Bucovina Painted Monasteries Tour is our most requested day tour, where you have the opportunity to admire some of the most uniquely painted monasteries of Bucovina: “The big four” – The Monastery of Voronet, The Monastery of Humor, The Monastery of Moldovita and The Monastery of Sucevita; all of them listed as UNESCO world heritage. Bucovina Painted Monasteries Tour is not only about the monasteries and the spirituality that lingers in these special places. The Tour also introduce you to the bucolic atmosphere of Bucovina with its charming traditional villages, dense forests, spectacular mountain roads and local craftsmen who preserve ancient traditions. All this in one single day, going on a distance of 200 km and approximately 8 hours.

Hotel pick-up: 08:00 AM Embark on an enchanting day trip from Iasi to the UNESCO Painted Monasteries, nestled in the picturesque region of Bucovina. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Bucovina is home to some of the world's most treasured religious art. Discover the vibrant frescoes adorning the monastic walls, and immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Voronet, Moldovita, and Sucevita Monasteries. The journey begins with a visit to Voronet Monastery, often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of the East." Marvel at the stunning frescoes that have made Voronet world-famous. The intense shade of blue, known as the 'blue of Voronet,' along with the remarkable western fresco depicting the 'Last Judgement of Christ,' adds to its allure. Explore the richly decorated interior and soak in the spiritual ambiance of this revered monastery. Next, delve into the architectural masterpiece that is Moldovita Monastery. Built in the Byzantine style by Prince Petru Rares, Moldovita impresses with its intricate exterior frescoes. Admire the complexity of the artwork, which brings biblical scenes to life and offers a glimpse into the historical and cultural context of the region. Lunch: At your expense Continuing the journey, you'll reach Sucevita Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. Dominated by a shade of green, this monastery presents a unique blend of Gothic and Byzantine influences. The frescoes here reveal biblical narratives and symbolize the spiritual connection between heaven and earth. Explore the tranquil surroundings and feel a sense of serenity as you wander through this architectural gem. Prepare to be captivated by the stunning beauty, historical significance, and artistic wonders that await you in Bucovina's UNESCO Painted Monasteries. Tour duration: 12 hours

To begin this two-day tour, you will be picked up from your hotel in Cluj-Napoca by your guide and start the journey to Bukovina. On your way to Bukovina, you will make a quick stop in Bistrita, the northernmost fortified Transylvanian town. In a short walking tour through the town, you will enjoy the medieval legends and explore its narrow streets. Bukovina is especially famous for its painted monasteries, and over these two days, you will visit the most representative of all seven. During the second part of the day, you will have the chance to visit the most famous painted monastery in the world, Voronet Monastery. The frescoes of the monastery are dominated by intense shades of blue, and the southern wall depicts the best-preserved ‘Last Judgement’ fresco in Romania. The monastery was built in 1488 by Prince Stephen the Great in order to commemorate one of his victories against the Ottoman Empire. Enjoy a traditional dinner with a folkloric dance show at a nearby restaurant then stay overnight in Gura Humorului. You will start the day with a short drive to Humor Monastery, a small cross-shaped church built in 1530, dedicated to the Dormition of Virgin. Red hues dominate the exterior frescoes showing scenes from the lives of saints, as well as significant moments from the locals’ lives, such as the wars with the Turks. Moldovita Monastery is the next stop on your itinerary. The highlight of the day is Transrarau Highway. With a total length of 28 kilometers (17 miles), it is known as the Treasury Road. You will be amazed by its curves and the scenery. It goes up to 1400 meters in altitude, and from there you will have a hike through the Rarau Mountains. You will have the chance to see the rock formations that emerged from the ground millions of years ago in order to give birth to these mountains. After you have filled your lungs with fresh air it is time for lunch at a fish farm.

Spend 3 days touring through the Romanian countryside and exploring the regions of Bucovina and Transylvania on this picturesque and informative tour. Visit World UNESCO Heritage Sites, see monasteries, travel to Count Dracula's castle, and more, all while driving through these 2 regions and learning about their rich histories from your guide. Although the itinerary is quite long, driving in the countryside will offer magnific sceneries and plenty of photo opportunities. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Bucuresti – Bacau – Roman – Bucovina Depart from Bucharest and head through Bucovina, stopping in various towns along the way. Take in the countryside and listen as your guide tells you about Romania's long-standing history. Arrive in Bucovina for the night's stay. Day 2: Bucovina – Sucevita – Moldovita – Voronet – Piatra Neamt (Meals: B) After breakfast, head out on your journey to visit 3 of the most beautiful monasteries in the area. These monasteries–Sucevita, Moldovita, and Voronet–are famous for being painted, and are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then enjoy an overnight stay in Piatra Neamt. Day 3: Piatra Neamt – Lacul Rosu – Brasov – Bran - Bucuresti (Meals: B) Enjoy breakfast before heading toward the central region of Romania: Transylvania! Admire the scenery as you drive through the Carpathian mountains, and enjoy a stop at Bran, the castle of the famous Count Dracula. Head back to Buchareset where your tour concludes.

Day 1: Brasov, Gura Humorului, Bucovina, Moldovita, and Sucevita Your tour will begin as you are picked up from your hotel in Brasov by your professional guide. From there you will go to Bucovina through the Oituz Pass, before eventually arriving in beautiful Bucovina. Once having arrived, you will visit the Humor Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Voronet Monastery (also known as the "Sistine Chapel of the East" due to its splendid frescoes), and the Moldovita Monastery. At the conclusion of your day, you will spend an overnight in Sucevita Village at a guest house, where you will also have dinner. Day 2: Sucevita, Marginea, Gura Humorului, Bicaz Gorges, Red Lake, and Brasov Following breakfast (which will consist of products from the house farm) on the second day, you will begin with a visit to the Sucevita Monastery. Few religious monuments are as inspirational and mesmerizing as the Sucevita Monastery, which is one of the eight painted churches from Bucovina included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. You will then visit the Black Ceramics of Marginea, where you will visit the workshops in which ceramic objects are produced. You will be able to admire the craftsmanship of the local artisans, and will also be able to try the craft yourself. Next on your agenda is the Arbore Church, which was built between the 2nd of April and the 29th of August 1503 by Luca Arbore. The monastery, with it’s rectangular shape, was built of brick and stone extracted from the quarries in the region. You will then move to explore the area around Bicaz Gorge. Red Lake is the perfect destination for those who want to relax in an amazingly beautiful landscape, and also for those who want to enjoy the silence and the fresh air. The journey from Moldavia towards Transylvania is done through this nature’s wonder, the Bicaz Gorge. Following the discovery of this gorge, you will travel back to Brasov.

Day 1: Bucharest to Bucovina You will be picked up by a professional guide from either your hotel in Bucharest or Otopeni Airport. From there you will endure a long drive to Bucovina, but you will benefit from a luxury Mercedes Vklass van or a similar car, making your entire vacation comfortable. You will begin by visiting the Humor Monastery and the Voronet monastery, before an overnight in Gura Humorului in a 3-star hotel (with breakfast included). Day 2: Gura Humorului, Vatra Moldovitei, Sucevita, Marginea, and Sucevita On your second day, you will visit the Moldovita Monastery, Ciumarna Passage, the Sucevita Monastery, and the Marginea Black Pottery. At the conclusion of your day you will overnight in Sucevita Village at a guest house, where you enjoy both dinner and breakfast which will consist of traditional local products. Day 3: Sucevita, Arbore, Gura Humorului, Bicaz Gorges, the Red Lake, and Brasov Your third day will begin with the Arbore Monastery, before you advance towards Bicaz Gorge, the Red Lake, and Brasov (including its old historic center). At the conclusion of your day, you will overnight in Brasov's downtown area. Day 4: Brasov, Viscri, Sighisoara, Biertan, and Brasov Day 4 will begin with a tour of the Viscri Saxon Village and fortified Saxon Church. You will then move on to explore the Sighioara Fortress, Dracula's "birthplace", and the Biertan Village. At the conclusion of your fourth day, you will once again overnight in Brasov. Day 5: Brasov, Prejmer, Poiana Brasov, Rasnov, Bran, and Moieciu Today you will visit the Prejmer Peasants Fortress, before exploring the Poiana Brasov Ski Resort and the Rasnov Fortress. You will then discover the magnificent Bran Castle, which is connected with the Dracula legend. Towards the end of your day you will explore Moieciu Village, before you once again overnight in Downtown Brasov. Day 6: Brasov, Azuga, Sinaia, Snagov, and Bucharest Your final day will begin with a Royal Rhein Winery tour in Azuga. From there you will discover Peles Castle, which is the summer residence of the royal family of Romania. Moving on, you will encounter the Snagov Orthodox Monastery, where the dreaded prince Vlad Tepes is buried. Your day will eventually conclude with your exploration of Lake Snagov, before you end your tour in Bucharest.