Bike in Time

Bike & Photo Tour in Romania is a guided bikepacking journey through the heart of Transylvania, created by Bike in Time for cyclists with a passion for photography. Romania's natural network of forestry and unpaved roads, with UNESCO World Heritage sites right along the route, is fast making it a favourite for bike and camera travellers. The idea for the tour came after several trips they organised with journalists and photographers, and it is built around the region's most photogenic routes. Experienced guides speaking English, French or German lead the group throughout.

Starting and finishing in the remote village of Cund, the loop covers around 300 km over five riding days. It links historic Saxon villages, fortified churches, old manors and the 13th-century citadel of Sighișoara, where you spend a night inside the walls. Days mix gravel tracks, quiet asphalt and a long single trail through endless forest, rolling hills and sheep pastures, including the curious "100 hills" landscape and a stretch of the Via Transilvanica trail.

Culture is as much a part of the journey as the riding. You'll meet local craftspeople keeping traditions alive, from weavers and basket makers to blacksmiths and bakers, stop at an ecological farm run by Romania's largest conservation organisation, and enjoy regional food prepared by passionate hosts. Nights are spent in restored guesthouses, a former parish house and a hotel in the citadel, so the "back in time" feel carries through every day and every evening of the tour.

Highlights

• UNESCO fortified churches at Biertan, Malancrav and Viscri
• The medieval citadel of Sighișoara, with a night inside its walls
• Riding the "100 hills" protected area and a section of Via Transilvanica
• A 50 km single trail through Transylvanian wilderness
• Traditional craft workshops: weaving, basket making, woodwork and blacksmithing
• Water buffalo returning home at dusk in Malancrav

Surface and terrain
Around two-thirds gravel and forestry roads, including a 50 km single trail, with the rest on low-traffic asphalt. Rolling Transylvanian hills throughout, with some short climbs. No elevation figures published.

Weather
Transylvania has a continental climate: warm summers (typically 22-28°C), mild spring and autumn days with cool nights, and cold, often snowy winters. Late spring to early autumn is best for riding.

Suitable for
Fit, confident riders comfortable on gravel and single trail, averaging around 60 km a day over hilly terrain. Ideal for keen photographers and those interested in rural culture and history. The operator rates it Active & Avid.

Maramureș Wooden Churches Route is a guided, vehicle-supported cycling tour through the region where Romania's traditional life and culture are best preserved. Its unique landscapes, UNESCO-listed wooden churches and age-old customs are the real treasures of Maramureș, and Bike in Time have designed this loop for travellers wanting to ride in remote places at a moderate level, with plenty of "back in time" moments, local food, rural architecture and warm hospitality along the way.

Starting and finishing in Baia Mare, the route passes the UNESCO wooden churches of Șurdești and Plopiș before climbing to around 1,000 m above the old mining town of Cavnic and dropping into the village of Breb. Two nights here allow time to explore historic tracks to neighbouring villages, old water mills still in use, a master woodcarver's workshop and Bârsana Monastery, with one of Europe's tallest wooden churches, plus an optional dip in the salt pools at Ocna Șugatag.

From Breb the ride continues over rolling hills to Sighetu Marmației and its sobering Memorial to the Victims of Communism, then along the Tisa River on the Ukrainian border to the famous Merry Cemetery at Săpânța, with its colourful crosses carved with satirical verses. A tough 30 km forest road climbs to 1,100 m on the way back to Baia Mare, followed by a relaxed final ride to the resorts of Chiuzbaia and Șuior. Nights are in traditional guesthouses, renovated manors and 4-star hotels.

Highlights

• The UNESCO wooden churches of Șurdești and Plopiș
• The Merry Cemetery at Săpânța
• Traditional village life in Breb, with old water mills and artisans
• Bârsana Monastery and its towering wooden church
• The Memorial to the Victims of Communism in Sighetu Marmației
• Riding along the Tisa River on the Ukrainian border

Surface and terrain
Mix of quiet asphalt and gravel or unpaved historic tracks. Rolling hills throughout, with a climb to around 1,000 m above Cavnic on Day 2 and a difficult, unsupported 30 km forest road climbing to 1,100 m on Day 5.

Weather
Maramureș is cooler and wetter than much of Romania: summer days typically 20-27°C with cool nights, mild but changeable spring and autumn, and frequent showers. Higher passes can be noticeably cooler.

Suitable for
Reasonably fit riders comfortable with 45-80 km days on mixed surfaces, including two climbs to around 1,000 m and a rough forest section. Ideal for those drawn to rural traditions, wooden architecture and remote landscapes. The operator rates it Easy.

Bucovina Painted Monasteries is a guided, vehicle-supported cycling journey through north-eastern Romania, full of "back in time" moments. Moldova and Bucovina are the country's most religious regions, and their greatest treasures are the painted monasteries listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Bike in Time lead you along this route to offer more than the churches alone: breathtaking landscapes, traditional crafts lost in time and local culinary delights, with plenty of stops for visits along the way.

The tour begins in Agapia, home to Romania's largest nuns' monastery, and spends a day exploring the area's hidden monasteries, a buffalo reserve and an ancient fortress. From there the route heads north over rolling hills and through traditional villages to Voroneț, famous for its distinctive blue frescoes, and Humor. Further days take in Suceșita, the largest and most recent of the UNESCO monasteries, the Cacica salt mine and Moldovița, before a final climb up the Transrarău road to the summit of Rarău.

Riding is mostly on asphalt with some gravel and unpaved sections and several solid climbs, so a reasonable level of fitness is needed. Experienced guides lead the group, with a support vehicle and luggage transfers throughout. Nights are spent in renovated manors, refurbished guesthouses and 4-star hotels, with hosts' home cooking at most meals. Along the way you'll watch black ceramics being made in Marginea and see eggs painted by a local artisan, a glimpse of the living traditions that make this region special.

Highlights

• UNESCO painted monasteries of Voroneț, Humor, Suceșita and Moldovița
• Agapia, Romania's largest nuns' monastery, painted by Nicolae Grigorescu
• Climbing 1,000 m on the Transrarău road to the top of Rarău mountain
• Black ceramics workshop in Marginea and a traditional egg-painting demonstration
• The old Cacica salt mine and a buffalo reserve near Vânători
• Home-cooked regional food and wine with local hosts

Surface and terrain
Mostly asphalt on quiet rural roads, with gravel and unpaved sections on Days 2 and 4. Rolling hills throughout, with 500 m climbs on three days and a 1,000 m ascent of the Transrarău road on Day 6.

Weather
Bucovina is cooler than southern Romania: summer days typically 20-26°C, mild but changeable spring and autumn with cool nights, and showers possible at any time. Expect cooler conditions on Rarău.

Suitable for
Fit riders comfortable with full days of 45-90 km and sustained climbs, mostly on sealed roads. Suits those interested in religious art, history and traditional crafts. Vehicle support helps on harder days. The operator rates it Medium.

Manors Along the Mineral Water Route is a guided, vehicle-supported cycling tour through the volcanic landscapes of south-eastern Transylvania, where Romania's most recent volcanic activity ended only a few thousand years ago. That legacy has left the region rich in natural mineral springs, and Bike in Time pair them with another local treasure: historic manor houses brought back to life since the end of the communist era. Along the way you'll drink straight from the springs, tasting the distinct minerals of each source.

The tour begins with a transfer from Bucharest to Brașov, stopping at Sinaia and the former royal summer residence of Peleș Castle. From Brașov, quiet village roads lead to Sfântu Gheorghe and on through forest to the hidden village of Valea Zălanului. Next comes Biborțeni, whose springs have been bottled for more than a century, the wild Vârghiș Gorges and a cave, and visits to a family of wooden-door painters and a traditional blacksmith, before a night in a manor turned boutique hotel.

The route then climbs to St Ana Lake, set in an extinct volcanic crater, before descending to Târgu Secuiesc and continuing to Covasna, the "city of 1,000 mineral springs", where a 4-star spa hotel awaits. Keen riders can add a gravel climb to the old village of Comandău. A final ride on remote roads returns to Brașov for a farewell dinner. Accommodation combines renovated manors, guesthouses and 4-star hotels, with local crafts, regional food and forest landscapes throughout.

Highlights

• Tasting mineral water straight from natural springs
• St Ana Lake, set in an extinct volcanic crater
• Nights in restored manor houses, including a boutique manor hotel
• The wild Vârghiș Gorges and its cave
• Traditional blacksmith and wooden-door painting artisans
• Covasna, the spa town of 1,000 mineral springs

Surface and terrain
Mostly quiet asphalt with some gravel and forest sections. Rolling hills throughout, with a difficult 10 km climb to St Ana Lake on Day 4 and an optional gravel climb to Comandău on Day 5. No elevation figures published.

Weather
Transylvania has a continental climate: warm summers (typically 22-28°C), mild spring and autumn days with cool nights, and cold, often snowy winters. Late spring to early autumn is best for riding.

Suitable for
Reasonably fit riders comfortable with 60-85 km days on mostly asphalt with some gravel, including a difficult 10 km climb. Suits those interested in spas, heritage manors and rural crafts. The operator rates it Easy.

Two Days Wine Route by Bike is a short guided cycling break combining food, wine, learning and easy riding in Dealu Mare, one of Romania's finest red wine regions. Set in the rolling Carpathian foothills of Wallachia, within easy reach of Bucharest, the area's sunny slopes produce some of the country's best-known reds. Bike in Time work with reliable local winemakers who are always happy to open their cellars and share the stories behind their wines.

The tour begins in the small town of Urlați with a visit to the Bellu Manor Museum, a charming bohemian estate, before setting off through the vineyards to the village of Ceptura. Over two days of around 30 km each, you'll visit three wineries for guided cellar tours and tastings, with lunches paired with local wines and an overnight stay in a local hotel. A support vehicle follows the group, with water, fruit and energy bars along the way.

The routes suit all kinds of cyclists, from children to experienced riders, making this an ideal family or small-group escape and an easy way to sample rural Romania's wine culture without a long commitment. English and French speaking guides lead the ride, and photos are taken along the route. Bring your own bike or hire a road, gravel or hybrid bike. After a farewell lunch at the third winery, you're transferred back to the start in Urlați.

Highlights

• Guided cellar visits and tastings at three Dealu Mare wineries
• Riding through the vineyards of one of Romania's top red wine regions
• The bohemian Bellu Manor Museum in Urlați
• Lunches with local wines at the wineries
• Vehicle support with water, fruit and snacks along the way
• A family-friendly route suitable for kids

Surface and terrain
Short rides on quiet village and vineyard roads through the rolling foothills of the Carpathians.

Weather
Wallachia has hot summers (often 30°C or more), mild, pleasant spring and autumn, and cold winters. September and October bring the grape harvest and comfortable riding temperatures.

Suitable for
Riders of all levels, from children to experienced cyclists, comfortable with around 30 km a day. Ideal for wine lovers, families and groups wanting a short, sociable break. The operator rates it Easy.

Bucharest Sightseeing Tour is a guided 3 to 4 hour ride through the heart of one of Europe's largest capitals. Bucharest is hard to see by car and slow to explore on foot, so Bike in Time use the city's bike lanes and park paths to link its main attractions at an easy pace, with a guide sharing the stories behind each stop.

The standard route starts and finishes at Piața Presei Libere in the north of the city and heads through Herăstrău Park, one of Bucharest's largest green spaces, before following the grand Kiseleff Boulevard to Victoria Square. From there it continues along Calea Victoriei, the city's historic main street, to Revolution Square, scene of the dramatic events of December 1989, and University Square, then into the lively Old Town with its narrow streets, churches and cafés. The return leg follows Aviatorilor Boulevard to Bucharest's Arch of Triumph.

Along the way the guide gives short presentations at each of the main sights, and there is a stop for a coffee or drink on a terrace, which is included. Bikes and helmets are provided, guides speak English or French, and photos are taken along the route. Tours run every day on request, and the start can be moved closer to your accommodation if needed, making it a relaxed introduction to the city for first-time visitors.

Highlights

• Herăstrău Park, one of Bucharest's largest parks
• Calea Victoriei, the city's historic main avenue
• Revolution Square and University Square
• Exploring the Old Town
• The Arch of Triumph
• A drink on a café terrace along the way

Surface and terrain
Sealed city bike lanes, park paths and boulevards. Flat throughout.

Weather
Bucharest has hot summers (often 30°C or more), mild spring and autumn, and cold winters with occasional snow. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for sightseeing by bike.

Suitable for
Riders of most abilities comfortable cycling around 20 km in a city setting over 3-4 hours. Ideal for first-time visitors wanting an easy overview of Bucharest. The operator rates it Easy.

The Eternal Flame and the Muddy Volcanoes is a short, guided and vehicle-supported cycling break in the hills of Buzău county in Wallachia, built around two of Romania's rarest natural phenomena. Based in the village of Berca for all three nights, you unpack once and ride out each day on quiet asphalt roads, with Bike in Time's guides, support vehicles and full board taking care of everything else.

The first riding day heads to the muddy volcanoes near Beciu, a strange, almost lunar landscape where mud bubbles up through cones of grey clay as underground gases escape to the surface. The route visits both volcano areas and returns by a different road, with the option of an extra 25 km for those keen to ride further. The second day leads to the eternal flame, where natural gas seeping from the ground burns in a constant open fire. The route is short but climbs around 1,000 m, so good cycling fitness is needed, and riders can choose to ride the 45 km back or take the support vehicle.

The tour is designed with families in mind: children and non-cyclists can join the group at both sites using the assistance vehicles, making it a rare multi-generational cycling trip. Road or hybrid bikes and helmets are included, or you can bring your own. Days finish back in Berca with hearty local food, a farewell dinner on the final night and a transfer to Bucharest on departure day.

Highlights

• The bubbling muddy volcanoes near Beciu
• The eternal flame, fed by natural gas escaping from the ground
• A ~1,000 m climb through the Buzău hills
• Flexible distances with vehicle support and transfer options
• Family-friendly: children and non-riders join by support vehicle
• A single base in Berca with full board

Surface and terrain
Asphalt roads throughout. Rolling hills on Day 2, and around 1,000 m of climbing on the shorter but steeper Day 3 ride to the eternal flame.

Weather
The Buzău hills have hot summers (often 28-32°C), mild and pleasant spring and autumn, and cold winters. Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable times to ride.

Suitable for
Average to good cyclists comfortable on asphalt, with one day of around 1,000 m of climbing. Flexible distances (35-85 km a day) and vehicle support suit mixed-ability groups and families with children. The operator rates it Easy.

Danube Delta by Bike & Boat is a guided, vehicle-supported tour combining cycling, hiking and boat trips in one of Europe's wildest corners. The Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve is UNESCO World Heritage listed, the third-largest biosphere reserve in the world and home to more than 5,500 species of plants and animals, with over half its territory still intact and hard to reach. It's a paradise for wildlife lovers and photographers, and Bike in Time run it in spring and autumn, the best seasons to visit.

After a transfer from Bucharest via the ancient Greek colony of Histria, the tour begins in Enisala beneath its medieval fortress. Riding takes in the shores of Razim, Romania's largest lake, multicultural villages with mosques and Lipovan Russian churches, and the hills of Dobrogea, a region shaped by Greeks, Romans, Turks, Tatars and others. A hike in the Măcin Mountains, among Europe's oldest, ends with lunch and wine tasting at a local winery, before an afternoon ride towards Tulcea, watching for pelicans, swans, storks and egrets.

From Tulcea a ferry carries you into the heart of the Delta to the fishing village of Crișan, where local families host you, cook traditional fish dishes and guide you along the channels by boat. A free day allows an optional ride to Caraorman or a birdwatching boat trip, before a private boat to Murighiol and a final ride along quiet embankments to Jurilovca.

Highlights

• Boat journeys through the channels of the UNESCO-listed Danube Delta
• Birdwatching for pelicans, swans, storks and egrets
• Staying with local families in the fishing village of Crișan
• Hiking in the Măcin Mountains, with wine tasting at a local winery
• Razim Lake and multicultural villages with mosques and Lipovan churches
• Histria, Romania's oldest town, and Enisala's medieval fortress

Surface and terrain
Mix of quiet asphalt, gravel and traffic-free embankment tracks along canals and lakes. Rolling Dobrogea hills on Days 2 and 3; flat in the Delta.

Weather
Runs in spring and autumn, when days are typically mild (15-25°C). Expect wind on open lakes and embankments, occasional showers, and mosquitoes near water in warmer spells.

Suitable for
Moderately fit riders comfortable with 50-90 km days on mixed surfaces over gentle hills, plus a 2-3 hour hike. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers and photographers. The operator rates it Easy.

Transylvanian Fortifications Route is a guided, vehicle-supported cycling tour through the Saxon heartland of Transylvania, one of the most popular experiences Bike in Time offer. Their aim is to show not only the region's best-known medieval sites but also its hidden treasures: fortresses, fortified churches and museums sit alongside local artisans, sweeping landscapes, regional food and living traditions that matter just as much. The journey begins in Bucharest with a transfer to Brașov via Sinaia and the former royal summer residence of Peleș Castle.

From Brașov, quiet village roads lead to the Vârghiș area, where manors that survived the communist era have been restored as comfortable guesthouses, and you'll meet a blacksmith still working with traditional methods. A wild route along the Olt River passes Racoș, Romania's youngest volcano with its emerald lake and basalt columns, and the medieval fortress of Rupea, before reaching the UNESCO-listed village of Viscri. Single trail on the Transylvanian hills cycling route then leads towards Sighișoara's still-inhabited medieval citadel.

Later days visit the revitalised village of Movile and its curious "100 hills" landscape, the ruined Cistercian monastery at Cârța, where you stay in the old parish house, and a ride beneath the Făgăraș Mountains to Sibiu, 2007 European Capital of Culture, for a farewell dinner. Accommodation ranges from historic manors and village guesthouses to 4-star hotels, with full board and plenty of local food and wine, and a support vehicle carries luggage throughout.

Highlights

• The UNESCO village and fortified church of Viscri
• The medieval citadel of Sighișoara, with a night in the old town
• Racoș volcano, its emerald lake and basalt columns
• Staying in restored manor houses and meeting a traditional blacksmith
• Riding beneath the Făgăraș Mountains to Sibiu
• Peleș Castle in Sinaia on the way in

Surface and terrain
Mix of quiet asphalt and gravel roads, with single trail on Day 4 and a 10 km off-road section on Day 5. Rolling hills throughout, with a notable climb above the Olt River on Day 6. No elevation figures published.

Weather
Transylvania has a continental climate: warm summers (typically 22-28°C), mild spring and autumn days with cool nights, and cold, often snowy winters. Late spring to early autumn is best for riding.

Suitable for
Fit riders comfortable with 40-80 km days on mixed asphalt, gravel and single trail over rolling hills, with vehicle support. Ideal for those interested in medieval history, architecture and rural traditions. The operator rates it Medium.

The Most Beautiful Roads in Europe is a short, guided and vehicle-supported challenge for strong road riders, crossing the Carpathians twice on two of the continent's most celebrated mountain passes: the Transfăgărășan and the Transalpina. Over two big days in the saddle you'll ride from south to north and back again, climbing above 2,000 m on Romania's highest roads, while Bike in Time's guides, support vehicle and luggage transfers take care of the logistics.

The adventure begins in Curtea de Argeș, the former capital of Wallachia. Day one follows the Transfăgărășan from Poienari, climbing for 60 km to around 2,000 m for lunch near the top, before a 35 km descent to Cârțișoara and a transfer to Sibiu, the medieval city and former European Capital of Culture. Day two crosses back south on the Transalpina from Săliște, climbing through forest past Vidra Lake to its highest point at 2,075 m, then plunging 28 km down to Novaci.

Riders can extend either day: start the Transfăgărășan from Curtea de Argeș rather than Poienari, or continue a further 40 km from Novaci to Horezu, a UNESCO-listed town famous for its pottery workshops. The final night is spent in a restored old manor with a farewell dinner, before a transfer back to Bucharest. Full board, road or hybrid bikes and helmets are included, making this an ideal mountain-pass escape for cyclists who love long climbs and spectacular scenery.

Highlights

• Climbing the Transfăgărășan to around 2,000 m
• Crossing the Transalpina, Romania's highest road at 2,075 m
• Long, sweeping descents to Cârțișoara and Novaci
• An evening in medieval Sibiu
• UNESCO-listed Horezu and its pottery tradition
• A night in a restored manor with a farewell dinner

Surface and terrain
Sealed asphalt mountain roads throughout. Two long alpine crossings: a 60 km climb up the Transfăgărășan to about 2,000 m, and several climbs on the Transalpina to 2,075 m, each followed by long descents.

Weather
Runs in summer and early autumn only, as the high passes are typically closed by snow outside this window. Valleys can be warm (25-30°C), but summits are often cool, windy and changeable, with afternoon storms common.

Suitable for
Strong, experienced road cyclists comfortable with 95-145 km days and long, sustained alpine climbs. Vehicle support and transfer options allow shorter days. The operator rates it Difficult.