• Blog Post

    Trips to Romania Program


    Welcome to Trips to Romania Program

    About the Program


    Trips to Romania is a unique and immersive program that seeks to promote and raise awareness about the Via Transilvanica trail, a hidden gem within Romania's natural landscape. This program offers participants the opportunity to embark on unforgettable journeys along this scenic route, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant local communities. "Trips to Romania'' can be described as a cultural exchange program that offers participants the opportunity to explore and experience the rich cultural heritage of Romania.

    Through carefully curated itineraries, travelers will have the chance to explore and appreciate the stunning beauty of Romania, from its majestic mountains and tranquil forests to its charming villages and historic landmarks. Along the way, participants will engage with local communities, supporting sustainable tourism initiatives and contributing to the economic growth of these areas.

    This program not only aims to create memorable experiences for participants, but also to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for Romania's natural and cultural heritage. By participating in Trips to Romania, travelers will not only embark on an adventure of a lifetime, but also contribute to the preservation and sustainable development of the remarkable destinations.

    About Via Transilvanica


    Via Transivanica is not just any long-distance trail; it is a unique project that intertwines history, culture, and community. 1400 kilometers long, it crosses the country from Putna to Drobeta Turnu-Severin, passing through over 600 communities, this trail serves as a platform to unveil hidden gems and revive neglected areas affected by economic limitations. It unites backpackers who seek adventure and connection, offering them a glimpse into the natural and cultural heritage of each region, while also providing a sense of hospitality and camaraderie along the way. Via Transilvanica, more than a mere path, is a journey towards rediscovery, bridging the gap between forgotten places and passionate travelers.

     

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    Structure/Programs


    1. Discover Via Transilvanica: Experience Romania's Breathtaking Hiking Trails

    Hiking Trips (18+)

    • Duration: 3+ days
    • Route: Via Transilvanica
    • Accommodation and meals provided
    • Target Audience: Adults aged 18 and above who enjoy hiking and adventure
    • Activities: Organized hiking trips in different regions of Romania
    • Experienced guides for safety and guidance
    • Opportunities to explore Romanian culture and traditions.


    2. Romanian Adventure Kids Camp: Embrace Your Cultural Heritage and Explore the Wonders of Romania

    a) Age Group: 6-12 years old

    • Duration: 5 or 6 days
    • Supervised accommodation and meals
    • Target Audience: Children aged 6 to 12 years old
    • Activities:
            > Outdoor activities and games
            > Team building exercises
            > Educational workshops
            > Cultural experiences
            > Hiking


    b) Age Group: 13-17 years old

    • Duration: 5 or 6 days
    • Supervised accommodation and meals
    • Target Audience: Teenagers aged 13 to 17 years old
    • Activities:
           > Adventure sports and activities
           > Leadership development programs
           > Workshops on personal growth and skills
           > Cultural immersion activities
           > Hiking

     

    Program Objectives


    1. Increase awareness: Our primary objective is to promote Via Transilvanica and showcase the beauty of Romania to as many people as possible. We aim to raise awareness about the trail, its cultural significance, and the stunning landscapes it offers.

    2. Expand participation: We strive to attract a diverse range of participants from different backgrounds and interests. By providing a well-rounded and appealing program, we aim to encourage more people to join us on this adventure and experience the uniqueness of Via Transilvanica.

    3. Foster cultural appreciation: Through educational elements and knowledgeable guides, our objective is to provide participants with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the local culture and history. We want to create an environment where cultural exchange and learning are encouraged, allowing participants to truly immerse themselves in the Romanian way of life.

    4. Create long-lasting memories: Our goal is for participants to leave with unforgettable memories and a deep connection to Via Transilvanica and Romania. By offering a seamless and hassle-free experience, combined with opportunities for physical activity and forging new connections, we aim to create lasting bonds and positive experiences that will stay with participants for years to come.

    5. Promote sustainable tourism: We are committed to promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices along the Via Transilvanica trail. Our objective is to educate participants on ways they can minimize their environmental footprint, support local communities, and contribute to the preservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

     

     

     

    More Details


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    Stay in touch: Join our WhatsApp group.

     

  • Blog Post

    2024 Trip to Transylvania (Adults)


    Welcome to the fascinating regions of Transylvania, Moldova, Banat, and Muntenia!

    The registration for this trip is closed, if you you are interested in hiking on Via Transilvanica this summer, please email us at [email protected] and we can help you organize your trip!

    About Via Transilvanica


    Via Transilvanica is a long-distance trail for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. 1,400 kilometers long, it crosses the country from Putna to Drobeta Turnu-Severin, passing through over 600 communities. Via Transilvanica is inspired by other worldwide long-distance trails, such as the El Camino, Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail. Via Transilvanica is also the largest outdoor artistic sculpture exhibition in the world.

    About the Tour


    Our 4-day Via Transilvanica hiking tour will take you on an unforgettable journey through the stunning natural landscapes and unique cultural heritage of Transylvania. Let us guide you through the heart of this legendary regions, following the trail of the newly established Via Transilvanica hiking route, and discover the hidden gems of this incredible part of Romania.

    Pay Here VT 2024

    DD2A72E8-5122-4623-8DF9-9A9B7E3E2536.jpegE5D6C431-D90D-4458-AA38-4A2D8848AD63.jpeg

          

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    Organizers: Our tour is organized by a team of experienced and professional guides who are passionate about Romania's natural beauty, culture, and history. They will lead you through the hiking route, making sure you experience the best of this route during your trip.

    Route: The 4-day hiking tour on the Via Transilvanica from Atia to Darjiu will take you through some of Romania's most beautiful and historic landscapes. You will be crossing wide terraces of rolling hills, passing through forests and meadows and traveling along river valleys. Along the way, you'll get to observe local wildlife and take in breathtaking views of the Carpathian Mountains. 

     

    Route: ATIA - DARJIU


    Distance: 88 km

    Duration: 7 days / 6 nights (5 nights Pensiune + 1 night Tasuleasa) 

    Cost (estimate): $750/person

    What's included: Accommodation, meals, transportation, and guide services. Not included flights or personal expenses. **

    Transportation: (by bus, included in the total cost)

    • Tasuleasa - Atia
    • Darjiu - Tasuleasa

    **We highly recommend that you consider making a significant donation to the Via Transilvanica project (we suggest $250/person) and express your gratitude to your guide with a generous tip. Please note that the total cost does not cover any donations to the project.

    !!!Please keep in mind that because we are a large group in some places, we will need to rent two different guest houses to sleep!!!

     

    Pay Here VT 2024

     

    Day 1 (June 29th)

    Meeting point: Strada Train Vuia 204, Cluj-Napoca 
    Time: 2 PM

    Arriving in Atia (Corund) to sleep for the night. The group will get the chance to socialize and meet each other over dinner.

    Pensiunea Zona Verde (Corund)

     

    Day2 (June 30th) 

    Atia - Lupeni / 17km / medium difficulty 

    Kotyogó Restaurant & Pension

    Vendegvaro Panzio

     

    Day3 (July 1st)

    Lupeni - Odorheiu Secuiesc / 25km / medium difficulty

    Gizi Csárda

    Páva City

     

    Day4 (July 2nd)

    Odorheiu Secuiesc - Rares / 23km / easy difficulty

    Nagy-Homoród Étterem és Panzió

     

    Day5 (July 3rd) 

    Rares - Darjiu / 27km / medium difficulty

    Orban Panzio

    Ramocsa Szálló

     

    Day6 (July 4th) 

    Travel by bus or car to: Tasuleasa Social

    Camp Fire


    Day7 (July 5th)
     

    Departure time to Cluj: 9 AM 

    We will depart from Tasuleasa Social.

    It will be a wonderful journey from Atia to Darjiu and ending with a great experience at the Tasuleasa Social, the birthplace of Via Transilvanica! You will experience the diverse culture and breathtaking landscapes of this beautiful country. Thank you for joining us and we hope you will enjoy your trip as much as we do!

    If you require additional information about the trail or suggestions on what to pack for the trip, you can refer to the traveler's guide below. It is advisable to bring multiple pairs of socks, gel bandages specifically designed for blisters, a pair of waterproof hiking shoes, and another pair of sport shoes suitable for pleasant weather conditions. Additionally, sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended. Since we won't be sleeping in tents, there is no need to bring any camping-related items.

    Please stay connected with us on WhatsApp by joining our group: VT Adult Trip 2024

    Traveler's Guide (Atia-Darjiu) - English

    Ghidul Drumetului (Atia-Darjiu) - Romanian

    Recommended list of equipment

     

    More Details


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    Stay in touch: Join our WhatsApp group.

     

  • Blog Post

    2023 Trip to Bucovina (Adults)

    Welcome to the fascinating regions of Transylvania & Bucovina, Romania!


    About Via Transilvanica


    Via Transilvanica is a long-distance trail for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. 1,400 kilometers long, it crosses the country from Putna to Drobeta Turnu-Severin, passing through over 600 communities. Via Transilvanica is inspired by other worldwide long-distance trails, such as the El Camino, Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail. Via Transilvanica is also the largest outdoor artistic sculpture exhibition in the world.

    About the Tour


    Our 5-day Via Transilvanica hiking tour will take you on an unforgettable journey through the stunning natural landscapes and unique cultural heritage of Bucovina and Transylvania. Let us guide you through the heart of this legendary regions, following the trail of the newly established Via Transilvanica hiking route, and discover the hidden gems of this incredible part of Romania.

    The trip was absolutely marvelous!

    Join Us Again in 2024

    Donate to VT

     

        

        
        

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    Organizers: Our tour is organized by a team of experienced and professional guides who are passionate about Romania's natural beauty, culture, and history. They will lead you through the hiking route, making sure you experience the best of this route during your trip.

    Route: The 5-day hiking tour on the Via Transilvanica from Putna to Vatra Dornei will take you through some of Romania's most beautiful and historic landscapes. You will be crossing wide terraces of rolling hills, passing through forests and meadows and traveling along river valleys. Along the way, you'll get to observe local wildlife and take in breathtaking views of the Carpathian Mountains. You'll also get to visit several historic sites, such as the Putna monastery, Valea Putnei open-air ethnographic museum and the old churches of Vatra Dornei. Come explore Romania's natural beauty and rich heritage on this memorable journey!

    Route: PUTNA - VATRA DORNEI


    Distance: 100 km

    Duration: 7 nights (5 nights Pensiune + 2 nights Tasuleasa) 

    Cost (estimate): $650/person

    What's included: Accommodation, meals, transportation, and guide services. Not included flights or personal expenses. **

    If you don’t need transportation, please let us know before you make the final payment)

    Transportation: (by bus, included in the total cost)

    • Cluj - Putna
    • Vatra Dornei - Tasuleasa
    • Tasuleasa - Cluj

    **We highly recommend that you consider making a significant donation to the Via Transilvanica project and express your gratitude to your guide with a generous tip. Please note that the total cost does not cover any donations to the project.

     

    Day 1 (July 5th)

    Meeting point: Strada Traian Vuia 204, Cluj-Napoca 400394, Romania

    Meeting time: 14:00 (2pm)
    Travel time to Putna by bus: approx. 5 hours 

    Arriving at Pensiunea Florinel in Putna to sleep for the night. The group will get the chance to socialize and meet each other over dinner.

    Pensiune Florinel
    +40 745 896 596

    Day2 (July 6th) 

    After breakfast we will start our first day visiting the historic Putna Monastery. The first hiking day will begin from Putna going to Sucevita (17km) with a relatively easy hiking trail. Arrival at Sucevita for accommodations for the night at Pensiune Karisma Kriss.

    Pensiune Karisma Kriss
    +40 747 771 341

    Day3 (July 7th)

    After having breakfast, we will depart from Sucevita and head towards Vatra Moldovitei, which is approximately 21km away. This particular hike is said to be the most challenging section of the entire route. However, the stunning scenery along the way makes it worth the effort. Along the way, we will have lunch. Upon reaching our destination, we will check in at Pensiune Crizantema.

    Pensiune Crizantema
    +40 745 922 447

    Day4 (July 8th) 

    The difficulty level for this day is moderate to high. The hike covers a distance of 22km from Vatra Moldovitei to Sadova. The day will finish with accommodations in Sadova at Pensiunea Alvy Iezer.

    Pensiunea Alvy Iezer
    +40 722 654 601 

    Day5 (July 9th) 

    The hike for this day is considered to be of moderate difficulty with a distance of 21km, starting from Sadova and ending at Pasul Mestecanis. The night accommodations will be provided at Pensiunea Luceafărul.

    Pensiune Luceafărul

    +40 744 383 573

     

    Day6 (July 10th) 

    For our last day of hiking we will leave Pasul Mestecanis and finish at Vatra Dornei (20km), with an easy to moderate difficulty level on the trail. From Vatra Dornei we will travel by bus to Tasuleasa for accommodations. 

    Tasuleasa Social 


    Day7 (July 11th)
     

    Tasuleasa social volunteers will give you a tour of the Tasuleasa Campus where you will find many interesting things to do and see. The night will end with a bonfire and saying goodbye to another awesome adventure.

    Day8 (July 12th) 

    Departure time: 8:00am (TBD) 
    Travel time to Cluj by bus: approx. 2 hours and 30min.

    We will depart from Tasuleasa Social by bus back to Cluj after breakfast.

    It will be a wonderful journey from Putna to Vatra Dornei and ending with a great experience at the Tasuleasa Social, the birth place of Via Transilvanica! You will experience the diverse culture and breathtaking landscapes of this beautiful country. Thank you for joining us and we hope you will enjoy your trip as much as we do!

    If you require additional information about the trail or suggestions on what to pack for the trip, you can refer to the traveler's guide below. It is advisable to bring multiple pairs of socks, gel bandages specifically designed for blisters, a pair of waterproof hiking shoes, and another pair of sport shoes suitable for pleasant weather conditions. Additionally, sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended. Since we won't be sleeping in tents, there is no need to bring any camping-related items.

     

    Traveler's Guide (Putna-Vatra Dornei) - English

    Ghidul Drumetului (Putna-Vatra Dornei) - Romanian

     

     

    More Details


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    Stay in touch: Join our Whatsapp group.

     

  • Blog Post

    2022 Trip to Transylvania (Adults)

    2021 Trip Donations VT Gala VT FAQ VT Donors

      
        

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    Get ready to embark on your trip to Transylvania. On this page, you will learn everything you need to know about the Via Transilvanica trip, taking place July 2nd-12th, 2020.

    Via Transilvanica is a 1,000 km hiking trail that will reposition Romania on the world tourism map. Together we will discover the backcountry of Transylvania.

     

    Stay in touch: Join our Whatsapp group.

    Learn more about previous year trips:

     

    Trip Organizers:

    This trip is organized by Mihai Lehene in collaboration with Alin Useriu of Tasuleasa Social, the nonprofit behind Via Transilvanica.

    Trip Cost:

    The actual lodging and food during the trip are very cheap. You only pay for your own expenses, so this may be variable, but our estimate is about $1,000 per person, including travel, room & board (excluding international air fare). This does not include any donations or fees/funds for either Romanian United Fund or Tasuleasa Social. Donations are always welcome and highly encouraged.

    Trip Route:

    Arrival: Cluj, July 1st

    Jul 1  Cluj (Meet & Sleep in Cluj)
    Jul 2  Sarmisegetuza Regia
    Jul 3  Fundatura Ponorului (tents)
    Jul 4  Hobita (Retezat/Sureanu)
    Jul 5  Salasul de Sus
    Jul 6  Salasul de Sus
    Jul 7  Travel to Tasuleasa Social
    Jul 8  Tasuleasa Social
    Jul 9  Travel to Cluj/Straja

     

    Hiking Route:

    Jul 3: Hike from Sarmisegetuza Regia to Fundatura Ponorului

    Jul 4: Hike from Fundatura Ponorului to Hobita (Retezat)

    Jul 5: Hike from Hobita to Salasul de Sus

    Jul 6: Hike from Salasul de Sus to Salasul de Sus (circle)

     

    Join the Group:

    A small group will meet in Cluj on or around July 1st in the evening.

    The next morning, groups from Cluj, Zalau, Baia Mare, Alba Iulia will start towards Sarmisegetuza Regia.

    The main group meets on July 2nd, at Cetatea Malaiesti, near Sarmisegetuza Regia. On that day, we will join the Via Transilvanica section launch at 12 PM. A second meetup point is the Sarmisegetuza Regia Parking lot, at 4 PM. We start hiking on July 3rd in the morning.

    Some people may desire to join the second leg of the trip, July 7 - July 9, at Tasuleasa Social.

    Stay in touch: Join our Whatsapp group.

     

    Confirmed participants:

    Updated as of: January 1st, 2022

    TOTAL 42     9   12
      # of people signup date   Tasuleasa Camp   Little kids camp
    Annie & Jimmy Faklis 2 08/05/2021   Nicky Moigradan   Eliza Luput
    Claudia & Mihai Lehene 2 08/05/2021   Alexandra Lehene   Maya Daraban
    Gabriela & Alex Turik 2 08/05/2021   Stefan Lehene   Noah Daraban
    Keith Kirkland 1 08/05/2021   David Bora   Robert Apostoaia
    Monica Ferchi & guest 2 08/06/2021   Gruia Radu   David Apostoaia
    Ioana Salajanu 1 08/06/2021   Ana Guset   Denisa Zaharia
    Ioana & Sebastian Micle 2 11/02/2021   Justin Luput   Lucas Guset
    Monica & Calin Moigradan 2 11/02/2021   Alexa Zaharia   Sofia Bodi
    Monica & Mihai Bora 2 11/02/2021   Timea Nagy   Sara Bodi
    Mona & Claudiu Radu 2 11/02/2021       Sebastian Antal
    Ioana & Ionut Guset 2 11/02/2021       Alexandru Antal
    Anca & Cristian Pop 2 11/02/2021       Andrei Antal
    Simona & Cristian Luput 2 11/02/2021        
    Liviu & Anamaria Olos 2 11/02/2021        
    Cristina & Gabi Zaharia 2 11/02/2021        
    Chichita & Chisu 2 11/02/2021        
    Ligia & Radu Apostoaia 2 11/02/2021        
    Alex & Daniela 2 11/02/2021        
    Marina & Aurel Busu 2 12/15/2021        
    Diana Muresan & guest 2 12/15/2021        
    Lavinia & Viorel 2 12/24/2021        
    Monica Ferchi's 2 guests 2 12/31/2021        

     

    View our trekking and day by day person count spreadsheet.

  • Blog Post

    2021 Trip to Transylvania (Adults)

    Donations VT Gala VT FAQ VT Donors

      
      

    Get ready to embark on your trip to Transylvania. On this page, you will learn everything you need to know about the Via Transilvanica trip, taking place July 2nd-12th, 2020.

    Via Transilvanica is a 1,000 km hiking trail that will reposition Romania on the world tourism map. Together we will discover the backcountry of Transylvania.

     

    Stay in touch: Join our Whatsapp group.

     

    Trip Organizers:

    This trip is organized by Mihai Lehene in collaboration with Alin Useriu of Tasuleasa Social, the nonprofit behind Via Transilvanica.

    Trip Cost:

    The trip is expected to cost roughly $3,000 per person (assuming an airfare cost of about $1,000).

    Trip Route:

    Cluj, Gura Humorului, Vatra Dornei, Tasuleasa, Cluj.

     

    Hiking Route:

    The Vatra Dornei to Tasuleasa component is a 3-day hiking route, that will take you through the heart of Transylvania, and end at the Tasuleasa Social camping ground, where you will learn more about the wonderful organization that made everything possible.

    Other points of interest in the area: Sibiu, Biertan, Sighisoara, Cund, Lacul Rosu, Cheile Bistritei, Valea Bistritei Aurii.

    Join the Group:

    We meet in Cluj on July 2nd, at 10 am, then we travel to Gura Humorului.

    Alternatively, you can join the group from Vatra Dornei, on July 4th!, at 10 am.

    Stay in touch: Join our Whatsapp group.

    Confirmed participants:

    Locations: Cluj, Gura Humorului, Vatra Dornei, Tasuleasa, Cluj

    1. July 2nd: Meeting in Cluj
    2. July 2nd: Travel to Gura Humorului
    3. July 2rd: Gura Humorului Overnight Accommodation
    4. July 3rd: Visits to Monasteries
    5. July 3rd: Gura Humorului Overnight Accommodation
    6. July 4th: Drive from Gura Humorului to Vatra Dornei
    7. July 4th: Meetup in Vatra Dornei
    8. July 4th: Start hiking (hike day #1)
    9. July 4th: Poiana Negri Overnight Accommodation
    10. July 5th: Start hiking (hike day #2)
    11. July 5th: Lunca Ilvei Overnight Accommodation
    12. July 6th: Start hiking (hike day #3)
    13. July 6th: Arrive at Tasuleasa Social
    14. July 6th: Tasuleasa Overnight Accommodation
    15. July 7th: Tasuleasa Program
    16. July 7th: Tasuleasa Overnight Accommodation
    17. July 8th: Travel from Tasuleasa to Cluj (morning)
    18. July 8th: Arrive in Cluj (noon)

     

    Count 13 13 15 15 15 18 18 19 23 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20
      #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11 #12 #13 #14 #15 #16 #17 #18
    Claudia & Mihai Lehene x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
    Monica & Claude Radu           x x x x x x x x x x x x x
    Ioana & Ionut Guset                 x x x x x x x x x x
    Monica & Calin Moigradan x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
    Mihai Bora           x x x x x x x x x x x x x
    Anca & Cristian Pop x x x x x x x x x                  
    Keith Kirkland               x x x x x x x x x x x
    Ligia & Radu Apostoaia x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
    Ioana & Sebastian Savos x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
    Laura & Chisu                 x x x x x x x x x x
    Andreea & Norbert Nagy     x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
    Liviu and Anamaria Olos x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
    Iulian Portasa x x x x x x x x x                  

     

    Videos and Photos

    Beautiful markers sculpted by over 200 artists from all over the country mark each kilometer of Via Transilvanica.

     

  • Blog Post

    Rediscover Romania: Summer Camps for 10-18 yr-olds

    Registration is now: CLOSED

    Click here to signup, and we will update you when we start our next camp.

    While we are in the midst of this pandemic, we hope to be able to fulfill our promise and send 30 kids to camp this summer. We are making progress on formalizing this program. We have 25+ requests (with deposits) for what we think will be a 30 kids camp. You can sign up using the link above.

    We are also close to finalizing sponsorship to send one child to camp (in Romania) for free (YeeeeY!). Details to follow.

     

    Location: Ighiu, Alba Iulia, Romania

    Dates:

    • July 1st - July 13th* (two weeks)
    • July 1st - July 6th (one week)
    • July 7th - July 13th (one week)

    Learn moreCamp Hapy Faces on "Tabara Mea", or visit

    Cost of the camp: $260/week (does not include transportation)

    Most kids have already been in this camp in the prior years and they absolutely LOOOVED it. Every one of the kids who've been there before requested a double session, so all the kids who signed up already are going July 1st - July 13th.

    Imagine your kids visiting Romania, in an organized camp, organized by parents with the support of a community organization (RUF). Your thoughts and feedback are welcome. Please visit us on Facebook and let's chat.

    * This option is most widely preferred currently