Trip ITINERARY

Day 1 |  December 20th
Arrival in Garda.
From Garda, depending on state of snow and weather, we could either take a horse-pulled sleigh ride up to Ghetar Hamlet or, we could take a hiking tour in the fresh, mountain winter air. Thus we will first meet the Apuseni typical landscapes of forests, meadows, dolina-s and glades, all covered in white by this time. 
The hamlet is a typical mountain settlement on Ghetar karst plateau – peaceful and picturesque.
Our hosts will be Dinu and Iuliana, a young family of Motzi (the name of the population living in Apuseni Mountains). The days we will spend in their guesthouse will provide us with a good opportunity to learn about the lifestyle these mountain people have, to hear their stories and listen to their tales.
Check-in, warm-up and  lunch.

Trip to Scarisoara Ice Cave (1165 meters altitude). The cave, with an entrance of 48 meters deep and 60 meters large hosts Scarisoara Glacier - an impressive block of ice of 75.000 cubic meters, 22 meters thick and 3500 years old. Certainly, a lesson of geology that should be not missed. 

On the way back we will stop at Ghetar Tourist Information Centre where, besides detailed tourist information about the area we will hear the sound of tulnic (the local version of the alpenhorn) performed by our friend, Pasca Ilisie. At his age of 72 he has already 60 years of experience in wood carving – traditional occupation for Motzi -  and he will prove this through a demonstration of this amazing craft, showing how everyday or ritual objects have been made since centuries, here.

Return to the guesthouse. Warm up, dinner, evening programme. 

Day 2 | December 21st
According to a tradition that goes long, long back in time, the family will kill the pig and prepare traditional meals and products from its meat and fat. Besides family members everybody is welcome to take part in this very important event in family’s life. Just consider how many new recipes (and cuisine secrets…) you can learn while having fun together with the community and discovering local culture and life. Meals at the guesthouse.

Day 3 | December 22nd
After a generous breakfast, we will put on our snowshoes or alpine touring skis and prepare for adventure and discoveries. The route for today: Scarisoara Plateau – Casa de Piatra (Stone House) hamlet which host only 16 families.Here almost of the houses are wooden made, decades ago while and electricity had became and everyday commodity only 3 years ago! Discover the archaically architecture, traditional wooden houses with high fir-tree made roofs. An isolated and picturesque settlement with a romantic name given by the place – a large glade surrounded by spectacular white stone walls. It is said that the whole settlement is actually a stone house.

Packed lunch will be served on the way.

Once arrived at the guesthouse in Casa de Piatra we will warm-up, then check-in and enjoy the evening programme.

Dinner at the guesthouse.

Day 4 | December 23rd
After breakfast we leave Casa de Piatra  and return to Scarisoara/Ghetar Plateau through Calineasa Glade. Scattered at around 1300 meters, this beautiful large glade is used by local mountain people as an unpermanent summer settlement, mainly for forestry and raising animals. From here, if we are lucky enough to have a clear weather, we will be able to have a great perspective upon the southern part of Apuseni Mountains, including the highest peak: Cucurbata Mare Peak (1848 m).
Arrival at the guesthouse and lunch. Afternoon will be dedicated to rest and relaxation or, for those who feel like – to a good snow fight.
Dinner and evening programme will end this day.

Day 5 December 24th
After breakfast, prepare for another tour in the area. This time will be a round tour of Ghetar – Ocoale area on snowshoes or alpine touring skis – probably the best way to discover the peace and beauties of this blessed part of Apuseni Mountains, in wintertime.
Packed lunch will served on the way.
Return in the afternoon, warm up, evening programme and dinner at the guesthouse.

But this is also the Christmas Eve – time to meet ancient traditions, expect carol singers, attend the Christmas traditional dinner. Also good to know that carol singers have their own party – an excellent opportunity to learn more about these people and their traditions while enjoying a glass of boiled wine by the fireplace.

Day 6 | December 25th
Relaxed, lazy morning. Breakfast at the guesthouse and then go on a round tour (either on snowshoes or alpine touring skis like the days before) to Ocoale Peak – a bellevue point which gives us a wonderful perspective on a large area and in the surroundings  - a visit to the wooden church could be inspiring. Another option could be a trip to Zgurasti Ice Cave, a nature reserve cave which shelters a block of ice and an underground lake, together with impressive galleries and halls which are accessible only for experienced cavers.
Return to guesthouse, warm up and evening programme. Dinner at guesthouse.

Day 7 | December 26th
Key words for this day: rest and relax, inside or outside the guesthouse. Meals at the guesthouse. Have a break, take some rest and just lay down close to the fireplace and sip a cup of boiled wine or “afinata”-a typical liqueur made from blueberries, while enjoying a chat with the hosts. Or if you would like to enjoy the calm of the life in the mountains in a more active way, have a short stroll in the area, searching for wild animal tracks in the snow or meet the locals in their typical horse-pulled sledges.