There are many ways to get involved with Link Romania , one of these is to hold an event or do an activity to raise funds. This could be anything from baking and selling cakes at work or making marmalade to running a marathon.

If you are interested in putting on an event for us or getting involved with a fundraiser that we are organising then please contact us on info [at] linkromania [dot] co [dot] uk to let us know what you want to do.

Join us in a sponsored trek through NE Romania – September 2008

We are looking for fit and hardy individuals who would like to join us for a weeks hike through the beautiful and stunning Mountains in NE Romania The hike will consist of 7 days of fantastic walking and sightseeing and time at the end to visit our projects in Iasi.

We are looking for individuals who would not only like to join us for this amazing experience but also be willing to raise sponsorship monies on behalf of Link Romania .  As we only have limited places we would obviously be keen to take people who were really interested in our work and felt very motivated and committed to raising funds on our behalf.

Proposed Itinerary

Day 1. Bucharest - Fly to Bucharest - We meet our guide and if time permits, we will enjoy a short tour of some of the most beautiful old parts of this ' Paris of the East'. In contrast we will then visit the boulevard built by the infamous dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu and 'The People's House' (actually his palace and the second largest building in the world). After dinner at an old traditional Romanian restaurant we are transferred to the railway station, 'Gara de Nord' where we embark on a first class sleeper bound for Bucovina in northern Romania . (566 kms. Journey time 9 hours).

Day 2.  Rarau Mountains to Voronet Monastery - We arrive in the early morning in Vatra Dornei, a fashionable mountain spa. After a hearty breakfast we will be transferred through the picturesque Zugreni Gorge up to the Rarau Mountains from where we start the trek. Following the ridge at 1600 metres, we can admire the rolling crests of the Carpathians and the beautiful valleys of the Golden Bistrita River . We then descend through ' Slatioara Ancient Forest ', a nature reserve, to the first jewel in Bucovina 's treasures - Voronet Monastery, also known as the Sistine Chapel of the East due to the intensity of its exterior blue frescoes. After admiring the fascinating frescos, we make our way to our overnight hotel for dinner. Walking time: 7 hours.

Day 3.  Humor Monastery, Obcina Mare Mountains and Sucevita Monastery - After breakfast we take a 40 minute scenic drive to Poiana Micului, fascinating village built by Polish immigrants a few hundred years ago. We will also stop to visit the Humor Monastery, said to have the most impressive interior frescos of all the monasteries protected by UNESCO. From Poiana Micului we will walk over the Obcina Mare Mountains to Sucevita village and visit its famous monastery, probably the finest and the largest of all the Painted Monasteries. We are now in the heart of 'Christmas Tree Land' with majestic forests, diverse wildlife and remote communities. Dinner and overnight accommodation at a cosy lodge on the edge of the village. Walking time: 4-5 hours.

Day 4.  Obcina Mare Mountains - After breakfast we drive for 15 minutes to the Ciumarna Pass (1100m) from where we will start our walk on the ridge to the monastery of Moldovita. Walking through a beautiful area with open views and isolated, traditional wooden houses, we will get a glimpse of the living, archaic world of old Europe . In the afternoon we descend to Moldovita Monastery. The impressive fortifications and surrounding buildings have undergone careful restoration and its frescoes are predominantly yellow. Dinner and accommodation at a pension in Moldovita village. Walking time: 5-6 hours.

Day 5.  Obcina Feredeu Mountains - After a delicious breakfast of home made products we start today’s walk into the Obcina Feredeu Mountains . These are some of the wildest mountains in Bucovina . Through an ancient forest and rolling valleys we reach the scenic lake of Iezeru . In the afternoon we trek to the quaint Sadova village from where we hike over the beautiful, flower-filled meadow to the top of Floarea ('flower') Peak. We will visit the Floarea Sheepfold to witness some traditional activities and taste the local produce before continuing over Ardeloaia Ridge to the village of Breaza for dinner and overnight accommodation. Walking time: 6 hours.

Day 6.  Obcina Mestecanis Mountains - Today we cross the last range of mountains in Bucovina and arrive in the historic region of Transylvania . Hiking through several forests and open meadows we come on to a ridge from where there are seemingly endless views, as far as and beyond, the border with Ukraine . In the remote and isolated meadows you can see small houses and meet the people who live here in a fairy-tale world. On Dadu Peak (1523m) we stop to admire the beautiful mountain valley landscapes and the village of Carlibaba , where the river used to separate the Hapsburg and Ottoman Empires. We then descend to the village of Carlibaba for dinner and accommodation. Walking time: 5-6 hours.

Day 7. Suhard and Borgo Mountains , Transylvania - Today we climb up to Omu Peak (1932m). Continuing over the ridges of Suhard Mountain we reach Borgo, which features in Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”. From here it is easy to see how this haunting landscape inspired Stoker to write this most famous novel. Part of the WWII German fortification line can be seen from here before we descend through the picturesque Maria Mare Valley to our lodge to enjoy a delicious dinner, the indoor pool and jacuzzi!  Walking time: 5-6 hours. Evening road transfer to Iasi (290 kms approx 5 hrs). Overnight accommodation at a 3* hotel in Iasi.

Day 8. Link Romania Project Visits in Iasi - This day will be organised and led by Link Romania project leaders. Dinner and overnight accommodation in Iasi.

Day 9. Return to UK - Early morning departure by Inter City train to Bucharest (400 kms. Journey time approx 5 hours). Transfer to Bucharest Henri Coanda Airport for return flight to UK.

Cost:

The group cost is as follows.  Land only cost ie NOT including flights is:

Approx Cost per person
10-12 persons - £780
13-17 persons - £740
18-25 persons - £650

This cost is based on a minimum group size of 10 passengers. Costs are meant as an approximate guide only and are subject to confirmation of dates and the itinerary. Costs are subject to change at any time although of course we will keep everyone in touch with what is happening.  We are aiming for 25 participants to be involved in this walk.

The cheapest flights are with Whizz Air who fly Luton to Buchurest.  Also flying this route are BA and Tarom Airlines.

What’s included:

Rail transfers
All accommodation
All meals during trek + all breakfasts + dinner in Bucharest
All local transfers by coach / minibus
Professional English-speaking Romanian mountain guide(s)

An experienced Romanian English speaking guide(s) will serve as leader and companion throughout the trip. The guide will be knowledgeable in all aspects of the areas visited and provide an invaluable resource and opportunity to learn about the local culture and history as well as the country as a whole.

Walking - Degrees of Difficulty

This walk is a grade B which is moderate - for anyone who is a 'regular' hill walker. As above but offering longer stretches of walking on more rugged terrain.

 If you think you might be interested to hear more then please contact Lisa Hector on 01903 529333 or at lisahector [at] linkromania [dot] co [dot] uk. We know that it is going to be stunning and amazing trip – we hope you can join us.