Authentic and Vibrant Tour in Romania, Moldova & Ukraine
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine, where authentic culture and vibrant traditions come to life. This tour offers a unique blend of historical landmarks, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences, taking you deep into the heart of Eastern Europe’s diverse heritage. From picturesque villages to bustling cities, immerse yourself in the beauty and spirit of these captivating regions
Day 1
Arrival in Bucharest
Arrive in Bucharest and enjoy a traditional dinner at a restaurant known for authentic Romanian cuisine. Afterward, check in to a 4-star hotel located in the heart of the city.
Day 2
Bucharest - Brasov
Begin the day with a half-day tour of Bucharest, visiting key landmarks such as the Government Palace, House of Free Press, Royal Palace, Revolution Square, Parliament House (the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon), and the Patriarchal Church. Enjoy lunch at the historic Caru cu Bere Restaurant in the old town. Around 14:00, depart for Brasov, stopping en route in Sinaia to visit the renowned Peles Castle, the former residence of Romania’s royal family. Upon arrival in Brasov, check in at Casa Wagner Hotel, located in the heart of the city. The evening is free for dinner at your leisure.
Day 3
Day 3: Brasov - Dracula Castle - Prejmer - Brasov
In the morning, depart for the famous Bran Castle, often referred to as Dracula’s Castle. After exploring the castle and the lively market nearby, continue to Tartlau (Prejmer) to discover the rich history of the Saxon villages in Transylvania. Settled in the 13th century by German colonists under the Hungarian kings, these villages formed strong communities of farmers, artisans, and merchants. Constantly under threat from Ottoman and Tatar invasions, they constructed impressive fortifications, with the Prejmer Fortified Church being one of the best-preserved in Eastern Europe. Modeled after the churches of Jerusalem and built in the Late Gothic style from the Rhineland, the church offers a fascinating glimpse into this unique history. Enjoy lunch near the fortress.
In the afternoon, return to Brasov and explore the Old City Centre. Key attractions include the iconic Black Church, Weaver’s Bastion, the Black and White Towers, Ekaterina’s Gate, and Council Square. The evening is free for dinner at your leisure, with overnight accommodation at the same hotel.
Day 4
Brasov - Sambata de Sus Monastery - Sibiu
After check-out, begin the drive to Sibiu with a stop at the renowned Brancoveanu Monastery in Sambata de Sus, a sacred place known for offering peace, spiritual comfort, and recovery to all who visit. Continue to Cisnadioara for a traditional Saxon lunch before arriving in Sibiu, the European Capital of Culture in 2007.
Enjoy a city tour of Sibiu’s main attractions, including the Big Square, Small Square, Ursuline Church, Franciscan Church, Staircase Tower, Tanners Tower, Liar’s Bridge, and the Bruckenthal Museum. In the evening, savor a homemade dinner with a local farmer family in a nearby village for an authentic cultural experience. Overnight at Hotel Forum, a 4-star hotel in Sibiu.
Day 5
Sibiu - Biertan - Malincrav - Sighisoara
Continue your journey to Medias, where you'll visit the stunning 14th-century Margareta Church and its remarkable 47-meter-high slanted tower, ranked among the top 10 most slanted towers in the world. Next, explore the UNESCO-listed Biertan Fortified Church, one of the largest medieval churches in Transylvania, with three concentric defensive walls. After a lunch near Biertan, visit the Malancrav Fortified Church, renowned for its unique interior frescoes.
In the late afternoon, arrive in Sighisoara for a guided tour of its citadel. Known as "the Pearl of Transylvania," Sighisoara is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. Founded by German settlers in the late 12th century and granted city status in 1407, its medieval charm is evident both in the city center and within the fortress walls. The tightly packed houses lend the area a quaint, "crowded" feel, designed to optimize space.
Enjoy a free evening for dinner, with an overnight stay at Hotel Froenius, a charming 300+ year-old house.
Day 6
Sighisoara - Murder Lake - Bucovina
Depart for Bucovina, passing through the Hungarian counties of Romania. The first stop is in Corund village, where you'll observe the traditional art of Székely pottery. Continue your journey through the breathtaking Bicaz Gorge, one of Romania’s most stunning landscapes. Along the way, stop at “Red Lake” (Murder Lake) for a visit and enjoy a Hungarian lunch.
After crossing the Eastern Carpathian Mountains, arrive in Gura Humorului for your stay at Roata Hotel, a charming 300+ year-old house. End the day with a traditional dinner. Bucovina is home to Romania’s famous Painted Monasteries, whose exterior walls are adorned with elaborate 15th- and 16th-century frescoes. These frescoes depict saints, prophets, scenes from the life of Jesus, and vivid representations of angels, demons, heaven, and hell.
Day 7
Bucovina Painted Monasteries
Today is dedicated to discovering Bucovina’s famous painted monasteries. After breakfast, visit a local artist specializing in Easter egg painting. She will demonstrate her technique, and you’ll have the chance to try your hand at this traditional art.
Next, visit Moldovita Monastery, where Sister Tatiana will guide you through its stunning frescoes. After a free lunch near Moldovita, continue to Sucevita Monastery, the last of Bucovina’s 22 painted churches, known for its depiction of the Ladder to Paradise—a breathtaking fresco of red-winged angels guiding the righteous to heaven.
In the late afternoon, visit Voronet Monastery around 16:00, when the full sunlight illuminates its masterpiece, "The Last Judgement," often compared to the Sistine Chapel. Voronet, along with Humor, Arbore, Sucevita, and Moldovita, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserving remarkable 16th-century frescoes on both the exterior and interior walls.
End the day with a traditional dinner and overnight at the same accommodation.
Day 8
Bucovina - Maramures
After breakfast, we depart for the picturesque region of Maramures, a full-day drive filled with interesting stops along the way. Our first visit is to the charming village of Ciocanesti, famous for its beautifully painted houses. We then travel over the Prislop Pass, reaching an elevation of 1,400 meters, as we enter Maramures, a region known for its rich wooden culture.
After a lunch stop, our first visit in Maramures is the historic wooden Bogdana Church, dating back to 1710. We’ll then explore the beautiful Birsana Monastery before heading to the day's highlight—the Happy Cemetery in Sapinta, known for its colorful tombstones and humorous epitaphs.
Our final destination is Bella Doina, a slice of paradise offering stunning landscapes, exceptional services, delicious food, and delightful entertainment. Enjoy a traditional dinner and a comfortable stay at the 4-star Bella Doina pension.
Day 9
Maramures
Today, we continue our exploration of the Maramures region, delving deeper into its rich traditions and wooden churches. In addition to visiting these remarkable sites, we will meet a local hat maker and a master distiller who crafts traditional plum brandy. You'll also get to meet local artists and observe unique features like a traditional washing machine and mill.
One of the day’s highlights will be a visit to the Church of St. Parasceva of Desești, built in 1770 with its characteristic slender tower. This wooden church is renowned for its stunning interior murals, painted by local artist Radu Munteanu, and its collection of 14 beautifully painted wooden icons. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this church is often referred to as the “wooden Gothic cathedral” and is the finest of Maramures’ 31 historic wooden churches.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner accompanied by local music and dance, where you’ll be invited to join in the festivities. Overnight at the same accommodation.
Day 10
Maramures - Mukacevo - Ushgorod
After departing Romania via Sighetu Marmatiei, we cross into Ukraine to explore the cities of Mukachevo and Uzhgorod. In the first part of the day, we’ll enjoy sightseeing tours of both towns, discovering their rich history and culture.
In the evening, check in at a 4-star hotel in downtown Uzhgorod for a relaxing stay.
Day 11
Lviv
Enjoy a full-day guided tour of Lviv, starting with a visit to the stunning Baroque-style Cathedral of St. George. Take in the views from High Castle Hill, explore Lviv’s universities, and visit Lychakiv Cemetery, famous for its historical sculptures and burial sites of prominent figures from different eras and cultures.
Next, dive into the heart of the medieval city, with visits to iconic sites such as the Jesuit Church of St. Peter and Paul, the Roman Catholic Cathedral, and the Armenian Cathedral. Stroll through Market Square, a living museum of 45 architectural monuments, and explore the Italian Patio, Town Hall, and Lviv’s Jewish Quarter.
Highlights include the Dominican Cathedral, the Pharmacy Museum, and the renowned Lviv Opera Theatre.
End your day with a stop at a traditional Lviv coffee house for a taste of local history and culture.
Overnight at a 4-star hotel.
Day 12
Lviv - day trip around - Lviv
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the town of Zhovkva for a half-day sightseeing tour. Zhovkva, a rare example of a Renaissance town in Western Ukraine, is home to numerous architectural monuments from the 17th to the 20th centuries, offering a fascinating glimpse into its rich history.
After exploring Zhovkva, continue to the nearby village of Krekhiv, just 11 km away, to visit the Ukrainian-Catholic monastery. This 17th-century fortified monastery, surrounded by peaceful woodlands, is an excellent example of monastic architecture. Its serene location provides a tranquil setting, ideal for reflection and relaxation. After the visit, enjoy a delightful lunch near the monastery.
In the afternoon, return to Lviv for an exciting excursion to the Lviv Brewery Museum, the first of its kind in Ukraine, covering 500 square meters. The museum offers an immersive experience into the world of beer, where visitors can uncover the mysteries of beer-making, explore the history and traditions behind its production, and learn about the iconic "Lvivske" brew. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy its distinct taste, celebrated across the region.
For dinner, savor an authentic Ukrainian meal accompanied by traditional music and performances at a restaurant near the center of Lviv. The owner, Oksana, personally prepares traditional Ukrainian dishes, adding a personal touch to your dining experience. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
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Day 13
Kolomyia - Chernivtsi
After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, begin your journey with a visit to the renowned Pysanka Museum in Kolomyia, dedicated to the art of Easter egg painting. Following the museum visit, enjoy lunch in Kolomyia before continuing to Chernivtsi, the former capital of Bucovina. Once part of Moldova and later Romania, Chernivtsi was annexed by the Soviet Union under Stalin in 1945.
Upon arrival, embark on a full guided sightseeing tour of Chernivtsi. This historic city, over 600 years old as of October 2008, was once the chief city of Bukovina in old Moldavia. It later became part of the Habsburg Empire in the 19th century and briefly belonged to Romania after World War I. Today, Chernivtsi stands as the cultural capital of the unofficial Bukovina region, though its once-vibrant Jewish, Armenian, and German communities have largely faded into history.
During the tour, explore Central Square, Turkish Square, the historic theater, the "ship-house," "Gentlemen Street," and several cathedrals. You'll also visit the stunning Chernivtsi National University, the former residence of the Metropolitan of Bukovina.
Dinner is at your leisure, with an option to attend a performance at the "Holos" theater or enjoy an organ music concert at the Armenian Church. Overnight at a 4-star hotel located in the heart of the city’s main square.
Day 13
Chernivtsi - Hotin - Kamenetz Podolski
On the way, enjoy a guided tour of Khotyn Fortress, an awe-inspiring structure perched above the Dniester River. This massive 12th-16th century fort is an engineering marvel, built atop a 33-foot-deep man-made platform. Its towering 50-meter-high walls, the tallest in Europe, are a testament to ancient architectural brilliance and make this site a truly epic historical landmark.
Prices and Services Include:
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All services as outlined in the program
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Luxury van or minibus with air conditioning
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Professional English-speaking guide available throughout the trip
For a minimum of 4 paying guests:
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Price per person in a double/twin room: €3,591
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Single supplement: €822