Highlights of Romania

The trip starts in Cluj Napoca. Those on the group flight will be met at the

airport and transferred to the start hotel. Depending on your arrival time,

you will have time to explore one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in

Romania. During the dualist Austro-Hungarian period Cluj experienced

significant urban development, benefiting greatly from western influences.

This is visible in the architecture of the city, making it very different

from Bucharest.



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This morning we leave Cluj behind and make our way towards Maramures. The

woodwork in this region is a result of a secular tradition passed down from

generation to generation. Today we stop for lunch at a trout-farm at the

foot of Gutin Mountains, the “old guardians” of Maramures. In the

afternoon we visit centuries‑old, UNESCO-listed wooden churches.



This evening we stay in the rural village of Botiza at a local guesthouse.

Before we dine, we’ll have a weaving demonstration from one of the locals.

You may notice a few recurrent symbols, such as the rope of life, the sun,

vegetal motifs, and folk dances. All have are deeply symbolic for the

villagers, representing daily chores, religion, ancestral beliefs, and even

death.



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We continue discovering the Maramures region. We start with “the Memorial

of the Communism victims” in the ancient capital of Maramures; Sighetu

Marmatiei. We will visit a museum situated in the former political prison,

which will give you a sad testimony of the Romanian dark years. This

afternoon we visit the incredible Barsana Monastery, a convent set up in the

1990s, it is one of the greatest masterpieces of Maramures crafts. We

conclude today by paying a visit to a renowned craftsman, famous for his

woodwork.



/Local guesthouse/

Today we leave Maramures to explore new regions in Romania. We head south for

Sighisoara. This medieval citadel, one of the best-preserved in Europe, will

give you the feeling of travelling back in time, as you walk through the

narrow cobbled streets. This fortified town is characterized by the presence

of towers that were formerly managed by the congregations of artisans. The

Tailor’s tower is a real wonder of the medieval architecture.



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Today we drive into the heart of Transylvania with its fortified churches.

From the top of the towers, you will have beautiful views of the surrounding

countryside and colourful traditional houses. We will drive through Biertan,

famous for its double-wall fortification, which is listed as a UNESCO World

Heritage site. Lunch will be taken at a local family-owned restaurant. In the

evening we will arrive in Sibiu, the most beautiful city in Transylvania. A

medieval city outstandingly well preserved and restored, it was elected the

European capital of the culture in 2007, due to its unique architectural

style and atmosphere.



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We continue driving through the highest mountains in Romania, the Fagaras

Mountains. On our way we will visit the impressive ruins of a 12th-century

Franciscan monastery in Carta, then stop at Sambata de Sus, the only

monastery in Transylvania built in a Walachian style. Here, we will have

lunch at a traditional guesthouse. This afternoon we will continue to the

Valtori complex in the village of Lisa, a wool processing workshop powered by

hydraulic energy; a technique passed down for generations. In the evening we

arrive in the secluded village of Viscri. Our last activity of the day is

visiting the tiny charming fortified church of Viscri, which is definitely

one of the Transylvanian "pearls". This church was restored with the help of

Prince’s Charles Foundation.



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In the morning, we’ll have a walk through the village, visiting two

craftsmen along the way: the brick-maker and the blacksmith. Besides

assisting the needs of the villages, they also have contributed to the

restoration of the village. Leaving Viscri, we go to Brasov. This city

(Kronstadt in German) was founded in the 13th century when the Teutonic

Knights were sent here by the order of Andrew II of Hungary to fortify the

border. The city has a rich Saxon, Hungarian and Romanian heritage,

manifested in a lot of sights worth visiting; The White and the Black Towers,

the Black Church, the Council House, St. Nicholas Church, the first Romanian

school, narrow streets and colored houses, all very well preserved within the

old city walls and towers. This evening we stay in the small village called

Vulcan, we will enjoy dinner at the local Saxon church where we will also

spend the night.



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Today we visit Bran Castle, better known as “Dracula’s Castle”. For

many years the castle was home to Queen Marie of Romania, Queen Victoria of

England’s granddaughter. We will have lunch at a mountain guesthouse which

is at the foot of the Carpathians, delicious traditional dishes will be

waiting for us. We continue driving to Rasnov, a citadel built in the 13th

century in order to protect Transylvania from the Turkish attacks. It is

built on the top of a hill and offers an impressive overall view on the

surroundings. We’ll end the day with a great dinner and a campfire.



/Optional: Those interested can do bear watching with specialised guides in

bear hides. Available upon request at a separate cost./



/Local guesthouse/

Today we head to Romania’s capital, Bucharest. On our way, we will stop and

visit the exterior of Peles Castle, the former residence of the Romanian

Royals, and one of the most beautiful architectural examples.  We then

continue our drive to discover the Romanian capital. Sometimes known as

“the Eastern Paris” with a mix of 18th and 19th-century buildings,

socialist "blocks", and modern buildings. We will have the opportunity to

visit the gigantic Palace of Parliament, the second biggest building in the

world. This evening we say goodbye to our local guide.



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After breakfast, the rest of the day is free (depending on your flight time).

Those on the group flight will be transferred to the airport.