Wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy the natural landscapes and observe the wildlife while cycling? Actually you can now, just join us in this Wildlife&cycling adventure!
If you are a keen nature observer during your cycling trips this wildlife&cycling tour is the right choice for you. Our program addresses people who like to discover new places by bicycle and who are in the same time wildlife enthusiasts. The route will take us through scenic roads that cross the Transylvanian hills and plains, along the wetlands of the Olt river, a gathering spot for the summer guests who breed and feed here and it continues at the foothills of the Fagaras Mountains, whose dense forests are home of European’s largest population of large carnivores.
The roads will bring us through cultural landscapes as well and we’ll learn about the multi-ethnic history and traditions Transylvania has to share, we’ll taste the local cuisine and experience some long-forgotten crafts that are still practised here in the everyday life.
Visits
- fortified Lutheran church in Gusterita
- crossing through protected areas like: N2000 Hartibaciu Plateau, N2000 Fagaras Piemont and Piatra Craiului (Kingstone) National Park
- Cistercian Monastery in Carta/Kerz
- visit to an old orthodox church in one of the villages
- visit to a traditional whirlpool and a demonstration of the water-powered mechanism
- bearwatching hide
- Zarnesti Gorges
And of course, being a wildlife&cycling tour, some extra gems can be discovered along our path!
Program
Day 1– Arrival in Sibiu. Guided tour of the city in the afternoon. Dinner & accommodation in Sibiu.
Day2 (~35km cycling) – Cycling through Hartibaciu Plateau – the second-largest Natura2000 area in Romania – home of a significant breeding population of Lesser Spotted Eagle, Red-backed Shrikes and Woodpecker species. The colourful flowering meadows are a great habitat for a great number of butterflies and other insects. Dinner & accommodation in Nucet.
Day3 (40~km cycling)– Cycling along the wetlands of the Olt River – a good place for observing waders, herons and storks. We might even get the chance to see the local fishermen catch a big catfish. Dinner & accommodation in Cartisoara.
Day4 (50~km cycling)– Combined cycling through rural landscapes and dense beech forests at the foothills of the Fagaras Mountains. Chances of spotting the Ural Owl, other birds of prey and maybe even some mammals. Dinner & accommodation in Dejani.
Day5 (~45km cycling)– We continue cycling at the base of the mountains and we’ll reach a wild valley where we’ll have a car transfer to a hide deep into the unspoiled forest where we’ll silently wait for the brown bears to make their appearance. Some other animals might also occur: deers, wild boars, foxes or even wolves. Dinner & accommodation in Sinca.
Day6 (~35km cycling)– Cycling towards Zarnesti we’ll have to face some steep climbs just to be rewarded with a smooth, long and effortless descend. Dinner & accommodation in Zarnesti.
Day7 (~4-5hrs hiking)– Hiking or cycling through Zarnesti Gorges where we might encounter Alpine Swifts and Wallcreepers and continuing through the coniferous forests to reach a belvedere spot in the Kingstone National park. Dinner & accommodation in Zarnesti.
Day8 – Transfer to airport.
Extended Tour
Extensions are possible.
Check out our other tours in the area of Sibiu and Brasov. Extra days and activities can be added to this tour.
It can also be extended by combining it with tours in other areas.
Extra days can be added to the last day in Zarnesti, where some great cycling routes exist. Or hiking and wildlife observations in Kingstone National Park.
The wildlife&cycling trip can be adjusted as per your interest.
Difficulty level
Medium difficulty level. Average distances 30-50km/day. 60% gravel roads; 40% asphalt. Only the last cycling day has steeper climbs.
Reservations
This tour is recommended to be booked at least 2 weeks in advance.
Prices
The final price is influenced by many factors that not all depend on us.
Please contact us to get your detailed customized program and offer.
The price usually includes all tour expenses starting with your arrival in the country. Meaning:
- Wildlife specialized guides
- Fully equipped bikes& technical assistance (if needed)
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 dinners, 7 breakfasts
- Lunches will be served as picnics or sandwiches, fruits, nuts, snacks
- Luggage transfer between accommodations
- Car transfers
- Entry fees and admittance to the bearhide and national park
- Guided tour of Sibiu
The offer you will receive can be adjusted if you choose to modify some of the details.
Extra info
Other transfers are also possible if you intend to stay longer after our tour together.
We provide you with the bicycles (28 inch wheels trekking bikes), helmets, bike panniers, repair kit.
This tour is organized in partnership with: