Leading Walking and Cycling specialist, Headwater is kick-starting 2017 with the launch of a BRAND NEW Walking Holiday in Transylvania & the Carpathian Mountains!

Surrounded, and partially divided, by the sweeping, crescent-shaped loop of the high Carpathians, central Romania is a fascinating mix of fairytale palaces, sun-drenched squares, stunning gorges, lush, flower-filled meadows - and not an evil Bram Stoker vampire in sight!

New for Summer 2017, Headwater's walking week starts in pretty Sinaia, "Pearl of the Carpathians" and gateway to the dramatic Bucegi Mountains and Natural Park. From here, following the lead of our expert local guide, we head on across high mountain plateaux, through ancient forests and rocky canyons where black chamois, lynx, rare birds - including creeper, alpine swift and the elusive three-toed woodpecker - can all be seen. There is also an option to visit a hidden bat cave (torches esential!) and join an exclusive early evening bear-spotting trip!

Proud of its immense natural beauty, Transylvania also boasts a rich cultural heritage with intriguing architecture, sumptuous palaces and fabled Saxon villages where life continues as it has for centuries.  We'll visit lovingly restored mountain hamlets, marvel at magical mediaeval castles and stop by the famous "house with the deer antlers" where the real Vlad Dracula was born!

If this is something you'd like to sink your teeth into, then simply click here for Headwater's full holiday itinerary! Alternatively, trip highlights can be summed up as:

* A Mecca for nature lovers: beautifully unspoilt landscape of rolling hills, dramatic peaks, ancient forests and flower-filled meadows

* Renaissance, Baroque and Patrician buildings; fairytale castles, Royal residences and mediaeval lost-in-time villages

* Incredibly rich and varied wildlife, rare birds and butterflies, wild orchids, gentian and the endemic Carpathian Iris

* UNESCO-listed Viscri, pastel-painted Sighisoara - home of the biggest lived-in fortress in Europe - and Gothic Bran Castle, setting for Roman Polanski's "Dance of the Vampires"

* Optional early evening bear-spotting trip!

FACTBOX

This is a 7-night, 2-boot ("moderate") level, fully guided walking holiday departing on selected dates from May-Sep inc. with prices starting from £1209 per person (tour only)/ £1459 (including return Lufthansa flights from Heathrow). Accommodation is in high quality hotels throughout (mainly 4 and 5 star), and all meals are provided. The prices also include all local transfers, entry fees to listed sites, cable car tickets as required and 24/7 support from Headwater both in UK and overseas.

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Note to Editors:

* Established in 1985, Headwater creates relaxed walking and cycling holidays throughout Europe, the Med and the Caribbean

* Typically Headwater attracts well-heeled, well-travelled 50+yrs customers looking to combine gentle activity by day with high end creature comforts in the evening

* Some holidays are guided (small groups, usually just 6-12 guests); others are independent (always fully supported with luggage transfers included)

* Key benefits of choosing Headwater include: interest-packed itineraries, meticulously researched routes, detailed maps, expert leaders, hand-picked hotels, great food and wine,

* Coming soon: Headwater's Unique Villas & Cottages Programme - perfect for couples, friends or multi-generational families!