Painted Monasteries & Wooden Churches of Romania

Arrive in Iasi and transfer to the hotel for overnight stay. 

• Hotel Description

This morning enjoy a guided tour around Iasi, take a stroll along Stephan the Great Boulevard, soaking in the city's bohemian ambiance. Admire the impressive Rozovanu Palace and Romania's oldest national theatre, the "Vasile Alecsandri" National Theatre. The tour usually includes visits to two significant religious sites: the Three Hierarchs Church and the Metropolitan Cathedral. One of the highlight of Iasi is the renowned Palace of Culture, along with its beautiful Clock Tower.  After the city tour depart to Gura Humorului, stopping en route at Ruginoasa to visit the palace dedicated to Alexandru Cuza, a former prince of Moldavia. Check in to your hotel for 2 nights. (B)

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Today embark on a a full day tour of the famous painted monasteries of Bucovina including three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Bucovina: Voronet Monastery, constructed in just three months and adorned with captivating exterior murals, portrays the history of Christianity influenced by folk beliefs and Orthodox thought. Moldovita Monastery featuring immense colour illustrations of biblical scenes, offering a unique way for the uneducated to learn about the Bible's teachings. Also visit Sucevita Monastery, a newer addition to the Painted Monasteries, showcasing striking murals dominated by a captivating shade of green, created with ancient techniques and natural pigments. A stop can be made in Marginea, renowned worldwide for its black pottery crafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques, creating unique vessels with an unmistakable dark hue achieved through a special firing process. (B)

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Depart Gura Humorului and head to the Mamures region, home to Romania's most famous wooden churches. Today visit three of the most impressive -Voda Wooden Church, here marvel at the intricate woodcarvings and delicate frescoes inside this traditional masterpiece. Stop off at Rozavlea Wooden Church and admire the craftsmanship of its ornate iconostasis and vibrant frescoes that narrate stories of faith and devotion. Barsana Wooden Church is an UNESCO World Heritage site and features an imposing tower and intricately carved wooden gates. After exploring these churches with your local guide, continue to Sighetu Marmatiei, known as Sighet. (B)

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Today drive to Viseul de Sus village for a scenic narrow gauge train ride. Continue to explore the region of Baia Mare, visiting Sapanta and the Merry Cemetery. Located in the village of Sapanta, it is an open-air museum and a national tourist attraction which is famous for its colourful tombstones. End the day by visiting a local family who will demonstrate traditional weaving techniques. (B)

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Depart Sighetu Marmatiei and head towards Cluj Napoca stopping en route to visit Surdesti Wooden Church, one of the tallest of its kind in Europe. Upon arrival in Cluj enjoy a city tour with a local guide. The unofficial capital of the Transylvania region, it is home to landmarks dating back to Saxon and Hungarian rule. Surrounding its central square, Piața Unirii, is the Gothic-style St. Michael's Church and the dramatic Matthias Corvinus Statue of the 15th-century king. The baroque-era Bánffy Palace is now a museum showcasing Romanian art. (B)

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Transfer to Cluj airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)