CARPATHIAN CONSERVATION, CULTURE AND WILDLIFE

One of the last remaining true wilderness areas in Europe can be found in the majestic Piatra Craiului Mountains of central Romania. For centuries the locals have existed in harmony with a rich variety of rare wildlife, including Europe's highest concentration of bears, wolves and lynx. Our days are spent on walks through spectacular canyons, virgin forests and Saxon villages. We stay in a guesthouse owned by a local family, providing a good standard of accommodation and delicious food. We visit the Beaver Reintroduction Programme and the former research centre for The Carpathian Large Carnivore Project, which is home to two hand-raised wolves, Poiana and Crai. There is also a chance to visit Bran Castle ('Dracula's Castle') and the mediaeval town of Brasov. There is the optional opportunity to visit a bear hide on most summer departures. This is dependent upon local permissions and therefore booked locally.