The Best of Transylvania

Day 1: Arrival to Bucharest

2:00 PM: Airport arrival followed by a 3-hour transfer to the equestrian center in Sinca Noua countryside.

Evening: Welcome aperitif, gourmet dinner in the dining room, and an introductory briefing on the week's riding.

Day 2: Stramba Valley

Morning: Homemade breakfast (farm-grown produce, breads, butter, yogurt, meats). 3.5-hour ride along Stramba Ridge through old oak forests with wildlife track spotting.

Afternoon: Al fresco lunch at the center. Guided farm tour of the vegetable/herb gardens and livestock. Horse-drawn cart ride up Magurice Hill for sun-downers.

Evening: Fine dining at the center.

Day 3: Hills & Forests – Traditional Countryside

Morning: 2–3 hour ride through lush hills, forests, and historic Transylvanian villages.

Afternoon: Lunch, followed by a car transfer to Piatra Craiului National Park for an easy hike through Zarnesti Gorge (comfortable shoes & camera required).

Evening: Return to the center. Optional forest hide/blind visit to observe wild brown bears.

Day 4: Sighisoara & Viscri

Morning: Non-mounted historical excursion. 2-hour drive north to Sighisoara, a cultural center of Transylvanian Saxons featuring Europe's only continuously inhabited citadel.

Afternoon: Drive off-pavement to Viscri, a 900-year-old German minority settlement. Visit its famous UNESCO World Heritage fortified church.

Evening: Stop at an old fortified church in a medieval village for a gourmet dinner on the return trip.

Day 5: Halmeag to Cobor

Morning: Transfer to Halmeag to meet the horses. Begin a 4–5 hour ride across the Transylvanian tableland, hills, and forests.

Afternoon/Evening: Arrive in Cobor at Foundation Conservation Carpathia's 500-hectare organic "biodiversity farm" (horses, cattle, free-ranging pigs). Relax at restored village guesthouses and enjoy a gourmet dinner.

Day 6: Cobor

Morning: Tour the Cobor biodiversity farm, pastures, and livestock, observing rich birdlife and rare flora.

Afternoon: Lunch at the guesthouse, followed by a 3+ hour ride along grassy trails, meadows, and rolling hills around Cobor.

Evening: Dinner at the guesthouse.

Day 7: Cobor to Halmeag & Bucharest

Morning: Final morning ride featuring long canters through ancient oak forests and meadows back to Halmeag. Farewell to the horses.

Afternoon: Transfer to a medieval town for a brief visit and lunch. Continue to central Bucharest and check into the Grand Hotel Continental*****.

Evening: Gourmet dinner in central Bucharest.

Day 8: Bucharest Highlights & Hidden Gems

Morning: Sumptuous breakfast. Guided walking tour of historic highlights: Romanian Athenaeum, Revolution Square (Royal Palace, Central University Library, Rebirth Monument), Victory Avenue, and the Old Town (Villacrosse Passage, Lipscani Street, National Bank, Savings Bank, Stavropoleos Monastery).

Lunch: Traditional meal at Caru' cu Bere.

Afternoon: Guided "Hidden Bucharest" walk through historic neighborhoods: ARCUB, Batistei Church, University House, Medicine Rectory, Anglican Church, Icon Garden, Ion Mincu Memorial House, and Artur Verona Street urban art.

4:00 PM: Tour ends back at Grand Hotel Continental***** (extra night configurable upon request).

Note: Program is subject to minor adjustments based on season and weather.