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12 Day Bucovina, Maramures & Transylvania Grand Tour
Highlights: Bucharest, Gura Humorului, Sighetu Marmatiei, Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, Brasov
Trip start: Bucharest
Trip end: Bucharest
Price Range From $3,655 pp *
* GBP per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
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Visit Romania in a comprehensive tour which combines three of the most important regions in Romania: Bucovina, Maramures and Transylvania. Straddling the rugged Carpathian Mountains with rich green valleys and farms spread throughout the countryside, Romania offers an extraordinary kaleidoscope of cultures to discover and plenty of UNESCO Heritage sights to explore. From Transylvania’s colourful old cities, which remind you of medieval Hungary and Germany to the famous painted Orthodox monasteries of Moldavia which evoke Byzantium, Romania will surprise every traveller interested in history, tradition and Romanian culture. Join us in this private grand tour of the country and explore the fascinating historical cities and the countryside where your most memorable times could be spent. Enjoy traditional accommodations and the comfort of a private vehicle and English speaking guide during the tour.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Bucharest
  • Bucharest: Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide
Rembrandt Hotel (3*) (B)
Day 2
Gura Humorului
  • Private - City Tour with Parliament, Cotroceni Palace & Village Museum - Vehicle/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide
  • Air - Bucharest - Suceava [Direct] - Economy
  • Suceava: Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
Best Western Bucovina (4*) (B)
Day 3
Gura Humorului
  • Suceviţa: Moldovita, Voronet & Dragomirna Tour - Vehicle/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Best Western Bucovina (4*) (B)
Day 4
Sighetu Marmatiei
  • Borsa & Sighetul Marmatiei Tour
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Casa Iurca (4*) (B)
Day 5
Sighetu Marmatiei
  • Sighetu Marmatiei: Maramures Sightseeing Tour
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Casa Iurca (4*) (B)
Day 6
Cluj-Napoca
  • Cluj Tour
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Golden Tulip Ana Dome (4*) (B)
Day 7
Sibiu
  • Sibiu: 1/2 d City tour with Brukental Museum - Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Roberts (3*) (B)
Day 8
Sibiu
  • Tarnava Mare: Exploring the countryside of Crit, Viscri & Saschiz) - Vehicle/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Roberts (3*) (B)
Day 9
Brasov
  • Sibiu: Biertan & Sighisoara Tour - Vehicle/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Casa Wagner (3*) (B)
Day 10
Brasov
  • Brasov: 1/2 d Old Town Walking tour - Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Casa Wagner (3*) (B)
Day 11
Bucharest
  • Peles Castle, Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour - Vehicle/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Rembrandt Hotel (3*) (B)
Day 12
Bucharest
  • Bucharest: Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide
Depart (Int`l Airport) 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Bucharest

Bucharest is the capital city, industrial, and commercial centre of Romania. By European standards, Bucharest is not an old city, its existence first being referred to by scholars as late as 1459. Since then it has gone through a variety of changes, becoming the state capital of Romania in 1862 and steadily consolidating its position as the centre of the Romanian mass media, culture and arts. Its eclectic architecture is a mix of historical, interbellum, Communist-era and modern. In the period between the two World Wars, the city's elegant architecture and the sophistication of its elite earned Bucharest the nickname of the "Paris of the East" or "Little Paris" (Micul Paris). Although many buildings and districts in the historic centre were damaged or destroyed by war, earthquakes and Nicolae Ceau?escu's program of systematization, many survived. In recent years, the city has been experiencing an economic and cultural boom.

Airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.

The Rembrandt Hotel (3*) situated in the historic city centre and housed in an original property from 1925, the contemporary Rembrandt Hotel is set 500 metres from the House of the People and the Contemporary Art Museum. The hotel’s services and rooms are designed to meet the needs of international and national business people, as well as leisurely guests. With professional and personal service, genuine hospitality and special features, the Rembrandt Hotel creates a warm and relaxed atmosphere which feels like a home away from home. Café Klein, on the mezzanine floor of the hotel, is a cozy and comfortable bistro, also popular with locals and non-hotel guests. Enjoy a complimentary drink upon arrival, and enjoy reading the daily newspaper over a coffee at Cafe Klein, on the mezzanine.

Overnight at Rembrandt Hotel (3*).


Bucharest
Bucharest
Rembrandt Hotel (3*)
Rembrandt Hotel (3*)
Day 2 Gura Humorului

Gura Humorului is a town located in northern Romania, Suceava County in southern Bucovina. The main reason to come here is to visit two painted monasteries nearby. Voronet Monastery is known for its striking blue color and the depiction of Heaven and Hell. The scenery around Gura Humorului is very beautiful as well.

Enjoy a full day tour of Bucharest, called "Little Paris". Start with The Palace of the Parliament – admire the luxurious display of crystal chandeliers, mosaics, oak paneling, marble, gold leaf, stained-glass windows. Visit Cotroceni Palace and Museum. Continue to the Village Museum with 50 buildings representing the history and design of Romania’s rural architecture. See Bucharest’s Arc of Triumph, built in honour of the Romanian soldiers who fought in the First World War.

Airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.

Enjoy a direct flight from Bucharest to Suceava.

Meet your driver for an airport transfer.

Best Western Bucovina (4*) is waiting for you - a place where tradition and customs, but also elegance are at home, a place where smiling faces and famous traditional cuisine will make you feel the magic. From here you can see Obcinile leaning over horizons, you can hear songs like in ancient times. Located in Gura Humorului, 5 km away from monasteries Voronet and Humor, gently surrounded by Obcini, Best Western Bucovina is your gateway into the fantastic world of customs and traditions of the fairy tale land of Bukovina. Best Western Bucovina is one of the fewer and the only one branded 4 star hotel in Bucovina, reaching international standards, a welcoming " House of Bucovina", where a customer can experience authentic hospitality.

Overnight at Best Western Bucovina (4*).


Orthodox Church, Gura Humorului
Orthodox Church, Gura Humorului
The Palace of the Parliament
The Palace of the Parliament
Best Western Bucovina
Best Western Bucovina
Day 3 Gura Humorului

Bucovina gathers more than 20 painted monasteries, memory of medieval history. This day is dedicated to four of the most beautiful of them. We start in Sucevita , a XVth century fortified monastery. Continue with Moldovita (small Moldova) a UNESCO world heritage site. But probably the star of the day will be Voronet. Perfectly shaped and built, Voronet hosts the most beautiful religious frescoe in Moldavia, “ The Judgement”. We finish our trip at Dragomirna, the tallest monastery church and an example of gothic style in Eastern Europe. Some of the visits will be led by experts involved in the restoration of the churches and their frescoes to give you a unique insight.

Overnight at Best Western Bucovina (4*).


Voronet monastery
Voronet monastery
Day 4 Sighetu Marmatiei

Sighetu Marmatiei, is a city in Maramures County near the Iza River, in north-western Romania. Located at the convergence of 3 rivers: Tisa, Iza, and Mara, Sighetu Marmatiei is the gateway to Maramures. Visitors will find a large number of churches in the centre of town, among them the Gothic Hungarian Reformed Church built in the 15th century and the slightly younger Romanian Catholic Church. A synagogue and a Jewish cemetary tell the visitor something about the Jewish past of the town.

We leave Bucovina and head to the splendid region of Maramures (Northern Transylvania). You will pass through the stunning Carpathian mountains over the Prislop Pass (1400 meters, snow all year round ) . Due to the relative isolation of their land, the people of Maramures developed a particularly strong community, with a unique personality, traditions, culture, fashion and lifestyle unspoiled for centuries. Stop in the villages of Poenile Izei for the dowry tradition and Barsana for the wonderfully carved wooden gates.

Casa Iurca de Calinesti (4*) is located in Sighetu Marmatiei, right in the heart of Maramures Land, a place loaded with history and legends. You will see wonderful wood carvings realized by the inhabitants of those ancient places. The traditional guesthouse offers 22 rooms equipped with TV, mini-bar and internet connection. Travelling through Maramures, means to discover the craftsmanship and spirit of local artists who built a civilization based on wood carvings, while feeling the human presence and pride behind every piece of furniture, pottery, traditional costumes and handmade ornaments. The staff from Casa Iurca de Calinesti tries to pour into the travellers heart a drop from the essence of Maramures. They do this with a responsibility and passion for people and for tradition. Enjoy your stay!

Overnight at Casa Iurca (4*).


Sighetu Marmatiei
Sighetu Marmatiei
Barsana Maramures
Barsana Maramures
Casa Iurca de Calinesti
Casa Iurca de Calinesti
Day 5 Sighetu Marmatiei

After breakfast, the village of Sapinta, will enable you to explore the world famous "Merry Cemetery". Here each wooden cross carries a funny epitaph. Continue to Valea Cosaului – an area off most tourist routes but with an untouched heritage. Stop to meet the local fair in Bogdan Voda, a colorful world where you can find everything , from horses to chinese sport shoes. Later, a visit to Calinesti church and village, including an icon-on-glass workshop, and a plum brandy distillery. If weather allows we can have a picnic lunch close to the church, surrounded by deep green forrest. Late in the afternoon return to the hotel for dinner and exclusively organized Maramures folklore show.

Overnight at Casa Iurca (4*).


Sapinta Merry Cemetery
Sapinta Merry Cemetery
Day 6 Cluj-Napoca

Cluj-Napoca, commonly known as Cluj, is the fourth most populous city in Romania and the seat of Cluj County in the northwestern part of the country. Geographically, it is roughly equidistant from Bucharest, Budapest and Belgrade. Located in the Somesul Mic River valley, the city is considered the unofficial capital to the historical province of Transylvania. In 1790-1848 and 1861–1867, it was the official capital of the Grand Principality of Transylvania.

Located in the Somesul Mic River valley, the city is considered the unofficial capital to the historical province of Transylvania and it is the fourth most populous city in Romania. Featuring baroque, gothic, Renaissance and neoclassical buildings, the square allows for quick access to St. Michael's Church and the Banffy Palace. Flanking the church on the south side is a 1902 equestrian statue of the 15-th century ruler, Matei Corvin. In the southwest corner of the square stands Hotel Continental, built in 1895 in an eclectic style combining Renaissance, classical and baroque elements. During World War II, the hotel served as the German military headquarters in Transylvania. Across the square, you can visit the Hintz House, which served as Cluj's first and longest-running pharmacy (1573-1949) and is now home to the Pharmacy Museum. Walk around the city and discover all these sights.

Golden Tulip Ana Dome (4*) is located in the uptown area of Cluj-Napoca and offers its guest a spectacular view of the city while being only 5 minutes away from the city center. You must have dreamed about the hotel that offers you the best guest services and where you have the joy of feeling at home.The Golden Tulip Ana Dome hotel in Cluj-Napoca is the perfect choice. Their staff will make sure that you feel like their most important guest. Golden Tulip Ana Dome can accomodate up to 217 guests in their spacious rooms with high speed internet connection, flat screen LCD and stunning views. Other amenities include: stilysh restaurant, hot sauna and proffesional massage.

Overnight at Golden Tulip Ana Dome (4*).


Statue of Matei Corvin
Statue of Matei Corvin
Golden Tulip Ana Dome
Golden Tulip Ana Dome
Day 7 Sibiu

Sibiu is one of the largest cities in Transylvania, Romania with a population of about 160,000. It straddles the Cibin River, a tributary of the river Olt. It is one of the most important cultural and religious centres in Romania as well a major transportation hub in central Romania. The city used to be the centre of the Transylvanian Saxons in Romania until World War II. Sibiu was designated European Capital of Culture for the year 2007 together with Luxembourg.

Enjoy a relaxing city tour of Sibiu, the European Capital of Culture in 2007, a medieval city with narrow streets and gothic arhitecture. Considered to be the jewel in the crown of German Siebenbuergen (Transylvania), the town dates back from 1400 and is one of the main tourist attraction in Romania. Visit Brukental Museum, the oldest museum in Romania with a vast collection of paintings, antiques, coins, and rare books, built by governor of Transylvania, Samuel Brukenthal between 1777 and 1787.

Hotel Roberts (3*) situated in a quiet neighborhood, within walking distance to the historic center. The goal is to make the hotel "Your home away from home" by providing a warm and friendly environment alongside excellent service. The hotel enchants with a tranquil and elegant atmosphere and its excellent service. Choose from 27 nicely furnished double rooms and 2 apartments. There is also a restaurant/bar with a capacity of up to 60 people and a multifunctional conference room with a capacity of up to 60 people.

Overnight at Roberts (3*).


Sibiu
Sibiu
Hotel Roberts
Hotel Roberts
Day 8 Sibiu

Experience the countryside today and see how local village people live. You will be problably wake by the sound of the cows returning to the summer meadows then after a wonderful breakfast a horse and cart will take you up through the High Nature Value meadows to visit a traditional shepherds Stana, see the sheep being milked and cheese being made, later you will visit the local charcoal burner and other village craftsmen. You will take a picnic in the hills above the village. Returning to the village you will visit the UNESCO church then have time to explore.

Overnight at Roberts (3*).


Countryside
Countryside
Day 9 Brasov

Brasov is a city in Romania and the capital of Brasov County. The city is located in the central part of the country, about 166 km from Bucharest. It is surrounded by the Southern Carpathians, and is part of the Transylvania region. Centrally located Brasov is a good starting point for trips around Romania: the Black Sea resorts, the monasteries in northern Moldavia, and the well-preserved wooden churches of Maramure. It is also the largest city in a mountain resorts area. The old city itself is very well preserved, and is best seen by taking the cable-car to the top of Tâmpa Mountain (995 m), a beautiful lookout.

Breakfast. Leave Sibiu and stop in Biertan to visit the citadel, then onto Sighisoara. Sighisoara is the best preserved early middle age fortress-town in Europe, and therefore included in the World Cultural Heritage. Optional lunch in the Casa de Vlad Dracul restaurant - the actual house where Dracula was born and lived up to the age of four. Take a stroll through the old cobbled streets of Sighisoara and let yourself filled with its middle age like atmosphere. Visit the Clock Tower and the Church on the Hill. Continue to Brasov for overnight.

Casa Wagner (3*) located in the very heart of the old city of Brasov, right on the pedestrian area Council Square, with amazing views of the famous Black Church and Mount Tampa. The hotel has a very special atmosphere as you will be accommodated in a historic setting, in a building that dates back to 1477, decorated with locally crafted furnishings and antique artwork. The hotel offers 12 luxurious and spacious suites that have been refurbished to preserve the past while accommodating modern needs and amenities. The location boasts exquisite views toward Piata Sfatului, Black Church and Tampa Mountain as well as many other tourist attractions. Perfectly suitable for leisure guests, Casa Wagner Hotel is a lovely choice for a stay in this Transylvanian town.

Overnight at Casa Wagner (3*).


Church of Biertan
Church of Biertan
Casa Wagner in Council Square, Brasov
Casa Wagner in Council Square, Brasov
Day 10 Brasov

Start your Old City tour with the Town Hall Square, where you can admire the colorfully painted and ornately trimmed baroque structures. Visit the Black Church, the largest gothic church in Romania. Continue your visit and see Catherine's Gate errected in 1559, the only original gate that still survives since medieval times. Visit Weavel's Bastion, the largest medieval bastion in Brasov and the best-preserved among the seven original watchtowers constructed around the city walls.

Overnight at Casa Wagner (3*).


Town Hall Square, Brasov
Town Hall Square, Brasov
Day 11 Bucharest

Bucharest is the capital city, industrial, and commercial centre of Romania. By European standards, Bucharest is not an old city, its existence first being referred to by scholars as late as 1459. Since then it has gone through a variety of changes, becoming the state capital of Romania in 1862 and steadily consolidating its position as the centre of the Romanian mass media, culture and arts. Its eclectic architecture is a mix of historical, interbellum, Communist-era and modern. In the period between the two World Wars, the city's elegant architecture and the sophistication of its elite earned Bucharest the nickname of the "Paris of the East" or "Little Paris" (Micul Paris). Although many buildings and districts in the historic centre were damaged or destroyed by war, earthquakes and Nicolae Ceau?escu's program of systematization, many survived. In recent years, the city has been experiencing an economic and cultural boom.

Enjoy a full day tour and visit the famous Bran Castle or Dracula castle. Continue your tour with Peles Castle, one of the most beautiful castles in Europe, a masterpiece of German New-Renaissance architecture, commissioned by King Carol I in 1873 and completed in 1883. Admire Pelisor Castle, about 100 m uphill from the castle, built by King Carol I for his nephew.

Overnight at Rembrandt Hotel (3*).


Peles Castle
Peles Castle
Day 12 Bucharest

Airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).



Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.