Holiday in Bukovina - 9 days

Private tour in Bucharest

Tour Price : USD 1700 per person in double room; single supplement - USD 450 Duration : 9 days Languages: English, Spanish

Holiday in Bukovina:  Explore the land of the Painted Monasteries and ancient traditions

Nestled in the rolling hills of northern Moldova is the region of Bucovina, home to one of the world’s greatest art treasures: the UNESCO World heritage sites of the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries and featuring colorful exterior frescoes depicting dramatic religious scenes, these richly decorated houses of worship are unique in the world.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Bucharest. Welcome to Romania! We will pick you up at the airport and take you to check in at the coziest 4* hotel in Bucharest. During the afternoon there will be a panoramic tour of the capital city which includes: Parliament Palace, Arch of Triumph, Kiseleff Boulevard, Athenaeum, Revolution Square, Town Center. Dinner will be served in one of the finest Romanian restaurants.

Day 2 - Bucharest - Buzau - Focsani

 There is a spectacular place in Romania, at Berca, nearby Buzau, called the Muddy Volcanoes. This is a natural reservation very scarce in vegetation, where the soil is made of dried mud coming out from small volcanoes mouths. The land is soft, but it is possible to walk on it. Arrival in Focsani, lunch in a very pitoresque wine cellar and in the afternoon we will visit one of the biggest wine cellars in Romania named 'Beciul Domnesc' (The Royal Cellar) located in Odobesti dating from 1500. The Odobesti city is surrounded by endless vines and that is why it is called 'the city behind the vines'. Dinner and accommodation 4* B & B.

Day 3 - Focsani - Iasi

In the morning we will travel outside Focsani to experience one of the most fascinating and unseen marvels of the nature. It is a natural phenomenon caused by gas eliminated from the earth forming flames which burn constantly. The area, known as the 'Live fire' was declared geological reserve in 1995.  We leave Focsani and continue our journey to Iasi, the most important political, economic and cultural center of the province of Moldavia as well as one of the oldest cities in Romania. Located in the northeastern part of the country, Iasi was for many centuries the crossing point of the most important commercial routes linking Poland, Hungary, Russia and Constantinople.

Highlights: Palace of Culture, National Theater, Golia Monastery, Moldavian Metropolitan Cathedral, Church of the Three Hierarchs, Union Square.

Day 4. Iasi - Suceava - Voronet

Once the capital of Moldovia (from 1388 until 1565), Suceava is an excellent starting point for trips to the many historical, cultural and natural attractions travelers can enjoy in the Bucovina region. Suceava is also the gateway to visiting the Painted Monasteries of Bukovina. Other sites in Suceava include the 14th century Mirauti Church, the Zamca Monastery and the Bucovina Village Museum, dedicated to the woodcraft, ethnography, history and folk art of the region. The Bucovina History Museum displays medieval armor, coins, weaponry, tools and ancient documents. We will visit these archaeological and historic gems before heading to the painted monasteries area.

Day 5. Voronet Monastery- Gura Humorului Monastery- Marginea village - Sucevita Fortress Monastery

Voronet Monastery. Among the most picturesque treasures of Romania are the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina (in northeastern Romania). Their painted exterior walls are decorated with elaborate 15th and 16th century frescoes featuring portraits of saints and prophets, scenes from the life of Jesus, images of angels and demons, and heaven and hell.

Village of Marginea and Regional Pottery of Bucovina. Marginea Ceramics is already a well-known brand. Historians date the beginning of pottery at Marginea in 1500. The little village is famous for its black pottery. Local artisans still produce this pottery - you can pick up a piece as a souvenir of the region. You will also be able to learn a little about this form of art and make your own piece under the guidance of an experienced potter. You can take your work of art home and put it on your mantel.

Day 6. Painted Eggs Museum - Moldovita Monastery - Putna Monastery.

 The Egg Museum exhibits the largest collection of painted eggs in Romania and also one of the most important in Europe. Located not far from the Voronet, Moldovita or Sucevita monasteries, the museum is an important place to discover traditions of the painted eggs handcraft. In the workshop you will be able to work alongside Professor Letitia, the owner of the museum and also the creator of painted eggs, which will explain to you the meanings of Bucovina symbols. The Painted Eggs Museum includes over 3,000 eggs, gathered by Letitia in 12 years of participation in national and international exhibitions, and of course Bucovina eggs made by the artist herself. The collection includes rare eggs, like those of emu, rhea, tinamu, turtle, crocodile, flamingo, and very small eggs, llike of partridge, sparrow, dove and also of pheasant, peacock, quail, duck, goose, turkey, ostrich.

Day 7. Voronet - Targu Neamt - Bicaz Gorges - Bucharest

Neamt Fortress in Targu Neamt. Perched high on a rocky hill, overlooking the town for almost six centuries, Neamt Fortress has played a vital role in the defense of the region against predatory raids.

Neamt Monastery. Founded in the 12th century, the Monastery stands as one of Romania's oldest and most important religious settlements. Tucked away at the foot of the Ceahlau Mountains and surrounded by old forests, the monastery resembles a fortress with its high walls and defence tower.

The road that slices through the Bicaz Gorges (Cheile Bicazului) is among Romania's most staggering and spectacular. The gorge twists and turns steeply uphill for three miles, cutting through sheer 1,000-foot limestone cliffs on its journey through the mountains.

We will stop for lunch at the Red Lake where you will be able to enjoy an amazing view.

Day 8. Bucharest City Tour. Visit at Parliament Palace (the second largest building in the world after the U. S. Pentagon) and Village Museum.

Touristic attractions included: Revolution Square, Parliament Palace, Village Museum, Opera House, the Athenaeum, Arch of Triumph, Kiselleff Boulevard.

Day 9. Goodbye Romania! Airport transfer.

**What's Included:

- Airport transfer (round trip)

- Minibus with driver (A/C)

- English-speaking guide

- Accommodation with breakfast as follows:

2 nights at 4* hotel in Bucharest

2 nights at 3* B & B in Focsani

1   night at 4* hotel in Iasi

3 nights at 4* hotel in Bukovina (Voronet)

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**What's Extra:

- Airfare

- Entrance and photo/video fees

- Lunch and dinner

Additional information