I booked this trip very late (2 days before departure) and the staff in the UK office were brilliant and did everything they could for me to make sure I was able to participate in the trip. This helpfulness continued in Romania as Gigi, our guide, was exceptionally helpful at all times (even arranging for me to borrow his Brother's waterproof trousers as I had forgotten mine in my rush). Gigi is a brilliant and kind guide who adores his country, which made the trip in lots of ways. I am not particularly interested in Monasteries (I had limited choice due to the lateness of booking) but they were more interesting than I expected and the trip notes are the most accurate of any trip I have been on. I am glad I went on the trip.
Our recent guided walk in Romania was an enchanting adventure, with story book scenery and a view into rich peasant culture that I thought only existed over 150 years ago or in fairy tales. We were fortunate to have Gigi as our guide. His innate good nature, kindness and enthusiasm was a balm for all on the trip. We felt safe and happy under his guidance.
Dont hesitate to visit Romania and explore Transylvania by bicycle. At the moment there is little tourism there and Transylvania remains bucolic, tranquil and unspoilt, as it has done for centuries. I was impressed by the abundance of growth everywhere, the wild flowers by the roadside, nesting storks on village roofs and soaring eagles overhead, gypsies in traditional dress, the horses and carts and well cared for domestic animals. It really is like something out of Lark Rise to Candleford truly idyllic farming country out of a picture book, where here and there time appears to have stood still. Go before it changes, and visit the ancient, medieval citadels and Saxon Lutheran fortified churches. And cycling is a good way to meet Romanians, eat their delicious home-cooked food and see behind the doors of the brightly painted cottages, which front each villages main street.
