Painted Monasteries of Bucovina: A 4-Day UNESCO Heritage Tour
Explore the fascinating land of Painted Monasteries, Bicaz Canyon, Red Lake, and Brasov City on this packed 3-day tour from Bucharest, ideal for first-time visitors in Romania!
The painted monasteries located in the north-east of the country offer a glimpse into the traditions and history of Bucovina. Admire the amazing Bicaz Gorges and the Red Lake,and last but not least, Brasov City. Simply relax and experience the monasteries and UNESCO-listed sites.
Inclusions :
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- accommodation
- private trip
- breakfast
- bottled water
- driver/guide: English speaker
- personal and luggage insurance
- live commentary on board
- parking fees
- road taxe
Exclusions:
- entrance fee
- meals and drinks
Know before you book
- The tour includes accommodation in 3-star hotels or pensions with breakfast. However, if you want, we can upgrade you to 4- or 5-star hotels or pensions for an additional fee.
- This is a private tour, only for your group.
Itinerary
First Day
We start our journey driving from Bucharest to the north, heading to the Bucovina region, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful areas of Romania. You will have the chance to admire the eastern side of the Carpathian Mountains and country-side landscapes, stopping in Gura Humorului, where we can enjoy a good rest for the next day and stay overnight.
Second Day
Today you will discover the three Painted Monasteries: Voronet, Moldovita, and Sucevita. Deemed masterpieces of Byzantine art, these churches are one-of-a-kind architectural sites in Europe. Perhaps the most famous and stunning of the painted monasteries is Voronet, founded in 1487. Widely known throughout Europe as "the Sistine Chapel of the East" due to its interior and exterior wall paintings, this monastery offers an abundance of frescoes featuring an intense shade of blue commonly known as 'Voronet blue. The Monastery of Moldovita, located in the village of Vatra Moldovitei, was built by Petru Rares in 1532. The predominantly gold and deep blue paintings on the exterior walls were completed in 1537. It is actually a fortress with strong, thick walls and tall towers that surround the great monastery complex of Sucevita. Sucevita was a princely residence as well as a fortified monastery. Today, the thick walls shelter a museum presenting an outstanding collection of historical and art objects. Afterwards, drive to Piatra Neamt, where you will have accommodation.
Third Day
The 3rd day will lead us to the legendary land of Transylvania and its UNESCO World Heritage sites, passing stunning mountain sightseeing sites such as Bicaz Canyon and Red Lake, which is the largest natural mountain lake in Romania, its name coming from the reddish alluvia (iron oxides and iron hydroxides) deposited in the lake by the Red Creek. Bicaz Gorge is spectacular, with sheer cliffs rising literally from the edges of the road. After this, we will head to Brasov, home to one of the narrowest streets in Europe, the Rope Street (Strada Sforii). Take a peek inside the Black Church (Biserica Neagra), the largest Gothic church in Romania. Though its name, Biserica Neagră (the Black Church), may seem dark and foreboding, the building is nothing to fear. In the evening, you will be back in Bucharest.
