Unique, quality holidays based near Sibiu, in Saxon Transylvania
Comfortable accommodation, exciting activities and exceptional cuisine
Telephone: +44 (0)1539 531 258
Email: travel@beyondtheforest.com
Email: travel@beyondtheforest.com
LAST UPDATED
27 / 12 / 2008
27 / 12 / 2008
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o Quality Accommodation
o Bespoke Holidays
o Business & IncentiveTravel
o Car Hire
o Transfers
o Rail Tickets
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o Adventure
o Culture
'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 from our GUEST BOOK
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Another Europe Sample 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 ONLY £ 549.00 per person plus flights from £ 65.00 per person with Wizz - Luton to Cluj Based on two people sharing a twin or double room SEE BELOW FOR FULL DETAILS + SAMPLE ITINERARY 9 Days BED & BREAKFAST + CAR 7 nights in Cisnadioara + 1 night in Cluj bed & breakfast + car hire ONLY £ 345.00 per person plus flights from £ 65.00 per person with Wizz - Luton to Cluj Based on two people sharing a twin or double room 9 Days SELF-CATERING + CAR 7 nights self-catering in Cisnadioara + 1 night in Cluj + car hire ONLY £ 235.00 per person plus flights from £ 65.00 per person with Wizz - Luton to Cluj Based on four people sharing a village house (sleeps up to 7 people) 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 Sighisoara (Schässburg) Clock Tower & Museum Walls & Fortifications Covered Staircase Church on the Hill Vlad Dracula House Cisnadie (Heltau) Cisnadioara (Michelsberg) Cristian (Grossau) Sibiel Glass Icons Seica Mica (Kleinschelken) Valea Viilor (Würmloch) Mosna (Meschen) Biertan (Bïrthälm) Medias (Mediasch) Bagaciu (Bogeschdorf) Crit (Deutschkreuz), Cloasterf (Klosdorf), Târnave Valley (wine region) Turda Gorge Cluj Cindrel Mountains Rasinari Shepherds Village Fagaras Mountains Carta Abbey Mountain Biking Trekking 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 £ 65.00 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.
0845 3000 247 (UK)
01539 531 258 (UK)
0044 1539 513258 (Int.)
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.
Day 1
Recommended Flight: WIZZ AIR: Luton 08:25 - Cluj 13:00. Bookings: www.wizzair.com
Prices from £ 65.00 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 Cotadel 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
Airporty Transfer
Local Tax and VAI
ONLY £ 549.00 per person plus flights from £ 65.00 per person with Wizz - Luton to Cluj
This price is 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
Shorter stays or combinations with flights to Sibiu, or Bucharest also possible. Please contact us for further details or a full quotation
ANOTHER EUROPE - ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
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.
There is a 20% reduction on all ‘additional activities’(except Photography) for guests staying on a fully inclusive basis.
Photography
With Professional Photographer Scott Eastman
Costs and Package:
The details of my photo teaching are 125 euro plus tva per person with a minimum of two people and a maximum of 6. A minimum of two people need to sign up or a single supplement fee will bring the total for the day to 250. I provide transportation. Half day fees are 80 euro per person with a minimum of two people or the single supplement brings the price to 160 plus tva. I can teach to any level and can also lead groups around old town Sibiu or as far as Biertan, Balea or Paltinis.
Scott comes very highly recommended from all of our visitors who have attended his courses. One visitors comment was “It’s obvious Scott is an amazing photographer, lots of people are… but he can also really teach”. We will arrange contact beforehand so that Scott can tailor the class to peoples needs.
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 and Lynx 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
ANOTHER EUROPE - SELF-CATERING and BED & BREAKFAST HOLIDAYS
The accommodation at Cisnadioara may also be booked for simple independent holidays, subject to availability. The village houses may be booked as self-catering, each accommodating up to 7 people. In addition we can still offer day by day activities, as above or even car hire with a driver.
SAMPLE PACKAGES
9 Days BED & BREAKFAST + CAR HIRE
7 nights in Cisnadioara
+ 1 night in Cluj (Hotel Fullton or similar)
bed & breakfastt
Car Hire: Dacia Logan 1.4 - collect and drop at Cluj airport; unlimited mileage
ONLY £ 345.00 per person plus flights from £ 65.00 per person
with Wizz - Luton to Cluj
Based on two people sharing a twin or double room
9 Days SELF-CATERING + CAR HIRE
7 nights self-catering in Cisnadioara - includes rental of a full house for 7 nights (bedding and towels included; accommodates to 7 people)
+ 1 night in Cluj (Hotel Fullton or similar)
Car Hire: Dacia Logan 1.4 - collect and drop at Cluj airport; unlimited mileage
ONLY £ 235.00 per person plus flights from £ 65.00 per person with Wizz - Luton to Cluj
Price based on four people sharing a village house (sleeps up to 7 people)
Cisnadioara (Michelsberg) / Piata Mica, Sibiu / Lower Town from Liars Bridge, Sibiu / Cisnadie (Heltau)
ANOTHER EUROPE - SELF-CATERING APARTMENT IN SIBIU TOWN CENTRE
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 £12 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.
SAMPLE PACKAGE:
9 Days SELF-CATERING IN SIBIU + CAR HIRE
7 nights self-catering in Sibiu - includes rental of the apartment for 7 nights (bedding and towels included)
+ 1 night in Cluj (Hotel Fullton or similar)
Car Hire: Dacia Logan 1.4 - collect and drop at Cluj airport; unlimited mileage
ONLY £ 358.00 per person plus flights from £ 65.00 per person with Wizz - Luton to Cluj
Price based on two people sharing the 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 £12 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.
SAMPLE PACKAGE:
9 Days SELF-CATERING IN SIBIU + CAR HIRE
7 nights self-catering in Sibiu - includes rental of the apartment for 7 nights (bedding and towels included)
+ 1 night in Cluj (Hotel Fullton or similar)
Car Hire: Dacia Logan 1.4 - collect and drop at Cluj airport; unlimited mileage
ONLY £ 358.00 per person plus flights from £ 65.00 per person with Wizz - Luton to Cluj
Price based on two people sharing the apartment
is a Division of BCD Meetings & Incentives
1 Atkinson Court, Fell Foot, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, United Kingdom LA12 8NW
Tel. +44 (0)1539 531258 or UK local rate: 0845 3000 247; Email. travel@beyondtheforest.com
ATOL 3319 - IATA 91267691
The air holidays and flights shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL nrmber is ATOL 3319.
ATOL protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom.
Click on the ATOL logo if you want to know more.
Copyright © 2008 BeyondtheForest - the Romania Travel Specialists