Manors & Mineral Water Route

The most recent volcano activity in Romania ended “only” few thousand years ago – which offers for this region perfect conditions for mineral water sources. Our tour is a unique mix of experiences: we are following the mineral water springs, but also the historical manors in the region, currently back to life after the end of communist era.

Drinking mineral water from natural springs, tasting and smelling the various minerals of the water might be a great experience for us.

Experience the cultural and historical life of the region, including the everyday symbols of the local community – is a new lesson for each of us.

Our tour includes visits to local crafts, culinary experiences, as well as spectacular landscapes and rides through endless forests.

- Trip occurs all year
- around 300 Km by bike along the “mineral water route”
- Visit old manors and fortified churches
- Experience local gastronomy

PROGRAM: All year round, when weather conditions allow

PRICE
Single Supplement (including bicycle) - 1650 EUR
2 - 4 participants (including bicycle) - 1750 EUR
5 - 8 participants (including bicycle) - 1590 EUR
+9 participants (including bicycle) - 1390 EUR

Single Supplement (without bicycle) - 1840 EUR
2 - 4 participants (without bicycle) - 1630 EUR
5 - 8 participants (without bicycle) - 1470 EUR
+9 participants (without bicycle) - 1270 EUR
*All prices are per person

INCLUDED

ACCOMMODATION
- 6 nights of accommodation in old renovated manors, old refurbished guesthouses and 4* hotels

MEALS
- Two dinners on your own. Full board for the rest of the journey
- On our trip we are offering you the choice of sampling the local gastronomy

SUPPORT
- Detailed trip description and program, maps, GPS maps (on request)
- The knowledge, support, and camaraderie of experienced guides (Romanian, English, French or German speaking possible)
- All luggage transfers and transportation during the trip, vehicle assistance during the day
- Comprehensive trip literature and complimentary branded merchandise

GEAR
- XC or hybrid bicycles
- Bike helmets

ACTIVITIES
- Entrance fees for all group events/activities
- Tickets to several cultural and historical sights included in the itinerary

NOT INCLUDED
- Airfare cost
- Additional gear equipment (available on request)
- Alcoholic and additional drinks or meals during the program
- On select trips some meals are not included so you can explore the local cuisine at your leisure
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Tips for your cycling guide (5-10% trip price) or at restaurants (5-10% of the bill)
- Extra charges for laundry telephone or fax charges, room service, etc.
- Individual travel Insurance for the trip (compulsory in order to be accepted for the tour)
- Individual insurance for special activities (recommended)
- Optional activities not scheduled in the program
- All the other conditions are presented in the “Terms and conditions” document

DETAILED ITINERARY:
DAY 1: Meeting in Bucharest. Transfer to Brasov by car (180 KM)
Our first day is the “get together” day in Brasov. On the way we will have a short stop in Sinaia for lunch and visit the historical Peles Castle – the former royal summer residence.

Time to check our bikes, visit the city of Brasov, meet the local cuisine
Overnight in Brasov or Sanpetru.
Meals: lunch on the way, dinner in Brasov.

DAY 2: Brasov to Valea Zalanului guesthouse (60 km ride)
After breakfast we are leaving Brasov by bike, following a quiet road along the villages for ~30 km before reaching the beautiful city Sfantu Gheorge (Saint George). We will have a short visit of the city for understanding the local community, having the lunch here and meet the locals. Then we are continuing our route for another 25 km, first on asphalt, then off road across the forest for reaching the hidden village of Valea Zalanului.

Overnight in Valea Zalanului guesthouse.
Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner.
Total bike distance: ~60 km on asphalt and gravel road. Rolling hills.

Day 3: Discover the surroundings and visit the locals (70 km bike ride)
In the morning we will meet the mineral water sources in Biborteni – a small village which provides mineral water for more than 100 years all over Romania and abroad. Then we will ride along the wild Varghis Gorges for discovering a local reserve and visiting a cave. We will return on the same road, stopping on the way for visiting local artisans: a family painting old wooden doors, and the local blacksmith – both of them are artisans using exclusively traditional methods for creating unique objects.

We are ending our cycling route in an old manor, renovated and transformed into a boutique hotel with local cuisine.

Overnight in one of the renovated manors in the area.
Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner.
Total bike distance: 70 km on asphalt and gravel road. Rolling hills.

DAY 4: Along the mineral water route (85 km bike ride)
After breakfast we are starting our today route on bike following the mineral water route. We are riding back to Biborteni but for heading another attraction on the route – our volcano Lake St. Ana. After 40 km of asphalt ride, a difficult 10 km climb will follow, then 4 km descend for reaching St. Ana Lake – our stop for lunch.

After lunch we will continue our ride. After climbing back the last 4 km, then a long descent to Targu Secuiesc is following. On the way we will stop for tasting mineral water directly from the sources.

Overnight in Targu Secuiesc.

Dinner on your own.
Meals: breakfast and lunch.
Total bike distance: ~85 km on asphalt road, rolling terrain. 10 km difficult climb half way before lunch.

DAY 5: Targu Secuiesc to Covasna (25/55 km ride)
This day has two cycling options: a short 25 km ride to Covasna and the additional 30 km from Covasna to Comandau and back.

The short option will stop you to Covasna – the city of 1,000 mineral water springs. After arriving you can enjoy the 4* hotel services and visit this thermal bath city. Lunch on your own for the short ride.

Keen cyclists can continue the route on a gravel road, climbing to Comandau village – a former deposit during the war and returning on the same way. Picnic lunch for the long option.

Overnight in Covasna, in a 4* hotel. Dinner on your own.
Meals: breakfast and picnic lunch.

DAY 6: Back to Brasov (70 km ride)
From Covasna to Brasov we are following few remote roads in order to avoid the difficult traffic.
Picnic lunch on the way.
Overnight in Brasov. Farewell dinner.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

DAY 7: DEPARTURE
After breakfast it is time to say goodbye.
Optional : Transfer by car from Brasov to Bucharest.
Meals: breakfast