Overview

This challenging trek takes you through ancient forests, breathtaking valleys and beautiful meadows in southern Romania. Your efforts will be rewarded with spectacular mountain views of the Transylvanian Alps as well as an unforgettable visit to the medieval Dracula’s Castle!

On the last day of the challenge, you will have the chance to assist with a local project, which may be a visit to a local orphanage or helping to build a cottage – a fantastic opportunity to help the community!

Keech Hospice Care provides specialist palliative care for adults and children diagnosed with a life-limiting condition. Its adult hospice service looks after patients in Luton and South Bedfordshire and its children’s hospice service cares for children and their families across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes.

What’s Included?

  • Return Flights
  • All accommodation in 2-3* Guesthouse
  • All meals during trekking (breakfast, lunch and dinner) + drinking water
  • All in-country transport
  • Tour of Dracula’s Castle
  • Skyline Leader and UK Doctor travelling with every group
  • Exclusive discount at Cotswold Outdoor
  • Full support pre-challenge from your dedicated Skyline Event Coordinator
  • Access to online Participant’s Page with full trip information including kit list, what to expect, and visa information.
  • 16-week training guide
  • English-speaking local support crew
  • All applicable entrance fees as per the itinerary

Not included

  • 2 meals: lunch and dinner on Day 7
  • Tips for the local crew
  • Personal spending money
  • Travel insurance

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Start:
30th September 2018
Finish:
6th October 2018
Location(s):
Transylvania, Romania
Trip duration:
7 Days

Itinerary - 7 days

Day 1
Fly from London to Bucharest

We meet at the airport in London for our journey to Romania! Upon arrival in Bucharest we will meet our local crew and transfer to our guesthouse for the evening in Bran Village where we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and trip briefing. Dinner included. Overnight hotel.

Day 2
Bucegi National Park

Our first morning in Romania and first-day trekking! Our route in the hilly area between Bucegi Natural Park and Piatra Craiului National Park passes some of the country’s richest pastoral areas, dotted with shepherd’s huts and wonderful views over two of the most spectacular massifs in the Southern Carpathians. Approx. 5-7 hours walking Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight guesthouse.

Day 3
Bucegi National Park

After a short transfer up to Moieiu de Sus village, we start climbing up through the forest towards the Bucegi Massif. We conquer the peak of Varful Batrana (2,189m) where our efforts are rewarded with stunning views over the huge open spaces of the Bucegi plateau and the nearby Transylvanian Alps. Approx. 7-8 hours walking Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight guesthouse.

Day 4
Dracula’s Castle

This morning we enjoy a visit to Dracula’s Castle, a beautiful medieval castle built to protect the border between the two Romanian provinces of Transylvania and Wallachia. Following our visit we climb on foot toward Magura village a long a ridge that over looks the picturesque alpine villages of Magura and Pestera. Approx. 4-5 hours walking Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight guesthouse.

Day 5
Piatra Craiului National Park

Today’s trek is challenging but our previous days will have us well prepared. Piatra Craiului means The King’s Rock and is a thin, rocky, high limestone ridge which is generally seen as one of the most beautiful mountain in Romania. Our route will be a circuit through the national park with some sections of scrambling with ropes to assist. The highest peak of the day is Piatra Micaat 1,800m after which we descend down to Zarnesti Gorges and onto our accommodation. Approx. 7-8 hours walking Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight guesthouse.

Day 6
Project Day

Today we will assist at a local project. Previous groups have helped rebuild village paths, helped a local association build a cottage and visited local orphanages. Final details of the project will be confirmed near departure. This evening we will enjoy a celebration meal to toast our achievements this week. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight guesthouse.

Day 7
Depart Bucharest for London

Today we transfer to the airport for our flight home. Breakfast included Due to the nature of the challenge, this complex itinerary is subject to change.

FAQ's

Is the trip for me?

Definitely! These trips are all fantastic challenges for anyone wanting to do something amazing for a great cause! There will be lots of like-minded people taking part, all looking for the challenge of a lifetime and of course to meet new friends. Some people come with friends or family but most people come on their own so what are you waiting for? Sign up today for a fantastic experience and the opportunity to make lifelong friends.

Is there an age restriction?

You need to be 18 years old or older to participant in our overseas trips. If you are under 18, you may still be able to participate but you will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian and we’ll need written consent. Before anyone under 18 is accepted onto a challenge we would need to have a discussion so you can make an informed decision on the suitability of the challenge. If you call us in the office we can offer this advice.

I've never done anything like this before, what should I expect?

Most people who sign up to our overseas challenges have also never done anything like this before! You’ll be well supported from the minute you sign up right through to the challenge itself but it’s important you come with an open mind. Due to the destinations we travel to, things don’t always run as smoothly as they would at home so a relaxed attitude is the best in these situations.

How fit do I need to be?

You don’t need to be a fitness fanatic to do these challenges. The majority of people who take part in these events will be just like you and will not necessarily have done anything like this before. However to get maximum enjoyment from these challenges training is vital and we will provide you with a detailed training plan tailored to the trip you are going on which we strongly recommend you stick to. We will also be on hand every step of the way to provide training advice.

Do you offer vaccination advice?

As we’re not medically trained we suggest you contact your GP or local travel clinic for the latest travel health advice. You can keep informed on current travel health news and advice on staying healthy abroad by visiting the NHS Fit for Travel website (www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk).

Do you offer visa and general travel advice?

Yes, upon booking you will have access to full Trip Notes which will include details about visa requirements. Where applicable we will provide you with visa application information 3 months before departure, which includes instructions on how to complete the form and the supporting documentation required. We strongly recommend you check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) travel advice for your destination country before travel as this has up-to-date advice on staying safe abroad (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) and for more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information we suggest checking on https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk.

Do I have to have travel insurance to travel?

Yes everyone is required to have travel insurance in place before they depart for a challenge. We highly recommend you take a policy out as soon as you sign up in case of any unforeseen circumstances that require you to cancel. If you already have an annual policy or cover with your bank you should check you are happy with the level of cover, repatriation is essential. You’ll then need to send us a copy of the policy schedule or letter confirming your policy number and 24hr emergency contact telephone number. If you are taking part in a trip that requires trekking at altitude you should check that your policy covers the height in advance.

Will I be able to raise the sponsorship level?

YES! Once you have started you will find that raising the minimum sponsorship is easy and most importantly fun! We will provide you with a breakdown of examples of how to raise the sponsorship money in an enjoyable way and we will, of course, be available every day to help you with more ideas! You are doing something quite simply amazing so make sure you tell everyone you know, and before you know it you will be racing towards your fundraising target!

When do I pay my sponsorship money?

You can start raising funds for your trip as soon as you sign up and we are on hand to help throughout your fundraising journey. In order to pay the costs of the trip 80% of the sponsorship needs to be banked 12 weeks before the trip departs. The remaining 20% is due up to four weeks after your return. We’ll be on hand to help you, as will your charity.

Can I just pay to come on the trip without raising sponsorship?

All our events are charity focused however if you would prefer to just pay the tour costs (50% of the minimum sponsorship) plus the flight taxes if applicable you can do, we would invoice you directly for these costs. In addition, we would encourage you to fundraise for a charity of your choice but without the target to reach.

Can I extend my trip?

For the trips we organise involving flights, it is possible to apply to extend your stay and travel independently after the main group had headed home. We will advise you of when and how to apply for this once you are signed up. We can only make changes to the date you return, the route must remain the same; all changes are made at the airline’s discretion and subject to availability and a nominal admin fee. For our trips in Europe involving a Eurostar return, it is not usually possible. If you wish to stay longer we would just ask you to make your own arrangements and let us know if you do so in advance.

What do I need to bring?

We’ll provide you with a full kit list when you sign up to your challenge. If you are cycling from the UK into Europe you will need to bring along your own bike otherwise bikes will be provide if you are going further afield. If you are trekking a good well-worn in pair of boots are essential to get you started!

What will happen to my luggage during trekking/cycling days?

On all our challenges, your main luggage will be transported for you each day. You will just need to carry the kit you need for that day including water, sun cream, snacks, camera, waterproofs etc.

How is my trip protected?

Skyline Events are acting as agents for the tour operator, Skyline Tour Operations Ltd, ATOL license number 10069. Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

How do I book my place?

As soon as possible! Simply click BOOK NOW to book online today! Places are extremely limited and get snapped up quickly so to avoid disappointment sign up today and don’t miss out!

View our Terms & Conditions

Please view our Terms & Conditions here

Get In Touch

If you like what you’ve seen so far and want to find out more, why not drop the Team an email at overseas@skylineevents.co.uk for more information? Or give us a call on 020 7424 5511