14 DAYS

ROMANIA

Transylvania: a land that brings to mind dark forests and mountains, medieval towns and mysterious castles - and it doesn’t disappoint! Though stories of Dracula may be myth, the legendary warmth and hospitality of the region certainly are not. You’ll work on a project helping a local community before exploring the beautiful, brooding landscapes. Trek high through stunning forest, light your campfires and watch the full moon reflecting off the mountain lakes. Visit Dracula’s spooky castle and take in the culture of Bucharest and Brasov.

The purpose of this brief is to introduce your expedition opportunity. It will give you a feel for the destination and the type of activities that you will be involved in.

We hope this brief snapshot will leave you feeling inspired and wanting more!

HIGHLIGHTS Help improve the lives of local

communities on your project

Trek through spectacular mountains

Explore Dracula’s Bran Castle

Discover the sights of Brasov and Bucharest

Romania | Expedition Guide

PHYSICAL RATING: Moderately challenging expedition.

CULTURE SHOCK: A definite difference to what you are used to.

ALTITUDE: The expedition will not exceed 3500m.

VISA: Visa not required for British nationals.

ROMANIA

DESTINATION FACTSRELIGION/S: Christian

CULTURAL OR HISTORICAL INTEREST: Romania is thought to be where humans first crossed into Europe, with remains dated at over 42,000 years old.

LANGUAGES: Romanian.

GEOGRAPHY: Carpathian Mountains across the north and west and low plains in central region.

CLIMATE: Continental / temperate climate; hot summers and cold winters.

ROMANIA

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ADVENTURE Return to Bucharest, nick-named ‘Little Paris’. Take in the sights and sounds of this beautiful city; you may choose to visit museums, the House of the Free Press or Revolution Square. Bucharest also boasts beautiful parks, gardens and tree-lined boulevards.

The wild, imposing mountains of Transylvania are home to varied wildlife, spectacular scenery and endless myth and legend! Trek through wild forests and past waterfalls, streams, springs and glacial lakes surrounded by the impressive silhouettes of the massifs Bucegi and Piatra Craiului.

You may choose to climb to the summit of some of the peaks to take in the spectacular views. You will be camping, cooking for yourselves and sleeping under the stars.

After your trek make a visit to the mysterious Bran Castle, mythical home of Transylvania’s most famous resident - Dracula! Explore the castle’s spooky corridors and atmospheric turrets. You’ll also have time to visit the open air museum exhibiting traditional rural Romanian buildings.

POSSIBLE EXPERIENCESAt the Itinerary Development Day, with guidance from one of our destination experts, the team will be able to choose from options to finalise their itinerary. The choices may include the project they work with, the challenge level and type of trek and where they go for some rest and relaxation!

Romania | Expedition Guide

PROJECTIn the past, Outlook teams have assisted with renovations of existing structures or new buildings that provide safe and reliable shelter, where families can live in dignity and their children can grow in good health. Teams are also encouraged to play games with local children and help them with their English.

This is a unique opportunity to live in a Roma community and learn about their culture firsthand, as well as giving something back to this amazing country.

The Betania Foundation Project aims to improve the lives of the poorest members of local Roma communities, without regard to race, nationality, political or religious ideas.

Based in the areas surrounding Brasov, they care for poor and elderly people and educate children and young people. This initiative is very important to the local Roma population, who for centuries have faced discrimination throughout Europe.

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DAY 1 Fly to Bucharest, capital of Romania.

DAY 2Spend the day stocking up on supplies and finalising arrangements for your expedition.

DAY 3 Travel on to the start of your trek.

DAY 4-6

Spend a few days trekking in the Tara Branului area. You could do this as a linear trek, staying in a different place each night, or set up a basecamp and take day treks.

DAY 7Before making your way to your community project, take a detour to Bran Castle, mythical home of Dracula!

DAY 8-12Work on a project which aims to improve the lives of the Roma community by helping to build or renovate local housing.

DAY 13

Take the train back to Bucharest and spend the rest of the day exploring the city and stocking up on souvenirs. Enjoy a meal out to celebrate the completion of your expedition!

DAY 14 Depart Bucharest and return to the UK for your homecoming.

EXAMPLE ITINERARYThe below itinerary has been created by our Expedition Planner as a guide.

Due to the changing nature of the world over the build up period, Outlook may be required to change aspects of, or the order of the itinerary. Outlook will consult with the Link Teacher/Group Leader and all participants if this is the case.

Romania | Expedition Guide

* Please see website for more information.

UK BUILD UP* Itinerary Development Day Expedition Development Day Final Preparation Day

TRAINING Expedition Training weekend in the UK with your Expedition Leader.

LINK TEACHER TRAINING Leader Team Training including first aid.

LEADER TEAM COMPOSITION At least 1 Link Teacher and an Outlook Expedition Leader.

FLIGHTS International flights.

INSURANCE Comprehensive overseas insurance.

TRANSPORT All overseas transport.

IN DESTINATION All food and accommodation. All group activities including any entrance fees. All R&R activity.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED Spending money for gifts / souvenirs whilst on expedition.

Inoculations, prophylaxis and personal medicine. (All participants based in England and Wales receive 10% discount at Nomad Travel).

Visas and passports – please see page 3 to see which visas are required.

Personal belongings insurance (this may be covered by your household / contents insurance).

Cancellation insurance.

Personal equipment (e.g. rucksack, sleeping bag, waterproof clothing); all participants receive 15% discount at ‘Cotswold Outdoor’.

Transport to and from UK-based training courses, to the Final Preparation Day venue and from the airport.

Food and accommodation in the UK, unless specified.

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HOW TO LAUNCH YOUR EXPEDITIONWe hope you have decided that this is the expedition for your school or group. To launch all you need to do is follow these steps:

PRESENTATION AT YOUR SCHOOL

APPLY ONLINE

Discuss convenient dates for us to come and run an assembly and information evening. Once these dates have been agreed you will be assigned a School Account Manager. They will become your point of contact at Outlook from now until after your return from the expedition.

We will run an assembly presentation for your students and an information evening for students and parents at your school or venue.

Students will apply online to join the expedition and pay a deposit.

CONTACT YOUR REGIONAL MANAGER

phone

01248 672 760email

INFO@OUTLOOKEXPEDITIONS.COMonline

WWW.OUTLOOKEXPEDITIONS.COM