Maramures & Bucovina (2 days, from Cluj)

Maramures & Bucovina (2 days, from Cluj)

By Get a Cluj Tour

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
2d
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Selective hotel pickup
Multiple languages

Overview

Immerse yourself in Romania’s rich spiritual heritage as you explore the countryside and meet local villagers. Discover how centuries-old traditions, shaped by the Eastern Carpathians, have endured despite historical challenges. Admire the breath-taking painted monasteries of Bucovina and the intricate wooden architecture of Maramures, both deeply rooted in symbolism and ancestral beliefs. Experience authentic rural life, from winter and spring fertility rituals to the delicate art of Easter egg decoration, all while enjoying stunning mountain landscapes and scenic village roads.

Activity location

Surdesti Wooden Church
- Surdesti, Romania

Meeting/Redemption Point

Piața Avram Iancu
- Piața Avram Iancu
- Cluj-Napoca, Județul Cluj, Romania

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability

Private tour 2025

2d
English

min. 1 - max. 7 participants
Pickup included

Travellers

Languages available

Starting time: 8:00 am

Price details

AU$1,554.50 x 1 AdultAU$1,554.50

Total

Until Fri, 14 Mar

What's included, what's not

1 night accommodation in a guesthouse (on a double room occupancy)
services of an English speaking guide
Dinner
Breakfast
all transport by private vehicle or minibus (gas, road tax and parking fees included)
hotel pick up & drop off (only for private tours)
Entry tickets (as mentioned in the itinerary)
your meals and drinks (other than the ones mentioned above)
photo / video entrance fees (required for professional photography)
personal expenses
travel insurance
single supplement (30 eur) to be paid on the spot.

Know before you book

Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travellers
Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
Travellers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A dress code is required to enter the monasteries. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements. Skirts and scarfs are usually offered at the entrance though.
This tour involves moderate walking for approximately 2-3 hours on varied terrain, including paved surfaces, uneven or potentially muddy ground and village hills. Be prepared to climb and descend stairs without handrails at the churches and expect periods of standing during guided commentary and photo stops. There will be changes in altitude throughout the day. If you are prone to motion sickness, please bring appropriate medication.
In compliance with Romanian law, children under 12 years old or shorter than 135 cm (53 inches) must use a car seat or booster. As we do not provide these, children who meet these criteria can only join the tour if you bring your own seat or booster.

Activity itinerary

Day 1: Cluj-Napoca - wooden churches of Maramures - Merry Cemetery - Bucovina

6 stops
Meals: snacks
Accommodation: overnight in a rural guesthouse in Bucovina (double room basis) -Single supplement not included, to be paid on the spot.

Surdesti Wooden Church

1h
Admission ticket included

Departure from Cluj at 8:00 am. Travel through winding mountain roads to Surdesti, home to an 18th-century wooden church, the tallest among Maramures’s UNESCO-listed churches.

Breb

Cross the mountains to Breb, a charming village known for its connection to King Charles III and writer William Blacker. Learn about Maramures’s massive wooden gates and traditional way of life.

Church of the Holy Paraskeva

1h
Admission ticket included

Next, visit the UNESCO-listed wooden church in Desesti, which features some of the region’s best-preserved naïve paintings.

Merry Cemetery

1h
Admission ticket included

Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. Continue to the Merry Cemetery of Sapanta, where colourful, blue crosses depict lively scenes and stories from the lives of the departed, showcasing the community's unique creativity.

Barsana Monastery

Before crossing into Bucovina, stop at the Bsrsana Monastery, a stunning example of wooden architecture that harmoniously blends traditional craftsmanship with modern design elements, surrounded by serene natural beauty.

Prislop Pass

Conclude the day by crossing the Eastern Carpathians, entering Bucovina, the land of the painted monasteries. Relish a hearty dinner and unwind at a rural guesthouse, soaking in the tranquility and warm hospitality of this culturally rich region.

Day 2: Painted monasteries of Bucovina - Cluj-Napoca

4 stops
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Not included

Moldovita Monastery

1h
Admission ticket included

Start the day with a delicious breakfast before embarking on a cultural journey through Bucovina’s remarkable painted monasteries. Begin with a visit to the Moldovita Monastery, a stunning example of medieval art and architecture. Famous for its "Siege of Constantinople" fresco, this masterpiece vividly portrays the historical event with intricate detail and vibrant colours.

Sucevita Monastery

1h
Admission ticket included

Continue to Sucevita Monastery, a fortress-like structure that stands as the most complete and best-preserved of Bucovina’s painted monasteries. The towering green and red frescoes depict biblical narratives with extraordinary precision, and the "Ladder of Virtues" fresco serves as a spiritual guide, symbolising the soul's ascent to heaven. Stop at a cosy local restaurant to enjoy a hearty meal featuring regional flavours, offering a moment of relaxation amidst your journey.

Manastirea Voronet

1h
Admission ticket included

In the afternoon, visit Voronet Monastery, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the East” for its breath-taking frescoes. The monastery’s signature "Voronet Blue," a vibrant hue created from crushed lapis lazuli, dominates the artwork and adds to its mystique. Admire the awe-inspiring "Last Judgement" fresco, where vivid imagery and detailed storytelling create a profound visual impact, showcasing the pinnacle of 15th-century religious artistry.

Vama

Discover Bucovina’s rich cultural mosaic, shaped by centuries of diverse influences. A highlight of this journey is the opportunity to explore the unique traditions of the Hutsul community, an ethnic group renowned for their vibrant artistic expression. Immerse yourself in their iconic craft of decorating Easter eggs, where intricate patterns and vivid colours tell stories of heritage and spirituality. This timeless tradition showcases the Hutsuls' remarkable creativity and deep cultural pride, offering a window into their way of life. As the day concludes, relax on your return journey to Cluj, reflecting on the memorable experiences of Bucovina’s cultural and spiritual treasures. Arrive in the evening, marking the end of your enriching tour.

Location

Activity location

Surdesti Wooden Church
- Surdesti, Romania

Meeting/Redemption Point

Piața Avram Iancu
- Piața Avram Iancu
- Cluj-Napoca, Județul Cluj, Romania
Piața Unirii
- Piața Unirii
- Cluj-Napoca, Județul Cluj, Romania

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