The group will meet at Bucharest Otopeni Airport in the afternoon. Bucharest is a fascinating city and if you would like to extend your time pre or post-holiday, please contact the KE office and we can help organise a hotel. From the airport we transfer (1.5hrs) to Sinaia fondly known as the Pearl of the Carpathians. Sitting beneath the Bucegi Mountains in the beautiful Prahova Valley, Sinaia has a rich variety of colourful houses built in traditional style. On arriving in the town you immediately feel as if you're right in the very heart of Transylvania as the air becomes fresher and the scenery has an alpine feel. Once home to Romania's first king, Sinaia is the perfect place to start our Romanian adventure and after checking-in there will be time to stretch your legs with a stroll around the town. In the evening we'll all meet up and head out to dinner in a local restaurant. We'll also have a briefing about the first part of our trekking adventure (what to pack etc).

*Food for thought - Romanian sarmale is more of a national institution than just a dish. Here cabbage rolls are filled with either pork, beef, mutton, poultry and even fish mixed with rice and ingredients. In some regions sarmale is served with corn meal and sour cream. This dish is also called sarmale in Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Macedonia, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Greece and Moldova! Mici are juicy skinless sausages mixed with garlic, black pepper, thyme, coriander and sometimes a touch of paprika. Cighiri are large meatballs and extremely popular with locals. The tasty dish of Salata de vinete is a wonderful aubergine dish mixed with chopped onions or mayonnaise and garlic. It is often topped with tomatoes and feta cheese.

This morning we start with a walking tour though Sinaia which includes views of Peles Castle. Built by Carol the first king of Romania, this ornately beautiful building is a turreted masterpiece that wouldn't be out of place in a fairy-tale. Sinaia itself is home to a wonderful collection of colourful wooden houses which we'll stroll through. After paying a visit to Sinaia's richly decorated monastery, we'll prepare our lunches and snacks that we carry with us on the next two days of trekking. After a short transfer of 20mins we arrive in the small town of Busteni nestled in the Prahova Valley. From here we take a spectacular cable car ride high up onto the Bucegi Plateau. This is a lovely afternoon of walking and the views are breath-taking. As we hike across plateaus, we pass incredible rock formations and look down on the Heroes Cross. The cross, which is illuminated at night, was built between 1926 and 1928 and sits at 2291m. A towering 36m high, the monument was built in memory of railway heroes who lost their lives during World War I. Building it was a mammoth task as materials were transported by train to Busteni railway station before oxen transported larger beams up the mountain. Finally horses and donkeys transported everything to the summit. Tonight we stay at the Cabana Omul mountain refuge, which is the highest in the country. The refuge is extremely simple but very welcoming plus soft drinks plus local beer can be purchased. The bonus of staying here is we are far away from civilisation and can really appreciate being in the heart of the mountains. On a clear morning the views extend to the Fagaras Mountains and over lush valleys below.

This morning we leave the refuge and start our descent from the mountains to the valley. The majority of today is downhill and as the day is longer than yesterday, it's a great way of preparing us for the three day trekking journey when we head to the summit of Moldoveanu. Initially we trek along high trails and get to enjoy our first spot of scrambling. On these via ferrata sections we'll have the use of fixed ropes and the leader will offer guidance to anyone who is a first timer. As we may our way into lush Transylvanian forest the scenery changes from dramatic mountains to rich meadows and forest trails. These trials take us all the way to the small town of Bran and its magical castle, the legendary home of Count Dracula. With its spectacular cliff-top location, meandering river, wonderful turrets and fascinating history, this amazing castle looms over Bran and is a sightseeing highlight of Romania. Dating back to 1382, this was the home of the blood thirsty count Vlad the Impaler which Bram Stoker brought to life as Count Dracula. Although Bram Stoker never visited Romania, the stories and beliefs in the existence of night-time spirits is very much alive in Romania. After a visit to the castle it's easy to start believing in vampire legends! Tonight we stay around the area of Bran and during the evening we'll prepare for our next trekking journey into the heart of the mountains.

After breakfast, there will be time to prepare our trekking lunches before we leave the accommodation and transfer (approx 2.5hrs) along one of the world's most famous roads - the jaw dropping Transfagarasan Highway. This 140km patch of tarmac spaghetti heaven was awarded Top Gear's Best Driving Road in the World. Constructed between 1970 and 1974, the road was built during the rule of Nicolae Ceausescu and runs through the heart of the most dramatic mountains in Romania's Carpathians, the Fagaras Mountains. We start our adventure at the top of the pass on a trail which takes us towards Balea Lake. A beautiful glacier lake which sits just above 2000m, this location is magical with incredible mirror-like reflections and wild scenery. Next we follow a fantastic ridge which brings us the peaks of Varful Mircii (2467m) and Arpasul Mare (2468m). This afternoon we'll come across more short scrambling sections before joining a zig zag trail which takes us to the fantastically located Podragu Mountain Hut (2136m). Here we spend the night in a simple mountain chalet which is truly off the beaten track. Nestled in a mountain basin, it was here in 1885 that the Transylvanian Carpathian Society built their first basic stone shelter. The present refuge was constructed from 1948-1949 by the National Bank of Romania for its employees. The chalet is simple, but the location is dramatically wild and totally off the digital grid. Tonight's surrounding scenery is beautiful and it is not unusual to see mountain chamois grazing close by.

Today calls for an early start as we leave the refuge. Initially we make our way out of the mountain basin on trials which are surrounded by wild and magnificent scenery. After the first saddle of Saua Podraglui (2307m) we continue towards Varful Tarata where we are rewarded with extensive views of the incredible Tarata Range. However the highlight of today is the ascent of Moldoveanu, which at 2544m is Romania's highest peak. The final ridge walk from the peak of Vistea Mare (2527m) to the main summit is superb and the minute you step on the highest point in the country you'll feel like you're on top of the world! The complete journey to Moldoveanu is without doubt one of the most beautiful routes in Europe, but the panorama from the summit is absolutely breath-taking. Despite the mountains of Transylvania conjuring up images of dark peaks and swirling mists, here you'll see towering green slopes and deep valleys and together Moldoveanu and Vistea Mare form the highest ridge in the country. After the all-important summit photos we start our trekking journey down into the Sambata Valley. As we get closer to tonight's accommodation we may hear and see the comical whistling marmots which live in this dramatic landscape. Tonight we sleep in the Sambata mountain refuge which also enjoys a superb location. The refuge has a little shop selling soft drinks, beers and the local distilled spirit of Palinka - perfect for celebrating.

A slightly later start today after yesterday's long day, as we leave the Sambata mountain refuge and make our way out of the mountains. Our easy walking route of 2 hours takes us through woods and along the river to the stunning Brancoveanu Monastery. Wondrously decorated with carved columns, frescoes and immaculate gardens, Brancoveanu Monastery is as pristine as its mountain backdrop. Named after its original founder, Prince Constantin Brancoveanu, a few dozen monks still live here, spending their time meditating and producing the glass icons for which Sambata is famous. Dating back to 1696, the monastery is a wonderful place and we'll take some time exploring the grounds. From Brancoveanu we transfer to the medieval gem of Brasov where we stay for the next two nights. Brasov is absolutely beautiful as it sits fringed by the peaks of the Southern Carpathian Mountains. Bursting with gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture, the town has a wonderful main square, old town walls and a stunning Gothic cathedral. Brasov has written links to the Pied Piper of Hamlin and it's easy to imagine him piping his way through the charming back streets. Here you'll find an abundance of wonderful street cafes and bars for enjoying a pre or post dinner drink. As we make our way to dinner tonight in a local restaurant we'll wander through the town which looks charming at night when illuminated.

*Food for thought - Papanasi is a delicious dessert made from sweet soft cheese that is rolled into donut like shapes, filled with sweet cream and topped with jam, usually berries or cherries. Each bite of papanasi will melt in your mouth. Placinta cu branza dulce si stafide is rich fried dough traditionally filled with soft cheese and raisins then sprinkled with sugar before being served hot or cold - simply delicious. Whilst plccinta cu mere is a mouth-watering sweet apple pie and delicious mix of apple, sugar, and cinnamon between several layers of sweet dough flavoured with vanilla sugar. Between two layers, a layer of grated apple is added before it is baked in the oven. The result is a soft, absolutely delicious cake.

Today is an easy day of walking in a pocket of rural Romania to round off the holiday. However if you prefer, you can relax in Brasov and enjoy some free time. The town has some wonderful mediaeval architecture, a labyrinth of colourful streets and is known for Vlad the Impaler's romantic interludes. The main Council Square, built by the Saxons has sections of stone walls, bastions, ornate churches and is said to be the spot from where the legendary Pied Piper led the children of Hamlin. The Old Town Hall built in the 13th century served as meeting place for the town councillors, known as centurions, whilst Trumpeter's Tower was used during the Middle Ages as a watchtower. Today, the old city hall houses the Brasov History Museum. However the town's most famous landmark and Romania's leading gothic church, is the Black Church which towers over the Council Square and town. Built between 1385 and 1477 it was given its name in 1689 when a great fire blackened the walls of the church. The Black Church is the largest gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul. For anyone who wishes to walk, the leader will chose an easy walk in a surrounding rural area which showcases local life. This is a lovely way to see meadows and wild flowers which are a total contrast to the dramatic mountains you trekked through. The walk will arrive back in Brasov in the afternoon with enough time to wander through the town before meeting up for dinner.

*Food for thought - Baked potatoes or Cartofi copti are also known as country style or peasant potatoes and are a popular side dish. Recipes vary from region to region, but the potatoes should be a little crispy on the outside and very soft inside. Onions are added and occasionally ham and garlic - the result is filling and delicious. Zacusca de vinete is a rich paste which is delicious when spread on fresh bread and traditionally made from freshly baked or roasted vegetables. The main ingredients are eggplants, red peppers and onions. Clatitele cu gem are wonderful crepes and filled with marmalade, jam, chocolate or a special Ricotta-type cheese.

Early morning we transfer to Bucharest Airport.

If you are looking to extend your holiday after the trek, please contact the KE office and we can help organise a hotel in the capital. As the bustling capital of Romania, Bucharest has a number of highlights, but the number one must see is the mind-blowing Palace of the Parliament. Home to the former dictator of Nicolae Ceauescu, this mind blowing creation is the 2nd largest administration building in the world and without a doubt is an incredible piece of architecture which is beyond words. Official guided tours of the palace last just over an hour and need to be booked in advance (your hotel can easily do this). Don't forget your passport or palace security won't let you join the tour. For approximately 10 euro you get an incredible insight into the heaviest building in the world as you stroll along long marble corridors which showcase gigantic chandeliers. Although you'll only visit a handful of its 1000 rooms, it's absolutely fascinating and a Bucharest highlight. The Bucharest Sightseeing Bus offers the standard open-top hop on and hop off sightseeing tours which are a great way to get orientated or see the city if limited on time. Tickets are valid for 24 hours and there are 14 stops along the route. Strada Selari close to the Orthodox Church in the old town is a bustling pedestrian area and one of the oldest streets in the city. Once home to the city's saddlers, today you'll find a labyrinth of streets and alleys with bars, restaurants and cafes catering for all budgets and tastes.