Highlights💡
Type : Private trip
Participants : From 1 to 5
Duration : 5 days and 4 nights
What You Can Expect 🔍
This is the top-shelf trip designed for you: the traveler, explorer, and life-seizer. Five days and four nights exploring a dormant volcano, lazy rivers, an old fortress, fortified churches, and a medieval citadel.
Visit small villages where time seems to stand still, observe farm animals and farmers routine, pick fruit from trees, or seek traditional food and drinks—perhaps even ask for Prince Charles' favorite dish. Camp under old oak trees, search for fireflies, gaze at the stars, and end each day with a comfortable, safe sleep in the campervan.
Journey along the highest and most scenic Transfăgărășan road through the Făgăraș Mountains, stopping at an eco-wine tasting house in Richis village, then visiting Vidraru Lake and the Romanian Automobile Museum, with more adventures to create lasting stories to take home.
About the van 🚐
The camper-van is a rare 16” syncro VW Transporter, a rugged alternative to a motorhome, equipped with everything you need for adventure. Like a Swiss army knife. It includes :
✅ A driver/translator/guide
✅ A 230V outlet, refrigerator with freezer, parking heater, and sink
✅ A three-burner stove, cookware, awning, and three-bike rack
✅ 5+1 passengers and 3+2 sleeping spots with sleeping bags
✅ STARLINK wireless internet and walkie-talkie’s
✅ 4x4 capability, auxiliary exterior lighting, and a kick ass sound system.
If you have questions regarding the voyage preparations or about wanting to add a trailer for carrying motorbike or a kayak for example, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Notes ⚠️
▶️ Sleeping in the van is not mandatory – as our tours interact with local customs, foods and hospitality.
▶️ Not wheelchair accessible
▶️ Not stroller accessible
▶️ Not suitable for infants
▶️ Not recommended for people with back problems
▶️ Not recommended for people with heart conditions
▶️ We provide hand sanitizer. We are cleaning vehicles after every tour.
Pricing & Informations 💵
➡️ With a growing number of persons prices are lower due to discounts.
➡️ The prices are in EURO they include VAT and fuel.
➡️ We work with well-known PayPal to ensure secure transactions. A deposit of 30% will be asked before the trip for reservation. When the trip starts, the global amount must be processed in order to start the trip.
➡️ Tickets, parking fees, meals or any other costs that our customers choose outside our services are not included.
➡️ In case of cancellation, here are possiblities :
🔹Cancellation after the trip start will no return deposit,
🔹Cancellation 1 week before the trip will return 30% of deposit,
🔹Cancellation more than 1 week before the trip will return all deposit,
🔹In case of mechanical failure, 100% of rest of the trip will refunded,
🔹If customer got an emergency while tripping, you can ask for refund that will not be more than 50% of amount
🔗Link to Google Maps
On day one, we’ll visit local natural formations like caves and groves, then step back in time at Râșnov Citadel, built in the 13th century by Teutonic Knights to defend against invasions. Next, explore Zărnești Bear Sanctuary, also known as Libearty, the world's largest brown bear sanctuary, located near Brașov in a 69-hectare oak forest, home to over 100 bears.
Follow with Șinca Veche village, famous for its mysterious rock-hewn monastery, dubbed the "Temple of the Chosen Ones." Carved into a sandstone hill, this 7,000-year-old site features two chapels, unique symbols like the Star of David and Yin-Yang, and a hole in the ceiling letting in light. A pilgrimage site believed to grant wishes and heal, it’s surrounded by legends of Dacian origins and paranormal activity.
End the day in Racoș village, known for its inactive volcano, the oldest in the region, offering a striking crater landscape and geological interest. Additional attractions include Emerald Lake, a turquoise quarry lake, and Racoș basalt columns, a natural reserve. The Sükösd-Bethlen Castle, a 17th-century ruin, and a Dacian fortress add historical depth. Located near the Olt River, it’s perfect for nature lovers and geologists.
🔗Link to Google Maps
On the second day, we’ll begin by exploring Transylvania’s most impressive citadels, uncovering why the region is steeped in mysterious lore. Immerse yourself in Transylvanian legends and learn the history of the imposing 14th-century Rupea Fortress.
Then, follow the winding road to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed church in the medieval village of Viscri, and wander through the fortified Saxon town of Sighișoara a World Heritage Site in Transylvania, known for its well-preserved medieval citadel with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and historic towers like the Clock Tower. Founded by Saxon settlers in the 12th century, it’s famed as Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace, offering a rich mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture. The old town hosts cultural events and provides a charming, historic atmosphere.
Finally, visit the impressive Biertan fortified church, s renowned for its fortified church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Saxon settlers in the 15th century, the late-Gothic church features three defensive walls and towers, including the "Matrimonial Prison" where couples reconciled. Located 80 km from Brașov, it offers cobblestone streets, traditional Saxon houses, and a serene rural atmosphere, attracting history and architecture enthusiasts, and then camp in an old oak forest.
🔗Link to Google Maps
(if snow on road, then Olt valley and up on the south end of the Transfagarasanu road till lake Vidraru)
The third day will offer a change of pace with a stop at the eco-wine tasting house in Rîșcani village, followed by Sibiu city welcoming travelers with terraces and great restaurants. A historic city in Transylvania, it’s known for its medieval architecture, colorful houses with "eyelid" windows, and cobblestone streets. Founded by Saxon settlers in the 12th century, it features landmarks like the Brukenthal Museum, Council Tower, and Large Square. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a cultural hub with annual festivals, blending Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance styles, and offers a vibrant yet serene atmosphere.
Afterward, we’ll head to the road that delighted Top Gear’s presenters—the Transfăgărășan Road, Romania's most scenic route, stretching 90 km through the Făgăraș Mountains, connecting Transylvania and Wallachia. Built in the 1970s by the Romanian military, it features sharp bends, tunnels, and viaducts, peaking at 2,034 meters at Bâlea Lake. Known for stunning alpine views, waterfalls, and wildlife, it’s open May to October due to snow. Popular with drivers and cyclists, it’s 160 km from Brașov, offering a thrilling, picturesque drive to our camp for the day on the shore of Lake Vidraru.
🔗Link to Google Maps
The fourth day focuses on immersing in nature, taking advantage of the natural reserves along the route. Platoul Moliș, one of them, is known for its lush meadows and forested areas, offering a tranquil spot ideal for hiking and nature observation. The plateau’s elevation provides a vantage point for spotting local wildlife and enjoying the rugged Carpathian landscape, making it a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Mixt Reservation of Valea Vâlsanului is a mixed nature reserve protecting diverse flora and fauna. Spanning 2,500 hectares, it features dense forests, clear streams, and rare plant species like edelweiss. Home to wildlife such as deer, lynx, and birds of prey, it’s ideal for hiking and eco-tourism, offering pristine landscapes and biodiversity along the Vâlsan Valley.
Finally, experience spirituality and history at Mănăstirea Corbii de Piatră, Romania's oldest rock-hewn monastery, dating to the 14th century and reestablished in 1512. Carved into a 30-meter-high, 14.5-meter-long sandstone cliff, it houses the country’s oldest Byzantine frescoes, including Deisis and the Baptism of Jesus, though 80% are deteriorated due to humidity. Legends suggest Dacian origins, with tales of giants and a sacred past.
🔗Link to Google Maps
On the last day of our Cardinal trip, Muzeul Automobilului Român will be a welcome addition, dedicated to Romania's automotive history. It showcases over 40 vehicles, including rare models like Dacia 1100, Aro M461, Oltcit, IMS, and the unique Ford Romana (1936-1939). The collection features cars, utility vehicles, fire trucks, and military prototypes, with some restored to working condition. Entry is free, supported by donations.
Next, experience a bucket-list highlight or a great nature escape at 7 Cai, a family-run equestrian center offering horseback riding and eco-tourism. With about 80 horses of various breeds like Shagya Arab, Lipițan, and Huțul, it provides trails through rolling hills and forests, peaking at 1,500 meters, with a traditional bulz lunch option. Services include day rides, children’s camps, and carriage tours. The center promotes responsible riding, offers beginner to advanced trails (16-60 km), and includes guest rooms with private bathrooms. If the day is too hot, the next two stops will be especially welcome.
