- Explore Romania by bike, cycling through ancient villages and mountainous landscapes
- Ride through rural Transylvania to the village of Viscri, where King Charles owns a house
- Uncover the history of the nation in Saxon settlements, UNESCO-listed citadels and fortified churches
- Climb the old fort in Brasov to gaze over the town and 14th-century Black Church
- End the adventure in Bucharest, a culture-rich capital with museums and old streets to explore
Cycle Romania
9 Days
Excluding Flights From
9 Days
from
Cycling
Activity Level
Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you
Comfort Level
Classic
Discover the beauty of Transylvania and the Carpathian Mountains
Transylvania is one of the most emotive place names. Much of the focus is on Bram Stoker’s creation and the bloodthirsty Prince Vlad III or Vlad the Impaler, upon whom Dracula was loosely based. However, the region offers a fascinating mix of cultural influences, from the Saxons to the raiding Tatars and Ottomans. The natural diversity and beauty of the region is also key to capturing the imagination as castles and churches are framed by the imposing Carpathian and Fagaras mountains. The best seat from which to view all this is that of a bicycle, allowing us to soak up the tranquillity and majesty of the landscape at a pace that means we can enjoy the hidden stories and places along the way. We finish with time in Bucharest, once the seat of communist power but still with enough left to remind visitors why it was once known as the Paris of the East.
Highlights
Key Information
- Accommodation: 8 Classic nights (6 guesthouses, 2 hotels)
- Six days cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats)
- Group normally 4 to 14, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Countries visited: Romania
What's Included
- All breakfasts, five lunches and six dinners
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Free group arrival and departure transfers available
- Local bike hire
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (limited availability)
- Visas or vaccinations
- E-bike hire (available for an additional cost)
6 Days of Cycling
Pace:
Approximately three to five hours cycling per day
Terrain:
Low altitude; 80 percent paved and 20 percent gravel tracks
Scenic route, some climbs
Day 2
50 km / 31.1 miles
Day 3
65 km / 40.4 miles
Day 4
68 km / 42.3 miles
Day 5
40 km / 24.9 miles
Day 6
60 km / 37.3 miles
Day 7
25 km / 15.5 miles
Itinerary
Bucharest Bucharest
Fly to Bucharest; transfer to Vulcan
Upon arrival, we will be greeted by an Exodus leader and transferred out of Bucharest to the small town of Vulcan in Brasov County, Transylvania. This transfer is roughly three hours long but will be broken up with a short break en route. We should arrive in Vulcan with plenty of time for our evening meal and will have the opportunity to visit the fortified church as well as learn about the Saxon heritage of the area.
Start Bucharest
Upon arrival, we will be greeted by an Exodus leader and transferred out of Bucharest to the small town of Vulcan in Brasov Country, Transylvania. This transfer is roughly three hours, but will be broken with a short stop.
Ride to Bucium, stopping at Ohaba flour mill en route
After breakfast, we set up our bikes and enjoy our first cycling experience in the region. We begin with an ascent, away from traffic and into remote pine-covered hills, stopping for a view of the snow-topped Bucegi Mountains. We then tackle a 4.5mi (7km) dirt road that offers us a glimpse of life in rural Romania. Please note, we may go in the opposite direction during rain to avoid the dirt road; this adds 6mi (10km) to the cycling distance. Today we also visit the oldest flour mill in Fagaras county, which is powered by the neighbouring river. The tale of how it survived the Communist period is fascinating.
Our goal is the town of Bucium; however, if the weather is favourable, we may take a detour (adding 3mi/5km) to a nearby cave that served as a place of worship more than two centuries ago. At that time, the local people – the Dacians – would have prayed to Zalmoxis, a popular deity in the lower Danube region. Little is known about Zalmoxis, though what is known is based mainly on the writings of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus.
Cycle to Carta at the foot of the Fagaras Mountains
We ride to the village of Lisa, with the ridge of the highest mountain range in Romania, the Fagaras Mountains, as our constant companion. There we visit a wool mill to see how woollen blankets and clothes are still made using traditional methods. There is even a 100-year-old machine still in operation.
We then cycle to the village of Cartisoara and on to Carta itself and visit the Cistercian monastery. The oldest buildings on the site date to around 1205 and, like many buildings in the area, have a fascinating history.
Please note, on some departures our groups stay in Cartisoara and will visit the monastery in Carta on Day 4. The distances of each day would, therefore, change by 3mi (5km). We may also have time during the day to take a detour to Sambata Monastery, which will add 6mi (10km) to the day’s cycling.
Cycle to Biertan; visit the Unesco-listed church
Today’s ride starts with a crossing of the river Olt and continues along quiet country roads. We cycle past the fortified church of Richis as we make our way towards Biertan. Once there, we tour a Unesco-listed fortified church, which stands on a hill overlooking vineyards and fields. Building began in 1486 by the German-Transylvanian Saxon community when the area was part of the Kingdom of Hungary.
As a late-Gothic church, it stands out thanks to the concentric ringed walls and huge towers, and is often considered one of the most impressive of its kind in Romania. It achieved Unesco status in 1993 and has numerous interesting buildings in the complex. The church contains some beautiful Renaissance pieces, while there are also three bastions, six towers and three rows of walls to ward off undesirables.
Please note, the cycling today will be approximately 42mi (68km) if we sleep in Cartisoara, 39mi (63km) if we sleep in Carta.
Visit the medieval citadel of Sighisoara
Today we have a beautiful ride through the countryside and remote villages of Transylvania. Following the river Tarnava Mare, we pass hop fields and set our sights on Sighisoara. One of the few fully inhabited medieval citadels in Europe, this Unesco-recognised spot is fascinating. We have a free afternoon to wander the streets and immerse ourselves in places so wonderfully preserved and faithful to the origins. There is even the house where Vlad Dracul, father of Vlad the Impaler, was born.
Cycle to Cobor Farm
Today’s ride follows a lovely quiet country road through the Transylvanian hills to Apold and Bradeni village. One of these places will be our perfect stop for a snack and looking around the fascinating old church. Then we hop back on the bikes to continue our ride through small farming towns and pastures. Today’s ride ends in the small village of Cobor. Here we will discover the beautiful story of an old abandoned house to a farm and guesthouse with organic vegetables cultivated in their own garden and involved in animal protection projects. The seeds originate in old varieties that produce less, but higher quality.
Cycle to Viscri; explore the town and fortified church
After breakfast, we ride out of Cobor. The day starts with a short climb through the forest before a lovely stretch of road through several small towns takes us to Viscri. Here we can explore this pretty old town and visit a well-known fortified church and meet the brickmakers and blacksmiths who helped restore the building in 1991. It is now regarded as one of the best examples of a fortified church anywhere in the world. There will be plenty of time to fully explore Viscri, which we will tour by horse-drawn cart.
Transfer to Bucharest; visit Brasov and, time permitting, Peles Castle on the way
After breakfast, we take a long private transfer to Bucharest, stopping at the beautiful medieval town of Brasov en route. Here we climb the towers of the old fort for views over the town centre and 14th-century Black Church, before returning to street level for a short stroll on the cobbled pedestrian roads.
We then hop back in the vehicle and continue towards Bucharest. If there’s time, we stop at Peles Castle, a forest-wrapped residence of the former Romanian royal family. We enjoy a short walk around the spectacular gardens before completing our journey to Bucharest, arriving at the end of the day.
Fly to London
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport and fly home.
The tour ends in Bucharest
After breakfast, we have most of the day to explore Bucharest; we can wander the old streets and do last-minute shopping or visit some of the fascinating old museums and palaces before the trip ends. Either make your way home or speak to your sales representative to extend your stay in this fascinating city.
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Six days of cycling
- Average distance 31mi (50km)
- 80 percent paved and 20 percent gravel tracks
- Partial vehicle support
Our routes follow mainly quiet backroads and paths. There are some undulating sections, but the distances are not challenging. This tour is run at a relaxed pace allowing you to stop and take in the surroundings, or chat with local people you might meet along the route. The support vehicle follows the group and carries all essential items, including food, drinks and tools. You are welcome to put any items you don’t want to carry in the vehicle and can access them at any point throughout the ride.
All hire bikes are supplied with a rear pannier rack and one large bag, this allows you to carry any small items you might need quick access too, such as cameras and waterproofs.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: 6pm at the start hotel to catch the welcome briefing. If this is not possible for you, the leader will happily bring you up to speed later
Airport: Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately three hours’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
It’s difficult to reach the start hotel by public transport or taxi as it is 200km away from the airport. We therefore highly recommend joining the group transfer where possible.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Bucharest
Location end: Bucharest
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Guesthouses and hotels
For most of the tour, we stay in guesthouses and family-owned B&Bs. All the buildings are very well kept, clean and one-off places to stay. These old buildings were never designed to be hotels, this means that a very limited number of single rooms are available and only on some nights. In some locations, bathrooms will be shared between a maximum of two rooms. Our hotel in Bucharest is a modern building with good facilities in the city centre.
Worth knowing
- Single supplement is only available on five nights (days 1, 2, 5, 7, 8; limited availability). For all the other nights’ accommodation is on room-share basis.
Trip Experts
Sophie Moran
Phone sales
Vivien Urban
Product Manager Europe
Reviews
Add your own reviewVery enjoyable
This is my 7th or 8th Exodus cycling trip. I think it is the most low-key one I have done – it is not stunning, amazing, Instagram-worthy, or dramatic, but if you want a very enjoyable experience in rural Romania, with scarcely another tourist in site, with a great group leader and a great group, learning about the history and culture of Romania, this is a trip for you. If you want to excite envy in your friends with dramatic photos and tales, then choose another one.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Absolutely superb. Could not be better - friendly, helpful, informative, knowledgeable, personable
Advice for Potential Travellers
As above - highly recommended if you know what you are getting
Transilvania and beyond
A great, very well orgsanised trip. Lots of great things to see and do.
Most Inspirational Moment
Visiting various Saxon villages and seeing fortified churches
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very knowlegeable and supportive
Great combination of physical and cultural activities!
For the first—and probably last!—time in my life, I got what felt like VIP service, because the amazing and honorable company that Exodus is, let this trip run even though I ended up being the only guest! From what I could tell, the trip was run almost exactly how it would have had there been a full complement of guests, and I think I even got a few extra perks that I may not have been afforded otherwise. The cycling was fantastic with great routes, and only a handful of stretches that really tested my limits, otherwise it was mostly very manageable. There were a few cultural stops during the rides and in the evenings that were a nice change of pace and provided interesting insight into Romania’s past. The guesthouses ran the gamut but always provided nice cozy places to rest each night. Finally, food was perfect for me—breakfasts were pretty consistent, and lunches and dinners had a nice range of soups, sandwiches, salads, main courses, and desserts that hit the spot after a nice day of cycling!
Most Inspirational Moment
Watching the cows come home in Viscri :) Gave new/true meaning to an expression I've used for so long without giving any real thought to.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Radu and Vlad (plus Tudor!) were wonderful and humored me throughout the week. Safety was always the number one priority—which was great since I can be a little reckless at times so it was good having Radu keep me in check! They were all so good about answering my neverending questions (make sure you test Radu's knowledge of Romanian history!) and really worked to provide a great experience!
Advice for Potential Travellers
None of the guesthouse rooms I stayed in had A/C, which was perfectly fine for me since I'm always cold, but for anyone who tends to run hot and is doing this trip in the summer months may want to keep this in mind and come prepared with ways to keep yourself cool. Also, please don't beat my QOM on Strava :)
Wonderful week in stunning Transylvania
Memorable cycling trip in mainly rural Transylvania: great crew, lovely and varied accommodation – an amazing experience.
Most Inspirational Moment
No one moment, just enjoyed the beautiful landscapes, learning about the history and culture, fab company and good wine.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We couldn’t have asked for better than Cristina, with Vlad in support. We had such fun, a great insight to Romanian life and we were so well looked after.
Advice for Potential Travellers
You’ll love it! We had very hot weather, but I know it can be variable in that region so be prepared for anything. Most meals are covered so you don’t need huge amounts of cash.
Romania cycling
Great Trip .
Most Inspirational Moment
Farm Visit and just the relaxation of the holiday
Thoughts on Group Leader
Christina and Radu
Advice for Potential Travellers
Enjoy
Interesting, entertaining and sporty way to see Transylvania
Overall a brilliant and interesting trip. We felt like we had seen and learnt so much about the countryside, the culture and the history. Some great cycling, definitely need to be reasonably fit but nothing we couldn’t manage. Fabulous views, varied countryside, we really got an idea of the area. Accommodation definitely basic but clean, showers worked and comfy beds. Excellent food really loved it all. Friendly people who were enthusiastic about their locality and customs. The cultural visits in between the cycling were excellent. Our guides Christina and Radu were brilliant, very knowledgeable and always willing to share their information, always helpful and smiley! Great lunchtime picnics!
Most Inspirational Moment
Cycling on the quieter lanes through the countryside.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Christina and Radu were both brilliant, they were a key part of making the trip exceptional. Christina cycled with us and organised the cultural visits, her knowledge was excellent, she was super patient, always enthusiastic, and the perfect host. Radu drove the van and gave technical support, again very knowledgeable and interesting on the more recent romanian history. Again always sociable and helpful.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you are on a push bike do get fit. Take your own toe clips/cycling pedal straps as the bikes don't have any sort of toe clips. Easier than taking your own pedals which is fine if you can be bothered but for the type of cycling I think pedal straps would be useful. Take your own water bottle.
A great way to explore Romania
This turned out to be yet another great Exodus cycling trip. Cycling is the perfect way to explore the lovely countryside, and see people living a simple country life. There was a nice balance of cycling, culture, and visits during the day. The cycling was not too hard-core and the accommodation generally was simple but clean and comfortable. Some of the nicest places we stayed were local rural guesthouses with a warm welcome. The food was not particularly exciting but perfectly palatable– (bread was generally disappointing and a bit dry). We were lucky enough to have a great group of people who were fun to be with. As usual everything was incredibly well organised with a well-balanced programme of activities, and we felt looked after. Bikes were good and well maintained by the wonderful Radu.
Most Inspirational Moment
No one stand out moment, but lots of nice memories - The wonderful City of Brasov, with its beautiful buildings, large open square and cafe culture (A great place for a short weekend break). Lunchtime picnic in the woods overlooking huge meadow, a horse and cart ride through the countryside to one of the fortified churches.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tudor was very hard working and nothing was too much trouble - good local knowledge. Sometimes a bit irritable with the group when we didn't quite take on board instructions (did talk for quite extended periods of time which meant we sometimes lost the thread a bit!) Radu the support leader was fantastic, excellent English, great company, also hard working and knowledgeable
Advice for Potential Travellers
We had been told than places took Euros as an alternative to local currency but this was not the case. Cards not always accepted in rural areas, we needed many more Lei than we expected
A great week and a super country
This is a super trip if you are up for ‘moderate’ level cycling, want to visit a new country and are interested in seeing a village lifestyle that may well soon disappear. It is full of small but magical moments – overtaking horses and carts, waves from villagers, passing hi-fives with children and visits to the baker. the blacksmith, the mill, and being shown round a fortified church and a ruined abbey by the local priest. The scenery is great – for the first couple of days we would be cycling alongside snow-capped mountains. That then turns into the lush green hills of Transylvania. The first three days have the longest routes and we were glad that we’d done some hill training before the trip but we coped – although we were usually last we weren’t far behind! The routes are well planned and there is less traffic in Transylvania than on our previous cycle trips in western Europe. Some of the dirt roads are being tarmacked and will soon be smoother rides. The dinners in the small hotels / guests houses were very good as were our picnics and snacks during the day. The fortified churches are really interesting and, as a keen photographer, there were plenty of opportunities for good photos along the way. Btw, the bikes were fine!
Most Inspirational Moment
I'm split, so here are two: - Hearing cuckoos every day while cycling. I used to hear them at home as a boy - that doesn't happen now in southern England but it does in Transylvania at least in May! - Seeing the cows come home in Viscri. There we were, enjoying our food and wine at dinner, and our host says 'the cows are coming home'. Out we rush...what a surprise! Enjoy!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tudor is excellent, he's a very experienced guide, with super local knowledge, a nice friendly style and good focus on a safe trip. He made our last day - we chose not to visit Bran Castle and instead to go to Peles Castle but via Brasov. That was a super addition on his part. We'd been in villages and small towns. To visit a 'Saxon' city was great. The Black Church and the main square were both wonderful. Thank you Tudor. Our driver Lucien was great too and added to the vitality of our small group (post Covid and with war in Ukraine, we were six + guide and driver. There were no Covid issues or disruption. The Romanians have taken in many Ukrainian refugees and two families were staying at the church in Vulcan.)
Advice for Potential Travellers
The accommodation isn't in standard hotels - it's a mix of small hotels and guesthouses. There's something to like about every place but also the odd thing that isn't ideal but it all adds to the special nature of the trip. In a couple of guesthouses we shared a bathroom with another trip member and that worked fine. In Vulcan the room was a bit basic but the evening welcome from the priest was fab and, after a couple of glasses of welcoming schnaps, it didn't matter!
Amazing adventure with glorious scenery and many animals
An amazing adventure into a unspoilt landscape. This well organised trip had so much to offer, the scenery, the welcoming local people, the traditional cuisine and the wildlife.
Most Inspirational Moment
There really were some many but favourite moment was watching the cows in Viscri return home to their individual gates.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent!!! Funny, enthusiastic, informative and kind.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We didn’t take coats but needed them.
My first cycling holiday, definitely not the last
Thoroughly enjoyable 6 days of cycling in great company, final day sightseeing of Bran Castle and Peles.
Cycling never difficult, mainly rural farmland scenery and rolling hills. A few uncomfortable dirt,rutted tracks but bikes good enough to cope.
Stop off activities all worthwhile apart from Bran Castle – a congested tourist zoo which is best avoided.
Peles fabulous, beautiful setting
Social evenings with food, drink and great companionship.
Most Inspirational Moment
Romanian short hills proved more challenging than the bastard long ones! Seeing rural Transylvania and the life people lead a real treat, coming back to the busyness of London and M25 quite a shock. And how great a place to visit is Bucharest, people had warned me it would disappoint.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Radu is superb. Well organised, knowledgeable, friendly and wanting everybody to have the best experience. Manged to smile and soldier on whilst wrestling with a nasty sore throat for a few days.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Expect mixed cycling terrain (much good road, but also gravel/dirt roads, rutted farm tracks, and a little bit of unpleasant congested main road) because that's what you'll get. If you want to see Bucharest then go early or stay on after, definitely worth a couple of days. Pay to go on the tour at Peles, worth it.
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Saturday
26 Jul 2025 26 Jul 2025
Sunday Sunday
03 Aug 2025 03 Aug 2025
Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 5 spaces left!
Land Only Trip Price USD 3150 USD 3150
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 285
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
23 Aug 2025 23 Aug 2025
Sunday Sunday
31 Aug 2025 31 Aug 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 3150
Optional Single Supplement Single Rooms sold out
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
13 Sep 2025 13 Sep 2025
Sunday Sunday
21 Sep 2025 21 Sep 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Limited) Only 1 space left!
Land Only Trip Price USD 3150
Optional Single Supplement Single Rooms sold out
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 1 space left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
27 Sep 2025 27 Sep 2025
Sunday Sunday
05 Oct 2025 05 Oct 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 3150 USD 3150
Optional Single Supplement +USD 285
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
25 Jul 2026 25 Jul 2026
Sunday Sunday
02 Aug 2026 02 Aug 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 3600 Book with USD 900 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 315
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip Notes
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Cycle Romania
9 Days
Excluding Flights From
9 Days
from