Are you an Individual, Corporate or Charity interested in having your own private group departure?
If yes, please email info@charitychallenge.com and one of our team will be in touch to help with your enquiry.

No departures found for 2020

Mon 14 Sep - Sat 19 Sep 2020

In aid of Caring Cooks of Jersey

Caring Cooks of Jersey

OVERVIEW

What to expect

ITINERARY

What you will do

COSTS

Ways to pay

ESSENTIAL INFO

All you need to know

Everything you need to know

This page provides you with a variety of information about the challenge that you might find useful.

Level of Difficulty

Typical day

Safety

Responsible Tourism

Flights

Visa

Insurance

Vaccinations & Medicines

Climate & Terrain

Training

Challenge Training

Luggage allowance & valuables

Leadership

Group Size

Clothing & Equipment

Accommodation & Toilets

Do we need to take our own sleeping bags/mats?

Food & Drink

Money

Phone and WiFi

What happens if I fall ill, can’t keep up or there is an emergency?

Level of Difficulty

The Trek Transylvania is graded as “challenging” that will test you both mentally and physically. You should not undertake this challenge without significant training.

You can tell your supporters that on your Trek Transylvania you will be:

  • Trekking for around 5-8 hours per day.
  • Reaching peaks of 2400m.  
  • Conquering the Transylvanian Alps.

Level of Difficulty

The Trek Transylvania is graded as “challenging” that will test you both mentally and physically. You should not undertake this challenge without significant training.

You can tell your supporters that on your Trek Transylvania you will be:

  • Trekking for around 5-8 hours per day.
  • Reaching peaks of 2400m.  
  • Conquering the Transylvanian Alps.

Typical day

You will wake early in time for breakfast and then make a packed lunch for the day ahead. Hiking will start around 0830hrs. The number of hours spent hiking will depend on the weather conditions (which are extremely unpredictable) and the size and ability of the group. There will be plenty of refreshment stops, and visits to places of natural beauty and interest. In the evening you will arrive at pensions/chalet where you will have dinner.

Typical day

You will wake early in time for breakfast and then make a packed lunch for the day ahead. Hiking will start around 0830hrs. The number of hours spent hiking will depend on the weather conditions (which are extremely unpredictable) and the size and ability of the group. There will be plenty of refreshment stops, and visits to places of natural beauty and interest. In the evening you will arrive at pensions/chalet where you will have dinner.

Safety

Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of its participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. In a nutshell, Our Challenge Safe brand formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the activity itself. Your welfare is paramount!

In terms of your Trek Transylvania, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:

  • The altitude in the Transylvanian Alps
  • Varied terrain

Safety

Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of its participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. In a nutshell, Our Challenge Safe brand formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the activity itself. Your welfare is paramount!

In terms of your Trek Transylvania, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:

  • The altitude in the Transylvanian Alps
  • Varied terrain

Responsible Tourism

At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, and work closely with bodies such as the International Porter Protection Group and Climate Care to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place. We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly, and following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also make a contribution each year to a number of local community projects, so as to give something back directly to the communities that we visit. Since 2000 we have donated almost £200,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the UK challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local Ground Agent. If you wish to do more, you should consider buying drinks, postcards and souvenirs from the local vendors. For many, it is their sole source of income. For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages, where you will be able to view a list of the projects that we currently support.

Responsible Tourism

At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, and work closely with bodies such as the International Porter Protection Group and Climate Care to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place. We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly, and following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also make a contribution each year to a number of local community projects, so as to give something back directly to the communities that we visit. Since 2000 we have donated almost £200,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the UK challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local Ground Agent. If you wish to do more, you should consider buying drinks, postcards and souvenirs from the local vendors. For many, it is their sole source of income. For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages, where you will be able to view a list of the projects that we currently support.

Flights

You will be flying from London to Bucharest. The flight will take approx 3 hours.

Based on current flight schedules and to align with the itinerary, flight times are likely to be the following:
Day 1 (Monday 14 September 2020): Depart London Heathrow at 11:40 am
Day 6 (Saturday 19 September 2020): Arrive London Heathrow at 7:25 pm

Please note:

  • These flight times could change and we will update flight details 9 - 11 months prior to departure when the airline confirms the schedule.
  • You will be required to make your own way to and from London Heathrow Airport.

Your flight tickets will be e-mailed to you before departure. 

If you choose to book your own flights to/from Bucharest you must confirm with the Charity Challenge office before paying otherwise you may be liable for your included group flights (please contact flights@charitychallenge.com for further assistance).

Flights

You will be flying from London to Bucharest. The flight will take approx 3 hours.

Based on current flight schedules and to align with the itinerary, flight times are likely to be the following:
Day 1 (Monday 14 September 2020): Depart London Heathrow at 11:40 am
Day 6 (Saturday 19 September 2020): Arrive London Heathrow at 7:25 pm

Please note:

  • These flight times could change and we will update flight details 9 - 11 months prior to departure when the airline confirms the schedule.
  • You will be required to make your own way to and from London Heathrow Airport.

Your flight tickets will be e-mailed to you before departure. 

If you choose to book your own flights to/from Bucharest you must confirm with the Charity Challenge office before paying otherwise you may be liable for your included group flights (please contact flights@charitychallenge.com for further assistance).

Visa

A full passport is required with six months to run from the end of the challenge, but no visa is necessary for British Citizens.

Visa

A full passport is required with six months to run from the end of the challenge, but no visa is necessary for British Citizens.

Insurance

It is a condition of booking that you have a suitable travel insurance policy whilst participating on the challenge. We have a special policy which covers among other things, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, cancellation and curtailment of the challenge, and more specifically for the adventurous activities undertaken on this challenge. If you have your own travel insurance policy, you must ensure that it provides at least the same level of cover as our recommended policy, including protecting the charity in the event of your cancellation 56 days or less prior to departure. If you choose not to purchase our recommended policy when you book we will send you a disclaimer which you should complete and return.

For more general travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQ's page.

Insurance

It is a condition of booking that you have a suitable travel insurance policy whilst participating on the challenge. We have a special policy which covers among other things, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, cancellation and curtailment of the challenge, and more specifically for the adventurous activities undertaken on this challenge. If you have your own travel insurance policy, you must ensure that it provides at least the same level of cover as our recommended policy, including protecting the charity in the event of your cancellation 56 days or less prior to departure. If you choose not to purchase our recommended policy when you book we will send you a disclaimer which you should complete and return.

For more general travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQ's page.

Vaccinations & Medicines

Vaccinations
For up to date vaccination information please check the Travel Health Pro page:  https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/185/romania#Vaccine_recommendations

Charity Challenge team are not medical experts and we would encourage you to visit your GP or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements. Your GP may ask questions about the specific locations that you are visiting, and as such it may be useful to take a copy of your itinerary with you.

Medication

  • Carry medicines (including those bought over the counter) in their correctly labelled original packaging, as issued by the pharmacist. These should be carried in your hand luggage.
  • Consider packing a spare supply of medication in the hold luggage in case of loss of hand luggage
  • A letter from the prescriber detailing the medicines with the generic names for the medications can be helpful for border control checks, and in case medicines have to be replaced or medical help is required
  • Carry a note from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationery for controlled substances and injection medications
  • Take out an appropriate level of travel health insurance including repatriation and specific cover for any pre-existing illnesses

N.B.  Some medications are banned abroad so please check. You can find further information at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/medicines-abroad

Vaccinations & Medicines

Vaccinations
For up to date vaccination information please check the Travel Health Pro page:  https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/185/romania#Vaccine_recommendations

Charity Challenge team are not medical experts and we would encourage you to visit your GP or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements. Your GP may ask questions about the specific locations that you are visiting, and as such it may be useful to take a copy of your itinerary with you.

Medication

  • Carry medicines (including those bought over the counter) in their correctly labelled original packaging, as issued by the pharmacist. These should be carried in your hand luggage.
  • Consider packing a spare supply of medication in the hold luggage in case of loss of hand luggage
  • A letter from the prescriber detailing the medicines with the generic names for the medications can be helpful for border control checks, and in case medicines have to be replaced or medical help is required
  • Carry a note from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationery for controlled substances and injection medications
  • Take out an appropriate level of travel health insurance including repatriation and specific cover for any pre-existing illnesses

N.B.  Some medications are banned abroad so please check. You can find further information at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/medicines-abroad

Climate & Terrain

Climate
Early mornings will feel chilly at first, but warm up considerably as soon as the sun rises. Whilst we have chosen the best seasons for trekking, rain and cloud, and even hail, cannot be ruled out. Night skies are usually clear and starry. As soon as the sun sets, the temperature drops radically and may drop below zero degrees. On the mountain, you will be trekking in very clear air and will need strong UV protection in particular for your skin & eyes.

Terrain
The terrain will be varied throughout the trek, from high pastures to mountain ascents where ropes have been added to help trekkers whilst scrambling.

Climate & Terrain

Climate
Early mornings will feel chilly at first, but warm up considerably as soon as the sun rises. Whilst we have chosen the best seasons for trekking, rain and cloud, and even hail, cannot be ruled out. Night skies are usually clear and starry. As soon as the sun sets, the temperature drops radically and may drop below zero degrees. On the mountain, you will be trekking in very clear air and will need strong UV protection in particular for your skin & eyes.

Terrain
The terrain will be varied throughout the trek, from high pastures to mountain ascents where ropes have been added to help trekkers whilst scrambling.

Training

A good level of fitness is definitely required! Anyone who leads a fairly active and moderately healthy lifestyle should be OK “as long as they train regularly over a period of a few months” leading up to the challenge. Although this is a short European trek, don’t be mistaken into thinking it is not challenging as it is! The days are long, and the terrain difficult, including some areas where ropes have been added to help trekkers whilst scrambling. No climbing kit is needed nor technical training, however good physical condition and faith in your own strength are essential.

In your Charity Challenge account you will find more comprehensive Fitness Training Notes. You can also look to join one of our training weekends.

Training

A good level of fitness is definitely required! Anyone who leads a fairly active and moderately healthy lifestyle should be OK “as long as they train regularly over a period of a few months” leading up to the challenge. Although this is a short European trek, don’t be mistaken into thinking it is not challenging as it is! The days are long, and the terrain difficult, including some areas where ropes have been added to help trekkers whilst scrambling. No climbing kit is needed nor technical training, however good physical condition and faith in your own strength are essential.

In your Charity Challenge account you will find more comprehensive Fitness Training Notes. You can also look to join one of our training weekends.

Challenge Training

If you would like to get a feel for our challenges ahead of your departure, why not consider booking on a 1 or 2 day UK Challenge?

We have a variety of challenges, covering all levels of difficulty, taking place in stunning National Parks across the UK that are led by highly qualified and experienced expedition and mountain leaders. These challenges will give you the perfect opportunity to monitor fitness levels, test out your kit, meet people in the great outdoors, share fundraising stories and gain valuable advice and support for the challenge ahead. We encourage participants to make use of our highly knowledgeable leaders and ask them any questions you may have about clothing and equipment, expedition health and wellbeing, trekking skills, walking techniques and teamwork!

We are offering all participants 50% off the registration fee when you book on one of the UK challenges listed via the link below. Just use the code TRAINING when booking. T&C’s – you must have an active booking on a challenge to avail of this offer. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Find out more here

Challenge Training

If you would like to get a feel for our challenges ahead of your departure, why not consider booking on a 1 or 2 day UK Challenge?

We have a variety of challenges, covering all levels of difficulty, taking place in stunning National Parks across the UK that are led by highly qualified and experienced expedition and mountain leaders. These challenges will give you the perfect opportunity to monitor fitness levels, test out your kit, meet people in the great outdoors, share fundraising stories and gain valuable advice and support for the challenge ahead. We encourage participants to make use of our highly knowledgeable leaders and ask them any questions you may have about clothing and equipment, expedition health and wellbeing, trekking skills, walking techniques and teamwork!

We are offering all participants 50% off the registration fee when you book on one of the UK challenges listed via the link below. Just use the code TRAINING when booking. T&C’s – you must have an active booking on a challenge to avail of this offer. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Find out more here

Luggage allowance & valuables

Try to keep luggage to an absolute minimum – details of what to pack are provided in your kit list. Your rucksack/holdall (suitcases are not appropriate) must not exceed the maximum weight limit of the airline you are flying with (usually 20kg, however do check this with the airline or contact our flights team if in doubt). During the challenge your bags will be transported by vehicle. You will not have to carry your main pack.

Whilst we will do everything to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces, rings and even watches. Your passport and money should be kept on you at all times.

Luggage allowance & valuables

Try to keep luggage to an absolute minimum – details of what to pack are provided in your kit list. Your rucksack/holdall (suitcases are not appropriate) must not exceed the maximum weight limit of the airline you are flying with (usually 20kg, however do check this with the airline or contact our flights team if in doubt). During the challenge your bags will be transported by vehicle. You will not have to carry your main pack.

Whilst we will do everything to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces, rings and even watches. Your passport and money should be kept on you at all times.

Leadership

We employ a number of first aid qualified challenge leaders, all of whom speak English. They will ultimately be responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group.

Leadership

We employ a number of first aid qualified challenge leaders, all of whom speak English. They will ultimately be responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group.

Group Size

Each group is intended to be a minimum of 10 people in order to run and a maximum of 18 people due to the wilderness environment in which the challenge takes place.

Group Size

Each group is intended to be a minimum of 10 people in order to run and a maximum of 18 people due to the wilderness environment in which the challenge takes place.

Clothing & Equipment

Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, waterproof, well-worn in boots will be indispensable, particularly coupled with some really good quality walking socks. You don’t need a clean pair every day, but enough to make sure you have dry socks each morning. The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated, so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are high quality gore-tex waterproof and windproof jackets and trousers, and technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. Walking poles are also recommended, as a preventative as well as for anyone with any pre-existing leg injuries or niggles. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here, once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners Outdoorhire, Cotswold Outdoor and Cycle Surgery.

Clothing & Equipment

Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, waterproof, well-worn in boots will be indispensable, particularly coupled with some really good quality walking socks. You don’t need a clean pair every day, but enough to make sure you have dry socks each morning. The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated, so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are high quality gore-tex waterproof and windproof jackets and trousers, and technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. Walking poles are also recommended, as a preventative as well as for anyone with any pre-existing leg injuries or niggles. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here, once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners Outdoorhire, Cotswold Outdoor and Cycle Surgery.

Accommodation & Toilets

Accommodation
During the challenge, your accommodation will be in a tourist pension in twin rooms. If you are travelling with a friend or partner who you wish to share with, please let Charity Challenge know in advance.

Toilets
You will have clean toilets and good washing facilities in all pensions. Toilet paper is provided; however, you should also bring your own supply for during the day whilst in the mountains.

Accommodation & Toilets

Accommodation
During the challenge, your accommodation will be in a tourist pension in twin rooms. If you are travelling with a friend or partner who you wish to share with, please let Charity Challenge know in advance.

Toilets
You will have clean toilets and good washing facilities in all pensions. Toilet paper is provided; however, you should also bring your own supply for during the day whilst in the mountains.

Do we need to take our own sleeping bags/mats?

No, there is no need to bring sleeping bags or a mat. Please see Kit List notes.

Do we need to take our own sleeping bags/mats?

No, there is no need to bring sleeping bags or a mat. Please see Kit List notes.

Food & Drink

The food will be very filling and nutritious. Breakfast will consist of eggs, ham, cheese, jam or honey and tea/coffee. Lunches are picnics with meat, cheese, fresh vegetables and fruit, chocolate or cookies. Dinner will be three courses: soup followed by a main course and desert. Plenty of drinking water will be available to keep you hydrated. You may want to bring some extra snacks, such as tracker bars, nutrigrains, dried fruits etc. You can buy extra food or alcohol at the pensions/chalet if you wish. Please let Charity Challenge know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies.

Food & Drink

The food will be very filling and nutritious. Breakfast will consist of eggs, ham, cheese, jam or honey and tea/coffee. Lunches are picnics with meat, cheese, fresh vegetables and fruit, chocolate or cookies. Dinner will be three courses: soup followed by a main course and desert. Plenty of drinking water will be available to keep you hydrated. You may want to bring some extra snacks, such as tracker bars, nutrigrains, dried fruits etc. You can buy extra food or alcohol at the pensions/chalet if you wish. Please let Charity Challenge know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies.

Money

Currency: Romanian Leu. For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com.

Cash: There are ATMs available at the airport and in the local town.

Credit cards: ATMs are generally OK. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most widely accepted and may be used at cash points. In smaller towns, banks do not necessarily have cash points.

For travel around the country it is a good idea to carry cash. Street handicraft vendors prefer Romanian currency.

Spending money: You will not need a large amount of money during this trip. You can’t always change your pounds into Romanian Leu (ROL) in the UK, you may have to change it upon arrival. Debit and Credit cards are widely accepted and there are ATMs in Bucharest airport and Bran. Approximately £100 should be sufficient but please take more if you plan to extend your stay or shop a lot!

Tips: Tipping is personal and at your sole discretion. You should only tip if you feel that you have received good service. We recommend approx. GBP£5 per participant per trekking day and this should be given to the challenge leader at the end of the challenge who will distribute it amongst the local support team. In bars and restaurants tips are very common and are about 10% of the total bill.

Money

Currency: Romanian Leu. For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com.

Cash: There are ATMs available at the airport and in the local town.

Credit cards: ATMs are generally OK. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most widely accepted and may be used at cash points. In smaller towns, banks do not necessarily have cash points.

For travel around the country it is a good idea to carry cash. Street handicraft vendors prefer Romanian currency.

Spending money: You will not need a large amount of money during this trip. You can’t always change your pounds into Romanian Leu (ROL) in the UK, you may have to change it upon arrival. Debit and Credit cards are widely accepted and there are ATMs in Bucharest airport and Bran. Approximately £100 should be sufficient but please take more if you plan to extend your stay or shop a lot!

Tips: Tipping is personal and at your sole discretion. You should only tip if you feel that you have received good service. We recommend approx. GBP£5 per participant per trekking day and this should be given to the challenge leader at the end of the challenge who will distribute it amongst the local support team. In bars and restaurants tips are very common and are about 10% of the total bill.

Phone and WiFi

You will have a good phone reception.  On trekking days, there will be some phone signal at some points.

In the pension you will be able to recharge any electrical equipment.

Phone and WiFi

You will have a good phone reception.  On trekking days, there will be some phone signal at some points.

In the pension you will be able to recharge any electrical equipment.

What happens if I fall ill, can’t keep up or there is an emergency?

The event is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s walking ability. This is allowed for. There will be a staff member at the back of the group at all times to ensure that you are not left behind and can take things at your own pace. If we find somebody is unable to walk at all, then we can transport him or her from one location to the next with the help of our staff. Throughout the challenge, back-up support will be close by.

What happens if I fall ill, can’t keep up or there is an emergency?

The event is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s walking ability. This is allowed for. There will be a staff member at the back of the group at all times to ensure that you are not left behind and can take things at your own pace. If we find somebody is unable to walk at all, then we can transport him or her from one location to the next with the help of our staff. Throughout the challenge, back-up support will be close by.

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We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 6546. Many of the flight-inclusive challenges on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. This ATOL protection only covers challenges that include flights booked by Charity Challenge and that originate in the UK. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLcertificate

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