Cultural Tours
Romania’s culture is the product of its geographical position and of its distinct historical evolution. It is fundamentally defined as the meeting point of three regions: Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans, but cannot be truly included in any of them. The Romanian identity formed on a substratum of mixed Roman and Dacian elements, with numerous other influences.
During late Antiquity and the Middle Ages, the major influences came from:
– the Slavic people who migrated and settled in nearby Bulgaria, Serbia, Ukraine and eventually Poland and Russia;
– from medieval Greeks and the Byzantine Empire;
– from a long domination by the Ottoman Empire;
– from the Hungarians;
– and from the Germans living in Transylvania.
Modern Romanian culture emerged and developed over roughly the last 250 years under a strong influence from Western culture, particularly French and German culture.
You can see below some of our interesting cultural tours.
Discover Romania: Danube Delta, Bucovina Monasteries and Transylvania – 12 days
Discover Romania – Danube Delta, Bucovina Monasteries and Transylvania
Day 1:
In this first day we drive to Tulcea, the gate of Danube Delta. After almost 3000 Km between the Black Forest and the Black Sea the river Danube splits into three arms and a whole labyrinth of channels, lakes, reed islands and willow forests. Accommodation at Ibis Guesthouse 4*
Day 2 – 4:
After breakfast we will begin our boat journey traveling down the main Sulina channel into the heart of the delta. The day-to-day itinerary shown here should be considered as an only an example of what we might do; as local conditions (e.g. weather, water depth in the channels) will determine our exact course. The Delta is incredibly rich in breeding birds, and the outline given below is merely a sampler; no doubt we will encounter additional surprises. The Danube Delta comprises a vast complex of reed beds, willow forest, and wetland, crossed by an intricate network of channels. We shall explore as wide a variety as possible of these habitats, both on foot and a small motorboat. The Sulina channel or branch that runs past Tulcea is wide and straight to facilitate shipping down the Danube and through to the Black Sea, so we shall aim to get access to the smaller, less disturbed channels where bird life is more abundant. Typical sights include feeding Glossy Ibis, egrets, herons, and cormorants, which can gather in impressive numbers where the water levels are low. Large flocks of White Pelicans glide serenely overhead whilst in the shallower channels Kingfishers are ubiquitous and Common Sandpipers, Green Sandpipers and Greenshanks feed along the banks. The reeds fringing the waterways contain families of Penduline Tits and other reed bed species (including Little Bittern), although the smaller birds can be very hard to see at this time of year. Raptors will include frequent sightings of Marsh Harriers whilst the Red-footed Falcons will be seen in small groups hunting insects. The White-tailed Eagles are very quiet in the spring, but there is always a chance of locating one of the ten breeding pairs. Lake Furtuna, which is one of the large lakes, lies just to the north of Maliuc, in the heart of the delta. We will visit this site as, at this time of the year, it can hold an impressive selection of birds. Migrating waterfowl and waders mingle with resident species and White Pelicans often gather in huge numbers to feed and roost. We shall also undertake short walks on land where willow forest yield further species of interest. The woodlands support five species of woodpecker. The life style of the delta’s residents is also fascinating to see, with waterborne transport the only viable way of getting around and fishing the predominant source of income. A visit to the delta is an unforgettable experience in every aspect. The accommodation during these days will be on our floating hotel 4*
Day 5:
Today we leave behind the Danube Delta and we head towards the Moldavian region. The landscape, architecture, traditions and language change. Located on the northern border of Romania, Bucovina, part of the old province of Moldavia, is a mountainous region whose peaks and forests of beech and pine shelter gently sloping valleys. Here, during the short period of a quarter of a century, between 1522 and 1547, a group of churches sprang up, frescoed with a liberality and magnificence, unfound in any other country.Accommodation in Casa Elena 4* near the painted monastery – Voronet Monastery (Gura Humorului).
Day 6:
We visit the painted monasteries of Voronet, Moldovita, Sucevita and Humor, all of them under the protection of the UNESCO World Heritage program. The Voronet Monastery is one of the most beautiful orthodox monasteries in Europe, also being called the Sixtine of the East. It impresses through the famous Voronet blue, and the dramatic fresco of the western wall. Also the other painted monasteries are covered within and without in vivid, minutely detailed frescoes whose colors remain fresh and strong. They have been compared to Persian carpets or to jewels set in cases of green grass and flowers within their severe enclosures. That they have survived to this day, despite the passage of time, wars, invasions, and the vandalism of rival religions or ideologies, is little short of miraculous. Accommodation at Casa Elena 4*.
Day 7:
Transfer over the Tihuta Pass towards Sibiu, which alongside Luxembourg was the European cultural capital in 2007. Accommodation at a hotel 3*
Day 8:
One of the main attractions of the day is the fortified church of Biertan, which throughout the centuries played an important role in the history of Transylvania. Biertan is one of the first German settlements in Transylvania placed between the two “Seats” (Medias and Seica) in the Andreean Diploma from 1224. The first attestation of its name has been certified since 1283. Further on we will visit the medieval town of Sighisoara, which together with Biertan are included also in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city of Sighisoara played an important strategic and commercial role at the edges of Central Europe for several centuries. Sighisoara became one of the most important cities of Transylvania, with artisans from through out the Holy Roman Empire visiting the settlement. The German artisans and craftsmen dominated the urban economy, and also built the fortifications to protect it.
Day 9:
Today we’ll visit the old town of Sibiu with its museums, markets and little bridges. You have also the opportunity of shopping here, in order to buy souvenirs from the European culture capital. After lunch we depart to Zarnesti, at the edge of the Piatra Craiului National Park. Accommodation and dinner at Elena Guesthouse 3*
Day 10:
In the firs part of the day we visit the Gorges of Zarnesti, Magura village and the surroundings, National Park’s forests, the places where “Large Carnivores Project” took place. In the evening: bear observation in the bear hide. Accommodation and dinner at Elena Guesthouse 3*
Day 11:
Today we leave for Bucarest but on our way we stop for visiting Bran and Rasnov castles, which are watching over the Transylvanian border. Bucharest became the state capital of Romania in 1862 and steadily consolidated its position as the centre of the Romanian mass media, culture and arts. Its eclectic architecture is a mix of historical, interbellic, Communist-era, and modern. In the period between the two World Wars, the city’s elegant architecture and the sophistication of its elite earned Bucharest the nickname of the “Paris of the East” or “Little Paris” (Micul Paris). Although many buildings and districts in the historic centre were damaged or destroyed by war, earthquakes and Ceausescu’s program of systematization, much survived. In recent years, the city has been experiencing an economic and cultural boom. After the city tour we’ll have dinner and accommodation in Bucharest.
Day 12:
Transfer to the airport.
Transylvania & Bucovina Cultural Tour – 12 days
Transylvania & Bucovina Cultural Tour
Day 1:
Transfer Bucharest – Zarnesti (near Brasov) – 3 hours drive. Welcome dinner and accommodation to Guesthouse Elena 3*.
Day 2:
After breakfast we will make an easy trek in Zarnesti Gorges where you will admire spectacular views and will go birdwatching. After lunch we will walk on beautiful meadows and reach an old cave which is used also for a small church made during the Turk’s invasion. In the evening we will turn back to Elena Guesthouse to have dinner. Optional – in the evening bear watching at a bear hide in the National Park.
Day 3:
Today we will visit Bran Castle, Rasnov Castle, and will go near Brasov to visit the fortified church – Honigberg. Dinner and accommodation to Elena Guesthouse 3*.
Day 4:
In the morning we will go to Brasov and spend most of the day here, visiting the old town and having lunch. In the afternoon we will go to Sighisoara and be accommodated here at Wagner Hotel 3*.
Day 5:
After breakfast we will visit the beautiful medieval castle of Sighisoara. Afterwards we will go to Viscri, an interesting and forgotten in time German village where we will have lunch. In the late afternoon we will return to Sighisoara where we will have dinner and be accommodated to Hotel Wagner 3*.
Day 6:
Today will be a busier day when we visit the old town of Sibiu (the Cultural Capital of Europe for 2007), Mediasch and Biertan. We will have lunch in Sibiu. Dinner and accommodation to Hotel Wagner 3* in Sighisoara.
Day 7:
After Breakfast we will leave Sighisoara and we will make the transfer to Gura Humorului, Bucovina region. The landscape, architecture, traditions and language change. Located on the northern border of Romania, Bucovina, part of the old province of Moldavia, is a mountainous region whose peaks and forests of beech and pine shelter gently sloping valleys. Here, during the short period of a quarter of a century, between 1522 and 1547, a group of churches sprang up, frescoed with a liberality and magnificence, unfound in any other country. Dinner and accommodation to Casa Elena 4* in Voronet near the painted monastery with the same name.
Day 8:
Today we will visit the famous painted monasteries included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites like: Voronet, Humor, Moldovita and Sucevita. Dinner and accommodation to Casa Elena 4*.
Day 9:
After breakfast we will go ahead with our visit in this region and will take a look to the monasteries: Arbore and Putna which is an important reference in our history. Also we will visit the traditional pottery center from Margina where you can also do some shopping of souvenirs.
Day 10:
Transfer Gura Humorului – Tusnad on the Bicazului Gorges rout. On the way we will make a few stops and you will have the chance to admire more beautiful landscapes. Dinner and accommodation in Tusnad at hotel 3*.
Day 11:
Transfer to Bucharest; on the way we can make a stop to Buzau in order to see an interesting geological phenomenon – Muddy Volcanoes. Festive dinner and accommodation in Bucharest at hotel 3*.
Day 12:
Transfer to the airport.
Sighisoara & Saxon Villages Surrounding Sighisoara - 7 days
Sighisoara & Saxon Villages Surrounding Sighisoara
Day 1:
Arrival in Bucharest. Transfer to Sighisoara by car. Dinner and accommodation in Sighisoara.
Day 2:
After breakfast birding trip on Natural Reserve Platoul Breite.This is an 160 ha grassland area with hundreds years old oaks which create an unique habitats for different kinds of rare birds. The place is famous for woodpeckers but you can see also many rare and protected wood birds species: ficedula parva, ficedula albicollis, lanius collurio, strix uralensis, bubo bubo. Coming back in Sighisoara in the afternoon for lunch. After lunch site-seeing of Medieval Sighisoara Town, an UNESCO Heritage Monument.
Day 3:
After breakfast we depart for a day trip in the most famous wetlands surrounding Sighisoara, Bradeni ponds. We will pass through many Saxon Villages in which we will see architectural heritage, like Fortified Churches, and the traditional life of Transylvanian peasants. Lunch will be in the middle of the wilderness. We can see during this day black storks and a lot of water birds like aythya nyroca, ixobrychus minutus, ardea purpurea, botaurus stellaris. In the evening dinner and accommodation in Sighisoara.
Day 4:
In the morning departure to Malancrav. It will be a fool day in nature passing over the very scenic landscapes with hills, forests, grasslands, isolated Saxon villages and of course wilderness. During this day we can see a lot of grassland and forest bird species which are protected through the Bird Directive: crex crex, lanius collurio, anthus trivialis, saxicola rubetra, saxicola torquata. This area is included in the Special Protected Area “Tarnava Mare”. Dinner and accommodation will take place in the authentically Saxon Village of Malancrav. Here we can visit the Evangelical Church, historical monument, the stylish Apafi Manor and the organic apple juice fabric. The accommodation will be in an authentical Saxon houses and the dinner will respect the old recipes of Saxons.
Day 5:
After the breakfast we will leave by horse ridden cart up to Malancrav Valley and Cris Valley for a special birdwatching day. We can see during this first part of the day beside a lot of wildbirds many kinds of orchids and eurifolum latiforum (bumbacarita). On the south part of the Cris valley we will find steppic vegetation and we will visit Stejar Pufos Reserve from Cris. The lunch will take place in a famous local sheepfold where we can taste different kind of local cheese and see the tradition of milking sheep. In the afternoon we will familiarize with the traditional style of life of the Saxons and with their handcrafts. In the evening a traditional dinner will end the day.
Day 6:
After the morning meal we’ll leave for a bird watching trip along the Floodplain of Tarnava Mare River. The diversity of rare bird species situated along this river determined the specialists to propose here one of the largest SPA in Romania. This area is a feedind territory for acvilla pomarina. We could see also other raptors like falco tinnunculus and falco subbuteo. Other important birds from this area are lanius minor, lanius excubitor, lanius collurio, sylvia curruca, sylvia borin, streptopelia turtur, alauda arvensis. In the evening we will be back in Sighisoara.
Day 7:
After the breakfast driving back to Bucharest.