We will begin our journey in Oradea, one of Romania’s most elegant cities, situated close to the Hungarian border. After settling into our hotel, we will start exploring the city’s fascinating mix of history and architecture. Oradea is renowned for its Art Nouveau buildings, many of which are among the most beautiful in Central Europe.
Walking through the Union Square (Piața Unirii), we will admire the Black Eagle Palace, with its spectacular glass-covered passage, and the Moon Church, where the moon-shaped mechanism on the tower shows the phases of the moon—a curiosity dating back to the 18th century.
We will also visit the Oradea Fortress, built in the 11th century and reshaped in Renaissance style by Italian architects. Its five-star shape makes it one of the best-preserved fortresses of this type in Europe. As evening sets in, we will gather for our first dinner together, savoring local and traditional recipes full of flavor.
After breakfast, we will head north toward Baia Mare, once a flourishing mining center and now a lively cultural town. We will have time to admire the old square with its medieval Stephen’s Tower, before continuing our road through the rolling hills of Maramureș.
Our first major stop will be the famous Merry Cemetery of Săpânța. Here, wooden crosses painted in vivid colors tell the stories of the villagers in witty, humorous, and sometimes ironic epitaphs. This unique place reflects the local philosophy of life and death, where humor softens sorrow. Not far from here rises the Săpânța-Peri Monastery Church, the tallest wooden church in the world, standing 78 meters high and built entirely of oak in traditional Maramureș style.
By evening, we will reach Sighetu Marmației, where we will enjoy a dinner prepared with regional specialties.
This morning, after a traditional breakfast, we will visit the Maramureș Village Museum in Sighetu Marmației. Here, wooden houses, gates, and barns recreate the traditional life of the region. We will feel like we have stepped into a living world where old customs, folklore, and craftsmanship are still alive.
We will then head toward Borșa, at the foot of the Rodnei Mountains. From here, we will take a cable car ride up into the alpine landscape, enjoying wide views of the valleys and peaks. Once at the top, a pleasant 30 to 40 minutes hike will lead us to the Horses’ Waterfall, Romania’s tallest waterfall at 90 meters. The trail is accessible for most ages, and the combination of the cable car plus the short hike makes this experience enjoyable even for travelers who prefer a moderate activity level. Surrounded by the serene beauty of the Rodnei National Park, we will feel the refreshing spray of the cascading waters and take in the peaceful mountain atmosphere. In the evening, back in Borșa, we will settle into our accommodation and share a dinner rich in local flavors.
After breakfast, we will drive into Ciocănești, a unique village where almost every house is decorated with painted geometric and floral motifs, inspired by traditional Easter egg patterns. Walking through the streets feels like wandering through an open-air museum, where folk art decorates every façade.
Next, we will stop in Vama, home to the remarkable International Egg Museum, which houses more than 7,000 decorated eggs from around the world. The craftsmanship, colors, and symbols will leave us fascinated by this centuries-old tradition. By evening, we will reach Gura Humorului, nestled in Bukovina, where we will spend two comfortable nights. Dinner will be based on authentic Bukovinian recipes, prepared with care and tradition.
Today will immerse us in the spiritual and artistic treasures of Bukovina. After breakfast, we will visit the Suceava Fortress, built in the 14th century by Prince Petru Mușat and later strengthened by Stephen the Great. Its stone walls and towers remind us of Moldavia’s turbulent medieval history.
We will then continue to the famous Voroneț Monastery, called the “Sistine Chapel of the East.” Its intense “Voroneț Blue” frescoes, painted over 500 years ago, depict biblical scenes in vibrant colors that have survived centuries of weather. Our last stop will be the Moldovița Monastery, another jewel of painted monastic art, where golden-yellow frescoes cover its walls with scenes of battles and faith. We will return to Gura Humorului for dinner and accommodation, ending the day with traditional Bukovina meals.
After breakfast, we will drive toward Moldavia’s plains, stopping at the elegant Miclăușeni Castle, built in the Neo-Gothic style in the late 19th century. Surrounded by a romantic park, the castle tells the story of the noble Sturdza family and their refined lifestyle.
By afternoon we will arrive in Iași, Moldova’s cultural capital. After checking into our hotel, we will explore the Old Town: the magnificent Palace of Culture, the symbol of the city, housing four museums; the Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in Romania; and the charming Copou Park, where Mihai Eminescu, Romania’s greatest poet, once found inspiration. Dinner will be served in a welcoming atmosphere, highlighting local cuisine.
Our last day will be fully dedicated to discovering the many faces of Iași. After breakfast, we will visit the Three Hierarchs Monastery, renowned for its stone-carved façade covered in delicate geometric and floral patterns. We will continue with the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University Library and admire the grand Vasile Alecsandri National Theatre, one of the most beautiful theatres in Europe.
We will stroll through the Union Square, where modern life blends with historical landmarks, and enjoy some free time for coffee, souvenirs, or simply to soak in the lively atmosphere of this intellectual city. In the evening, we will gather for a farewell dinner, enjoying our last traditional meal together before departure. Our journey through Northern Romania will leave us with unforgettable memories of traditions, landscapes, and stories shared together.
