Terms and conditions

IMPORTANT : All clients and participants in the programs offered by Iulian Cozma outdoor adventures, must read attentively and understand the following lines. They must agree with all the conditions presented below in order to be able to participate at any tour, mountain trip, skiing activity or any other form of activities organized by Iulian Cozma outdoor adventures

Assuming risks. Warranties. Participation in trekking, group tours, expeditions, exploration of flora and wild fauna or any other form of touristic round or holiday organized byIulian Cozma outdoor adventures might involve certain risks and dangers.

These risks include but are not limited to the following situations :
- Trips on mountain terrain, rivers and forests
-Travel by car, bus, mini-bus, terrain cars or any other means of transport
-Accidents or sicknesses in isolated areas, with or without medical facilities with/without the possibility of evacuation against a cost
- Accidents caused by natural hazards
- Changes of itinerary due to causes independed from the agency’s will
- Cancellation of tours or trips due to causes independent from the agency’s will

Taking in consideration the above, and through the payment for the right to participate to such trips or other services and activities organized by the company mentioned above, I hereby assume full responsibility for the actions I take, for the causes, duties, law-suits, requests or complaints of any type, hereby present or which could arise in the future due to the trip or in connection with it, or due to participation in activities organized for me by the above mentioned company.

I have read this document representing the assuming of risk and a guarantee for me and my inheritants, for administrators, executors and all family members, including all minors who join me. I hereby agree and accept all risks involved, dangers and mentioned conditions. Also, I agree with all the conditions mentioned above and with the payment of suplementary costs which might come up during the travel.

Limitation of responsibility
Iulian Cozma outdoor adventures offers for its programs : transport, accommodation and other services provided by various services providers, as well as the professional mountain guide service offered by Iulian Cozma outdoor adventures, its owners or employees, contractors and providers of means of transport and/or any other needed transport services. Thus, Iulian Cozma outdoor adventures is relieved of any responsibility concerning accidents, losses or personal damage which might result as a consequence of air, water or land transport or any other means of transport which are independent of his control. The use of any vehicle or mean of transport for this trip is the entire responsibility of companies or individuals which provide these services for passengers. These service providers (physical or legal entities) are responsible according to the existing legislation within the territory of Romania, all incidents being written down locally.

The contracted transport companies are licensed for transport of groups of people, according to the legislation within the territory of Romania, disposing of luggage insurance and accidents insurance for goods and people.

Also, Iulian Cozma outdoor adventures as well as its owners, employees, contractors and associates don’t assume any responsibility for losses or personal damage due to circumstances, weather, fire, governmental or any other authorities actions, as well as in the case of war, strikes, terrorist actions, thefts, epidemics, quarantine situations, dangerous incidents on air, water or land, or any other actions and incidents which are out of the control area of the agency.

The agency reserves its right to operate reasonable routes changes (including changes of hotels) when this is imposed, to insure optimum comfort and well-being of the participants. The price is quoted using the current exchange rate and can be changed if the exchange rate varies significantly.

Payment conditions :
- After having commonly agreed on the route and other helpful details regarding your trip, an advance payment of 40% (of the trip’s total cost), is required to be done by the customer, by bank transfer, payable to Iulian Cozma outdoor adventures
-  The balance of 80% will be paid in cash, according to an agreeement between parties.

Details about cancelling the trip :
Any program/tour cancellation is done by sending an email or fax (+40-268418441), the cancellation being valid only after you have received an answer.
The following taxes need to be paid for cancelling a program :
- between 70 and 105 days before the start of the tour
– 40% per person out of the total value of the program
- between 45 and 69 days before the start of the tour
- 60% per person out of the total value of the program
- less than 45 days fromt the beginning of the tour – 100% per person out of the total value of the program

In case of cancelling a tour, Iulian Cozma outdoor adventures are not responsible for the supplementary expenditures made by you for the well-going of the program. For example : buying the equipment, reservations at hotels/cottages, buying of plane/train tickets. For any program cancellation you will be sent by e-mail, fax or mail a letter confirming the payment you have done. We recommend you to have a trip cancellation insurance (storno type) so that, if out of any reasons you cannot participate in the program anymore (sickness, etc), to be able to ask the insurance company for the advance payment.

Iulian Cozma outdoor adventures reserves the right to refuse providing services for third parties – persons or companies, without motivating the refusal.

Everything mentioned above represents constitutive part of current contract which will be signed by both parties before the start of the trip.

The agreed price includes: For every program/moutain tour/trekking it is specified what it is included in the price. The price includes all accommodation in rooms, with or without bath or private toilet, in double rooms or rooms with more beds, meals, as specified in the program, mountain guide service during the entire program/moutain tour/trekking, transport from one location to another as specified in the program.

The price does NOT include: The price is established depending on the desired program/moutain tour/trekking, and the number of participants. Also, meals which are not specifed in the description of the program are not included. Participants’ personal insurances for the program/moutain tour/trekking they’ve subscribed for are not included. Personal expenditures of any type are not included, as well as alcoholic drinks, clothes washing, private calls or bottled water. Not included on the price is the flight/transport to Romania.

Accommodation: Most of the nights inclued in the program/moutain tour/trekking will be in mountain chalets or boarding houses. The quality of accommodation will vary from one place to another, but each peson will be provided with a clean bed to sleep in. In some of the cases the use of a sleeping bag is recommended, or a protection bed sheet. If the case, this will be mentioned. Also, accommodation in different rooms for men and women might not be possible in all sleeping locations, but if special requests before the start of the progam, we will try to find a solution. In some of the chalets the toilet and the water source might be in the chalet or outside, at few meters distance. Also, you be informed about these things before the start of the tour.

Luggage: Transport of luggage from one location to another is not included in the price of the program/moutain tour/trekking, unless it is specified. We recommend you to pack adequately for each program/moutain tour/trekking, the smallest and lightest possible, thus avoiding unpleasant situations for both parties.

Equipment: Considering that the programs/moutain tours/trekkings will take place in open air, on marked or unmarked paths, please be aware that you might need to walk through mud, wet soil, and occasionally, snow. The state of the path might considerably vary during a program/moutain tour/trekking, some of them being in a good state, wide, well-kept, and which follow an easy route for the one taking them. Others, especially the ones in the days with a medium and above level of difficulty, are paths which can cross less walked on areas, situations in which without a guide you might lose track.

The equipment have to contain:
- mountain boots with VIBRAM semi-rigid sole, with ankle protection.
- a Gore-Tex layer boot is even better as it maintains the feet dry during wet weather
.- trekking poles, or ski poles are highly recommended, especially for difficult areas. These poles could also be telescopic.
- rain clothes: jacket and trousers – cloak not admited!
- each thing placed in the rucksack must be put in a plastic bag, because in case of rain they might get wet
- Cap, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen. I strongly advise you to carry a cap and gloves with you even during the summer season because it can get quite cold at altitudes over 1700m.
Please, do not hesitate to contact me for any questions regarding the necessary equipment.

Also, in case you suffer of any illness it is 100% recommended that you undergo a medical check before taking any moutain route. By not telling the tour leader or the mountain guide about any illness you suffer of you are assuming full risk for the consequences.

Please, remember you will spend between 5 and 10 hours walking in mountain areas, where sometimes the weather is difficult to forecast. That is why it is recommended to be well-equipped for the programs/moutain tours/trekkings you are participating in. By being adequately equipped you will have the warranty that the programs/moutain tours/trekkings will be a pleasant experience even during bad weather.

Physical condition: As programs/moutain tours/trekkings presented on this site take place in moutain areas of sometimes over 2000m, climbing and descending at few hundred metres level difference is normal practice. In order to be able to do most of the programs/moutain tours/trekkings one needs to have the necessary will, the physical shape, and last but not least, a good psyhical condition. As a general rule, if you are able to take a 7km long tour, and a 800m (vertical drop) climbing and descending,then you would be able to go for the majority of the programs/moutain tours/trekkings here presented. If you are not familiar with the trekking techniques, the group leader/mountain guide will be offering you the necessary support. If you have any worries about about your physical condition, please talk to your doctor before joining the programs/moutain tours/trekkings presented on this site.

Food : All morning meals will be served at the chalets or boarding houses, depending on the program. Lunches consist of sandwiches, especially on the trekking days. Also, dinners will be served at the chalets/boarding houses. Please, mention if you are a vegetarian, or if you have any special requests regarding the menu.

Transport: Mainly the transport is done with private minubuses in very good condition. Depending by the number of person on the group the transport can be done by trains, public means of transport (buses), taxis. Your way of transportation will be mentioned on the tour program.

Water sources: Usually, the spring water in the Romanian mountains is drinkable, but it is recommended to have water cleaning pills with you, to avoid any unpleasant situation.

Weather: Sometimes, a change of route will be necessary due to weather conditions, and for your safety. These changes will be done as agreed by both sides, after presenting all the posibilities, but the mountain guide will be the one taking the final decision.

Last update - 30 July 2010

Latest testimonials
It's quite possible that a vacation in Romania might pose some challenges for the average American tourist, especially when planning to visit castles, monasteries, and historical towns, as well as complete a 4-night hut-to-hut hiking traverse of the Fagaras Mountains. Challenging, that is, unless your trip is in the capable hands of Iulian Cozma. From our pickup at the Bucharest airport to our 4:30 a.m. departure back to the airport 10 days later, every step of our trip was handled by Iulian with the utmost efficiency and care for our comfort and enjoyment. His skills go far beyond his competence as a mountain guide or his organizational abilities in handling every detail of lodging and traditional Romania menus. It's a rate individual who can teach his guests how to clear hundreds of sheep from a hiking trail (just whistle!), then several days later escort them to an elegant and extraordinary restaurant in Bucharest. He is one hard working individual, and it is amply demonstrated in the results achieved. We had the good fortune to enjoy many wonderful and memorable experiences thanks to Iulian and would highly recommend his services to anyone who wants an unforgettable and stress-free vacation in Romania.
Jim and Peggy Hilton - Seattle, WA USA – July 2010 – Fagaras ridge traverse

Chris and I would like to thank you so much for the walk you put together for us all. It was well prepared and planned, The meadows so full of wild flowers were breathtaking,and we were very impressed with your knowledge of where to walk, especially where there were no known paths. We felt you carried out the walk with true professionalism. You were extremely helpful at all times and very informative on all aspects of the walk,the area and customs of Romania. The Pensions were really nice to stay in and the people we met were so lovely and friendly. It was a pleasure to visit your country and especially Transylvania, which you obviously love and care about. Once again thank you so much. We wish you and your family best wishes for the future,
Chris and Yvonne Hartley – Leicestershire, England – June 2010

Iulian was a very friendly and efficient guide, and took us on a great two-day, low-level route in the beautiful Piatra Craiului National Park through forest (which we were glad of in the heat) and lush meadows. We paid a fascinating visit to cheese-making shepherds (and had a robust encounter with some sheep dogs!)
Mary Byrne,London, UK - July 2010

After a very nice experience with Iulian in May where we discovered Omu Peak in the Bucegi mountains we decided this time to go hiking in the Fagaras Mountains on 19th&20th of June. It is the best period because all Rhododendrons are blossoming and the top of the hills turn red. We slept on Friday in Brancoveanu Monastery and on Saturday morning we moved up from 800m to 2100m on the North Dragus ridge. The climb was tough but the scenery on the top with all the trees blossoming was worth all the efforts.We had a great lunch next to a stream before to start our descend to the Salvamont Hut on Valea Sambatei. At the end we had been covering a distance of 15km, walking up 1300m and walking down 800m. All in all a great experience witch I recommend to anyone who wants to discover this unique scenery of the Fagaras mountains covered by red Rhododendron flowers.
Beth and Marc Desenfans, June 2010

A massive thank you for arranging, and then personally guiding us through our amazing Romanian experience. The itinerary you put together perfectly matched our requirements - it covered mountain, country, forest and city landscapes -all in 5 days. In addition seeing a wild bear with her cubs, having a cup of fruit tea in a weather station on on top of Omu and watching the hay making process, were all unexpected bonuses. Our biggest thank you goes to you personally for your attention to detail - from the fantastic Romanian food you ensured we had, sharing your knowledge and insight with us as we covered the many kilometers during our daily hikes. We would recommend you to anyone (and have passed on your details already) - and happy that you share this note, our photos and contact details with others who may be considering a Romanian adventure. Until next time,
Dave and Jo, UK - June 2010

My recent hike (May 2010) with Iulian will certainly be one I remember. He arranged and accompanied me on a one day 25km hike up over Piatra Mare which offered me a challenge, incredible scenery, a couple of places to stop along the way. This was my second hike with Iulian and I intend to use his guide services for many more. He is able to guide through well-planned routes that I would not be able to find on my own. Iulian chose this route based on my ability, schedule, and desire to see certain areas. His services are professional and his personality made the entire expedition a pleasure. The mountains of Romania are Iulian's home and it's clear that he enjoys sharing the beauty of the area to others.
Mike Eubanks - USA - May 2010

Lovely trip. Lovely senery. Silence and tranquility for those who want to get away from hum of busy city… Pestera is a special place, much different from Sinaia or Predeal. It’s a kind of a hidden valley located in the heart of mountains. The trip became my first experience in mountain walking. We’ve made around 15 km each day. In fact, I’ve never walked so much in a single day in my whole life:) Physically challenging, though exciting. Definitely a good excersize. Liked a lot walking on snow..Presence of Iulian inspired the confidence and feeling of safety in a trip. Looking forward to new mountain adventures.
Alexander Sidorov, May 10