This is quite a challenging trek and the distances were slightly more than the trip notes. Plenty of steep ups and downs and poles definitely needed. Having said that the scenery is stunning and the trip balanced well. The hut accommodation is pretty comfortable and warm and more of a hostel really with outdoor loos. The huts also provide crocs so no real need to carry spare footwear if you want to save weight and space in your day rucksack.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Romania surprised me in many good ways, sufficient infrastructures, kind people and beautiful landscapes, and what can be better than experiencing all these on two wheels! Speaking of the crew, Raz and Geo, what a dream team! They led us to the most enjoyable itinerary and kept everyone safe and sound. They had done an up and beyond job accommodating everyone’s needs, at all time, and that’s not a small thing given 11 of us with wide range of fitness and physical capability. Highly recommend people come to see Romania and do it on two wheels.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This is the 10th Explore holiday, we have covered places like Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Vietnam, Cambodia, Cuba, India and this just covers 5 holidays.
These are not for everyone, as some are very full on, but the two Balkan trips were easy, although some of this group had not read the itinerary properly and this was a bit too much for them!
The Cuba and South America were what I call, sanitised back packing, as sleeping out in the open and you can have very early starts, around 4 am and late finishes.
However, you really see the place and interact with the local people. This is why we love Explore tours.
If you want total comfort and not really interact, then Saga or like is for you, as you do have to rough it on some trips.
One trip in particular was India, two days going up the Ganges on a wooded raft, inches from the water and sleeping on the bank at night with the snakes and wild dogs, just an amazing experience, and you know you are alive!
Another was in the jungle of Cuba, no tent, just under the stars, but I did get attacked by the smallest ants in the night, but still a fantastic experience, one I won’t forget!
Our tour guides have all been very good, but on this trip, Constantin went beyond the norm.
The only criticism on this trip was no local experts and Constantin had to do it all, which makes it very difficult for him to become an expert in every area, town etc.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bucharest, Sofia, Black Sea Regi
Bucharest, Sofia, Black Sea Region, Kaliakra, Transylvania, Sibiu, Belgrade
'Every known superstition in the world is gathered into the Carpathians, as if it were the centre of some sort of imaginative whirlpool.' So says the narrator of Dracula, the late 19th century English novel of Victorian superstitions that used this area of Romania to represent something on the edge of civilisation.
A trip to this part of the world is to enter a maelstrom of natural sensation. There is everywhere a bewildering mass of flora and fauna. Profusions of trees and flowers and grasses are barely touched by agricultural exploitation. Be alert, however, for roe deer and chamois and hedgehogs and rodents, plus the sight and sound of the area's 190 bird species. Transylvania is a region full of beauty of every kind, sometimes little towns or castles on the top of steep hills.
This trek rises daily through Carpathian lower reaches, a green land full of forests and woods, with here steep hills crowned with clumps of trees, and there villages newly built in a riot of colour and style. Smile and say Boo Naa (Hello) and you'll meet open-faced strangers who say all the country people show 'hospitality, flexibility, honesty'. The message is that tourists are welcome.
Immerse yourself in the authentic charm of Transylvanian mountain villages on this 8-day itinerary in Romania, Europe. Explore the depths of Piatra Craiului National Park and Bucegi Natural Park, relishing in the tranquility of village life. Awarded by the ECO-ROMANIA ecotourism certification until 2026, this tour promises an enriching experience with highlights including Bran Castle and the thrilling 7 Ladders Canyon. With Baboo's locally curated experiences, each moment is sure to be unique and unforgettable.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Where else can you dive into medieval myths, drift through a wildlife-filled wetland, and wander grand castles in the span of a week? On this seven-day adventure through Romania, you’ll uncover a country rich in history, natural beauty, and quirky legends. Begin in Bucharest — nicknamed “Little Paris” — before venturing into Transylvania’s castle-dotted hillsides and ending in the remote calm of the Danube Delta. From vampires to vibrant village life, this trip is anything but ordinary.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Embark on a captivating 6-day journey through Poland, where history, culture, and charm come together in two of its most iconic cities. Begin in Krakow with its UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine, the historic Jewish Quarter, and the stunning Old Town, before a poignant visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Continue to vibrant Warsaw, where you’ll explore the Royal Route, Old Town treasures, and powerful landmarks symbolizing resilience and heritage. With guided tours, free time to explore, and optional experiences like a Chopin concert, this tour offers the perfect blend of discovery, reflection, and relaxation
This long weekend trip packs in a lot without feeling rushed or overwhelming. It's a good combination of town and country, with a touch of good fun tourism included in the trip to Bran Castle. Accommodation was as described and very comfortable. Romania has a fascinating history and the food is great. Our guide was brilliant and we had a terrific time. Highly recommended.
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
We had a great cruise with this agency! Staff was very helpful and kind. City looked amazing at the evening with all the lights and the sunset. Drinking champagne on the deck of the boat and watching beautiful lighted buildings was one of the highlights of our trip to Budapest!
Exceptionally well organized with the owner a fair and reasonable individual. Also, as soon as I booked he set about organizing the trek immediately over WhatsApp, even though he was a very busy man (I assume because of the other good treks he runs.) Just make sure you have a good insurance company. Apparently with trekking companies it is common to include a hard to find clause stating you will fully indemnify the company if your insurance refuses to pay.
Located only 40 minutes away from Budapest, Etyek village is the center of the Etyek wine region, which is the youngest and fastest developing wine region of Hungary. Next to the well-known international varieties like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc you can taste quality wines from local grapes like Princess or Zenith.
The 5 hour program includes a cosy walk amongst the vineyards with a friendly guide, wine tasting at the traditional wine cellars and finishing with a home-cooked Hungarian lunch or dinner. You can meet personally with the local winemakers and learn the secrets of wine making. In the small group you will make new friends and discover the unique atmosphere of the Hungarian countryside.
The vibrant city of Budapest has various faces. At night it calms down, the lights are lit, and a new city awakens after sunset. We created this program for those, who would like to enjoy the wonderful view of the city swimming in lights, accompanied by a real candlelight atmosphere with a romantic dinner and live music.
Our 2 hour program takes you on a 1,5 hour long cruise on one of our air-conditioned/heated ships, on which you will also have the best view of the panorama from the upper deck of the ship.
The salon music is performed by 3 members of the Zoltán Kodály Awarded Rajko Folk Orchestra. The performance also features a marvellous original Hungarian instrument, the famous “cimbalom”. The combination of string instruments and the cimbalom provides a uniquely Hungarian, unforgettable harmony and an outstanding atmosphere on-board.
Wish to hear your favourite popular song in a whole new adaptation? During the performance, guests will have a chance to ask for their favourite songs from the artists to play.
Possible to book with Two Drinks (welcome drink and one more glass of soft drink/wine/beer)
or with open bar!
Dinner menu:
Soups
Goulash soup (G, L)
Seasonal vegetable cream soup (Vn, G, L)
Hot main course
Turkey fillet cooked in gravy (G, L) with ragout (G, L)
Beef stew with Villány red wine (G, L)
Stuffed cabbage from turkey (G, L)
Oven-baked vegetables (G, V)
Vegetable couscous (L, Vn)
Side dish
Rice (G, L, Vn)
Dumplings (L, V)
Roast potatoes with parsley (G, L, Vn)
Dessert
Variation of strudel (L, Vn)
Somlói Galuska (V)
Fruit bowl (only on request for those unable to eat other desserts)
Salad
Mixed salad with pesto (L, G, Vn)
Pasta salad with yoghurt (L, G, V)
Extra side
Cucumber salad with sour cream (L, G, Vn)
L – lactose free
G – gluten free
Vn – vegan, vegetarian
V – vegetarian
What does Budapest Cards include?
If this is your first time visiting the Hungarian capital, then we recommend the Budapest Card for you.
- You can use all public transportation within the city limits of Budapest completely free of charge – whether it's buses, trams, metro, trolleybuses, suburban railways (HÉV), or trains, the city card is valid on all.
- You'll also receive a free map of Budapest and a catalog with the card, so you can have all the information about the participating locations at your fingertips.
- 30+ museums and attractions await you for free: for example, you can visit the exhibitions at the Hungarian National Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Hungarian National Gallery at no cost.
- You can participate in free city tours in both Pest and Buda.
- You can redeem a free entry to Lukács Thermal Bath.
- You'll enjoy a beautiful panorama during the free Danube river cruise.
- Choose from 50+ discounted programs and services – you can avail of discounts between 10% and 50% with the city card.
Please note that most of the museums are closed on Mondays!
This was a tough but thoroughly enjoyable trip in a very beautiful part of the world. The challenging grade is about right; be prepared for a lot of rocky steep ascent and descent including a fair amount of scrambling and using fixed cables/chains. Some parts (particularly the ascent to La Om on Day 4 and the ridge along the top) are pretty exposed. There is a good mix of tougher and somewhat easier days to break things up with some nice forest and meadow sections. The reward is some amazing scenery in a relatively unspoilt part of the world. The whole trip was very well organised and accommodation at Villa Hermani was very clean and comfortable, with friendly hosts and great food. The mountain huts were a good experience but be prepared for very basic toilet and sanitary facilities.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bucharest, Magura, La Om, Piatra
Bucharest, Magura, La Om, Piatra Mare, Cabana Malaiesti, Omu Mountian Hut
