28/12/2013
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Experience the spectacular colours of Transylvania and the Carpathians
Comfortable accommodation, exciting activities and exceptional cuisine
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Autumn is a very beautiful, and colourful time of the year in the Carpathians. As the nights draw in from late September to early November the weather is often stable with high pressure in the mountains, and intense blue skies resulting in chilly evenings as winter approaches. It is impossible to predict the weather from year to year, and in the Carpathians it can differ from valley to valley, though in general autumn has little rainfall.
Autumn in the Bârgau Mountains mear Bistrita-Bârgaului
Spectacular shows of colour occur not only in mountain regions such as those in southern Transylvania, Bucovina and Maramures, where there are large swathes of natural mixed forest, but also on the plateau with its deciduous woods, and among the vineyards of wine regions such as the Minis Hills or the Târnave Valley. The great diversity of tree species from birch to oak, maple to acacia, larch to pine, gives rise to huge variation in vivid hues which often persist for several weeks. A long hot summer may extend well into September with new leaves appearing in some warmer hilly areas. However, the first flush of colour tends to follow quickly in October , peaking between the middle and end of the month. This normally corresponds with intense sunshine, blue skies and cold nights. Even by early November when the grass and vegetation has faded and snow can arrive at any time from the east, there is still colour in the mountain forests. However, once November arrives mornings can be misty and in lowland regions such as along the middle and lower Mures and Olt valleys the mist lingers as fog.
Travelling in Romania in October can be invigorating. Be prepared to take plenty of photographs but also bear in mind that although daytime temperatures can be mild, if not warm, temperatures plummet at night, especially at higher altitudes. You should also make the most of daylight hours and set out early as journeys in the mountain regions can be lengthy and the nights are longer. However, the longer nights needn't be a deterrent. There are plenty of evening distractions such as excellent opera, theatre and music programmes in cities such as Cluj, Timisoara and Sibiu, while smaller towns like Sighisoara have plenty of traditional bars and taverns, and some exceptional restaurants. Alternatively if you are stayng in one of the villages of the Maramures, or as part of one of our recommendedTouch of Class or Another Europe holidays, you can relax in the convivial atmosphere of a bar or wine cellar. Or, you can take part in an evening activity such as a ghost trail, a lantern procession in Sighisoara or to the citadel at Cisnadioara, a bonfire party, listening for wolves howling in the forest. or a visit to a jazz club.
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Another Europe Autumn Colours 2014 |
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8 Day INCLUSIVE HOLIDAY 7 nights in Cisnadioara with full-board and activites + transfers from Targu Mures PRICES TO BE CONFIRMED PLEASE CONTACT US SEE BELOW FOR FULL DETAILS + SAMPLE ITINERARY SELF-CATERING Fly- drive options available on request DRACULA TRAIL + ANOTHER EUROPE 11 DAYS PRICES TO BE CONFIRMED Transfer from Cluj to Bistrita Overnight at Coroana de Aur Jonathan Harker Trail with unique 4 hours trail by horse and cart up the Borgo Pass to Hotel Castle Dracula Overnight then tour through Transylvania Highlands to Sighisoara Overnight in the mediaeval citadel then 7 nights all inclusive Based on two people sharing a twin or double room Suggest Wizz to Cluj, or Targu Mure Prices from £ 100.00 return TRANSYLVANIA SPECIAL Discover the fascinating legacy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in Transylvania 1 night in the former Imperial capital of Cluj 7 nights Another Europe with Sibu Intercity train to the lovely city of Timisoara ('Little Vienna') 2 nights in a chic art deco hotel Based on two people sharing a twin or double room Wizz to Cluj, return from Timisoara Prices from £ 100.00 return Alternative combinations or flights and transfers via Bucharest, Sibiu or Timisoara available Private apartment in old Sibiu also available |
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Highlights |
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Quality Accommodation Exceptional Food Lancaster Bar Excursions Adventure Activities English-spoken Transport on demand European City of Culture 2007 Sibiu (Hermannstadt) Bruckental Museum Astra Village Museum Piatra Mare + Piatra Mica Liars Bridge Passage of Stairs Railway Museum Old tram to Rasinari Horse & Carriage rides Sighisoara (Schässburg) Clock Tower & Museum Walls & Fortifications Covered Staircase Church on the Hill Vlad Dracula House Cisnadie (Heltau) Cisnadioara (Michelsberg) Sunset picnic in citadel Cindrel Mountains Rasinari Shepherds Village Valea Frumosului Cibin Gorge Cristian (Grossau) Sibiel Glass Icons Valea Viilor (Würmloch) Mosna (Meschen) Biertan (Bïrthälm) Medias (Mediasch) Târnave Valley (wine region) Hunedoara Fortress Turda Gorge Cluj Fagaras Mountains Carta Abbey Mountain Biking Trekking Wolf & Bear Trails Ghost Walks Hog Roast |
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TRAVEL |
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Austrian Airlines fly via Vienna to Sibiu on most days Tarom fly several days per week from Heathrow to Sibiu via Bucharest Otopeni. Lufthansa flights available from London, Manchester or Birmingham. Alternatively excellent prices from Luton to Cluj direct with Wizz Air (from £ 75.00 per person return) Trains or transfers available from Cluj (3-4 hours) Frequent trains from Bucharest to Sighisoara & Sibiu (5 hours); it is possible to connect with some flights at Bucharest. Trains from Budapest & Vienna call at Sighisoara; frequent trains from Cluj to Sighisoara, and Brasov to Sibiu & Sighisoara |
The following special ANOTHER EUROPE holidays, which run through October, have been designed to show you the best of the Autumn colours in the Southern Carpathians and on the Transylvanian plateau. However, there are alternatives and other regions that stand out in the autumn for their landscapes. For example Touch of Class holidays run through the autumn amidst the remote landscapes of the eastern Carpathians and the high Bucegi mountains above Brasov. Even the various Dracula trails such as the Jonathan Harker trail wind through some truly spectacular scenery - the drive through the Transylvanian highlands from the Borgo pass can be adjusted to take in autumn colours that rival New England in places such as the Colibita Valley or the remote valleys around Reghin and Targu Mures, Finally there are the unique landscapes of the Maramures, moulded by peasant farmers, and the 'Obicinei' or crests of the Bucovina, with an abundance of mixed and varied woodland.
NEW 'Another Europe' AUTUMN COLOUR holidays: experience the spectacular colours in the Cindrel and Fagaras Mountains, walk through the Cibin gorge and take a 4x4 adventure through the remote and picturesque Frumoasa ('beautiful') valley. Take a night trek to listen for wolves, a lantern alk up to the historic Cisnadioara citadel and enjoy an evening in old Sibiu. Special one-week all inclusive holidays throughout October. Depart on Saturdays. PLUS special BONFIRE NIGHT including 5.11.2014
FULL DETAILS TO FOLLOW - meanwhile CONTACT US for further information
Another Europe shows you the real Transylvania through a programme of exciting, year round holidays based on comfortable accommodation in the delightful Saxon village of Cisnadioara near Sibiu. These holidays offer exceptional cuisine, excellent company and a selection of activities and excursions designed to show you the best of Transylvania, In addition to our standard fully-inclusive packages we can also provide self-catering or bed and breakfast accommodation, for the more independent traveller, at favourable rates and with options for guides and excursions on an ad hoc basis. Ideal for Honeymoons, Valentines Day or even Halloween.
Geese in Cisnadioara
Cisnadioara Michelsberg
This Saxon village on the edge of the Cindrel Mountains, is one of the prettiest villages in Romania. This small Saxon settlement has a sloping square and is clustered round a steep, wooded hill topped by a small, Romanesque church. Local tradition states that any man wishing to marry a girl from the village had to prove his strength by carrying a huge rock from the river bed to the top the hill. There is also a museum here dedicated to the Saxon Transylvanians.
Nearby CISNADIE is reached by a tree-lined avenue. This old Saxon market town with its traditional market square is dominated by an impressive fortress church which has recently been renovated. Also within easy reach of Cisnadioara are the shepherds village of Rasinari, the mountain resort of Paltinis (winter skiing) and the Dumbrava Forest which contains the fabulous ASTRA village museum with its water wheels, windmills, craft shop and traditional restaurant. A back road leads along the edge of the hills from Cisnadie to the Olt Valley, providing panoramic views of the spectacular Fagaras ridge of the Carpathians and over the Transylvanian plateau. The heart of old SIBIU lies just 12 km north of Cisnadioara, beyond the forest.
Old Fire Station and village church, Cisnadioara
Another Europe: Your Accommodation
Your hosts in Cisnadioara are Diana and Jeremy, a lovely English couple, who moved to Transylvania and set up their accommodation after falling in love with the region and wishing to share their secret world. Di has a catering background so it comes as no surprise that food plays a very important part in these holidays, and considerable effort is made to provide first class cuisine based on local produce.
The accommodation for the inclusive holidays is divided between two pretty, traditional Saxon village houses in the lower part of Cisnadioara. There are four units each containing a large double bedroom, ensuite bathroom and separate living area. Each unit sleeps 2/4 guests and comes complete with mini bar and tea making facilities. All the units have been recently renovated and refurbished to an exacting modern standard and have access to the dining and barbeque areas and orchard garden, the Lancaster Bar and an outdoor pool. All accommodation comes with tiwels, bedding, and a personal laundry service is available/
Food is very important with all 'Another Europe' holidays. The best word to sum up Romanian food is wholesome', delicious soups and casseroles. However there is little to tempt the more adventurous palate than breaded sheep brains or various offal dishes. Though our fully inclusive holiday offers ample opportunity to sample local fare Di and Jez pride themselves on their in house cuisine. All ingredients are locally produced and Organic. The meat is reared naturally and bought straight from the farmer. Poultry and Game are free range. In addition to insuring that all food is of the highest quality this also supports the local community and environment.
Autum view of citadel in Sighsoara
Another Europe: Autumn Colours
Experience the spectacular colours in the Cindrel and Fagaras Mountains, walk through the Cibin gorge and take a 4x4 adventure through the remote and picturesque Frumoasa ('beautiful') valley. Take a night trek to listen for wolves, a lantern alk up to the historic Cisnadioara citadel and enjoy an evening in old Sibiu. Special one-week all inclusive holidays throughout October. Depart on Saturdays.
PLUS special BONFIRE NIGHT break 3.11.2011 - 8.11.2011
FULL DETAILS TO FOLLOW - meanwhile CONTACT US for further information
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Autumn in Bucovina above the Sadova Valley; early November view over Sighisoara and the Târnave Valley
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Staged witch trial against a glorious late October backdrop of the Gurghiului Moutains near Lapusna;
Setref Pass and Iza valley, Maramures, in November
CLICK HERE for our NEW 'Another Europe' HALLOWEEN adventure and 'Jonathan Harker' Trail: experience Halloween as a short break in Cisnadioara or start out with the trail to seek outthe mythical Count Dracula in mysterious northern Transylvania. A horse and cart takes you up forest and cart tracks, climbing deeper and deeper into the Carpathians, to arrive at Hotel Castel Dracula on the Borgo Pass. Risk a night in this remote place before continuing through the Transylvanian Highlands to Sighisoara, birthplace of Vald the Impaler - the real Dracula. Overnight in one of the historic hotels in teh romantic walled, citadel then join our special 'Another Europe' break for a Halloween party starting with a lantern lit trail to the historic citadel then a bonfire in the orchards. Additional activities include a full day excursion to the spectacular Corvinesti fortress at Hunedoara, and a ghost walk through mediaeval Sibiu.. Book now as places are limited.
CLICK HERE for our SPECIAL 'Another Europe' WINTER adventures which combine the comfort, excellent cuisine and adventure of Another Europe with the excitement of an expedition to spend a night at the ICE HOTEL, high up in the Fagaras Range of the Carpathian Mountains. The hotel is accessible only by ski lift and is usually open until the end of March, sometimes into April, depending on climatic conditions. It is created with ice, carved from the glacial Balea Lac. If it begins to melt we will switch you to the adjacent Balea Cabana for the night or, for the feint of heart, you can visit but return to the comfort of your accommodation in Cisnadioara! These special holidays also include winter landscapes, frozen waterfalls, a lantern lit trek through romantic Sighisoara and a sleigh ride (subject to snow).
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