Romania Buggy Tour
A four-day stay and two-day off-road driving in buggies through the Ciucaș Mountains will test your adventurous spirit and driving skills on unpaved roads. You’ll encounter several river crossings, steep ascents and descents, muddy terrain, boulders, roots, as well as beautiful untouched nature, shepherd huts, dense forests and hospitable people. The rugged nature of the experience is in stark contrast to the experiential accommodation in Bucharest. Traditional cuisine and higher gastronomy are included, along with an English-speaking guide.
3 nights
A four-day stay and two-day off-road driving in buggies through the Ciucaș Mountains will test your adventurous spirit and driving skills on unpaved roads. You’ll encounter several river crossings, steep ascents and descents, muddy terrain, boulders, roots, as well as beautiful untouched nature, shepherd huts, dense forests and hospitable people. The rugged nature of the experience is in stark contrast to the experiential accommodation in Bucharest. Traditional cuisine and higher gastronomy are included, along with an English-speaking guide.
The Ultimate Off-road Experience
Buckle up and prepare yourself for a truly raw and unfiltered off-road adventure through the wild heart of Romania's Ciucaș Mountains. This is not a Sunday drive — this is the real thing.
The terrain is a thrilling combination of high-speed sections and rally-style stages, technical rocky crossings, and dramatic mountain ridges soaring to approximately 1,700 metres above sea level. Dense deciduous forests draped in thick mud, challenging technical crossing zones, and steep ascents and descents will constantly put your driving skills to the test. Expect to ford multiple riverbeds — and don't be surprised if you need to reach for the winch more than once. That's all part of the fun.
The route forms a loop of approximately 200 kilometres, taking you across some of the most breathtaking and least-accessible landscapes in Romania — from the iconic peak of Clăbucet (1,460 m), reachable only through a boulder-strewn creek bed, to the rugged ridgeline of Grohotiș (1,760 m), where forest roads pitch at slopes of up to 70 degrees.
This is off-road driving the way it was meant to be — uncompromising, exhilarating, and absolutely unforgettable.
Polaris or Maverick?
The standard "Basic" package, which serves as the entry-level option for this adventure, includes two days of driving in Polaris buggies across approximately 160 kilometres of breathtaking off-road terrain through the Ciucaș Mountains. If you're craving more time behind the wheel and a greater challenge, upgrade to the "Adventure" package — covering around 200 kilometres of untamed trails, river crossings, steep climbs, and muddy forest tracks. And for those of you who already have off-road experience under your belt and are ready to push the limits, the "Extreme" package puts you in the driver's seat of the mighty Can-Am Maverick — a high-performance machine built for those who refuse to settle for anything less than extraordinary.
Pristine Wilderness and Breathtaking Panoramas
Beyond the adrenaline and the mud, Romania has something else entirely in store for you — sheer, unspoiled beauty. This journey is a true feast for the senses, rewarding every lover of mountains and untouched nature with landscapes that feel like they belong to another world.
From ancient shepherd huts and dense, mist-covered forests to pristine riverbeds and vast mountain ridges — the Romanian wilderness is raw, generous, and utterly unforgettable.
A Few Extra Experiences to Savour
After the dust, the mud, and the roar of the engine, it's time to shift gears — into pure indulgence. In striking contrast to the rugged buggy rides through the Romanian wilderness, you'll spend two nights in Bucharest at the magnificent Marmorosch Hotel, a unique five-star gem. This historic building, once home to Romania's most influential bank in the late 19th century, has been transformed into a stunning Art Deco retreat complete with a bar set inside the original bank vault and a rejuvenating spa — the perfect way to unwind after a day of off-road adventure.
Because every Ricard & Bonette journey is also a culinary affair, exceptional gastronomy is woven into the entire experience. Alongside traditional Romanian dishes and local products — savoured during rustic lunches at mountain shepherd huts — you can look forward to two exquisite gourmet dinners.
Adventure by day. Elegance by night. That's the Ricard & Bonette way.
Daily program
Monday
DAY 1 | Arrival in Bucharest & Hotel Transfer
Welcome to Romania! We have carefully selected the magnificent 5-star Marmorosch Hotel to kick off your adventure in style. Offering exceptional value for money, this extraordinary property was simply too impressive to leave off our itinerary.
A Living Piece of History
This stunning building has a fascinating past — originally constructed in the late 19th century, it served as Romania's most prestigious and influential bank. Today, it has been masterfully transformed by its current owner into a breathtaking Art Deco hotel, seamlessly blending its rich historical heritage with sophisticated modern design.
Unique Experiences Await
The hotel boasts a one-of-a-kind bar located inside the original bank vault — a truly unforgettable setting for an evening cocktail. Guests can also indulge in the hotel's luxurious spa and wellness facilities, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long journey.
Your First Evening in Bucharest
Marmorosch enjoys a prime location just steps from Bucharest's historic city centre, where we will gather for our first group dinner at a carefully chosen restaurant. After dining, the night is yours — feel free to explore the vibrant and exciting Bucharest nightlife!
Overnight stay at the 5-star Marmorosch Hotel, Bucharest.
Tuesday
DAY 2 | Transfer from Bucharest to Măneciu – First Day of Off-Road Driving
The terrain will be a thrilling combination of speed and rally sections, rocky crossings, mountain ridges at approximately 1,700 metres above sea level, muddy deciduous forests, and technically demanding crossing zones.
Morning – Into the Ciucaș Mountains
The route begins directly at the Măneciu Dam, which we will cross before heading onto a 20 km speed trail that leads us into the southern part of the Ciucaș Mountain Range. We will gradually make our way towards the summit of Clăbucet (1,460 m) — an extremely remote and hard-to-reach area, accessible only through a stream bed. This section is dominated by large, wet boulders that will put every driver's technical skills to the test.
At the summit, we will stop for a well-deserved lunch break, where you will have the chance to soak in the breathtaking scenery, visit a local sheep farm, and sample some delicious traditional local products.
Afternoon – Grohotiș Peak & Paltinu Reservoir
After lunch, we continue along a public road towards Grohotiș Peak (1,760 m a.s.l.), climbing a forest track with gradients of up to 70 degrees and numerous challenging side slopes. We will then ride approximately 15 km along the Grohotiș mountain ridge before reaching the Paltinu Reservoir, where we will take another well-earned break and enjoy the stunning views.
Evening – Through the Forest to Vălenii de Munte
Between Lake Paltinu and the Vălenii de Munte area — where you will be spending the night — lies a vast deciduous forest criss-crossed with logging tracks and mud-filled trails that have become a true paradise for off-road enthusiasts. We will arrive at our accommodation in the evening, where a traditional dinner prepared by the guesthouse owner will be waiting for us.
Overnight stay at a private mountain chalet.
Wednesday
DAY 3 | Second Day of Off-Road Driving
Today's route covers approximately 120 km of off-road terrain on a highly technical circuit where drivers will truly get to showcase their skills. Winches will be frequently put to use throughout the day. The area is well known for its distinctive yellow soil, which transforms into a genuine skating rink when wet. Culturally, the region is absolutely stunning, dotted with charming traditional Romanian villages that we will pass through along the way. The altitude will not exceed 650 metres, and the forests are predominantly deciduous.
Midday – Cătunu Plateau
At noon, we will arrive at the picturesque Cătunu Plateau, where we will stop for a traditional "haiducesc" lunch — a hearty, rustic meal inspired by the legendary Romanian outlaws of the mountains.
Afternoon – Valea Borului Nature Reserve
After lunch, we head 15 km north along the Teleajen River and enter the Valea Borului Bear and Wild Boar Reserve. With a little luck, you may spot wild animals in their natural habitat — a truly special and memorable experience.
Later in the afternoon, we will reach the camp, marking the end of our off-road adventure. From there, we transfer by Jeep to the Sky Blue Hotel, conveniently located halfway back to Bucharest. After an intense two days on the trails, the hotel's excellent wellness and spa facilities will be a very welcome treat. The evening rounds off beautifully with a three-course gourmet dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Overnight stay at the 5-star Sky Blue Hotel.
Thursday
Airport transfer according to your flight schedule.
Package price
Package includes
Two-day "Basic" expedition, buggy occupied by two drivers, drivers take turns at the wheel in the buggy, fuel and insurance with an excess/deductible.
3 nights' accommodation with breakfast, two nights in luxury hotels, one night in a private mountain chalet during the tour, twin/double shared rooms.
Meals including: 2x gourmet dinner including non-alcoholic beverages, 2x rustic lunch during the tour including non-alcoholic beverages.
Services of a local guide and a English-speaking coordinator from Ricard & Bonette.
All transportation by minibuses in Romania.
Package does not include
Flights to Bucharest.
Travel insurance and cancellation insurance.
Optional add-ons
There are two other Tour options available at an additional charge. You can choose more powerful buggy and tour length: "Adventure" Tour or "Extreme" Tour.
Surcharge for "single driver" (you are alone in the buggy, you don't share it with anyone) for 750 EUR.
Surcharge for a single room for 375 EUR.
The tour is organized by the Weco-Travel (CZ) s.r.o. Tour Operator.