- See brown bears from a hide
- Discover one of the last remaining wilderness areas in Europe
- Enjoy a unique opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife in their natural environment
- Hike through meadows, forests, and along mountain trails
- Stay in a comfortable private guesthouse with an authentic Carpathian experience and a very warm welcome
![Carpathian Walking & Bears](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_80,f_auto,c_lfill,w_360,h_270,g_auto/exodus-web/2021/12/40491.jpg)
Carpathian Walking & Bears
$500 off your summer adventure – Travel before October 31st 2024. For T&Cs click here.
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- Carpathian Walking & Bears
Reviews
Add your own reviewSuperb trip with excellent walking and lots of bears
Villa Hermani is an excellent base for this trip, which combines interesting walks with opportunities to see bears in their natural habitat. We also visited a bear sanctuary to understand the atrocious conditions under which some bears have been abused by circuses and other ‘tourist/entertainment’ businesses.
Most Inspirational Moment
The bear hide was pretty spectacular!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tomas knows the area very well and went out of his way to share insights into the history and present-day culture of the region.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take walking poles. I was surprised that a level 2 trip included walking poles as essential items, but I now understand why. Some of the descents are very steep and those without poles found them particularly challenging. Take an eye mask - the curtains in the wonderful Villa Hermani do not block out the morning light, and it gets light early. We stayed in Bucharest for several nights both before and after the trip - it's a wonderful city and well worth a visit. Public transport is cheap and efficient - for example, the 100 express bus from the airport to the centre of Bucharest runs every 15 minutes, takes less than an hour and costs only 3RON (about 50p!)
Stunning scenery and bears
I had no idea how beautiful Romania is the location of Magura was so green in May, the rolling hills and snow capped mountains was perfect. Lovely hotel, friendly staff and plenty of home cooked food all locally sourced.
Most Inspirational Moment
Bears!! And seeing their footprints when out walking, along with all the other wildlife you see and hear (cuckoos).
Thoughts on Group Leader
Thomas was fab!! So friendly, a wealth of knowledge, inclusive of the whole group, a brilliant guide.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take walking poles, as in parts it’s steep and undulating. A lunchbox is a good idea to take, just so it’s not squashed in your rucksack or in the paper bag that’s provided when you make them at breakfast. Take ear plugs as you will hear the dogs barking at night!
"Walking and bears"
Well organised trip, faultless hosts at Villa Hermani and an excellent leader in Sebi. The scenery was amazing and the walks were all excellent and well paced for our group. The bear watching in the hide was outstanding.
Most Inspirational Moment
Bear watching in the hide along with our host Katharina's knowledge and dedication of the brown bears and their protection.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sebi was excellent. He assessed our group's walking ability on the first day and adjusted the pace accordingly on subsequent days. He was friendly and very approachable and would answer any questions we had about the routes, landscape, wildlife and Romania. He became part of the group rather than just the leader. His English and knlowledge of his own area and country was excellent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The walks are very much as described and I would definitely recommend walking poles, mainly for the descents down some rocky paths.
Just 'Bears!'
This was a really interesting trip in rural Romania; we were blessed with amazing weather, so the views and scenery were quite beautiful. The trip was a good mix of sight seeing, exploring and walking. The walking wasn’t difficult and very leisurely, plenty of time to soak in the surroundings. Personally, I would have enjoyed more walking , but visiting Bran Castle and Brasov was interesting. The visit to the bear hide was undoubtedly the highlight, we watched 9 females and 5 cubs for over an hour, a very special moment. The guest house was comfortable and the food was delicious, home cooked and plentiful. There were no options, vegetarians and vegans may struggle.
Most Inspirational Moment
Has to be the bears, watching bears in the wild was an absolute privilege, Katerina who ran the guest house, is a passionate bear supporter, it was so interesting and informative listening to her.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sebi was a great leader, he ensured our week was the best it could be. The walking pace and experience of our group was quite diverse, he managed the differing paces and needs with ease.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just to be aware, the guest house is in a rural community, hot water is not a given; showers were often on the chilly side. We extended our stay and enjoyed a few days in Bucharest, would recommend the city, lots to see, easy and safe to get around, and reasonably priced.
Just 'Bears!'
This was a really interesting trip in rural Romania; we were blessed with amazing weather, so the views and scenery were quite beautiful. The trip was a good mix of sight seeing, exploring and walking. The walking wasn’t difficult and very leisurely, plenty of time to soak in the surroundings. Personally, I would have enjoyed more walking , but visiting Bran Castle and Brasov was interesting. The visit to the bear hide was undoubtedly the highlight, we watched 9 females and 5 cubs for over an hour, a very special moment. The guest house was comfortable and the food was delicious, home cooked and plentiful. There were no options, vegetarians and vegans may struggle.
Most Inspirational Moment
Has to be the bears, watching bears in the wild was an absolute privilege, Katerina who ran the guest house, is a passionate bear supporter, it was so interesting and informative listening to her.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sebi was a great leader, he ensured our week was the best it could be. The walking pace and experience of our group was quite diverse, he managed the differing paces and needs with ease.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just to be aware, the guest house is in a rural community, hot water is not a given; showers were often on the chilly side. We extended our stay and enjoyed a few days in Bucharest, would recommend the city, lots to see, easy and safe to get around, and reasonably priced.
Wild Carpathian Mountains Walking & Bears
The trip content is very varied and if you love wildlife, wildflowers and fungi this is a great trip. Wild European Brown bear watching in the forest and the bear sanctuary was brilliant. Local hikes in the rugged countryside- Barza valley; Coja, Pestera and Postavarul nature reserve were wonderful. Brasov and Bran castle visits were informative and took you back to the past.
Most Inspirational Moment
Watching wild European Brown bears in their natural surroundings and visiting bears at Europe's largest brown bear sanctuary- learning about how many suffered from conditions in captivity was quite emotional. We found several fire salamanders, a Common European viper (Adder), European firebugs and many species of fungi. I also spotted a Lesser Spotted Eagle, Black Redstarts, Chiffchaff, Ravens, Wood Sandpiper, Caspian gull, Little Stint, Black Stork and a Green as well as a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Thomas was a very friendly, organised and flexible leader.
Advice for Potential Travellers
You can pay for your drinks and bear hide in £s or Euro at Villa Hermani. Change your money in Brasov's exchange shops as the rate is so much better than at home and in the airport. Take binoculars for bears and birds. Learn about your camera settings. A sandwich box is useful. I took my own travel kettle and tea bags to make my own drinks. If you love wildlife, wildflowers and fungi this is a great trip. Wildflowers are best earlier in the year (May-June-August).
Carpathian Walking & Bears (566)
An excellent week in the heart of Transylvania
Most Inspirational Moment
Watching a mother bear and 2 cubs Walking and scrambling up the Cheile Pisicii - Cats Gorge
Thoughts on Group Leader
Great fun and very knowledgeable
Advice for Potential Travellers
Read the Trip Notes - this is a walking holiday with the added benefit of seeing bears from a hide plus at the Sanctuary. It's tempting to want to see a bear/wolf in the wild on a walk - it's both very unlikely and probably very dangerouse if you were to. Bran Castle is just a tourist trap. It obviously isn't "Dracula's Castle" as that's a fictional character. It's highly "disneyfied" and very crowded
Absolutely Fantastic
I absolutely loved this trip. Our guide Tudor was absolutely fantastic, he went above and beyond when organising things. We also met his wife Andra, another tour guide who helped out with some people who were unable to complete all of the walking, saving them from just sitting around the hotel. She also took me to the hospital when I had an allergic reaction to a wasp sting. Honestly the tour guides were amazing. The accommodation was brilliant, Katherina and Herman who ran the guesthouse were friendly and knowledgeable, the other staff couldn’t do enough for you. The food was delicious and we were given far too much to actually eat. The beer was nice too as well as the cherry schnapps. Excursions were all good, I enjoyed every one of them. The scenery was beautiful and people friendly. 10/10 go on this trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing wild bears was amazing. Also visiting the sanctuary was quite humbling.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Amazing. Honestly 278437892278743377 out of 10.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just go and enjoy it.
Ramblings in Romania (with bears!)
Magura was a lovely base from which to explore this beautiful part of Romania, and a good variety of walks and activities were offered during the week. The walking was mostly fairly easy going.
Most Inspirational Moment
Magura itself! Such a beautiful setting, particulary with the Autumn foliage lighting up the surrounding hills. The bear sanctuary was very thought-provoking and it was inspirational to see the passion felt by Katerina and the others involved in the project. Having lunch in the local 'pub' in Pestera with a few bewildered, smiling locals who watched in amazement as 16 very wet and bedraggled hikers walked in!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Thomas was excellent: very knowledgeable and good humoured. He was also very patient when dealing with the differing levels of walking abilities within the group. His organisation was excellent and he changed the itinerary around when needed to ensure we could enjoy most of the activities during the better weather days. Special mention too to Theo who ably assisted Thomas during the week, and was very friendly and helpful. Sebastian, who guided us on the first couple of days, was also an excellent leader.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for changeable weather! We had everything from cold (with light snow on the mountains) and wet to sunny and warm. Sandwiches are made up from the breakfast buffet, but bring any other snacks with you if needed as these are not provided at the hotel. ATM machines are available at the airport (although a charge is incurred) and we were given the opportunity to use them before we left the terminal. Excluding the bear hide, which we paid in Euros, we spent about £100 in local currency for 2 of us over the week, which included the meal out, a few souvenirs, tips and drinks at the hotel (although the latter can also be paid in Euros). Hairdryers are available in the rooms, despite checking with Exodus and being advised that I needed to take my own! Tap water was perfectly potable (no ill effects felt by anyone in our party as far as I know!), so bring refillable bottles as advised by Exodus. Be prepared to spend quite a lot of time travelling in the vans and be prepared for crowds at Bran Castle!
An outstanding holiday
This holiday is a great mix of mountains walks, wildlife encounters ( Bear hide and Sanctuary, Bird lakes ) , historic towns (Brasov) and visits ( Bran Castle, Byzantine monastery, churches and cathedral )
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking up to high mountain meadows and then through virgin Transylvanian forest with the trees dusted with snow and sparkling in the sunlight.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Thomas is an outstanding Leader for local knowledge and insights, great organisation and leadership and empathy for the group. First class English Up there with the best Exodus Leaders
Advice for Potential Travellers
This holiday is a real mix of activities so wouldn't suit "hard core" walkers. Most walks were fairly easy but a degree of fitness needed to get up to high levels and enjoy outstanding views
Start
Finish
Availability
Adult Price From
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Saturday
06 Jul 2024 06 Jul 2024
Saturday Saturday
13 Jul 2024 13 Jul 2024
Availability
Guaranteed (On Request)
Adult Price From USD 2,250
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 270
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 1 space left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
20 Jul 2024 20 Jul 2024
Saturday Saturday
27 Jul 2024 27 Jul 2024
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Sold Out
Adult Price From USD 2,250
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 270
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
17 Aug 2024 17 Aug 2024
Saturday Saturday
24 Aug 2024 24 Aug 2024
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Sold Out
Adult Price From USD 1,950
Optional Single Supplement Single Rooms sold out
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
07 Sep 2024 07 Sep 2024
Saturday Saturday
14 Sep 2024 14 Sep 2024
Availability
Sold Out
Adult Price From USD 2,250
Optional Single Supplement Single Rooms sold out
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
21 Sep 2024 21 Sep 2024
Saturday Saturday
28 Sep 2024 28 Sep 2024
Availability
Guaranteed (Limited)
Adult Price From USD 2,025
Optional Single Supplement +USD 270
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 3 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
28 Sep 2024 28 Sep 2024
Saturday Saturday
05 Oct 2024 05 Oct 2024
Availability
Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From Usually USD 1,948Now USD 1,755Saving USD 193 Usually USD 2,473Now Saving USD 193
Optional Single Supplement +USD 270
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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
05 Oct 2024 05 Oct 2024
Saturday Saturday
12 Oct 2024 12 Oct 2024
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Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From USD 1,950 Book with USD 487 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 270
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
26 Apr 2025 26 Apr 2025
Saturday Saturday
03 May 2025 03 May 2025
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Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From USD 2,175 Book with USD 543 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 300
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
10 May 2025 10 May 2025
Saturday Saturday
17 May 2025 17 May 2025
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Available
Adult Price From USD 2,175 Book with USD 543 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 300
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
31 May 2025 31 May 2025
Saturday Saturday
07 Jun 2025 07 Jun 2025
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Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From USD 2,175 Book with USD 543 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 300
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
14 Jun 2025 14 Jun 2025
Saturday Saturday
21 Jun 2025 21 Jun 2025
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Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From USD 2,175 Book with USD 543 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 300
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
05 Jul 2025 05 Jul 2025
Saturday Saturday
12 Jul 2025 12 Jul 2025
Availability
Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From USD 2,175 Book with USD 543 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 300
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
19 Jul 2025 19 Jul 2025
Saturday Saturday
26 Jul 2025 26 Jul 2025
Availability
Available
Adult Price From USD 2,175 Book with USD 543 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 300
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
16 Aug 2025 16 Aug 2025
Saturday Saturday
23 Aug 2025 23 Aug 2025
Availability
Available
Adult Price From USD 2,175 Book with USD 543 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 300
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
06 Sep 2025 06 Sep 2025
Saturday Saturday
13 Sep 2025 13 Sep 2025
Availability
Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From USD 2,175 Book with USD 543 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 300
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
20 Sep 2025 20 Sep 2025
Saturday Saturday
27 Sep 2025 27 Sep 2025
Availability
Available
Adult Price From USD 2,175 Book with USD 543 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 300
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
27 Sep 2025 27 Sep 2025
Saturday Saturday
04 Oct 2025 04 Oct 2025
Availability
Available
Adult Price From USD 2,175 Book with USD 543 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 300
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
04 Oct 2025 04 Oct 2025
Saturday Saturday
11 Oct 2025 11 Oct 2025
Availability
Available
Adult Price From USD 2,175 Book with USD 543 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 300
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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