Two rivers, two characters. The Crișul Negru winds through the flat wetlands of western Romania in wide meanders — a slow, wide river where herons stand in the shallows and otters are sometimes seen at dusk. Then a transfer east to the Bicaz gorge on the Eastern Carpathians, where the Bicaz river cuts through vertical limestone walls 300 metres high. This four-day adventure moves between these two worlds, spending time on the water and among the rocks.
Arrival in Oradea. Transfer to the Crișul Negru riverside camp. Equipment fitting, safety briefing, and first paddle on calm water. Dinner at camp.
Full day rafting the Crișul Negru through riverside forest and wetland meadows. The river is wide and unhurried here — good for birdwatching from the raft. Picnic lunch on a gravel bar. Evening camp beside the river.
Morning transfer across Transylvania to the Bicaz gorge in the Eastern Carpathians. Afternoon raft through the narrowest section of the gorge — 300-metre limestone walls, cold water, technical current. Overnight in a guesthouse near Lacul Roșu.
A short morning paddle on calmer water below the gorge. Gear return, farewell lunch, and transfer to Bacău or Piatra Neamț for onward travel. End of programme.
3 nights in camp & guesthouseAll mealsRafts, paddles & safety equipmentCertified raft guidePrivate transport between riversInternational flightsTravel insurance