Crossing the south Carpathian Mountains , the Transfăgărăşan Pass , is the countries second highest road . Transylvania Moto Discoverer tours are constantly ascending the road and include Romania ’ s longest and highest tunnel .
These rides take in the Bâlea glacier lake for spectacular views across Transylvania , then the winding decent to Sibiu .
Other mountain passes are often taken , including many hairpin turns and sweeping bends , road that would be as suited to a MotoGP circuit as they are to public roads . Gravel tracks and single lanes offer something akin to an endure route . Beautiful country and landscapes abound on both .
Locals are met , shepherds sharing a meal cooked over a fire , or fresh bread baked in a traditional way whilst riders learn of the history and traditions , discovering that these Romania ’ s value their heritage .
Apoş Village is visited to discover the hospitality of Mihai and Bianca Barbu , who own Villa Abbatis Equestrian Centre and members of the Ambulance of Monuments Association . Mihai inspires with his life story of show jumping in equestrian events and donation of homes to Romania artists and while not there offered to travels for accommodation .
A member of the Ambulance for Monuments NGO , which , in partnership with the Anglo-Romanian Trust for Traditional Architecture ( ARTTA ), the Monumentum Association and The Prince ’ s Foundation are inspiring communities to carry out emergency works on historic buildings , mobilising passionate volunteers in an attempt to save and preserve Romania ’ s architectural heritage . Mihai also runs guided horseback tours for small groups , and the service is ranked as one of the world ’ s best .
Transylvania Moto Discoverer tours also visit the Mălâncrav village . Founded in 1305 , Mălâncrav is a picturesque and authentic Transylvanian village with an old crafts & fruit-growing tradition . It is one of the villages included in the Whole Village Project , managed by the Mihai Eminescu Trust ( MET ), and founded , under the patronage of HRH the Prince of Wales , to revive and preserve authentic Transylvanian heritage . Within the project , local craftsmen have been encouraged to reopen their workshops and give presentations to visitors , including the Roma minority who has its own craft ( Baskets folding ). The Mihai Eminescu Trust ( MET ) also restored the Apafi Manor and several German houses , which are offered nowadays as accommodation facilities for tourists . MET took over the apple orchard that belonged to the manor and transformed it into an ecological certified orchard .
Riders who take on the off-road tracks often meet
TRAVERSE 10