9-day Private Tour In Unesco Religious Art And Architecture In Romania
Whats included?
Itinerary
Start planning your experience
ยAbout experience
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Stop At: Bucharest, Bucharest
Private chauffeured transfer from the Bucharest airport to your downtown hotel.
Duration: 45 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 4-Star Berthlot Hotel
Day 2: Flight to and city tour of Cluj
Stop At: Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj County, Northwest Romania, Transylvania
Private chauffeured transfer to the Bucharest airport for your noon flight (approx. 1 hour) to Cluj. The second largest city in the country is rapidly becoming known as "the Silicon Valley of Europe". After lunch and check-in, get introduced to this vibrant cosmopolitan city, by taking a guided walk along its pedestrian quarters, central park and wide squares. The city scape is riddled with a multitude of different styled steeples, reflecting the ethnic and religious melting pot of Central Transylvania.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: 4-Star Beyfin Hotel
Day 3: To Maramures
Stop At: Manastirea Sfanta Ana, Aleea Manastirii 18, Rohia 435612 Romania
The region of Maramures, isolated by two mountain ranges, kept close ties with its customs, thus preserving more than anywhere in the country the habit of wearing the traditional clothes, especially on holidays and while going to church. Short stop in Rohia, at a monastic establishment that gradually developed in the 20th century, by offering shelter from communist oppression to several religious and philosophical figures of the time.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Vadu Izei, Vadu Izei, Maramures County, Northwest Romania, Transylvania
Enjoy a copious authentic Maramures lunch, in the house of the former local cultural promoter, now a good friend of ours.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Memorial of the Victims of Communism and of the Resistance, Str. Corneliu Coposu No. 4, Sighetu Marmatiei 435500 Romania
The nearby town of Sighet hosts a former communist prison, now a museum, where the country's previous political elite used to be locked away during the 50โs and early 60's.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Merry Cemetery, Sapanta 437305 Romania
Then, hug the Romanian Northern border to the colorful and unique Merry Cemetery, where the life story of the deceased is reflected on their wooden crosses in meaningful and sometimes even hilarious hand-carved images and poems.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Sapanta-Peri Monastery, Sapanta Romania
En route to your cozy accommodation, get a glimpse of the tallest wooden church in the world, Peri (UNESCO).
Duration: 15 minutes
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Lunch
Accommodation included: 4-Star La Conacul Vesel
Day 4: To Bistrita
Stop At: Maramures County, Maramures County, Northwest Romania, Transylvania
In Maramures, elaborately carved timber is still heavily used for buildings and, especially, for intricate gates. All the communities of the region have their respective wooden churches. In an out of the way village, visit one of them, not in use anymore (so you can explore all the nooks and crannies). Due to its location, it is virtually unknown, even though the almost 300 year old interior naรฏf painting is still incredibly vivid.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Barsana Monastery, Kloster, Barsana 437035 Romania
A few villages away, in an idyllic valley, lies the breathtaking complex of Barsana convent, a great recent example of the style. The pointy steepled wooden church, of impressive height, watches over the occasional nun, leaning over the colorful flower beds, always kept in perfect order.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: The Wooden Churches of Maramures, Church on the Hill, Ieud 437170 Romania
A short distance away, don't miss the church of Ieud. Some historians argue that, perched upon its hilltop, it managed to weather for more than 600 years both nature and nomadic invasions.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Bistrita, Bistrita, Bistrita-Nasaud County, Northwest Romania, Transylvania
Leave the enchanted land of Maramures behind, going through villages, following rivers and crossing hay-stacked valleys, surrounded by mountains. End the day in the town of Bistrita, with a walk through its small but pretty pedestrian center.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: 4-Star Coroana de Aur Hotel
Day 5: To Bucovina
Stop At: Letitia Orsivschi's Egg Museum, European Road E571 Vama village, Suceava Romania
After a scenic crossing of the Carpathians, that meets all the stereotypes of the Swiss Alps except the yodeling, venture into Bucovina, a region known for its UNESCO protected exterior painted churches. First visit the most representative museum of the long lasting local tradition of egg painting.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Moldovita Monastery, Vatra Moldovitei 727595 Romania
. Then delve into the world of Byzantine artwork. The church of Moldovita is one of three key examples of this style, which makes Bucovina, a once remote area, one of the most unique and desired art destinations of Eastern Europe.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Sucevita Monastery, Dn17a 169, Sucevita 727510 Romania
A short distance away, the heavy walls of Sucevita convent hide the largest and most recent (late 16th century) of the UNESCO protected painted churches. The themes of the scenes depicted on its walls vary considerably from its earlier counterparts. In the early evening, reach the town of Gura Humorului.
Duration: 45 minutes
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: 4-Star Vila Boem
Day 6: To Piatra Neamt
Stop At: Manastirea Voronet, Strada Voronet 166, Voronet 725301 Romania
The 15th century church of Voronet, which sports its world famous vibrant blue (applied on its exterior walls), which has baffled scientists until recently with its formula that allowed it to withstand the ravages of time almost unchanged.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Cetatea Neamt, Targu Neamt Romania
Then, you visit three other of Moldova's iconic spots. First, take a short hike up the steep hill crowned by one of Moldova's most strategic fortresses, the reputation of which has inspired generations of writers. Access is still done over a long draw bridge, almost 30 feet into the air.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Agapia Monastery, Dn15f Romania
Then, in the populous convent of Agapia, the nuns are dividing their time between carpet weaving and worshiping in a centuries old church, decorated by the most prominent Romanian painter. In his early 20's he set off to break the Orthodox Church's custom of using the Byzantine style for its vaulted frescoes.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Varatec Monastery, Varatec Romania
Before arriving in Piatra Neamt for the evening, visit another center of Orthodox spirituality, in Varatec.
Duration: 45 minutes
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: 4-Star Central Plaza Hotel
Day 7: To Targu Mures
Stop At: Lacu Rosu (Red Lake), Lacu Rosu Romania
Venturing through one of the Carpathian's narrowest and most scenic gorges, exit the historical province of Moldova and head back into Transylvania. Stop at Red Lake to taste some fresh trout straight from the lake and, possibly, take a rowing boat ride or a short hike. The 5 mile long lake was formed in 1838, as a result of a landslide, following an earthquake.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Ditrau, Ditrau, Harghita County, Central Romania, Transylvania
This area is heavily visited by Hungarians because it represents an ethnic enclave located in the dramatic mountainous backdrop, hard to come by in much flatter Hungary. In one of the local villages, Ditrau, the locals erected a surprisingly neat and spacious Catholic church, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This area also hosts the largest Catholic pilgrimage in Central and Eastern Europe, amounting for as much as a third of the attendance of the largest on the continent (el Camino de Santiago). In 2019, the sermon was given by Pope Francis himself.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Targu Mures, Targu Mures, Mures County, Central Romania, Transylvania
End the day in Targu Mures
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: 4-Star Privo Hotel
Day 8: To Cluj and Flight back to Bucharest
Stop At: Targu Mures City Hall Piata Victoriei 3, Targu Mures 540026 Romania
The ethnic and religious mix of Transylvania is perfectly reflected by the city of Targu Mures (approx. half Romanian and half Hungarian), whose diverse Christian Cathedrals frame the charming Roses Avenue, the city's main thoroughfare. In less than a mile, one can pray in four different Christian denomination churches, whose architecture also spans several centuries. The two century-long rule of the Habsburgs over the land left its mark through the iconic Palace of Culture, equally colorful on its glazed tile roof and on its exquisite secession interiors.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Salina Turda, Aleea Durgaului 7, Turda 401200 Romania
Depending on your flight schedule, later in the day you can choose to go underground and visit a former salt mine, turned into a futuristic-looking tourist attraction featuring a lake and an island.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Bucharest, Bucharest
Continue North, to Cluj, for your in-tour flight back to Bucharest. Private chauffeured transfer from the airport to your Bucharest hotel.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: 4-Star Berthlot Hotel
Day 9: Departure
Stop At: Bucharest, Bucharest
Private chauffeured transfer to the airport for your return flight home. End of our services.
Duration: 45 minutes
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 1: Arrival
Stop At: Bucharest, Bucharest
Private chauffeured transfer from the Bucharest airport to your downtown hotel.
Duration: 45 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 4-Star Berthlot Hotel
Day 2: Flight to and city tour of Cluj
Stop At: Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj County, Northwest Romania, Transylvania
Private chauffeured transfer to the Bucharest airport for your noon flight (approx. 1 hour) to Cluj. The second largest city in the country is rapidly becoming known as "the Silicon Valley of Europe". After lunch and check-in, get introduced to this vibrant cosmopolitan city, by taking a guided walk along its pedestrian quarters, central park and wide squares. The city scape is riddled with a multitude of different styled steeples, reflecting the ethnic and religious melting pot of Central Transylvania.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: 4-Star Beyfin Hotel
Day 3: To Maramures
Stop At: Manastirea Sfanta Ana, Aleea Manastirii 18, Rohia 435612 Romania
The region of Maramures, isolated by two mountain ranges, kept close ties with its customs, thus preserving more than anywhere in the country the habit of wearing the traditional clothes, especially on holidays and while going to church. Short stop in Rohia, at a monastic establishment that gradually developed in the 20th century, by offering shelter from communist oppression to several religious and philosophical figures of the time.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Vadu Izei, Vadu Izei, Maramures County, Northwest Romania, Transylvania
Enjoy a copious authentic Maramures lunch, in the house of the former local cultural promoter, now a good friend of ours.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Memorial of the Victims of Communism and of the Resistance, Str. Corneliu Coposu No. 4, Sighetu Marmatiei 435500 Romania
The nearby town of Sighet hosts a former communist prison, now a museum, where the country's previous political elite used to be locked away during the 50โs and early 60's.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Merry Cemetery, Sapanta 437305 Romania
Then, hug the Romanian Northern border to the colorful and unique Merry Cemetery, where the life story of the deceased is reflected on their wooden crosses in meaningful and sometimes even hilarious hand-carved images and poems.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Sapanta-Peri Monastery, Sapanta Romania
En route to your cozy accommodation, get a glimpse of the tallest wooden church in the world, Peri (UNESCO).
Duration: 15 minutes
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Lunch
Accommodation included: 4-Star La Conacul Vesel
Day 4: To Bistrita
Stop At: Maramures County, Maramures County, Northwest Romania, Transylvania
In Maramures, elaborately carved timber is still heavily used for buildings and, especially, for intricate gates. All the communities of the region have their respective wooden churches. In an out of the way village, visit one of them, not in use anymore (so you can explore all the nooks and crannies). Due to its location, it is virtually unknown, even though the almost 300 year old interior naรฏf painting is still incredibly vivid.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Barsana Monastery, Kloster, Barsana 437035 Romania
A few villages away, in an idyllic valley, lies the breathtaking complex of Barsana convent, a great recent example of the style. The pointy steepled wooden church, of impressive height, watches over the occasional nun, leaning over the colorful flower beds, always kept in perfect order.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: The Wooden Churches of Maramures, Church on the Hill, Ieud 437170 Romania
A short distance away, don't miss the church of Ieud. Some historians argue that, perched upon its hilltop, it managed to weather for more than 600 years both nature and nomadic invasions.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Bistrita, Bistrita, Bistrita-Nasaud County, Northwest Romania, Transylvania
Leave the enchanted land of Maramures behind, going through villages, following rivers and crossing hay-stacked valleys, surrounded by mountains. End the day in the town of Bistrita, with a walk through its small but pretty pedestrian center.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: 4-Star Coroana de Aur Hotel
Day 5: To Bucovina
Stop At: Letitia Orsivschi's Egg Museum, European Road E571 Vama village, Suceava Romania
After a scenic crossing of the Carpathians, that meets all the stereotypes of the Swiss Alps except the yodeling, venture into Bucovina, a region known for its UNESCO protected exterior painted churches. First visit the most representative museum of the long lasting local tradition of egg painting.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Moldovita Monastery, Vatra Moldovitei 727595 Romania
. Then delve into the world of Byzantine artwork. The church of Moldovita is one of three key examples of this style, which makes Bucovina, a once remote area, one of the most unique and desired art destinations of Eastern Europe.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Sucevita Monastery, Dn17a 169, Sucevita 727510 Romania
A short distance away, the heavy walls of Sucevita convent hide the largest and most recent (late 16th century) of the UNESCO protected painted churches. The themes of the scenes depicted on its walls vary considerably from its earlier counterparts. In the early evening, reach the town of Gura Humorului.
Duration: 45 minutes
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: 4-Star Vila Boem
Day 6: To Piatra Neamt
Stop At: Manastirea Voronet, Strada Voronet 166, Voronet 725301 Romania
The 15th century church of Voronet, which sports its world famous vibrant blue (applied on its exterior walls), which has baffled scientists until recently with its formula that allowed it to withstand the ravages of time almost unchanged.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Cetatea Neamt, Targu Neamt Romania
Then, you visit three other of Moldova's iconic spots. First, take a short hike up the steep hill crowned by one of Moldova's most strategic fortresses, the reputation of which has inspired generations of writers. Access is still done over a long draw bridge, almost 30 feet into the air.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Agapia Monastery, Dn15f Romania
Then, in the populous convent of Agapia, the nuns are dividing their time between carpet weaving and worshiping in a centuries old church, decorated by the most prominent Romanian painter. In his early 20's he set off to break the Orthodox Church's custom of using the Byzantine style for its vaulted frescoes.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Varatec Monastery, Varatec Romania
Before arriving in Piatra Neamt for the evening, visit another center of Orthodox spirituality, in Varatec.
Duration: 45 minutes
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: 4-Star Central Plaza Hotel
Day 7: To Targu Mures
Stop At: Lacu Rosu (Red Lake), Lacu Rosu Romania
Venturing through one of the Carpathian's narrowest and most scenic gorges, exit the historical province of Moldova and head back into Transylvania. Stop at Red Lake to taste some fresh trout straight from the lake and, possibly, take a rowing boat ride or a short hike. The 5 mile long lake was formed in 1838, as a result of a landslide, following an earthquake.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Ditrau, Ditrau, Harghita County, Central Romania, Transylvania
This area is heavily visited by Hungarians because it represents an ethnic enclave located in the dramatic mountainous backdrop, hard to come by in much flatter Hungary. In one of the local villages, Ditrau, the locals erected a surprisingly neat and spacious Catholic church, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This area also hosts the largest Catholic pilgrimage in Central and Eastern Europe, amounting for as much as a third of the attendance of the largest on the continent (el Camino de Santiago). In 2019, the sermon was given by Pope Francis himself.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Targu Mures, Targu Mures, Mures County, Central Romania, Transylvania
End the day in Targu Mures
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: 4-Star Privo Hotel
Day 8: To Cluj and Flight back to Bucharest
Stop At: Targu Mures City Hall Piata Victoriei 3, Targu Mures 540026 Romania
The ethnic and religious mix of Transylvania is perfectly reflected by the city of Targu Mures (approx. half Romanian and half Hungarian), whose diverse Christian Cathedrals frame the charming Roses Avenue, the city's main thoroughfare. In less than a mile, one can pray in four different Christian denomination churches, whose architecture also spans several centuries. The two century-long rule of the Habsburgs over the land left its mark through the iconic Palace of Culture, equally colorful on its glazed tile roof and on its exquisite secession interiors.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Salina Turda, Aleea Durgaului 7, Turda 401200 Romania
Depending on your flight schedule, later in the day you can choose to go underground and visit a former salt mine, turned into a futuristic-looking tourist attraction featuring a lake and an island.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Bucharest, Bucharest
Continue North, to Cluj, for your in-tour flight back to Bucharest. Private chauffeured transfer from the airport to your Bucharest hotel.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: 4-Star Berthlot Hotel
Day 9: Departure
Stop At: Bucharest, Bucharest
Private chauffeured transfer to the airport for your return flight home. End of our services.
Duration: 45 minutes
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
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