Our first journey just for women, run by women, and meeting inspirational women along the way. Join us for a guided journey by electric bike and on foot through the wild landscapes, timeless Saxon villages, ancient oak and beech forests and famous wildflower meadows of southern Transylvania. See this timeless landscape through the eyes of the women who shape it.
- Duration
- 5 nights
- How We Travel
- Electric biking & walking
-
Activity Level
Graded between 1 (easiest) and 5 (most challenging). Click for more details
- Bike Type
- Front suspension electric mountain bikes
- Price
- From £3,270 per person
- Group Size
- Maximum 12 guests
Journey Highlights
- Travel with a group of female Slow Cyclists, guided by two of Romania's best female mountain biking guides.
- Meet inspiring women along the way, learning about their role in both traditional and modern Transylvanian life.
- Visit the Transylvanian Arts Festival, founded by author and historian Lucy Abel Smith, and hear from fascinating speakers.
- 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.
- Give back to a worthwhile cause. 1% of revenue from this trip will go towards a women-led charity in Romania.
Good to Know
- All of our guests on this journey will be women. We welcome both groups and solo travellers.
- In Malancrav, the group will be split between the Manor House and slightly simpler village houses. There will be a slight price difference depending on where you stay in Malancrav.
- We work with small family-run guest houses and rooms are not identical. We do our best to make room allocations fair throughout your stay.
- We cycle most days on this journey, with distances up to 55 kms a day and some walks of up to 2.5 hours. Routes may change depending on weather.
Welcome to The Slow Cyclist
In 2015 & 2016 I spent much of my time living in Mesendorf, one of the villages you will travel through on this journey. Since those early days of The Slow Cyclist, Transylvania is a place that has got well and truly under my skin, and I hope it does yours. For this journey, I've asked Destination Manager Ellie to tell you a little more...
"This journey is extra special as we're putting the focus on the brilliant women who bring these Transylvanian communities together. You'll meet inspirational business owners, traditional craftspeople and women doing incredible work for local charities. Your main guide for this journey is Suzi, a competitive mountain biker who recently became the second woman ever to qualify as the highest level of European mountain bike instructor. We are in awe of her, and I'm sure you will be too.
You'll spend your week in the company of other female Slow Cyclists discovering the Saxon villages of southern Transylvania, home to a magnificent, unspoilt land dotted with imposing medieval castles, fortress-churches and crumbling ruins. Its a land that should not be experienced from behind a car windscreen, but on foot and from the saddle of a bicycle."
Thank you for choosing to travel with us to this special place that means so much to us. I hope you have a wonderful time.
Oli BroomFounder, The Slow Cyclist
The Journey
The Saxon villages of southern Transylvania are set in a bucolic landscape in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains in central Romania. We will travel through a land that has been called an 'outpost of medieval Europe', staying in beautifully restored guest houses, eating at some of the best private tables in Romania, enjoying table picnics in remote forests and electric biking and walking along quiet back roads, tracks, trails and meadows. This is an opportunity to step back in time and move at your own pace through a unique land of fascinating cultural traditions and staggering natural beauty. Our journeys are built around friendship, exceptional hospitality and the great outdoors. We approach our time on a bike - or on foot - as an opportunity to explore rather than test our fitness.
Your Guides
On this journey, you'll be joined by a female host and two fantastic female bike guides: Suzi and Teo. They will be very happy to teach you the ropes of your e-bike as well as any skills that will help you on different terrains. When not guiding, Suzi is a competitive mountain biker and became the second woman ever to qualify as the highest level of European mountain bike instructor. In a culture where traditional gender roles can still feel ingrained, both Suzi and Teo are breaking the mould.
When to Go?
Each season has its charm. In April and early May the forests burst into life. Around mid-May, depending on the harshness of the winter, the celebrated wildflower meadows emerge, lasting for much of June and often into July. Throughout September and October there is less rainfall than in the spring and the quality of the light gets better and better as, simultaneously, the forests explode into oranges and reds with abundant orchards bearing ripened fruit that local people use to make palinka, wine and all manner of cakes. The climate is temperate, with daytime temperatures in April, May, June, July, September and October typically between 18 to 30°C.
The Walking & Cycling
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.
Find out more about our activity levels here.
E-Bikes & Forest Trails
We use hardtail (front suspension) electric mountain bikes because of the mix of terrain. They are a revelation, opening up more of the countryside to our guests. Here in Transylvania it means we are able to fully appreciate a network of subtly designed trails, particularly between Sighisoara and Viscri. Some of our guides were involved in their construction a few years ago and still maintain them for our guests. They connect several villages, often taking steep hills out of the equation, and enabling us to see the best of the Transylvanian landscape.
Food & Drink
While Romania may not be known for world-famous cuisine, you’ll be surprised by the depth of flavour and authenticity in the traditional meals prepared by our friends. Their methods are traditional, their produce is fresh and, although they would never call it so, the very definition of organic. Sometimes we will eat out in the open (always at a table) and at other times in private homes, traditional kitchens and small guest houses. Romanian wines are underrated and you will taste carefully chosen labels during your stay. You will also be served plenty of homemade wine, plum and pear brandies. During the day we provide local fruit and snacks. Allergies and other preferences are noted at the time of booking.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Saturday 5 September - Arrival
Transfer 2 hours
A member of the team will meet you at the airport and drive you to Malancrav where we will stay in a sumptuous 15th century Hungarian mansion. Depending on the size of the group, a couple of village houses may also be required (we endeavour to share the best rooms fairly throughout the week). Our evening will be spent dining at the manor house.
Day 2 - Sunday 6 September - The Transylvanian Arts Festival
Today we are joined by Lucy Abel Smith, an art historian, the author of Travels in Transylvania and the founder of the renowned Fresh Air Sculpture, a biennial show in the Cotswolds. When not in the UK, the village of Richis is her second home and where she hosts the Transylvanian Arts Festival which she founded in 2013. We'll hear from a range of inspiring female speakers covering topics across history and art before having lunch with Lucy. This afternoon, we will return to Malancrav for a walk or cycle in the surrounding countryside. Dinner will once again be at the manor house.
Day 3 - Monday 7 September - 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 Stejarenii for a picnic lunch in the meadows. Lunch is provided by Donata, who moved with her family from the Netherlands to enjoy rural life in Transylvania. 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 in the family home of Theodora and Alpa close to the citadel. Theo will cook up a traditional Romanian feast while giving us insights into life in Sighisoara. Tonight we will stay at an elegantly restored Gothic townhouse.
Day 4 - Tuesday 8 September - 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 and co-founders of the Yoyo Foundation. The trails give way to a long descent through forests into Crit, for a mean barbecue in the apple orchard of Rozi and her family. Another restored Saxon house is our home tonight.
Day 5 - Wednesday 9 September - 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. Adi left behind a successful law career in Bucharest to open her own restaurant, serving Transylvanian classics with a contemporary twist. 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 guest house in Viscri, the village that first attracted King Charles to the region, and where he still owns a house.
Day 6 - Thursday 10 September - Departure
After a morning spent exploring Viscri’s UNESCO fortified church we will head for a farewell lunch before we say goodbye and send you on your way to the airport.
Extensions
If you would like to extend your time with us, contact us and we'll be happy to help.
Practical Information
Guiding & Support
Our attention to detail sets us apart. You will be accompanied by a member of The Slow Cyclist team from the UK who will act as your host. In addition, you will be looked after by two female local guides throughout. Both are fluent in English, experts on the bike and passionate about Transylvanian culture and heritage. We’re sure you will become firm friends by the time you leave. Finally, 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.
Accommodation
We avoid big, soulless hotels, preferring intimate guest houses and homes that offer charm, comfort and a beautiful location. Most will be exclusively ours, but in one or two there may be other guests. To help you get a good night's sleep we provide luxury pillows in addition to those provided by the guest houses. Rooms are en-suite where possible and although hot water and water pressure is generally reliable, we are occasionally let down (these are medieval properties, and tourism is still in its infancy). Wi-Fi or a good 4G or 5G connection is available each night. If accommodation is listed in this itinerary it is as a guide; where required any substitutes will be of similar quality. Lodging is based on twin or double sharing although a single supplement is available.
Bikes & Safety
We take your safety seriously. You must wear a helmet when cycling and we cannot accept bookings from anyone unwilling to wear one. The bikes you'll be riding with us are electric bikes. You will be given a brief lesson in how to use them effectively before we start cycling. If you have any technical issues during your time with us, from squeaky brakes to punctures, please let us know and we’ll fix it. And finally, please don’t worry if you feel you are too slow or too fast for others in the group. We have a guide at the front and one at the back precisely for that reason. Please remember, we're not here to race; this is a journey to take time over.
Packing & Reading
Well in advance of your travels we will send you an online Information Pack including various details you need to know in advance. This will include a suggested packing list. You may also wish to start reading about Transylvania and Romania. While the country has a notable and rich literary tradition stretching back centuries, we have chosen this selection of books as providing a varied insight into Romania before, during and after communism. It is a list that includes Romanian, Hungarian and foreign authors. Should you wish to buy any, we recommend doing so from our favourite bookshop, Mayfair's Heywood Hill.
We partner with Trust My Travel so that, in accordance with travel industry regulations, your funds are 100% protected.
Pricing & Booking
Total in group |
Per person |
|---|---|
| Staying at Apafi Manor on nights 1 and 2 | £3,270 |
| Staying in Malancrav village on nights 1 and 2 | £3,120 |
Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Single occupancy supplement | £425 |
We are often told how nice it is that almost everything is paid for up front. So, while you are with us you can forget about your wallet, relax and enjoy yourselves. Included are:
- Group airport transfers (1 x arrival, 1 x departure)
- Support vehicle and luggage transfers
- TSC host & 2 x English-speaking local guides
- All accommodation, meals, snacks & drinks
- All activities
- Electric bike and helmet hire
- 100% financial security
- Donation to a local cause that is aligned with our values
- Flights
- Personal costs
- Tips (optional, of course)
- Travel insurance
- Visas (if required)
For private groups a 30% non-refundable deposit is required from the group leader and, thereafter, from each member of the party. A minimum of 50% of the party are required to book and pay their deposit within one month of the group leader. The balance is due 10 weeks before the departure date.
If you are travelling on one of our Scheduled Journeys, we require a 30% non-refundable deposit on the core trip price (i.e. not on any extras) at the time of booking. The balance is due 10 weeks before the departure date.
Please make sure you are familiar with our Standard Terms & Conditions before booking.
You will receive two emails shortly after booking. First, a payment receipt, then a second email explaining next steps. Within two working days you will then be contacted by a member of our Guest Services team who will look after and advise you in the lead up to your travels.
We partner with Trust My Travel so that, in accordance with travel industry regulations, your funds are 100% protected.
Flights
You are responsible for booking your own flights. They are not included in the cost of the trip. We usually recommend flights into and/or out of Sibiu or Targu Mures. We will let you know when the flight schedule is released. If you would like help researching and booking your flights we recommend contacting Liz Rees, who helps many of our guests with their supplementary transport requirements. Please let her know your departure dates and preferred airport.
Transfers
We will provide one transfer for the group on arrival and another on departure. If you require alternative transport options because you are arriving or leaving earlier or later please contact our team on +44 1865 587 994 and we can arrange this for you at an additional cost. If you're interested in planning an onward journey, we recommend contacting Liz Rees who can help with flight and train arrangements.
Protect the Planet
We are thrilled that increasing numbers of our guests are choosing to travel to Transylvania by train, often for environmental reasons. We understand that this may not be practical, but urge you to consider doing so if you can make it work. The most popular route is London - Brussels - Frankfurt - Vienna - Budapest - Blaj - Cluj Napoca - Sighisoara, but there are others and bahn.com is the best place to begin your research. Alternatively Liz Rees can organise your journey for you.
Transylvania formed the eastern-most reaches of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918, when it was absorbed into modern Romania. It may be famous as the home of Bram Stoker’s Dracula but we suggest you leave your fanged preconceptions at home. Transylvania is home to some of Europe’s most beguiling and wild landscapes. The Saxon Villages of Tarnava Mare (many of which you will be visiting) were first colonised by Germans - or Saxons - from the 12th Century, when King Geza II of Hungary asked for protection from invading Ottomans and Tatars. The Saxons built fortifications. The most important towns were duly strengthened and smaller communities started by fortifying their church. Up to a quarter of a million Saxons remained for more than 800 years, retaining their language and customs. But the population began to decrease after World War II, when many returned to Austria and Germany. The migration continued under Ceausescu and today fewer than 35,000 Saxons live in Transylvania. They still speak a dialect that is distinct from modern German and follow many of the religious and cultural customs that their families did for centuries. Their ancestral villages are shared with new neighbours: Romanians, Hungarians and Gypsies are breathing new life into abandoned houses, fields and vineyards and the result is an exhilarating fusion of cultures. It is a land of architectural, cultural and natural riches, where traditions, food and family are celebrated and visitors are welcomed with genuine warmth.
Unique Experiences
Travel is so often commoditised and unimaginative. We are the antidote, taking time to create beautifully crafted, one-of-a-kind experiences to places that excite us.
Community & Connection
We cherish personal relationships and friendships and seek to strengthen cross-cultural bonds, respecting and supporting those who enter our orbit. All must feel our impact is positive.
Dedication to Excellence
We design experiences with passion, flair and innovation. We seek continual improvement, to offer the best experience possible.
Care for the Planet
We travel with a light footprint and we seek ways to protect and celebrate Earth’s biodiversity and ecosystems.
Charitable Giving
Each year, we donate 1% of our revenue to a variety of causes across our destinations and in the UK, each aligning with our values.
Where It All Began...
It all began with a 28,000km cycle to Australia. Founder Oli Broom fell in love with watching the world roll by under his wheels and wanted to share that joy with others. Read more.