Journey with Purpose
Support and contribute to the crucial conservation work of the Foundation Conservation Carpathia (FCC)
Just two and a half hour’s drive north of Romania’s capital lies Europe’s most extensive unfragmented forest, home to the continent’s largest population of wolves, bears and lynx. You will be greeted by the professional guides at Foundation Conservation Carpathia who will look after you throughout your experience.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Cultural Experiences
Combine diving into the Romanian wilderness with a spot of culture by spending time in the beautiful city of Bucharest.
Horse Riding
Get up close to Romania’s magnificent wildlife by taking a private tour of the conservation area on horseback.
Wildlife Hide
Spend the night in a spectacular wildlife hide, tucked away in the middle of the forest – lookout for bears, boar and deer and go to sleep listening to the howl of wolves.
Why Steppes?
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Why we like it
We like this holiday idea as it epitomises travel with purpose. Not only will you view incredible flora and fauna you support a conservation project on the ground, essential to the protection of one of the Earth’s wild places. This wildlife trip includes a £500 per person contribution to the local project to enable maximum impact to wildlife and local communities.
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Day 1
Bucharest to the Carpathian Mountains
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Day 2
Foundation Conservation Carpathia
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Day 3
Comisu Wilderness Hide
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Day 4
Bunea Hide
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Day 5
Departure
Day 1
Bucharest to the Carpathian Mountains
Arrive in Bucharest and transfer north out of the city into the Carpathian Mountains, straight up into the hills surrounding the village of Bran to Amfiteatrul, a stunning mountain lodge with panoramic views of Piatra Craiului and Bucegi National Parks. This evening is for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful vistas around: take a stroll along the ridge before sunset drinks and dinner with some local wines.
Day 2
Foundation Conservation Carpathia
After breakfast, enjoy the morning exploring the paths, meadows and flora surrounding the lodge. Lunch will be a picnic, followed by a further walking excursion in the afternoon, soaking up the atmosphere of the surrounding hills and mountains. After lunch, meet members of FCC’s core team of conservation experts, and learn more about the project first-hand.
Day 3
Comisu Wilderness Hide
Following breakfast, transfer to the Comisu Wilderness Hide. Spend the day exploring various trails through the mountains, valleys and forests. This evening relax at the hides where you will have a strong chance of experiencing local wildlife including bears, wild boar, foxes, Red and Roe deer.
Day 4
Bunea Hide
Wake up at dawn for the chance to see more wildlife. After breakfast, hike through stunning virgin forests to Bunea hide, overlooking Pecineagu Lake. After lunch, take a walk to check FCC’s camera traps for wildlife sightings. Look for bears, wild boar, and other fauna from the comfort of the hide.
Day 5
Departure
If you wish, rise early to take a final walk through the hills or enjoy some early morning bird watching. After breakfast, transfer back to the airport in Bucharest for your flight home.
More Details
What to Expect during your stay at Amfiteautrul
Upon arrival to Amfiteatrul, your stunning ridge-top lodge with 360’ mountain views, you will be greeted by your host Stefan Robu, and enjoy a relaxing dinner and your first night in the Carpathian Mountains. Over the coming days, you will discover much about the rich culture, heritage and natural history of the region. The adventure includes walks through ancient forests and overnight stays in remote and comfortable wildlife hides deep in the forest, where you will have the best chance to get close up to large carnivores and other critters. It is also possible to arrange for a spectacular helicopter flight over the Făgăraș Mountains.
What is the Foundation Conservation Carpathia
Romania has 250,000 hectares of virgin forest, mostly in the Southern Carpathians, which constitutes the largest unfragmented forest area in Europe. They contain an extraordinarily high number of indigenous species, one-third of all European plant species and are home to the largest European populations of large carnivores.
Founded in 2009, Foundation Conservation Carpathia (FCC) was established with the goal of stopping illegal logging and of protecting a significant area of Carpathian forest for future generations by creating a completely protected area. The FCC’s ultimate intention is to return its landholdings to the public domain for permanent protection in the form of a national park.
The European Nature Trust (TENT) has been working with FCC for over 10 years to help purchase forests and alpine meadows in the Romanian Carpathians and to protect them as one of Europe’s foremost wilderness reserves.
We look forward to continuing our support of FCC and the wonderful Carpathia project. The benefits of creating a wilderness reserve in the Carpathians extend far beyond the unique biodiversity of the environment – to the surrounding local communities and to the entirety of Europe, and, ultimately, the rest of the world.
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It all starts here
Let’s put that once-in-a-lifetime trip in your hands. Get in touch with the team and we will work with you at every step to make sure that it’s extraordinary.
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creating your tailor-made holiday.
A note on price
Price is based on a private group of 4 people and includes a £500 per person donation to TENT’s project Foundation Conservation Carpathia.
This Itinerary
Price
From £2,795 Per person
When to travel
Romania in January
From January to March, winter months can be harsh, with heavy snowfall and temperatures reaching below freezing in January. Conditions are ideal for winter sports in Romania’s mountainous regions but may be particularly cold for sightseeing activities.
Romania in February
During the winter months, it can be difficult to travel around Romania with some of its towns and cities blocked by snowfall or have other issues due to the adverse weather conditions. Therefore, it is best to travel to Romania’s mountain resorts for winter sports rather than travelling around the country.
Romania in March
March can be quite an unpredictable month as winter draws to a close, snow many still be present in some regions yet with temperatures rising, Romania may experience sunshine and the first signs of spring.
Romania in April
From the beginning of April, spring arrives in Romania and temperatures gradually increase. This can be an ideal time to visit Romania when there are fewer crowds than during the summer months with warmer temperatures than during the winter months.
Romania in May
The best time to travel to Romania is typically from May to September, when warmer weather is likely, and rainfall is very infrequent. Temperatures may reach highs of 24°C in May, which will keep increasing within the summer months.
Romania in June
From June to August, it is the most popular time to travel to Romania with temperatures at their highest and fewer chances or rainfall, meaning it is advised to book as far in advance as possible if travelling during summer.
Romania in July
July is one of the warmest months in Romania with average temperatures of 22°C. Destinations will become marginally more crowded, yet good weather is more likely during the peak of summer, rather than during the summer months.
Romania in August
During July and August, temperatures will be at their hottest and so ideal for coastal resorts but also for sightseeing in Romania’s towns and cities, with the occasional shower possible, yet unlikely.
Romania in September
As it is the beginning of Autumn, travelling during September is ideal for photographers with the autumn leaves forming and creating some vibrant countryside landscapes. After the summer months, attractions will be much quieter and with temperatures averaging 19°C, makes September a great time for sightseeing in pleasant conditions.
Romania in October
From October onwards, Romania will experience its off-peak season. With four very distinctive seasons – spring, summer, autumn and winter, the best time to travel to Romania will be dependent on your what you wish to do whilst in the country.
Romania in November
The first signs of winter begin to appear as temperatures can fall to 7°C at the end of the month. Like March, November can be quite unpredictable between the summer and winter months with chances of snowfall yet also the possibility of warm temperatures at the beginning of the month.
Romania in December
With snowfall likely and colder temperatures, December can be a great time for outdoor pursuits and winter sports, including skiing.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
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