Bucovina

Iasi Unesco Heritage Tour in Bucovina

One day trip with driver-guide to see the highlights of the famous UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Monasteries of Bucovina. The tour includes visits to the worldwide best-known monasteries of Voronet, Moldovita and Sucevita. This day trip is the perfect choice to get an idea about what Bucovina means, which became region administrated by Austro-Hungarian Empire between 1785 until 1918 following to Russian Austrian conflicts. First stop is Voronet Monastery, known as The Sistine Chapel of Eastern Europe due its exterior blue frescoes showing “The Last Judgment”. Of course, here’s the place where You will discover a lot about the former Moldavian rulers like Stephan the Great, who leaded Moldavia almost for his entire life dedicated to a permanent fight against the Ottoman Empire. Stephan’s the Great role was a major one in Europe’s Dark Age since his small kingdom was like a buffer zone between the Muslim expansion towards the Christianity of Europe, that’s why he was named by the Papa Sixt as “Athleta Christi” due his fights in name of Christianity. In just half hour by car from Voronet the road will take you to another mountain village, where is located The Monastery of Moldovita, one of the first paintedmonasteries in Bucovina, completed in 1532. Crossing Obcina Mare mountain, you will discover the late 16th century Sucevita monastery the newest between the painted churches. Leaving Bucovina without visiting the traditional workshop of black pottery in Marginea to find out the secrets directly from clay masters, is not allowed.

7-Day Romania Tour -Transylvania and Painted Churches

ItineraryDay 1: Bucharest Sightseeing tourStop At: Palace of Parliament, BucharestArrival at Bucharest-Henri Coanda Airport: meet and greet by our guide-driver; Depending on the arrival hour we can take a tour of the most important sites of Bucharest.Duration: 3 hoursNo meals included on this day.Accommodation included: 3* hotel centrally located in Bucharest.Day 2: Bucharest - Peles Castle- Bran Castle- BrasovStop At: Peles Castle, Sinaia, Prahova County, Southern RomaniaAfter we cross the Southern Carpathians, you will have the chance to discover the famous castles of Sinaia – which served as a residence for the Royal family. Sinaia began developing into an important settlement with the construction of the famous Sinaia Monastery in 1695. Peles Palace is one of the best-preserved royal palaces in Eastern Europe. The Castle is full of ornaments the inside as well as on the outside, and features elaborate wood sculptures and paintings representing scenes from the works of German composer Richard Wagner.Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle), Bran, Brasov County, Central Romania, TransylvaniaOnce we arrive in Bran Village, we visit Dracula’s Castle, whose striking hilltop appearance inspired many myths and legends.Duration: 2 hoursNo meals included on this day.Accommodation included: 3* hotel centrally located in BrasovDay 3: Brasov - Gura HumoruluiStop At: Brasov Historical Center, Brasov, Brasov County, Central Romania, TransylvaniaBrasov city is located in the central part of Romania. It is surrounded by the Southern Carpathians, and is part of the Transylvania Region. Brasov is a good starting point for trips around Romania. It is also the largest city in a mountain resorts area. The old city itself is very well preserved, and is best seen by taking the cable-car to the top of Tâmpa Mountain (995 m), a beautiful lookout.Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Agapia Monastery, Neamt County, Northeast RomaniaBefore reaching Gura-Humorului, we will have a few interesting stops. Agapia Monastery is one of them. This is one of the largest nunnery in Romania. More than 300 nuns are working together in different workshops of the monastery. You can visit the workshops where the nuns are making different stuff such us: painted icons, or handmade carpets.Duration: 1 hourNo meals included on this day.Accommodation included: 3* of 4* boutique hotel or guesthouse in Gura Humorului Day 4: Gura Humorului- Voronet Monastery- Moldovita Monastery- Sucevita Monastery- Gura HumoruluiStop At: Voronet Monastery, Gura Humorului, Suceava County, Northeast Romania First visit of the day is at the famous painted monastery of Voronet. Erected in 1488, Voronet Monastery is a combination of Byzantine, Gothic and local elements. On the western wall, the exterior murals depict traditional scenes, and the famous Last Judgment scene, unique in the whole world. Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Moldovita Monastery, Vatra Moldovitei, Suceava County, Northeast Romaniariving on one of the most beautiful roads in the country, crossing the gentle slopes of Bucovina Mountains, admiring the amazing panoramas from the Ciumarna Pass, you’ll reach Moldovita Monastery. Built in 1532, this monastery occupies a fortified quadrangular enclosure with tower, gates and well-tended lawns. The central painted church has been partly restored and features impressive frescoes from 1537. The southern exterior wall depicts the Siege of Constantinople in AD 626, under a combined Persian-Avar attack. Interestingly, the besiegers are depicted in Turkish dress – keeping parishioners concentrated on the current enemy. Duration: 1 hourStop At: Sucevita Monastery, Sucevita, Suceava County, Northeast RomaniaWe visit Sucevita Monastery, where we will find out more about the “Virtue Staircase”, most impressive due to its dimension and contrast between the angel’s order and devil’s chaos.Duration: 1 hourNo meals included on this day.Accommodation included: Overnight in Gura Humorului 3* or 4* boutique hotel or guesthouse.Day 5: Gura Humorului – Bicaz Gorges –Sighisoara CitadelStop At: Red Lake, Lacu Rosu, Harghita County, Central Romania, Transylvaniarossing the Eastern Carpathian Mountains through Bicaz Gorge you will discover a mysterious realm, the same one described in Bram Stoker`s Dracula. Once reaching the Red Lake you are in Transylvania passing through an area inhabited mostly by the Hungarian Szekler community. Duration: 1 hourStop At: Sighisoara Historic Center, Sighisoara, Mures County, Central Romania, TransylvaniaWe reach Sighisoara Medieval Town in the evening. Sighisoara Citadel is a World Heritage Site and the only still inhabited medieval fortress in Europe. Duration: 1 dayNo meals included on this day.Accommodation included: Overnight in Sighisoara 3* hotel centrally located.Day 6: Sighisoara- Biertan Fortified Church -SibiuStop At: Sighisoara Historic Center, Sighisoara, Mures County, Central Romania, Transylvanian the morning you will explore the Old Town of Sighisoara with cobbled streets, burgher houses and ornate churches. You will visit the Clock Tower, Church on the Hill and Dracula`s house where Vlad Tepes was born in 1431.Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Biertan Fortified Church, Biertan, Sibiu County, Central Romania, TransylvaniaUNESCO site and one of the first German settlements in Transylvania. This fortified church, surrounded by three rows of fortifications, was built by the German peasants in Transylvania and was used for nearly 300 years as the residence of the Transylvanian Archbishop. A room in the citadel was used for a long time as a reconciliation place for couples about to divorce (hear the full story on spot). The name “Biertan” was first attested in 1283. It had a township status.Duration: 1 hourStop At: Sibiu Tourist Information Center, Sibiu, Sibiu County, Central Romania, TransylvaniaSibiu: the chief city of the Transylvanian Saxons. Take a leisurely walking tour of Sibiu, visit the old surrounding defense walls and the remaining towers each belonging to a certain guild. Duration: 1 dayNo meals included on this day.Accommodation included: Overnight in Sibiu 3* hotel centrally locatedDay 7: Sibiu- Curtea de Arges- BucharestStop At: Sibiu Tourist Information Center, Sibiu, Sibiu County, Central Romania, TransylvaniaOne of the landmarks of Sibiu is the Brukenthal Museum assembled by baron Brukenthal, governor of Transylvania at the end of the 18th century. The Evangelical Cathedral was completed in its actual shape in 1520, but inside there is an exquisite fresco of the Crucifixion on the north wall of the choir dating from 1445. View the Passage of Stairs linking the Upper town to the Lower town, the 1859 Liar`s Bridge and the Byzantine style Orthodox Cathedral, a replica of St. Sophia in Constantinople. Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Curtea de Arges Monastery, Curtea de Arges, Arges County, Southern Romania Visit Curtea de Arges, the first capital of Wallachia with the old Princely Court and the monastery – the place where three of the four Romanian Kings of the Hohenzollern dynasty are buried. Drive to Bucharest.Duration: 1 hourNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.

Private Tour from Bucharest to Bucovina the Land of Painted Monasteries

1st Day:Departure at 8:30 o'clock from Bucharest to Urziceni,Buzau,Focsani,Bacau,Piatra Neamt,Suceava,Sucevita.Accomodation in Sucevita.2nd Day:Visits to Sucevita and Moldovita Monasteries,Gura Humorului(optional),Voronet Monastery,Cacica Salt Mine,Putna Monastery and Stefan cel Mare(Stephen the Great) tomb.Accomodation in Bucovina area.The Painted Churches of Bucovina are some of the most valuable treasures of Romania.With their painted exterior walls,decorated with 15-16th century elaborate frescoes(featuring portraits os saints and prophets,scenes from the life of Jesus,Angels and Demons,heaven and hell), deemed as masterpieces of Byzantine art,these churches are one-of-a-kind architectural sites in Europe.The purpose of the frescoes was to make the story of the Bible and the lives of the most important saints known to the villagers,by use of images.The best preserved frescoes can be seen at the monasteries in Humor,Moldovita,Patrauti,Probota,Suceava,Sucevita,Voronet and Arbore.Of all the monasteries in Bucovina,Sucevita is the only one still on the waiting list as UNESCO World Heritage Site.3rd Day:Suceava-Falticeni-Targu Neamt-Varatec and Agapia Monasteries-Bicaz Gorges-Gheorghieni-Tusnad-Brasov-Bucharest.Red lake is the biggest natural dam lake in Romania.It is relatively young,dating back to July 1837.Ucigasu Mount collapsed,after a series of storms and heavy rains,creating a natural dam into the Licas Creek.In the following years the water took the shape of lake,the Red Lake.

Active holiday in Maramures and Bucovina

The tour starts with the pick up in Cluj Napoca, at your hotel. You will be transported by minivan on the whole duration of the tour. The itinerary is:Day 1: Meeting in Cluj and pick up – drive to Breb village in Maramures. Different activities in Breb for the rest of the day: walking, visits at craftsmen, at distilleries. Accommodation at a nice guesthouse in Breb. Breakfast includedDay 2: Breb – visits at traditional wooden churches, hiking circuit in the nearby villages to observe how people live, visits at craftsmen. Biking is possible as well if people want. Accommodation at a nice guesthouse in Breb. Breakfast includedDay 3: Breb – hiking up to Creasta Cocosului – another possible hike to the beautiful Taurile Chendroaiei. Accommodation at a nice guesthouse in Breb. Breakfast includedDay 4: Breb – drive to the Merry Cemetery in Sapanta and also visit to Barsana Monastery. Another option is to drive to Viseu de sus to take the slow tream train and get back to Breb in the evening. This train activitiy takes up the whole day. Accommodation at a nice guesthouse in Breb. Breakfast includedDay 5: Breb – drive to Ciocanesti village in Bucovina (because of the painted houses in the village it is like a museum in open space) – visit at beautiful orthodox monasteries – drive to Paltinu or Moldovita village. Accommodation at a nice guesthouse in Paltinu or Moldovita. Breakfast includedDay 6: Full day of exploring Bucovina: visit at the museum of painted eggs, hiking, meeting with locals and observing crafts etc. Accommodation at a nice guesthouse in Paltinu or Moldovita. Breakfast includedDay 7: Again full day of exploring Bucovina: drive at Voronet monastery, hiking, sightseeing. Accommodation at a nice guesthouse in Paltinu or Moldovita. Breakfast includedDay 8: Drive back to Cluj and drop off

Transylvania Painted Monasteries 6-Day Tour with Accommodation

ItineraryDay 1: Bucharest – Curtea de arges - Cozia – Sibiel – Sibiu Pass By: Triumph Arch, BucharestOn the first day you will be picked up from Bucharest from your accommodation and we will drive towards beautiful Transylvania.Stop At: Curtea de Arges Monastery, Curtea de Arges, Arges County, Southern RomaniaOur first stop will be at Curtea de Arges Monastery one of the most important faith centers of Romania, which we will explore to find out it’s history.Duration: 20 minutesStop At: Monastero di Cozia, Caciulata, Valcea County, Southwest RomaniaThen head for Olt River Valley Road, passing by you will see Cozia Monastery as you drive towards Sibiu .Duration: 20 minutesStop At: Sibiu Travel, Sibiu, Sibiu County, Central Romania, TransylvaniaReach Sibiu in the afternoon where you will be accommodated and set out for a walking tour in one of the most beautiful Transylvanian cities.Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Biserica Sfanta Treime, Sibiel, Sibiu County, Central Romania, TransylvaniaAt night head for Sibiel, a very well preserved Transylvanian village next to Sibiu for a traditional homemade dinner offered by the locals.Duration: 1 hourMeals included: • DinnerAccommodation included: Overnight in Sibiu in centrally located hotel.Day 2: Sibiu – Alba Iulia – Corvin Castle – Sibiu Stop At: Castelul Corvinilor, Hunedoara, Hunedoara County, Western Romania, TransylvaniaSet out in the morning for Corvin castle. This well preserved medieval castle offers an insight into Transylvanian history. Find out more as our guide will introduce you in the history of this place. Duration: 1 hourStop At: Citadel of Alba Iulia, Alba Iulia, Alba County, Central Romania, TransylvaniaAfter Corvin Castle head for Alba Iulia. the city where the unification of Romania was signed. Explore the roman and medieval streets to find out the culture and history of this city. Duration: 2 hoursMeals included: • BreakfastAccommodation included: Overnight in Sibiu in centrally located hotel.Day 3: Sibiu – Sighisoara – Gura HumoruluiStop At: Sighisoara Historic Center, Sighisoara, Mures County, Central Romania, TransylvaniaSet out in the morning for Sighisoara city where Dracula was born and overnight. Take a walking tour inside the old walls of this fairy tale town to find out the history of Dracula and Sighisoara, one of the emblematic city for Transylvanian culture.After lunch head for Gura Humorului, in Bucovina region where you will be accommodated.Duration: 1 hourMeals included: • BreakfastAccommodation included: Overnight in Gura Humorului at a centrally located hotel.Day 4: Gura Humorului – Voronet Monastery – Sucevita Monastery – Moldovita Monastery – Black pottery Marginea- Gura Humorului Stop At: Manastirea Voronet, Voronet, Suceava County, Northeast RomaniaAfter breakfast head for Voronet Monastery. Our guide will present the monastery.Duration: 45 minutesStop At: Moldovita Monastery, Vatra Moldovitei, Suceava County, Northeast RomaniaNext stop will be at Moldovita Monastery where you will have the chance of exploring another vibrating old painted monastery.Duration: 45 minutesStop At: Sucevita Monastery, Sucevita, Suceava County, Northeast RomaniaHead for Sucevita monastery another fortified monastery. This emblematic monastery preserves history of Bucovina region.Duration: 45 minutesStop At: Marginea Ceramics, Suceava, Suceava County, Northeast RomaniaEnd up your day at the Black Pottery of Marginea.Duration: 30 minutesMeals included: • BreakfastAccommodation included: Overnight in Gura Humorului at a centrally located hotel.Day 5: Gura humorului – Bicaz Gorge – Red Lake – Brasov Stop At: Bicaz Canyon, Lacu Rosu, Harghita County, Central Romania, TransylvaniaStart fresh in the morning after breakfast and travel towards Bicaz Gorge. This magnificent Gorge passes from Moldova region back to Transylvania region.Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Red Lake, Lacu Rosu, Harghita County, Central Romania, TransylvaniaStop at the Red Lake for a lunch break and then continue towards BrasovDuration: 1 hourStop At: Brasov Historical Center, Brasov, Brasov County, Central Romania, TransylvaniaReach Brasov in the afternoon where you will explore this vibrating city through a walking tour that passes at the most important sights such as Black Church and Catherine’s Gates. Duration: 30 minutesMeals included: • BreakfastAccommodation included: Overnight in Brasov at a centrally located hotel.Day 6: Brasov – Bran Castle – Peles Castle in Sinaia – Bucharest Stop At: Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle), Bran, Brasov County, Central Romania, TransylvaniaIn the morning you will head for Bran castle aka Dracula’s castle in order to discover this medieval castle and the true story of Vlad Dracula. Tour the inside and at the end if you wish you can enjoy free time in the market in front of the castle. Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Peles Castle, Sinaia, Prahova County, Southern RomaniaReach the Peles Palace set in the scenic mountain resort of Sinaia, also called the Pearl of the Carpathians. Tour the Romanian royal family’s former summer residence, which showcases a magnificent palace in the German Renaissance style. Built at the foot of the mountains between 1873 and 1914 by Carol I, the first Romanian king, the palace is considered one of the most beautiful of its kind in Europe.In the afternoon reach Bucharest.End of service.Duration: 2 hoursMeals included: • BreakfastNo accommodation included on this day.

5-Day Romania Budget Tour

Day 1: BUCHAREST – SINAIA -BRAN – BRASOV (B)Starting from Bucharest you will head towards the beautiful Transylvania.First we are going to stop at Peles Palace where you are going to visit the interior. Next we head for Bran Castle, known also as Dracula’s Castle, where you are going to visit the inside with our guide. In the afternoon you will reach the city of Brasov. Enjoy our walking tour as you stroll from the main square towards old City Hall with its clock tower, The Black Church, the two watch towers up the hill, the craftsmen guilds and the narrowest street in Europe. Overnight in a 4* centrally located hotel Brasov.Day 2: Brasov – Sibiu – Biertan – Sighisoara (B)Start fresh in the morning and head for Sibiu which of the most well known towns of Transylvania.  Join our guide for a walking tour of Sibiu. After Sibiu make your way to Biertan fortified church, UNESCO Heritage site. Join our guide for an inside tour and find out what makes this church so well known. Reach Sighisoara in the afternoon. This is one of the German Fortified Cities that is still unique as people still live inside the old city. Enjoy a walking tour with our guide in order to explore the Clock Tower, former main entrance of the city, The Church on the Hill and the Scholars stair. Overnight in a 4* centrally located hotel Sighisoara.Day 3: Sighisoara – Bicaz Gorge – Gura Humorului (B)Set out in the morning towards Bicaz Gorge. Explore this fantastic carving through the mountains. Do not forget to stop at the Red Lake where our guide will have the chance of explaining why is being called Red Lake.Overnight  in a 4* centrally located hotel Gura Humorului.Day 4: Gura Humorului – Voronet Monastery – Moldovita Monastery – Sucevita Monastery – Black Pottery Marginea – Gura Humorului(B)Start fresh in the morning after breakfast and head for Voronet Monastery. This UNESCO Heritage monastery offers a view for those which are interested in history and religion. Join our guide to offer explanations about the paintings situated on the outside wall of the monastery.Next stop will be at Moldovita Monastery where you will have the chance of exploring another vibrating old painted monastery.Head for Sucevita monastery and end up your day at the Black Pottery of Marginea.Overnight  in a 4* centrally located hotel Gura Humorului.Day 5: Gura Humorului – Mud Volcanoes – Bucharest(B)Head in the morning from Bucovina region towards the south part of Romania. Reach the Mud Volcanoes where this unique site will enchant you with a picture that seems from the movies. Explore this Mars looking Volcanoes.Reach in the afternoon Bucharest.End of service.