“Animal welfare has not taken a main stage in Romania, and this sanctuary is a real exception to the rule, working actively with passionate Romanian people in caring for mistreated bears. You work alongside upwards of 80 bears that have been rescued from circuses, tourist attractions and hunters. Many come with a shocking amount of baggage - kept in a cage they can’t turn around in so they can never hibernate, or blinded so they would never escape. It is a privilege to work in the beautiful foothills of the Carpathian Mountains and really make a contribution to a moving cause.”

“The best experience is soaking up the atmosphere of the country itself. Horse-drawn carriages, alpine meadows where shepherds graze their sheep and make cheese, Saxon villages… it’s just like being in a fairy tale. Very few people realise that Romania rivals the Alps with high peaks, lakes, woodlands and pastures. Watching wild bears from hides is an experience that's hard to beat – spring is the best time. And in winter, the weather is normally crisp and clear with a coating of snow, a true Winter Wonderland. Plus there are Christmas markets and a chance to spend a night in the local ice hotel - pretty cool!”