Why travel with me:
Having lived in Romania a half of my life and the rest in the USA, I connect to both cultures. This practically comes to knowing how to convince a native to pose or non pose for a portrait or where to find a hamburger in case some of my travelers feel like having one. Actually, I am pretty sure that you will not desire any home food while traveling in Romania , the cuisine here is pretty damn delicious!
I like keeping a planned schedule but I am more for spontaneity, so in case something sparks my interest. I will pull over and take one shots, maybe more. And I will definitely encourage you to do the same.
I always come up with impromptu ideas and experiences, so expect plenty of spontaneity and an abundance of creativity.
My professional background is art and interior design, therefore even I never consider myself a photographer, I have some experience working in the dark room, and shooting with a 35mm. For the last few years I had been using my iphone and Ipad enjoying editing for hours.
Back in Romania, I studied geography in college and traveled extensively so some are saying that I make a good guide.
This is a small group trip: only 4 -5 openings.
Tour cost: $5,200
Due to the prospect of inflation, the cost of the Photographic Journey can increase to no more than 5%.
If this will be necessary, I will let everyone know within 90 days prior to the departure.
Dates: July 10- 24, 2023
Cost includes all transportation by car (airport transfers and all the trips during the itinerary), the driver (moi) the gas cost, road taxes, parking fees, and insurance.
Accommodation in double rooms, including a yummy Romanian breakfast for 14 nights.
I love to pick up unique and authentic places for overnight, these can be: restored ancient homes, rural guesthouses, boutique hotels, or apartments in the cities. Price is based on double occupancy. A single supplement of $600 will apply.
Welcome dinner on arrival day.
Tour guide services ( I am your guide for the whole trip but also there will be places where local guides will be at hand ).
Trip planning and assistance before and during the tour.
Entrance tickets to Astra Museum, Biertan Fortified Church, The Memorial of Victims of Communism, Voronet and Sucevita painted monasteries, The Merry Cemetery, Bran Castle.
Bottled water available during driving time.
Final exhibit at the Cultural Center Reduta in Brasov. The historical building is located in the medieval part of the city and is a cultural landmark of Brasov.
The cost of renting the gallery, the curatorial fees, the frames and the yummy buffet all included!
Four frames no large than 30 x 40 cm ( 12 x 16'').
Payments accepted through PayPal or bank transfer.
A deposit of $2000 is required at the time of booking. Full payment is due on April the 30 st, 2023
Cancellations:
In the unlikely event we have to cancel a tour, a full refund will be given.
On cancellations more than 120 days prior to departure, all monies are refunded less a $350 administrative fee.
Due to the advance planning, if the cancellation is within 60 days prior to departure, we will not be able to refund any of the trip payment.
What is not included: Airfare, Travel insurance, Meals except breakfast and the welcoming dinner, personal expenses, pre and post trip transportation and accomodation, alcoholic beverages. While the entrance to the museums and other sites is included, some places ask for a small extra fee to photograph inside that is not included.
Printing service related to the photographs that you are planning to exhibit.
Payment related fees: PayPal or money transfer.
Overview
The Romanian Photographic Journey is meant to touch some of the most desired destinations in Romania but mostly to take you off the beaten paths. We will spend time in remote, rural villages, trying local cuisine and the famous tuica ( The Romanian homemade plum brandy. You will have the chance to photograph local people and observe their daily life. We will drive through some of the most famous regions in Romania: Transylvania, Maramures and Bukovina and visit places where the time stood still. As King Charles III used to say about Romania: " It’s the timelessness of it which is so remarkable, almost out of some of those stories one used to read as a child. It’s quite remarkable. People are yearning for that sense of belonging and identity and meaning! ''
The Romanian Photographic Journey is not meant to be a professional photography workshop but a creative and inspiring travel alongside other photographers. I encourage you to exchange ideas and tricks of the trade. Editing and image reviewing are welcome but I am not for a rigid schedule of these activities. We will have a day toward the end of the trip when we can work on selecting the images for the exhibit at the cultural center in Brasov, Reduta. I am sure that some of you will love to be up very early to catch the sunrise, personally I enjoy sunsets.
Transylvania,( Transilvania) "The land beyond forest" is a historical region in Romania, situated in the middle of the country and surrounded by the arc of Carpathian Mountains. It is well known for its rich history and the scenery of the mountains. Transylvania is the land of castles, medieval fortresses, UNESCO heritage sites and some of Europe's best preserved medieval towns, Brasov, Sighisoara and Sibiu.
Transylvania's multi-ethnic heritage (including German and Hungarian) can be seen in the variety of architecture lines, cuisine, folk costumes, music and crafts. Centuries - old traditions are still alive in the small villages of Transylvania and people here still make a living as shepherds, weavers, blacksmiths and carpenters.
Maramures is located in the northwestern part of Romania and is home to many villages where century old traditions are still part of the daily life. Due to the fact that wood accounts for more than four-fifths of this land surface , the locals are masters of elaborated wood carvings entryways, windows and churches. The local handiwork is also seen in the hand-woven carpets and intricate embroidery. A unique point of interest in Maramures is The Merry Cemetery. In 1935 a local named Stan Ioan Patras started to paint and carved humorous scenes on the crosses of the deceased habitants of the village Sapanta. The wooden churches of Maramures have been recognized by UNESCO as some of the most important sites of world heritage. They are unique in shape and ornamentation and their high roofs and pointed steeples gave the name of Gothic style of Maramures.
Buckovina ( Bucovina) is nestled in the rolling hills of northern Moldova and is home to one of the world's greatest art treasures: the UNESCO World heritage of the painted monasteries of Bucovina. Built by Romanians kings in the 15th and 16th centuries and featuring colorful exterior depicting biblical scenes, these one of a kind houses of worship are unique in the world.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1- July 10 th / Monday, 2023
Arriving at Sibiu International airport . You will be pick up at the airport and transfer to a local accommodation.
Sibiu is a beautiful medieval city who was ranked as '' Europe's 8th most idyllic place to live '' in 2008 by Forbes and in 2007 was designated the European Capital of Culture.
The city was founded around 1150 and the Saxonx colonists who settled in the south east of Transylvania had a primordial role in developing the city, making it one of the richest and most powerful in the region. Commerce and craftsmen guids flourished and the wealth of Sibiu was soon protected by four layers of fortifications that were built between the 13th and 15th centuries.
We will have a welcome dinner and get to know each others .
Afternoon, evening stroll, street life shooting opportunity.
For a great panorama of the city you can climb the seven floors up to the tower of the Evangelical Church. Dating back from the 14th century the church is one of the most beautiful and imposing Gothic construction in Transylvania.
Overnight accommodation in Sibiu.
Why travel with me:
Having lived in Romania a half of my life and the rest in the USA, I connect to both cultures. This practically comes to knowing how to convince a native to pose or non pose for a portrait or where to find a hamburger in case some of my travelers feel like having one. Actually, I am pretty sure that you will not desire any home food while traveling in Romania , the cuisine here is pretty damn delicious!
I like keeping a planned schedule but I am more for spontaneity, so in case something sparks my interest. I will pull over and take one shots, maybe more. And I will definitely encourage you to do the same.
I always come up with impromptu ideas and experiences, so expect plenty of spontaneity and an abundance of creativity.
My professional background is art and interior design, therefore even I never consider myself a photographer, I have some experience working in the dark room, and shooting with a 35mm. For the last few years I had been using my iphone and Ipad enjoying editing for hours.
Back in Romania, I studied geography in college and traveled extensively so some are saying that I make a good guide.
This is a small group trip: only 4 -5 openings.
Tour cost: $5,200
Due to the prospect of inflation, the cost of the Photographic Journey can increase to no more than 5%.
If this will be necessary, I will let everyone know within 90 days prior to the departure.
Dates: July 10- 24, 2023
Cost includes all transportation by car (airport transfers and all the trips during the itinerary), the driver (moi) the gas cost, road taxes, parking fees, and insurance.
Accommodation in double rooms, including a yummy Romanian breakfast for 14 nights.
I love to pick up unique and authentic places for overnight, these can be: restored ancient homes, rural guesthouses, boutique hotels, or apartments in the cities. Price is based on double occupancy. A single supplement of $600 will apply.
Welcome dinner on arrival day.
Tour guide services ( I am your guide for the whole trip but also there will be places where local guides will be at hand ).
Trip planning and assistance before and during the tour.
Entrance tickets to Astra Museum, Biertan Fortified Church, The Memorial of Victims of Communism, Voronet and Sucevita painted monasteries, The Merry Cemetery, Bran Castle.
Bottled water available during driving time.
Final exhibit at the Cultural Center Reduta in Brasov. The historical building is located in the medieval part of the city and is a cultural landmark of Brasov.
The cost of renting the gallery, the curatorial fees, the frames and the yummy buffet all included!
Four frames no large than 30 x 40 cm ( 12 x 16'').
Payments accepted through PayPal or bank transfer.
A deposit of $2000 is required at the time of booking. Full payment is due on April the 30 st, 2023
Cancellations:
In the unlikely event we have to cancel a tour, a full refund will be given.
On cancellations more than 120 days prior to departure, all monies are refunded less a $350 administrative fee.
Due to the advance planning, if the cancellation is within 60 days prior to departure, we will not be able to refund any of the trip payment.
What is not included: Airfare, Travel insurance, Meals except breakfast and the welcoming dinner, personal expenses, pre and post trip transportation and accomodation, alcoholic beverages. While the entrance to the museums and other sites is included, some places ask for a small extra fee to photograph inside that is not included.
Printing service related to the photographs that you are planning to exhibit.
Payment related fees: PayPal or money transfer.
Overview
The Romanian Photographic Journey is meant to touch some of the most desired destinations in Romania but mostly to take you off the beaten paths. We will spend time in remote, rural villages, trying local cuisine and the famous tuica ( The Romanian homemade plum brandy. You will have the chance to photograph local people and observe their daily life. We will drive through some of the most famous regions in Romania: Transylvania, Maramures and Bukovina and visit places where the time stood still. As King Charles III used to say about Romania: " It’s the timelessness of it which is so remarkable, almost out of some of those stories one used to read as a child. It’s quite remarkable. People are yearning for that sense of belonging and identity and meaning! ''
The Romanian Photographic Journey is not meant to be a professional photography workshop but a creative and inspiring travel alongside other photographers. I encourage you to exchange ideas and tricks of the trade. Editing and image reviewing are welcome but I am not for a rigid schedule of these activities. We will have a day toward the end of the trip when we can work on selecting the images for the exhibit at the cultural center in Brasov, Reduta. I am sure that some of you will love to be up very early to catch the sunrise, personally I enjoy sunsets.
Transylvania,( Transilvania) "The land beyond forest" is a historical region in Romania, situated in the middle of the country and surrounded by the arc of Carpathian Mountains. It is well known for its rich history and the scenery of the mountains. Transylvania is the land of castles, medieval fortresses, UNESCO heritage sites and some of Europe's best preserved medieval towns, Brasov, Sighisoara and Sibiu.
Transylvania's multi-ethnic heritage (including German and Hungarian) can be seen in the variety of architecture lines, cuisine, folk costumes, music and crafts. Centuries - old traditions are still alive in the small villages of Transylvania and people here still make a living as shepherds, weavers, blacksmiths and carpenters.
Maramures is located in the northwestern part of Romania and is home to many villages where century old traditions are still part of the daily life. Due to the fact that wood accounts for more than four-fifths of this land surface , the locals are masters of elaborated wood carvings entryways, windows and churches. The local handiwork is also seen in the hand-woven carpets and intricate embroidery. A unique point of interest in Maramures is The Merry Cemetery. In 1935 a local named Stan Ioan Patras started to paint and carved humorous scenes on the crosses of the deceased habitants of the village Sapanta. The wooden churches of Maramures have been recognized by UNESCO as some of the most important sites of world heritage. They are unique in shape and ornamentation and their high roofs and pointed steeples gave the name of Gothic style of Maramures.
Buckovina ( Bucovina) is nestled in the rolling hills of northern Moldova and is home to one of the world's greatest art treasures: the UNESCO World heritage of the painted monasteries of Bucovina. Built by Romanians kings in the 15th and 16th centuries and featuring colorful exterior depicting biblical scenes, these one of a kind houses of worship are unique in the world.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1- July 10 th / Monday, 2023
Arriving at Sibiu International airport . You will be pick up at the airport and transfer to a local accommodation.
Sibiu is a beautiful medieval city who was ranked as '' Europe's 8th most idyllic place to live '' in 2008 by Forbes and in 2007 was designated the European Capital of Culture.
The city was founded around 1150 and the Saxonx colonists who settled in the south east of Transylvania had a primordial role in developing the city, making it one of the richest and most powerful in the region. Commerce and craftsmen guids flourished and the wealth of Sibiu was soon protected by four layers of fortifications that were built between the 13th and 15th centuries.
We will have a welcome dinner and get to know each others .
Afternoon, evening stroll, street life shooting opportunity.
For a great panorama of the city you can climb the seven floors up to the tower of the Evangelical Church. Dating back from the 14th century the church is one of the most beautiful and imposing Gothic construction in Transylvania.
Overnight accommodation in Sibiu.
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Day 2- July the 11 th / Tuesday, 2023
After breakfast we will go to visit Astra Museum located in the Dumbrava Natural Park, just south of Sibiu. Astra Museum is the largest open air museum from Europe featuring more than ten km alleys and over four hundred buildings of wood, stone, brick reconstructed in the museum to showcase the everyday life of the ancestors who inhabited the villages of different areas in Romania.
In the afternoon we will drive to Cisnadie and Cisnadioara where we can visit the Fortified Evanghelical Church and the Saint Michael Church, both constructions dating from the 13th century. The location of the Cisnadioara church up on a hill, make a great spot to view and photograph the surroundings.
Overnight accommodation in Sibiu.
Cisnadie |
Cisnadioara
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Day 3- July the 12 th/Wednesday, 2023
*driving distance Sibiu, Malankrav, Biertan, Sighisoara 3 hours*
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This day is dedicated to learn more about the diversity of magic Transylvania and why this area become a fairytale destination. A major interest is the presence of the Saxon communities in this area. The best place to start are some of the villages founded in the medieval ages by the German colonists who settled here in order to defend the borders in exchange for rights and liberties. The Saxons are people of German ethnicity who came in waves in Transylvania , starting from the mid - 12Th century until the middle of 19Th century. The Saxons from Transylvania originally migrated from the Flanders, Hainaut, Brabant, Liege, Zeeland , Moselle, Lorraine and Luxembourg, the North-Western territories, part of the Roman Empire in the 12Th century and today Germany, France, Belgium and Luxembourg.
The number of the Saxons, locally named Sasi diminuated drastically under the fall of communism in 1989.
Today, Romania's Saxon population is around 12.000, most of whom are elderly. In the last few years, we are seeing a return of them , many are focusing on preserving their traditions.
We will leave from Sibiu in the morning and stop to Malankrav , the village that has the largest Saxons population in the area. With a history of at least 700 years old, this small village will give us plenty of shooting opportunities. The population in Malankrav, counts around 120 people and
the centuries-old rows of the peasant houses colored in pastel tones together with lime-washed farmhouses tell a story that reminds of the ancient rural Europe. The time stood still and the beauty is unmeasurable.
The presence of shepherds grazing their flocks in hilly pastures, the hay -laden horse carts, the funny looking haystacks and the wildflowers meadows are reminders of an old time.
There is no Saxons village without a fortified church and the one in Malankrav is one of the most important one from Transylvania. The interior frescoes cover 20 metres and are depicting 53 scenes from the Old and New Testament. The main goal of a fortified church during attacks and sieges was to defend the lives of locals.
Another village that we will visit is Biertan. Biertan Fortified Church is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The fortified church dominates the landscape of the village and is one of the largest in Transylvania. The construction started at the and of the 15th century when the Ottoman threat was still very real and for almost three centuries, from 1572 to 1867 served as a Bishop Seat. Biertan Fortified Church is the best example of Saxons architecture's skill, it has three fortification walls, eight towers and the church itself is equipped with strong defensive elements.
the centuries-old rows of the peasant houses colored in pastel tones together with lime-washed farmhouses tell a story that reminds of the ancient rural Europe. The time stood still and the beauty is unmeasurable.
The presence of shepherds grazing their flocks in hilly pastures, the hay -laden horse carts, the funny looking haystacks and the wildflowers meadows are reminders of an old time.
There is no Saxons village without a fortified church and the one in Malankrav is one of the most important one from Transylvania. The interior frescoes cover 20 metres and are depicting 53 scenes from the Old and New Testament. The main goal of a fortified church during attacks and sieges was to defend the lives of locals.
Another village that we will visit is Biertan. Biertan Fortified Church is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The fortified church dominates the landscape of the village and is one of the largest in Transylvania. The construction started at the and of the 15th century when the Ottoman threat was still very real and for almost three centuries, from 1572 to 1867 served as a Bishop Seat. Biertan Fortified Church is the best example of Saxons architecture's skill, it has three fortification walls, eight towers and the church itself is equipped with strong defensive elements.
Biertan |
Malancrav |
Depending on the time we had left we may stop to see other places of interest.
Overnight accommodation in Sighisoara.
Day 4-July the 13h/ Thursday, 2023
Sighisoara is one of the most beautiful and authentic small medieval towns in Europe and is also part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Wandering on the cobbled streets and paying attention to the beautiful, colored houses is a truly fulfilling experience.
Sighisoara citadel was built in the 12th century and was further strengthened and extended in the 15th century.
For several centuries, Sighisoara was a military and political stronghold. During the 14th - 16th centuries, the Saxon craft guilds erected towers around the citadel walls to protect the town from Turkish attacks. laid out on two to four levels, the towers stored ammunition and food supplies and were provided with firing windows for cannons, shells and arrows. Of the original fourteen towers and artillery bastions, nine towers and two bastions have survived the test of time.
The Clock Tower, one of the symbols of Sighisoara, guards the citadel entry. The four small corner turrets on top of the tower symbolize the judicial autonomy of the Town Council, which could apply, if necessary the death.
In the 17th century a two plate clock with figurines carved from linden wood was set at the top ot the tower.
Sighisoara is also the birthplace of Vlad Dracula, also known as Vlad Tepes( Vlad the Impaler), ruler of the province of Walachia from 1456 to 1642.
In the mid afternoon we can take a ride just two kilometers outside of Sighisoara to see Breite Ancient Oak Tree Reserve that boasts 800 years old oaks with circumferences of 400-600 cm. Bears and wolves still roam the forests, rare birds as the lesser spotted eagle, the corncrake, hoopers and the ural owl can often be seen.
Overnight accommodation in Sighisoara.
Day 4-July the 13h/ Thursday, 2023
Sighisoara is one of the most beautiful and authentic small medieval towns in Europe and is also part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Wandering on the cobbled streets and paying attention to the beautiful, colored houses is a truly fulfilling experience.
Sighisoara citadel was built in the 12th century and was further strengthened and extended in the 15th century.
For several centuries, Sighisoara was a military and political stronghold. During the 14th - 16th centuries, the Saxon craft guilds erected towers around the citadel walls to protect the town from Turkish attacks. laid out on two to four levels, the towers stored ammunition and food supplies and were provided with firing windows for cannons, shells and arrows. Of the original fourteen towers and artillery bastions, nine towers and two bastions have survived the test of time.
The Clock Tower, one of the symbols of Sighisoara, guards the citadel entry. The four small corner turrets on top of the tower symbolize the judicial autonomy of the Town Council, which could apply, if necessary the death.
In the 17th century a two plate clock with figurines carved from linden wood was set at the top ot the tower.
Sighisoara is also the birthplace of Vlad Dracula, also known as Vlad Tepes( Vlad the Impaler), ruler of the province of Walachia from 1456 to 1642.
In the mid afternoon we can take a ride just two kilometers outside of Sighisoara to see Breite Ancient Oak Tree Reserve that boasts 800 years old oaks with circumferences of 400-600 cm. Bears and wolves still roam the forests, rare birds as the lesser spotted eagle, the corncrake, hoopers and the ural owl can often be seen.
Overnight accommodation in Sighisoara.
Sighisoara
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Sighisoara
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Day 5- July the 14th / Friday 2023
*driving distance Sighisoara - Ieud, 3 hours 55 minutes*
We will start the day by driving to the Maramures region situated in the northwestern part of Romania.
This unique region in Romania is known, as I mentioned in the overview by being the ''land of wood'' . The elaborated wood carved gates and the wooden churches are characteristic to this area and unique in the world. Maramures managed to preserve autonomous traditions since the Middle Ages and some of the wooden churches that still stand were built starting from the 17th century to 19th century. They were erected as a response to the prohibition against the construction of stone Orthodox Churches by the Catholic Austro - Hungarian authorities.
These churches represent a group of almost one hundred, eight of them being listed by the UNESCO as World Heritage Sites: Ieud, Barsana, Budesti, Desesti, Plopis, Poienile Izei, Rogoz and Surdesti. The constructions are made of thick timber logs and have thin bell towers at the western end of the building.
Maramures is best to be seen by foot so be prepared for some stops to observe the farmers's life or meeting and greeting villagers willing to have their portraits taken.
Maramures is best to be seen by foot so be prepared for some stops to observe the farmers's life or meeting and greeting villagers willing to have their portraits taken.
Time permitting we will visit with some local artisans and assist in the creation of beautiful and authentic products.
Overnight accommodation in Ieud or in the area.
Time permitting we will visit with some local artisans and assist in the creation of beautiful and authentic products.
Overnight accommodation in Ieud or in the area.
Ieud
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I
Ieud
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Day 6- July the 15th / Saturday, 2023
We will start the day by stopping to see and shoot Mocanita, a fully functional narrow gauge steam train running through Vaser Valley and used for logging.
The origin of the word Mocanita derived from the Romanian word mocan, meaning shepard or one who lives in the mountains. This railway was constructed in the period 1933-1935 and was partially destroyed by German troops during the war.
Later in the day we will visit the Sighet Memorial of Communism Museum. A former communist prison this construction was built in Sighet in 1897. By the 1945 the prison become one of the most dreadful symbol of the Romania communist crimes. It is a place that every one of us should visit, like the nazis concentration camps, so we can understand that the evil exist and that we need to stay vigilant and resist injustice.
For a more relaxing afternoon and only 23 km from Sighetu we will drive to visit the monastic complex in Barsana. The Barsana Monastery church is one of the tallest wooden church in Romania, measuring 57m height. Also, in the same village we will visit the old church of Barsana which is included in the UNESCO list of heritage buildings.
Overnight accommodation in Ieud or in the area.
Mocanita
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Barsana
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Day 7- July the 16th /Sunday, 2023
*driving distance Sapanta - Gura Humorului, 3 hours 55 minutes*
After breakfast we will have the opportunity to visit one of the most unique cemetery in the world: The Merry Cemetery in Sapanta. This place presents an original approach to death and life and the way it was created by painting the crosses with bright colors and embellished with humorous poems tells a story by itself.
Stan Ioan Patras started his first oak cross from the Merry Cemetery of Sapanta back in 1930. He painted them in an intense shade of blue that nowadays become known as '' Sapanta Blue''. When he passed away, he left his craft with his apprentice, Dumitru Pop. Today there are over 800 hand made crosses at the cemetery.
In the afternoon will make our way to Bukovina, a road trip of four hours. The road to Bukovina passes by beautiful mountain passes and we will have opportunities to stop and photograph the scenery of the Carpathian Mountains.
The origin name of the word Bukovina comes from German and it's a reference to the large wood area that once covered this area of Romania. Bukovina was part of the Moldavia ( Eastern Romania) till 1775. Between this year and 1918 it become part of the Habsburg Empire and it was reunited with Romania during the first World War.
Overnight accommodation in Gura Humorului or in the area.
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The Merry Cemetery
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Day 8 - July the 17th / Monday, 2023
We will dedicate this day to the beauty of the painted monasteries of Bukovina.
The eight Romanian Orthodox Churches are located in Suceava County in Northern Moldavia and were built approximately between 1487 and 1583. Since 1993 they were listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
Located only at 5 km north of Gura Humorului is the Humor Monastery. Humor was one of the first of Moldova's painted monasteries and probably the best preserved. The master painter of the magnificent Humor's frescoes was Toma of Suceava.
Voronet Monastery, nicknamed the '' Sistine Chapel'' of the East was built by Romanian king Stephen the Great in 1488 to commemorate the victory of the battle of Vaslui against the Ottoman Turks. The specific of this monastery is the presence of the color blue, known as Voronet Blue. It is a lapis lazuri shade who resisted all these time.
Sucevita Monastery is one of the last monasteries to be painted in the specific style of the exterior frescoes. Both interior and exterior walls are covered by mural paintings of a great artistic value. The frescoes were painted in 1601 and are depicting biblical episodes from the Old and the New Testament. Time permitting we can visit others monasteries : Moldovita, Putna, Arbore, Patrauti.
Overnight accommodation in Gura Humorului or in the area.
We will dedicate this day to the beauty of the painted monasteries of Bukovina.
The eight Romanian Orthodox Churches are located in Suceava County in Northern Moldavia and were built approximately between 1487 and 1583. Since 1993 they were listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
Located only at 5 km north of Gura Humorului is the Humor Monastery. Humor was one of the first of Moldova's painted monasteries and probably the best preserved. The master painter of the magnificent Humor's frescoes was Toma of Suceava.
Voronet Monastery, nicknamed the '' Sistine Chapel'' of the East was built by Romanian king Stephen the Great in 1488 to commemorate the victory of the battle of Vaslui against the Ottoman Turks. The specific of this monastery is the presence of the color blue, known as Voronet Blue. It is a lapis lazuri shade who resisted all these time.
Sucevita Monastery is one of the last monasteries to be painted in the specific style of the exterior frescoes. Both interior and exterior walls are covered by mural paintings of a great artistic value. The frescoes were painted in 1601 and are depicting biblical episodes from the Old and the New Testament. Time permitting we can visit others monasteries : Moldovita, Putna, Arbore, Patrauti.
Overnight accommodation in Gura Humorului or in the area.
Gura Humorului
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Arbore Monastery
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Day 9 - July the 18th /Tuesday, 2023
We will spent today photographing the majestic views of Rarau Mountain, famous for the unmistakable silhouettes known as the Lady's Stones. We will take the route Transrarau who links two villages: Pojorata and Chiril across Rarau Mountains, reaching its highest point at 1,400 metres.
Lady's Stones are also called the Gothic towers and consist of three towers made of Mesozoic limestone.The name of these rocks is linked to a couple of legends. The most famous legend says that the name of the stones is linked to the lady Helen, the wife of Moldovan ruler Petru Rares, who named the mountains. They say that in the stormy periods in history, in 1541, during the second reign of Petru Rares, he has found a spot in Rarau Mountains to provide shelter for his family and fortune.
Chased by the Tatars, Helen and her son Stefanita found shelter in a cave where they began to pray for their lives. Legend has it that pieces of rocks came off and fell over the treasure of Rares, burying both the attackers and the fortune. Locals say the treasure of Rares is still buried under the huge rocks.
Overnight accommodation in Gura Humorului.
Rarau Mountain
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Rarau Mountain
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Day 10 -July the 19th / Wednesday, 2023
*driving distance Gura Humorului - Brasov 4 hours 53 minutes*
This is going to be a long day because we will leave behind Buckovina and drive to Brasov, Transylvania.
Fringed by the peaks of the Southern Carpathian Mountains and resplendent with gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture, as well as a wealth of historical attractions, Brasov is one of the most visited places in Romania.
Brasov Downtown Founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211 on an ancient Dacian site and settled by the Saxons as one of the seven walled citadels*, Brasov exudes a distinct medieval ambiance and has been used as backdrop in many recent period films.
The location of the city at the intersection of trade routes linking the Ottoman Empire and western Europe, together with certain tax exemptions, allowed Saxon merchants to obtain considerable wealth and exert a strong political influence in the region. This was reflected in the city's German name, Kronstadt, as well as in its Latin name, Corona, meaning Crown City (hence, the coat of arms of the city which is a crown with oak roots). Fortifications were erected around the city and continually expanded, with several towers maintained by different craft guilds, according to medieval custom.
Brasov is home to one of the the narrowest streets in Europe.
The Rope Street (Strada Sforii) is approximately four feet wide and it links Cerbului Street with Poarta Schei Street.
This street was initially used as an access route by firefighters.
Stroll around the old Town Hall Square (Piata Sfatului) where you can admire colorfully painted and ornately trimmed baroque structures. Take a peek inside the Black Church (Biserica Neagra), the largest gothic church in Romania. Its name derives from damage caused by the Great Fire of 1689, when flames and smoke blackened its walls. The interior is impressive and well-kept and houses one of the largest organs in Eastern Europe.
Nearby are towering mountains, rolling fields, thick forests and villages with fortified churches.
Overnight accommodation in Brasov.
Brasov
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Brasov
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Day 11 - July the 20th / Thursday, 2023
This day is dedicated to learn about Brasov, the most beautiful city in the world! ( don't forget that I was born there, so no modesty from my part). But truly, Brasov is a magic city and I will make sure that your experience there will be unforgettable.
We will start the day by visiting the old part of the city and my secret favorite spots to take the best shots.
I am not divulging any activities here: all will be pleasant surprises!
In the evening we will gather for a creative meeting and soul talking ......all meant to keep our imagination alive!
Overnight accommodation in Brasov.
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Day 12 -July the 21st / Friday, 2023
No surprise here: today we will drive to the famous Dracula's Castle, only thirty minutes drive from Brasov.
First you have to hear these two truths about the castle: Dracula, Vlad Tepes known as Vlad the Impaler ( 1428-1431 ) never lived in this castle, supposedly he visited only once and the Irish novelist Bram Stoker ( the novelist who made Vlad Tepes famous ) never traveled to Romania, much less Bran Castle. But the castle truly deserve our visit.
In the afternoon, I will take you to my favorite secluded villages: Pestera, Moieciu and Magura. This is where I used to go every weekend to photograph and do plein air painting. It is said that if there is a Paradise on Earth, it's called Magura. People who visited this place once they fallen in love for life with it and always return in search of natural beauty and serenity. Home to many species of animals and plants, the Piatra Craiului National Park ( which includes the Magura village ) invites you to discover its peaks of over 2.200 m and is the highest and the longest limestone ridge in Romania.
Overnight accommodation in Brasov.
Vlad Tepes- Dracula
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Bran Castle
Pestera
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Day 13 - July the 22nd / Saturday, 2023
Today we will spend the whole day, if necessary to select, print and frame our photos for the exhibit at Reduta Cultural Center in Brasov.
Time permitted visit with local craftsmen.
Isn't this cool? You will exhibit in an European medieval city?
Overnight accommodation in Brasov.
Day 14 - July the 23rd / Sunday, 2023
Last day in Brasov and The opening of the Photography Exhibit.
I am planning to invite local photographers and artists at the opening . And we will have a Yummy buffet, make connections and why not: Come back to Romania again!
Overnight accommodation in Brasov.
Time permitted morning day trip to Viscri or Prejmer. Both sites are known for their fortified churches, included on the Unesco World Heritage list.
Reduta Cultural Center
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Reduta Cultural Center
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Day 15 -July the 24th /Monday, 2023
Last day in Romania.
Transfer to the airport.
Last day in Romania.
Transfer to the airport.