Discover sustainable travel in Romania! Explore responsible walking and cycling tours through villages and mountains. Carbon removals included!

Sustainable Travel in Romania | Yugen Earthside

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Yugen Earthside connects mindful travelers to responsible package trips around the world. CARBON REMOVALS INCLUDED WITH EACH BOOKING!

Connecting mindful travelers to responsible experiences around the world.

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

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Discover self-guided, privately-guided, & small group tours around the world. Our sustainable adventures are customizable, and include carbon removals with each booking!

Trips | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Hike through villages, discover monasteries, learn local crafts, and soothe your mind amid Romania’s bucolic regions of Bucovina and Maramures.

[9 days] Villages of Bucovina & Maramures | Yugen Earthside

This 9-day trip offers the possibility to catch a glimpse of one of Europe’s most unique gems. Awe-inspiring views, World Heritage Sites, and peasant culture await you! 

Connect with the country’s well-preserved environment by admiring the fir-tree forests, beautiful landscapes punctuated with sheep herds, wildflowers, and more. Start the trip with a steam train along the Moldovita River and sit back and soak in the stunning panoramic views until you arrive at a small picturesque village. Later on, enjoy leisurely hikes that will lead you along a stream, across fully bloomed fields, past the glacier lake of Stiol, and to Horse’s Waterfall – Romania’s tallest waterfall.

Hike in the famous fir-tree forests of Bucovina

Visit the uniquely painted monastery in Moldoviţa

Meet the local Hutsules people and discover their art of painting eggs

Walk past a glacier lake to Romania’s tallest waterfall

Stop at the “Communism Victim’s Memorial”

Visit a wooden church in Maramureş that dates back to the 14th century

End in Cluj Napoca, a cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural heritage

You will also be able to admire the beautiful Bucovina monasteries, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit in the area. Gain an understanding of the history behind these constructions and the stunning wooden churches of Maramures. Our visit to the “Communism Victim’s Memorial” will be a trip back in time to one of the most important landmarks of history. You will also get to admire the traditional wooden installations of Sarbi and learn about local distillery techniques.

With this guided tour through Bucovina and Maramures, delve into the heart of Romania and meet local farmers and artisans to learn about their daily lives and customs. An encounter with the Hutsules, a group of people with an idiosyncratic heritage and history, will bring you closer to their art of egg painting. A weaving demonstration will also provide you with the opportunity to mingle with the locals as well as learn about ancient art techniques. This immersion in a peasant culture will enchant you, as you will discover a rural world that is no longer present in Western countries.

The rich history, beautiful nature, and unique cultural heritage of the country are much enjoyed if traveling in spring (March-May) or summer (June-August). Mild temperatures allow for pleasant walks around the villages and hikes along breathtaking landscapes. Outdoor activities such as visits to famous monasteries are also preferable during these seasons.
Springtime presents mild weather, but there may still be snow in higher elevations and trails may be muddy due to snowmelt and rain. Traditional cheese tasting is available through mid-September.
Trails are generally dry and the weather is favorable for hiking during summer. Temperatures range from 15-25°C (59-77°F).

Transport to the meeting point and from the point of dispersion

English-speaking guide throughout the trip

8 breakfasts, 6 picnics, 6 dinners (3 course menus)

Private Transfers (One way, for up to 3 people. Inquire for vans for 4-6 people.):

Bucharest OTP Airport to train station/city center: $40

Cluj train station/city center to Cluj CLJ Airport: $40

Extra night in Cluj-Napoca in a 3* hotel:

Extra night in Bucharest, in a 3* hotel, shared room OR private room:
$95 per person per night

As this trip requires a minimum of 6 travelers, there are supplemental costs for departures with smaller groups:

We are a certified partner of the Association of Ecotourism in Romania. Our philosophy has always been to encourage traveling as much as possible by non-motorized means and mostly off the beaten path, to try and avoid the mainstream and bring out the authenticity. 

Environmental Initiatives
This walking tour is a low-carbon impact activity that connects you with our nature. You will take trains from Bucharest to arrive at the starting point for the walk. We constantly highlight the need for recycling, the use of biodegradable or reusable objects (food boxes, water bottles, etc.), and local food supply in particular.


Economic Initiatives
All our partners are Romanians who work independently for the development of their country, the type of circuit that we carry gives work on average to about fifteen local providers in the region. We help you travel on less-popular roads where your presence will support local communities more.


Sociocultural Initiatives
We are committed to promoting and explaining the cultural and artisanal productions of the regions we visit. Furthermore, we only work with independent artisans & craftsmen whose respect for traditional know-how is wildly recognized.
 You'll be staying primarily in guesthouses run by local families we've worked with for years, and eating homemade dishes. Tourism truly helps their families and communities to thrive. You'll also spend 1 night at a cozy 3-star hotel.

Travel back in time to see movie-like castles, quaint villages, & stunning views on this small-group walking tour through the Carpathian Mountains. Carbon removals included!

[8 days] Carpathian Mountains, Villages, & Castles | Yugen Earthside

Travel back in time to appreciate movie-like castles, quaint villages, and stunning views on this small-group walking tour through the Carpathian Mountains. 

Local meals, cozy nights at guesthouses, and walks through traditional villages, all to fully immerse yourself in ancient customs that are still vibrantly alive. See fortresses erected in the 14th century and wander through the secret passages of the “Dracula Castle” to discover hidden mysteries! 

In this bucolic country, locals still rely on craftsmanship and have a strong link with nature, so your days here will allow you to learn about their pastoral life. Well-preserved landscapes such as the Piatra Craiului and Bucegi Mountains provide ideal settings for hikes overlooking sheepfolds, green pastures, and woods. Our climb following woodland trails, rich in birdsong, will lull all your senses.

Take a train ride through the Carpathian Mountains

Climb through picturesque woodlands at Piatra Craiului National Park

Visit a remote cheese house (available through mid-September)

Walk ridge to ridge walk along the Bucegi mountains

Locally produced lunches, such as soups and apple pies, and home-cooked dinners at our guesthouse will allow you to taste traditional Romanian meals while taking in the natural, idyllic views. To engross yourself even more in Romania’s traditions, visit the Vulcan Fortified Church, an ancient building that witnessed the Saxon Empire’s colonization of Transylvania.

This trip also includes some unique experiences. For example, you can explore the alluring Bran Castle, the same castle that inspired the story of Dracula. We’ll also visit a nearby bear sanctuary, home to formerly captive bears.

Bucharest, the capital of the country, is as enchanting as Romania’s natural landscapes. Bucharest welcomingly invites you to wander and discover its eclectic style. In your free time, seize the opportunity to see this vibrant city whose architecture has French as well as Ottoman and Communist influence.

The country's rich history and stunning landscapes are much enjoyed if traveling in spring (March-May) or summer (June-August). Mild temperatures allow pleasant walks around the villages and hikes along breathtaking settings.  
Springtime presents mild weather, but there may still be snow in higher elevations and trails may be muddy due to snowmelt and rain. Traditional cheese tasting is available through mid-September.
Trails are generally dry and the weather is favorable for hiking during summer. Temperatures range from 15-25°C (59-77°F).

English-speaking Romanian guide from Day 1 to Day 7

Bucharest OTP Airport to train station/city center: $40 for up to 3 people, one-way

Extra night in Bucharest, 3* hotel, shared room: $95 pp per night

We are a certified partner of the Association of Ecotourism in Romania. Our philosophy has always been to encourage traveling as much as possible by non-motorized means and mostly off the beaten path, to try and avoid the mainstream and bring out the authenticity.

Environmental Initiatives
We constantly highlight the need for recycling, the use of biodegradable or reusable objects (food boxes, water bottles, etc.), and local food supply in particular. This walking tour is a low-carbon impact activity that connects you with our nature. You will take a train from Bucharest to get closer to your starting point for the walk.

Economic Initiatives
All our partners are Romanians who work independently for the development of their country, the type of circuit that we carry gives work on average to about fifteen local providers in the region. We help you travel on less-popular roads where your presence will support local communities more.

Sociocultural Initiatives
We are committed to promoting and explaining the cultural and artisanal productions of the regions we visit. Furthermore, we only work with independent artisans & craftsmen whose respect for traditional know-how is wildly recognized.
You'll be staying primarily in guesthouses run by local families we've worked with for years, and eating homemade dishes. Tourism truly helps their families and communities to thrive. You'll also spend 1 night at a cozy 3-star hotel and 1 night at a 2-star hotel.

Carpathian Mountains, Villages, & Castles

Romania’s breathtaking landscapes and castles await you on this 8-day self-guided walking trip through the Carpathian Mountains. Carbon removals included!

[8 days] Carpathian Mountains & Castles | Yugen Earthside

Romania’s breathtaking landscapes and castles await you on this 8-day self-guided walking trip through the Carpathian Mountains.

Reconnect with nature and encounter rare local flora and fauna. Trek to see gorges, clearings, and woods. A visit to “Dracula’s Castle”, laden with a long and storied past, also adds to the uniqueness of this trip. 

Walking around traditional villages, where time seems to have stopped, and exploring the 14th-century Bran Castle, the castle that inspired the story of Dracula, you will go back in time and learn about Romania’s rich past. Multiple hikes will unveil the natural beauty of this pastoral country, present in its mountains, gorges, meadows, and cliffs.

Walk to the mountain hut of Curmatura and Zarnesti gorges

Explore the outstanding “Dracula Castle”

Trek in the National Park of Piatra Craiului

Your trip will be an immersive cultural experience emphasizing both the nature and food of Romania. Relish an exquisite home-cooked soup and pie at the authentic mountain hut of Curmatura. Pass through villages boasting a long-standing tradition of cheese making (and if you encounter shepherds, ask them to try their cheese!). Stay in a guesthouse and enjoy the opportunity to experience local traditions up close.

This self-guided walking holiday through the Carpathian Mountains is perfect for independent travelers. If you’d like to have a guide or join a small group of other travelers, check out this similar trip.

The country’s rich history and stunning landscapes are much enjoyed if traveling in spring and summer. Mild temperatures allow pleasant walks around the villages and hikes along breathtaking settings.

This trip is available from April to October. Sometimes snow lingers through April or May, and it can arrive as early as October. This may affect the last day of hiking on this itinerary. If that is the case, we will replace this activity with a transfer to Brasov for an overnight in the city.

Transport to the starting point and from the final point (Bucharest North Train Station)

Private Transfers (one way, for up to 3 people. Inquire for vans for 4-6 people.):

Extra night in Bucharest OR Brasov, in a 3* hotel, shared room OR private room:
$95 per person per night

We constantly highlight the need for recycling, the use of biodegradable or reusable objects (food boxes, water bottles, etc.), and local food supply in particular. This walking tour is a low-carbon impact activity that connects you with our nature. You will take a train from Bucharest just to get closer to your starting point for the walk.


All our partners are Romanians who work independently for the development of their country, the type of circuit that we carry gives work on average to about fifteen local providers in the region. We help you travel on less-popular roads where your presence will support local communities more.


We are committed to promoting and explaining the cultural and artisanal productions of the regions we visit. Furthermore, we only work with independent artisans & craftsmen whose respect for traditional know-how is wildly recognized.
You'll be staying primarily in guesthouses run by local families we've worked with for years, and eating homemade dishes. Tourism truly helps their families and communities to thrive.

Enjoy a self-guided bike ride through the hills of Transylvania, and discover the rich heritage of this mysterious and spectacular land. Carbon removals included!

[8 days] Discovering Transylvania’s Heritage by Bike

Enjoy a self-guided bike ride through the hills of Transylvania, and discover the rich heritage of this mysterious and spectacular land.

This trip will take you into the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania’s hills. Transylvania is famous thanks to Bram Stoker’s legend of Dracula, and well-known for its forests which provide shelter for many species of wild plants and animals. Surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, Transylvania was a much sought-for land. The Saxons arrived here in the 11th century to guard the Carpathian Mountain passes between Transylvania and Wallachia against the Tatars and the Ottomans. This is just a hint of the rich heritage that you will discover during this entire trip. An exceptional holiday is waiting for you!

Visit the Fagara Mountains, the highest in Romania, and the Bear Sanctuary

Reveal the hidden secrets of the Cistercian monastery ruins in Carta

Cycle through the lovely villages of Biertan and Richis

Appreciate a UNESCO heritage site, the fortified church of Biertan

Roam the ancient streets of the medieval citadel of Sighisoara

Savor home-made meals at local guesthouses

Immerse yourself in the captivating legends, awe-inspiring landscapes, warm hospitality, and fascinating historical ambiance of this magical region. Prepare for an extraordinary adventure that will leave a lasting impression. Pedal through the breathtaking hills of Transylvania, enjoying invigorating exercise along the way. Cycling through this region provides diversity in terms of taking you through cultural sites as well as several small nature reserves. Further, nature in the region is hardly touched by chemicals which draws nature lovers seeking to enjoy the beautiful pastoral landscapes.

We recommend taking this trip anywhere from the end of April to the beginning of October. During this period, the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities, and the region offers a variety of natural and cultural experiences. 

In April, spring begins in Transylvania, bringing mild temperatures and longer daylight hours. The countryside comes alive with blooming flowers and lush greenery, providing a picturesque setting for cycling. The weather is generally pleasant, with moderate temperatures and lower chances of rain compared to summer. 

From June to August, the warm and sunny weather of summer attracts many cyclists. The longer days offer ample time for extended trips and exploration of the vibrant landscapes. During this time, you can also take part in local food festivals and events that showcase the region's culinary delights. 

In September and October, autumn sets in, offering mild and pleasant weather for cycling. The foliage that transforms into a stunning display of colors creates a lovely backdrop for your rides. Autumn also brings the harvest season, allowing you to savor local produce and experience traditional practices. 

In-person welcome and briefing in Bucharest North station

Airport transfers (Day 1 & 8: Bucharest airport / Bucharest train station: + $35 base 3 pax)

Private transfer on Day 1: Brasov / Zarnesti: +$30 base 3 pax  

Entrance fees into museums, monasteries, etc.  

Day 1 & 8 train transfers (Brasov/Bucharest: ~3h)

Day 1 train transfer (Brasov/Zarnesti: ~40m)

Day 8 train transfer (Viscri/Brasov: ~1h30)

Technical sheet & vouchers for all accommodations

In-person welcome and briefing: $40 per person

Arcade Hybrid Bike: $85 pp
No suspensions, v-brakes, bottle holder, men’s frame only.  21 gears, light aluminum frame, Shimano derailleur.

Trek Hybrid Bike: $105 pp
Front suspension, disk brakes, bottle holder. 21 gears, light aluminum frame, Shimano derailleur.

Electric Bike: $315 pp
Frame: Alpha Aluminum, specially designed for the Bosch Active Line system, luggage rack, and mudguard. Fork: Rigid. Tires: Schwalbe Big Apple, 700x50C, K-Guard puncture protection. Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. Cassette Shimano 9-speed Crankset Miranda Delta. Battery: Bosch PowerPack (diagonal tube), 500Wh. Engine: Bosch Active +, 250 Watt, 50 Nm.

Extra night in Carta OR Sibiu, plus round trip train tickets to explore Sibiu (1h15 each way).

$85 pp in a shared room, min. group size of 2

Extra night in Carta, plus round trip bus tickets to Balea Lake (2050m), plus bike rental. A great option to ride on the Transfagarasan Road! Available only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, July 1st onward.

$165 pp in a shared room, min. group size of 2

Extra night in Bucharest OR Brasov, in a 3* hotel, shared room OR private room: $95 per person per night

As a certified partner of the Association of Ecotourism in Romania, our primary goal is to promote sustainable and authentic travel experiences. We encourage non-motorized transportation and off-the-beaten-path exploration, aiming to minimize our carbon footprint. Our cycling tours enable a close connection with nature and begin with a train journey from Bucharest to the starting point. We emphasize the importance of recycling, using biodegradable or reusable items, and sourcing local food supplies.

All our partners are local Romanians who contribute to the country's development. By traveling on less-popular roads, we support local communities and provide employment to around fifteen regional providers on average. Additionally, we actively promote and educate about the cultural and artisanal productions of the regions we visit. We collaborate solely with independent artisans and craftsmen who demonstrate a deep respect for traditional expertise.

Environmental Initiatives
Our trip is committed to a range of sustainable initiatives that contribute to the conservation of ecosystems and the preservation of biodiversity. We prioritize using environmentally friendly products throughout the journey, ensuring that our choices have minimal impact on the environment. We promote green transportation by encouraging non-motorized means, such as cycling, and using public transportation like trains whenever possible.

 When it comes to dining, we seek out local and organic restaurants, supporting the local economy. In our efforts to minimize waste, we prioritize reusable and biodegradable items, such as food containers and water bottles. We also implement responsible waste management practices, including recycling and proper disposal. To reduce our reliance on conventional energy sources, we incorporate solar thermal panels, harnessing the power of the sun to meet our energy needs. Additionally, we employ water flow reducers to minimize water usage and promote conservation.

Sociocultural Initiatives 
One of our key focuses is connecting travelers with local products, enabling them to experience the authentic flavors and craftsmanship of the region. We actively engage with local communities, fostering meaningful interactions that promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding. By staying with local communities, we not only support their economy but also deeply immerse in their way of life. 

With the local population's health and well-being in mind,  we carefully choose our activities, so that they all have a positive impact on their physical and mental well-being. In our commitment to inclusivity and equality, we practice non-discriminatory hiring, providing opportunities to individuals from all backgrounds. Ultimately, our goal is to provide travelers with genuine and immersive experiences, allowing them to truly connect with the destination and its people.

Economic Initiatives
Throughout this trip, we provide local employment opportunities, ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach the hands of those who reside in the destination. By supporting local businesses, we contribute to the economic growth and sustainability of the region, fostering a thriving local economy. Our tours are specifically designed to benefit the local community, whether it's through engaging with local artisans, collaborating with independent providers, or promoting cultural and artisanal productions. We believe that by involving and uplifting the local community, we create a more meaningful and impactful travel experience for our guests while leaving a positive legacy in the destinations we visit.

Discovering Transylvania’s Heritage by Bike

Romania

Villages of Bucovina & Maramures

Carpathian Mountains, Villages, & Castles

Carpathian Mountains & Castles

Discovering Transylvania’s Heritage by Bike

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