Romania’s Transylvania Highlights
Head off on an unforgettable cycling holiday in Transylvania in Romania, where you’ll pedal through the rolling hills and valleys at the foot of the breathtaking Carpathian Mountains. This mysterious and enchanting land, steeped in legend and natural beauty, is famously known as the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Transylvania is home to vast forests teeming with diverse wildlife and rare plant species, making it the perfect destination for both culture enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Encircled by the dramatic peaks of the Carpathians, Transylvania has long been a region of strategic and cultural significance. In the 11th century, Saxon settlers arrived here, creating fortified towns and villages that served as a defensive barrier against invasions from the Tatars and Ottomans through the high mountain passes separating Transylvania and Wallachia. Throughout your cycling adventure, you’ll uncover the rich medieval heritage, folklore, and unique traditions that still thrive in this remarkable corner of Romania.
This cycling tour in Transylvania offers much more than just cultural exploration. Along the way, you’ll ride through pristine nature reserves and unspoilt countryside where time seems to have stood still. The region’s landscapes are virtually untouched by industrial agriculture, allowing you to immerse yourself in lush, pastoral scenery alive with wildflowers, ancient woodlands, and authentic rural life.
Whether you’re seeking a scenic cycling holiday packed with history or a peaceful escape into nature, Transylvania promises a truly exceptional adventure on two wheels. Get ready to discover hidden gems, historic sites, and the unspoiled beauty of one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations.
£70 per person off all September and October dates!
Itinerary
Travel by train from Bucharest North Station to Zărnești, with a convenient change in Brașov. Nestled in the foothills of the Carpathians, Zărnești is a charming highland town.
It serves as the principal gateway to the stunning Piatra Craiului National Park – a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area is particularly popular for cycling holidays, offering scenic routes through picturesque valleys and traditional Romanian villages. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy comfortable accommodation and a hearty dinner at a welcoming local guesthouse.
Today’s ride takes you north towards a charming, traditional village nestled at the foot of the majestic Făgăraș Mountains – the highest peaks in Romania. En route, keen cyclists can opt for an additional 7 km detour along a gravel track to visit the renowned Bear Sanctuary near Zărnești, a truly memorable wildlife experience.
Continuing your journey, you’ll reach Ohaba, home to the oldest water-powered cereal mill in the region. Here, you’ll discover its fascinating history, including compelling stories from the Communist era. This cultural encounter adds depth to your cycling adventure. The day concludes with a delicious dinner and overnight stay at a welcoming local guesthouse.
Today’s route takes you along the foothills of the Făgăraș Mountains, crossing the scenic Bucium River as you pedal through charming rural landscapes. You’ll pass through Lisa, a traditional village where an over 100-year-old machine still crafts thick woollen blankets – a fascinating glimpse into the region’s enduring traditions.
Your journey continues to the striking Brâncoveanu Monastery in Sâmbăta de Sus, an architectural gem with a history dating back to 1696. After passing through Victoria and the quaint village of Cârțișoara, you’ll arrive in Cârța, home to the evocative ruins of a former Cistercian monastery.
With luck, you may even meet the local pastor and hear his captivating stories about the site. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay in a cosy guesthouse in Cârța village.
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Option for visiting Sibiu: We recommend adding an extra day to your itinerary to take the train and explore Sibiu, one of Romania’s most stunning medieval towns. This remarkable city earned the title of European Capital of Culture in 2007, and it’s easy to see why. Originally developed by the Saxons on a former Roman settlement, Sibiu later became the seat of the Austrian administration in Transylvania. Its narrow streets, charming courtyards, and beautifully carved stone staircases create an irresistibly romantic atmosphere. You’ll also find numerous historic monuments and fascinating museums waiting to be discovered. In the evening, return by train to the village of Cârța.
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Alternative option: Spend the night in Sibiu instead of returning to Cârța. (Please note: you’ll need to take an early morning train back to Cârța, and a packed breakfast will be provided before you reclaim your bikes.)
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Another alternative: Ride down the spectacular Transfăgărășan road—details on request.
Your Transylvanian cycling adventure continues as you ride towards Biertan, home to an impressive fortified church encircled by multiple defensive walls. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, this architectural masterpiece offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s Saxon heritage.
Pedalling along quiet country roads, you’ll soak in the idyllic pastoral scenery before reaching the charming village of Richiș, where another fortified church awaits your visit. The day concludes in Biertan with a delicious traditional dinner and an overnight stay at a welcoming local guesthouse.
Today’s ride unveils even more of Transylvania’s hidden gems as you cycle towards Sighișoara, one of Europe’s few remaining inhabited medieval citadels and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the enchanting old town, with its iconic Clock Tower – once the citadel’s main gateway – and wander along narrow cobbled streets steeped in history.
Don’t miss the covered stairway, the mysterious passageways, and the house where Vlad Dracul, father of Vlad the Impaler, was born. For an added cultural detour, consider cycling to Dumbrăveni, home to an impressive Armenian Catholic church. Dinner is at your leisure this evening, and you’ll spend the night in a charming 3-star hotel in the heart of Sighișoara.
Today’s ride takes you through the rolling hills of Transylvania, following quiet country lanes that wind across unspoilt landscapes. Your first stop is Apold, a charming village boasting a beautiful fortified church – a hallmark of the region’s Saxon heritage.
From there, the route continues to the peaceful hamlet of Șoarș, where you’ll spend the night in a welcoming guesthouse. Along the way, you’ll traverse remote, pastoral scenery, passing shepherds tending their flocks – a perfect opportunity to witness the traditional rural way of life that has changed little over the centuries.
Today’s ride leads you to one of the true highlights of this journey – the picturesque village of Viscri. Famous for its beautifully restored fortified church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site supported by the King Charles Foundation, Viscri offers a unique glimpse into traditional Saxon heritage.
Cycling through timeless villages along quiet rural roads, you’ll experience landscapes that seem untouched by modernity, perfect for reflection and a deeper connection with nature. To make the most of your visit, take a stroll through the postcard-perfect streets and stop by the local blacksmith’s workshop to see traditional craftsmanship in action.
After breakfast in Viscri, you’ll enjoy a private transfer to Brașov, where you’ll board a train to Bucharest (approx. 2 hours 40 minutes, with several departures starting from 13:30). If time allows, we highly recommend extending your stay in Brașov to explore its medieval charm, particularly if you didn’t have a chance on your first day.
For those keen on an additional cultural highlight, consider a detour to the legendary Bran Castle before reaching Brașov – an iconic landmark steeped in history and folklore.
Arrival: Bucharest, then Zarnesti
Departure: Brasov/Viscri, then Bucharest
Nearest arrival airport: Bucharest
Nearest departure airport: Bucharest
We also recommend travelling by train to all cycling holiday starting and departure points. We can help you plan your journey to Bucharest by rail. Car parking is available on all tours at the first hotel or a nearby public parking location. Full details are available on request. Please do not book travel until an official invoice confirms the details of your cycling holiday.
Route overview
Starting point: Bucharest, then Zarnesti by train
End point: Brasov, then Bucharest by train
Total cycling distance: approx. 298 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Cycling from Zărnești to Brașov presents a moderate challenge, featuring a mix of scenic roads and rolling hills. The route is mostly on paved roads, but includes sections with light traffic and occasional climbs. Elevation gain is manageable for intermediate cyclists, though beginners might find the uphill stretches demanding. Whilst entering towns and cities, traffic levels might be high. You also need to be an experienced cyclist to ride on the Transfăgărășan road.
Bike hire options
This cycling holiday benefits from high-quality bike hire options that have been carefully selected for the tour. Each well-maintained bike features 21 gears, modern disc brakes, aluminium wheels, and puncture-proof tires, all based around a Trek hybrid frame. Each bike has small panniers, repair accessories, a map holder and a comfortable saddle to ensure that you have everything you need for an enjoyable cycle tour.
Standard Unisex Bike 21-gear
Sizes: S / M / L
Unisex E-Bike
Trek Alpha Aluminium frame that is designed for the Bosch Active Line system. Includes a luggage rack with pannier, Schwalbe puncture-proof tyres and a Shimano 9-speed gear hub. Helmets are not included. Please bring your own.
Sizes: S / M / L
What’s included
- Accommodation in authentic guesthouses and a 3* hotel in Sighisoara
- 7 breakfasts, 6 picnics and 6 dinners. Dinner is an entrée, main dish and a dessert. Occasionally, dinner is a 2-course meal. Not included: Drinks
- Transfers are private, done by local buses or trains, as mentioned in the description
- Day 1 & 8 – Train Bucharest / Brasov – Brasov / Bucharest: about 2.45 hours
- Day 1 – Train Brasov / Zarnesti: about 40 minutes
- Day 8 – Private transfer from Viscri to Brasov: about 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Luggage transfers
- Roadbook
- Train tickets (where stated)
Not included
- Travel to/from the start and finish (Flights/Trains)
- Evening meals and drinks (unless stated)
- Local daily taxes (Payable at the hotel)
- Helmets (Please bring your own cycle helmet with you)
- Water bottles
- Rental bike
- Travel insurance
- Bike insurance (unless stated)
- Welcome meetings (unless stated)
- Transfers (unless stated)
- SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: £399 PER PERSON
- EXTRA NIGHT(S) – Bucharest: £79 PER PERSON PER NIGHT INC. BREAKFAST
Check Availability
2026/27 cycling holidays
All prices shown are per person, sharing a double/twin room and exclude flights/bike hire.
Special Offer: £70 per person off all September AND ocTOBER prices!
Contact us for more information, a price match, or call 017687 71700. Offer valid on new bookings only and until the 31st August 2026.
NEW FOR 2027
To make a booking, simply use the filter and select the day of the week that the tour operates on. You’ll then see all of the tour dates and prices easily. No payment is taken at this stage. For all bookings, we take a 20% deposit, and the final balance is due 56 days before arrival. An invoice and online payment link are generated after the tour is confirmed.
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