Romania highlights small group holiday

Environment

Romania has a fascinating cultural and natural heritage, which is still quite outside of the normal tourist route. Much of this trip is situated in the rural areas of Transylvania, around the Carpathian mountains. We spend time in the Apuseni National Park, an enormous protected area that is home to rare bat populations and delicate cave systems. Visiting the park with a local Tour Leader is a way to ensure that this fragile environment remains protected; our leaders are all trained in responsible tourism matters and work to our detailed Responsible Tourism Policy. They brief groups carefully to ensure that we have a minimal impact on the countryside, as well as providing tips on how to avoid generating waste, such as using refillable water bottles.
The Carpathian region of Romania is home to an estimated 6,000 brown bears, which is one of the few strong and healthy populations remaining in Europe. On this trip we visit the Libearty Bear Sanctuary, a home for rescued bears. Set in an oak and hazel tree forest, the sanctuary has assisted in rescuing countless bears from zoos and captivity and is helping to educate the local communities on the importance of looking after their native wildlife. There are around 70 bears currently at the sanctuary that roam free in a natural environment of large forested enclosures containing hibernation dens and cooling freshwater pools.

As a travel company we are continually looking for ways to improve and are proud to be ‘Responsible in everything we do’. Education is key, and so all staff, Tour Leaders and partnering suppliers are trained in responsible and sustainable tourism. At our Head Office, we continually strive towards a sustainable and planet-friendly working environment, including having solar panels installed and a company commitment to reducing our plastic usage

The Carpathian region of Romania is home to an estimated 6,000 brown bears, which is one of the few strong and healthy populations remaining in Europe. On this trip we visit the Libearty Bear Sanctuary, a home for rescued bears. Set in an oak and hazel tree forest, the sanctuary has assisted in rescuing countless bears from zoos and captivity and is helping to educate the local communities on the importance of looking after their native wildlife. There are around 70 bears currently at the sanctuary that roam free in a natural environment of large forested enclosures containing hibernation dens and cooling freshwater pools.

As a travel company we are continually looking for ways to improve and are proud to be ‘Responsible in everything we do’. Education is key, and so all staff, Tour Leaders and partnering suppliers are trained in responsible and sustainable tourism. At our Head Office, we continually strive towards a sustainable and planet-friendly working environment, including having solar panels installed and a company commitment to reducing our plastic usage.

Community

Visiting communities in rural Transylvania is very much like stepping back in time - places like Viscri and Sighisoara owe their architecture and traditions to their Saxon and medieval heritage. Horse and cart is still the predominant mode of transport in these villages, and tradesmen like blacksmiths and bakers ply their trade in the same way they have for generations. Encouraging customers to purchase food and souvenirs locally, and eat in private taverns, is an excellent way of keeping money in these small economies.
We also use a variety of different small, locally-owned guesthouses during this tour which give us a deeper insight into the rural areas particularly around Transylvania. At the family-run guesthouse in Moieciu, the owners brew and sell their own apple brandy, as well as using local produce to cook traditional food. This is sourced from the farmers in this predominantly agricultural area, giving them an important source of income. Our Tour Leaders have built really good relationships with this family and their hospitality is second to none.
As a company we have valuable and longstanding partnerships with UK charities Toilet Twinning and Send a Cow, plus many smaller initiatives and projects around the world. We’re members of the UK travel industry body AITO because we believe it’s important to share our knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other operators.

We also use a variety of different small, locally-owned guesthouses during this tour which give us a deeper insight into the rural areas particularly around Transylvania. At the family-run guesthouse in Moieciu, the owners brew and sell their own apple brandy, as well as using local produce to cook traditional food. This is sourced from the farmers in this predominantly agricultural area, giving them an important source of income. Our Tour Leaders have built really good relationships with this family and their hospitality is second to none.

As a company we have valuable and longstanding partnerships with UK charities Toilet Twinning and Send a Cow, plus many smaller initiatives and projects around the world. We’re members of the UK travel industry body AITO because we believe it’s important to share our knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other operators.