EVENT IN BRIEF
REAL OFF-ROAD RIDE
The terrain will be a combination of speed sections and rally stages, crossing rocky areas, mountain ridges at an elevation of approximately 1,700 meters, deciduous forests with plenty of mud, and technical crossing zones. You can look forward to crossing several riverbeds, where you will often need to use a winch. The route consists of a loop with a total length of around 200 kilometers.
PRISTINE NATURE AND BEAUTIFUL VIEWS
The trip will delight every lover of mountains and pristine nature. The Ciucaș Mountains and the peaks of Clăbucet (1,460 meters) and Grohotiș (1,760 meters above sea level) will offer breathtaking views.
A FEW EXTRA EXPERIENCES
During your stay, you will visit the Slănic Salt Mines, one of the largest salt mines in Europe. In contrast to the rugged buggy rides and standard accommodations in guesthouses, you can look forward to two nights in Bucharest, where you will stay in a unique five-star hotel. The Ricard & Bonette trips include excellent gastronomy. In addition to traditional dishes and local products, you can anticipate a fantastic wine tasting at a picturesque vineyard and two gourmet dinners.
DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMME
Arrival in Bucharest and transfer to the hotel. We have chosen the impressive 5-star Marmorosch Hotel for you. The accommodation offers fantastic value for money, which is why we included this exceptional hotel in an otherwise adventurous trip.
This historic building, which once served as the most influential Romanian bank in the late 19th century, has been transformed by the current owner into a beautiful Art Deco hotel with modern design. The hotel features a bar located right in the original bank vault and a spa. Marmorosch is situated near the historic center of Bucharest, where we will enjoy our first joint dinner at a selected restaurant.
Accommodation in a five-star hotel in Bucharest.
Today we will transfer you from Bucharest to Măneciu, where our base is located. After a brief briefing, we will dive into the first day of off-road driving.
The terrain will be a combination of speed and rally sections, rocky crossings, and mountain ridges at an altitude of approximately 1,700 meters, with deciduous forests featuring plenty of mud and technical crossing zones. The circuit will start directly from the Măneciu dam, which we will cross, and then we will enter the southern part of the Ciucaș Mountains via a speed trail about 20 km long. Gradually, we will approach the peak of Clăbucet (1,460 meters), a very difficult-to-access area reachable only through the creek bed, where the terrain will test each driver's skills due to the wet boulders in this section. At the top, we will take a well-deserved lunch break. Here, you can calmly admire the beauty of the landscape, visit a local sheepfold, and taste traditional products.
After lunch, we will continue by crossing the state road towards Grohotiș Peak (1,760 m), climbing on a forest road with slopes of up to 70 degrees and many side slopes. We will drive along the ridges of the Grohotiș Mountains for about 15 km to the Paltinu reservoir, where we will take another break.
Between Paltinu Lake and the area of Vălenii de Munte, where you will be accommodated, lies a vast deciduous forest with many logging paths and muddy roads, which have become a real playground for off-road enthusiasts. In the evening, we will arrive at the accommodation area, where a traditional dinner prepared by the guesthouse owner awaits us.
Accommodation in a guesthouse.
On this day, you will cover approximately 120 km in challenging terrain on a very technical circuit, where drivers will showcase their skills. We will often use winches here. This area is known for its yellow soil, which becomes a true when it rains. Culturally, the region is very beautiful due to the traditional Romanian villages we will pass through. The altitude will not exceed 650 meters, and the forests are mostly deciduous.
At noon, we will reach the Cătunu Plateau, a picturesque area where we will have a 'haiduce' lunch. After lunch, we will descend along the Teleajen River for about 15 km to the north and enter the Valea Borului Bear and Wild Boar Reserve (with a bit of luck, we may even see wild animals in their natural habitat). In the evening, we will arrive at the campsite, wash up, and check the vehicles. Of course, there will be traditional food and plum brandy.
Accommodation in a campsite.
Today, a driver will take you to a very special place, the Slănic Salt Mine, renowned for having the purest air in the world, where the temperature never exceeds 13°C throughout the year. You will visit the salt mine, located 300 meters underground.
After leaving the salt mine, we will head to Casa Timiș, a famous restaurant. You'll enjoy a good lunch and a wine tasting, during which the sommelier will share the history of winemaking.
Later in the afternoon, we will transport you back to Bucharest. In stark contrast to the adventurous day you've had, you will check in again at the five-star Marmorosch Hotel. Dinner and evening activities will be at your leisure.
Accommodation in a five-star hotel in Bucharest.
Airport transfer according to your flight schedule.
PRICE FOR PACKAGE
PACKAGE INCLUDES
- Two-day rental of a buggy occupied by two drivers, who take turns at the wheel, fuel and insurance with a deductible…
- Accommodation for 4 nights with breakfast, two nights in Bucharest in a luxury five-star hotel, and standard guesthouses during the tour, shared double rooms.
- Services of a local guide and a Czech-speaking coordinator, Ricard & Bonette.
- Meals included: 2 gourmet dinners with non-alcoholic drinks, 2 rustic lunches during the tour with non-alcoholic drinks, and 1 gourmet lunch with a tasting of local wines.
- Entrance fee to the salt mines.
- All transportation in minibuses in Romania.
Extra fee for a 'single driver' option (you are alone in the buggy, not sharing with anyone) for 550 EUR.
THE PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Flights to Bucharest.
- Travel insurance and cancellation insurance.
