Real Romania

Real Romania

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10 Days From

$4053

Real Romania

10 Days Starting and ending in Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Visiting: Cluj-Napoca, Maramures, Iza Valley, Rodna Mountains, Moldovita, Lacu Roșu, Hasmas National Park, Sighisoara

Tour operator:

Crooked Compass

Tour code:

6478

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Wine Tasting

From: $4053

NB: Prices correct on 02-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview


  • Explore the beautiful region of Maramures

  • Trek through the Iza Valley

  • Witness the magnificent Stiol Lake, a glacial lake

  • Admire UNESCO Painted Monasteries

  • Hike into a remote Hutsal village and engage with the local craftsmen

  • Visit the Red Lake or ‘Killer Lake’

  • Enjoy a walking tour of Cluj


Located in the heart of Eastern Europe is Romania. A country famed for its delicious wines and fortified castles that have given birth to the legend of Dracula.

Join us as we embrace off-the-map experiences and discover the medieval traditions of this fascinating culture. Enjoy scenic hikes through the dense forests of Transylvania and explore the picturesque Carpathian Mountains.

Follow the footsteps of the first Saxons settlers as you wander Viscri, experiencing a horse drawn carriage ride through this beautiful Saxon style town. Discover what attracted royalty to Romania, and why a certain Prince of Wales decided to buy a house after just one visit. Still relatively unexplored, this is the perfect trip for those who are well traveled seeking a more diverse experience in an often overlooked part of our world.

Highlights

  • Explore the beautiful region of Maramures and trek through the Iza Valley.

  • Witness the magnificent Stiol Lake, a glacial lake in the Rodna Mountains.

  • Admire the UNESCO Painted Monasteries, including Sucevita and Moldovita.

  • Hike into a remote Hutsul village and engage with local craftsmen.

  • Visit the Red Lake, also known as 'Killer Lake', and learn about its legends.

  • Enjoy a walking tour of Cluj, exploring its Gothic and Baroque architecture.

  • Experience a horse-drawn carriage ride in the Saxon village of Viscri.

  • Discover the Merry Cemetery in Sapanta, known for its colorful tombstones.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 – Arrival In Cluj

Location: Cluj-Napoca

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pensiunea Marioara or similar

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Romania! Upon arrival at Cluj International Airport you will be met by your guide and start your journey to the beautiful region of Maramures.


On your way to Breb, you will enjoy an amazing Lord of The Rings-like landscape while in Targu Lapus and stop to admire the beautiful virgin forest at Strimbu Baiut, the last secular virgin forest in Maramures and one of the forests that was entered the UNESCO Patrimony in June 2017.


Continue your journey to Hoteni, one of the few settlements in Maramures developed on the hills of Piedmont Gutâi. In the evening you will reach Breb, where you will have a traditional dinner and spend the night. (D)


2 night stay at Pensiunea Marioara or similar

Distance and Journey Time: Airport – Maramures and surrounds (160km) 3hr drive


Day 2 - Maramures

Location: Maramures

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pensiunea Marioara or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will be spending time visiting Maramures, an open air museum. The locals have managed to overcome hardship, living by two principles: live your life to the full and cherish, above all, the richness of the soul. You will start exploring this wonderful region with Breb. The houses and old wooden churches in Breb are nowadays part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The people here are warm and they will tell you about their life and even invite  you into their house. For lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy fresh products and delicious fruity liqueurs.


Your next stop is Sapanta, the world’s one and only Merry Cemetery and after dinner, there will be time for you to have a nice walk through Sighetu Marmatiei before arriving back to your accommodation. (B,L,D)


Distance and Journey Time: Maramures  and surrounds (100km) 2hr drive


Day 3 – Trekking Through The Iza Valley

Location: Iza Valley

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pensiunea Teodora Teleptean or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is an active day, trekking through the Iza Valley and continuing to explore Maramures with a visit to two ancient wooden churches that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Poienile Izei (Iza Meadows) and Barsana. Perfected across generations, the art of wood carving remains the chief craft of the local community, as you’ll see in an arts and crafts workshop.


After the presentation you’ll have the opportunity to taste the local products in one of the most picturesque and well preserved regions in Romania. Your journey will continue on to Botiza, the village known for its wool carpets, where you will visit a family that sews carpets. (B,L,D)


Overnight at Pensiunea Teodora Teleptean or similar

Walking Distance: Approximately 8.5km


Walking Time: Approximately 4-6 hours

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate, some parts with no shade. ↑207 ↓260m

Distance and Journey Time: (90km) 1.5hr drive


At the start, you will stroll through the villages. The first part from Botiza follows unsealed roads and paths.


Day 4 – Trekking Through Rodna Mountains

Location: Rodna Mountains

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Casa cu Cerbi or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning will begin with a big breakfast, as you replenish your energy from the day before and get prepared for the spectacular day ahead. Your guide will drive you to Borsa, where you will take a chairlift deep into the beautiful Rodna Mountains. Trek through the mountains and take in the wonderful Romanian countryside, a true highlight of your journey will be when you first witness the magnificent Stiol Lake, a glacier lake from which the Bistrita river springs. In the evening you will be transferred to Sucevita. (B,L,D)


2 night stay at Casa cu Cerbi or similar

Walking Distance: approx. 7.5km

Walking Time: Approx. 4-5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate, mostly no shade

Distance and Journey Time: Rodna Mountains – Sucevita (230km) 4hr drive


The first half is through the forest, followed by a meadow that leads you to the lake in a gentle downhill decline.


Day 5 – Walk Through The Moldovita Valley

Location: Moldovita

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Casa cu Cerbi or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today begins in Sucevita, visiting Sucevita Monastery and Marginea Pottery Workshop will reveal the technique of handcrafting traditional black ceramics. You will have the opportunity to admire and purchase painted eggs with traditional patterns, as well as traditional blouses.


This will be followed by a visit to Voronet, a jewel of the UNESCO northern heritage whose frescoes, featuring an intense shade of blue, have become famous throughout the world. The exterior murals have preserved their hues despite centuries of inclement weather, but the ingredients used in preparing the paints are still a mystery.


You will be driven to Moldovita, in order to visit a second UNESCO Painted Monastery, and have a walk through the village. The visits at Sucevita and Moldovita Monasteries will be an unforgettably unique immersion into the medieval Byzantine art and monastic life. Today will also include a trek in a Hutsul village, before enjoying a relaxing picnic. On this particular journey, you’ll have the chance to interact with locals and craftsmen eager to share their lively stories and other truly amazing things. In the evening you will return to Sucevita. (B,L,D)


Walking Distance: Approximately 5 km

Walking Time: Approximately 6 hours

Difficulty: Moderate, half through forest, half open meadows ↑363 m ↓820 m

Distance and Journey Time: (130km) 2hr drive


Day 6 - Lacu Rosu

Location: Lacu Roșu

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Red Lake Inn or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will experience “Nicolae Popa” Folk art museum in Târpeti, featuring an impressive collection of festival masks and traditional costumes, including biblical and Judaic references. If you wish to immerse more in the typical idyllic rural life of the region and to better understand the way the locals truly live, a visit with locals of the region can be organised.


Your guide will continue driving northwards, crossing the Bicaz Dam and around the east side of Lake Bicaz. When the sky is clear you can have some of the most stunning scenery in Romania – the lake with the ‘magic mountain’ Ceahlau Mountains in the background.


This afternoon, you will visit the Red Lake. The Red Lake is also known as ‘the Killer Lake’, partly because of the reddish, blood-like colour lent by the sediments carried by the river supplying it with water, and partly due to the legend saying that, at the time the mountain collapsed and formed the dam, a shepherd and his sheep were caught underneath. (B,L,D)


Overnight at Red Lake Inn or similar

Distance and Journey Time: (200km) 3hr45min drive


Day 7 – Trek Through Hasmas National Park

Location: Hasmas National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Viscri 125 or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning begins with trekking through Hasmas mountains, crossing the Bicaz Bridge, the oldest construction in the region, built in 1926, which helped introduce tourism at Lacu Rosu. You will reach Suhard Lodge, following a trail on the south wall of the Small Suhard, in order to reach the belle view point, from where you can admire the beautiful area and with a bit of luck, you will be able to see the local black goats.


In the afternoon, return to Lacu Rosu, before transferring to Viscri, for a very tasty lunch with Mama Gerda, the woman who made Prince Charles fall in love with Romanian food. (B,L,D)


Walking Distance: Trekking through Hasmas Mountains Approximately 4.7 km

Walking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate, parts through forest; · ↑365 m ↓369 m

Distance and Journey Time: Lacu Rosu – Viscri (160km) 3hr drive


The first 200m of the trek is on asphalt road, then we begin following a path which will lead us to a beautiful belleview point. Afterwards, we will follow a forest path and a 365m steep climb to the Suhardul Mic Plateau.


Day 8 – Viscri

Location: Sighisoara

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Fronius Residence or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, you will be introduced to a small village that was founded a millennium ago by the first Saxon settlers arriving from the area of Luxembourg. It is tucked away under the Transylvanian forests and sheltered from the busy roads, preserving its medieval charm. This is a place that once attracted royalty – the Prince of Wales. Charmed by the beauty of the area and by the simplicity of its life, he bought a house here and refurbished it, preserving its traditional style. Here you will experience a horse drawn carriage and wander through this beautiful Saxon village.


In the afternoon, you will head to Sighisoara, considered the only medieval fortress within UNESCO that’s currently inhabited. Walking up the winding cobble stone streets lined with historical buildings, reach the Clock Tower, a symbol of the city, atop of which you can admire the breathtaking views. The Tower shelters a museum of medieval weapons and the chamber of torture. After visiting the tower, climb the three hundred wooden steps up to the Church-on-the-hill, built in the XIV century. The remainder of the day will be free for you to explore Sighisoara. (B,L,D)


Overnight at Fronius Residence or similar

Distance and Journey Time: Viscri – Sighisoara (45km) 45min drive


Day 9 – Sighisoara

Location: Sighisoara

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Opera Plaza Cluj or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will visit the Biertan Fortified Church, first mentioned in 1283 in a document concerning the taxes demanded from the Catholic priests of Saxon settlements by the Superior Board of Alba-Iulia. As far back as the late 14th century, Biertan was mentioned as an oppidum (borough). In 1418 it received the Ius gladii (the right to be a sword bearer) and the right to organise a weekly Saturday market in the main square.


You will then begin your final journey back to Cluj, stopping along the way to have a visit and wine tasting session. The twinning of different nations (Romanians, Hungarians, Saxons) has led both vine cultivation and wine production to develop techniques and skills with amazing results. Considered to be the second motherland of the Traminer grape, Tarnave Vineyard owes this fact to the massive colonisation in the second half of the thirteenth century with Saxons from the Mosel–Rhine Valley who founded Seiden the German name for Jidvei. They seem to have gathered together the strong fragrance of pine resin, the smell of lime blossom, and the transparency and sweetness of acacia honey.


In the evening you will arrive in Cluj. (B,L,D)


Overnight at Hotel Opera Plaza Cluj or similar

Distance and Journey Time: Sighisoara – Cluj Napoca (160km) 2.5hr drive


Day 10 - Departure

Location: Cluj-Napoca

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your last day in Romania will begin with a walking tour of the streets of the beautiful city of Cluj. The city seems to be destined for an intense and rich art scene, cultural events taking place almost weekly. To the bohemian atmosphere of Cluj contributes the picturesque architecture combining classical and baroque styles, mostly clustered around Union Square, in the heart of the city. Start in Cluj Napoca, the Union Square – festooned with Gothic and Baroque–style buildings. You will visit St Michael’s Gothic Cathedral and take a stroll down Mirror Street.


In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)


Distance and Journey Time: Cluj – Airport 20min drive


What's Included

  • Return airport transfers

  • 9 nights accommodation

  • 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners

  • Services of an English speaking guide

  • Entrance fees

  • Sightseeing as per the itinerary

  • Transportation in a private vehicle

  • Wine Tasting at Jidvei Castle

What's Not Included

  • Travel Insurance

  • International and domestic flights

  • Drinks unless otherwise mentioned

  • Visas

  • Tips

  • Items of personal nature

  • Inoculations

  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides transportation in a private vehicle, including return airport transfers, ensuring a seamless journey through Romania's picturesque landscapes.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    You will enjoy comfortable stays at charming local guesthouses such as Pensiunea Marioara, Casa cu Cerbi, and Red Lake Inn, which offer authentic Romanian hospitality and traditional meals throughout your journey.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the package includes 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 9 dinners.

  • Will there be a guide during the tour?

    Yes, the services of an English-speaking guide will be available throughout the tour.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?

    Yes, entrance fees for attractions mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour package.

  • Is there a wine tasting experience included in the tour?

    Yes, a wine tasting session at Jidvei Castle is included in the tour.

  • What is the difficulty level of the trekking activities on this tour?

    The trekking activities vary in difficulty from easy to moderate, with some parts having no shade and others involving moderate climbs.

  • What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, interactions with local craftsmen, a horse-drawn carriage ride in a Saxon village, and a visit to the Merry Cemetery in Sapanta.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes. Focusing on providing authentic experiences where ever you are in the world, Crooked Compass has access to a vast array of accommodation styles. From boutique properties in larger cities to local guest houses and home stays within small villages. Crooked Compass ensures that local authenticity flows through your accommodation throughout your tour without compromising standard.

  • What sort of transportation is used for your tours?

    Transportation utilised on a Crooked Compass escorted small group tour is a combination of a private air conditioned vehicle and local transport where appropriate. This may include a local bus ride, use of the cities metro system, a domestic flight to another city or overnight train ride.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Crooked Compass strives to be a leader in sustainable tourism. Crooked Compass is firmly committed to the principles of ethical travel. Our comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Practices policy summarises our commitments and actions. Although the very basis of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of sustainable tourism, this policy re-iterates our commitment to: Use locally owned hotels Use locally owned ground agents Use local guides and drivers Promote community tourism projects from homestays to craft shops Support charities that work within the destinations that we travel to Carbon offset our travels

  • Who runs your tours and are they experts in their fields?

    Crooked Compass works with the worlds best operators who are specialists in their country, region and cities providing you with in depth local knowledge. We use local guides who live and breathe the areas they work in, making sure you experience their region, their way. We believe it is far better to have a local guide who knows a lot about a little than a text book trained Western tour guide who knows a little about a lot. Using local guides also ensures that money stays within local communities and supports the regions we visit.

  • What can I expect from a Crooked Compass tour that I wouldn't get from travelling with an alternative company?

    Crooked Compass provides a sensory way to understand the world – we help you live like a local, eat like a local, do what the locals do and seek the faces behind the places whilst discovering untouched lands and natural beauty. Crooked Compass tours delve deep into the heart and soul of a destination ensuring you get out of your journey all you intended and much, much more. Our intriguing itineraries have been created by travellers for travellers. Steering travellers to follow a different path, Crooked Compass’ itineraries allow you to experience the world’s most fascinating destinations in ways you never dreamed possible. It brings to life those ‘bucket list’ experiences you have yearned to do and separates the travellers from the tourists. Crooked Compass tours are culturally rich, reward travellers with unexpected encounters and uncommon rendezvous, creating truly unique, authentic travel experiences.

  • Who do your tours cater for?

    Crooked Compass escorted small group tours cater for those who are well travelled seeking the what’s next and what’s new. Our travellers are curious minded soft adventurers who want to uncover something more than the mainstream tourist trail. Crooked Compass tours draw travellers with an interest in sustainable tourism and conservation for the areas they visit. A Crooked Compass traveller is someone who is seeking something fresh and unique, who has a yearning for authenticity and discovery, with an appreciation for cultures, tradition and the natural world. We call them Cultural Purists.

  • I am concerned about my impact on travelling through untouched regions. Can I offset?

    Yes. All travellers on Crooked Compass tours have the option to offset their part of their tour’s carbon footprint by donating $4AUD (tax-deductible) at time of booking. 100% of these funds are donated to Greenfleet, an environmental non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting our climate by restoring our forests. By partnering with Greenfleet, we are confident that our carbon offset program provides genuine and lasting environmental benefits. Your offset donation funds plant trees and restore permanent native forests in Australia and New Zealand. As they grow, these forests provide many community and environmental benefits by absorbing carbon emissions, protecting our unique biodiversity, restoring habitat for native wildlife, preventing soil salinity and erosion, improving water quality and much more. If you’d like to find out more and offset the rest of your carbon emissions, visit www.greenfleet.org.au

Reviews of this operator

Jeff Rehn  

A wonderful trip to Saudi Arabia organised by Crooked Compass

07-Apr-2022

A wonderful trip to Saudi Arabia organised by Crooked Compass. Considering the country is just opening up to tourism everything went very well - flights, trips, transfers, guides and accommodation - thank you CC - highly recommended

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Pauline Mavis Rusby  

We were kept safe at all times.

09-May-2022

We were kept safe at all times. When unexpected hurdles appeared they were handled without fuss. Our tour was informative, picturesque and comfortable.

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Tina Watts-Seale  

Family holiday to Vietnam

01-Aug-2022

We booked a family holiday to Vietnam with Crooked Compass and it was perfect. The booking process was easy and Lisa took all of our requests on board so that the trip was exactly what we wanted. All flights, transfers, accommodations, guides and activities were fantastic, with great communication throughout the whole trip. Would highly recommend, we will be booking again soon!

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Crooked Compass requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of crooked compass charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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