This trip had beautiful walks in the Carpathian mountains. Seeing the bears while in the hide was a highlight though. The visit to the bear sanctuary for rescued bears was also very moving. The hikes did require a high degree of fitness. Note that when we booked this trip was a level 2, but the same trip has been reclassified as a level 3, which in our experience is merited. The last day is the most challenging but the last part to the very peak is optional and was only done by a small part of our group. Our guide Sebi was excellent and paced the walk for the group’s abilities. He was also very knowledgeable about the local wildlife and customs.
![Bran](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_80,f_auto,c_lfill,x_w_mul_0.45,y_h_mul_0.33,g_xy_center,w_360,h_270/exodus-web/2022/07/AdobeStock_460426515-Bran-Castle.jpeg)
Bran
Adventure Holidays to Bran
Perched high on a rocky outcrop in Transylvania, it is thought that an etching of Bran Castle was inspiration for Bram Stocker’s descriptions of Dracula’s castle in his classic vampire tale.
Although Bram Stocker never set foot in Romania, and was careful never to give his ficticious character a real background of historical significance, Count Dracula is often confused with Prince Vlad Tepes of Wallachia. Depicted by historians as a ruthless and bloodthirsty ruler, these days his role in the history of the fortress is questionned. The Teutonic Order began construction of a wooden fort in the early 13th century. After the fort’s destruction in 1242 by Mongols, King Sigismund of Hungary ordered the construction of a stone castle in 1377, while the settlement of Bran began to develop nearby. The castle guarded a strategic trade route between Transylvania and Wallachia. Find out more of its fascinating history on a journey to Romania.
Bran Adventure Holidays
Malcolm Vant Carpathian Walking & Bears
Ann Robinson Carpathian Walking & BearsThis was a superb birthday treat. The accommodation just lacked air conditioning, as it was so hot
Food good with excellent hosts. Scenery beautiful, with all that was promised.
Heather Smith Carpathian Walking & BearsI had a wonderful trip to Romania with Exodus. I would highly recommend this trip, it was great fun and very insightful. Overall an absolutely fantastic adventure.
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