Monasteries and Villages of Romania
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An unforgettable guided walk to discover the culturally rich Romanian countryside
Straddling central Romania and covering a third of its territory are the majestic Carpathian Mountains or Transylvanian Alps as they are also known. Aside from the stunning beauty of the mountains and the rolling foothills, the rich traditions of the region continue to flourish through the warm and friendly locals and their way of life which has changed little through the centuries. Walking through a timeless landscape to reach ancient villages and monasteries including the famous Painted Monasteries of Bucovina, pristine forests brimming with wildlife and carved wooden churches and farm gateways are just a few of the highlights of this engaging adventure. Combined with time in the capital, Bucharest, this fully escorted walking holiday offers an opportunity to cross the Carpathians and gain an intimate appreciation of rural Romania.
Highlights
- Exploring the wooden churches of Maramures
- Discovering the exquisite painted monasteries of Bukovina
- Walking through ancient villages to gain an appreciation of the subtle landscape of the Carpathian Mountains
- Experience genuine cultural exchange with the local people
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Bucharest, overnight train to Bucovine
The guide will meet the group at a pre designated spot in the Bucharest train station. Prior to this we recommend you take some time to visit the city including the old city center and/or the Parliament House. The second largest building in the world, Romanians say it is the only structure that can be seen from the Moon. Overnight train to Bucovine. (note: an arrival transfer from the Airport to the train station is available for a small supplement).
Day 2 Short walk and exploration of Bucovina, including Moldovita Monastery (3-4hrs)
Early arrival in the Bucovina. We take another local train to our guesthouse, before setting out on foot to explore some typical villages of Bucovina, passing by locals and craftsman. We stop at Hutzulians, who are a population from the Carpathians and are considered the masters of egg painting. A significant highlight of the day is a visit of Moldovita monastery where scenes inspired from the Bible and from the Moldavian history are painted on the exterior walls reflecting the flowering Moldavian civilisation in the 15th & 16th centuries. Night in Moldovita valley.
Day 3 Hike Obcina Mare ridge, transfer to Sucevita Valley with its monastery (4-5hrs)
Hike over the Obcina Mare ridge through forests and clearings. Later we transfer into the Sucevita Valley where we will spend the night. If we have the time we will visit Sucevita monastery. If not, we will do it in the morning. The construction of this monastery started in 1581 and it was built in the Moldavian architectural style which combines in a harmonious way elements of Gothic and Byzantine art. The exterior painting is the best preserved among the Moldavian churches and we can find here the masterpiece of the Romanian medieval painting, the Ladder of Virtues. This fresco is impressive due to its monumental dimensions and the contrast between the order of the angels and the chaos of the Hell. Night in Sucevita Valley.
Day 4 Walk through Bucovina forest to the Humor Valley (4hrs)
If we have already visited Sucevita monastery we hike directly through the well-known forest of Bucovina and arrive in Humor Valley in a picturesque village inhabited by Polish settlers. Transfer by horse & carriage or public bus to our hostess in Manastirea Humorului Village.
Day 5 Transfer to Maramures region with short walk in Botiza Valley (3hrs)
Transfer by van to the Maramures region. We take a walk in the Botiza Valley visiting the oldest wooden church in Maramures. Night in Botiza Valley.
Day 6 Hike between villages and visit the monastery of Bârsana (6hrs)
Today we discover the fields, forests and frescoes of Maramures. The seasons are reflected in the fields, through incredible wildflowers and the changing crops. Hike from village to village, experiencing the timelessness of the landscape and gaining a good appreciation of rural life in Maramures. Weather dependant, we visit the monastery of Bârsana which is one of the best examples of wooden architecture in Maramures.
Day 7 Mountain hike in Maramures (5.5hrs)
Today we go to a more isolated region of Maramures, to hike between high mountain pastures, mountain lakes, and forests. Later we will visit one of the most impressive wooden churches of Maramures which has one of the richest internal frescoes.
Day 8 Transfer to Sapânta, visit memorial at Sighetu Marmatiei, overnight train to Bucharest
Transfer by bus to Sapânta to discover the unique ‘Happy Cemetery’. The tombs are painted in lively colours and describe in a comic way the deceased’s life. Later we transfer by bus to Sighetu Marmatiei where we will visit, time dependant, ‘The memorial of the communism victims’, which is likely to evoke incredible emotion. Late afternoon we board our overnight train to Bucharest (picnic dinner on the train supplied).
Day 9 Arrive in Bucharest, trip concludes
Arrival in Bucharest. Trip concludes (optional transfer to airport available for a supplement).
Additional Information
Inclusions
- 7 breakfasts, 7 picnic lunches, 7 dinners (on day 8 it will be a picnic dinner on the train).
- Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, tea, coffee & juices. Picnic lunches will include fresh produce such as bread, spreads, salad and meats sourced from local villages. Dinner is generally 3 courses consisting of entrée or soup, a main dish and dessert, including local and international dishes. Occasionally dinner is only 2 courses.
- 6 nights rural pensions in a combination of twin and triple share often with shared facilities, 2 nights overnight train in sleeper carriage
- English speaking guide
- Luggage transfers
- Private transfers as described in the itinerary
Group Size Min
6
Group Size Max
14
Accommodation Summary
During the trip you will be accommodated in rural pensions which are rated as 3 stars in Romania, however would be closer to 2 stars when compared to similar properties in western Europe. The accommodation with shared facilities will be below 2 stars. These are traditional guesthouses which while simple, provide a unique dimension to the cultural experience of travelling in Romania. An example of a simple guesthouse is shown in the adjacent photo. Two nights will be spent on a train in a first class sleeping berth (two berths per cabin) on the journey from and to Bucharest.
Equipment Required
Rucksack (35 l); 3-season walking waterproof boots with suitable ankle support; waterproof outer shell garment (breathable if possible!); sunglasses with UV protection; sunscreen lotion.
What You Carry
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Book this trip with World Expeditions on their site
from
USD$1,190
Why we recommend World Expeditions
- Pioneers in responsible travel.
- No local payments.
- True adventures in every sense.
- Expert guides and support.
- Quality facilities and transport.
Customer care
World Expeditions is a global company with offices in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada, all staffed with experienced adventure travellers.
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