GREAT ROMANIA HIKING TOUR

Arrival at Bucharest Airport. Reception by the Romanian guide and onward journey to the Carpathian Mountains. In the evening a short hike to the mountain hut “Cabana 3 Brazi” for a typical Romanian dinner with folklore music.

 

Morning drive to Peles Castle from Sinaia. Peles Castle was the summer residence of the Romanian royal family of the Hohenzollern. After the visit, hike to the Sinaia Monastery, which was built in the 16th century by the monks from the Sinai Peninsula. Afternoon visit to Bran Castle, also known as Dracula Castle. If you wish, you can also go on a hike up to the Risnov Castle.

 

Morning visit to the city of Brasov, the largest city in Transylvania. Here the Black Church (largest Gothic religious building from Eastern Europe) is visited. Then the old town hall, as well as the orthodox church from the old town will be visited. Then drive to the fortified churches from Harman  and Prejmer. These are the easternmost fortified churches in Transylvania and have defended the Buzau Pass and Brasov for centuries. Then through the Szeklerland to the Red Lake. Here we can take a walk up to the Bicaz gorge.

 

In the morning drive north. The first monastery from the program is the Varatec Monastery. This is reached after a hike of about an hour. There are over 1000 nuns and novices here. Together with the Agapia Monastery, these are some of the largest monasteries in Europe.You can get a complete picture of life in the Orthodox monasteries. In the afternoon the Neamt Monastery is visited. The hike leads past the Vovidenia monastery and the theological seminary. The Neamt Monastery was founded in the 15th century by Prince Stephen the Great.

 

The day begins with a hike to Voronet Monastery. This is also called the “Sistine Chapel” of Romania. The Last Judgment, depicted as the exterior wall painting in this monastery, is world famous. In the afternoon you can see the Moldovita Monastery. Here we are introduced to the world of the Orthodox faith by Mother Tatijana. The exterior wall paintings of the monastery have religious as well as historical scenes. Then visit the Sucevita Monastery with a similar exterior wall painting followed by a visit to the ceramic center from Marginea.

 

In the morning you drive west over the Tihuta Pass. A hike in the mountains is always popular. A short stop at the Hotel Dracula gives us the opportunity to distinguish the legend of Dracula from history. Afternoon city tour in Bistrita. Here you can visit the Protestant church with the highest church tower in Romania. In Targu Mures you can see the largest Orthodox church in Romania during a walk. The architectural style of the city's palace of culture is also very interesting.

 

The program includes a tour of the most important Transylvanian - Saxon fortified churches. First stop is in Sighisoara to visit the old town from the castle. Here you can see the old Clock Tower, as well as the house where Dracula was born. Then a hike to the Church on the Hill. In the afternoon drive to Saros and from here a hike to Biertan to see the largest fortified church in Transylvania. This was the Seat of the Protestant bishops until the end of the 19th century .

 

Morning tour of Bazna  to visit the Saxon fortified church and the health resorts. In the afternoon drive to Medias. City tour in Medias with a visit to the Margaret Church, where you can see the largest winged altar in Eastern Europe.

 

In the morning drive to Axente Sever  and from here a hike to Valea Viilor (wormhole) to see the old fortified church. Short stop in the afternoon in Slimnic. Walk up to the old castle.

 

Morning drive in the young forest and visit to the open-air museum. Then hike to Cisnadioara  to see the Saxon fortified church and the local museum. In the afternoon drive towards Sibiel. Hike to the village. Here you can visit the Glass Icon Museum and the Orthodox Church. Then a cheerful dinner at home with the mountain farmers.

 

In the morning the old town of Sibiu is visited. The Great and small ring as well as the Bridge of Lies are visited. A special moment is also the Evangelical Church in Sibiu, where Dracula's son, Mihnea the Evil one, is buried. The Bruckenthal Palace is also very attractive because of its art gallery. In the afternoon drive through the Red Tower Pass into Wallachia. A short stop is also made at the Cozia monastery (14th century). This is one of the oldest Orthodox monasteries in Romania.

 

In the morning drive on the highway towards the capital of Romania. Then city tour in Bucharest with a visit to the Palace of the Parliament (second largest building in the world after the Pentagon), the Patriarchal Church (seat of the Orthodox Chief from Romania), as well as the Village Museum. In the afternoon transfer to the airport, farewell to the Romanian tour guide and flight home.

 

At least people	5 pax	10 pax	15 pax	20 pax
Price per person (DR / HB)	480 €	420 €	370 €	315 €
Single room surcharge	75 €	75 €	75 €	75 €

• 11 nights;