Cycle Romania

This is our 6th cycling trip with Exodus and it is one of the best. The route was wonderful with views of the Carpathians, fields of corn and potatoes and horses pulling carts. We are experienced cyclists and the 3/10 level lets one burn some calories but still leave time to visit monasteries, water-driven flour mills and fortified churches. It was good to know in advance that we might have to share a bathroom (4 times, but it worked out) and that the food is rustic home cooking (great cheese, cured meats, mashed potatoes, lots of tomatoes and cucumbers). Our leader, Tudor, was excellent. Remember to save time to do a free walking tour in Bucharest on the last day. Travel guides say that tourism in Romania is "budding"--do this trip now before the country changes!

This trip gives you the ability to time travel. Starting in modern Bucharest, which has architecture and a street plan that made it worthy of the nickname 'the little Paris', then blighted by a communist period but is now gradually recovering. But the time travel really begins as the cycle tour winds its way on quiet country roads through peaceful villages which have some modern conveniences but otherwise haven't changed much in a hundred years. At times it is hard to get used to the quiet, but then the silence is broken by a chorus of barking dogs in the distance and roosters crowing in the next farmyard. Much history is covered during this week, with daily sessions to explain the progression of the various peoples that have struggled over this strategically useful territory. We visited many Saxon fortified churches from the 14th century.

This is a super trip if you are up for 'moderate' level cycling, want to visit a new country and are interested in seeing a village lifestyle that may well soon disappear. It is full of small but magical moments - overtaking horses and carts, waves from villagers, passing hi-fives with children and visits to the baker. the blacksmith, the mill, and being shown round a fortified church and a ruined abbey by the local priest. The scenery is great - for the first couple of days we would be cycling alongside snow-capped mountains. That then turns into the lush green hills of Transylvania. The first three days have the longest routes and we were glad that we'd done some hill training before the trip but we coped - although we were usually last we weren't far behind! The routes are well planned and there is less traffic in Transylvania than on our previous cycle trips in western Europe. Some of the dirt roads are being tarmacked and will soon be smoother rides. The dinners in the small hotels / guests houses were very good as were our picnics and snacks during the day. The fortified churches are really interesting and, as a keen photographer, there were plenty of opportunities for good photos along the way. Btw, the bikes were fine!

Overall a brilliant and interesting trip. We felt like we had seen and learnt so much about the countryside, the culture and the history. Some great cycling, definitely need to be reasonably fit but nothing we couldn't manage. Fabulous views, varied countryside, we really got an idea of the area. Accommodation definitely basic but clean, showers worked and comfy beds. Excellent food really loved it all. Friendly people who were enthusiastic about their locality and customs. The cultural visits in between the cycling were excellent. Our guides Christina and Radu were brilliant, very knowledgeable and always willing to share their information, always helpful and smiley! Great lunchtime picnics!

This was my first trip with Exodus and bike tour - but not my last. And I can only recommend it to anyone: a well organised trip, with great guides (Tudor and Liviu - both are always smiling and relaxed but well prepared). Tudor informed us very well of what is ahead and what to expect and Liviu took care of nice coffee and tea brakes (and nuts, chocolate, bananas etc.) waiting for us always in great mood. With both I would go on any trip as I felt well taken care of. And the group itself was nice too. Though I've seen more impressive landscapes n other journeys it was still unique - all the untouched lovely wild meadows everywhere - and the most impressive pottholes I have ever seen :-) ! With the bike the impression is uncomparable: the rustic land life, horses pulling carts and the little villages with old men and women sitting on benches in front of their houses waving with a cheerfull smile. very friendly people and hosts. Though there was a lot of meat it was not only meat - but don't expect to lose weight as you get a lot to eat, and I liked the Romanian Radler, nearly at every guest house you get free wifi. Don't take too much change - everything is cheap and even with tips I ended up with enough change, but as I will come back no problem. By the way: they have new bikes, so well equipped for the tour. But bring your gel saddle and enough sun screen and some mosquito repellent and your camera for lovely photos. I think the trip was more challenging than expected, less due to some gravel roads but with some climbs (e.g. 4 k) in the hot summer heat without any shade (I would recommend going in May or June).

Just back from a 8 days cycling trip in Romania and really loved this trip because here you get the chance of experience the real country life in Romania.

really truly surprising place quiet unspoilt clean friendly , good wi fi , mobile phone and yet really untouched by 2oth centuary cars a variety , and then the fortified churches we all yawn ,but with this trip each and everyone has its own special charm . Good varied acheivable ride in deepest quiet untouched country side

Overall this was a very enjoyable trip and one I would highly recommend for people who want a more varied and challenging experience than would be typically offered by a "coach tour" style of holiday. The cycling was generally easy going with the odd hill and the scenery was always beautiful.

A wonderful trip exploring very rural parts of Transylvania - varying terrain - some stretches of unmade roads. Beautiful scenery and interesting visits to Monasteries and fortified Churches. No problem with the bicycles provided.

I've been on quite a few Exodus walking and cycling trips and this has to have been the best so far This was down to several reasons. Firstly Romania is a beautiful country and the tour took us though some of the most scenic areas . Our guides Cristina and Liviu were fabulous. Knowledgeable about their country and relaxed and fun to be with. We stayed at some wonderful out of the way places and our hosts and food were exceptional. The group was the best! We laughed so much and we all felt we had found 13 new friends by the end.