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.

/Standard hotel/

Day 2

This morning we leave Cluj behind and make our way towards Maramures. The
woodwork in this region is a result of a secular tradition, which will
fascinate you, passed down from generation to generation it is now a
perfectly mastered skill. Today we will stop for lunch at a trout-farm at
the foot of Gutin mountains, the “old guardians” of Maramures. You’ll
be surrounded by fresh, crisp air, traditional architecture and a man-made
waterfall. In the afternoon we visit centuries-old wooden churches,
registered on the UNESCO world heritage list.

This evening we will stay in the rural village of Botiza at a local
guesthouse. Before we dine there, we’ll have a weaving demonstration,
another ancient craft. One of the local ladies will show you this art.
You’ll notice a few recurrent symbols, such as the rope of life, the sun,
vegetal motifs, folk dances etc. All these have deep meanings for the
villagers: daily life chores, religion, ancestral beliefs and even death.

/Local guesthouse/

Day 3

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/

Day 4

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.

/Standard hotel /

Day 5

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 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 of Transylvania, a
medieval city outstandingly well preserved and restored. Its unique
architectural style and the atmosphere in this city, elected the European
capital of the culture in 2007, will definitely seduce you.

/Standard hotel/

Day 6

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.

 L/ocal guesthouse/

Day 7

In the morning, we’ll have a pleasant 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.

/Local guesthouse/

Day 8

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, 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 specialized guides in
bear hides. Available upon request at a separate cost./

/Local guesthouse/

Day 9

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.

/Standard hotel/

Day 10

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.