Carpathian Tours & Trips
Romania's Carpathian Mountains curve through Transylvania where bears move through forests near medieval Brasov and Sighișoara. It’s ancient, historic, traditional, and truly beautiful. These mountains arc through central Romania creating wilderness around Saxon fortified towns, giving you plenty of photo opportunities and stop-offs to try local food and meet curious locals. Are you ready for an expedition?
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Joanna • traveled in March
This was the best 7 day holiday, me and my husband ever experienced. Bogdan (owner of transylvania discovery tours) is the best professional, knowledgeable tour guide you can get, with extra fun facts and surprises. From the very beginning you can see and feel his love and passion for Romania. It penetrates straight to your heart, with the very well planned itinerary, to get you to see as many wonderful and best places as possible, which was explained to us everyday the day before, which also can be tailor made at your own pace. Yes, this tour includes quite a lot of travelling (i had to take travelling pills as i suffer from motion sickness ), but it was very relaxing with all the breath taking postcard scenery. We felt we had VIP treatment, felt extremely safe, both being in a foreign country and with his excellent driving. Bogdan checked everything was perfect, in every room we lodged, that we had enough food and drink, local liqueur and wine , privacy and smoking area. The local hosts are super, it was like saying goodbye to your mum every time. Transylvania discovery tours 's slogan is 'come as a guest and leave as a friend', i must say that's definitely the absolute truth!! Thank you once again Bogdan , definitely will see you again next year with all our family.
Private Romania UNESCO 7-Day Tour - C
Celine • traveled in April
Even though the weather was far from being nice and most of our tour we spend it inside the car, the sights in the itinerary made us forget about every inconvenience. Dracula Castle is maybe too crowded for me but it is a must while you are in Transyilvania.
Adventure trip to Transylvania in 3 days from Bucharest (small group tour) - W
Wilma • traveled in October, 2024
This tour was excellent. We saw so much of Romania. All the sites were interesting, but would have liked more time at them. Our driver and guide was very knowledgeable about the area and the history of Romania. We really enjoyed Serban.
Maramures, Bucovina & Danube Delta Tour – 5 days
Table of contents
- 68 Romania Carpathian Mountains tour packages with 185 reviews
- Travel Carpathian Mountains your way
- Best tour companies for Carpathian Mountains tours
- Carpathian Mountains tours for every type of group
- Top Carpathian Mountains travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Carpathian Mountains
- Contact our Carpathian Mountains travel experts
- What our customers ask about Carpathian Tours & Trips
68 Romania Carpathian Mountains tour packages with 185 reviews
Compiled by
MelissaCarpathian Mountains travel expert at TourRadar
Adventure trip to Transylvania in 3 days from Bucharest (small group tour)
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The sights were amazing. I highly recommend this tour.”
Charlene, traveled in September
Wild trails lead through Carpathian wilderness to Piatra Craiului Mountains and Balea Glacier Lake at 2,000m. Brown bears roam pristine forests near traditional mountain villages where local cheese making thrives. Modern transport and professional guides accompany guests throughout.
Duration 3 days Destinations Bucharest, Sinaia, Bran, Brasov, Sinca Noua, Cartisoara Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Rolandia From $1,638
20% Off- NZ$1,311You save $328
Private Romania UNESCO 7-Day Tour
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The whole tour was put together absolutely brilliantly, and we were lucky to have an extremely good guide.”
jain, traveled in June
Carpathian Mountains reveal dramatic passes like Bicaz Gorges and stunning views of Transylvania's rolling hills. Mountain monasteries include UNESCO-listed Voronet, while traditional villages like Botiza preserve mountain culture.
Duration 7 days Destinations Bucharest, Cozia, Sibiu, Sibiel, Hunedoara, Alba Iulia, Turda, Deseşti, Sapanta, BotizaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Transylvania Discovery Tours From $3,028
20% Off- NZ$2,422You save $606
Private 11-Day Transylvania, Apuseni, Maramures and Bucovina Tour with Hotel Pick Up/ Drop Off
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Transylvania Discovery tour was well planned to cover a vast range of sights from castles; forests; monasteries and painted churches.”
Philip, traveled in September
Wild Carpathians showcase Scarisoara Ice Cave's 3,000-year-old glacier and Turda Salt Mine's underground wonders. Mountain guesthouses in Garda de Sus serve as base for Apuseni cave exploration. The spectacular Transfagarasan road leads past Balea glacial lake, Vidraru Dam and medieval Bran Castle, starting from Bucharest.
Duration 11 days Destinations Bucharest, Curtea de Arges, Sibiu, Sibiel, Alba Iulia, Hunedoara, Turda, Ieud, Botiza, Poienile IzeiSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Transylvania Discovery Tours From $4,648
20% Off- NZ$3,718You save $930
UNESCO Wonders Await: Embark on a 3-Day Adventure to the Enchanting Painted Monasteries of Bucovina!
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Hotels were good and centrally located. Loved the time spent in Braşov and had a Superb Dining experience there.”
Patricia, traveled in May
Romania's UNESCO-listed Painted Monasteries in Bucovina showcase mysterious 'Voronet blue' frescoes at Voronet Monastery and the fortress-like Sucevita Monastery. Dramatic Bicaz Canyon leads to Red Lake, Romania's largest mountain lake, near medieval Brasov's narrow Rope Street. This 3-day tour costs approx. $190 per day with 3-star accommodations and private Carpathian transport.
Duration 3 days Destinations Bucharest, Gura Humorului, Voronet, Brasov Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Business Trans Protocol From
20% Off- NZ$1,456
Hiking in South Transylvania
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The Carpathian Mountains of Romania are stunning and we enjoyed each day of hiking this beautiful area.”
Gregory, traveled in June
The route winds through Romania's most spectacular peaks from Balea Lake (2,033m) to Piatra Craiului Mica (1,816m). Guests rest at charming accommodations like Badiu Guest House in Rasinari and Mosorel in Magura village. Medieval highlights include Brasov's Black Church, Bran Castle, and Sibiu's Bridge of Lies, complemented by traditional Romanian cuisine and picnic lunches.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bucharest, Brasov, Rasinari, Paltinis, Cisnadioara, Bran, Zarnesti Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, German Operator Carpathian Travel Center From $2,673
20% Off- NZ$2,139You save $535
Maramures, Bucovina & Danube Delta Tour – 5 days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We saw so much of Romania. All the sites were interesting, but would have liked more time at them.”
Wilma, traveled in September
A mountain passage leads from Sinaia's Peles Castle at 800m altitude to medieval Brasov. Wooden churches of Maramures and painted monasteries of Bucovina dot the landscape. Wi-Fi equipped transport connects 3-star mountain hotels throughout the route.
Duration 5 days Destinations Bucharest, Sinaia, Bran, Brasov, Sighisoara, Barsana, Sapanta, Sighetu Marmatiei, Moldovita, SucevitaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 7+ Operator TravelMaker From
20% Off- NZ$1,555
Brown bears roam their natural habitat near Villa Hermani in Magura village within Piatra Craiului National Park. Visits include Europe's largest bear sanctuary, LiBearty, treks through Zarnesti Gorge, and medieval Brasov's Old Town. Horse-drawn carts traverse Barza Valley leading to legendary Bran Castle.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bucharest, Magura, Pestera, Piatra Craiului, Bran, Brasov, Vulcan Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
20% Off- NZ$2,878
Discover Medieval and Wild Transylvania, Meet the Brown Bears, and Count Dracula
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Super knowledgeable his English was fantastic. Always positive and happy to bend the trip with us when needed.”
Jack, traveled in July
Mountains rise dramatically around Romania's Carpathians, showcasing Bran Castle's peaks and Peles Castle's mountain setting. Libearty Bear Sanctuary spans 69 hectares where 90 rescued bears thrive in their natural habitat.
Duration 3 days Destinations Bucharest, Sinaia, Sighisoara, Bran, Brasov Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Business Trans Protocol From
20% Off- NZ$1,395
Duration 10 days Destinations Cluj-Napoca, Gura Humorului, Vatra Dornei, Sighisoara, Zarnesti, Brasov Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
20% Off- NZ$4,360
Routes wind along the Southern Carpathians through Zărnești and Poiana Mărului villages. Cyclists ascend to Schullerau at 1,020m for breathtaking mountain views. Traditional mountain culture thrives in Răşinari village with authentic Romanian dinners.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sibiu Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, German Operator Carpathian Travel Center From $3,240
20% Off- NZ$2,592You save $648
Travel Carpathian Mountains your way
Best tour companies for Carpathian Mountains tours
Carpathian Mountains tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Carpathian Mountains travel itineraries to fit your plans
3 Day Itineraries
7 Day Itineraries
10 Day Itineraries
Demographics
Solo Travelers37 tours- Couples29 tours
- Seniors (50+)9 tours
Best time to visit Carpathian Mountains
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter in the Carpathians brings unique experiences, especially around the holidays. One excellent route combines exploring medieval towns with Christmas markets in Bucharest, Sibiu and also Brasov - our travelers love warming up with traditional mulled wine while checking out local crafts in the old squares. The Hotel of Ice at Balea Lake offers a cool experience where you'll sleep in rooms carved right from lake ice. Wildlife enthusiasts can still join bear tracking tours in winter; they run less often than summer but the snow makes tracking easier and the forest feels more peaceful. The cultural tours through Transylvania work really well too - Bran Castle and Peles Castle look particularly special with snow covering their grounds.
- Spring 2026
Spring wakes up the mountains and the weather is just right for hiking. You can join walks around Brasov and Bucegi Mountains, meeting shepherd communities as they move their flocks up to higher pastures. Another good option explores Piatra Craiului National Park while staying in villages like Magura - our guests always mention how welcoming the local guesthouse families are. Wildlife tours get busier as bears come out of hibernation, and the sanctuary visits near Zarnesti are especially rewarding now. The cultural routes through Viscri and Sighisoara are lovely with spring flowers blooming around the medieval walls and fortified churches.
- 20 tours
- popular 29 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer opens up our full range of mountain activities. The multi-day hiking routes through Fagaras Mountains up to Balea Lake at 2,033m give you amazing alpine views, while staying in Piatra Craiului's villages lets you mix challenging peaks with meeting local people. The cycling tours work really well in summer, using the good weather to discover quiet valleys and link up historic Saxon villages. Bear watching hits its peak - evening visits to forest hides almost always spot bears looking for food. Our travelers particularly like the mixed tours that combine active mornings with afternoon visits to workshops, monasteries and also medieval towns.
- 27 tours
- 28 tours
- popular 29 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Autumn fills the beech forests with rich colors, making it perfect for photography tours. Popular paths include hikes through Zarnesti Gorge and up to Curmatura Cabin where the changing leaves create amazing photo backgrounds. The village tours are especially good now during harvest when families prepare winter preserves and traditional foods. Wildlife watching stays excellent - bears are very active feeding before winter. Our cultural tours get fewer crowds at places like Bran Castle and Sighisoara, while the cool weather makes walking even more pleasant. From what we're hearing from travelers, Rolandia Tours really gets the details right - their guide Alex knows his stuff and they've thought through everything down to helping with those COVID tests you need to get back to the US. Transylvania Discovery Tours takes a more personal approach, and that's working well for them. The owner Bogdan often leads tours himself, which our travelers say adds something special to the experience. Active Travel has found a sweet spot mixing historical sites with food experiences, and their guide Charlie seems to know how to adjust things on the fly when needed. He's got that deep local knowledge that makes a real difference. The feedback on TourRadar's Carpathian Mountain trips is mostly positive, but travelers have pointed out a few things that could use some work. Some of the places they stay could do with better facilities, and they should probably give people a heads-up when certain sites on the route are closed. That kind of practical info makes a big difference when you're planning your days. I've kept the focus on what actual travelers are saying rather than just listing features - it gives you a better feel for what to expect from each company. Nothing beats real experiences from people who've been there.
- popular 29 tours
- 24 tours
Contact our Carpathian Mountains travel experts
Giovanna
Expert in Carpathian Mountains at TourRadar
Giovanna is one of our seasoned Carpathian Mountains Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Carpathian Mountains tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Carpathian Tours & Trips
What makes the Carpathian Mountains unique compared to other mountain ranges in Europe?
You'll find something truly special in the Carpathians - they're this incredible 1500 km arc cutting through Central and Eastern Europe with Europe's largest populations of brown bears wolves and lynx roaming freely. Unlike the Alps which have seen intense development the Carpathians still hold onto vast stretches of virgin forests and traditional villages keeping their rich cultural heritage alive. What's really amazing is how these mountains serve as nature's water tower feeding three major river basins - the Danube Dniester and Vistula - providing fresh water to millions of people.
How can I immerse myself in the local culture of the Carpathian Mountains?
You'll discover authentic Carpathian culture through hands-on experiences that really connect you with local life. Jump into traditional crafts workshops where you can try weaving woodworking and pottery in villages like Sibiel with its fascinating glass icon museum or Marginea known for distinctive black ceramics. Head up to Ukraine to meet indigenous communities like the Hutsuls Boikos and Lemkos each with their own unique customs and folklore that come alive in local museums and festivals. For a really authentic experience trek through Kalibash villages like Magura and Pestera where houses perch dramatically on ridges built that way centuries ago for defense. And don't miss taking a horse-drawn cart ride through valleys like Barza where you'll get stunning views of Piatra Craiului Mountain and scattered settlements below.
What are some hidden gems or lesser-known areas worth exploring in the Carpathian Mountains?
Beyond the tourist hotspot of Bran Castle there's a whole world of hidden treasures waiting for you to discover. Piatra Craiului National Park is absolutely stunning with dramatic limestone ridges deep gorges and incredible biodiversity. Challenge yourself with a hike up to Curmatura Cabin at 1470m for breathtaking views or if you're feeling adventurous tackle Piatra Mica reaching 1811m. The Zarnesti Gorge carved out by water over 3 million years is just spectacular. You'll love visiting LiBearty Bear Sanctuary where over 100 rescued brown bears now live freely after being saved from circuses and dancing bear shows - it's a 69-hectare haven that'll warm your heart. For something really special check out Sinca Veche Rupestral Monastery this ancient cave church built over 6000 years ago sits peacefully on a hilltop locals say it's a place where wishes come true. And don't miss Europe's largest salt mine Unirea with its 14 naturally ventilated rooms keeping a constant refreshing 12°C year-round.
Is there a particular season that's best for experiencing the Carpathians?
Every season brings its own magic to the Carpathians and you'll want to plan your visit based on what excites you most. Summer from June through August is perfect for hiking biking and exploring high-altitude trails plus you'll catch vibrant cultural festivals in villages. This is when you can drive the legendary Transfagarasan road known as one of the world's most spectacular drives. Autumn transforms the mountains with spectacular foliage and crisp air ideal for forest walks and experiencing local harvest traditions. Winter blankets everything in snow from December to February creating perfect conditions for skiing snowboarding and unique experiences like staying at the Ice Hotel at Balea Lake which you'll reach by cable car. Spring brings new life as wildflowers carpet the meadows trails open up as snow melts and you'll see wildlife emerging from their winter rest.
How can I explore the Carpathian Mountains while minimizing my environmental impact?
You can make your Carpathian adventure both amazing and eco-friendly with some thoughtful choices. Stay at locally-owned eco-conscious places like Casa Zada Guesthouse in Moieciu where TourRadar guests rave about the authentic Romanian meals and warm hospitality. When it comes to wildlife be mindful - observe animals from designated spots and support conservation efforts like the LiBearty Bear Sanctuary. The Carpathians are unique in Europe for having such impressive numbers of wolves bears and lynx living alongside traditional farming. Pack light bring your own water bottle and shopping bag and always dispose of waste responsibly. Support local communities by buying produce and crafts directly from villagers and choose tour operators who prioritize responsible tourism and community engagement - it makes a real difference to both the environment and local people.