On arrival make your way to your first hotel in Brasov. Take a stroll around the historic old town stopping in the atmospheric square to admire the gothic ‘Black Church’ and its world famous Buchholz organ.

Transfer from Brasov to Zarnesti, 23 kms away, from where you’ll start cycling. Ride south to brooding Bran Castle – the legendary home of Dracula and a must-see for anyone visiting Transylvania. You’ll then cycle along the scenic Barsa valley enjoying fabulous views of the Postavarul and Piatra Craiului mountains.

Today you’ll cycle through Piatra Craiului National Park, set in a forest valley and home to Europe’s largest population of wild wolves and bears – don’t worry, they are very reclusive. You’ll then be treated to some spectacular views of the Transylvanian Alps as you approach Fagaras, a city with a rich Saxon and Hungarian heritage on the River Olt.

After a short transfer, you’ll be entering the real heart of Transylvania today, a remote area of secluded villages, ancient churches and solitary castles. After passing through this timeless region you’ll arrive in the bustling city of Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a huge castle and many restaurants serving locally caught game.

Cycle out from Sighisoara for a shortish stretch to Biertan, one of the best-preserved Saxon villages in Transylvania. You’ll certainly be impressed by its castle and fortified churches, which have helped make it another World Heritage Site.

Enter the Harbach Valley, an idyllic rural landscape where the old ways still hold strong. People still use horse wagons, the fields are tended with scythes and the pace of life is slow. So no need to rush, just enjoy the ride and soak up the sights as well as the wonderful views across to the Transylvanian Alps.

Alternative route: If the guest house in Harbach is not available due to lack of space, your route will be as follows:

Day 6: Pick up at Hosman/Cornatel and transfer to Sibiu for 2 nights.

Day 7: Cycle trip from Sibiu. Take the cycle path to Rasinari and perhaps detour to Cisnadioara and Cisnadie churhces. Then cucle on to the village of Sibile where you can vist the glass museum.

On your last day of riding you’ll enter the ‘Young Forest’, stopping at Cisnadioara en route. Then you’ll be on the home straight and as you approach the end of your Transylvanian cycle tour you’ll take a bike path through the Alder Park straight to the centre of Sibiu, a former European Capital of Culture.

After breakfast it’s time to check-out and head for home or your next adventure.