Full Day 4x4 Tour in the Eastern Carpathians
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Full Day 4x4 Tour in the Eastern Carpathians

Active
(3 reviews)
6h - 10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the natural wonders and remote villages of Romania on an eight-hour 4x4 tour. The itinerary can be completely customized based on your interests. Your private vehicle allows you to traverse dense forests and mountain roads with ease. Enjoy a leisurely hike up to Ecem Peak (1707 m) with your private guide. Later, drive to quaint villages well off the beaten tourist path to get a glimpse at true Romanian culture. For lunch you can choose between picnic in nature or freshly baked trout in a remote mountainous village. Optionally, you can enjoy a guided WWI and WWII battlefield tour, a self drive experience assisted by our guide on some parts where the terrain is not too difficult or an adrenaline pumping via ferrata tour in the Bicaz Gorges.
- Customize the itinerary based on your interests
- Reach remote destinations by a private 4x4
- Immerse yourself in Romanian nature and culture
- Enjoy the exclusivity of a private guide

Available options

Extended with WWI&WWIII

WWI & WWII Battlefield Tour: Get more insight in the history and battles of the World War I and II in the Eastern Carpathians with old maps and photos.<br/>Pickup included

Standard 4x4 Tour

Standard Tour: You will spend a full day in nature admiring wild places and isolated villages driving through unpaved, forest roads.<br/>Pickup included

Extended with Via Ferrata Tour

Via Ferrata Tour in the Bicaz: Experience the thrill of rock climbing with a 1-1.5 h via ferrata adventure on the rocky walls of the Kiscohard Massif.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Bilingual local driver/guide during the whole itinerary
Sunrise departure option: you can enjoy the first rays of the sun from the top of the Naskalat Mt.
Meals as specified in the description
Private round-trip transport by a 4wd car from Miercurea Ciuc (100 km from Sighisoara, 103 km from Brasov)
The extension of via ferrata tour if selected at the time of booking

Detailed itinerary

1

Your adventure tour starts in Miercurea Ciuc where your guide awaits you to set off with a 4x4 vehicle into the mountains and forests of the Eastern Carpathians. Before starting your off-road experience, you ride half an hour along the villages of the Ciuc Basin until the last village where the wilderness trails of the Ciuc Mountains begin.

Please note: The guide's knowledge of the region and weather allows him to adapt the daily routes depending on local conditions. The following is an illustration of the likely itinerary but local conditions may dictate that the order of the itinerary needs to be changed, always with your best interests in mind.

2

First you ride up to the bare ridge of the Naskalat Mountains, then your guide will drive you to one of the best belvedere points of the mountain, close to the 1553 high mountain top. Those who opted for a sunrise departure, they can enjoy spectacular sunrise views from this spot in case of clear weather.

3

After 2-2.5 h ride following the forest roads going along the Naskalat ridge and through the dense forests surrounding Tarcau Glade, you get to the border of the Bicaz Gorges – Hasmas National Park.

Here you can have picnic from local products and optionally go on a 2-3 hour easy trekking tour to the top of the 1707 m high Ecem Peak.

From the craggy ridge of the Ecem Mountains you can enjoy the silence and a great panorama over the surrounding mountains. When you get back to the car, continue your trip riding on remote forest routes and through mountain traditional areas to the small dispersed village of Haromkut.

4

When you get back to the car, continue your trip riding on remote forest routes and through mountain traditional areas to the small dispersed village of Haromkut. Here you can witness the traditional way of living and taste locally raised fresh trouts served by a local family. In the surroundings of the village you may meet horses, sheep and oxen flocks grazing, guarded by shepherds.

5

From Haromkut head to the breathtaking Bicaz Gorges riding along the picturesque Bicajel Valley with wooden houses and haystacks, dense forests and small waterfalls. After admiring the massive gorges and a short walk along Red Lake, optionally you can also experience the thrill of rock climbing with a 1-1.5 h via ferrata adventure on the rocky walls of the Kiscohard Massif! Those who don't opt for this extension of the tour, they will ride back to Miercurea Ciuc along the Kovacspeter ridge.

6

Those who choose the option of via ferrata at the time of the booking, they can experience this engineered vertical adventure powered by metal rungs, fixed iron ropes and an aerial bridge. It is totally secure and perfect for those of all experience levels. Strap on your harness and follow the instructions of your guide, conquer your fear of height and enjoy the gorgeous scenery of Red Lake, the surrounding mountain peaks and the Bicaz Gorges from above. With a secured route and all necessary equipment provided, this fully guided tour is a family-friendly outing.

7

Depending on the location of your accommodation (nearby Gheorgheni or nearby Miercurea Ciuc)and if there is still time left, from Red Lake you will ride up to the 1375 m high Kovacspeter ridge where dispersed summer shelters and the source of the Olt river (one of the most important rivers of Romania) can be found.

8

At the end of the tour, your guide will drop off you at your preferred location in Miercurea Ciuc or in the surroundings of the Ciuc Basin.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off can be offered on request
Alcoholic and other refreshing drinks (available to purchase)
Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
DE EN RO HU

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
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Tripadvisor 5.0
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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Dress warmly: sturdy, waterproof footwear and warm clothing recommended
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Not recommended for pregnant women & participants with back problems
The programs can be modified depending on the weather conditions or adding other options.
Tours can be personalized on request

About Miercurea-Ciuc

Miercurea-Ciuc is a charming city nestled in the heart of Transylvania, known for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant culture. It offers a unique blend of medieval architecture, natural beauty, and traditional Hungarian-Szekler heritage.

Top Attractions

Ciuc Fortress

A medieval fortress that played a significant role in the region's history, offering panoramic views of the city.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

St. Michael's Church

A stunning Gothic-style church with a rich history and beautiful architecture.

Religious 30-60 minutes Free (donations welcome)

Harghita Mountains

A breathtaking mountain range offering hiking, skiing, and stunning landscapes.

Nature Half-day to full-day trips Free to moderate (depending on activities)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tolkos Csirke

A traditional Hungarian-style chicken dish cooked with sour cream and paprika.

Main Course Contains dairy and meat

Lángos

A deep-fried dough topped with sour cream, cheese, and various toppings.

Snack Vegetarian (can be made vegan)

Palinka

A traditional fruit brandy, often made from plums or other local fruits.

Drink Alcoholic

Popular Activities

Hiking Skiing Mountain biking Spa visits Picnicking Strolling in parks Visiting museums Attending festivals

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, outdoor festivals, and vibrant cultural activities.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Romanian
  • Widely spoken: Hungarian, German, English
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Romanian Leu (RON)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Miercurea-Ciuc is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Use reputable taxi services
  • • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help

Getting there

By air
  • Avram Iancu International Airport • 100 km (62 miles)
By train

Miercurea-Ciuc Railway Station

By bus

Miercurea-Ciuc Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The local bus system is efficient and covers most parts of the city and surrounding areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Suburban Areas

Day trips

Bălan Valley
30 km (19 miles) • Full day

A scenic valley offering hiking, wildlife spotting, and stunning landscapes.

Sighișoara
50 km (31 miles) • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its medieval architecture and rich history.

Festivals

Ciuc Folk Festival • July Christmas Market • December

Pro tips

  • Visit the Ciuc Fortress during sunset for the best views of the city
  • Try traditional Hungarian-Szekler dishes at local restaurants and cafes
  • Explore the Harghita Mountains for stunning hiking and skiing opportunities
  • Attend local festivals and events for an immersive cultural experience
  • Learn a few basic phrases in Hungarian to enhance your interaction with locals
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 18-80
1
Childs
Age 5-11
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available

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