Travel with Daniel Moise on Via Transilvanica

A guided cultural hiking experience across Transylvania

The Romanian United Foundation is proud to present our trusted partner, Daniel Moise, and his guided cultural hiking experience along the Via Transilvanica.

Spanning over 1,400 kilometers, Via Transilvanica crosses Romania from Putna to Drobeta-Turnu Severin, connecting 10 counties, more than 400 communities, and multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites. Created to highlight the country’s cultural, historical, and natural diversity, it has quickly become one of Europe’s most distinctive long-distance trails.

This program focuses on a carefully selected segment through Transylvania, blending structured hiking with cultural depth. Over several days, participants move through historic Saxon villages, fortified churches, and varied landscapes, experiencing Romania at a pace that allows for real understanding, not just observation.

Led in small groups, the journey emphasizes clarity, authenticity, and a direct connection to the places and people along the route.

The Experience

This program follows a curated segment of the Via Transilvanica, one of Europe’s newest long-distance cultural routes.

It is built around a simple idea: walking through a place is the most direct way to understand it.

Over 7 days, you move through:

• Saxon villages
• fortified churches
• forests, hills, and traditional landscapes

The structure combines daily hiking with cultural interpretation, so the experience doesn’t feel like disconnected stops, but a continuous narrative.

What Makes This Different

Most trips either optimize for comfort or for distance covered. This one prioritizes:

• coherence (each day builds on the previous one)
• clarity (you understand what you’re seeing)
• pace (designed for sustained walking, not rushed tourism)

The presence of a dedicated guide is not an add-on, it’s the core of the experience.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 – Arrival
Arrival in Bucharest and transfer to Sighișoara.

Day 2 – Archita → Criț
24 km | 8h | +434 m
Start of the route through forests and meadows, ending in a traditional Saxon village.

Day 3 – Criț → Saschiz
14 km | 4.5h | +330 m
Easier day through villages and cultural landmarks.

Day 4 – Saschiz → Șapartoc
19 km | 6h | +565 m
Rural landscapes, local interaction, and deeper immersion.

Day 5 – Șapartoc → Mălâncrav
24 km | 7.5h | +535 m
Includes visit to Sighișoara and Breite plateau.

Day 6 – Mălâncrav → Biertan
15.5 km | 5.5h | +619 m
Final stage ending in Biertan.

Day 7 – Departure
Transfer back to Bucharest.

Cost 

• 2990 RON / person (~€600/$700)
• An additional transfer cost applies for Bucharest-Sighisoara (outbound)/ Biertan-Bucharest (return): ~€35 / person

✅ What’s Included

• All scheduled transfers
• Luggage transport
• Professional guide
• 6 nights accommodation (guesthouses / 3★ inns)
• Breakfast and dinner
• Entrance fees (as per itinerary)
• Hiker’s credential + Testimonium 

❌ Not Included

• Flight tickets
• Lunches
• Personal expenses 
• Travel and medical insurance
• Optional activities
• Local guides (if required)

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

Donate to Via Transilvanica

‼️Accommodation Notice: Due to group size, accommodations may be split across different guesthouses in some locations. Not all accommodations offer private bathrooms, and participants may need to share rooms with fellow travelers.‼️

How to Sign Up

Spots are limited due to group size and logistics.

To reserve:

• Select your preferred date:

        August 8 – August 15, 2026

        August 15 – August 22, 2026

• Complete registration: Guided Cultural Hiking Experience
• Confirm with deposit: 30%
• For any information contact: Daniel Moise at +34 643-216-232 (WhatsApp)

Packing & Travel Tips

Check our Recommended List of Equipment below for full recommendations. Essentials include:

• Multiple pairs of socks

• Gel bandages for blisters

• Waterproof hiking shoes

• Sport shoes for pleasant weather

• Sunscreen

• Insect repellent

Recommended list of equipment - Hiking

About Terra Saxonum

About Via Transilvanica

Via Transilvanica is Romania’s first long-distance trail for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. Stretching more than 1,400 kilometers from Putna to Drobeta Turnu-Severin, it passes through over 600 communities, weaving a path across some of the country's most stunning landscapes. Inspired by iconic routes like the El Camino, Pacific Crest Trail, and Appalachian Trail, Via Transilvanica is also the largest outdoor artistic sculpture exhibition in the world, celebrating Romania’s culture, history, and natural beauty.

2026 Discover Romania Family Journey

(July 14th - July 19th)

A Journey Your Family Will Remember

The Romania Family Jurney is designed for families who want more than a vacation. It is a chance to explore Romania together through nature, history, and authentic cultural experiences.

Over six days, families travel through beautiful landscapes, historic towns, and traditional villages while enjoying outdoor adventures that are engaging for children and meaningful for parents.

From hiking through natural reserves and ancient forests to pottery workshops, horseback riding, and exploring UNESCO heritage sites, every day offers a new experience that brings Romania’s culture and landscapes to life.

This trip is organized in partnership with Dor Travel, specialists in experiential travel across Romania.

What Makes This Trip Special for Families

Unlike traditional tours, this program is designed specifically for families.

Children stay active and curious while parents enjoy discovering Romania in a relaxed and authentic way.

Families will experience:

     • outdoor adventures in nature

     • cultural discovery and local traditions

     • historic sites and storytelling

     • fun activities designed for children

     • meaningful moments shared together

The pace is balanced so both kids and adults can enjoy the journey.

Pre-Register My Family

Pricing & Registration

The starting price for the trip is $790 per adult. Final pricing may vary depending on the composition of each family group, so we ask families to complete a short registration form with details about participants.

Pricing guidelines:

• Children under 5 years old: small cost covering meals (children’s menu), activity entries when applicable, transportation seat, and accommodation in parents’ room.

• Children ages 5–11: typically around 50% of the adult price.

• Children 12 and older: considered adult participants.

Because each family may have a different structure, final prices will be personalized based on the number of adults and children and their ages.

Please complete the pre-registration form so we can determine the group composition and provide a customized price for your family.

What’s Included

The trip package includes:

• Dor Tavel family trip coordination

• Accommodation

• Half-board meals

• Local guides

• Transportation 

• Daily activities and excursions

• Visits to local communities and cultural sites

Who This Trip Is For

This program is ideal for:

• Families traveling with children

• Romanian diaspora families reconnecting with their roots

• Parents who want meaningful travel experiences for their kids

• Families who enjoy nature, culture, and light adventure

Program Overview

Day 1 — Cluj Meetup & Zalău VR History Experience

The journey begins in Cluj-Napoca, where the group meets before departing together toward Zalău.

Families will visit the Zalău Museum of History and Art, where they will explore the region’s past through an interactive virtual reality experience that brings historical moments to life.

Afterward, the group continues to Silvania Land to visit Porolissum, one of the most important Roman frontier settlements in the region.

Day 2 — Lăpuș Gorges & Maramureș Heritage

A guided hike through the stunning Lăpuș Gorges Natural Reservation, accompanied by a local ranger who introduces families to the unique landscape and wildlife of the region.

Later, the group visits the UNESCO wooden church of Rogoz, a remarkable example of Maramureș architecture and spiritual heritage.

Day 3 — Ancient Forest & Pottery Workshop

Families explore a UNESCO-protected secular forest, home to some of Romania’s oldest trees.

Later, participants take part in a traditional pottery workshop, learning techniques passed down through generations while creating their own ceramic pieces.

Day 4 — Baia Mare Adventure

A fun day at Jungle Adventure Park in Baia Mare, where children and parents enjoy climbing routes, outdoor challenges, and adventure activities.

The day continues with visits to historic wooden churches and stories about Pintea the Brave, a legendary hero of Maramureș folklore.

Day 5 — Via Transilvanica Experience

Families enjoy an easy scenic hike along the famous Via Transilvanica, one of Romania’s most iconic long-distance trails.

This experience offers breathtaking landscapes and an opportunity for families to walk a small part of this remarkable cultural route together.

Day 6 — Horseback Riding & Armenopolis

The trip concludes with horseback riding at ToniLand Equestrian Center, where families can safely experience riding and interacting with horses.

Later, the group visits the historic town of Gherla, once known as Armenopolis, famous for its Armenian heritage and distinctive architecture.

Why This Experience Matters for Diaspora Families

For many children growing up abroad, Romania is often just a place they hear about in family stories.

This journey allows them to experience Romania directly.

They will walk through its forests, hear its legends, meet local communities, and discover traditions that have shaped generations.

These shared experiences help children build a lasting connection to their heritage, while families create memories that will stay with them long after the trip ends.

Pre-Register My Family

Meet the Organizers

About Dor Travel

Dor Travel is a Romanian travel company specializing in educational trips, youth camps, and experiential programs that combine adventure, culture, and learning. With years of experience organizing safe and engaging travel experiences for children and families, Dor Travel focuses on creating meaningful programs that help young participants explore nature, discover Romanian traditions, and build confidence through guided activities and outdoor experiences.

About Simona and Ștefan Bartiș

Simona and Ștefan Bartiș are the founders of Dor Travel, a travel initiative dedicated to educational journeys, youth camps, and cultural experiences across Romania. With a shared passion for nature, learning, and meaningful travel, they have developed programs that combine outdoor exploration, cultural discovery, and experiential education. Through their work with Dor Travel, they create safe and inspiring environments where children and families can explore Romania’s landscapes, connect with its traditions, and build confidence through memorable adventures.

Exclusive Experience for RUF 😇 Angels: A Journey on Via Transilvanica – Terra Borza Teutonica

(July 6th - July 11th)

This year, we are organizing an exceptional journey along Via Transilvanica, Romania’s iconic long-distance trail. This exclusive retreat is designed especially for RUF 😇 Angels who seek meaningful experiences rooted in nature, heritage, and shared purpose.

Who Can Join

This retreat is exclusively reserved to RUF 😇 Angels who want to experience Romania in a unique and immersive way. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or new to long-distance trails, this is your chance to reconnect with Romania’s heritage while enjoying the peaceful beauty of Terra Borza Teutonica and its historic Saxon villages.

What is an RUF Angel?

An RUF 😇 Angel is a key supporter of the Romanian United Foundation and believes in the power of community and impact-driven philanthropy. Angels provide crucial financial support that sustains RUF’s programs in education, healthcare, and community development. Beyond funding, they are visionaries and leaders shaping the future of the Romanian diaspora.

Want to Join the Journey? Become an RUF Angel!

This unique experience is more than a trip, it’s an opportunity to connect with like-minded leaders, immerse yourself in Romania’s stunning landscapes, and be part of something bigger.

By becoming an RUF 😇 Angel, you gain access to exclusive events, networking opportunities, and impactful experiences like this one.

Join us on this incredible adventure!

Become an RUF Angel Today 

About the Tour

Our 6-day Terra Borza Teutonica hiking retreat will take you on an unforgettable journey through stunning natural landscapes and historic Saxon villages between Archita and Poiana Marului.

Let us guide you along this spectacular section of Via Transilvanica, discovering hidden gems, local traditions, and the authentic rhythm of rural Romania.

Sign up today and be part of this incredible journey! We can’t wait to explore with you!

SIGN UP CLOSED

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Tour Dates

• July 6th – Meetup & arrival
• July 7th - 10th – Hiking and biking (RUF Teens from Sona camp will join us for the last day!)
• July 11th – Departure

Hiking Route & Difficulty

• Archita → Viscri → Cobor → Hălmeag → Șinca Nouă

  • Archita – Viscri → 22 km | ~5 hours | Easy
  • Viscri – Cobor → 25 km | ~7 hours | Medium
    
  • Cobor – Hălmeag → 30 km | ~8 hours | Medium
  • Paltin – Poiana Marului → 15 km | ~4 hours | Medium

• Distance: 106 km (approx.)
• Duration: 6 days / 5 nights  

Cost

$900/person

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

Transportation:

• Luggage transportation throughout the trip. 
• Transfers between different route points.
• For larger groups, we can arrange transportation from other cities to the meeting point and from the departure location, for an extra cost, if necessary.

** We highly recommend that you consider making a significant donation to the Via Transilvanica project (we suggest $200/person) and express your gratitude to your guide after the trip with a generous tip. Please note that the total cost does not cover any donations to the project.

‼️ Please be aware that, due to our large group size, we may need to split into different guest houses in some locations. Additionally, not all accommodations have private bathrooms, and you may need to share a room with other participants from our group ‼️

Join us

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the RUF Angels 😇 Retreat 2026. This journey is more than walking. It’s about connection, reflection, heritage, and community.

Whether you’re joining for the landscape, the conversations, or the impact, this retreat promises a meaningful and memorable experience.

Sign up today and be part of this incredible journey! We can’t wait to explore with you!

SIGN UP CLOSED

Pay Here

Packing & Travel Tips

For additional details about the trail and packing recommendations, please refer to the traveler’s guide below. We suggest bringing:

• Multiple pairs of socks

• Gel bandages designed for blisters

• Waterproof hiking shoes

• A pair of sport shoes for pleasant weather

• Sunscreen and insect repellent

Useful information

Traveler's Guide (Archita - Poiana Marului) - English

Recommended list of equipment - Hiking

About Terra Borza Teutonica

Terra Borza Teutonica is the first major extension of the main Via Transilvanica route, serving as an important gateway into the heart of the trail. Centered around Brașov (Kronstadt), this region offers direct access to the Via and stands as a destination worthy of discovery in its own right.

The landscape unfolds through Saxon and Hungarian villages—medieval and older—rolling hills dotted with sheep, wildflower meadows, and small towns rooted in deep history. Above it all rise the dramatic silhouettes of the Făgăraș Mountains, Bucegi Mountains, and Piatra Craiului Mountains, forming a natural “royal crown” over the land.

The region’s name reflects its medieval past. For 14 years, the Teutonic Knights ruled Țara Bârsei (Terra Borza), after being invited by King Andrew II of Hungary. Their legacy remains visible in fortresses and settlements across the area, including Feldioara (Marienburg). This blend of Saxon heritage, knightly history, and alpine grandeur gives Terra Borza Teutonica its distinct European character and makes it one of the most meaningful sections of Via Transilvanica to walk.

About Via Transilvanica

Via Transilvanica is more than 1,400 km long-distance trail stretching from Putna to Drobeta-Turnu Severin, revealing over 2,000 years of Transylvanian and Romanian history along the way. Created by the NGO Tășuleasa Social, the project connects regions, cultures, and communities through a single continuous path.

The trail can be completed in stages or in full - on foot, by bicycle, or even on horseback, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers. More than a physical journey, Via Transilvanica is an invitation to slow down, simplify, and rediscover meaning through walking. It bridges generations and cultures, encouraging reflection, dialogue, and connection.

From the Danube’s riverbanks to alpine ridgelines, the landscape changes constantly, just like the stories, traditions, and communities encountered along the way. Via Transilvanica is ultimately about diversity, discovery, and the quiet transformation that comes from walking through history.

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