The ultimate tour to discover Maramureș in depth. The most conservative region of Europe has developed a unique culture with strong traditions and distinct lifestyle, with their folk costumes, dowry tradition, the hay culture, the self-sufficient farming, or the wonderfully carved wooden gates and churches. See its best attractions and meet the locals at their homes, at the food market or out on the fields, walk through the best hay meadows of Europe and get off the beaten path.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Cluj-Napoca Airport (Arrival Gate)
Day 1: Sighetu Marmatiei and Sapanta
Visit the Memorial to the Victims of the Communism, the most visited museum in northern Romania, actually a former prison where 200 former dignitaries were imprisoned in the 1950s, with over 50 of them dying there.
Visit the Merry Cemetery of Sapanta, the only cemetery in the world whose epitaphs sometimes have a satirical-humorous tone, the one in Săpânţa, contains approximately 1000 wooden funerary monuments carved and painted in vivid colors, on which verses are engraved, a true chronicle of the village, describing both the qualities and the flaws of the villagers.
The last place for the day 1 is at Peri Monastery (2 km away from the Merry Cemetery), which has the tallest wooden church in the world: 75 meters high.
Overnight in Breb village.
Day 2. Barsana and Iza Valley craftspeople
Visit Bârsana Monastery, the most imposing in the northwestern part of Romania. The church, probably the most successful example of contemporary Romanian wooden religious architecture, dominates the amphitheater-shaped enclosure of the complex guarded by the most beautiful flowers in Maramureș.
Visit a wood carving workshop, where are created gates, furniture and even wood churches.
Later, on Iza Valley, meet a very skilled plant-dyed rug weaver (an UNESCO intangible heritage), see a salt water spring, visit a pottery workshop, and see a traditional old wooden house with dowry room, still inhabited today. Overnight in Breb.
Day 3. Breb and Cosau Valley
In Breb, the most beautiful and best known Maramureș village, make a short walk and meet several local craftspeople and farmers.
On Cosău Valley, meet a lovely self-sufficient farmer family and see a medieval wooden church, virtually unknown.
Then, watch the unique water mills, whirlpool and alcohol distillery, still operating for community needs, and run by the same family for hundreds of years.
Before heading back to Cluj-Napoca, see an unique optical illusion near Budești.
Ending Point
Cluj Napoca Airport
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
The guiding fee
The entrance tickets
The accommodation for 2 nights with breakfast, at a 3-star or equivalent facility, based o a 2 people sharing a double room.
Private transportation (with a 5-seat Skoda Octavia, AC, gasoline, parking and toll fees included).
The pick up/drop off from Cluj-Napoca Airport
Other meals except breakfast for day 2 and 3 (a lunch or dinner cost 10-15 dollars/person).
Drinks and snacks
Travel insurance
This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Please let me know in advance if you have any pollen or food allergies but also if have other dietary restrictions.
I work as a licensed tour guide and travel consultant.
During the last 20 years, I have guided people from 50 countries on 6 continents.
I have a Master’s degree in tourism, but I am a former journalist. I still research and write a little (articles, papers and even books), when I find time to do it.
I am passionate about history, nature, traditional life, and ethnic minorities.
Portofolio (selection): Rick Steves Europe, Lonely Planet, National Geographic Magazine, The Guardian, Le Figaro, Travel Channel.
$1,400/ per group