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4.8

Hiking and Bear Watching in Romania

Head into the Carpathian Mountains to hike wild trails, scout for brown bears and explore a legendary castle

Part of the Wildlife Collection

Active wildlife adventures that are naturalist-led, solo-friendly and utterly immersed in the natural world.

See the collection

What's Included?

  • Activities & Certified GuidesAll itinerary activities with local, English-speaking guides
  • Hotel3 nights in a boutique hotel
  • Meals3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
  • TransfersTo and from the airport and everything in between
  • PermitsEntrance fees to Bran Castle and the Libearty Bear Sanctuary
  • Maximum group size: 14Join small n’ sociable groups of like-minded, active and outdoorsy people – designed to be solo-friendly

Fromexcluding flights

Highlights

  • Hike to an isolated hide in the Carpathians – home to 60% of Europe’s brown bear population – to see these incredible creatures in the wild

  • Visit a pioneering sanctuary which rehomes and rehabilitates formerly captive bears in a beautiful and inspiring setting

  • Bed down in a characterful boutique hotel in the bustling town of Brasov and explore Bran Castle, the medieval stronghold also known as Castle Dracula

  • The perfect adventurous long weekend combining hikes, history and memorable wildlife encounters

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Brasov

    Hotel
    Twin share
    Show Day 1 detail

    Arrive in Brasov and be transferred to your boutique hotel in the heart of this beautiful city. Brasov is a fantastic base for a trip, a cosmopolitan and lively place with an alluring blend of ancient and modern.

    Day 2

    Hike the Carpathians and head to the bear hide

    Hotel
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 2 detail

    Grab an early breakfast today before taking a short drive through the scenic Transylvanian countryside to the base of the Piatra Craiului mountains. Set off for a hike, and take in wonderful views over the Carpathians. Head back to Brasov and tuck in to some tasty lunch before a little free time to explore or relax before heading off bear watching. You'll drive to a remote trailhead at the edge of a forest and hike in (for around 20 minutes) to reach an elevated bear hide, tucked away on the edge of a clearing. Settle in and keep your fingers crossed for bears entering the clearing. The hide is ethically run by the local wildlife authority and is similar to a treehouse, so you are in the perfect spot to view the bears from the best and safest vantage point, should they show up. If you’re lucky you might even see cubs! Head back to Brasov for a late dinner to toast an epic day.

    Day 3

    Visit a pioneering bear sanctuary, plus more Carpathian capers

    Hotel
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 3 detail

    This morning, you'll drive to Zarnesti, the site of an inspiring animal welfare project – Europe's largest of any kind. The Libearty Bear Sanctuary has been a beacon for change over the past two decades, as the founders campaigned to end bear captivity across Romania and to re-home and rehabilitate formerly captive bears. Many of these bears had been kept in awful conditions, but are now living in 70 beautifully forested hectares at the foothills of the Carpathians. You'll take a private guided tour around the sanctuary, walking the trails between enclosures and watching the bears swimming and playing together a short distance from you (the sanctuary is fenced). The sanctuary limits visitor numbers to give the bears space and peace for the majority of the day; your visit offers financial support and helps the sanctuary continue their important work. Afterwards, you'll head to the trailhead for your second hike of the trip in another part of the Carpathian Mountains. Postavaru Mountain is another stunning natural setting where you can take in the lush green valleys, fresh mountain air and sweeping views of the Carpathians. You'll be back in Brasov in the late afternoon, where you could grab a beer in the square to watch the light fade before sampling another restaurant for dinner.

  4. Day 4

    Last day in Brasov and visit Dracula's Castle

    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 4 detail

    You'll have some free time this morning before you head to the legendary Bran Castle, better known as Dracula’s Castle, with its blood-red turrets, eerie rooms and creepy reputation. Enjoy a farewell lunch here before your trip comes to an end. Your host will transfer you to Brasov Airport in time for your onward flight later today. Those leaving on afternoon flights will head to the airport straight away and those leaving later in the evening can soak up a few more sights in Brasov before the adventure ends.

Practical Stuff

Getting There

Nearest airport
Brașov-Ghimbav International Airport (GHV)
Pick up
Brasov Airport
Any time on Day 1
Drop off
Brasov Airport
From 15:00 on Day 4

Detailed Logistics

Transfers

Your adventure begins at Brasov Airport with a transfer to your city hotel. Your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals area. If you’re not able to take a transfer on day 1, you can book any flight and easily get to your accommodation via a 15-minute taxi from the airport which costs £7-9. Your host can also organise a private taxi for you, please see the Optional Extras section. You will formally meet your guide and fellow adventurers early on day 2.

At the end of your adventure, you will be dropped back at Brasov Airport in time for any flight departing from 16:30 on day 4; the final day of the trip. Those leaving on an afternoon flight will head to the airport straight after lunch. If you have an evening flight, you are able to leave your luggage at the hotel's reception in the morning and you'll be dropped back in Brasov after lunch for some free time before your airport transfer later on in the day. If you wish to extend your stay beyond day 4, private transfers are available at additional cost on a request basis. Please see the 'Optional Extras' section for details and contact your host in advance if you'd like to request this service.

If you are travelling to Romania and coming in via Bucharest, your host can also arrange private transfers from Bucharest to Brasov to meet up with the trip. Please see Optional Extras for prices. Alternatively, there are regular direct trains between Bucharest and Brasov which take 2.5-3.5 hours and cost RON30-85 (approx. £5-£15).

Travel options

Brasov Airport is a newly opened airport in 2023, and currently has a limited network of routes. There are direct flights to Brasov Airport from Luton Airport in the UK and Munich in Germany, which connects well with various major international hubs in Europe and North America. If you can't find a flight into Brasov which suits you, you will likely find a wider variety of routes and times into Bucharest – you can then request a private transfer from Bucharest Airport to Brasov with your host. See Optional Extras.

Trip level explained

Level 1

Easy

This trip is suitable for anyone in reasonably good condition and capable of hiking for 3-4 hours a day. The hikes are no longer than three hours in duration, and the hike to the bear hide is roughly 25 minutes in each direction. The elevation gain on the hikes is around 250m up and down, so there is nothing too strenuous for anyone with average fitness levels.

Wildlife Factors To Consider

This trip visits locations where wild animals are present in a natural environment, where protections and controls on their movement may be limited or non-existent. Some wild animals may be predatory in nature, poisonous, venomous or otherwise can be considered dangerous in a close encounter. Wild animals by their nature are unpredictable and visitors to their habitat should follow the safety instructions given by their local guide(s) and/or any signage present. It is a privilege to see wild animals in a natural environment and an experience that should be respectfully conducted at all times.

Remote environment: factors to consider

Some parts of this trip take place in areas where access to medical facilities and emergency services may be limited. This may mean that reaching medical care takes longer than you might normally expect, or that local medical facilities have fewer resources than those you may be used to at home.

If someone becomes unwell or injured, initial treatment may be provided locally before onward travel to a larger hospital or city for further care. Evacuation could involve changing the planned route or using different forms of transport to reach appropriate medical facilities. Mobile phone coverage may also be intermittent in some locations.

Your guide is trained to manage situations in remote environments and will monitor the group and respond appropriately if any issues arise. However, it’s important that you let your guide know straight away if you feel unwell or experience any health concerns during the trip.

Before booking, consider your personal health and ability to travel in locations where access to medical care may be delayed. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns, we recommend seeking advice from a medical professional and discussing them with your host before travelling.

All travellers must have suitable travel insurance that covers the activities included in the trip and emergency medical evacuation if required.

What is and isn't Included?

What's included

  • 3hr bear watching session
  • Visit to the pioneering Libearty Bear Sanctuary
  • Guided hike in the Southern Carpathians
  • Guided hike around Postavaru Mountain
  • Visit to Bran Castle, aka 'Dracula's Castle'

  • Expert, local, English-speaking guides

  • 3 nights in a boutique hotel

All your meals are provided for the duration of the trip. This includes:

  • 3 buffet style breakfasts
  • 3 tasty lunches
  • 2 restaurant dinners

  • Arrival transfer from Brasov Airport on Day 1
  • Departure transfer to Brasov Airport on Day 4
  • Transfers during the trip

  • Entrance fees to Bran Castle and the Libearty Bear Sanctuary

Where You'll Stay

Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.

Prinz Gregor Hotel Standard Twin Room, Bucharest, Romania, Host Image Truly Romania

Brasov

Stay

Brasov

Your base for the trip is in the beautiful and bustling city of Brasov. You’ll spend three nights in a boutique hotel near the main square – usually this will be Prinz Gregor, Muzica or Casa Wagner, depending on availability. All hotels are housed in historical buildings with modern amenities, excellent service, and lots of character.

What You'll Eat

Romanian food is hearty, flavourful and heavily influenced by its neighbouring countries. Most traditional meals start with a soup, often made with meat, vegetables or fish. Sausages are also popular, as well as meat and vegetable pies, goulash, stuf…

Food and Dietary info

Romanian food is hearty, flavourful and heavily influenced by its neighbouring countries. Most traditional meals start with a soup, often made with meat, vegetables or fish. Sausages are also popular, as well as meat and vegetable pies, goulash, stuffed cabbage rolls and cheeses. Breakfasts are included at your hotel – these are buffet-style offering meats, cheeses, breads, cereals, pastries, juices and hot drinks. You have three dinners included in Brasov at one of your host's favourite restaurants, including chances to sample traditional Romanian food. You have one lunch in Brasov and one at Bran Castle included – these are taken at restaurants selected by your host. Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.

Optional Extras

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation

Extra night in Brasov (Single, Twin or Double)
£92/per night

Upgrades

Optional Private Room Upgrade
£117

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge – see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).

Transfers

Brasov Airport Transfer One Way Per Car (1-3 people)
£16
Brasov Airport Transfer One Way Per Car (4-8 people)
£26
Bucharest Airport Transfer One Way Per Car (1-3 people)
£129
Bucharest Airport Transfer One Way Per Car (4-8 people)
£179

To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.

All extras must be paid before your trip starts.

Ratings & Reviews

4.8253 reviews
  • 1 star (0)

Category rating

Food
4.0
Guides & crew
5.0
Accommodation
5.0
Itinerary
5.0

Latest Reviews

  • Jane R.

    What a brilliant trip from start to finish. Hiked hills, saw bears, ate delicious food and partied with great people. Fresh air on our faces and a fresh start to life on my return. Thank you

  • Emma Z.

    I loved every minute of this. Bear watching was a wonderful experience, being able to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. The bear sanctuary was so interesting and touching to see all the rescued bears. We went on some beautiful hikes and our guide Alin was so kind, helpful and knowledgeable throughout. We stayed in a lovely hotel right at the square where there were markets and shops. We had a fantastic group of people with lots of time to socialize if we wanted!

  • Gemma O.

    Just back from my first MBA trip and what a great introduction. Our guide Alin was brilliant. Extremely knowledgeable and passionate, highly organised and always one step ahead whilst being warm and fun. Lucky to also have a wonderful likeminded group with endless laughs. We were privileged to see 3 bears in the wild and of course many at the sanctuary (You may need a tissue) However unexpectedly the star of the show was Brasov itself. A beautiful historic town with stunning countryside scenery. The autumn colours almost seemed unreal. Great food, comfortable hikes and fantastic company. What more could you ask for!

  • Ethan B.

    Fabulous short trip to Brasov. A beautiful town surrounded by stunning scenery which you get to enjoy on the two hikes. The hikes were pretty easy, no specialist gear needed but one was all up hill so base level of fitness helps. The visit to the bear hide was an unforgettable experience, we saw 5 bears in their natural environment. Alin was the perfect guide, knowledgeable, fun and very interesting. Finally our group of 14 were all lovely, a mix of ages and travel experience, several solo travellers. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the trip or travel with Much Better again.

  • Helen W.

    This was an absolutely fantastic experience. Alin was incredibly knowledgeable about Romanian history, culture, food and, of course, bears. Our evening in the bear hide was magical, with visits by three different bears as well as ravens and foxes. The hikes were through beautiful Transylvanian woods and valleys and within the ability of everyone in the group. Also, like the bears in autumn, we were fed very well with a combination of traditional Romanian goodies and more international cuisine!

  • Cara W.

    This was my first time booking a trip on my own and I really wasn’t sure what to expect. I was extremely nervous, but I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better experience! From start to finish, the whole adventure exceeded my expectations. We were incredibly lucky to see bears as soon as we arrived at the hide, as well as foxes, which was absolutely magical. We were also very lucky with the weather in October! We were incredibly lucky to have Alin as our guide. His passion and knowledge were second to none and you could tell how much he genuinely loved what he did. He was endlessly patient with all our questions (and there were a lot!), always happy to share his knowledge and had a brilliant sense of humour that made the experience even more enjoyable. Visiting the bear sanctuary was another real highlight. The guide there was incredibly passionate about the work they do and shared the stories of the rescued bears with such care. Some of the stories were really sad, but it was lovely to see the bears being so well looked after and given the chance to live in a safe, natural environment. He also explained how rewarding it is to watch them slowly unlearn the awful domesticated behaviours they were previously forced to develop over time. It was incredibly moving to see the progress they had made and to learn about the dedication that goes into caring for them. I was initially worried about the hikes because I had never done one before, but they were really beginner-friendly and completely manageable. I felt comfortable throughout and it was such a rewarding way to experience the stunning scenery. Transylvania is one of the most scenic and gorgeous places I’ve ever visited and it’s rich history makes the region really fascinating to learn about. Brașov itself was also wonderful. It felt extremely safe and was so welcoming and hospitable. We were lucky enough to visit while the local market was on, which was gorgeous. There were handmade crafts everywhere, and it was lovely to see people making them right in front of you. The group itself was equally amazing. It was so lovely to meet people from different walks of life, all brought together by a shared love of wildlife, adventure and exploring somewhere new. Everyone had their own stories and experiences, which I found really inspiring. As someone who had never booked anything like this alone before, I couldn’t have wished for a better first experience. I came away with incredible memories, new friendships and an even bigger appetite for adventure. If you’re considering booking this trip, do it! You absolutely won’t regret it. 🐻

  • Summer A.

    I had the most incredible time on this trip. It was my first solo adventure and the group was so lovely and we bonded straight away. Our guide Alin was amazing, very knowledgeable and attentive at all times - his passion for Romania and the wildlife shone through and I learnt so much. The highlight was definitely getting to see some bears in the hide, but also learning more about them during our trip to the sanctuary. I will remember this trip fondly forever ☺️

  • Dawn D.

    We had an amazing 3 day adventure. The food was outstanding, it far exceeded my expectations! Our tour guide Alin was super knowledgeable and an excellent guide. He looked after us all. The places and views were spectacular. We even managed to see some bears! The bear sanctuary was both heartbreaking and heartwarming and the same time. I would 100% recommend it to anyone thinking about going. And the hotel was lovely.

  • Nicky W.

    Very much enjoyed this holiday. Our guide Dany was great. We were lucky to see 2 wild bears. Enjoyed the bear sanctuary and the hiking. Brasov is a lovely city. Dracula's castle was a little crowded but worth a visit.

  • Soph

    Well organised and a good programme, with a great mix of people. Alin our local guide was accommodating and knowledgeable. Nice accommodation and fantastic to see some bears out in the wild and in a sanctuary!

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4.8253 reviews
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  • 2 stars (1)
  • 1 star (0)
Showing all 253 reviews

  • WhooHooo!

    Jane R. October 2026
    What a brilliant trip from start to finish. Hiked hills, saw bears, ate delicious food and partied with great people. Fresh air on our faces and a fresh start to life on my return. Thank you

  • Fantastic experience!

    Emma Z. October 2026
    I loved every minute of this. Bear watching was a wonderful experience, being able to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. The bear sanctuary was so interesting and touching to see all the rescued bears. We went on some beautiful hikes and our guide Alin was so kind, helpful and knowledgeable throughout. We stayed in a lovely hotel right at the square where there were markets and shops. We had a fantastic group of people with lots of time to socialize if we wanted!

  • Bear tastic!

    Gemma O. October 2026
    Just back from my first MBA trip and what a great introduction. Our guide Alin was brilliant. Extremely knowledgeable and passionate, highly organised and always one step ahead whilst being warm and fun. Lucky to also have a wonderful likeminded group with endless laughs. We were privileged to see 3 bears in the wild and of course many at the sanctuary (You may need a tissue) However unexpectedly the star of the show was Brasov itself. A beautiful historic town with stunning countryside scenery. The autumn colours almost seemed unreal. Great food, comfortable hikes and fantastic company. What more could you ask for!

  • Super Trip

    Ethan B. October 2026
    Fabulous short trip to Brasov. A beautiful town surrounded by stunning scenery which you get to enjoy on the two hikes. The hikes were pretty easy, no specialist gear needed but one was all up hill so base level of fitness helps. The visit to the bear hide was an unforgettable experience, we saw 5 bears in their natural environment. Alin was the perfect guide, knowledgeable, fun and very interesting. Finally our group of 14 were all lovely, a mix of ages and travel experience, several solo travellers. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the trip or travel with Much Better again.

  • A magical trip!

    Helen W. October 2026
    This was an absolutely fantastic experience. Alin was incredibly knowledgeable about Romanian history, culture, food and, of course, bears. Our evening in the bear hide was magical, with visits by three different bears as well as ravens and foxes. The hikes were through beautiful Transylvanian woods and valleys and within the ability of everyone in the group. Also, like the bears in autumn, we were fed very well with a combination of traditional Romanian goodies and more international cuisine!

  • An unforgettable adventure 🐻🥾🍁

    Cara W. October 2026
    This was my first time booking a trip on my own and I really wasn’t sure what to expect. I was extremely nervous, but I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better experience! From start to finish, the whole adventure exceeded my expectations. We were incredibly lucky to see bears as soon as we arrived at the hide, as well as foxes, which was absolutely magical. We were also very lucky with the weather in October! We were incredibly lucky to have Alin as our guide. His passion and knowledge were second to none and you could tell how much he genuinely loved what he did. He was endlessly patient with all our questions (and there were a lot!), always happy to share his knowledge and had a brilliant sense of humour that made the experience even more enjoyable. Visiting the bear sanctuary was another real highlight. The guide there was incredibly passionate about the work they do and shared the stories of the rescued bears with such care. Some of the stories were really sad, but it was lovely to see the bears being so well looked after and given the chance to live in a safe, natural environment. He also explained how rewarding it is to watch them slowly unlearn the awful domesticated behaviours they were previously forced to develop over time. It was incredibly moving to see the progress they had made and to learn about the dedication that goes into caring for them. I was initially worried about the hikes because I had never done one before, but they were really beginner-friendly and completely manageable. I felt comfortable throughout and it was such a rewarding way to experience the stunning scenery. Transylvania is one of the most scenic and gorgeous places I’ve ever visited and it’s rich history makes the region really fascinating to learn about. Brașov itself was also wonderful. It felt extremely safe and was so welcoming and hospitable. We were lucky enough to visit while the local market was on, which was gorgeous. There were handmade crafts everywhere, and it was lovely to see people making them right in front of you. The group itself was equally amazing. It was so lovely to meet people from different walks of life, all brought together by a shared love of wildlife, adventure and exploring somewhere new. Everyone had their own stories and experiences, which I found really inspiring. As someone who had never booked anything like this alone before, I couldn’t have wished for a better first experience. I came away with incredible memories, new friendships and an even bigger appetite for adventure. If you’re considering booking this trip, do it! You absolutely won’t regret it. 🐻

  • An unforgettable trip

    Summer A. October 2026
    I had the most incredible time on this trip. It was my first solo adventure and the group was so lovely and we bonded straight away. Our guide Alin was amazing, very knowledgeable and attentive at all times - his passion for Romania and the wildlife shone through and I learnt so much. The highlight was definitely getting to see some bears in the hide, but also learning more about them during our trip to the sanctuary. I will remember this trip fondly forever ☺️

  • Bear spotting and hiking

    Dawn D. October 2026
    We had an amazing 3 day adventure. The food was outstanding, it far exceeded my expectations! Our tour guide Alin was super knowledgeable and an excellent guide. He looked after us all. The places and views were spectacular. We even managed to see some bears! The bear sanctuary was both heartbreaking and heartwarming and the same time. I would 100% recommend it to anyone thinking about going. And the hotel was lovely.

  • Very enjoyable holiday

    Nicky W. October 2026
    Very much enjoyed this holiday. Our guide Dany was great. We were lucky to see 2 wild bears. Enjoyed the bear sanctuary and the hiking. Brasov is a lovely city. Dracula's castle was a little crowded but worth a visit.

  • Great trip

    Soph October 2026
    Well organised and a good programme, with a great mix of people. Alin our local guide was accommodating and knowledgeable. Nice accommodation and fantastic to see some bears out in the wild and in a sanctuary!

  • An awesome adventure

    Maria R. October 2026
    Captivating hikes and sites. Will definitely use MBA again. Alin was a great guide. Eloquent, interesting, communicative and keen for us to experience as much as possible.

  • A lovely trip and a

    Paul W. October 2026
    A lovely trip and a fantastic introduction to Romania. The wait in the hide to see a bear in the wild was worth it, and the team at Liberty are very passionate about the conservation work they do with the rescue bears. Braşov and the surrounding countryside are beautiful, the hikes were very do-able and Alin is a fantastic guide. Bran castle is very touristy but that’s perhaps to be expected. This trip is absolutely worth it.

  • For the bears :)

    Zoe H. October 2026
    A very well put together trip combining hiking and wildlife watching in the Carpathians. Short but very sweet. Getting to see a bear from the hide was just awesome - a memory to treasure forever. Both hikes were good, and the visit to Libearty was also great. Our guide Alin shared so many stories of Romania and Brasov with us, and made everything feel very well organised and run. Only thing that was missing was a walking tour of Brasov. All other trips I've done have an activity on arrival day, but we were left to our own devices until the morning. A history/walking tour and dinner on that first night would have been really appreciated.

  • Another Great Adventure

    Louise W. September 2026
    As on previous trips, the group was made of of likeminded Adventurers, our guide was great, and the itinerary was curated to give us time to get everywhere.

  • Just the most incredible trip

    Molly J. September 2026
    Just the most incredible trip with amazing memories. Alin our guide was so knowledgeable, incredibly quick to answer any questions we might have had, and was very easy to get along with. His knowledge and expertise made this trip completely unforgettable, and getting to see a bear in the wild was an experience i will never forget. Everything was planned perfectly, the opportunity to try local dishes was amazing and the views were just phenomenal. An amazing trip. Thank you Alin!

  • Excellent trip

    Louise T. September 2026
    I went on this trip with my 19 year old son and we had a brilliant time. The town of Brasov was beautiful with lot to do and see. The hiking was lovely and not difficult, we saw 2 bears at the lookout and the bear sanctuary was excellent. The guides really care about their work. We had a great group of people - really mixed - and everyone got on. Would highly recommend this trip.

  • Un-bear-ably good

    Adam C. September 2026
    Great way to spend a long weekend in Brasov with a lovely group of like minded people. This was much more laid back than other MBA trips I have done but it was exactly what I wanted. The hotel is located right in the centre so great for exploring the beautiful city of Brasov in between activities. We were unlucky with the weather for the hikes so our guide Dragos had to make a few adjustments, I still enjoyed them even if they were a little shorter than expected. Dragos was an excellent guide really helpful and very knowledgeable about his country. The meals seemed really well thought out introducing you to many local dishes, I have a sweet tooth loved the Papanași a dessert, so good I ate two! We were lucky to see two bears in the wild which was very special and the trip to the bear sanctuary is a touching experience, so many bears all with different sad stories but good to see them doing well here. The castle visit is a tourist trap but I still thought it was good to do and am glad it was included, we made it in first so it wasn’t too busy but it filled up really quickly so don’t dawdle! All in all a super little weekend.

  • The beauty of Brasov in a perfect weekend!

    Oledia W. September 2026
    This was the perfect short trip. Stunning hiking, and the visit to Liberty Bear Sanctuary was unforgettable! Plus lots of free time to explore Brasov, which has plenty to see and do. Alin,our guide, was excellent!

  • Memorable way to experience Romania

    Sophie B. September 2026
    This was such a special trip and a brilliant way to experience Romania. We had a great group, a really helpful and knowledgeable guide, and the scenery was absolutely stunning. Seeing bears in the wild was genuinely unforgettable, and visiting the bear sanctuary was another real highlight. I also loved getting to know more about Romania along the way — it’s such a beautiful country, and the trip struck the perfect balance between relaxing and recharging while still being engaging and active enough to feel like a proper adventure. Great food, spectacular settings and so many memorable experiences. I came away feeling like I’d really experienced the country rather than just visited it. Would absolutely recommend.

  • Amazing experience

    Aaron I. September 2026
    I had blast on this trip. Alin our guide was very insightful with a broad knowledge of history, politics and nature. Seeing the bears in the wild was a particular highlight!

  • Absolutely amazing, beat my expectations!

    Bronwen J. August 2026
    Romania should definitely be on your travel list, and this trip should be your experience! With time for both the adventures and solo chill time, it’s perfectly balanced. Our guide for the whole trip really made it special. He felt like part of the group, happily chatting with each of us about a range of topics and always made sure we were all having the time of our lives. For those with food allergies, he always ensured every question was answered and would speak to staff to double check any query we had. Amazing, thank you Alin! Going to Libearty Bear Sanctuary was moving, the staff obviously respecting and loving all the animals and knowing each one’s names and stories. Beautiful place to visit. We got lucky and saw three wild bears when we went to The Hide, and the waiting quietly was so worth it. They’re beautiful animals, and the whole experience of ‘will-they-won’t-they’ had us in awe when they did appear. Bran Castle is amazingly full of history, and it makes up for the large amount of other visitors also there (it’s worth it!). It’s amazing to see the architecture on such an old fortress built on top of the side of a rocky hill! This trip blew my mind, and is in top three of all trips I’ve taken in my life. Romania is a beautiful country, the people and kind and friendly, and this whole trip is just perfect. Thank you so much.

  • This was my first trip

    Kirsty H. August 2026
    This was my first trip with Much Better Adventures. Alin was an excellent guide and took us to some lovely restaurants. We were lucky to see bears in the wild, especially as it was really hot whilst we were on the trip. Libearty Bear Sanctuary was fabulous, they do amazing work. The landscape on the second hike was beautiful, although I would have liked a bit more time to feel like I could stop for photos and appreciate the view, rather than having to run to catch up.

  • A delightful weekend in Braşov

    Joanne M. August 2026
    Braşov was a delightful surprise — a beautiful, scenic city with the Carpathian Mountains providing a spectacular backdrop. It has a wonderfully relaxed and safe feel, with plenty to explore without ever feeling overwhelmingly busy. During our visit, a weekend festival and market added a lovely buzz to the city, while the historic churches, viewpoints and charming streets provided plenty of opportunities to wander and discover. There was also a fantastic choice of places to eat, from authentic local restaurants to more contemporary options. The food was plentiful, delicious and, importantly, felt genuinely rooted in the local culture. Our small hotel was perfect for the trip — beautifully converted from a very old building, full of character and situated on a quiet street, yet only around a 10-minute walk from the main square. It was an ideal base for exploring the city. Our local guide, Alin, was the perfect host. Everything was exceptionally well organised, but he was equally happy to adapt the arrangements when needed to suit the group. His knowledge and enthusiasm really brought the experiences to life, particularly on our hikes and bear-spotting adventures. The restaurants and locations he chose felt authentic, and his local knowledge made the whole experience feel much more special. Our small group of eight worked brilliantly. Despite an age range from 18 to 50+, everyone gelled easily and conversation flowed naturally, helped by our shared interests in travel, hiking and, of course, the anticipation of spotting bears! And the bear spotting certainly didn’t disappoint. The evening hike quietly into the forest and the anticipation of reaching our private hide was one of the highlights of the trip for me. Sitting silently in the forest, waiting and watching, was a genuinely memorable experience. Overall, Braşov offered the perfect combination of beautiful scenery, fascinating history, great food, outdoor adventure and a relaxed atmosphere. Add in an excellent guide and a great group of fellow travellers, and it made for a truly memorable weekend.

  • This was a great trip.

    Ceri C. August 2026
    This was a great trip. So much was packed into the weekend but it didn't feel rushed or overly busy and we still had plenty of downtime in Brasov. Our guide Dragos was great - super knowledgeable, adapted to the different needs in our group and had plenty of recommendations. Romania is gorgeous, the hikes were fab and we got to see two lovely bears from the hide 😊

  • A lovely introduction to Romania

    Neil B. August 2026
    This was a brilliant trip with easy walk with beautiful vistas. A knowledgable guide to introduce Romania and to illuminate the sights we saw. Plus varied and authentic meals. This made for a restful while also being lightly active trip away. Brilliant for someone looking for a ln active break rather than a challenge or a strong goal they want to achieve.

  • This was a great short

    Jason M. August 2026
    This was a great short tour with the chance to see bears and Bran castle plus a couple of short hikes with a lovely group. Alin was knowledgeable, accommodating and a wonderful guide to lead the tour.

  • This was our first group

    Stephanie B. August 2026
    This was our first group trip and our first time in Romania. We had plenty of time to explore the local area and had great recommendations from the guides. It was fantastic seeing bears up close and I would highly recommend.

  • Great experience

    Jennifer E. August 2026
    Great experience, balanced mixture of activities and a brilliant guide

  • Alin was brilliant from start

    Adam R. August 2026
    Alin was brilliant from start to finish, he went above and beyond and provided us with such detailed insight into the history of Braşov, brown bears and their conservation and local knowledge. Thank you for such an amazing time :hands_heart_light_skin_tone:🇹🇩

  • After spending a few days

    Ali M. August 2026
    After spending a few days hiking in the mountains hoping not to see bears (!) it was great to join a tour and be guided by to see bears in the wild. Alin was an amazing host and guide and incredibly knowledgable about everything.

Before You Travel

What to Pack

Backpack with hiking gear laid out

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.

Kit List

What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • Main backpack or case for luggage
  • A small daypack for hiking and the bear hide visit
  • Waterproof cover for your daypack

CLOTHING

  • Dark or neutral-coloured layers for the bear hide
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Fleece or similar
  • Warm jacket for at the bear hide
  • Sturdy hiking boots or trail runners
  • Warm hat and gloves for April and October dates
  • Trousers/shorts/skirts to hike in
  • T-shirts
  • Casual evening wear for downtime in Brasov
  • Underwear and socks
  • Sunglasses
  • Something to sleep in

OTHER

  • Reusable water bottle
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Universal travel plug adaptor
  • Suncream (for May to September dates)
  • Odourless insect repellent
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Ear plugs

FAQs

In the event of poor weather such as heavy rain, strong winds and/or storms, it is possible that conditions may become unsuitable to complete the planned hikes on this trip. Your guide will assess the conditions and weather forecasts and make a decision with your safety and enjoyment in mind. If it becomes necessary to make a change to the planned itinerary, an adapted hike will be offered.

This trip takes place in environments where wild animals are present in their natural environment, where protections and controls on their movement may be limited or non-existent. Some species may be dangerous, venomous, or unpredictable. Sightings are a privilege – but safety is key. Always follow your guide’s instructions and any posted signage.

We recommend considering your comfort around wildlife and discussing any concerns with your host before travel, particularly if you have allergies, phobias, or related health conditions.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with (opens in new tab). You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website (opens in new tab), where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information (opens in new tab) and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here (opens in new tab) for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

This trip is offered from April to October (peak bear-watching season). In Brasov, the temperature usually ranges from 15–25°C during the day and cools off to 3–12°C at night between May and September. Most days are sunny with beautiful blue skies. In April and October, the weather can be more unpredictable and the temperature varies between 10–20°C during the day and 3–10°C at night.

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 93kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust (opens in new tab) to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre (opens in new tab) programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here (opens in new tab).

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