Step off the beaten tracks and enjoy a full week 4WD adventure in the Eastern Carpathians, one of the least known and fascinating regions of Europe. Rugged mountains, untouched forests, pure streams, beautiful gorges, rocky uplands and rolling farmland are waiting for you! Besides the stunning scenery, you’ll meet on the route local people and you’ll be witness of their traditional way of living, scenic lookout points and thrilling wilderness routes. We pass through small villages, hidden valleys and along mountain ridges giving you a unique experience with some fantastic photo opportunities.
Day 1: Arrive
Overnight at the boutique Daniel Castle in Talisoara (with welness facilities)
Day 2: Offroading and bear watching in the Harghita Mountains
Highlights: trekking and caving in the Vargyas Gorges, great vistas from the 1800 m high peaks of the mountain range and bear watching from a local wildlife hide
Optionally visit local families and craftsmen along the itinerary
Overnight accommodation in a local stylish hunting lodge offering Carpathian wild game meat specialties
Day 3: Offroading in the Gurghiu Mountains
Highlights: passing by isolated, traditional villages and going through the wilderness trails of the Gurghiu Mountains (former hunting areas of the dictator Ceausescu)
Optionally visit Praid Salt Mine and Sovata spa resort
Overnight accommodation in Niki Apart Pension in Gheorgheni
Day 4: Offroading in the Bistrita Mountains
Highlights: Red Lake and the Bicaz Gorges, guided via ferrata tour, wilderness routes of the Bistrita Mountains , waterfalls and hiking trails of the Ceahlau Massif
Hike to the top of the Ceahlau Massif (1907 m) and stay overnight in the local mountain hut
Overnight accommodation in Ceahlau Hut
Day 5: Offroading in the Hasmas Mountains
Highlights: isolated mountainous villages, thrilling wilderness routes, visiting local families and great belvedere points
Optionally easy hiking trail to the top of the Ecem Mountains (1707 m) in the Bicaz Gorges- Hasmas Mountains National Park
Overnight accommodation in a comfortable pension in the Gyimes Valley
Day 6: Offroading in the Tarcau Mountains
Highlights: rugged, wilderness routes passing by isolated settlements where you can still witness traditional lifestyles and remains of the WWII defense system called Arpad line (bunkers, trenches, etc)
Optionally early departure and spotting the first rays of sunrise from a great belvedere point
Overnight accommodation in a comfortable pension in the Gyimes Valley
Day 7: Offroading in the Ciuc and in the Ciomad Mountains
Highlights: exciting wilderness routes, visiting and tasting tour at a local brewery, exploring the so-called Land of Volcanoes – the volcanic Saint Anne Lake, Mohos Peat-bog nature reserve, the sulphurous cave and mineral springs of Balvanyos and the ruins of Balvanyos fortress
Overnight accommodation in the 4-star Balvanyos Hotel and Spa
Day 8: Breakfast and departure
At request transfer from/to the airport can be organised with an English / German speaking driver/guide.
Optionally during the transfer visit Peles Castle in Sinaia / Dracula Castle in Bran / old town of Brasov / Fortified Church in Prejmer (UNESCO World Heritage Site) / an international award winning palinka (fruit brandy) distillery
