28 / 7 / 2010
www.beyondtheforest.com provides everything you need to plan your holiday - unbiased travel information based on extensive, personal travel and an unparallelled network of local specialists.
Unique, quality holidays based near Sibiu, in Saxon Transylvania
Comfortable accommodation, exciting activities and exceptional cuisine
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NOTE: due to the popularity of these holidays we have been advised that availability
is already limited for June - August 2010; watch ourt for special weekend offers for autumn 2010
'I am writing to thank you very much indeed for arranging what was a wonderful holiday in Romania. Although, I had a good idea of what we werew in for, both of us would say that, without doubt, it exceeded all our expectations. It would be impossible to overemphasize the welcome and friendliness shown to us by Diana and Jeremy at Casa Verde in Cisnadioara, where we spent a wonderful week. The food and accommodation ws superb, and nothing was too much trouble for them. They took us all over what is a very attractive area, and on occasion, out to lunch or dinner in typical Romanian restaurants.' R.& H.H. (Woking)
Click here for further testimonials
To book your perfect Romania holiday
we recommend:
0845 058 7326
www.travelcounsellors.co.uk
A quaity, personal service by
travel experts in your local area
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Another Europe Guideline Prices 2009 |
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9 Day INCLUSIVE HOLIDAY 7 nights in Cisnadioara with full-board and activites + 1 night in Cluj + transfers from Cluj From £ 749.00 per person including flights with Wizz - Luton to Cluj Based on two people sharing a twin or double room 8 DAYS from £ 599.00 with BLUE AIR flights to SIBIU SEE BELOW FOR FULL DETAILS + SAMPLE ITINERARY SELF-CATERING Fly- drive options available on request DRACULA TRAIL + ANOTHER EUROPE 11 DAYS from £ 775.00 Excludes flights Transfer from Cluj to Bistrita Overnight at Coroana de Aur Jonathan Harker Trail with unique 4 hours trail by horse and cart up the Borgo Pass to Hotel Castle Dracula Overnight then tour through Transylvania Highlands to Sighisoara Overnight in the mediaeval citadel then 7 nights all inclusive Based on two people sharing a twin or double room Suggest Wizz to Cluj, Blue Air from Sibiu Prices from £ 100.00 return TRANSYLVANIA SPECIAL 11 DAYS from £ 749.00 Excludes flights & Airport Transfers Discover the fascinating legacy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in Transylvania 1 night in the former Imperial capital of Cluj 7 nights Another Europe with Sibu Intercity train to the lovely city of Timisoara ('Little Vienna') 2 nights in a chic art deco hotel Based on two people sharing a twin or double room Wizz to Cluj, return from Timisoara Prices from £ 100.00 return Alternative combinations or flights and transfers via Bucharest, Sibiu or Timisoara available Private apartment in old Sibiu also available |
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Highlights |
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Quality Accommodation Exceptional Food Lancaster Bar Excursions Adventure Activities English-spoken Transport on demand European City of Culture 2007 Sibiu (Hermannstadt) Bruckental Museum Astra Village Museum Piatra Mare + Piatra Mica Liars Bridge Passage of Stairs Railway Museum Old tram to Rasinari Horse & Carriage rides Sighisoara (Schässburg) Clock Tower & Museum Walls & Fortifications Covered Staircase Church on the Hill Vlad Dracula House Cisnadie (Heltau) Cisnadioara (Michelsberg) Sunset picnic in citadel Cristian (Grossau) Sibiel Glass Icons Valea Viilor (Würmloch) Mosna (Meschen) Biertan (Bïrthälm) Medias (Mediasch) Târnave Valley (wine region) Turda Gorge Cluj Cindrel Mountains Rasinari Shepherds Village Fagaras Mountains Carta Abbey Mountain Biking Trekking Wolf & Bear Trails Hog Roast |
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TRAVEL |
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Austrian Airlines fly via Vienna to Sibiu on most days Tarom fly several days per week from Heathrow to Sibiu via Bucharest Otopeni. Lufthansa flights available from London, Manchester or Birmingham. Alternatively excellent prices from Luton to Cluj direct with Wizz Air (from £ 75.00 per person return) Trains or transfers available from Cluj (3-4 hours) Frequent trains from Bucharest to Sighisoara & Sibiu (5 hours); it is possible to connect with some flights at Bucharest. Trains from Budapest & Vienna call at Sighisoara; frequent trains from Cluj to Sighisoara, and Brasov to Sibiu & Sighisoara |
Sighisoara
Nearby CISNADIE is reached by a tree-lined avenue. This old Saxon market town with its traditional market square is dominated by an impressive fortress church which has recently been renovated. Also within easy reach of Cisnadioara are the shepherds village of Rasinari, the mountain resort of Paltinis (winter skiing) and the Dumbrava Forest which contains the fabulous ASTRA village museum with its water wheels, windmills, craft shop and traditional restaurant. A back road leads along the edge of the hills from Cisnadie to the Olt Valley, providing panoramic views of the spectacular Fagaras ridge of the Carpathians and over the Transylvanian plateau. The heart of old SIBIU lies just 12 km north of Cisnadioara, beyond the forest.
To book your perfect holiday
we recommend:
0845 058 7326
www.travelcounsellors.co.uk
A quaity, personal service by
travel experts in your local area
Your hosts in Cisnadioara are Diana and Jeremy, a lovely English couple, who moved to Transylvania and set up their accommodation after falling in love with the region and wishing to share their secret world. Di has a catering background so it comes as no surprise that food plays a very important part in these holidays, and considerable effort is made to provide first class cuisine based on local produce.
The accommodation for the inclusive holidays is divided between two pretty, traditional Saxon village houses in the lower part of Cisnadioara. There are four units each containing a large double bedroom, ensuite bathroom and separate living area. Each unit sleeps 2/4 guests and comes complete with mini bar and tea making facilities. All the units have been recently renovated and refurbished to an exacting modern standard and have access to the dining and barbeque areas and orchard garden, the Lancaster Bar and an outdoor pool.
All accommodation comes with tiwels, bedding, and a personal laundry service is available/
Please note that this is a 'suggested' itinerary. It is possible to tailor the programme to individual preferences with any ratio of walking, site seeing or additional activities. Some of these activities will also vary according to the time of the yar. For example winter sports and activities can be incluiding during the winter when we receive heavy snow in the Carpathians, Please see the additional list of activities available below.
Extra activities can include horse and carriage rides in the ASTRA park, night out in Sibou (restaurants, jazz clubs, concerts, etc), and extended trips to the Apuseni Mountains, Turda salt mines, Dracula's real castle at Poienari in the Mountains (summer only due to closure of High Transfagarasan Highway), Brasov, Bran, and even the great fortress of Corvinesti at Hunedoara. Modest extra fees may apply to cover fuel for these longer journeys. We can also offer tailormade honeymoons or an extension for Bear or Wolf tracking in the Bucegi or Piatra Craiului Mounmtains. Call for a quote.
Day 1
Recommended Flight: WIZZ AIR: Luton 08:25 - Cluj 13:00. Bookings: www.wizzair.com
Prices from £ 75.00 per person return, including tax
Arrival and transfers from Cluj Napoca airport by Land Rover (3 hours). Lunch at the house and then a chance to relax and explore our pretty village, visit the fortified at Cisnadie (Heltau) and explore the surrounding area. Dinner in the Barn Dining Room or on the Terrace, weather permitting.
Drinks in the 'Lancaster Bar' or complimentary transport into Sibiu.
Day 2
Choice of Full English or Continental Breakfast.
A walk from the village to the mountain cabin at Rosengarden. Picnic lunch enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Carpathian Mountains. The walk is moderate but it may be possible to make the assent by Landrover and descent on foot.
An evening stroll up to our the fortified church, perched on the hill overlooking the village square. Enjoy complimentary Champagne, Canapés and splendid views as the sun sets over the Valley. Evening meal on the terrace.
Drinks in the 'Lancaster Bar' or complimentary transport into Sibiu.
Day 3
Choice of Full English or Continental Breakfast.
A morning visit to the Astra Museum. Set in over 80 acres of forest, surrounding two lakes, the Astra Museum has 360 reconstructed dwellings from every era and area of Romania and is the jewel in the crown of tourism in Sibiu. It also has an excellent souvenir/ folklore shop.
A trip on the ‘Cheese Express Tram’ from Sibiu to Rasinari, the local shepherd’s village, to enjoy a lunch of 'gogosi': hot corn doughnuts with a cheese or jam filling. Afterwards an afternoon to relax in cosmopolitan Sibiu before an evening meal in a Traditional Cellar Restaurant.
Transport back to the village and complementary Russian Coffees in the Lancaster Bar.
Choice of Full English or Continental Breakfast.
A day at the Salt Mines. Spa’s and Mud Baths Romanian style. No more information but bring a swimming costume, you will want to join in!
Time to relax before an evening stroll around the village and up to the amazing ‘Frog Rock’.
Evening meal - mediaeval style spit roast in the Orchard to watch storks nesting on the old school house above views of the village at sunset.
Drinks in the Lancaster Bar or complimentary transport into Sibiu.
Day 5
Choice of Full English or Continental Breakfast.
The Mediaeval Cptadel Tour: Visit the fortress churches at Slimnic, Mosna and Biertan. Enjoy a picnic lunch on route to the romantic, walled town of Sighisoara, birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula). Walk around the spooky old citadel and enjpy a drink in the house where he was born - if you dare! Visit the museum of torture and climb the ancient gatekeeper's tower. Explore the Hill Top Church and Graveyard which houses the only Crypt in Transylvania.
Evening meal in the medieval inn.
Drinks in the Lancaster Bar or complimentary transport into Sibiu.
Day 6
Choice of Full English or Continental Breakfast.
Full day’s mountain walking in either Paltinis, Cibin Gorges or Fagaras depending on your ability and fitness!
Or a chance to enjoy a cocktail on the sundeck by the pool. Or choose something from trhe list of alternative activities.
Picnic Lunch and Mountain Barbeque, weather permitting.
Drinks in the Lancaster Bar or complimentary transport into Sibiu.
Day 7
Choice of Full English or Continental Breakfast.
Sibiel – Glass Icon Museum and historic Fantanele. Visit the Glass Icon Museum then enjoy a stroll around the pretty neighbouring villages of Sibiel and Fantanele, untouched by time and modern ways.
Enjoy a lunch of bread, cheese and cold cuts then sample tuica (homemade plum brandy) in a traditional village house. An opportunity in the afternoon for any last minute shopping or sightseeing in Sibiu.
Four course dinner in the Barn Dining room.
Drinks in the Lancaster Bar or complimentary transport into Sibiu.
Day 8
Choice of Full English or Continental Breakfast.
A morning to relax in the village, then Traditional Cakes and Coffee before transfers to Cluj Napoca, callinmg at the spectacular Turda Gorge or Ferdinand Saltmines.
You will be taken to the Hotel Fullton, a very pleasant 3-star hotel situated in the heart of the old city centre, on a quiet street just off the main Unirii Square.
Evening meal is not included ... there is an excellent choice of restaurants in this lovely old University city.
Day 9
Private transfer to the aiirport for your flight home.
Recommended Flight: WIZZ AIR: Cluj 06:20 - Luton 07:25
Cisnadioara (Michelsberg) - old fire station and church
7 nights in Cisnadioara with full-board and activites (above or similar tailormade itinerary)
1 night at Hotel Fullton in Cluj - bed and breakfats
Return transfers between Cluj and Cisnadioara
Airport Transfer
Local Tax and VAT
From £ 750.00 including Wizz flights from Luton to Cluj, or £ 599.00 with Blue Air from Sibiu (7 nights)
Prices are based on two people sharing a twin or double room
The price is fully inclusive of all meals while staying in Cisnadioara (both in-house and in restaurants) and drinks with meals
(including local wines, beers and spirits and mixers), and any other drinks where stated.
In addition, the Lancaster Bar stocks a wide range of wines, beers, ales and other alcoholic drinks at very competitive prices.
Please note cafe coffees, snacks and pub drinks are not included.
SUGGESTED EXTENSIONS:
This holidays can be combined perfectly with a week in the Maramures (also with flights to Cluj), or with extra nights in Cluj
SEE ALSO THE TABLE ON THE RIGHT FOR DRACULA TRAIL, CLUJ AND TIMISOARA EXTENDED HOLIDAYS for 2010
To book your
Another Europe holiday
we recommend:
0845 058 7326
www.travelcounsellors.co.uk
A quaity, personal service by
travel experts in your local area
The suggested itinerary provides a fabulous overview of Transylvania in a week but for those who stay longer or want to try something else here are the other activities we can offer. Please note there may be an additional charge for some activities available on request. These have been indicated below.
Horse Riding
Horse and Cart Rides
Photography Course
Painting Course
Paint Balling
Quad Biking
4-Wheel Off Roading
Mountain Biking
Bird Watching
Bear Watching
Nature Hunt
Mountain Walking
History Walk
Ghost Walk
Ice Hotel (Nov till April)
Murder Mystery Dinner
These can also be taken in conjucnction with B&B or Self-catering breaks in Cisnadioara
All Prices include transport. They are payable locally and are subject to change.
There is a 20% reduction on all ‘additional activities’(except Photography) for guests staying on a fully inclusive basis.
Horse Riding and Traditional Hay Cart Rides
With Mihnea Virgolici of Cross Country Farm
With Transylvania being a region still rooted in traditional farming methods there are no shortage of horses. The pick of these equines can be found at Cross Country Farm. Beautifully cared for and well mannered these horses are ideal for novice to advanced riders. The countryside surrounding the ranch is extremely beautiful, rolling cornfields, flower strewn meadows and wooded hills.
There is an option for those wanting to participate in this rural experience but who do not wish to ride. A Traditional Hay Cart covered with hand woven blankets proves a very comfortable alternative.
Costs and Package:
Evening Sunset Ride (min 4 people): Leaving Cisnadioara late afternoon we will have a one and a half hours drive to the ranch by LandRover.
The total cost for riders including a ‘picnic tea’ on route is 200ron (approx £40) per person.
The total cost for Hay Cart riders including a picnic tea on route is 150ron (approx £30) per person.
Individuals or groups of less than 4 who wish to ride can obtain prices on request.
Riding helmets are provided but optional. Sturdy footwear, preferably with a small heal is necessary.
Individuals are responsible for their own insurance.
Mountain Biking
In the Cindrel Mountains:
The stunning Cindrel Mountains have a multitude of well marked trails. Explore enchanting woodland tracks and open pasture land by mountain bike in a place where you are unlikely to see anyone but shepherds all day!
Costs and Package:
Bike Hire and Transport 75ron (approx £15)
Packed lunch or tea 25ron (approx £5)
Guide (optional) 25ron (approx £5) per hour divided by the group.
Bear Watching
With Simona Munteneau:
Transylvania’s pristine forests are inhabited by over 3000 wolves, 5500 bears and 1500 lynx, as well as other large mammals. In summer there are 5 million sheep grazing up in the mountains. It is here where Simona will take you to a ‘secret hide’ for a chance to watch bears.
“There is a possibility to spot bears from a distance during the day-time but the chances are very small. If there is still snow we may have a chance to track them. We do have a possibility to greatly increase your chances of seeing bears however from the ‘hide’ (app. 90%). When the forest doesn’t provide enough natural substance for the bears it is here where the foresters put food. It is therefore ideal for observing the bears (not just spotting them) as they stay and feed.”
Package and Costs:
The nature reserve is a two hour drive into the mountains from Sibiu and we will arrive before dusk.
The Ranger will then take you by LandRover to a secret location in the forest. There will be a short (5 minutes) but steep walk to the hide where you will stay to watch bears until darkness has fallen.
These bears are truly wild so although the chances are high there is no guarantee of seeing them.
The total cost including a ‘packed tea’ is 120 euros (£80) per person (min 2 people).
There is an additional charge of 25 euro per camera. The camera charge applies only if you actually take pictures. The photographs must not be used for commercial purposes.
We can also organise longer nature treks with Simona but please note that she is popular and books well in advance.
Bird Watching and Nature Study
With Colin Shaw of ‘Roving Romania’ - please refer to our separate ROVING ROMANIA pages. A Roving Romania tour can be combined nicely with Another Europe
STOP PRESS: DRACULA TRAILS
Dracula themed variations available tghroughout the year including Halloween. These will include and extra night spent as HOTEL CASTEL DRACULA on the Borgo Pass and visits to Bistrita (Bistritz) and to Dracula's birthplace at Sighisoara, Also a wide range of ghoulish activities! Check with your travel agent for further information.
These special holidays combine the comfort, excellent cuisine and adventure of Another Europe Holidays with the excitement of an expedition to spend a night at the ICE HOTEL, high up in the Fagaras Range of the Carpathian Mountains. The hotel is accessible only by ski lift and is usually open until the end of March, sometimes into April, depending on climatic conditions. It is created with ice, carved from the glacial Balea Lac. If it begins to melt we will switch you to the adjacent Balea Cabana for the night!
6 DAYS/ 5 NIGHTS
DAY 1
FLIGHT: WIZZ AIR London Luton 08:25 - Cluj Napoca 13:00
Includes taxes, booking fees, 20kg hold luggage allowance (one bag)
Meet & Greet, Leisurely drive south into Saxon Transylvania to Casa Verde in Cisnadioara
Welcome cocktails and romantic evening meal. If there is time on arrival it may be possible to climb up to the old, romanesque church on the hill overlooking the village square. From there you could enjoy mulled wine while watching the sunset.
Overnight: Casa Verde or adjacent pension; double room
DAY 2
Breakfast followed by a trip through the excellent Astra Museum by horse-drawn carriage or sleigh, one of the best village museums in Europe scattered through a lovely park in the heart of the Dumbrava Forest. Lunch then onwards to explore the historic city of Sibiu - European City of Culture 2009. You will enjoy a romantic evening meal in an excellent Sibiu Restaurant then on to the Atrium Bar, below Casa Luxemburg on the 'Small Square' for cocktails. There is live music (usually jazz) at the Atrium on most evenings. Back to Cisnadioara fo overnight.
Breakfast, then an early start for the Ice Hotel. Your journey takes you east , winding ever higher towards the ridges of the Fagaras Mountains, the highest part of the Carpathians. Mulled wine and snacks will be served as you wait for the ski lift to take you on the final leg of your journey to the ICE HOTEL, situated beside the frozen Balea Lake at an elevation of 2034 metres. The afternoon can be spent exploring the Ice Hotel and the Ice Church, or to watch the sun setting over a winter wonderland. Please note that an evening meal is not included as this must be paid for directly. This can be taken in the ICE RESTAURANT at the Ice Hotel. The hotel becomes a night club from 8pm until midnight, when you can retire in peace to your frozen room! (alternative accommodation is available in the neighbouring Balea Cabana for the faint hearted!
DAY 4 (VALENTINES DAY)
What an amazing place to wake up! Breakfast, then back down to base camp with the ski lift. You will be greeted by Di and Jez, your hosts for a drive over the Transylvania pleateau, stopping first at the romantic ruins of Carta Abbey before exploring the Saxon fortress churchesd of Mosna and Biertan (UNESCO monuments). Enjoy an excellent meal in the restaurant at Biertan before continuing to the mediaeval, walled town of Sighisoara, birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula). Walk around the spooky old citadel and enjoy a drink in the house where he was born - if you dare! Climb the ancient gatekeeper's tower and explore the Hill Top Church and Graveyard which houses the only Crypt in Transylvania. Then back to Cisnadioara for a special, candlelit Valentine's meal, and overnight.
DAY 5
Breakfast and time to explore the village once more, before heading north towards Cluj. We pause en route for a picnic at the magnificent Turda Gorge in the Apuseni Mountains then continue to the former imperial capital of Transylvania, a bustling, university city. You will be dropped off by your hosts at the Hotel Fullton, a pleasant, popular hotel situated in a queit street in the heart of the old town, just off the main Unirii Square. An evening meal is not included so that you can explore the numerous vars and resraurants at your leisure.
DAY 6
Early morning transfer to Cluj airport for your flight home:
FLIGHT: WIZZAIR Cluj Napoca 06:20 - London Luton 07:25
PRICES ON REQUEST
EXTRA DAYS AR CISNADIOARA OR IN CLUJ MAY BE ADDED ON REQUEST
Another special feature of the Ice Hotel is the ICE CHURCH, which is erected nearby after the water and ice have been blessed by priests. Services have been held in the church, and there has been at least one wedding to date! So, if you are planning a winter wedding with a difference this could be your answer!
The images above are taken from the hotel website which has galleries with many more larger images to whet your appetite: www.icehotel.ro
Cisnadioara (Michelsberg) / Piata Mica, Sibiu / Lower Town from Liars Bridge, Sibiu / Cisnadie (Heltau)
Another Europe: Sibiu Apartment
In addition to accommodation in Cisnadioara, we can also offer a well-appointed apartment in the historic heart of Sibiu, for self-vatering breaks. The apartment is situated in a pretty courtyard close to the Liars Bridge and Piata Mica, the 'Small Square' - an ideal location to base a Transylvanian holiday from.
The apartment sleeps 2/4 and boasts Internet, Telephone, Cable T.V, Dishwasher and Washing Machine. Friendly English speaking staff are on hand 24 hours a day so it is easy to book excursions. A local English speaking guide costs £15 per day or a car with driver/interpreter costs £25 per day plus petrol.
All accommodation is complete with towels and bedding and a personal laundry servic is available.
In addition to accommodation in Cisnadioara, we can also offer a well-appointed apartment in the historic heart of Sibiu, for self-vatering breaks. The apartment is situated in a pretty courtyard close to the Liars Bridge and Piata Mica, the 'Small Square' - an ideal location to base a Transylvanian holiday from.
The apartment sleeps 2/4 and boasts Internet, Telephone, Cable T.V, Dishwasher and Washing Machine. Friendly English speaking staff are on hand 24 hours a day so it is easy to book excursions. A local English speaking guide costs £15 per day or a car with driver/interpreter costs £25 per day plus petrol.
All accommodation is complete with towels and bedding and a personal laundry servic is available.
1 Atkinson Court, Fell Foot, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, United Kingdom LA12 8NW - Tel. +44 (0)1539 531258; Email. info@lakelandbeyond.com
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