Discover Maramures - A Journey Back in Time

A 5-night journey back in time in the villages of Northern Romania

For those eager to go back to the roots, rediscover the joys of simple life and reconnect with themselves, a private tour to Maramures is just what the doctor ordered. The Maramures countryside is a land stuck in time, where the ancient traditions are alive and well. Here you will meet kind people who will welcome you as one of their own, and you will get a taste of what the daily life is in this remote part of the world. This is a journey for the soul.

Day 1: Picking you up from your hotel in Bucharest, we will travel to the airport. A short flight away, you will leave the bustling city behind and arrive in Maramures. Driving through the countryside, past vast meadows, haystacks, and the locals working the land, you will be eased into the rural life.
In the village of Breb, you will be staying in a traditional wooden cottage, decorated in a rustic style. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner served at one of the households in the village.
Overnight in Breb Village
 

Day 2: Romanians are known to be inventive people. To prove just that, we will visit a local family who still uses the traditional “washing machine”. See how the villagers used the mill & whirlpool back in the day. You will also learn the ins and outs of the local brandy production. Horinca, as it is called, needs to have over 52% alcohol to be deemed worthy, so your job for the day is to be the judge of that!
Next stop is the Merry Cemetery. The out-of-the-box approach to death, marked by the colourful headstones and the comical epitaphs, make what would normally be a bleak place, a refreshing experience.
Following the bright Merry Cemetery is the Museum of the Victims of Communism in Sighetul Marmatiei. A harrowing, but must-do visit, it will reveal the horrors of the communist regime and shine a light on what was happening behind the curtains during those trying times.
Travel back to Breb, visiting the Desesti Wooden Church on the way. A hearty meal will be waiting for you here.
Overnight in Breb Village

Day 3: It’s an early start today, but well worth it. You will be going on a steam train ride. The Mocanita will take you deep into the forests of Maramures. Take the time to admire the scenery, the deep valleys, leafy-green forests surrounding the peaks and breathe in the mountain air.
On the way back, visit the Barsana Monastery. Back in Breb, it’s time at your leisure.
Overnight in Breb Village
 

Day 4: You will have a full day to immerse yourself in the rural life of Breb. Ramble around the village, visit the local carpenters and lend a helping hand to the working villagers. Visit the sheepfold and learn how the cheese is made. The locals will be welcoming you with wide open arms, share their stories and their horinca. Lastly, enjoy a meal prepared by the shepherds.
Overnight in Breb Village

Day 5: Sadly, it is time to leave Maramures behind today as we board the plane back to Bucharest. Spend the night in the busy capital, a contrast to the quiet rural life. If there is time, wander around the streets of the Old Town on a walking tour of the city.
Overnight in Bucharest