Discovering Transylvania's Heritage by Bike

Day 1: Arrival — Bucharest → Brasov → Zarnesti
You will take a train transfer from Bucharest North station to Zarnesti, with a train change in Brasov. Zarnesti is a highland town and provides the main access to the Piatra Craiului National Park. Accommodation and dinner at a local guesthouse.

Day 2: Zarnesti – Bucium (~40 km; +200 m / -400 m)
You will ride to the north, to a small typical village at the foot of the Fagaras Mountains, the highest mountains in Romania. On the way, you will be able to take a 7 km detour on a gravel road to visit the famous Bear Sanctuary of Zarnesti. From there you will head to Ohaba where you will visit the oldest water-powered cereal mill in the county, and you will hear its amazing story — especially that of the Communism period. A longer route is possible through the villages of Vulcan and Holbav (extra 28.6 km; +222 m / -325 m). Dinner and accommodation in a local guesthouse in Bucium.

Day 3: Bucium – Carta (~60 km; +300 m / -450 m)
You will cycle at the foot of the Fagaras Mountains over Bucium river, and will pass by Lisa village where a 100-year-old machine tailoring thick woolen blankets is still in function. Later on, you will visit the impressive Brancoveanu monastery in Sambata de Sus, whose history goes back to 1696. Crossing Victoria town and the small village of Cartisoara, you will reach Carta, where you will visit the ruins of the Cistercian monastery. Hopefully you will have the opportunity to meet the pastor and hear his beautiful stories. Overnight at a guesthouse in Carta village.

Day 4: Carta – Biertan (~65 km; +500 m / -550 m)
The route through Transylvania continues towards Biertan and its enormous fortified church with several ring-walls. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage listed site since 1993. The trip carries on along country roads, and you will enjoy the pastoral landscapes, as well as the fortified church of Richis. Dinner and accommodation in a guesthouse in Biertan.

Day 5: Biertan – Sighisoara (~40 km; +400 m / -400 m)
This cycling day will allow you to discover more treasures in Transylvania. You will move on to Sighisoara, one of the few medieval citadels in Europe that is still fully inhabited and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will discover the old town with its famous clock tower, which initially served as the main entrance to the citadel, and you will also have a look at the covered stairway, the mysterious medieval streets, and the house where Vlad Dracul, Vlad the Impaler's father, was born. On the way, you can make a small detour to Dumbraveni, a town with an important Armenian Catholic church. Accommodation in a charming 3-star hotel; dinner is not included this evening.

Day 6: Sighisoara – Soars (~46 km; +600 m / -500 m)
Today you will cycle among Transylvanian hills to Apold, a village that also hosts a lovely fortified church. You will then arrive in Soars, where you will spend the night. The country road today will take you across remote and bucolic land, where you will surely encounter shepherds watching over their sheep.

Day 7: Soars – Viscri (~35 km; +250 m / -200 m)
From Soars you carry on cycling to one of the highlights of this trip, Viscri, where you will have the opportunity to visit the local fortified church, restored with the help of King Charles' foundation. A ride day through those old and time-standing villages allows you to enjoy time for introspection, time to meditate at the passing of time and at the connection with the nature around. If you want the maximum out of your trip, you can go have a stroll through this postcard village, visiting the local blacksmith.

Day 8: Departure — Viscri → Brasov → Bucharest
Leaving Viscri right after breakfast, you will take a private transfer to Brasov from where you will take a train to Bucharest (2h40 — several trains starting from 13:30). An extra night in this medieval town is highly suggested if you did not have the time to visit it during the first day. A possible detour to Bran castle before Brasov can be arranged. End of the trip.