Painted Monasteries and Fortresses (10 days) (Cultural Tour , Wallachia,Transylvania,Moldavia,Bukovina,Maramures,Bucharest)

Day 1: Cars are delivered and taken back by our staff. Therefore, kindly inform us of your flying time / meeting time and preferred location. For delivery out of Bucharest / Bucharest airports, a special charge might apply. Kindly consult us on that.

You take the car at the airport in Bucharest OTP / BBU (Bucharest) and leave directly to Sinaia located in the valley of the Princes, Prahova Valley. The escapade begins 100 km farther North, where you meet the legendary Carpathians. They form a natural border between 2 traditional provinces: Wallachia and Transylvania. You will follow Prahova Valley, one of the most frequented tourist roads in the country because of the splendor of its mountains, the emphasized colours of the vegetation, the wealth of the flora and the wildlife.  

DIRECTIONS: From the airport one goes to the right, heading for Ploiesti.  Just before entering this city, turn to the left, avoiding the city and follow the signs towards Brasov / Sinaia. When reaching Sinaia, take the road going through the town centre (lightly to the left as you go). 

SIGHTSEEING: 

Câmpina: The castle of Iulia Hasdeu.  In 1888, Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu a renowned scholar in all Europe built a "temple of spiritism", a result of the advice he was supposedly given during spiritism seances by his deceased daughter (a promising poet, which died at the age of 19).

Posada:  The cynegetic  museum, where one can admire the wildlife of Romania

LODGING

Hotel Anda 4*
Bd.  Carol I nr.  30
Sinaia
Tel.: +4-0244-306020 
http://www.hotelanda.ro/
The hotel is located to the center of the resort, on the main road, on your left after the big International Hotel.  The hotel has a good traditional restaurant (a cellar).

Day 2: SINAIA - Busteni - Azuga – Predeal – Paraul Rece – Bran - Rasnov – BRASOV

Today you cross the Carpathians along a secondary road crossing a scenic region. Then you have the chance to visit Transylvanian fortifications, starting with Bran Castle and continuing with Rasnov Fortress, before arriving in one of the most important cities in Transylvania, Brasov.

DIRECTIONS:  Leave the hotel in Sinaia and continue towards Brasov. Attention, when entering Predeal, turn immediately to the left, towards Rasnov / Paraul Rece (just after the bridge), and do not continue straight to Brasov. When getting close to Rasnov and meeting the main Brasov – Pitesti road, turn to the left, towards Bran / Pitesti / Campulung. 15 minutes later you will reach Bran. The castle is located near the road and parking can be a problem during the weekend (there is a parking lot across the road from the castle, behind the wooden kiosks there (to the right of teh road as you go). Then return towards Rasnov the same way and continue straight on towards Brasov. If you want to also visit Rasnov Fortress, when in Rasnov you can turn to the right, towards Poiana Brasov (across a part of the town) ; 1 km. after leaving the town, after a guesthouse, turn left and park the car ; walk up the dirt road (10-15 minutes) to the fortress. There is another way up from the town (a steep path that is also joined by stairs from time to time).

SIGHTSEEING:  

Sinaia: Peles Castle, one of the most beautiful castles of Europe, former summer residence of the kings of Romania. There is also Pelisor Castle nearby, decorated in a different style by Queen Maria of Romania. Attention : Peles and Pelisor castles are closed on Mon and Tue, and also they might be closed for annual restoration from November 1 til December 15.

Sinaia : Sinaia Monastery

Bran: the castle of Bran, built by the Saxons on the former Transylvanian / Wallachian border and said to have hosted Vlad the Impaler a few times.

Rasnov Fortress, mentioned for the first time in 1335.

Brasov, one of the 7 Saxon citadels in Transylvania, formerly known as Kronstadt. The Council Square and the Black Church are recommended (the Black Church can be visited in the mornings usually).

 

LODGING
Casa Wagner 
Piata Sfatului nr. 5
Brasov
Tel.: +4-0268-411253, 411254
http://www.casa-wagner.eu/
The hotel is located in the main Council Square (near the Orthodox Church), and one can park the car either by the Central Park (10-15 minutes walking from the hotel) or in a small parking along Muresenilor Street (10 minutes walking from the hotel).

Day 3: BRASOV – Prejmer – BAILE TUSNAD (and possible hiking trip to St. Ann Lake)

Today, after visiting the impressive fortified church of Prejmer, you can take the time and walk or hike through the forest towards the interesting St. Ann Lake, hosted in a volcano crater.

DIRECTIONS:  Take the the road to Bacau / Miercurea Ciuc and to abandon it 10 km. after leaving Brasov, to the right, towards Prejmer. The Church is located to the center of the village; it is one of the largest and best preserved in the region. Then return to the main road and continue to the right, towards Sfantu Gheorghe / Miercurea Ciuc. Reach Tusnad Spa and continue to the end of the resort, along the main road.

SIGHTSEEING :

The Fortified Church of Prejmer, built in the 13th century, is one of the largest and bets preserved such settlements in the area.

Baile Tusnad. The spa is located at 640 m.a.s.l., in the narrow valley surrounded by steep slopes and a dense forest. 

LODGING
Hotel Fortuna 
Str. Kovacs Miklos nr. 68
Tel.: +4-0266-335216
Baile Tusnad
http://www.hotelfortuna.ro/ 
The hotel lies at the exit from the resort, on your right, next to the forest (the wooden building with a parking lot in front). It has a good Szekler restaurant.

St. Ann Lake. We recommend a hiking trip to the lake, however keep in mind the fact that the trail is steep from time to time and it will take a few hours

Day 4: BAILE TUSNAD – Gheorgheni – The Red Lake (Lacu Rosu) – Bicaz Gorges – Bicaz – Poiana Largului – Târgu Neamt – Boroaia – Cornu Luncii – Gura Humorului – FRASIN

Today you will change the landscape, crossing the Carpathians towards Bukovina. First, you will follow the imposing Bicaz Gorges, then you will follow the shore of Izvorul Muntelui Lake, and in the evening you will reach a region that hosts a various population, of Romanians, Poles, Ucraineans, Jews...

DIRECTIONS: From Baile Tusnad, continue to the North, towards Gheorgheni and from there take the road towards Piatra Neamt / Bicaz. After going through the gorges, in Bicaz turn left, towards Poaiana Teiului / Poiana Largului, and a little before Poiana Largului turn to the right, direction Targu Neamt. After going through Lenghin, you can make a detour to visit Neamt Monastery. To do so, turn to the left. If not, continue and, when in Targu Neamt, turn to the left, direction Suceava Falticeni. In Spataresti, continue to the left, towards Gura Humnorului. In Gura Humorului continue towards Câmpulung Moldovenesc and you will get to Frasin shortly.

SIGHTSEEING: 

The Red Lake (Ro. Lacu Rosu), a unique lake created by natural dam (a land slide). 

The Gorges of Bicaz, with an impressive landscape.  

The Monastery of Neamt, built in the 13th century, one of the most remarkable architectural settlements of the old Romanian art. The Fortress of Nea>mt (in Targu Neamt), one of the main fortifications of Moldavia.  

LODGING
Pensiunea Inima Bucovinei
Frasin nr. 863
Frasin
Tel.: +4-0230-340067, +4-0741-414444
http://www.inimabucovinei.ro/
When you arrive has Frasin, after passing by the city hall (Ro.  Primaria) on the left, and just after the "Ocolul Silvic" (before the park), turn to the left and follow the street for about 500 m. to the pension.

Day 5: FRASIN – Campulung Moldovenesc – Moldovita Monastery – Sucevita Monastery – The Pottery Workshop in Marginea – Putna Monastery – Voronet Monastery - FRASIN

Today you can visit the famous painted monasteries in Southern Bukovina, as well as see local craftsmen at work in Marginea, or admire beautiful religious art items in the museum of Putna Monastery.

DIRECTIONS:  From Frasin take the road to Câmpulung Moldovenesc and, after passing through Câmpulung, turn to the right, towards Moldovita. In Vatra Moldovitei turn to the left, and then follow the signs towards Manastirea Moldovita. Then continue towards Ciumârna Pass and, after visiting Sucevita Monastery, go on towards Suceava / Marginea. In Marginea you can find the pottery workshop belonging to Master Magopat, just behind a traditional house with a big banner that says "Atelier of olarit". Later, in the main crossing, turn to the left, towards Putna / Vicovu of Sus. From Putna return to Marginea, but all the way to the south, through Solca – Cacica (or one can visit an interesting Church of the Polish community) – Gura Humorului. In Gura Humorului turn to the right, towards Câmpulung Moldovenesc, and, before going out of Gura Humorului, turn to the left, towards Voronet, for the local monastery. Then return to the main road and continue towards Frasin.

SIGHTSEEING:  

The Monastery of Moldovita (1532), "A Parchment in Red", built in 1532 by the Prince Petru Rares. The exterior walls are covered in frescos.  One of the most important scenes of Moldovita represent the siege of Constantinople. 

The Monastery of Sucevita (built towards the end of the 16th siecle) has one of the most beautiful settings. The view is particularly fine from the hill to the back of the monastery.

The Pottery Workshop in Marginea, where one can see Master Magopat at work from time to time. 

The Monastery of Putna (1466-1469), hosting the tomb of Stefan cel Mare, King of Moldavia.

The Salt Mine of Cacica and the Polish Church of the village (1904) 

The Monastery of Voronet (1488), "The Sistine Chapel of the East". Hundreds of paintings lie along the walls, embodying from the Holy Soul to the Last Judgement, and everything is on a blue background, the composition of which is still a mistery for scientists. 

LODGING
Pensiunea Inima Bucovinei
Frasin nr. 863
Frasin
Tel.: +4-0230-340067, +4-0741-414444
http://www.inimabucovinei.ro/

Day 6: FRASIN – Campulung Moldovenesc – Mestecanis Pass – Iacobeni – Vatra Dornei – Bistrita – Targu Mures - SIGHISOARA

After a walk in Vatra Dornei Spa, you will cross the mountains back in Transylvania, going down to Bistrita town. After a walk in downtown Targu Mures with its interesting administrative buildings from the early 20th century, you will reach Sighisoara in the afternoon.

DIRECTIONS: From Frasin you will turn to the left along the main road, direction Cluj / Campulung. After crossing Mestecanis Pass and going down to Iacobeni, turn to the left, direction Vatra Dornei / Cluj. In Vatra Dornei turn to the right, destination Cluj / Bistrita. After crossing Bistrita, in Saratel turn to the left, towards Reghin. In Reghin continue towards Targu Mures and from Targu Mures continue to the South, direction Sighisoara / Brasov.

SIGHTSEEING:  

Vatra Dornei is a spa and a mountain resort located between Suhard, Calimani and Giumalau Mountains. It has an old (unfortunately abandoned) synagogue and a relaxing spa park.

Bistrita has some interesting old towers from the 15th century. Also the Evangelic Church (15th century) and the Orthodox Church (13th century) are of particular interest.

Targu Mures is a city hosting many Hungarians, with a great Palace of Culture and with an imposing Palace of the Prefecture. The medieval fortress on the hill is a nice place for a walk during a long day in the car.

Sighisoara Fortress is still inhabited, hosting 150 old houses. Surrounded by strong defensive walls, the fortress has a beautiful Clock Tower providing a fine view to the surrounding area. The churches in the fortress are also among the places we recommend visiting.

LODGING
Casa Wagner 
Piata Cetatii 7
Tel.: +4-0265-506014 
Sighisoara
http://www.casa-wagner.com 
The hotel is located in the fortress. Access is not always permitted in the fortress itself (as the space up there is limited), but one can always leave the car in the parking at the bottom of the hill (as you come from Targu Mures, turn to the right before the fortress hill, following the “Cetate” signs). Leave the car in the parking and walk up the hill (5-10 minute walk).

Day 7: SIGHISOARA – Bradeni – Agnita – Barghis – Nocrich – SIBIU (Option 1)

SIGHISOARA – detour possible for Biertan – Medias – SIBIU (Option 2)

LODGING
Casa Luxemburg
Piata Mica nr.16
Sibiu
Tel.: +4-0269-21685
http://www.casaluxemburg.ro/

Option 1 : after entering the city, go straight direction Alba Iulia and, after passing some large hotels (the Ramada, the Grand), go still straight. After passing by the Grand (on your right), take the second street to the right, Bastionului Street, all the way to Huet Square. Park the car there and walk to the hotel (5 minutes on foot). Be careful in Sibiu, as there are many one way streets and sometimes they change the direction from where cars are allowed to drive.

Option 2 : after entering the city, turn to the left towards the centre and then go all the way straight until seeing the first bastion to your left. Turn on the first street to the left, Bastionului Street, and then one go all straight towards the Huet Square, where you can park the car; going on foot to the hotel, in 5 minutes.  Pay attention to the streets of Sibiu, one the city has a lot of one way streets and there are sometimes changes in the way cars are allowed to drive.

Day 8: SIBIU – Sibiel region (Cristian – Orlat – Fantanele – Sibiel – Saliste – Tilisca – Rod – Poiana Sibiului and back the same way) - SIBIU

 

Take a day to savor the rural region around Sibiu, with many villages settled by the shepherds that had come down the mountains. With picturesque traditional houses and an interesting glass painted icons, this is a recommended half a day or day trip from Sibiu. Alternatively, you can go to the resort of Paltinis and do a hike from there towards Cibin Peak.

DIRECTIONS:  From Sibiu take the road towards Alba Iulia and in the first village (Cristian) turn to the left, towards Orlat. Continue and at a certain moment, you can turn to the left to visit a small picturesque town, Fantanele, with a small rural museum.  Otherwise, continues and arrive at Sibiel, a village with traditional houses and with a museum exhibiting many painted glass icons (in the yard of the Church, as you enter, straight and to the right).  Then continue towards Poiana Sibiului, with many options of short walks or stopping for a picnic. The other possibility for this day is to go up from Sibiu through Rasinari all the way to Paltinis Resort, to take a walk or to do a hiking trip. Otherwise, even in the city proper, one can visit the city, with the Bruckenthal Museum, ASTRA Museum of the Popular Technology...  

SUGGESTIONS VISIT:  

The region of Sibiel, to do walks, visit small villages, and visit small museums of traditional art.  

The Museum hosted by Bruckenthal Palace, building that once hosted the Governor of Transylvania, now an excellent museum of art.

The resort of Paltinis with many possibilites of hikes in Cindrel Mountains.

LODGING
Casa Luxemburg
Piata Mica nr.16
Sibiu
Tel.: +4-0269-216854
http://www.casaluxemburg.ro/

Day 9: SIBIU – Cartisoara – Transfagarasan Road – Curtea de Arges – Pitesti – BUCHAREST (JULY - OCTOBER)

SIBIU – Talmaciu – Olt Gorges – Cozia Monastery – Pitesti – BUCHAREST (NOVEMBER – JUNE)

Return the car in Bucharest, at your hotel.  

 

Depending on the time of the year when you come, there are two possibilities of returning to Bucharest. The first and most impressive of the two involves crossing of the highest mountains in Romania, the Fagaras, through a 2042 m.a.s.l. tunnel, going by glacial lakes, impressive waterfalls and through dense firtree forests; down the mountains there is the fine stone carved monastery of Curtea de Arges. The second option goes along the grand Olt Gorges, visiting Cozia Monastery located on the river shore, and eventually, after crossing the city of Pitesti, you get to Bucharest across the flat Wallachian plain.

DIRECTIONS:  

OPTION 1 – FAGARAS MOUNTAINS (TRANSFAGARASAN ROAD)

Leave Sibiu towards Bucharest and, after exiting Vestem, turn to the left, towards Brasov / Fagaras. In the village of Cartisoara, next to a gas station, turn to the right, towards the Transfagarasan / Balea Lake / Curtea de Arges. It is advisable to ask here whether the road is open all the way (usually there is a sign saying that), because even in summer, in the case of a serious storm or of the odd snowfall, they can close the road up there. Then continue all the way up. Be careful, as there are tight curves along the way. From Curtea de Arges continue straight to Bucharest via Pitesti.

OPTION 2 – OLT GORGES

Leave Sibiu towards Bucharest and, after exiting Vestem, continue towards Bucharest / Ramnicu Valcea / Pitesti. In Cozia, you can visit the monastery (to the left of the road).  Before entering Ramnicu Valcea, turn to the left, towards Bucharest and then continue towards Pitesti – Bucharest.  

SIGHTSEEING: 

Fagaras Mountains, the highest in the country (2545 m.a.s.l.), nicknamed the Transylvanian Alps

Cozia Monastery, built some 600 years ago by the grandfather of Vlad the Empaler, Mircea cel Batrin. 

Curtea de Arges Monastery and its dazzling church are among the most impressive sights of the country, with its twisted steeples bearing great stone carved decorations. The monastery is linked to an interesting legend involving Master Manole. Romanian kings are buried in the monastery garden. 

Bucharest:

The Palace of the Parliament, the second largest buildign in the world, started in 1986 and nowadays hosting the Parliament, as well as many international events

Cotroceni Palace, former royal residence and actual residence of the President (visits by appointment only)

The Royal Palace, nowadays hosting the most important art collection in the country, recommendable especially for Brancusi’s sculptures, as well as for the religious art collection or for the Romanian impressionists. (closed on Mon, Tue)

The old churches in the city, of which the most interesting can be Antim, Stavropoleos, Curtea Veche or Cretulescu.

Cantacuzino Palace, nowadays hosting George Enescu Museum.

The Metropolitan Cathedral, the meart of the Romanian Orthodox Church.

The Romanian Athenaeum, an elegant classical music concert hall with excellent accoustics. (concerts on Thu and Fri from September to late June)

LODGING
Hotel Opera
Str. Brezoianu nr. 37, Sector 1
Bucharest
Tel.: +4-021-3124855
http://www.hotelopera.ro/

From University Square turn to the West, along Regina Elisabeta Avenue, and, just before the Mc Donald’s (on your left), turn to the right, along Ion Brezoianu Street; the hotel lies 200 m. later, on your left. 

Day 10: GOOD-BYE!  ... And we hope to see you again in Romania!  

Without car 

The transfer is included.