Description

An exclusive butterfly tour in Romania, for the rare Danube Clouded Yellow, 5 more Colias species, Scarce Fritillary & many more!

On this exceptional journey we explore some of the finest butterfly habitats in Europe, set within the authentic villages, unspoiled rural landscapes, and dramatic mountains of Romania. Bordered on three sides by the Carpathian Mountains, Transylvania encompasses nearly a third of the country and remains one of Europe’s last great strongholds for traditional land use—and for butterflies now rare or declining elsewhere.

Romania supports an impressive 202 butterfly species, making it one of the richest butterfly countries in Eastern Europe. Sixteen designated Prime Butterfly Areas, covering around 120,000 hectares, protect a remarkable variety of habitats. Northern and western Romania retain a Central European character, while the south and east display steppe and Mediterranean influences. Because agriculture remains largely traditional, many species threatened elsewhere in Europe still maintain viable—if often local—populations here.

For eight magical days we deliberately lose ourselves in a Europe unfamiliar to most travellers. Beyond the outstanding wildlife, this is a journey into the heart of real Transylvania: medieval towns, quiet valleys, flower-rich meadows, and proud village communities where traditional architecture, dress, and customs still thrive. Along the way we enjoy hearty local cuisine, fresh regional produce, and wines served by welcoming hosts. Charcoal burners, shepherds, and cheese makers are still part of everyday life, and many days end with relaxed butterfly walks and picnic lunches in idyllic meadows.

Apuseni Mountains – Rimetea (Days 1–3)

After arrival in Cluj, we travel to the beautiful village of Rimetea, dramatically set beneath the towering Szekler Rock. If time allows, we explore Turda Gorge, a spectacular limestone canyon nearly 3 km long and home to over 1,000 plant species. It is also an important site for Danube Clouded Yellow, Lesser Clouded Yellow, and Eastern Pale Clouded Yellow, as well as Scarce Fritillary.

The Apuseni Mountains host a mosaic of lightly grazed meadows, woodland edges, and steppe-like slopes—prime habitat for one of Europe’s last strongholds of the Danube Clouded Yellow, now extinct in much of Central Europe. Other highlights include Spinose Skipper, Zephyr Blue, Fenton’s Wood White, Clouded Apollo, Poplar Admiral, Marsh and Lesser Marbled Fritillaries, Osiris Blue, and a full range of Coppers, Hairstreaks, and Blues. Under good conditions, more than 80 species in a single day are possible.

Birdlife is equally rich, with Rock Thrush, Alpine Swift, Red-rumped Swallow, Rock and Ortolan Bunting, Scops Owl, and Golden Eagle.

Iron Gates & Baile Herculane (Days 4–7)

We continue south to Baile Herculane, once the legendary entomological centre of the Victorian era. Set in the dramatic Cerna Valley beneath the Domogled Mountains, and within Iron Gates National Park, the area offers superb habitats supporting more than 150 butterfly species.

Over three full days we explore the Danube valley, forested slopes, and remote villages. Target species include Iolas Blue, Amanda’s Blue, Freyer’s and Lesser Purple Emperor, Cardinal, Southern White Admiral, Twin-spot and Freyer’s Fritillaries, Lattice Brown, Russian Heath, and rarities such as Southern Marbled White, Great Sooty Satyr, and False Comma.

We also visit Armeniș, where a successful European Bison rewilding project has returned around 190 free-roaming bison to the nearby Țarcu Mountains.

Day 8 – Departure

Return to Cluj Airport, with optional final butterfly stops depending on flight times.

We expect places to go quickly on this tour so please register your interest or book soon to avoid disappointment!

We expect places to go quickly on this tour so please register your interest or book soon to avoid disappointment!