Dragobete (February, 24^th) is an old Romanian tradition that celebrates love and its guardian, Dragobete, which is identified with Cupid and Eros, the gods of love in Roman and Greek mythology.

This day marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the birds matting season.

Dragobete is the patron of pure love and good will and he personifies the engagement of the animals and the youngsters as well. In the past, young unmarried women and men had to meet this day in order to be in love within the year. They used to gather in small groups and go into the forest to pick up the first spring flowers, while singing and shouting with joy.

The unmelted snow still present in many villages at that time of the year, used to be collected, and the water obtained used as a magic potion by young girls during the year. The tradition is well preserved especially in the villages of Oltenia.

MARTISOR

Celebrating on the 1^st of March, the ‘Martisor’ represents a tradition that goes back quite far away. From olden times, this little ‘amulet’ was made of two entwined pieces of lace, coloured white and red. They represent the days, the weeks and months of the year all bound together. They are offered as a good omen on the very days that used to mark the beginning of the New Year for the Romans.

The women especially used to tie it to the necks or hands of their loved ones. That is why it was especially popular with children and young people, but to this day, the date of March 1 marks the beginning of several days when little ‘March gifts’ or ‘Martisoare’ are exchanged with a frenzy that is paralleled only by the impetuous coming of Spring.

After they wore them, people used to tie them to the blossoming branches of trees around their homes. They were sure they were going to be all healthy, as beautiful as flowers, pleasant and loving, rich and lucky, protected from illnesses and the evil eye.

FLOWERS DAY (FLORII) is celebrated on the last Sunday before Easter. It marks the resurrection of nature, when the trees and the flowers blossom.

It was initially dedicated to the Roman goddess Flora, but then it was celebrated in the memory of the Jesus’ entrance to Jerusalem.

On this day, people use to bring flowers and willow branches to the church, for being sanctified by the priest. With the holy willow branches, symbol of spring and fertility, cows and little children are touched, in order to grow and bloom as the willow. The holy branches are then placed near the icons or above the door and are used throughout the year as a medicine or for protection against the natural disasters. It is also believed that the people who wear the willow branches as a belt will not suffer of loin aches.

It is also a day for commemorating the dead, when the burial places are cleaned and willow branches are put above.

On Flowers day women take out the “martisor” and they hang it on the blossoming branches around their homes.

Over the past 10-15 years, visiting historic and cultural sites is one of the most popular tourist activities today. Families, seniors, groups, and even international visitors choose to frequent historic attractions when on vacation. As a result, destinations are paying attention to one of the fastest growing niche market segments in the travel industry today—heritage tourism. What is heritage tourism? The National Trust for Historic Preservation defines heritage tourism as traveling to experience the places, artifacts and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present. Heritage tourism also uses assets—historic, cultural, and natural resources—that already exist. Rather than creating and building attractions, destinations look to the past for a sustainable future. Cultural versus Heritage tourism; Sometimes, the term heritage is replaced by cultural. One can hear about cultural tourism instead of heritage tourism. But, as you can see above, ‘cultural’ is a part of heritage. Cultural tourism is the spiritual state that one senses when traveling, encountering, experiencing peoples’ heritage: places, monuments, people, customs, regarding past or present.

Cultural Travel is a type of travel that emphasizes experiencing life within a foreign culture, rather than from the outside as a temporary visitor. Cultural travelers leave their home environment at home, bringing only themselves and a desire to become part of the culture they visit. Cultural travel goes beyond cultural exploration or discovery; it involves a transformation in way of life.

This definition was first used by Gary Langer “Travel to Learn” (March 1977). Transitions Abroad 1: 12-15. Transitions Abroad Publishing. As a way of describing travel that requires a “transition” to a new level of understanding of and appreciation for a foreign culture.

The term is often distorted and misused by travel agents, tour operators and international tourism organizations. Culture primarily has to do with people and less with places or things. So visiting museums, touring ancient structures, attending festivals, and eating local food does not provide the same experience as becoming a member of the culture itself.

The antithesis of cultural travel is tourism, where people bring their home environment with them wherever they go and apply it to whatever they see.

by Cultural Travel & Tours

Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve

Fortified churches in Transylvania
The Transylvanian villages with fortified churches provide a vivid picture of the cultural landscape of southern Transylvania. The seven villages inscribed are characterized by the specific land-use system, settlement pattern, and organization of the family farmstead units preserved since the late middle Ages, dominated by their fortified churches, which illustrate building periods from the 13th to 16th centuries.
Hurez Monastery
Founded in 1690 by Prince Constantin Brancoveanu, the monastery of Horezu, in Walachia, is a masterpiece of the ‘Brancovan’ art style. It is known for its architectural purity and balance, the richness of its sculptural detail, the treatment of its religious compositions, its votive portraits and its painted decorative works. The school of mural and icon painting established at the monastery in the 18th century was famous throughout the Balkan region.

Painted monasteries of Bukovina (northern part of Moldavia)
With their painted exterior walls, decorated with 15th- and 16th-century frescoes that are considered masterpieces of Byzantine art, these seven churches in northern Moldavia are unique in Europe. Far from being merely wall decorations, the paintings represent complete cycles of religious murals on all facades. Their outstanding composition, elegant outline and harmonious colours blend perfectly with the surrounding landscape.

Historic Centre of Sighişoara
Founded by German craftsmen and merchants known as the Saxons of Transylvania, Sighisoara is a fine example of a small, fortified medieval town which played an important strategic and commercial role on the fringes of central Europe for several centuries.

The Dacian Fortresses in Orăştie Mountains
Built in the 1st centuries B.C. and A.D. under Dacian rule, these fortresses show an unusual fusion of military and religious architectural techniques and concepts from the classical world and the late European Iron Age. The six defensive works, the nucleus of the Dacian Kingdom, were conquered by the Romans at the beginning of the 2nd century A.D.; their extensive and well-preserved remains stand in spectacular natural surroundings and give a dramatic picture of a vigorous and innovative civilization.

The Wooden Churches of Maramureş
These eight churches are outstanding examples of a range of architectural solutions from different periods and areas. They show the variety of designs and craftsmanship adopted in these narrow, high, timber constructions with their characteristic tall, slim clock towers at the western end of the building, either single- or double-roofed and covered by shingles. As such, they are a particular vernacular expression of the cultural landscape of this mountainous area of northern Romania.

The country can offer a various and harmonious natural heritage, places of beautiful and unspoiled nature in the Carpathian Mountains, along the Black Sea coast, and especially in the Danube Delta, a realm of wildlife which cannot be found elsewhere in Europe. Romanian landscapes seem to have been created by God for those who love nature without reserve.

Then there are those places with a special identity which make up human-made heritage, i.e. historic buildings or art monuments, which bear the distinctive imprint of local history, of the people who have raised them. As a rule, the “consumers” of heritage places, whether in Romania or elsewhere, are those “sensitive” travellers who have an interest in the past, in fine arts or in architecture, which is to say that they have sufficient education to understand the significance of a historical site or monument, to grasp the spirit of the place they visit. They usually associate the heritage place with the constructions of the present, with the local people they meet, and, in a wider sense, with the culture and society of the country they visit.
If the Danube Delta singles Romania out as a first-rate tourist destination with unique natural resources, the question arises whether it is possible for her to compete with other countries in point of heritage tourism too. Especially as she does not seem better “equipped” than other European countries with castles, palaces, cathedrals or fortresses commonly regarded as major attractions in cultural tourism.

So, is there anything in particular that distinguishes Romania from other countries? Or else, what are her strengths or selling points in heritage tourism?

Just like Greece for instance, Romania has got a wealth of churches and monasteries which actually make up the bulk of its cultural venues. All human settlements in Romania down to the most isolated hamlets have their own churches, which together with convents, monasteries and hermitages hold the key to interpreting local history and keep record of the local people’s cultural and artistic development. But beyond their spiritual significance, the religious monuments in Romania are unique examples of creative art, i.e. the peasant fortified churches in Transylvania (15th c.), the wooden churches of Maramures (17th-18th centuries), the painted monasteries of Bukovina(16th-17th centuries).

Peasants in the remote Maramures and Oas highland areas, in the villages of the Iza river valley or of the Viseu river valley have kept to their traditional ways of life from times immemorial. Their small but graceful wooden churches have beautiful Byzantine murals and icons on the inside, but paradoxically their slender bell-towers built in the church suggest the Gothic style. Their oak or pine-tree structure makes a Scandinavian traveller, for instance, feel at home. The alchemy produced between these old Orthodox and Greek-Catholic sanctuaries and their shape, pertaining to the genuine architecture styles of western churches, has yet to be discovered.

Going south to Transylvania, the inquisitive traveller will be surprised to learn that a great many of the heritage places he or she visits are but traces of a virtually extinct culture, i.e. the Saxons. These German settlers lived on Transylvania’s territory since the 12th century, but due to adverse historic circumstances, i.e. WW II, the communist abuses, fled to Germany in great numbers and left behind whatever they have built for thirty generations now. It is the Saxons who laid the foundations of the seven main medieval towns in Transylvania (Siebenbürgen), i.e. Brasov, Sibiu, Sighisoara (one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe and ranging among UNESCO world heritage sites), Cluj-Napoca, Bistrita, Sebes, Medias with their precinct walls, towers, bastions, bridges, vaults, squares, civilian and public houses, and, of course, churches. And yet their main contribution is not relating to town churches but to a hybrid and particularly effective form of architecture, namely the peasant fortified churches, that would protect the villagers from frequent raids by Tartars or Turks during the Middle Ages.

About 230 peasant fortified churches stand today in Transylvania but they are doomed to crumble down for lack of parishioners and of state funds to restore them. Few of them, however, like Biertan, Prejmer or Harman have recently been restored with assistance from UNESCO or from foundations in Germany. Therefore, visitors are delighted to discover their fortified precincts, their vaulted covered walks, their gate towers and bastions and, more picturesque than anything else, their supply storing cells where villagers could take refuge at times of siege.

Aliens from outside the earth left behind the stone sculptures of the Easter Island and fled to a better world. On a smaller and much different scale, so did the German Saxons of Transylvania.

Crossing the mountains over to Bukovina in pursuit of other UNESCO World Heritage sites, i.e. the monasteries of Voronet, Humor, Moldovita, Sucevita or Arbore, the curious traveller will stop and wonder again: “How could a 0.25 m thick layer of colour, displayed on the outer wall frescoes of these monasteries, resist to rain and snow falls for over 400 years now? What else beside vinegar and egg yolk did that secret combination of colours contain? And whose idea was to unfold an illustrated Bible on the entire wall surface of these monasteries anyway? And to what purpose?”

Given their authenticity, quality and diversity, churches and monasteries in Romania are undeniable areas of excellence for all those seeking a pleasant and rewarding travel experience.

by Claudiu Cirjan, Cultural Travel & Tours

The half-day tours to the Pasarea Convent and the Cernica Monastery provide an insight into Christian Orthodox monastic life and traditions. The tour to Snagov Monastery also explores some of the Romanian connections to Dracula’s legend.

1. A CITY OF CONTRASTS THROUGH TIME : Past and Present in Bucharest Architecture (standard tour)

(3h including visit to a museum)

- Revolution Square (stop) - Victoriei Ave. - Old Princely Court and Church (stop) - Palace of Justice - Unirii Square - Palace of Parliament (stop and visit) - Metropolitan Church (stop and visit) - Bucharest University - Arch of Triumph - Village Museum (optional stop and visit)

2. LA BELLE EPOQUE, A LA BUCAREST : Bucharest capital city, once called “the little Paris”

(3h including 1 hour walk and 1 h visit to a museum)

- Revolution Square with Royal Palace - Bucharest University Library and Romanian Athenaeum (stop) - Military Club - Villacrosse Passage - Banks Area - University Square - Romana Square - Victorei Square - Arch of Triumph - Kisseleff Ave. with Titulescu’s House - Victoriei Avenue with Cantacuzino Palace, Vernescu Manor, Ghica Palace and Romanian Academy - Museum of Art Collections (stop and visit)

3. UNEARTHING BUCHAREST’S HISTORY : Remains of the Courtly and Merchant Life

(3h including 2 h walk and visit to a museum)

- Stavropoleos Monastery - Lipscani Street - “Hanul cu tei” shopping area - Manuc’s Inn (visit) - Old Princely Court ruins and St Anton Church (visit) - Metropolitan Church (stop and visit)

4. BUCHAREST AND THE COMMUNIST TIMES : Relics of a By-gone Era

(3h including visit to a museum)

- Revolution Square - Military History Museum (stop and visit) - Radio House - Military Academy - Mihai Voda Church (stop) - The Memorial of Communist Heroes in Carol Park (stop) - Palace of Parliament (stop) - Unirii Square - National Theatre - Victoria Palace - Free Press House - Exhibition Complex

5. BUCHAREST AND THE RIVER THAT FACED HISTORY : On the Banks of the Dambovita River

(3h including visit to a museum)

- Victoria Ave. Bridge - Romanian Opera - Cotroceni Palace (stop and visit) - Cotroceni Residential Area - St Elefterie Church - Palace of Justice - Palace of Parliament (stop) - Metropolitan Church (stop and visit)

6. TIME FOR A SPIRITUAL BREAK : Visits to a Monastery and to a Convent near Bucharest

(3h)

Cernica Monastery and Pasarea Convent

7. DRACULA’S ORIGINAL HAUNTS : Visits to the Old Princely Court and Snagov Monastery (more about Dracula)

(4h)

Snagov Monastery and Old Princely Court

8. ART & HISTORY : Visit to a Museum

(3h)

Cotroceni Museum / Mogosoaia Palace / National Art Museum / Museum of Art Collections / Romanian Peasant’s Museum / Village Museum or another museum, at your choice

PRICES
(including transportation by comfortable air conditioned car or mini-van, driver and guide services, entrance fees)

I) transportation by car (for 2-3 persons)
- 1/2 day (tours 1 to 5) : Euro 34/pers.
- 1 day (tours 1 to 5 + 6 to : Euro 55/pers.

II) transportation by minibus (for min. 4 persons)
- 1/2 day (tours 1 to 5) : Euro 29/pers.
- 1 day (tours 1 to 5 + 6 to : Euro 49/pers.

For one person, please add a single supplement of 20 Euro.

Tariffs for a different number of persons will be calculated accordingly.

Departure and arrival points : location requested
Reservation at least 2 h ahead of tour

BUCHAREST – SINAIA – BRAN – BRASOV – BUCHAREST

AM - Departure from Bucharest to Brasov through Sinaia - Visits to Peles Castle and Sinaia Monastery PM - Visit to Bran Medieval Castle - Arrival and late lunch in Brasov. Sightseeing old Brasov including Council Square, Council Tower, White Tower, Black Tower, Black Church, Weavers’ Bastion, St Nicholas Church, First Romanian School in Transylvania - Return to Bucharest HIGHLIGHTS - Peles Castle (former royal residence), Sinaia - Sinaia Orthodox Monastery - Bran Castle (relating to Dracula’s legend), Bran - Black Church (largest church in South-Eastern Europe), Brasov - Magnificent landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains

PRICE (including local transportation, driver and guide services, entrance fees to museums*)
For 1 person by car : 149 Euro/pers
For 2-3 persons by car : 75 Euro/pers.
For min 4 persons by mini-van : 69 Euro/pers.

Departure from Bucharest : location requested, at 8 AM
Return to Bucharest : same place, at 8 PM
Registration deadline : at least 12 hours ahead of trip

Tariffs for a different number of persons will be calculated accordingly

* Please note that in Romania museums are usually closed on Monday.
Peles Castle at Sinaia is closed on Monday and Tuesday (during summer season it is opened on Tuesday for a shorter program).
The Black Church in Brasov is closed on Sunday.
Because of international conferences or meetings, the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest may be closed without prior notice.
Also some churches and monasteries may be closed without prior notice, especially in the low season.
Wherever possible, we will do our best to replace the visits of the above sites with visits to other relevant sites.

2. MAGICAL TIMES IN MAGICAL PLACES : Visiting Transylvania and Wallachia

A two day study tour

Day 1 : BUCHAREST – BRASOV – SIGHISOARA

AM - Departure from Bucharest to Brasov through Sinaia - Visits to Peles Castle and Sinaia Monastery PM - Visit to Bran Medieval Castle - Arrival and lunch in Brasov - Sightseeing old Brasov including Council Square, Council Tower, White Tower, Black Tower, Black Church, Weavers’ Bastion, St Nicholas Church, First Romanian School in Transylvania - Arrival and lodging at a 3 star hotel or pension at Sighisoara. Dinner

Day 2 : SIGHISOARA – SIBIU – BUCHAREST

AM - Breakfast - Sightseeing medieval Sighisoara including Citadel Square, Church on the Hill, Dracula’s Birthplace, Clock Tower, Covered Stairway - Visit Biertan Fortified Church PM -Arrival and lunch at Sibiu - Walking tour historic centre of Sibiu including Baroque Brukenthal Palace and Museum (visit), Council Tower, Evangelical Cathedral, Catholic Church, Orthodox Cathedral, Passage of Stairs, Lies’ Bridge - Pass through magnificent Olt River Gorges - Visit Cozia Monastery - Return to Bucharest

HIGHLIGHTS

- Peles Castle (former royal residence), Sinaia
- Sinaia Orthodox Monastery
- Bran Castle (relating to Dracula’s legend), Bran
- Black Church (largest church in South-Eastern Europe), Brasov
- Medieval Sighisoara (belongs to UNESCO World Heritage)
- Biertan Fortified Church (belongs to UNESCO World Heritage)
- Brukenthal Museum (oldest museum in Romania), Sibiu
- Medieval Monastery of Cozia

PRICE
159 Euro/person (supp. single 20 Euro/person) for local transportation by mini-van, driver and guide services, entrance fees, 1 night lodging*** at Sighisoara in twin bed room, all meals.

For groups of 10-15 persons at this price
Tariffs for a different number of persons will be calculated accordingly.

Registration deadline : at least 5 days ahead of trip

3. BACK IN TIME ON A TRIP TO MEDIEVAL SITES : Highlights of Transylvania, Northern Oltenia and Other Sights

A four day study tour

Day 1 : BUCHAREST – POIANA BRASOV

AM - Departure from Bucharest to Brasov through Sinaia - Visits to Peles Castle and Sinaia Orthodox Monastery PM - Lunch at Sinaia - Visit to Bran Medieval Castle - Sightseeing old Brasov including Council Square, Council Tower, White Tower, Black Tower, Black Church, St Nicholas Church, First Romanian School in Transylvania - Arrival and lodging at a 3 star hotel or pension at Poiana Brasov. - Dinner with traditional Romanian food and folk show

Day 2 : POIANA BRASOV – SIBIU

AM - Breakfast - Departure for Sighisoara - Sightseeing medieval citadel Sighisoara including Clock Tower, Citadel Square, Dracula’s Birthplace, Monastery Church, Church on the Hill, Venetian House, House with Antlers, Wooden Covered Stairway PM - Lunch at Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace restaurant - Departure for Alba Iulia. Sightseeing Alba Iulia including Baroque Citadel, Museum of Unification, Orthodox Cathedral, St. Michael’s Roman-Catholic Cathedral, tomb of Hunyadi, Bishop’s Palace, Princely Palace - Departure for Sibiu. Arrival and lodging at a 3 star hotel - Dinner

Day 3 : SIBIU – OLANESTI

AM - Breakfast - Sightseeing historic centre of Sibiu including Baroque Brukenthal Palace and Museum (visit), Cross Chapel, Roman-Catholic Church, Council Tower, Old City Hall, St Mary’s Evangelical Church, Orthodox Cathedral, Passage of Stairs, Lies’ Bridge PM - Lunch. Pass through magnificent Olt River Gorges - Visit Cozia Medieval Monastery - Arrival and lodging at a 3 star hotel at Olanesti health resort - Walking tour to miraculous mineral springs. Dinner

Day 4 : OLANESTI – HOREZU – BUCHAREST

AM - Breakfast - Visit to Ceausescu’s former residence at Olanesti - Departure for Bucharest through Horezu and Curtea de Arges - Visit Hurez Monastery and stop at workshop pottery PM - Arrival and lunch at Curtea de Arges - Visit Curtea de Arges Monastery with Manole’s well - Return to Bucharest

HIGHLIGHTS

- Peles Castle (former royal residence), Sinaia
- Bran Castle (relating to Dracula’s legend), Bran
- Saxon towns in Transylvania: Brasov, Sighisoara (belongs to UNESCO World Heritage) and Sibiu
- Ceausescu’s former residence at Olanesti
- Medieval monasteries in Muntenia and Northern Oltenia (among which Hurez Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage)

PRICE
275 Euro/person (supp. single 45 Euro/person) for three nights’ lodging*** in twin-bed room, all meals, local transportation by mini-van, entrance fees, guide services

For groups of 10-15 persons at this price
Tariffs for a different number of persons will be calculated accordingly.

Registration deadline : at least 5 days ahead of trip

4. HISTORIC TRANSYLVANIA AND WALLACHIA : Visits to Main Historic Sites

A four day study tour

Day 1 : BUCHAREST

AM - Arrival and transfer to at a 3-4 star hotel central Bucharest - City tour including Revolution Square with Romanian Athenaeum, Fine Art Museum (former Royal Palace), Bucharest University Library and Kretulescu Church, ruins of the Old Princely Court and Church (stop), Manuc’s Inn (visit) PM - Lunch. Continue city tour with stops at Palace of Parliament (visit), Metropolitan Church (visit), Bucharest University, Romana Square, Victory Square, Herastrau Park, Arch of Triumph, Village Museum (visit), Free Press House - Dinner

Day 2 : BUCHAREST – BRASOV – SIGHISOARA

AM - Departure from Bucharest to Brasov through Sinaia - Visits to Peles Castle and Sinaia Monastery - Visit to Bran Medieval Castle PM - Arival and lunch in Brasov - Sightseeing old Brasov including Council Square, Council Tower, Black Tower, White Tower, Black Church, Weavers’ Bastion, St Nicholas Church, First Romanian School in Transylvania - Arrival, lodging and dinner at a 3 star hotel or pension in Sighisoara

Day 3 : SIGHISOARA – SIBIU – BUCHAREST

AM - Breakfast - Sightseeing medieval Sighisoara including Citadel Square, Church on the Hill, Dracula’s Birthplace, Clock Tower, Wood Covered Stairway - Visit Biertan Fortified Church PM - Arrival and lunch at Sibiu. Sightseeing historic centre of Sibiu including Baroque Brukenthal Palace and Museum (visit), Council Tower, Evangelical Cathedral, Roman-Catholic Church, Orthodox Cathedral, Passage of Stairs, Lies’ Bridge - Pass through magnificent Olt River Gorges - Visit Cozia Medieval Monastery - Return to Bucharest and lodging at a 3-4 star hotel. Dinner

Day 4 : BUCHAREST DEPARTURE

AM
- Breakfast. Transfer to the airport

HIGHLIGHTS

- Palace of Parliament in Bucharest (second largest building in the world after the Pentagon)
- Sinaia Orthodox Monastery
- Peles Castle (former royal residence), Sinaia
- Bran Medieval Castle (associated to Dracula’s legend), Bran
- Black Church (largest Gothic Church in South-Eastern Europe), Brasov
- Medieval Sighisoara (belongs to UNESCO World Heritage)
- Biertan Fortified Church (belongs to UNESCO World Heritage)
- Brukenthal Museum (oldest museum in Romania), Sibiu
- Medieval Monastery of Cozia

PRICE
395 Euro/person (suppl. single 50 Euro/person) for local transportation by mini-van, driver and guide services, entrance fees, lodging in twin bed rooms in 3-4 star hotels, full board.

Valid for 10-15 persons at this price.
Tariffs for a different number of persons will be calculated accordingly.

5. TREASURES OF EASTERN EUROPE : Painted Monasteries of Bukovina

A five day study tour

Day 1 : BUCHAREST

AM - Arrival and lodging at a 3 star hotel central Bucharest - Free time depending on flight arrival PM - Lunch. Sightseeing tour including Palace of Parliament (visit), ruins of Old Princely Court and Church, Metropolitan Church (visit), Bucharest University, Revolution Square with Museum of Fine Arts (former Royal Palace), Romanian Athenaeum, Bucharest University Library, Cretulescu Church - Dinner

Day 2 : BUCHAREST – GURA HUMORULUI

AM - Breakfast - Depart to Gura Humorului through Buzau, Bacau and Roman PM - Lunch on the way - Lodging at a 3 star hotel or pension at Gura Humorului - Dinner

Day 3 : PAINTED MONASTERIES OF BUKOVINA

AM - Breakfast - Visits to Moldovita and Sucevita Painted Monasteries - Stop at Marginea black pottery workshop PM - Lunch at Radauti - Visits to Humor and Voronet Painted Monasteries - Return to the same hotel/pension. Dinner

Day 4 : GURA HUMORULUI – PIATRA NEAMT

AM - Breakfast - Depart for Piatra Neamt through Targu Neamt - Visits Neamt Monastery and the Citadel at Targu Neamt PM - Lunch at Targu Neamt - Visits to Agapia and Varatec Convents - Lodging at a 3 star hotel and dinner at Piatra Neamt

Day 5 : PIATRA NEAMT – BUCHAREST DEPARTURE

AM - Breakfast - Sightseeing tour Piatra Neamt including Church of St. John, Gothic Belltower and ruins of the Princely Court PM - Wine-tasting and visit of winery at Panciu. Lunch - Return to Bucharest and transfer to the airport

HIGHLIGHTS

- Palace of Parliament in Bucharest (the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon in US)
- “Sistine Chapel of the East”: Voronetz painted monastery
- Oldest monastery in Moldavia: Neamtz
- Romania’s largest convent: Agapia Monastery
- Wine-tasting at Panciu

PRICE
495 Euro/person (suppl. single 90 Euro/person) for local transportation by mini-van, driver and guide services, entrance fees, lodging in twin bed room in three/four star hotels, full board

Valid for 10-15 persons at this price.
Tariffs for a different number of persons will be calculated accordingly.

6. WOOD STANDS THE TEST OF TIME : Wooden Churches in Maramures (UNESCO Heritage Sites)

A six day study tour

Day 1 : BUCHAREST

AM - Arrival and lodging at a 3-4 star hotel in central Bucharest - Sightseeing tour including Revolution Square (stop) with Romanian Athenaeum, Fine Art Museum (former Royal Palace), Bucharest University Library and Kretulescu Church, ruins of the Old Princely Court and Church (stop), Manuc’s Inn, Palace of Parliament (visit), Metropolitan Church (visit), Bucharest University, Romana Square, Victory Square PM - Dinner Overnight in Bucharest Dinner

Day 2 : BUCHAREST – MARAMURES

AM - Breakfast. Depart for Maramures through Baia Mare by plane PM - Lunch at Baia Mare. Cross the Gutai Mountains through Gutai Pass (987 m) - Stops at wooden churches on the Mara Valley, i.e. Desesti, Harnicesti, Sat Sugatag - Arrival and lodging at a 3 star hotel at Sighetu Marmatiei. - Visit to Merry Cemetery at Sapânta - Dinner Overnight at Sighetu Marmatiei Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 : MARAMURES

AM - Breakfast. Visit Maramures Ethnographic Museum PM - Lunch. Visit Village Museum of Maramures - Return to the same hotel. Dinner with folk show Overnight at Sighetu Marmatiei Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 : MARAMURES

AM - Breakfast. Iza Valley with stops at Barsana, Rozavlea, Bogdan Voda, Ieud and Botiza wooden churches PM - Traditional lunch at a peasant farm. - Return to the same hotel. Dinner Overnight at Sighetu Marmatiei Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 : MARAMURES

AM - Breakfast. Cosau Valley with stops at Calinesti, Ocna Sugatag, Sarbi, Budesti and Breb wooden churches PM - Lunch. Return to the same hotel. Dinner Overnight at Sighetu Marmatiei Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 : MARAMURES-BUCHAREST

AM
- Breakfast. Depart for Bucharest through Baia Mare by flight
- Lunch on the plane

HIGHLIGHTS

- Wooden churches of Maramures (UNESCO World Heritage Sites)
- Merry Cemetery of Sapanta
- Gems of folk Romanian art and creativity: Village Museum and Maramures Ethnographic Museum at Sighetu Marmatiei
- Wooden architecture, rural life and civilization of Maramures villages
- Palace of Parliament in Bucharest, second largest building in the world after the Pentagon in US

PRICE

690 Euro/person in twin bed room in a 3-4 star hotel, full board including special lunch at a peasant farm, local transportation, expert guide and driver services, entrance fees to museums. Supplement single 100 Euro.

Valid for 10-15 persons at this price.
Tariffs for a different number of persons will be calculated accordingly.

7. WILDLIFE TOUR : Flora and Fauna in the Exotic Landscape of Danube Delta

A six day study tour

Day 1 : BUCHAREST

AM - Arrival and lodging at a 3-4 star hotel in central Bucharest - Sightseeing tour including Revolution Square (stop) with Romanian Athenaeum, Fine Art Museum (former Royal Palace), Bucharest University Library and Kretulescu Church, ruins of the Old Princely Court and Church (stop), Manuc’s Inn, Palace of Parliament (visit), Metropolitan Church (visit), Bucharest University, Romana Square, Victory Square PM - Dinner Overnight in Bucharest Dinner

Day 2 : BUCHAREST – DANUBE DELTA

AM - Breakfast. Departure for Tulcea PM - Arrival at Tulcea. Lunch. Visit Museum of the Danube Delta - Depart for Murighiol/Uzlina. Lodging and dinner at a 3 star hotel Overnight at Murighiol/Uzlina Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 : DANUBE DELTA

AM - Breakfast. Get to know a unique flora and fauna and picturesque fishermen’s villages along Danube Delta’s channels PM - A fisherman’s lunch. Return to hotel. Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant Overnight at Murighiol/Uzlina Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 : DANUBE DELTA

AM - Breakfast. Continue exploration of the Danube Delta by motor-boat PM - Lunch. Return to hotel. Special dinner with camp fire Overnight at Murighiol/Uzlina Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 : DANUBE DELTA – BUCHAREST

AM - Breakfast. Departure to Bucharest with stop for lunch and wine tasting at Murfatlar PM - Return to Bucharest. Lodging and dinner at a 3-4 star hotel in Bucharest Overnight in Bucharest Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 : DANUBE DELTA

AM
- Breakfast. Transfer to the airport for departure
Breakfast

HIGHLIGHTS

- Wildlife in the Danube Delta
- Wine-tasting at Murfatlar Vineyards
- Palace of Parliament in Bucharest, second largest building in the world after the Pentagon in US

PRICE

595 Euro/person in twin bed room in a 3-4 star hotel, full board including special dinner with camp fire, special fish lunch and special lunch with wine tasting, trip by moto-boat in the Danube Delta, local transportation, expert guide and driver services, entrance fees to museums Supplement single 100 Euro.

Valid for 10-15 persons at this price.
Tariffs for a different number of persons will be calculated accordingly.

8. HIDDEN ROMANIA : The Flavor of Old Europe

A ten day study tour

Day 1 : BUCHAREST ARRIVAL

AM - Arrive in Bucharest - Transfer to a 3-4* hotel central Bucharest. Free time PM - Welcome dinner Overnight in Bucharest Dinner

Day 2, Wednesday : BUCHAREST

AM - Sightseeing tour including Revolution Square (stop) with Romanian Athenaeum, Fine Art Museum (former Royal Palace), Bucharest University Library and Kretulescu Church, ruins of the Old Princely Court and Church (stop), Manuc’s Inn, Palace of Parliament (visit), Metropolitan Church (visit), Bucharest University, Romana Square, Victory Square PM - Lunch. Conclude your afternoon at the Village Museum Overnight in Bucharest Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3, Thursday : BUCHAREST – POIANA BRASOV

AM - Breakfast. Depart for Brasov through Sinaia and Bran - Visits to Peles Castle and Sinaia Monastery PM - Lunch at Bran - Visit Bran Medieval Castle - Sightseeing old Brasov including Black Church, Council Square, Town Hall, Weavers’ Bastion, Schei Church and First Romanian School in Transylvania. Possibly organ concert in Black Church - Lodging and dinner at a 3 star hotel at Poiana Brasov Overnight at Poiana Brasov Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4, Friday : POIANA BRASOV – SIBIU

AM - Breakfast - Depart to Sibiu through Fagaras. Brief stop at Fagaras Fortress PM - Lodging and lunch at a 3 star hotel in Sibiu - Walking tour old Sibiu including Baroque Brukenthal Palace and Museum (stop and visit), Council Tower, Evangelical Church, Catholic Church, Orthodox Cathedral, Passage of Stairs, Lies’ Bridge - Dinner Overnight in Sibiu Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5, Saturday : SIBIU – TARGU MURES

AM - Breakfast. Depart for Targu Mures through Medias and Sighisoara - Visit Biertan Fortified Church PM - Lunch at Biertan. Depart for Sighisoara. Walking tour old citadel including Clock Tower (visit), Citadel Square, Monastery Church, Venetian House, House with Antlers, Dracula’s Birthplace, Wooden Covered Stairway - Arrival and lodging at a 3-4 star hotel at Târgu Mures - Dinner at hotel restaurant Overnight at Târgu Mures Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6, Sunday : TARGU MURES – GURA HUMORULUI

AM - Breakfast. Sightseeing Targu Mures including Palace of Culture, County Council, Roman – Catholic Church, Orthodox Cathedral, Reformed Church and Medieval Fortress, Teleky Library (visit) - Depart to Gura Humorului through Bistrita PM - Lunch at Bistrita. Sightseeing tour Bistrita including St Mary’s Evangelical Church and Sugalete Passage - Pass the Carpathian Mountains through Borgo Pass - Arrival and lodging at a 3-4 star hotel at Gura Humorului - Dinner Overnight at Gura Humorului Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7, Monday : Painted Monasteries OF BUKOVINA

AM - Breakfast. Visits to Moldovita and Sucevita Painted Monasteries - Marginea and the Black Pottery Workshop PM - Lunch at Radauti - Visits to Humor and Voronet Painted Monasteries - Dinner Overnight at Gura Humorului Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8, Tuesday : GURA HUMORULUI – IASI

AM - Breakfast. Depart to Iasi through Suceava - Visit Dragomirna Monastery. Sightseeing tour Suceava including ruins of the Princely Court, Monastery of St John the New, Princely Citadel PM - Lunch at Suceava. - Arrival and lodging at a 3-4 star hotel in Iasi - Sightseeing tour of Iasi including Palace of Culture, Metropolitan Cathedral (Holy Relics of Saint Parascheva, protector of Moldavia), Church of the Three Hierarchs, Golia Monastery and Copou Park Overnight in Iasi Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9, Wednesday : IASI – BUCHAREST

AM - Breakfast. Depart for Bucharest through Roman, Bacau, Focsani, Buzau PM - Wine tasting and lunch at Panciu Vineyards - Arrival and lodging at a 3-4 star hotel central Bucharest - Farewell dinner with folk show Overnight in Bucharest Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 / Thursday, May 27 : BUCHAREST DEPARTURE

AM : Breakfast. Transfer to Otopeni Airport

HIGHLIGHTS

– Peles Castle, former royal residence at Sinaia
- Black Church in Brasov, largest Gothic church in south-eastern Europe
- Bran Castle, relating to Dracula’s legend
- Medieval towns in Transylvania : Brasov, Sibiu, Medias, Sighisoara (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Bistrita
- Biertan fortified church (UNESCO World Heritage Sites)
- Painted monasteries of Bukovina (UNESCO World Heritage Sites)
- Dragomirna fortified monastery and its Gothic architecture
- Iasi, the cultural capital of Moldavia
- Wine-tasting at the old cellars of Panciu
- Gems of Romanian folk art and creativity: Village Museum in Bucharest, black pottery workshop at Marginea
- Rural life and civilization of Romanian villages
- Palace of Parliament in Bucharest, second largest building in the world after the Pentagon in US

PRICE

895 Euro/person (suppl. single 250 Euro/person) in double room including accommodation at 3-4 star hotels, full board, local transportation by mini-van, driver and guide services, entrance fees

Valid for 10-15 persons at this price.
Tariffs for a different number of persons will be calculated accordingly.

9. HAVE A GREAT TIME IN ROMANIA : The Grand Cultural Tour

A 14 day study tour

Day 1 : BUCHAREST

AM - Arrival and lodging at a 3-4 star hotel in central Bucharest - Sightseeing tour including Revolution Square (stop) with Romanian Athenaeum, Fine Art Museum (former Royal Palace), Bucharest University Library and Kretulescu Church, ruins of the Old Princely Court and Church (stop), Manuc’s Inn, Palace of Parliament (visit), Metropolitan Church (visit), Bucharest University, Romana Square, Victory Square PM - Dinner Overnight in Bucharest Dinner

Day 2 : BUCHAREST – POIANA BRASOV

AM - Breakfast. Departure for Sinaia - Visits to Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle PM - Lunch at Sinaia. Departure to Brasov. Sightseeing old Brasov including Council Square, Council Tower, Black Tower, White Tower, Black Church, Weavers’ Bastion, St. Nicholas Church, First Romanian School in Transylvania - Arrival and lodging at a 3 star hotel/pension at Poiana Brasov resort - Dinner Overnight at Poiana Brasov Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 : POIANA BRASOV – OLANESTI

AM - Breakfast. Depart to Curtea de Arges through Bran and Campulung - Visit Bran Medieval Castle. Brief stop at Campulung to visit Negru Voda Monastery PM - Arrival and lunch at Curtea de Arges - Visit Curtea de Arges Monastery with Manole’s Well - Depart for Olanesti through Horezu. Visit to Horezu Monastery and Hurez pottery workshop - Arrival and accommodation at a 3 star hotel at Olanesti health resort - Dinner Overnight at Olanesti Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 : OLANESTI – SIBIU

AM - Breakfast. Possibly walk to the miraculous water springs - Visit to Ceausescu’s former residence at Olanesti - Visit to Cozia Monastery. View to magnificent Olt Gorges PM - Lunch. Arrival and lodging at a 3 star hotel in Sibiu - Walking tour old Sibiu including Baroque Brukenthal Palace and Museum (visit), Council Tower, Evangelical Church, Catholic Church, Orthodox Cathedral, Passage of Stairs, Lies’ Bridge - Dinner Overnight in Sibiu Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 : SIBIU – SIGHISOARA

AM - Breakfast. Visit Museum of icons painted on glass at Sibiel. Depart for Sighisoara. Stop and visit Biertan Fortified Church PM - Lunch at Biertan. Arrival and accommodation at a 3 star hotel in Sighisoara - Walking tour old citadel including Clock Tower (visit), Citadel Square, Monastery Church, Venetian House, House with Antlers, Dracula’s Birthplace, Wooden Covered Stairway - Lunch Overnight at Sighisoara Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 : SIGHISOARA-CLUJ

AM - Breakfast. Depart for Cluj through Alba Iulia. - Walking tour Alba Iulia including Museum of Unification, Orthodox Cathedral, St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral with tomb of Hunyadi princes, Bishop’s Palace, Prince’s Palace PM - Lunch at Alba Iulia. Arrival and lodging at a 3 star hotel in Cluj - Sightseeing tour Cluj-Napoca including St Michael’s Roman-Catholic Church, Babes-Bolyai University, Tailors’ Bastion, National Theatre and Opera, Orthodox Cathedral, King Mathias Corvinus’ Mansion and Equestrian Statue. - Return to hotel - Dinner Overnight in Cluj Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 : CLUJ – SIGHETU MARMATIEI

AM - Breakfast. Depart for Maramures through Baia Mare. - Cross the Gutai Mountains through Gutai Pass (987 m) - Stops at wooden churches, i.e. Desesti, Harnicesti, Sat Sugatag PM - Arrival and lodging at a 3 star hotel at Sighetu Marmatiei. Late lunch - Visit Maramures Ethnographic Museum - Visit to Merry Cemetery at Sapânta - Dinner Overnight at Sighetu Marmatiei Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 : SIGHETU MARMATIEI – GURA HUMORULUI

AM - Breakfast. Depart for Bukovina through Iza Valley with stops at Barsana, Rozavlea and Bogdan Voda wooden churches PM - Lunch at Borsa. Pass the Carpathians Mountains through Prislop Pass - Arrival and lodging at Gura Humorului - Dinner with folk show Overnight at Gura Humorului Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 : PAINTED MONASTERIES OF BUKOVINA

AM - Breakfast. Visits to Moldovita and Sucevita Monasteries - Stop at Marginea black pottery workshop PM - Lunch at Radauti - Visits to Humor and Voronet Monasteries - Arrival and accommodation at the same hotel - Dinner Overnight at Gura Humorului Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 : GURA HUMORULUI – PIATRA NEAMT

AM - Breakfast. Visits Neamt Monastery and Neamt Fortress at Targu Neamt PM - Lunch at Targu Neamt - Visit Agapia Convent - Arrival and lodging at a 3 star hotel in Piatra Neamt - Dinner Overnight in Piatra Neamt Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 : PIATRA NEAMT – MAHMUDIA

AM - Breakfast. Sightseeing tour Piatra Neamt including Church of St. John, Gothic Belltower and ruins of the Princely Court PM - Wine-tasting and visit of winery at Panciu. Lunch - Arrival at Braila and cross the Danube River by ferry-boat - Arrival and accommodation at a 3 star hotel at Mahmudia - Dinner Overnight in Mahmudia Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12

AM - Breakfast - Trip along the Danube Delta’s channels PM - A fisherman’s lunch - Special dinner - Dinner Overnight in Mahmudia Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13

AM - Breakfast - Depart for Constanta - Stop and visit ruins of Histria Greek Fort PM - Arrival and accommodation at a 3 star hotel in Constanta. Lunch. Sightseeing tour Constanta (Archaeological Museum, Roman mosaic, Mosque, Casino, Aquarium and Genoese Lighthouse) - Dinner Overnight in Constanta Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14

AM - Breakfast. Free time for leisure at the sea side PM - Lunch - Departure for Bucharest. Arrival and accommodation at 3 star in Bucharest. Possibly Opera or Concert evening - Dinner Overnight in Bucharest Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15

AM - Breakfast. Transfer to airport for departure or - Visit to Village Museum or Mogosoaia Palace for departure in the afternoon

HIGHLIGHTS

- Peles Castle, former royal residence at Sinaia
- Black Church in Brasov, largest Gothic Church in South-Eastern Europe
- Bran Castle, relating to Dracula’s legend
- Orthodox Monasteries in Muntenia and Oltenia
- Medieval towns in Transylvania: Brasov, Sibiu, Sighisoara (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Cluj-Napoca
- Alba Iulia and Hapsburg architecture
- Biertan Fortified Church (UNESCO World Heritage Sites)
- Wooden churches of Maramures
- Painted Monasteries of Bukovina (UNESCO World Heritage Sites)
- Stephen the Great’s medieval fortress at Neamt
- Wine-tasting at the old cellars of Panciu
- Wildlife in the Danube Delta
- Greek colonies B.C., Histria and Constanta
- Gems of folk Romanian art and creativity: Merry Cemetery of Sapanta, Village Museum in Bucharest, old rural life and civilization of Romanian villages
- Palace of Parliament in Bucharest, second largest building in the world after the Pentagon in US

PRICE:
1.155 Euro/person (250 Euro/person supplement single) in a double room at 3 star hotel, full board, local transportation, entrance fees, guide services

Valid for 10-15 persons at this price.
Tariffs for a different number of persons will be calculated accordingly.

Our Romania themed tours, devised with the support of experts in various fields, i.e. archaeologists, architects or art historians, introduce you to the most important evolutionary developments in the respective arts.

As far as the civilisations of Antiquity are concerned, the Greeks, Dacians and Romans have left their marks on the present-day territory of Romania. On the shores of the Black Sea or in some of the most impressive mountains of Romania, you can still find forts, sanctuaries and traces of a long-lost world. You can accompany us, as well, on an exploration of pre-Christian basilicas in Dobrudja.

Whether you are interested in mediaeval architecture or in the fusion between the later Romanian and western architectures, Cultural Travel & Tours can take you to the best sites in Romania. You can, for example, visit fortified churches and Gothic and Renaissance castles. There is also the town of Sighisoara, one of the very few mediaeval towns in Europe that is still inhabited. Exquisite late Byzantine paintings can be found in Bukovina and Transylvania offers evidence of the evolutionary aspects of mediaeval architecture.

If you are more interested in the life of the people, traditions and rural life, you should still come to Romania. Because of its late modernization, the country is one of the very few places in Europe where you can still witness peasant life that has evolved little in the last hundred years. You can still see folk festivals and special ceremonies reminiscent of ancestral ways and customs. You can still see men carving wood for the graceful Maramures churches or simply gates for homesteads, or women weaving on a loom, or painting eggs for Easter. Romania’s haystacks and horse drawn carts are also famous for their poetry and beauty. They convey a sense of liberty and harmony with nature that you rarely find elsewhere, nowadays.

But besides horses and horse-drawn carts, there are other means of transport, such as steam trains. Getting aboard such a train allows you to travel to even the most secluded regions of Romania where you can discover unspoilt nature and beautiful villages scattered across the hills or mountains.

All of the above tours are led by specialized tour guides. They make efforts to ensure all our visitors enjoy their experience of visiting these places of cultural interest in an atmosphere of comfort and well-being.

1. ENDURING SPIRIT : Fortified Churches in Transylvania (UNESCO Heritage Sites)

2. NOBILITY AND STYLE, ROYALTY AND SPLENDOUR OVER THE CENTURIES : Castles and Palaces

3. THE MOMENT OF TRUTH : Unscramble Dracula’s Legend (more about Dracula)

4. OLD WINES FOR CONNAISSEURS : Tasting of Romanian Wines Tour

5. TRACES OF THE ROMAN AND GREEK CIVILISATIONS : Archaeologic sites in Transylvania and Dobrudja

6. ROMANIAN ARTS THROUGH CENTURIES : ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN, PAINTING, MUSIC – George Enescu, SCULPTURE - Constantin Brancusi

7. HISTORIC RAIL JOURNEYS : Visit Romania by Working Steam Trains

8. A TASTE OF RURAL ROMANIA : Daily Life in Maramures and Bukovina Villages

9. CUSTOMS AND OCCUPATIONS FROM OLDEN TIMES : Pottery, Egg painting, Wood carving, Folk shows, Traditional fairs

10. ANCIENT CAVES : Speleology Study Tour