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Slow Cycling in Transylvania

"Rich rewards await those who explore Transylvania's hidden corners on two wheels"

Nigel Tisdall, The Financial Times

When to go

April to Oct

Price from

£2,985

Duration

5 - 6 nights

Activity level

Activity Level: 2 out of 5

This journey is taken mostly by electric bike with some walking.

For cycling we use front suspension electric mountain bikes. Cycles are between 35 – 55 kms on a wonderful mix of quiet tarmac roads, gravel roads, cart tracks, meadows and narrow forest trails. The off-road trails take a little getting used to, but Slow Cyclists of all ages and abilities almost always find them the cycling highlight of their time with us. Transylvania is hilly so it is important to have a moderate level of cycling fitness and be comfortable on dirt roads and paths, up and downhill. However, this journey is suitable for almost all levels of cyclist.

On foot, the walks tend to last between 1-3 hours, taking us through a mix of pastoral and wild landscapes. The walks are not technical but there are hills with steep sections, so moderate fitness is required.

The journey has the potential for a lot of flexibility. There are many different route options each day and the precise split between road and off-road depends on the ability and confidence of the group.

Find out more about our Activity Levels.

Enchanted Saxon Transylvania | classic Journey

Set in the bucolic foothills of Romania's Carpathian Mountains, Transylvania is an outpost of medieval Europe. Cycle and walk through pastoral landscapes, eat at some of Romania's best private tables, and sleep in lovingly restored guest houses in the Saxon villages. This is a land like no other.

Travel along peaceful tracks, wildflower meadows and narrow forest trails, discovering Transylvania’s traditional villages and imposing fortified churches along the way. Journeying by electric bike and on foot provides a deep immersion into an extraordinary part of Europe.

Journey Highlights

  • Discover the charming architecture and fascinating history of Transylvania, a most surprising region
  • Move at your own pace through a land of staggering natural and cultural beauty where time slows down
  • Visit lovingly restored churches, mansions and village houses, and meet those keeping local crafts and traditions alive
  • Cycle through magical forests and meadows, disappeared from much of Europe, but very much alive in Transylvania
  • Sample farm to table cuisine, in local homes or at magical picnic tables. Always accompanied by fantastic wines and spirits
Apafi Manor in Malancrav, an 18th century traditional house in Transylvania, restored by the Mihai Emenescu Trust and where Slow Cyclists stay on their journey.

Sustanability headline

Co2 emissions for this trip per person, per day: 123 (without flights) 123 (with flights)
How we work this out

Misty hills in Transylvania, Romania, seen on a Slow Cyclist journey

Itinerary

Our 5-night cycling holiday takes in the charming Saxon villages, ancient oak and beech forests and famous wildflower meadows of southern Transylvania. We are happy to offer shorter or longer options for private small groups, and have a range of extension options for those who would like to discover more of Romania.
Day 1 - Arrival in Transylvania

Those arriving on the flight we recommend will be met at the airport by one of our guides and transferred 3 hours to Copsa Mare. A beautifully restored 17th century cottage is your home tonight. Before bed, though, there will be a chance to meet the rest of our guiding team, explore the village and enjoy dinner, freshly prepared by your host, Giovanna.

Day 2 - Copsa Mare to Malancrav

Cycling 25 kms – Walking 2 hours

We will set off from Copsa Mare to Nou Sasesc either by foot or by bike, depending on the weather conditions. There we’ll have a picnic. In the afternoon we will walk over a series of forested ridges to Malancrav, where we will stay in a sumptuous 15th century Hungarian mansion and a series of restored village houses. Our evening will be spent dining at the manor house.

Day 3 - Malancrav to Sighisoara

Cycling 39 kms

 

After visiting the fortified church in Malancrav, home to some of the best frescoes in Romania, we will spend the morning cycling to Stejareni for a picnic lunch in the meadows. In the afternoon we’ll climb to Breite, a sprawling Saxon planted oak forest, and continue to Sighisoara’s celebrated citadel, the alleged birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. Supper is close to the citadel and you will stay at an elegantly restored Gothic townhouse.

Day 4 - Sighisoara to Crit

Cycling 30 kms – Walking 2 hours or 17 kms cycling

 

We will walk through Sighisoara in the morning, exploring the citadel’s history, before setting off on trails to Saschiz for lunch with our friends Anca and Charlie, some of the first members of Slow Food Transylvania. The trails give way to a long descent through forests into Crit, for dinner in the simple home of Rozi, Nicu and family. Nicu will cook a mean barbeque in their apple orchard. Another beautifully restored house is our home tonight.

Day 5 - Crit to Viscri

Walking 2 hours – Cycling 20 kms

We will walk to perfectly situated Mesendorf for lunch with Adi and Oana in their barn (in the autumn, if conditions allow, a truffle hunter and his dogs will accompany us). Then it is back in the saddle for an incredible ride across Transylvania’s finest sheep grazing country. Our last night is in a comfortable traditional guesthouse in Viscri, the village that first attracted King Charles to the region, and where he owns a house.

Day 6 - Departure

After a morning spent exploring Viscri’s UNESCO fortified church we will take you for a farewell lunch before we say goodbye and send you on your way to the airport.

Dates & Availability

If you would prefer to travel to Transylvania in a private group, enquire now for availability.

Enchanted Saxon Transylvania
May 2, 2025
5 Nights
£2,985.00
Enchanted Saxon Transylvania
May 17, 2025
5 Nights
£2,985.00
Enchanted Saxon Transylvania
May 24, 2025
5 Nights
£2,985.00
Enchanted Saxon Transylvania
June 27, 2025
5 Nights
£2,985.00
Enchanted Saxon Transylvania
June 29, 2025
5 Nights
£2,985.00
Enchanted Saxon Transylvania
September 4, 2025
5 Nights
£2,985.00
Enchanted Saxon Transylvania
September 5, 2025
5 Nights
£2,985.00
Enchanted Saxon Transylvania
September 12, 2025
5 Nights
£2,985.00
Enchanted Saxon Transylvania
September 21, 2025
5 Nights
£2,985.00
Enchanted Saxon Transylvania
September 27, 2025
5 Nights
£2,985.00
Enchanted Saxon Transylvania
October 5, 2025
5 Nights
£2,985.00

What's Included?

It’s rare in small group travel, but at The Slow Cyclist we include everything from the moment you land in Romania. We are often told by our guests how great it is to forget about their wallet and focus on the experience. 

  • Electric Bikes

    A premium electric mountain bike, best suited to the terrain.

  • Guides & Hosts

    A dedicated Slow Cyclist host to look after you along the way and two local guides who know Transylvania's landscapes and history inside out.

  • Transfers

    Airport transfers on arrival and departure; and you never need to carry any bags as your luggage is transported ahead each day.

  • Accommodation, Food & Drinks

    Charming, beautifully restored Transylvanian guest houses, delicious locally sourced and home-cooked food, and all drinks and snacks.

  • Activities

    All cultural visits and activities, from visiting fortified churches to meeting local artisans. And as ever with The Slow Cyclist, plenty of surprises too.

Two Slow Cyclists riding in a Transylvanian meadow
Walking and Cycling in Transylvania

Transylvania is a dream destination for cycling and walking. You’ll walk through a mix of pastoral and wild landscapes, from deciduous forests to high pastures and wildflower meadows. The cycling offers a wonderful mix of quiet tarmac roads, gravel roads, cart tracks, meadows and narrow forest trails. It’s important that you have good general fitness, but our bike guides can help you to hone your skills on the e-bike.

A Slow Cyclist guide and host in Transylvania, Romania
Guiding & Support

Our attention to detail sets us apart. On your Transylvania cycling holiday, you will be accompanied by a Slow Cyclist host. In addition, you will be looked after by two of our local guides throughout. Your bags will be driven ahead each day and a support vehicle will be on hand (although never too close) in case you need a lift.

A guest house in Transylvania, decorated with traditional Romanian crafts, where Slow Cyclists stay on a journey in Romania
Accommodation​

We avoid big, soulless hotels, preferring intimate Transylvanian guest houses. These have been beautifully restored using local crafts and hand-painted furniture. You’ll be fed well here, with the freshest ingredients from local farms and gardens. To help you get a good night’s sleep we provide luxury pillows.

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HOW TO BOOK

There are two ways to travel with us. You can either travel on a set-date Scheduled Journey or put together your own private party.

MAKE NEW FRIENDS

Scheduled Journeys

A wonderful opportunity to explore a fascinating part of the world, to meet like-minded travellers and make new friends in a small group of Slow Cyclists assembled by us. 

TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS

Private Journeys

If you love the look of Transylvania and would like to experience it in a small group of family or friends, get in touch and we will explain how we can make it happen.