Day 1: Cluj to Maramures: UNESCO treasures & rural life

Depart from Cluj at 8:30 a.m. We’ll journey through winding mountain roads to Surdesti. This village is home to a magnificent 18th-century wooden church – the tallest of Maramures’s UNESCO-listed treasures. This visit offers an introduction to the region’s distinctive wooden architecture, as well as insights into the Byzantine influences seen in the church’s structure and interior frescoes.

Continue to Desesti to visit another UNESCO-listed wooden church, celebrated for its remarkably well-preserved naïve frescoes. These vivid interior paintings offer a powerful glimpse into local religious life and folk artistry. Key themes include the Last Judgment, scenes from the life of Jesus, and depictions of saints and devils rendered in a direct, expressive style. These frescoes reflect the spiritual worldview of the local community. They also provide a valuable point of comparison. You’ll encounter the more refined, narrative-rich murals of Bucovina’s painted monasteries later in the journey.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, we’ll visit the Memorial of the Victims of Communism, located in a former prison. This is a powerful and moving site. It reveals the harsh realities of Romania’s communist era. Political opponents, intellectuals, clergy, and others deemed a threat to the regime were imprisoned here without justice.

Continue to the world-famous Merry Cemetery of Sapanta, where colorful blue crosses tell lively stories of the departed, reflecting the community’s unique creativity and perspective on life and death.

Enjoy dinner and a relaxing overnight stay in a rural guesthouse in Maramures.

Car transfers: approx. 5h, ~260 km / 162 mi

(dinner included; breakfast & lunch not included)

Day 2: Maramures & Bucovina: scenic landscapes & timeless heritage

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, then enjoy a peaceful stroll through the charming village of Breb, known for its authentic rural atmosphere and strong ties to King Charles III of the United Kingdom. This scenic walk offers a glimpse into the village’s rich traditions and enduring way of life. Visit local artisans (please note that workshops may be closed on Sundays or major religious holidays) and take time to connect with the friendly locals, who are always eager to share stories and insights about their community.

Your journey continues into the culturally rich region of Bucovina, famous for its extraordinary painted monasteries. Before departing Maramures, stop at the Barsana Monastery—an architectural gem that blends traditional wooden craftsmanship with modern design.

Pause for lunch at a local restaurant and take a moment to relax before embarking on a scenic drive across the Eastern Carpathians, passing through the breathtaking landscapes of the Rodnei Mountains National Park.

Upon arriving in Bucovina, visit the Moldovita Monastery, an exquisite example of medieval architecture. Don’t miss the vibrant Siege of Constantinople fresco, a richly detailed masterpiece that brings history vividly to life.

Next, continue to Radauti to explore the historic Bogdana Monastery—one of Bucovina’s oldest and most important landmarks. Founded in the 14th century by Prince Bogdan I, the monastery stands as a testament to the region’s deep religious roots and rich cultural legacy.

Savour a traditional dinner and enjoy a restful overnight stay in a rural guesthouse, surrounded by the serene beauty of Bucovina.

Car transfers: approx. 5h30min, ~280 km / 174 mi

( breakfast & dinner included, lunch not included)

Day 3: Discover Bucovina: painted monasteries & Easter egg art

Begin your day with a satisfying breakfast before heading to Sucevita Monastery, the best-preserved of Bucovina’s painted monasteries. Its fortress-like structure is adorned with striking green and red frescoes, including the iconic Ladder of Virtues, which symbolically illustrates the soul’s journey toward heaven.

Continue your journey through a series of picturesque villages still home to a historic Polish community, offering a unique glimpse into the area’s diverse heritage.

Visit the renowned Voronet Monastery, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the East.” Its vibrant frescoes, dominated by the famous “Voronet Blue” made from crushed lapis lazuli, are a feast for the eyes. Be sure to take in the striking Last Judgment fresco—a masterwork of color, symbolism, and storytelling that reflects the height of 15th-century religious art.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant along the way.

Discover Bucovina’s rich cultural tapestry, shaped by centuries of diverse influences. A highlight of your visit is the opportunity to learn about the Hutsuls, an East Slavic ethnographic group who primarily reside in areas spanning western Ukraine, and parts of Romania and Poland. They are known for their distinct traditions, crafts, and vibrant cultural expression. Explore their iconic tradition of decorating Easter eggs, known as ‘pysanky.’ Intricate patterns and vivid colours on these eggs tell stories of Hutsul heritage and spirituality. This timeless tradition showcases the Hutsuls’ remarkable creativity and deep cultural pride, offering a unique window into their way of life and a highlight of your Maramures & Bucovina journey

As the day concludes, relax on your return journey to Cluj, reflecting on the memorable experiences of Bucovina’s cultural and spiritual treasures. Arrive back in Cluj in the evening.

Car transfers: approx. 5h30min, ~300 km / 205 mi

( breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included)