brochure

CON
TENTS

Introduction
Who we are
Why the Carpathians
Great Outdoors
Wildlife
Culture
Where to stay

INTRO
DUCTION

Discover a most
beautiful part of the world, a hidden
secret, the Carpathian Mountains in
Transylvania. This untouched area
of the Carpathians has a history that
stretches back over the centuries
and provides the perfect setting to
enjoy a variety of adventures.

London Berlin distances to
Eindhoven
MIERCUREA CIUC
Paris Brussels

BERLIN 1511 KM
BRUSSELS 2093 KM
EINDHOVEN 2034 KM
PARIS 2225 KM
LONDON 2458 KM
BUCHAREST 268 KM
CLUJ NAPOCA 240 KM
SIBIU 193 KM
TARGU MURES
143 KM
BACAU 140 KM

Cluj Napoca Bacau
Targu Mures

Miercurea Ciuc
sibiu

Bucharest

WHO
WE
ARE

Carpathian Escapes is a fully bonded travel agency based in
the town of Miercurea Ciuc which is in the Eastern part of the Carpathian
Mountains in Transylvania. Our young team organizes adventurous trips
for individuals and private groups seeking an active holidayin an unspoiled
environment. We are specialized in providing all sorts of cultural and
outdoor activities, ranging from half-day adventures to multi-day trips
that are a well-balanced mixture of nature exploration, physical activities
and cultural experiences in the region of the so-called “Szeklerland”, the
Hungarian inhabited part of Transylvania, formed of Harghita and Covasna
counties. We provide experienced, highly trained guides who take care of
everything and ensure that you have a perfect and safe trip. We are ea-
ger to show you what our region has to offer: breathtaking sights in an
unspoiled environment, various trails for hiking, skiing, horse riding and
many other activities. We would like to let you see how people live in the
area, how locals experience the nature and how enjoyable life can be in
this wonderful remote natural haven.

WHAT
WE

OFFER

Reliable and Organization of Financial
responsible collaboration VIP trips for groups and security, we are a certified
with travel agents, individuals looking for and fully bonded travel
professional clubs and spending their holidays agency
corporate groups in Transylvania and the
Carpathian Mountains

Thorough Collaboration High flexibility and
knowledge of the region and with French, Dutch, Finnish customized services
providing a unique network of and Norwegian speaking
contacts guides

Trips Provision of
tailored to the individual that accessories and equipment
other tour operators cannot for most of the tours
offer

Airporttransfer, Favorable P Please
accommodation, restaurant commission rates as well as contact our team for a
bookings, transportation unique itineraries tailored to custom-made itinerary at
and professional guidance individual requests [email protected]
in English and German for all or give us a call at +32 489
tours 25 09 89

CTHAIWRATPNHHASYE

Magical nature, cultural heritage
and friendly local people who live and
work in traditional ways

A hidden treasure 60% of Europe`s Top highlights:
virgin forests can be found
The region is perfect for those who crave for Scarisoara glacier is the second
unspoiled nature off the beaten track where here, according to the World Wide Fund for
amazing views and peaceful wilderness can be Nature (WWF). The Carpathian Mountains largest European underground glacier
experienced. The diverse natural landscapes of Transylvania are one of the largest
offer numerous choices for exciting outdoor remaining areas of intact forest in Europe Turda Salt Mine was ranked as most
experiences. Travelers can walk through
serene alpine meadows covered with wild Population beautiful underground place in the world
flowers, take in the lush-green scenery while
horse riding or mountain biking, climbing on In the Carpathians, small and dispersed towns Bear Lake in Sovata is the only
curious rock formations, study endangered andvillages can befound. Morethan halfofthe
flora, wander in the countryside, picnic in population lives in rural areas. 102 villages have hypersaline and heliothermal lake in Europe
the fields, try their hand at traditional crafts, a population of less than 300 people while a
or just relax in the home of a village family biggertown can have up to 42,000 inhabitants Medieval fortified churches
and sample wholesome, country fare with
homemade plum brandy called “Pálinka” One of the best declared as World Heritage Sites
travel destination for 2016:
Transylvania has been Bicaz Canyon is listed among the
Lonely Planet chose the region of Transylvania
commonly associated with Dracula and to be the best travel destination, CNN listed most breathtaking canyons in the world
vampires, but however, there is much more. The Romania among the top 16 up-and-coming
landscapeisfullofexquisitebeauty.Onethirdof destinations, while Rough Guides ranked Lake Saint Anne is the one and
its territoryis covered bypine and beech forest Romania on the 6th place for 2016.
which gives an evergreen aspect to the region only volcanic lake in Central Europe

Cultural diversity: Narcissus field of Vlahita is the

The Communist past has left its marks on highest of its kind in Europe
the region`s scenery. However, in today`s
landscape the heritage of Szeklers, Saxons
and Armenians can be experienced. Old
traditions and ways of living mix with the
modern way of life. The folk culture of this
region has roots that go back to the middle
ages. Traditional crafts have been preserved
and passed on from generation to generation.

GREAT
OUT

DOORS

Pine and beech forests, rocky
gorges, rolling grasslands, wetand alpine
meadows assure the richness of flora and
fauna

The volcanic mountain ranges Grasslands and meadows The Bicaz Gorge is a protected
of the Eastern Carpathians display a of Transylvania contain a wealth of area within the Hasmas - Bicaz Gorge
number of volcanic cones. The beautiful biodiversity. Natural and pristine habitats National Park and one of the most stunning
lake Saint Anne and Mohos Peat Bog are have survived thanks to the traditional and spectacular attractions in Transylvania.
situated in partially still active volcanic and un-mechanized husbandry, not using Famous arethe 300 m high limestone rocks
craters. Both lakes are one of the most pesticides. Farms and yards blend into a towering over narrow roads and passes.
visited places due to its enchanting tapestry of orchards, hop-fields, pasture You can explore different trails on foot or
scenery. and hay-meadows. Plenty of colorful have your own private rock climbing tour.
wildflowers blossom from May to July. The The gorge has hundreds of plant species
Being a post-volcanic phenomenon, meadows are healthy grounds for happy within its environs, like the rare Edelweiss
Szeklerland is a well known area for its livestock. Honey bees are buzzing around and the Yellow Lady’s Slipper. Close by the
healthy mineral springs. Here you can to produce delicious and organic honey. Gorge is the unique Red Lake, where dead
enjoy fresh sparkling water from the You can see villagers picking herbs and tree stumps rising out of the water at odd
source, which is available in the region plants to make curing and medicinal teas angles guarantee unique picture to betaken
thanks to mineral water bottling. and syrups. The valuable local knowledge home.
has passed down through the generations.

SUMMER
SEASON

j u ne - a u g u st

Horseback trail riding Experience the Carpathians
spectacular flora and fauna in
appreciate the variety of landscape
when riding from a picturesque town our Hiking, Trekking or
across attractive farm land that is still Mountain biking trips. Routes
worked by horses, through natural
forest, and up into the high pastures varyfrom easydaytrips in rolling hills to
with an extensive view over unspoiled mstoreunnutaoiunss.hikes through high, remote
mountains and the Red Lake which is a
unique natural rarity with remains of a
fir tree forest lying under the lake.

Try our sunset 4x4 car trip Rock climbing, Example of a 7 day tour
if you are looking for some excitement, caving, canyoning and
up into the mountains followed by an gorge walking adventures: Day 1: Transfer from the Airport to Gheorgheni
adventurous Downhill ride with
a Mountain Skyver (foldable countless gorges and canyons Day 2: Canyoning and Gorge
are symbolic of the striking karst Walking in the Bicaz Gorge, followed by
mountain scooter). plateau landscapes that are part of Bear watching
Transylvania`s natural heritage. Day 3: Hiking to the Lonely Stone and to

the Hasmasul Mare Peak. From Paraul Oii,

4x4 cars take our guests back to the

accommodation.

Day 4: After visiting the small village of
Haromkut we continue to the picturesque

Ghimes Valley where traditional cheese
makingandbaking of bread.
Day 5: An Off road tour with Sunrise

watching from the top of Poganyhavas
Mountains followed by a day full of adventure.
Also available are the possibilities of tandem

paragliding or riding down the moun-
tainwith a mountain skyver
Day 6: biking in the Naskalat Mountain

and visiting a traditional shepherd`s fold.

Day 7: Transfer to the airport

Starting from 859 Euro

for groups of 4-8 persons. Airport transfer,
full board, 3 night accommodation in a 3 star
hotel and 3 nights in a pension and all tours
included.

Private sightseeing
flight or paragliding: discover

the Carpathians by air!

Example of a 6 day tour WINTER
SEASON
Day 1: Pick up from the Airport and transfer to
Gheorgheni December - March

Day 2: Snowshoe hiking in the Hasmas Ski Touring or
Snowshoe Hiking is the perfect
and Giurgeului Mountains
wayto reach some ofthe more inaccessible
Day3:Snowmobiling Adventurein areas of the mountain wilderness.

the Ciuc Mountains HORSE Sleigh rides

Day 4: Sightseeing flight above the are a quintessential Carpathian experience.
Cuddle up underwarmwoolen blankets as a
Red Lake, Bicaz Gorge and the Mountains team of horses pulls you through spar kling
of the Eastern Carpathians, followed by a snow-covered meadows.

sleigh ride and some cultural activities

like visiting a local farm, baking bread or a
crafts workshop.

Day 5: Winter wildlife excursion

tracking the footsteps of wild animals in the
Harghita Mountains. Optional, horseback
winter trail ride in the Hasmas Mountains
Day 6: Transferto the Airport, with possible city
sightseeing

Starting from 819 Euro per

person for groups of 4-8 persons. Full board,
5 night accommodation in a 3 star boutique
hotel, airport transfer and all tours included.

Truffle Hunting Winter Snow Mobile Rides Example of a 4 day tour

truffles are one of the best kept treasures guarantee a day of adrenalin pumping Day 1: Transfer from the Airport
in the Carpathian forests. Walking through adventure pairing amazing views with
the mystique of the truffle trees our highly challenging rides. Day 2: Snowshoe hiking to the
trained dogs will guide you to discover Take a quieterand more serene
view of the Carpathian Mountains on Hut by the Lonely Stone. After having
t hese rare delicacies.. a break and getting accommodation,
Private sightseeing Horseback trail rides. Or you begins a hiking trip to the Ecem Peak
flight or winter Paragliding: Are can go on a Dog sleigh ride and let (1707 m). After the hiking trip we can
enjoy the sunset over the mountains and
you looking for pristine wilderness as far as yourself being pulled by the local hounds the Ciuc Basin.
the eye can see? Then discover the Car- at the footstep of the Hasmas Mountains. Day 3: The tour continues with heading
pathians by air. to the top of the highest mountain in the
National Park, the 1792 m high Hasmasul
Mare with excellent views. There follows
an ascendtowards PoianaAlba and Paraul

Oii from where 4x4 cars can take you

via the Red Lake back to Gheorgheni.
Day 4: Transfer to the Airport, with
possible city sightseeing

Starting from 459 Euro

Airport transfer, full board and 2 night
accommodation in a 3 star boutique ho-
tel, 1 night in a mountain hut and all tours
included.

S PR I N G
AUTUMN

H I G HL I G H T S

Spring and autumn are best for
tackling strenuous hiking routes and give
good opportunities for wildlife-watching,
bird spotting and nature trails.

There is often snow on the ground at the beginning Example of a 7 day Horse riding
of April, with a few crocuses and snowdrops poking tour: The Red Lake trail
their heads through the bare patches, whilst in May
everything is growing so fast you can almost see the Day 1: Pick up from the Airport and transfer to Ghe-
grass growing and the leaves bursting forth. At this orgheni
time hiking, horse riding, mountain biking or off-road Day 2:After a short riding test, we begin ourtourto the
adventures are staples of the season, which may be Pricske Peak, there we have a picnic, and thereafter
complemented by beautiful Easter celebrations. we slope down to the narrow valley of Belchiei where
The Eastern Carpathians are the best place for an we spend our first night.
autumnal escape between September and November: Day 3: After breakfast we ride over the banks of the
breathtaking fall foliage, forests dotted with wild edi- stream and climb up the Medias mountain-pass to
ble mushrooms, such as yellow chanterelles, truffles reach Lonely Stone and enjoy the panoramiv view of
and brown porcini, delicious harvest tastes and folk the Gheorgheni and Ciuc Basins and Ceahlau’s enor-
festivals are the highlights of the season. This time mous limestone rocks. We have a picnic at the hut and
locals prepare themselves for the harsh winter that is then we descend to Haromkut. In this small village we
to come and they are caught by the rush of preserving spend the night with a local farmer.
autumn vegetables crops. Day 4: Riding in the valley of Little Bicaz Stream until
Even National Georgraphic included Transylvania in we arrive at the Red Lake and go around it, thereafter
Top 10 Places to See Autumn Leaves. we leave the horses while we walk across the Bicaz
Gorge. Later we climb up the Little Suhard to enjoy the
sunset.
Day 5: Leaving the Red Lake we ride to Pongracz Peak.
If we are lucky we can taste the so-called ”zsendice”,
a sort of whey cheese found only at the shepherds
shelter. We descend to the Bechiei Valley where we
will spend the night.
Day 6: Returning to the the Gheorgheni Basin we arrive
at Sugo Cave. After a picnic and a visit to the cave, we
ride back into the town.
Day 7: Transfer to the Airport

Starting from 809 Euro for groups of

3-6 persons. Including the tours, lodging, 2 meals a
day (breakfast and dinner) and airport transfer. The
accommodation is in double rooms with bathroom.

WILD Example of a 6 day tour
LIFE
Day 1: Pick up from the Airport and transfer to
We are proud and enthusiastic Odorheiu Secuiesc

about the wildlife adventures Szeklerland Day 2: Brown Bear experience: After
offers. From the Carpathian Alpine zone to
the lush green river valleys where agriculture breakfast, a 4x4 car ride to the habitat of
is still natural, you can experience one of the brown bear with tasting specialties of game
best bird- and wildlife in Europe. Join us to go meat. In the evening we leave again to visit the
bird watching, look at chamois climbing on the hides, where we stay until dusk.
rocks of Hasmas Mountain or even go tracking
Day 3: Time travelling to a
brown bears and wolves in the
hidden village in the Eastern Carpathians.
wilderness of the Carpathians.
Ceausescu, “the great hunter”. Explore

the traditional way of life in Varsag by a
horse-drawn cart (traditional bread baking,
live cheese production at a shepherd`s fold,
visiting local farmers and a 200 years old
watermill). After lunch, visit the hunting lodge
used by the Ceausescu couple and stories will
be told by a man who hunted with the dictator
30 years ago.

Day4: Wallcreepers and
Chamois in the Bicaz Gorge – Hasmas

Mountain National Park. One day hiking and
wildlife watching tour on the rocky mountains
of the National Park and a short visit to the
amazing Red Lake and Bicaz Gorge.

Day 5: The European Bison

experience: after breakfast we head to the
Vanatori Neamt National Park where you learn
about its reintroduction project. After lunch,
in a 4x4 car tour we will watch bisons in the
wild.

Starting from 789 Euro for

groups of 4-8 persons. Airport transfer, full
board and accommodation and all guided
tours included.

The Carpathian Mountains have

plenty of game. They are home to two-thirds
of Europe’s populations of large carnivores,

including brown bears, wolves and the lynx,

according to WWF. You can go bear watching
with one of the Ceausescu`s rangers and enjoy
his hunting adventures he shared with the
dictator.

Bison, the black rhino of

Europe, has been reintroduced in the
Carpathian Mountains after 200 years of its
extinction. In the natural reserve they live in
semi-natural conditions which enable you to
get close views.

Colorful Wallcreepers

can be found in the immense/vast Bicaz

Gorge National Park. Ural Owl breed

in the mixed oak-beech forests; Great Grey,
Lesser Grey and Red-backed Shrikes coexist
almost in the same habitats, while Fish Eagle,

Purple Heron orthe Common Kingfisher

usually rest in the Sanpaul fishponds.

Lesser-Spotted Eagles,

almost all European Woodpecker species, high
numbers of White storks and Black storks can
be found breeding in their habitat. High in the
alpine meadows you may see breeding Shore
Larks, Alpine Accentors, Hazel Grouse and

Capercaillie.

CULTURE

Transylvania: a living museum!


For a taste of rural culture in
Transylvania, you can explore authentic
medieval villages or try yourself at
traditional crafts. You can observe wild
flowers, wander in the stunning countryside
and have a tasty picnic in the lush fields. Or
you just relax at the home of a village family
and sample wholesome, country fare washed
down with homemade juices and brandy.

Transylvania is a place

where traditional ways of life

are still preserved.

Living tradition

The folk culture of the region has roots that
go back several hundreds of years. The art
of spinning and weaving, woodcarving, and
pottery have been preserved and passed from
generation to generation.

Virgin Mary`s cult

The Whitsunday pilgrimage from Sumuleu
Ciuc is the grandest Catholic pilgrimage in
Central and Eastern Europe.

Fortified churches and
frescos from 14-16th centuries, some even

declared as World Heritage Sites

Szekler, Saxon, Romanian,
Armenian and Gypsy cultural heritage: A
few different ethnic groups have shared
this land throughout centuries, each one of
them leaving its own authentic marks in the
region`s culture.

Our cultural programs

visiting local farmers, having
a Szekler lunch with a local family,
traditional bread baking, local crafts
workshops like pottery, weaving or
wood carving or traditional balls
offering great opportunities to learn
folk dances. For those interested in
architecture we can show you the
present, medieval, Szekler, Saxon or
Armenian heritage.

TWOHSETRAEY Afterthe cold outdoors, enjoythe night in awarm
guesthouse heated by traditional wood-burning
Red Lake HOTEL stoves, with good home-cooking and local plum
brandy.

Calm and caring set in the location Accommodation options range from very
where the natural springs want to improve your small-scale mountain lodges to family-run
health. The owners will move mountains to guesthouses, pensions and small boutique hotels,
ensure you have a comfortable stay. All rooms all set in beautiful countryside.
have stylish interiors and modern en-suite
bathrooms, the wellness zone has hot tub and
infrared sauna and this provides the ideal base
for your Carpathian Escape.

Hotel fortuna

An experience for the couple who
wants to be spoiled and romanticized with the
feeling from days long gone. Every room has
full en-suite facilities with a creative design
that will appeal to those seeking the magical
moments of their lives together. The bar has a
fantastic open fire that will warm your hearts
and allow memories to linger.

crOSSLINE LODGE

One of Romania’s top rally
drivers has created a “man cave” for those
who want to enjoy and drive their adrenaline
in the Carpathian Mountains. The ideal
starting point for the snow mobiles Escapes
this offers a view of everytrophy he had ever
won with en-suite bathroom, sauna, log
fired salt water jacuzzi plus the beer and the
local snaps are included. This is really the
“man cave’ you have been looking for.

MALOM inn

Step back into the world when men
were men and their word was their bond, these
ethnic rooms give you a feeling of hospitality
rarely seen in the modern day world. All rooms
have en suite bathrooms and the communal
areas take you to a time and feeling long
forgotten in the west. Here you feel safe and
warm in awonderful placeto stayforthosewho
want to follow the paths of the mountains.

Kavalliera Riding School
and Pension


The Kavalliera Riding School has
more than ten year of experience in horse
training and riding lessons. The pension was
opened in 2015, surrounded by mountains,
hills and fields, in a green oasis that spans
several acres of pasture and includes an ex-
tended outdoor riding area and indoor sand
riding hall. In this idyllic landscape horse lovers
can enjoy riding holidays ranging from lessons
for beginners, horse caressing weekends for
children, skijoring in winter to trail riding trips
in the countryside for the more skilled ones.

PIPOSZ RAnch

This accommodation has
dormitories whilst being in the heart of the
action. Choose either the dormitory style
room or the ethnic mountain log cabins heated
by wood fires. This is complemented with a
lakeside spa hut that includes sauna, pool
and wood fired Jacuzzi outside. All meals are
served by the host team in the large social
area.

Muhos pension

This is a real dream location
at the foot of the mountains with en-suite
bathrooms in every room. The local forest
has inspired the décor and the comfort and
convenience of every guest being foremost
in their raison d’etre. The sauna and
wood-fired hot tub are available to guests
each evening, and provide a perfect way to
end a great day of outdoor adventures.

The Lonely Stone Hut

If you enjoy the great outdoors and want to
experiencethe atmosphere ofsimplertimes,this lodge
offers a unique adventure. Situated inthe Hasmas - Bi-
caz Gorges National Park at the foot of a monumental
rock cathedral, it can only be accessed by hiking trails,
but these are not too hard for people who are used to
hiking. The hut offers bunk bed style rooms and meals
served family style in the dining room with long tables
and wooden seats, without any modern conveniences.
While enjoying the magnificent view over the Ciuc Ba-
sin and the surrounding mountain ranges, here you can
try our guided ski touring and snowshoe trekking tours
in winter or chamois watching, hiking or rock climbing
in summer.

Balu Pension

Travel back in time to the
fifties and you can marvel how time can
stand still. Hospitality abounds and rooms,
complete with en-suite facilities that will
demonstrate the uniqueness of the recent
communist regime. However, the location
provides a great starting point for all the
Escapes you could wish for in Transylvania.

Carpathian Escapes is a trade-mark of Carpathian
Escapes SRL, tour-operator with license no. 7421.
Phone: +32 489 25 09 89, between 8 AM - 5 PM,

Email: [email protected]
Post: Cocârliei Street, no. 1, ap. II/1, 530164
Miercurea Ciuc, Harghita County, Romania

Fax: +4 0366 113 364

www.carpathianescapes.ro

www.carpathianescapes.ro