Home
Europe
Romania
Walking Hiking and Trekking
Carpathian Mountains & the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina

Carpathian Mountains & the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina

heart_plus

11 Views

9 Days From

~~$1223~~

$1162

Carpathian Mountains & the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina

9 Days Starting in Bucharest, Romania and ending in Suceava, Romania

Visiting: Bucharest, Bran, Măgura, Zărnești, Putna, Sucevița, Moldovița, Voroneț, Humor River, Suceava

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

410

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Medium, Moderate

Age range:

12-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active, Adventure Tours, Walking Hiking and Trekking

Interests:

Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History

From:

$1223

$1162 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$61

Tour Overview

Explore the mountains and villages of Transylvania and the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina on this unforgettable walking tour. Visit the legendary home of Count Dracula, the Carpathian Mountains, with their breathtaking alpine scenery, charming mountain villages and hospitable people. Piatra Craiului, meaning royal stone, is a dramatic limestone ridge, rising sharply from the forests and plains below, offering one of the most beautiful ridge walks in Europe. In these rural areas little has changed for centuries; you will see small summer lodges built for the hay harvest, sheep paths through forest and meadows, and shepherds riding on donkey carts. The second part of the tour will take you to the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina – one of the most unique cultural landscapes in Europe. Covered in brightly coloured frescoes dating from the 15th century, the eight painted churches are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visiting them is an aesthetically pleasing experience, as well as one that will bring you closer to Romanian history, culture and traditions. Apart from being important places of worship, the churches have a strong link to the area’s history. They speak of the region’s troubled past, which involved many battles with invaders that jeopardised the community’s very existence.

Highlights

Bran Castle – also known as Dracula’s Castle
The idyllic villages, shepherds’ huts and breathtaking views of the Piatra Craiului Mountains
The taste of the freshly made cheese prepared according to an ancient recipe
Moldovita Monastery and Prince Petru Rares’ original throne
Sucevita monastery with its exterior Ladder of Virtues fresco and the 32 steps to heaven
Voronet monastery, the only painted monastery that has an internationally recognised colour

Itinerary

Not what you're looking for?

People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:

Walking Hiking and Trekking tours in Romania Walking Hiking and Trekking tours Tours in Romania Active tours Adventure tours Cultural tours Gardens & Nature tours History tours

Expand All

Day 1 : Bucharest - Bran

Location: Bucharest, Bran

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Casa din Bran or similar

Meals Included: No Meals

Start your tour with a complimentary transfer from Bucharest airport to the Carpathian Mountains and the village of Bran. Visit the Bran Castle, believed to have once held Vlad the Impaler prisoner. The infamous Romanian ruler was immortalised as the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, Dracula, and thanks to this, Bran Castle is known in the region and beyond as ‘Dracula’s Castle’.

Transfer: 2h, 160km

Day 2 : Bran - Măgura

Location: Bran, Măgura

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pensiunea Pepino or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Walk up to the kalibash village of Măgura (from coliba – shepherd’s hut) in the Piatra Craiului Mountains, one of the highest settlements in Romania. Farms and old wooden houses are scattered over beautiful pastures and meadows covered with wildflowers. Two nights in Măgura, which still cannot be reached by an asphalt road.

Walking for the day: 10km, 4h, ↑600m ↓370m

Day 3 : Circular Walk Măgura

Location: Măgura

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pensiunea Pepino or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Walk to the mountain village of Pestera. On your way, you can explore the Pestera Lilecilor (Bats cave). Another walk brings you high up to a ridge from where you have spectacular views of the knife-edge sharp main ridge of the Piatra Craiului massif, which looks like the back of a dragon. Walk over pastures and meadows covered with wildflowers.

Walking for the day: 10km, 3h, ↑360m ↓360m or 7km, 2h 30mins, ↑310m ↓310m

Day 4 : Măgura - Zărnesţi | 15Km

Location: Măgura, Zărnești

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hora cu Brazi or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Walk through the spectacular Prapastiile Zarnestilor gorge up to Zanoaga Meadow, scattered with rocks, where you can already admire the imposing peaks of Piatra Craiului. The path to Curmatura hut enters the forest again, and the scenery is increasingly beautiful. Your way up goes to the rustic Curmatura mountain hut – the perfect place to have your picnic. Curmatura hut is located at an altitude of 1,470m, in a glade where the view of the surrounding area is just like in a fairytale. Overnight in Zărnesţi in a 3-star guesthouse where you can enjoy the views of the Piatra Craiului Mountains from your balcony.

Walking for the day: 15km, 5-6h, ↑620m ↓840m

Day 5 : Zărnesţi - Putna

Location: Zărnești, Putna

Accommodation: Guesthouse Casa Dana or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today a private transfer will take you across the Carpathians to the region of Bucovina, known for its famous painted monasteries. Scattered over a large swathe of Bucovina and dated mainly from the 15th and 16th centuries, a time when Orthodox Moldavia was battling for its life with forces of the expanding Ottoman Empire, eight of the churches have stood the test of time. The churches are part of the UNESCO World Heritage as the Painted Churches of Moldavia or commonly known as the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina. Overnight in Putna.

Transfer: 6h, 400km

Day 6 : Putna - Suceviţa | 18Km

Location: Putna, Sucevița

Accommodation: Felicia Guesthouse or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

From Putna you take the old monastery path to Suceviţa monastery. In summer, the forest is full of berries and wild mushrooms. Suceviţa Monastery (built 1582–1601) is the largest Bucovina monastery, and some regard it as the finest. It’s perhaps best known for its exterior Ladder of Virtues fresco, with its 32 steps to heaven, near the main entry. It exhorts priests to righteous behaviour and to avoid the unfortunate fate of the clerics depicted tumbling from the ladder due to sins such as greed or vanity. Suceviţa was the last painted monastery built. The monastery’s museum exhibits various treasures and art pieces. Spend the next two nights in a welcoming guesthouse in Suceviţa with dinner included.

Walking for the day: 18km, 5-6h, ↑180m ↓250m

Day 7 : Moldoviţa And Circular Walk Suceviţa | 8Km

Location: Moldovița, Sucevița

Accommodation: Felicia Guesthouse or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, a short transfer will take you to the Ciumirna pass where you can enjoy the astounding panoramic mountain views. Visit Moldoviţa Monastery, built in 1532. The 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 626, under a combined Persian-Avar attack. Interestingly, the besiegers are depicted in Turkish dress – keeping parishioners concentrated on the contemporary enemy. Inside the sanctuary, on a wall facing the carved iconostasis, a pious Prince Petru Rareş offers the church to Christ. The monastery’s small museum displays Rareş’ original throne.

Walking for the day: 5km, 2.5h, ↑110m ↓110m

Day 8 : Voronet - Humor | 14Km

Location: Voroneț, Humor River

Accommodation: 3*** Guesthouse Pensiunea Maridor Manastirea Humorului or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Short transfer in the morning to Voronet monastery. Built in just three months and three weeks by Ştefan cel Mare following a key 1488 victory over the Turks, Voroneţ Monastery is the only painted monastery that has had an internationally recognised colour associated with it. ‘Voroneţ Blue’, a vibrant cerulean hue created from lapis lazuli and other ingredients, is prominent in its frescoes. A 2011 restoration of frescoes in the entryway revealed the incredible quality of these paintings even more clearly. Continue your walk up to Objina with good views over the valley and villages scattered around until you reach Humor.

Walking for the day: 13.5km, 4-5h, ↑370m ↓350m

Day 9 : Departure

Location: Humor River, Suceava

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will transfer you to Suceava train station where you can get the train to Bucharest. Individual stay extensions available upon request.

What's Included

Accommodation

Accommodation for 8 nights in hand-picked hotels or family-run guest-houses as listed in the itinerary
Meals

8 breakfasts 5 evening meals
Holiday information pack

Including regularly updated route descriptions and road notes; maps with daily routes and optional hikes marked
Daily luggage transport to next hotel
Transfer Bucharest airport – Bran
Transfer Sucevita – Moldovita
Transfer Zarnesti – Putna
Transfer Sucevita – Voronet
Transfer Humor – Suceava train station
24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative

What's Not Included

Airfare and departure airport transfer
Entrance tickets
Train tickets Suceava – Bucharest
Lunches, 2 dinners, drinks and snacks
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
Any items not explicitly listed as included

Check out our Q&As

Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

A supplement applies to members of a group who require a single room This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
Are flights included in this tour?

No, international flights are not included
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

Yes we can, please contact us for details
Difficulty and terrain

This tour would suit regular hikers who are generally fit. Moderate grade itineraries include longer walking days and some steeper ascents and descents. The longest day of this itinerary is 22km. Some days are very relaxed, however, the first part of the tour could be more challenging as the second would offer a more relaxed pace with time to take in the views and surroundings. We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never try to shorten the path through the unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

This will be provided on all documentation

When to go

This trip is available from April until November. The weather is best in June – September. The flexibility of self guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your holiday on any date in the season.
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?

Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
How long has the tour company been trading?

The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t

Reviews of this Operator

Kicki Neely

Walking Fishermens trail in western…

19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started!

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey!

Ellen Taylor-Powell

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!!

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)

We hiked the Kerry Way...

02-Jun-2022

We hiked the Kerry Way with Natural Adventure and it was terrific. Outstanding views and good Irish weather. Some days were longer than expected due to placement of Bed and Breakfasts. Hosts were warm and helpful even dried our gear and shared local secrets. Irish hospitality in high gear.

Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question.

Beverley Young

Highly Recommended

03-Aug-2022

All the way through from booking, correspondence afterwards and now a wonderful holiday. The Natural Adventure have been helpful and have provided a brilliant holiday. The hikes each day are cracking, maps & routes are detailed and easy to follow. The hotels are great too. Completely love our holiday! Would definitely use The Natural Adventure again and recommend.

Jeroen van kesteren

This was our first ever cycle holiday…

17-Nov-2022

This was our first ever cycle holiday so expectations where high. And Natural Adventure delivered with a vengeance. Everything was so well organised and friendly. Our contact at HQ Dalila was friendly, concerned and lightning fast in her responses. The trip itself was well designed to show you a lot in a short timespan but dayly distances where very doable leaving lots of time to divert or spent in the lovely overnight towns. The hotels ranged from cosy and homey to lavish and extravagant which was a real nice surprise at every end of the day. We will defintely be back for more! TNX SO MUCH GUYS!

Nigel Homer (Google Reviewer)

Just finished our around Zugspitze...

20-Jun-2022

Just finished our around Zugspitze walk. The walking was not too strenuous through an amazing landscape. Hotels were of a good standard and food generally excellent. I would definitely recommend to anyone who was reasonable fit.

Lorraine McHugh (Google Reviewer)

We had a wonderful cycling...

12-Jan-2024

We had a wonderful cycling trip through Puglia. The scenery was so beautiful. The accommodations we had were ideal! Luggage transfer was always prompt and a small adjustment was made to my bike, upon request, midway through the trip. The bike technician was extremely helpful. Highly recommend this trip and this company!

Dates & Availability

tourhub Discount Available - Sign In

Apr
2024 May
2024 Jun
2024 Jul
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Wednesday

Apr 30, 2024 - May 08, 2024

~~$1223~~ $1162 (USD)