Maramures and Bucovina: Culture & Spirituality
At the heart of Romanian traditions, between thousand-year-old wooden churches and monasteries with UNESCO exterior frescoes.
Duration
9 days
From
€840/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, With friends
The spirit of travel
When one mentions Maramures and Bucovine, the traveler already has the image of churches with pointed roofs, monasteries with exterior paintings, decorated Easter eggs. These are images promoted by tourism publications and they are truly the must-sees of these two regions. But Maramures and Bucovine offer much more.
Maramures, cradle of culture and civilization, which has carved its history in wood, is the place where traditions, costumes and folk art are present as nowhere else in Roumanie. Maramures is a vast open-air museum, and village life represents a true journey back in time. The wooden churches - jewels of folk art - are found in almost every village. Eight of them belong to UNESCO heritage! The Maramures gate, a true rustic "triumphal arch", marked off the sacred universe of the home. Its decorative elements are symbols, deeply rooted in Christian and pre-Christian culture. The wooden objects, decorated with great artistic sense, accompany all the important moments of life. The most fascinating are the crosses, true elements of communication between the world of the living and the world of the dead. The Happy Cemetery of Sapanta, created by folk artist Ion Patras, brings together hundreds of "crosses that speak". Through a text where self-irony mingles with the dramatic, the summary of the life of the deceased person is made in a few verses. Traditional crafts, such as weaving, wood carving, painting on wood or glass, are still practiced and passed down from father to son. The music of Maramures, which accompanies all festive moments in life, is remarkable for its rhythm and vitality. All these elements are what make this region so authentic.
Bucovine is known from a tourism perspective primarily thanks to its monasteries with exterior frescoes, which are part of UNESCO heritage: Moldovita, Sucevita, Humor and Voronet, all set in an exceptional natural setting. The folk architecture is absolutely unique and original in Bucovine. True wood embroideries decorate the verandas, doors and window frames, well pavilions and fences of old houses. The art of embroidery, the decoration of Easter eggs with superb geometric miniatures, the making of festive clothes with embroideries done with small colored beads or marten fur cutouts are undeniable treasures of Bucovine folk art.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Cluj
To Cluj
Airport to hotel transfer by taxi at your expense.
Cluj, the largest city in Transylvania, is one of the country's most important university, cultural and industrial centers. If you arrive around noon you will have time to discover the old city center which is notable for the richness of its Gothic and Baroque architecture: the Roman Catholic Saint-Michael Church, one of the city's oldest religious monuments, the birthplace of Matei Corvin, Banffy Castle - built in the 18th century in Baroque style, which today houses the Art Museum. You can also admire the Orthodox Cathedral, the National Theater and the Opera House in Baroque and Rococo style.
On the way to Maramures
You will leave Cluj heading towards Maramureș - a treasure trove of traditions and living rituals that have carved its history into wood, preserving its traditions, art and folk costumes like nowhere else in Roumanie.
Maramures is a vast open-air museum and village life represents a genuine journey back in time.
It owes its fame to wooden architecture – gates, houses, churches with spire roofs – but also to traditional crafts, such as weaving, wood carving, painting on wood or glass, as well as vibrant and rhythmic music and its inhabitants who are always happy to welcome you.
Discovering Maramures
To Maramureș
These two days will be dedicated to the discovery of Maramures
A visit to the region's must-see attractions: Barsana Monastery, the Happy Cemetery of Sapanta, the Sighetu Marmatiei Memorial Museum will be complemented by visits to artisans (weaving, wood carving, wood or glass painting) and easy walks through the most authentic villages (to see how the locals live)
From Maramures to Bucovina
Maramureș → Vama
You will first travel along the Iza Valley before arriving at Borsa – a renowned ski resort. From there, the road climbs to Prislop Pass (over 1400m altitude) and you will be impressed by the landscape to your right: the peaks of the Eastern Carpathians, the wide pastures scattered with seasonal shepherd huts. If you feel like it, a mountain excursion is possible to see the Horse Waterfall for example.
Then you continue the crossing to arrive in the village of Ciocanesti – and here you are in Bucovina! Most of the houses have external walls decorated with geometric or floral motifs that can be found in the seams of the region's traditional clothing.
The Painted Monasteries of Bucovina
Vama → Voronet
These two days will be dedicated to the discovery of Bucovine.
In addition to the must-see visits of the monasteries with exterior frescoes that are part of UNESCO heritage (Moldovita, Sucevita, Humor, and Voronet), you can visit the village of Marginea renowned for its black pottery, a tradition which is said to be inherited from the ancient Dacians (the pre-Roman period), the Museum of Painted Eggs and practice your own decorative talents with an artisan who decorates Easter eggs. The Polish village of Cacica with its red brick church and salt mine is also worth a visit.
Route to Cluj
To complete the loop you will return to Cluj by crossing the Carpathians again, this time via the Bargau Pass – the place where Bram Stoker set the action of his novel "Dracula".
You will then pass through Bistrita – a Saxon town in northern Transylvania that preserves a remarkable medieval center. The Evangelical Church is the symbol of the town, with a bell tower reaching over 75 meters high. The old center, with the great evangelical church, recently restored after a fire, will give you an insight into the architecture of a Saxon town, like those found in southern Transylvania.
Arrival in Cluj in the evening, car rental return
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Transport
- Airport transfers
- Passport fees
- Insurance (repatriation, travel)
- Extra drinks / alcohol
- Phone calls
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Tips
Included
- Standard double room accommodation in 4* hotels or 3* guesthouses
- The breakfasts
- The dinners mentioned in the program (including drinks if offered by the hosts)
- Rental car 5 seats from Day 2 to Day 8
- Car insurance (civil liability, accident, theft)
- GPS (pre-recorded accommodations and sites to visit)
- Travel File (road map, detailed day-by-day itinerary, practical information)
- Our 24/7 telephone assistance throughout your stay
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Roumanie dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport ou carte d'identité
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen et de la Suisse peuvent entrer en Roumanie avec un passeport ou une carte d'identité nationale en cours de validité. Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Les ressortissants canadiens doivent quant à eux se munir d'un passeport valide pour toute la durée du séjour, de préférence avec une validité d'au moins six mois après la date d'entrée dans le pays.
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen et de la Suisse n'ont aucune restriction de durée de séjour en Roumanie en tant que citoyens européens bénéficiant de la liberté de circulation au sein de l'UE.
Les ressortissants canadiens bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques d'une durée maximale de 90 jours sur toute période de 180 jours dans l'espace Schengen, dont fait désormais partie la Roumanie depuis le 31 mars 2024.
Les autorités peuvent demander aux voyageurs canadiens :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une réservation d'hébergement pour tout ou partie du séjour.
Espace Schengen
La Roumanie a intégré l'espace Schengen le 31 mars 2024 pour les frontières aériennes et maritimes, et le 1er janvier 2025 pour les frontières terrestres. Les contrôles aux frontières intérieures avec les autres pays Schengen ont été supprimés pour les voyageurs en provenance de ces pays.
Pour les ressortissants canadiens, le séjour en Roumanie s'inscrit dans le décompte global des 90 jours sur 180 jours applicable à l'ensemble de l'espace Schengen.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre document de voyage valide (passeport ou carte d'identité selon la nationalité) couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat de Roumanie de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To enter Romania, you must have a valid identity document (ID card or passport). No special formalities are required. The local currency is the Romanian leu. Before traveling, check the entry conditions applicable to your nationality with the Romanian consular authorities.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between €110 and €180 per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and activities. International flights (€150-400 return) are additional. Romania is one of the most affordable destinations in the EU.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You'll exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You'll receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You'll refine every detail together until it's perfect. You'll confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Transylvania
Guardian of Romanian traditions, based in Cluj-Napoca
Romania is a country where many traditions still live naturally. It's often these simple moments and unexpected encounters that touch travelers the most.
— Cornelia
