Land of Vlad the Impaler

Castles of Transylvania

Tour Description: Guided

Transylvania, the land “beyond the forest,” is known today through Bram Stoker's Dracula, as a land of mystery and intrigue. It remains one of Europe's great cultural landscapes that remains undiscovered by the typical tourist.

On this tour, you will cycle along the spectacular Carpathian Mountains with splendid views, lowland valleys with medieval villages untouched by time, and forests with deer, boars and even bears. On some of days you may even pass a oxen drawn carts, horse and cows crossing the road, or buffalo cooling off in the rivers. 

You will also visit countless fortified German/Saxon churches with beautiful Renaissance and Baroque altars and pulpits. Not to mention the wealth of castles along the route in Bran, Risnov, Sighisoara and Fagaras as well as the medieval towns of Brasov, Medias and Sibiu/Hermannstadt, the cultural capital of Europe in 2007.

You will see all this and more on this tour through Romania's Transylvania. 

Tour Description: Self-guided

Transylvania, the land “beyond the forest,” is known today through Bram Stoker's Dracula, as a land of mystery and intrigue. It remains one of Europe's great cultural landscapes that remains undiscovered by the typical tourist.

On this tour, you will cycle along the spectacular Carpathian Mountains with splendid views, lowland valleys with medieval villages untouched by time, and forests with deer, boars and even bears. On some of days you may even pass a oxen drawn carts, horse and cows crossing the road, or buffalo cooling off in the rivers. 

You will also visit countless fortified German/Saxon churches with beautiful Renaissance and Baroque altars and pulpits. Not to mention the wealth of castles along the route in Bran, Risnov, Sighisoara and Fagaras as well as the medieval towns of Brasov, Medias and Sibiu/Hermannstadt, the cultural capital of Europe in 2007.

You will see all this and more on this tour through Romania's Transylvania. 

Highlights: Guided

• Brasov's Renaissance and Baroque architecture
• Risnov Castle
• Piatra Craiului National Park
• Sighisoara, the largest lived-in castle in Europe
• Bishopric of Biertan
• Speckturm tower

Highlights: Self-guided

• Brasov's Renaissance and Baroque architecture
• Risnov Castle
• Piatra Craiului National Park
• Sighisoara, the largest lived-in castle in Europe
• Bishopric of Biertan
• Speckturm tower

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Arrival to Brasov
After arrival in Brasov, you will be transferred from the aiport to the hotel in Brasov. Stroll around the beautiful town square, surrounded by Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque patrician buildings. Visit the gothic 'Black church' with the world famous Buchholz organ and a rare collection of oriental carpets which Brasovian tradesmen brought back from their trading missions in the Ottoman Empire. In the evening, you may attend an organ concert and have dinner on the historic square. 
Overnight in Brasov.  

Day 2: Bran and Risnov Castle (round trip, 27 miles/45 km)
The day begins with a short transfer to Zarnesti at the footsteps of the Piatra Craiului Mountains. From there, you will cycle to Dracula Castle that has splendid views of the Bucegi Mountains. It served as impressive backstage for Roman Polanskis ‘Dance of the Vampires’ and as a salon and refuge for Queen Mary of Romania, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria I. The route then continues to Risnov Castle, where you have marvelous views to the Postavarul and Piatra Craiului Mountains. 
Overnight in Zarnesti.  

Day 3: Zarnesti - Fagaras (36 miles/58 km)
Today you cycle through the Piatra Craiului National Park, which has the highest concentration of bears and wolves in Europe, along a beautiful forest valley between two mountains. Then you cycle via spectacular scenery to the Transylvanian Alps and on to former Walachian territory to Fagarasch. On your way, there should be many opportunities to see rare flowers birds and butterflies. Visit the pretty, recently restored Renaissance Castle and museum owned by the Hungarian Woiwodes that ruled Transylvania. 
Overnight in Fagaras. 

Day 4: Fagaras – Sighisoara (25-30 miles/40-50 km)
Today begisn with a transfer to Cincu to avoid a busy road. From there you cycle through quite a remote area passing numerous villages and fortified churches. You may see a street wedding on your way, a German Blasmusik with Romanian texts and Gypsy tunes. Admire the beautiful Trappold Castle that is guarded by a German artist. The town castle of Sighisoara is the largest lived-in castle in Europe and part of the UNESCO Cultural Heritage. Have a good Hungarian meal (or maybe game) in the Casa Cerbul, the ‘House with the Deer Antler’ where the Prince of Wales dines when visiting Transylvania
Overnight in Sighisoara.  

Day 5: Sighisoara - Biertan (25 miles/40 km)
Following a short transfer to Danes to avoid a busy road, you cycle to the old bishopric of Biertan, one of the most impressive castles of Transylvania (UNESCO Cultural Heritage).   
Overnight in Biertan.

Day 6: Biertan - Harbach Valley (30 miles/50 km)
Today you cycle through the remote Harbach Valley with beautiful views to the Transylvanian alps, where you may pass horse wagons loaded with hay. You will continue, cycling through villages in which time seems to stand still, as farmers on the fields still use scythes and sickles. On your way you may make a detour to Hosman Castle, featuring interesting Gothic sculptures. See the ‘Speckturm’, bacon tower, and maybe the custodian will climb up to the top of the clock tower with you, showing you its ancient mechanism. You will spend the night in a beautifully located agrotouristic guest house with good food.
Overnight in Marpod.  

Day 7: Harbach Valley - Sibiu (30 miles/50 km)
You and your bike will be transported to the next village (5 miles/8 km) with a horse waggon. You then cycle to Cisnadie with its impressive fortified church castle and further on to the castle of Cisnadiora.. Stroll through the medieval town squares with beautifully restored medieval patrician houses, Gothic and Baroque churches. 
Overnight in Sibiu.  

Day 8: Individual departure
Private minibus transfer to the airport in Bucharest included. 

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

Dates: Self-guided

Daily: May 1- Oct 31, 2012

Route Map: Guided

Route Map: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour package (guided)
3- and 4-star hotels and guesthouses.
Per person, double occupancy €699 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) €125 Bike rentals Hybrid touring bike, 24-speed €60 Equipment included free with all rentals €0

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Tour package (self-guided)
3- and 4-star small hotels and guesthouses.
Per person, double occupancy €499 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) €125 Bike rentals Hybrid touring bike, 24-speed €60 Equipment included free with all rentals €0

Included Services: Guided

• Transfer from Bucharest airport to Brasov
• Transfer from Sibiu train station to Sibiu
• Train ticket from Sibiu to Bucharest
• Transfer from Brasov to Zarnesti
• 7-night lodging in good 3-star hotels and guest houses (all rooms with private facilities)
• Dinners each night (a la carte rather than set menu, drinks not included) between the accommodations
• Support van with English-speaking tour manager/guide (no guide cycles with you)
• Entrance tickets

   

Included Services: Self-guided

• 7-nights accommodation in 3-star hotels and guest houses
• Breakfast each day
• Luggage transfer during the cycling tour
• Detailed information on villages and castles
• Route description, map, basic English to Romanian dictionary
• Welcome meeting and orientation with tour operator representative
• On-call telephone support

Hotels: Guided

Day 1: Hotel Coroana Brasovului, Brasov
www.coroana-brasovului.ro
Located a 10-minute walk to the Square, Hotel Coroana Brasovului, blends history, elegance and comfort.  

Day 2: Pensiunea Mosorel, Zarnesti
www.pensiuneamosorel.ro
Pensiunea Mosorel is located at the entrance of Piatra Craiului National Park, offering 19 double rooms with flower garden and relaxation area. 

Day 3: Pensiunea Vanessa, Fagaras
www.pensiuneavanessa.ro 
Pensiunea Vanessa offers a high standard of quality for guests in a pleasant atmosphere, located near Central Park in the historic city of Fagaras.  

Day 4: Hotel Korona, Sighisoara
www.hotelkorona.ro 
Situated in the heart of the old town of Sighisoara, right at the bottom of the Middle Age Citadel, is Hotel Korona offering spacious, luxury accomodation, restaurant, swimming pool and fitness club.  

Day 5: Pensiunea Unglerus, Biertan
www.biertan.ro 
Unglerus Pension is located in a building restored in a medieval style in 2006.  

Day 6: Pensiunea Biohaus Cioran Emilian, Marpod
www.bio-haus.ro 
Thote hotel-pension Bio Haus Cioran is located 14 miles (20 km) from Sibiu, in the valley of Hartibaci surrouned by beautiful hills and forests.  

Day 7: Hotel Silva, Sibiu
www.hotelsilvasibiu.ro 
Silva Hotel in Sibiu, located just five nimutes from the medieval city center, offers guests comfortable rooms and an excellent restaurant.

Hotels: Self-guided

Day 1: Hotel Coroana Brasovului, Brasov
www.coroana-brasovului.ro
Located a 10-minute walk to the Square, Hotel Coroana Brasovului, blends history, elegance and comfort.  

Day 2: Pensiunea Mosorel, Zarnesti
www.pensiuneamosorel.ro
Pensiunea Mosorel is located at the entrance of Piatra Craiului National Park, offering 19 double rooms with flower garden and relaxation area. 

Day 3: Pensiunea Vanessa, Fagaras
www.pensiuneavanessa.ro 
Pensiunea Vanessa offers a high standard of quality for guests in a pleasant atmosphere, located near Central Park in the historic city of Fagaras.  

Day 4: Hotel Korona, Sighisoara
www.hotelkorona.ro 
Situated in the heart of the old town of Sighisoara, right at the bottom of the Middle Age Citadel, is Hotel Korona offering spacious, luxury accomodation, restaurant, swimming pool and fitness club.  

Day 5: Pensiunea Unglerus, Biertan
www.biertan.ro 
Unglerus Pension is located in a building restored in a medieval style in 2006.  

Day 6: Pensiunea Biohaus Cioran Emilian, Marpod
www.bio-haus.ro 
Thote hotel-pension Bio Haus Cioran is located 14 miles (20 km) from Sibiu, in the valley of Hartibaci surrouned by beautiful hills and forests.  

Day 7: Hotel Silva, Sibiu
www.hotelsilvasibiu.ro 
Silva Hotel in Sibiu, located just five nimutes from the medieval city center, offers guests comfortable rooms and an excellent restaurant.

Bike Rentals: Guided

The bikes available for the tour are German made 24-gear hybrid touring bikes. There are different frame sizes available in both men's and women's styles. The bikes are equipped with bike tool kit, repair supplies, pump, lock, spare tire, front saddle bag.

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

The bikes available for the tour are German made 24-gear hybrid touring bikes. There are different frame sizes available in both men's and women's styles. The bikes are equipped with bike tool kit, repair supplies, pump, lock, spare tire, front saddle bag.

Surface and Terrain: Guided

The tour is mostly flat with a few moderate hills in between. You cycle on quite side roads and on some firm nature or horse wagon roads. You should expect more traffic around Bran, Sighisoara and Sibiu. 

Approximately 90% of the tour is on quiet roads, 5% on roads shared with traffic and 5% on dirt or gravel roads. The maximum daily elevation gain is 820 feet (250 m), with a maximum grade percentage of 7%. This tour is appropriate for hybrid bikes. 

This tour is rated Leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition. 

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

The tour is mostly flat with a few moderate hills in between. You cycle on quite side roads and on some firm nature or horse wagon roads. You should expect more traffic around Bran, Sighisoara and Sibiu. 

Approximately 90% of the tour is on quiet roads, 5% on roads shared with traffic and 5% on dirt or gravel roads. The maximum daily elevation gain is 820 feet (250 m), with a maximum grade percentage of 7%. This tour is appropriate for hybrid bikes. 

This tour is rated Leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition. 

How To Get There: Guided

Tour Start
Nearest airport: Bucharest, Romania
Nearest train station: Brasov, Romania

Tour End 
Nearest airport: Bucharest, Romania
Nearest train station: Sibiu, Romania

There are good train connections between Bucharest and Sibiu and Brasov for around €15 per person. From Sibiu back to Bucharest you can take the early comfortable Intercity train for €25 per person. It is recommended to reserve your train tickets, though you can pay on the spot.

Taxi transfers from Bucharest airport to Brasov costs €100 per taxi (to be paid on the spot).

Taxi transfers from Bucharest airport to the Bucharest train station cost €20 per taxi. 

Taxi transfers from Brasov train station to hotel costs €10 per taxi.

Taxi transfers from Sibiu hotel to train station cost €5 per taxi.

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour Start
Nearest airport: Bucharest, Romania
Nearest train station: Brasov, Romania

Tour End 
Nearest airport: Bucharest, Romania
Nearest train station: Sibiu, Romania

There are good train connections between Bucharest and Sibiu and Brasov for around €15 per person. From Sibiu back to Bucharest you can take the early comfortable Intercity train for €25 per person. It is recommended to reserve your train tickets, though you can pay on the spot.

Taxi transfers from Bucharest airport to Brasov costs €100 per taxi (to be paid on the spot).

Taxi transfers from Bucharest airport to the Bucharest train station cost €20 per taxi. 

Taxi transfers from Brasov train station to hotel costs €10 per taxi.

Taxi transfers from Sibiu hotel to train station cost €5 per taxi.

More about Romania: Guided

Romania's rich and varied history is full of triumph and tragedy, and it’s gorgeous natural landscapes will charm you. The Danube River and the Carpathian mountains are two of the most impressive natural landmarks of Romania. The Transylvania region, made famous by Bram Stoker's "Dracula" story, is also a popular destination.

The old-world charm of Bucharest, known as the "Paris of the East," can be witnessed in the blend of old and new – many of the buildings from the Soviet era still stand side-by-side with newer buildings. The fall of the Iron Curtain revealed to the world a victorious and vibrant country that has become a top destination in Eastern Europe.

More on bicycling in Romania > 

View all Romania bike tours >

More about Romania: Self-guided

Romania's rich and varied history is full of triumph and tragedy, and it’s gorgeous natural landscapes will charm you. The Danube River and the Carpathian mountains are two of the most impressive natural landmarks of Romania. The Transylvania region, made famous by Bram Stoker's "Dracula" story, is also a popular destination.

The old-world charm of Bucharest, known as the "Paris of the East," can be witnessed in the blend of old and new – many of the buildings from the Soviet era still stand side-by-side with newer buildings. The fall of the Iron Curtain revealed to the world a victorious and vibrant country that has become a top destination in Eastern Europe.

More on bicycling in Romania > 

View all Romania bike tours >

Tour Company Background: Hermannstaedter Reisen: Guided

Hermannstädter Reisen, founded 2003, is a German-Romanian licensed tour operator in Sibiu/Hermannstadt, Romania offering cycling and walking holidays as well as cultural tours. They cooperate with tour operators from the UK, Canada, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Key strengths include excellent organziation skills and customer support. 

Tour Company Background: Hermannstaedter Reisen: Self-guided

Hermannstädter Reisen, founded 2003, is a German-Romanian licensed tour operator in Sibiu/Hermannstadt, Romania offering cycling and walking holidays as well as cultural tours. They cooperate with tour operators from the UK, Canada, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Key strengths include excellent organziation skills and customer support. 

Terms and Conditions: Hermannstaedter Reisen: Guided

The travel tours are operated by ‘HERMANNSTÄDTER REISEN.’

1. CANCELLATION BY TRAVELLER 

1.1 The client may cancel his or her participation in the tour at any time before it commences. The point of withdrawal is taken to be the point at which ‘HERMANNSTÄDTER REISEN’ receives the notification. It is recommended that the client declare his withdrawal in writing. 

1.2 If the client withdraws from the travel contract or does not begin the tour, then the tour operator may request payment of damages to cover tour arrangements made and expenses incurred by him. 

1.3 The tour operator may establish this claim for compensation in a lump sum as a percentage of the tour price in consideration of the arrangement given below. The following cancellation fees apply:

• up to 45 days prior to departure 10 % per person
• from 44 days until 30 days prior to departure 20% of travel price
• from 29 days until 22 days prior to departure 30 % of travel price
• from 21 days until 15 days prior to departure 40 % of travel price
• from 14 days until 8 days prior to departure 50 % of travel price,
• from 7 days until 1 day prior to departure 70 % of travel price
• no show at arrival date 90 % of travel price.

2. COMPLETION OF TRAVEL CONTRACT

2.1 With his booking the client legally agrees to the conclusion of a travel contract with the tour operator.

2.2 The booking can be done in writing, orally, by telephone or by e-mail. It is done by the client also on behalf of all other participants listed in the booking.

2.3 The travel contract comes into being upon the acceptance of the tour operator. Acceptance does not require a pre-set form. On or immediately after the conclusion of the contract, the tour operator will hand out a tour confirmation to the client.

3. PAYMENT

3.1 Payments towards the tour price before the end of the tour are effected on issue of a risk coverage certificate to insure against insolvency of the tour operator. Upon completion of the contract a deposit of 20% of the travel price will be due. The deposit will be deducted from the total tour price. The remaining amount must be paid 28 days before commencement of the journey without further reminder.

3.2 The travel documents will be made out 2 weeks before commencement of the journey. Vouchers, hotel list and directions will be forwarded without delay upon receipt of payment. Route descriptions and maps will be send or left for the guest with the first accommodation.

4. INSURANCE

4.1 We recommend that the client take out travel cancellation insurance and/or buy an insurance contract package including travel cancellation insurance together with his booking.

4.2 We recommend the option of buying international travel health insurance as well as luggage insurance for all journeys.

5. SERVICES

5.1 The scope of the contractually agreed services is laid out in the description of services on the Internet and in the relevant details given in the tour confirmation. Details which appear on the Internet are binding for the tour operator.

5.2 The details given in the travel information on the respective tour and forwarded together with the tour confirmation are made to the best of the tour operator's knowledge and belief.

6. CHANGES IN SERVICES

6.1 Any changes in or deviations of individual travel services from the agreed content which become necessary after completion of the travel contract, are only permitted where the changes and deviations are not extensive and do not substantially prejudice the overall concept of the tour booked.

6.2 Any warranty claims are not affected in so far as the changes in arrangements have faults.

6.3 The tour operator is obliged to inform the client immediately of any changes in or deviations from services. Where appropriate the tour operator will offer the client a charge-free change in reservation or a charge-free withdrawal.

6.4 In the case of a substantial change in a key tour service the traveller is entitled to withdraw from the travel contract at no cost or to request a transfer to another tour of at least equal value, as long as the tour operator is in a position to offer such a tour from his range without an increase in price to the traveller. The latter is required to assert these rights immediately upon notification of a change in any tour service by the tour operator.

7. LIABILITY OF TOUR OPERATOR

7.1 Within the scope of due diligence of a prudent businessman, the tour operator is responsible for:

a) careful preparation of the tour
b) careful selection and supervision of the providers of services 
c) accurate description of all travel services indicated in the catalogues or on the Internet 
d) proper provision of the travel services as contractually agreed. 

7.2 The tour operator shall be liable for any faults of the person entrusted with the provision of services.

8. WARRANTY

8.1 Redress: If a travel service is not rendered in accordance with the contract, the traveller may seek redress.The tour operator may also offer redress in a manner providing replacement of the same value. The tour operator may refuse redress should it entail disproportionate expense.

8.2 Reduction in the Travel Price: The traveller can request a reduction in the travel price for the duration of a travel service not rendered as stipulated in the contract (reduction in price). However, said reduction in price fails if the traveller negligently or purposely refrains from advising the tour operator.

8.3 Termination of Travel Contract: If a tour is to a significant degree adversely affected by a fault or defect, and the tour operator fails to provide redress within an appropriate time period, the traveller may terminate the travel contract within the framework of the legal provisions of the travel contract – in his or her own interest expediently by a written declaration. The same applies if, due to a fault or defect for an important reason which is discernible by the tour operator, the traveller cannot reasonably be expected to undertake the tour. Determination of a time-limit for redress is not required only where such redress is impossible or is refused by the tour operator. The traveller owes the tour operator that part of the travel price relating to the services utilised.

9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

9.1 Contractual liability of the tour operator for damage other than physical injury is limited to a total of three times the tour price:

a) if damage suffered by the traveller was not caused with intent or by gross negligence or
b) if the tour operator is responsible for damage suffered by the traveller solely through the fault of a provider of services.

9.2 The tour operator shall be liable for all compensation claims against him due to tort which are not due to intent or gross negligence in the event of property damage up to €4,100; if three times the amount of the tour price exceeds this amount, liability for property damage shall be limited to three times the tour price. The maximum liability amounts apply to one client and one tour. 

9.3 A claim for damages against the tour operator is limited or excluded in so far as due to international agreements or statutory regulations based thereupon, which are to be applied to the services to be rendered by a provider of services, a claim for damages against the provider of services can be claimed or excluded only under certain conditions or limitations.

10. DUTY OF COOPERATION

10.1 Should disruption to services occur the traveller is obliged within the framework of the legal provisions to cooperate in avoiding and reducing as far are as possible any damage.

10.2 In particular, the traveller is obliged to present his complaints immediately to ‘HERMANNSTÄDTER REISEN’ at their place of business. The tour operator is obliged to take corrective action, if possible. Should the traveller refrain from reporting a fault, then his/her entitlement to a reduction in price is lost.

11. EXCLUSION OF CLAIMS AND STATUTE OF LIMITATION

11.1 Claims on account of non-contractual travel performance are to be asserted by the traveller against the tour operator within one month after termination of the journey specified in the contract. Claims as a result of tort are subject to the statutory period of limitation. In the traveller's own interest, such claims should be made in writing.

11.2 Any claims of traveller pursuant become statute-barred after one year, beginning with the day on which the tour was scheduled to end under the contract. Where negotiations regarding the claim or the circumstances substantiating the claim are pending between the traveller and the tour operator, then the limitation period is suspended until the traveller or the tour operator reject continuation of the negotiations. The limitation period can take effect no earlier than 3 months after this suspension.

12. PASSPORT, VISA AND HEALTH PROVISIONS

12.1 The traveller is personally responsible for obtaining information on entering the destination countries. In case of doubt, information is available from the local consulates.

12.2 The tour operator is not liable for the timely issue and receipt of necessary visa by the relevant diplomatic authorities.

12.3 The traveller is personally responsible for complying with all important regulations relating to the organisation of the tour. Any disadvantages, in particular payment of cancellation costs, due to traveller's failure to comply with such regulations, are borne by him or her except when caused by the tour operator's negligence due to incorrect information.

13. INVALIDITY OF INDIVIDUAL CONDITIONS

The invalidity of individual provisions of the travel contract does not entail the invalidity of the whole travel contract.

14. MISCELLANEOUS

Physical Requirements: Any information on physical requirements during hiking and trekking tours is generally given according to the tour operator's best knowledge and belief, however, without guarantee, since such information is not only subject to subjective assessment but is also influenced by external circumstances such as weather conditions in particular.

15. PLACE OF JURISDICTION

15.1 The traveller can only take legal action against the tour operator at their principal place of business. The place of jurisdiction for travels organised by ‘HERMANNSTÄDTER REISEN’ is Sibiu/Hermannstadt.

15.2 ADRESS ‘HERMANNSTÄDTER REISEN’ is located in strada Xenopol 17, 550159 Sibiu/Hermannstadt, Romania. Telephone: 0040 269 212 289

Terms and Conditions: Hermannstaedter Reisen: Self-guided

The travel tours are operated by ‘HERMANNSTÄDTER REISEN.’

1. CANCELLATION BY TRAVELLER 

1.1 The client may cancel his or her participation in the tour at any time before it commences. The point of withdrawal is taken to be the point at which ‘HERMANNSTÄDTER REISEN’ receives the notification. It is recommended that the client declare his withdrawal in writing. 

1.2 If the client withdraws from the travel contract or does not begin the tour, then the tour operator may request payment of damages to cover tour arrangements made and expenses incurred by him. 

1.3 The tour operator may establish this claim for compensation in a lump sum as a percentage of the tour price in consideration of the arrangement given below. The following cancellation fees apply:

• up to 45 days prior to departure 10 % per person
• from 44 days until 30 days prior to departure 20% of travel price
• from 29 days until 22 days prior to departure 30 % of travel price
• from 21 days until 15 days prior to departure 40 % of travel price
• from 14 days until 8 days prior to departure 50 % of travel price,
• from 7 days until 1 day prior to departure 70 % of travel price
• no show at arrival date 90 % of travel price.

2. COMPLETION OF TRAVEL CONTRACT

2.1 With his booking the client legally agrees to the conclusion of a travel contract with the tour operator.

2.2 The booking can be done in writing, orally, by telephone or by e-mail. It is done by the client also on behalf of all other participants listed in the booking.

2.3 The travel contract comes into being upon the acceptance of the tour operator. Acceptance does not require a pre-set form. On or immediately after the conclusion of the contract, the tour operator will hand out a tour confirmation to the client.

3. PAYMENT

3.1 Payments towards the tour price before the end of the tour are effected on issue of a risk coverage certificate to insure against insolvency of the tour operator. Upon completion of the contract a deposit of 20% of the travel price will be due. The deposit will be deducted from the total tour price. The remaining amount must be paid 28 days before commencement of the journey without further reminder.

3.2 The travel documents will be made out 2 weeks before commencement of the journey. Vouchers, hotel list and directions will be forwarded without delay upon receipt of payment. Route descriptions and maps will be send or left for the guest with the first accommodation.

4. INSURANCE

4.1 We recommend that the client take out travel cancellation insurance and/or buy an insurance contract package including travel cancellation insurance together with his booking.

4.2 We recommend the option of buying international travel health insurance as well as luggage insurance for all journeys.

5. SERVICES

5.1 The scope of the contractually agreed services is laid out in the description of services on the Internet and in the relevant details given in the tour confirmation. Details which appear on the Internet are binding for the tour operator.

5.2 The details given in the travel information on the respective tour and forwarded together with the tour confirmation are made to the best of the tour operator's knowledge and belief.

6. CHANGES IN SERVICES

6.1 Any changes in or deviations of individual travel services from the agreed content which become necessary after completion of the travel contract, are only permitted where the changes and deviations are not extensive and do not substantially prejudice the overall concept of the tour booked.

6.2 Any warranty claims are not affected in so far as the changes in arrangements have faults.

6.3 The tour operator is obliged to inform the client immediately of any changes in or deviations from services. Where appropriate the tour operator will offer the client a charge-free change in reservation or a charge-free withdrawal.

6.4 In the case of a substantial change in a key tour service the traveller is entitled to withdraw from the travel contract at no cost or to request a transfer to another tour of at least equal value, as long as the tour operator is in a position to offer such a tour from his range without an increase in price to the traveller. The latter is required to assert these rights immediately upon notification of a change in any tour service by the tour operator.

7. LIABILITY OF TOUR OPERATOR

7.1 Within the scope of due diligence of a prudent businessman, the tour operator is responsible for:

a) careful preparation of the tour
b) careful selection and supervision of the providers of services 
c) accurate description of all travel services indicated in the catalogues or on the Internet 
d) proper provision of the travel services as contractually agreed. 

7.2 The tour operator shall be liable for any faults of the person entrusted with the provision of services.

8. WARRANTY

8.1 Redress: If a travel service is not rendered in accordance with the contract, the traveller may seek redress.The tour operator may also offer redress in a manner providing replacement of the same value. The tour operator may refuse redress should it entail disproportionate expense.

8.2 Reduction in the Travel Price: The traveller can request a reduction in the travel price for the duration of a travel service not rendered as stipulated in the contract (reduction in price). However, said reduction in price fails if the traveller negligently or purposely refrains from advising the tour operator.

8.3 Termination of Travel Contract: If a tour is to a significant degree adversely affected by a fault or defect, and the tour operator fails to provide redress within an appropriate time period, the traveller may terminate the travel contract within the framework of the legal provisions of the travel contract – in his or her own interest expediently by a written declaration. The same applies if, due to a fault or defect for an important reason which is discernible by the tour operator, the traveller cannot reasonably be expected to undertake the tour. Determination of a time-limit for redress is not required only where such redress is impossible or is refused by the tour operator. The traveller owes the tour operator that part of the travel price relating to the services utilised.

9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

9.1 Contractual liability of the tour operator for damage other than physical injury is limited to a total of three times the tour price:

a) if damage suffered by the traveller was not caused with intent or by gross negligence or
b) if the tour operator is responsible for damage suffered by the traveller solely through the fault of a provider of services.

9.2 The tour operator shall be liable for all compensation claims against him due to tort which are not due to intent or gross negligence in the event of property damage up to €4,100; if three times the amount of the tour price exceeds this amount, liability for property damage shall be limited to three times the tour price. The maximum liability amounts apply to one client and one tour. 

9.3 A claim for damages against the tour operator is limited or excluded in so far as due to international agreements or statutory regulations based thereupon, which are to be applied to the services to be rendered by a provider of services, a claim for damages against the provider of services can be claimed or excluded only under certain conditions or limitations.

10. DUTY OF COOPERATION

10.1 Should disruption to services occur the traveller is obliged within the framework of the legal provisions to cooperate in avoiding and reducing as far are as possible any damage.

10.2 In particular, the traveller is obliged to present his complaints immediately to ‘HERMANNSTÄDTER REISEN’ at their place of business. The tour operator is obliged to take corrective action, if possible. Should the traveller refrain from reporting a fault, then his/her entitlement to a reduction in price is lost.

11. EXCLUSION OF CLAIMS AND STATUTE OF LIMITATION

11.1 Claims on account of non-contractual travel performance are to be asserted by the traveller against the tour operator within one month after termination of the journey specified in the contract. Claims as a result of tort are subject to the statutory period of limitation. In the traveller's own interest, such claims should be made in writing.

11.2 Any claims of traveller pursuant become statute-barred after one year, beginning with the day on which the tour was scheduled to end under the contract. Where negotiations regarding the claim or the circumstances substantiating the claim are pending between the traveller and the tour operator, then the limitation period is suspended until the traveller or the tour operator reject continuation of the negotiations. The limitation period can take effect no earlier than 3 months after this suspension.

12. PASSPORT, VISA AND HEALTH PROVISIONS

12.1 The traveller is personally responsible for obtaining information on entering the destination countries. In case of doubt, information is available from the local consulates.

12.2 The tour operator is not liable for the timely issue and receipt of necessary visa by the relevant diplomatic authorities.

12.3 The traveller is personally responsible for complying with all important regulations relating to the organisation of the tour. Any disadvantages, in particular payment of cancellation costs, due to traveller's failure to comply with such regulations, are borne by him or her except when caused by the tour operator's negligence due to incorrect information.

13. INVALIDITY OF INDIVIDUAL CONDITIONS

The invalidity of individual provisions of the travel contract does not entail the invalidity of the whole travel contract.

14. MISCELLANEOUS

Physical Requirements: Any information on physical requirements during hiking and trekking tours is generally given according to the tour operator's best knowledge and belief, however, without guarantee, since such information is not only subject to subjective assessment but is also influenced by external circumstances such as weather conditions in particular.

15. PLACE OF JURISDICTION

15.1 The traveller can only take legal action against the tour operator at their principal place of business. The place of jurisdiction for travels organised by ‘HERMANNSTÄDTER REISEN’ is Sibiu/Hermannstadt.

15.2 ADRESS ‘HERMANNSTÄDTER REISEN’ is located in strada Xenopol 17, 550159 Sibiu/Hermannstadt, Romania. Telephone: 0040 269 212 289