The trip starts with a 2.5-hour transfer from the airport to Copsa Mare, a small village in the heart of Saxon Transylvania, where the group stays across a series of restored houses. Dinner on the first night is cooked by Giovanna, who owns the main house.

Day two is the gentlest: 25 km of cycling and about two hours on foot from Copsa Mare to Nou Sasesc, with a picnic, then a walk over forested ridges to Malancrav. That night is spent in a 15th-century Hungarian mansion that sleeps only eight, so a couple of village houses may also be used depending on group size. Day three begins with the fortified church at Malancrav, which holds some of the best frescoes in Romania, then 39 km of cycling via a picnic lunch at Stejarenii and a climb to Breite, a Saxon-planted oak forest, finishing at the citadel in Sighisoara. Supper is near the citadel and the night is spent in a restored Gothic townhouse.

Day four is 30 km by bike and two hours walking, or 17 km cycling if the group prefers. You walk through Sighisoara in the morning, then take trails to Saschiz for lunch with Anca and Charlie, early members of Slow Food Transylvania, before a long forest descent into Crit and dinner at Rozi's home. Day five is two hours walking to Mesendorf for lunch with Adi and Oana in their barn, then 20 km across sheep grazing country to Viscri, where the last night is spent in a traditional guest house. The final morning takes in Viscri's UNESCO fortified church before a farewell lunch and the transfer to the airport.

The bikes are premium front-suspension electric mountain bikes, chosen for the terrain. Routes mix quiet tarmac, gravel, cart tracks, meadows and narrow forest trails, and the split between road and off-road is adjusted to the confidence of the group. The operator describes the off-road trails as needing a little getting used to, but says cyclists of all ages and abilities usually name them the highlight.

The walking is not technical, but there are hills with steep sections, so moderate fitness is needed. Cycling is hilly, so a moderate level of cycling fitness and comfort on dirt roads up and down is expected. The operator rates the trip as suitable for almost all levels of cyclist.

What's included

- 5 nights' accommodation in restored Transylvanian guest houses and a 15th-century mansion - Premium front-suspension electric mountain bike - A dedicated host and two local guides throughout - Airport transfers on arrival and departure - Daily luggage transport and a support vehicle - All meals, including picnics and meals at local homes - All drinks and snacks - All cultural visits and activities, including fortified churches and meeting local artisans

What's not included

- International flights - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Anything not listed as included