About Active Travel Active Travel
Authentic Small-Group & Private Tours in Romania
Explore Romania with expert local guides — from medieval cities and wild Carpathian mountains to wildlife-watching and cultural villages.
Our Story
Active Travel was founded in 2007 to share Romania’s stunning mountains, diverse landscapes, and rich culture with travelers worldwide, inspiring curiosity and adventure.
What began as a passion for hiking and exploring the Carpathian Mountains has grown into a professional tour company specializing in small-group and private tours across Romania.
With over 16 years of professional guiding experience and more than two decades of hiking and trekking, we have guided travelers through Romania’s most spectacular landscapes—from the highest peaks of the Carpathian Mountains to traditional villages, medieval castles, and hidden natural treasures.
We believe that the best way to experience Romania is to do so actively, responsibly, and authentically.
What We Do
Active Travel offers personalized guided experiences designed for travelers seeking more than just sightseeing, with options tailored to your interests.
Our tours include:
🥾 Hiking and trekking tours in the Carpathian Mountains, guided or self-guided
🏔 Multi-day mountain adventures and peak ascents
🏰 Cultural and historical tours across Romania
🌲 Nature and wildlife experiences
🚵 Mountain biking tours
⛷ Winter adventures and ski touring
Why Choose Us
Our tours are led by licensed guides with deep local knowledge, and we're awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and Eco-Romania certification, which help build trust and credibility.
✔ Licensed Romanian Tour Operator Since 2007 – 18+ Years of Experience
✔ Expert Team of Licensed Mountain & National Tour Guides
✔ Private & Small-Group Tours
✔ Authentic Experiences Beyond the Guidebooks
✔ Flexible, Tailor-Made Itineraries
✔ Committed to Responsible & Sustainable Tourism
Our goal is simple: to help you experience Romania in the most meaningful way possible.
Our Values
Responsible Tourism
We promote sustainable travel that respects nature, local communities, and cultural heritage.
Safety & Professionalism
Licensed guides lead all tours with extensive guiding experience.
Authentic Experiences
We focus on real Romania — local traditions, landscapes, and hidden places — designed to inspire curiosity and a genuine connection with the country for our travelers.
Passion for the Outdoors
For us, guiding is not just a job — it’s a way of life.
Meet Your Guides
Our guides are the heart of Active Travel. All are licensed and certified guides recognized by Romanian authorities and professional associations, ensuring that every tour is safe, professional, and authentic.
Our team includes:
✔ Licensed Mountain Guides
✔ Licensed National Tour Guides
✔ International Mountain Leader (UIMLA)
✔ Members of Romanian mountain guiding associations
✔ Experienced instructors in skiing, climbing, and mountain safety
Marian - Founder, Mountain Guide & Tour Leader
As the founder and product manager of Active Travel, I bring a lifelong passion for the mountains to every tour I lead. I am a licensed mountain guide and national guide (license no. 10114) with over 16 years of professional guiding experience.
My journey began with a deep love for hiking, which gradually evolved into a career dedicated to sharing the beauty, adventure, and culture of the mountains with travelers from around the world.
With over 21 years of hiking and trekking experience, I have explored much of the Romanian side of the Carpathian Mountain Chain, home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in Europe. This extensive experience allows me to guide travelers safely through rugged mountain terrain, high peaks, remote valleys, and scenic trails, while sharing insights about the region’s nature, history, and traditions.
Beyond Romania, I have also explored remarkable hiking destinations across Europe. I trekked the famous E4 European Walking Path in Crete three times, hiking the spectacular coastal section from Paleochora to Chora Sfakion.
In 2025, I also completed a memorable hiking journey along the stunning Amalfi Coast, exploring its dramatic cliffs, scenic coastal trails, and historic villages overlooking the Mediterranean.
In April 2026, I hiked a section of the Lycian Way in Turkey, enjoying coastal trails, wild spring landscapes, and ancient ruins overlooking the Mediterranean—an experience that deepened my passion for authentic, nature-based travel.
These experiences across different landscapes — from the wild Carpathian Mountains to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coasts — have enriched my perspective as a guide and strengthened my ability to design unforgettable outdoor adventures.
My goal on every tour is simple: to create safe, meaningful, and inspiring experiences that allow guests to discover Romania’s natural beauty and cultural heritage while promoting sustainable and responsible tourism.
Language: English
Specialty:Carpathian Mountains, Hiking, trekking, multi-day adventures
Bogdan - Tour Leader, Licensed Mountain & Cultural Guide
Bogdan is a licensed mountain and tour guide (no. 10521) with extensive experience exploring the Carpathian Mountains. Known for his friendly, enthusiastic personality, he makes every tour enjoyable while sharing deep knowledge of the region’s nature, history, and culture. As one guest put it: “Bogdan has a fascinating background, and you can tell he truly enjoys his job!”
Bogdan’s passion for the mountains and for creating memorable, personalized experiences ensures that every guest leaves with a lasting connection to Romania’s landscapes and culture.
Language: English
Specialty: Carpathian Mountains, hiking, storytelling, wildlife, mountainbiking, ski touring, ski and snowboard instructor, climbing, cultural tours, personalized storytelling
Karcsi (Charlie) – Tour Leader & Licensed Cultural Guide
Karcsi, also known as Charlie, is a licensed tour guide (no. 4871) with over 9 years of experience leading cultural tours and nature walks across Romania. Known for his kindness, enthusiasm, and warmth, he genuinely enjoys being around people and takes pride in presenting Romania’s history, traditions, and landscapes to visitors.
Guests frequently praise his approach: “Karcsi made our visit exceed all expectations. His kindness, knowledge, and enthusiasm made time pass so fast — a warm and highly recommended guide!
With Charlie, every tour feels friendly, authentic, and unforgettable, leaving guests with lasting memories of Romania.
Language: English, Hungarian
Specialty: Historical tours, walking tours, castles, museums, personalized storytelling, cultural immersion
Dan - Tour Leader & Licensed Cultural Guide
Licensed tour guide (no. 10518) with extensive knowledge of Romania’s history and culture. Dan loves bringing local stories to life, often delighting guests with singing, anecdotes, and insider insights. He ensures that every cultural tour is memorable and authentic.
Guests love him for his warm personality and unique talents: "He loves to sing, and we enjoyed listening to him sing! He's very knowledgeable about the history of Romania, and he's very proud of his country."
Language: English
Specialty: Romanian history, traditions, cultural immersion, personalized storytelling
Mihai - Tour Leader, Licensed Mountain & Cultural Guide
Mihai is a highly experienced licensed mountain and tour guide (no. 10285) with over 40 years of hiking and climbing experience. He has explored the Carpathians extensively and summited some of the world’s most iconic peaks, including Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, and Khan Tengri.
Guests praise Mihai for his knowledge, professionalism, and genuine care: "Our guide, Mihai, was excellent from start to finish. He is a very knowledgeable man with years of experience, including mountain guide experience. We all got what we expected, and then some, from Mihai. I really cannot express enough gratitude for his genuine care for the tourism business and love for his own country."
With Mihai, you'll get unmatched expertise and safety, along with a deep passion for the mountains and Romania, so every adventure is exciting and memorable.
Language: English
Specialty: Carpathian Mountains, trekking, hiking, mountainbiking, ski touring, ski instructor, cultural tours, personalized storytelling
Tiberiu (aka Tibi) - Tour Leader & Licensed Cultural Guide
Tiberiu, also known as Tibi, is a licensed tour guide (no. 10683) passionate about Romanian history, art, and nature. He loves sharing the amazing legends, stories, and hidden gems of his “home,” making every tour engaging and memorable for visitors.
With Tibi, travelers not only see Romania but also experience it through its history, culture, and local stories, making each tour both informative and inspiring.
Language: English, Hungarian, Italian
Specialty: Romanian history, cultural tours, walking tours, personalized storytelling
Tudor - Tour Leader & Licensed Cultural Guide
Tudor is a licensed tour guide (no. 6912) with over 9 years of experience, crafting tours that feel less like guided visits and more like stepping into a living story. Deeply passionate about history — especially the ancient world — and inspired by the atmosphere of fantasy realms, he transforms real places into immersive narratives filled with legend, intrigue, and meaning.
With a unique storytelling style, he blends historical truth with the magic of myth, turning castles into strongholds of forgotten heroes, streets into paths of untold stories, and moments into scenes that linger long after the tour ends.
Charismatic, engaging, and naturally connected to people, he creates experiences that are not only informative but cinematic, personal, and unforgettable.
With him, you don’t just visit Romania — you experience it like a story waiting to be lived.
Language: English
Specialty: Historical tours, walking tours, castles, museums, personalized storytelling, cultural immersion
Marius – Licensed Tour Guide & Cultural Storyteller
Marius is a licensed tour guide (no. 10732) with a deep passion for history, local culture, and Romanian traditions. Fascinated by the stories that shape a place, he loves sharing legends, historical insights, and hidden gems that help travelers discover Romania beyond the surface.
Always eager to learn more, he is rarely without a history or a Romanian mythology book, constantly expanding his knowledge to create richer, more meaningful experiences for his guests. His tours are shaped by curiosity, authenticity, and a genuine desire to connect people with the country's spirit.
Having traveled to over 60 countries, Marius brings a broad and thoughtful perspective to tourism, understanding what makes a journey truly memorable. He also has a special love for analogue photography, which he can offer as part of the tour experience, adding a creative and personal touch to exploring Romania.
Another passion of his is traditional Romanian folklore music, especially pieces featuring the kaval, hammered dulcimer, or Romanian cobza. This love for music adds yet another layer to the cultural experiences he shares, helping guests connect not only with Romania’s history but also with its living soul.
With Marius, every tour becomes more than a visit, it becomes a story-filled journey into history, culture, and local life.
Language: English
Specialty: Historical & cultural tours, walking tours, castles, personalized storytelling, cultural immersion, hands-on experiences, analogue photography experiences
Stefan (aka Isti) - Tour Leader & Licensed Mountain Guide
Stefan, also known as Isti, is a licensed mountain guide (no. 00224476) with extensive experience in hiking, rock climbing, and ski touring. He has summited some of Europe’s most iconic peaks, including Mont Blanc, Mont Elbrus, the Dolomites, and extensively explored the Carpathians in Romania.
Guests rave about his enthusiasm and professionalism:
"Awesome hike with Isti! We had an amazing time with him! We went to crazy locations, hiked mountains through the snow and crazy weather, and he made the experience a thousand times better. He has a lot of knowledge, shared funny insights, and helped us with everything we needed in Romania, even after the trip."
With Stefan, travelers experience adventure, safety, and expert guidance, making every mountain tour exciting, educational, and unforgettable.
Language: English, Hungarian
Specialty: Trekking, hiking, climbing, mountainbiking, ski touring, ski & snowboard instructor, rafting
Dan - Tour Leader & Licensed Cultural Guide
Dan is a professional tour guide (no. 6750) with a passion for the great outdoors, history, and adventure. What began as a personal hobby evolved into a full-time career, and he loves sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with every guest.
Dan believes that travel is about more than just visiting new places — it’s about connecting with people, learning new perspectives, and immersing yourself in nature. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time explorer, he ensures that your experience is safe, enjoyable, authentic, and unforgettable.
With Dan as your guide, you can look forward to mountain trails, snowy slopes, or cultural city tours — all delivered with expertise, passion, and a personal touch.
Language: English
Specialty: Cultural tours, walking tours, biking tours, ski instructor
Andreea - Tour Leader & Licensed Mountain Guide
Andreea is a licensed tour and mountain guide (no. 11003) with a deep passion for nature and the outdoors, especially the mountains, which she considers one of nature's most complex and beautiful expressions.
Her tours are diverse and adaptable, ranging from gentle treks through meadows and traditional villages to challenging climbing and mountaineering in harsh winter conditions. She believes that providing each tourist with confidence, guidance, and support is the key to bringing nature closer to everyone.
Andreea has experience in some of the world’s most remarkable ranges, including:
🏔 Romanian Carpathians
⛰ Tatra Mountains
🏞 High Atlas
🏔 Mount Ararat
⛰ Alps
🏔 Rila Mountains
…and many more
Her tours are tailored to suit all levels, ensuring that every guest discovers something interesting and memorable, no matter their experience or fitness level.
With Andreea as your guide, travelers enjoy safe, inspiring, and authentic mountain adventures, discovering both the beauty of the landscape and the joy of exploration.
Languages: English, French
Specialty: Trekking, Cultural tours, Wildlife tours, Snowshoe tours
Radu - Tour Leader, Licensed Mountain & Tour Guide
License: Tour & Mountain Guide (no. 10999); National Guide & Trainer; Alpine Ski Monitor
Radu has been hiking since childhood and gradually developed expertise across multiple mountain disciplines, including mountaineering, climbing, alpine skiing, ski touring, mountain biking, and via ferrata. Over the decades, he has explored most of the major tourist routes and alpine trails in the Romanian Carpathians, as well as international ranges across Europe, Africa, and South America.
His climbing and trekking experience includes:
Europe:
French Alps: Mont Blanc, Belledonne, Chartreuse, Vanoise, Brevent
Italian Alps: Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso, Dolomites
Swiss Alps: Matterhorn
Austrian Alps: Großglockner
German Alps: Zugspitze
Tatra Mountains (Slovakia), Mount Olympus (Greece), Rila & Pirin (Bulgaria), Taurus Mountains (Turkey)
International Expeditions:
Atlas Mountains (Morocco)
Cordillera Andes (Peru, Ecuador, Argentina)
Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
Caucasus Mountains (Russia, Georgia)
Radu has dedicated his life to turning his passion into a profession, guiding groups, leading alpine routes, and running mountaineering courses, ski-touring trips, and summer camps for children. On average, he is in the mountains 4–5 days a week, sharing his expertise and love for the outdoors.
His mission is to instill passion and respect for nature in every guest, offering safe, challenging, and unforgettable mountain experiences while fostering a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors.
With Radu, travelers experience world-class mountain guidance, extensive international expertise, and a lifelong passion for exploration and nature.
Languages:English and French
Specialty: Scrambling, Rock Climbing, Mountaineering, Hiking, Snowshoeing, Ski touring
Andrei - Tour Leader, Licensed Mountain & Tour Guide
Andrei discovered the mountains with his parents in early childhood, a passion that has shaped his entire life. Today, he is a professional mountain guide (no. 11002) dedicated to sharing the joy of exploration with his guests.
Andrei is a state-certified Mountain Guide and a qualified International Mountain Leader (UIMLA), as well as a member of Societatea Ghizilor și Liderilor Montani (SGLM). His greatest reward is seeing guests enjoy nature safely and passionately, creating experiences that are memorable, inspiring, and authentic.
With Andrei, travelers can expect expert guidance, safety, and adventure, whether they are hiking, climbing, or exploring scenic trails around the world.
Languages: English
Specialty: Scrambling, Rock Climbing, Mountaineering, Hiking, Snowshoeing
What Our Guests Say
Our guides consistently receive excellent reviews from travelers worldwide, making you feel valued and confident in choosing us for your adventure.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
"Bogdan was a friendly and enthusiastic guide. You can tell he truly enjoys his job and loves sharing the beauty of the Carpathian Mountains."
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
"Our guide, Mihai, was excellent from start to finish. He is a very knowledgeable man with years of experience, including mountain guiding. We all got what we expected — and even more — from this tour. His genuine care for tourism and his love for Romania made the experience truly special."
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
"Dan loves to sing, and we really enjoyed listening to him! He is extremely knowledgeable about Romanian history."
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
"Karcsi (Charlie) was an absolutely wonderful guide. His kindness, enthusiasm, and love for Romania made the tour truly special. He made sure everyone was comfortable and happy throughout the trip and shared fascinating stories about the country's culture and history. The experience exceeded our expectations, and we will keep these beautiful memories for a long time. Highly recommended!"
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
"Tiberiu was an excellent guide! His passion for Romanian history and culture really made the tour come alive. He shared fascinating legends and stories that you would never find in a guidebook. The tour was both informative and fun, and we learned so much about Romania. Highly recommended!"
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
"Awesome hike with Isti! We went through snow and crazy weather, but the experience was incredible thanks to his knowledge and positive energy."
See what travelers from around the world say about Active Travel on Tripadvisor 4.9, Google 4.9, and Trustpilot 4.9.
Awards & Certifications
We are proud to be recognized for our professionalism and quality:
⭐ TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence (2014–2020)
🌿 Eco-Romania Certified Ecotourism Programs – awarded the “Eco-Romania” logo for good practices in ecotourism for four hiking programs
🏅 Member of the Ecotourism Association in Romania (AER)
🏅Member of the National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAT)
✅ Licensed Romanian Tour Operator since 2007
📣 Featured in travel media and blogs for high-quality adventure experiences
These awards and recognitions reflect our commitment to excellence, responsible tourism, safety, and authentic travel experiences in Romania.
Explore Romania With Us
Whether you want to hike the Carpathian Mountains, explore medieval castles, discover traditional villages, or experience authentic Romanian culture, Active Travel is here to guide you.
Join us and discover Romania beyond the guidebooks.
Articles about us:
Hermannstadter Zeitung
Have a look at the PHOTO GALLERY. ACTIVE TRAVEL initially takes all photos. Now we are waiting to share all our experience with YOU: incredible landscapes and the freedom to live an active life!
ACTIVE TRAVEL TOUR OPERATOR
Registered Office: Romania, Brașov, Diaconu Coresi Street No. 2, Postal Code 500025
Tourism License: 453/04.01.2019 - issued by the Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism
Tourism Patent: 3704/10.04.2002
Insurance policy- for reimbursement of repatriation costs and/or amounts paid by the tourist in case of insolvency or bankruptcy: Series I, No. 59718 - Expiry date: 31.12.2026 - Issued by the insurance company OMNIASIG VIENNA INSURANCE GROUP.
VAT ID: RO22299494
Company Registration No.: J2007002287080
Share Capital: 25,700 RON
IBAN:
RO41RZBR0000060009520884 - LEI
RO30RZBR0000060009520888 - EUR
BANK: RAIFFEISEN BRASOV
SWIFT CODE: RZBRROBU
