Wildlife Encounters: Carpathian Culture And Wildlife of Romania

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 46 reviews.

Lucy Miller

CARPATHIAN CULTURE AND WILDLIFE

Written July 2011
As with my previous Exodus holiday in the Rhodopi Mountains of Bulgaria, this was a good holiday made even better by the excellence of the guide every day and the high standard of the accommodation allied to the knowledge, passion for conservation and helpfulness of our hostess. Despite the unusually wet weather we still got out and about to see some of the special natural and built wonders of the area.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing a total of 6 beavers swimming in a river so near a town
Walking amongst beautiful and sometimes rare/protected flowers in a dramatic landscape

What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent - I am so impressed by his ability to explain not just all the fauna and nearly all the flora but also the complicated history of Transylvania in English.
Despite a lot of rain and the varied abilities/aptitudes of the group, not to mention a great deal of driving, he remained cheerful, unflappable, endlessly helpful and considerate.
One small example - I was particularly keen to see alpine plants, especially the rare Dianthus which I understand is native only to the national park we were in but the leader took time and effort to explain to me that in the weather conditions it was not possible to get high enough to do so.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go as soon as you can in case EU food regulations, the need for modernisation of the economy and changing aspirations of young locals change it forever.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Blow your savings and go! I'm really glad I went on the holiday - people on a previous Exodus holiday recommended the Carpathians to me and I will do the same to whomever I meet for many years to come.
Matthew Gerring

CARPATHIAN CULTURE AND WILDLIFE

Written July 2011
A very nice time had by all
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing the bears
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellant the best we have ever had with any tour company.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't eat too much before you go, the food is lovely.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The price was rather high.
Aminata Sylla

CARPATHIAN CULTURE AND WILDLIFE

Written July 2011
Perfect holidays if you like wildlife, nature and history...as well as eating good food!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The bear hide was really fantastic! But Ilove all the treks in he mountains too.
What did you think of your group leader?
Very knowledgeable and interesting
Is there anything else you would like to add?
very comfortable guesthouse and friendly people
Mary Adamson

CARPATHIAN CULTURE AND WILDLIFE

Written June 2011
Carpathian Culture and Wildlife (May 2011) is a wonderful mix of visiting ridgetop villages and farms in the Transylvanian mountains, hikes up into the forests and pastures, nibbling on delicious fresh cheese at a shepherd's hut, and visits to other local highlights such as the lovely medieval architecture of Brasov and the castle known as Dracula's Castle which is surprisingly charming and lovely.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
1. Being in these beautiful Romanian national park mountains with fresh air, fresh food cooked by Katherine and family at the inn, and hiking every day in a different direction and meeting the people of the mountains, villages, and cities.
2. The dedication of our terrific guide Cosmos Dan and our hostess Katherine and her husband Hermann, and friends, to protecting and promoting the beauty of Romanian countryside and wildlife. I was particularly moved by our visit to the bear sanctuary where rescued bears (captive & often wounded or abused for performances) are healed, rehabilitated to living in the woods, and protected for life.
3. Eating the best fresh cheese I've ever had in my 57 years at the shepherd's hut high in the mountains.
What did you think of your group leader?
Cosmos Dan is an inspiration himself with his dedication to protecting his national heritage environment for future generations and seeking to share the beauty of the land and wildlife with visitors. He is a native of the area, knows every square inch of the land and the hidden trails and all about the wildlife). As a former National Park ranger, he is particularly well suited to guide people with an interest in the ecosystems and wildlife of the area, but being a native of the region, he also knows everyone and has insights and answers to any and all questions.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Bring an appetite for delicious Romanian home cooking and energy and a walking stick for the mountains and enjoy a wonderful vacation. You will be very reluctant to leave.
Victoria Rice

CARPATHIAN CULTURE AND WILDLIFE

Written June 2011
I had a fantastic time in Romania. It was interesting and educational and, at times, entertaining! A fascinating and complicated country with lots to explore.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The highlight of the trip for me was seeing 9 wild bears from the bear hide, mainly adult females with cubs.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leaders were great and very knowledgable about the local area, culture and wildlife. Between them, Cosmin and Udo were able to answer the majority of my questions. Udo also provided plenty of entertainment throughout the week! Katharina and Herman were welcoming hosts at the guesthouse and made the stay very comfortable.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't hang on to leftover Lei with the intention of buying souvenirs at the airport. Apart from the food court, you will need Euros. Oh, and watch the palinc?- you have been warned!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The food was a really pleasant surprise! I thought it would be limited but I havn't eaten so well in a long time. I never knew there were so many ways to eat cabbage!
Helen Gregory

CARPATHIAN CULTURE AND WILDLIFE

Written June 2011
I am really glad that I chose this trip. Romania is a beautiful and fascinating country to which I hope to return. I could have easily stayed much longer. Villa Hermani is a lovely, clean and comfortable guesthouse with great food!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing 9 bears and cubs from the bear hide was brilliant. It was also great to see the work carried out at the sanctuary in Zarnesti in rescuing mistreated bears and providing them with an environment close to what they should have experienced as wild bears.
What did you think of your group leader?
Both Cosmin and Udo were very enthusiastic and knowledgable about the area and it's history : )
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I would definately class some of the walking as strenuous, a walking pole might be useful as some of the up/down hills are steep!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Try the home made plum brandy at the guesthouse!
Make sure you pay a visit to the local 'pub'!
Diane Cowan

CARPATHIAN CULTURE AND WILDLIFE

Written May 2011
Food for the soul! - A week of stunning scenery and good company led by Cosmin and Katerina, both of whom's passion for Romania's wildlife and culture is inspirational.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Vistas so wide you can't take it all in.
So many different shades of green.
What did you think of your group leader?
Cosmin has a passion for Romania, it's wildlife and history. He is very knowledgable and he loves guiding. A great guide!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure you are fit! There is no such thing as 'flat' on this trip. It was often steep and sometimes loose underfoot. That said it wasn't hard walking all day every day due to the 'culture' part of the itinerary.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The accomodation is superb. Katerina and Hermann run a lovely guest house. Clean and comfortable. The food is fresh and local every day. Beware the Schnapps!!! Say hello to Smelly Dog (aka Kurt Cobain).
Don't go expecting to see wild wolves and bears on your walks every day. Visit the sanctuary and be grateful for it. Experience the bear hide. Take binoculars and watch the beavers at the Beaver project. Enjoy the many varieties of birds including birds of prey and myriad fauna and flora every day.