Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Bucharest.
Day 2: Bucharest
In the morning, a panoramic tour including a visit to the outdoor Village Museum and the Museum of the Romanian Peasant. Afternoon visit to the Palace of Parliament, Revolution Square, Patriarch's Cathedral and a walk in the historic area. Welcome dinner at a local restaurant with folkloric show.
Day 3: Bucharest - Sibiu
Crossing the Carphatians to Sibiu, we’ll stop in Râmnicu Valcea for lunch and drive along the picturesque Olt Valley to the Cozia Monastery. Arrive in Sibiu (one of the oldest Saxon towns in Transylvania).
Day 4: Sibiu
Morning: guided walking tour of the medieval town. 15-16th century town squares, the Evangelical Church, Podul Mincinosilor (the Liars’ Bridge), old city walls. We also visit the Bruckental Palace Museum, and enjoy a horse and carriage ride thru the open air museum of Astra. Afternoon: visit traditional villages nearby including Cisnadie & Cisnadioara with their beautiful fortifed Saxon churches and the mountain village of Sibiel to visit the painted glass icon museum.
Day 5: Sibiu - Biertan - Sighisoara
We visit the village of Biertan with its local fortified Saxon Church. Sighisoara is one of the greatest medieval cities left in the world, with a walled citadel on the hilltop, secret gateways and passages, a 14th century Clock Tower and also the birthplace of Prince Vlad Tepes (Dracula). In the afternoon, a walking exploration of the sights. Overnight accommodation inside the old fortress walls at Sighisoara.
Day 6: Sighisoara - Maramures: Vadu Izei Village
Drive to Maramures, the land of wooden churches and carved wooden gates, unique folk costumes and traditions, where ancient Romania coexists with modern times. On the way, we visit The Palace of Culture and the stunning stained glass windows in Targu Mures. A drive through the enchanting countryside to the village of Vadu Izei, Iza Valley, where you can experience local peasant life. Evening: a dinner with "ceterasi" - local violin players. Overnight at a guesthouse in the village.
Day 7: Maramures
Morning: a walking tour of the village including visit to the whirlpool and distillery, an icon painter and exhibiton next door, then a visit to the home of an elderly woman whose house dates from the 1750s. Afterwards, we depart for a full day tour of of the Maramures region including the Sighetul Marmatiei, Calinesti and Desesti wooden churches as well as the unique Merry Cemetery in Sapanta Village. We visit one of the local markets and mingle with the colorful crowds. Return to Vadu Izei for an overnight stay at a guesthouse.
Day 8: Maramures-Bucovina: Gura Humorului
Drive through the scenic Prislop Pass to the Bucovina region. On the way, we will admire the superb wooden architecture of Barsana monastery and the 18th century Rozavlea wooden church. Overnight Hotel Passiflora, in the suburbs Gura Humorului.
Day 9: Bucovina
Visit the famous painted monasteries of northern Moldova. In their construction and painting order, following the evolution of the architecture and painting: Humor, Voronet, Moldovita, Sucevita. Humor Monastery was painted by Toma of Suceava in 1530, and the Voronet Monastery, built in 1488, is one of the most beautiful and dubbed the "Sistine Chapel of the East.” You will also visit the Black Pottery Workshop in Marginea Village. Overnight Hotel Passiflora, in the suburbs of Gura Humorului
Day 10: Bucovina-Târgu Neamt-Piatra Neamt - Brasov
Visit the 15th century Neamt Citadel and the 15th century Neamt Monastery. Departure across the mountains to Brasov through the spectacular Bicaz Gorges - Bicaz Lake – the Red Lake – Miercurea Ciuc. Arrival in Brasov. Overnight at Arlo Palace in the old town of Brasov.
Day 11: Brasov - Bran - Sinaia - Bucharest
Guided walking tour in the historical center of Brasov including the Black Church. Then we depart for Bran for visit to “Dracula’s Castle". We then drive across the mountains to Sinaia, a well-known ski resort nicknamed the “Pearl of the Carpathians". Then a visit to the Sinaia Monastery, the oldest building in town. Afterwards we visit the fabulous Peles Castle. Late afternoon drive south to Bucharest. Farewell dinner with traditional dishes.
Day 12: Bucharest
Transfer to the airport.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes: Accommodation as listed or similar, Meals: 11 breakfasts, 2 dinners in Bucharest (one with folklore show), 1 lunch at traditional restaurant in Bucharest, 1 lunch at Popas Bucovina, 2 dinners at Maramures village guesthouse; transportation by air conditioned minivan 3-8 people (sedan for 2 people), accompanying escort throughout, entrance fees to all places mentioned in the itinerary.
Price excludes: international flight, tips, insurance, personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, drinks
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Romania
Cultural Journey
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