Best of Bucovina
€ 262
per personDiscover the land of the painted monasteries: visit three UNESCO monasteries, enjoy the scenic roads across the Carpathians, try the local traditional cuisine and assist at the process of decorating Eastern Eggs.
Situated in the north-eastern part of Romania, in a mountainous area, Bucovina is the region of painted monasteries by definition. Out of the eight of them included in the UNESCO world heritage list, you get the chance to visit three.
Melting pot of over 11 different ethnic groups, Bucovina has much more to offer though: warmhearted people, well preserved traditions, colorful houses and amazing landscapes.
With this guided tour to Bucovina you’ll have the opportunity to meet the locals and interact with them.
Travel details
Destination
Bucovina
Start / End
Cluj-Napoca
Duration
2 days / 1 night
Departure time
for private tours: any day of the week; for shared tours: every Monday
Meeting point
for private tours: pick up available from your accommodation. For shared tours: meeting in front of KFC (Unirii Square) or in front of the Romanian National Theatre (Avram Iancu Square)
Service
guided
Seasonality
April - October
Tour type
discover, village break
Dress code
dress code required for the monasteries: shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women. Skirts and scarfs are sometimes offered at the entrance.
Visits
Moldovita, Sucevita & Voronet painted monasteries (UNESCO); Bogdana monastery; Easter egg decoration
Distance
about 630 km / 391 mi
Car transfer duration
see daily details in Tour Plan
Physical activity level
this tour involves light walking on varied terrain, from paved surfaces to uneven & grassy surfaces. There will be some stairs to climb. Guests should be prepared to stand for guided commentary and photo stops. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Notes
throughout the itinerary, participants are expected to manage their personal hand luggage independently. Please ensure your luggage is light and easy to handle for a smooth and comfortable travel experience.
Tour Plan
Day 1: Bucovina & Byzantine art
Depart from Cluj at 8:30 a.m., embarking on a journey through northeastern Romania, a region steeped in history and legend. Initially, feel the thrill of exploring the mythical landscapes that may have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, then stopping for lunch in Borgo Pass, a region furthermore shrouded in local folklore.
Upon arrival, you’ll be in Bucovina, the region in northeastern Romania that stands as one of the most prominent centers of Byzantine art in Europe. The area is globally recognized for its UNESCO-listed painted monasteries, which indeed feature some of the finest examples of Byzantine-inspired frescoes. These frescoes, painted during the 15th and 16th centuries on both the interiors and exteriors of the churches, reflect a fusion of Byzantine religious iconography with local artistic styles, thus creating a unique visual and cultural legacy.
First, visit Moldovita monastery, renowned for its Siege of Constantinople scene. Great chance to learn how such scenes blend historical events with spiritual allegory, showcasing the protective role of faith in times of crisis.
Next, continue your journey to Sucevita monastery, another UNESCO treasure and arguably the most complete and best-preserved of the painted monasteries. Marvel at the intricate frescoes, including the inspiring Ladder of Virtues which illustrates the spiritual journey toward salvation, with angels assisting the faithful and demons attempting to pull them down.
Finally, experience the tranquillity of rural Bucovina with dinner and an overnight stay at a charming guesthouse.
Car transfers: approx. 5h, ~290 km / 180 mi
(dinner included; breakfast & lunch not included)
Day 2: From frescoes to Hutsul egg painting
Start your day with breakfast before transferring to Radauti to visit the historic Bogdana monastery, one of Bucovina’s oldest and most significant landmarks. Built in the 14th century by Prince Bogdan I, the founder of the Moldavian principality, this monastery consequently offers a glimpse into the region’s rich religious and cultural heritage.
Next, explore the renowned Voronet monastery, the most famous of Bucovina’s eight UNESCO-listed painted monasteries. Known as the Sistine Chapel of the East, it showcases the remarkable Last Judgement fresco, a masterpiece of Byzantine-inspired art.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before immersing yourself in an ancient Hutsul tradition—the intricate decoration of Easter eggs using wax and natural dyes, a cultural experience you won’t want to miss.
Return to Cluj in the evening, completing thereby your journey through Bucovina’s rich history and traditions.
Car transfers: approx. 6h, ~335 km / 208 mi
(breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included)
From Our Gallery
A showcase of Bucovina’s landscapes, where horse-drawn carts and grazing cows are part of everyday life. The collection features the region’s famous painted monasteries, the majestic Carpathian Mountains and scenes of people working, craftsmen, traditional outfits, lively farmers' markets and picturesque farms.
Our Gallery
A showcase of Bucovina’s landscapes, where horse-drawn carts and grazing cows are part of everyday life. The collection features the region’s famous painted monasteries, the majestic Carpathian Mountains and scenes of people working, craftsmen, traditional outfits, lively farmers' markets and picturesque farms.
Included:
Not included:
PRIVATE TOUR
from 262 EUR
SHARED TOUR
352 EUR
Prices shown are standard rates for pre-designed tours. Discounts will be applied.
All prices are per person, based on 7 participants. For larger groups, please request a quote.