesthouse in Rastolita.*
Day 4 (B,L,D)
Depart in the morning to Lake Colibita, riding on an old path used by shepherds to take their flocks to the higher mountain pastures. On the way experience an incredible landscape and change of geographic shapes and arrive to the lake in the evening. Dinner and accommodation in a guesthouse by the lake
Day 5 (B,L,D)
Ride along the river which feeds the lake and then continue up the Terha Pass and along the ridge to reach Borgo Pass at the end of the day. Borgo Pass is famous from Bram Stoker's book "Dracula", being the starting point of Jonathan Harker's exciting experience in Transylvania. Tonight will be spent at the Hotel Dracula which offers magnificent views over the nearby mountains.
Day 6 (B,L,D)
Your last day's ride. After breakfast head towards the Dorna basin, experience the different interesting volcanic rock formations and a place called "The 12 Apostles" before descending to the mountain town of Poiana Negri. This is the area where most of Romania's natural mineral water comes from. Dinner and accommodation in Poiana guesthouse in Poiana Negri.
Day 7 (B)
After breakfast visit the charming town of Sighisoara, with its imposing medieval citadel, overlooking the entire Tarnava Valley. Overnight at a hotel in the citadel.
Day 8 (B)
Breakfast and transfer to the airport.
Please note that this itinerary may operate in the reverse direction.
* Due to the modest state of tourism development in Rastolita the group may be transferred back to the Centre for dinner and accommodation. You will be transferred back to Rastolita after breakfast the following day to meet your horse and continue the ride.
Romania
  • Cost per Person:
  • Ride Only: £940
  • Includes: Return transfers, accommodation and meals as indicated and all riding.
  • Single Supplement: None if prepared to share.
  • Departure Dates: Romania 29 Jun, 06 Jul, 17, 24 Aug, 14, 21, 28 Sep, 5 Oct.
  • The Accommodation: The lodge, where the first night is spent, is located right outside the mountain village of Lunca Bradului, in the Ilva valley. The lodge was originally built as a holiday home, but over time, it has been adapted to suit the guests' needs with en-suite bathrooms and central heating. Once on the trail accommodation is in hotels or guest houses.
  • Food & Drink: Food in this rural area is mostly organic and locally grown with numerous regional specialities. Breakfast can include eggs, cheese, cold meat, bread, butter, jam, milk, tea, and coffee. Lunch is generally a picnic during the ride, with sandwiches, biscuits, and fruit. Romania has a strong home tradition of vegetarian and vegan cookery so vegetarians are well catered for, although it is essential that we are told at the time of booking.
  • Laundry: Is not available.
  • Children: This ride is suitable for children aged approximately 12 years and upwards, provide that they are experienced riders and have sufficient personal maturity. Romania is a very child-friendly country, and makes an interesting visit for young people as well as adults. All children below 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is an experienced rider, and who takes personal responsibility for the conduct of children in his or her charge at all times.
  • Non-Riders: Are welcome and can travel in the support vehicle following the group's itinerary.

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