Maramures Wooden Churches (before main adventure)
Romania
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Essential info
- Reviews
- Packing list
Entry Level
Cultural
Transfers
3 Nights
2 - 12
Group size
Leaders
Highlights
- UNESCO Heritage Wooden Churches
- Victims of Communism Memorial
- Discover the history of Merry Cemetery
- Immersion in rural Romanian life
Maramures Wooden Churches
To help you delve further into Romania, we have put together this ‘mini-adventure (‘Add On’) that can be taken before your main Romania Adventure. The adventure starts in the city of Cluj Napoca, that receives flights from the UK and other international destinations so you can travel there direct, or via Bucharest, using an internal flight or overnight sleeper to reach Cluj.
The UNESCO Heritage wooden churches of Maramures are architectural masterpieces reflecting the role religion has played in theses simple, rural communities, as well as showcasing incredible craftsmanship.
There are nearly 100 wooden churches in the region, some built in the 17th century, right the way through to the 19th Century, originally in response to the prohibition against the erection of stone Orthodox churches by the Catholic Austro Hungarian authorities of the time. They have in common, a large roof with tall tower above the entrance but otherwise reflect the craftsmanship of the locals who built them.
Day 1: Arrival into Cluj Napoca
Transfer
Breakfast
3 star hotel
Arrive into the attractive and welcoming city of Cluj Napoca direct from the UK, or on an internal flight from Bucharest. Meet your driver for a transfer to your centrally located hotel.
We can recommend what to do if you have some time to wonder in Cluj. Enjoy an independent evening walking tour this evening and we can recommend a place to eat that will suit your budget.
Day 2: Maramures Churches
Breakfast
Dinner
After breakfast this morning, your English speaking local guide will pick you up from your hotel for the scenic 2.5hr drive to Maramures. It is a great opportunity to start to relax and get into the spirit of slow travel as village life in the Maramures remains beautifully and authentically relaxed.
Wikipedia describes the Maramures region as 'as close to a living museum as can be found in Europe’. There are nearly 100 wooden churches in the region, some built in the 17th century, right the way through to the 19th Century, originally in response to the prohibition against the erection of stone Orthodox churches by the Catholic Austro Hungarian authorities of the time.
They have in common, a large roof with tall tower above the entrance but otherwise reflect the craftsmanship of the locals who built them. Check in to your local guesthouse before heading out to immerse yourself in village life and marvel at the craftsmanship of the 300 year old wooden churches: we will visit 3 UNESCO monasteries.
Day 3: Merry Cemetery & Victims of Communism Memorial
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Guest house
The former prison in Sighetu Marmatiei (entrance fee included) is a fascinating but shocking insight into the effects of the Communist regime in Romania. The prison had a terrifying reputation and many of the political prisoners (opponents to the Communist regime) that were sent here, never came out. The prison has been turned into a museum which gives its visitors a real insight into recent Romanian history and all that it has endured during the Communist era.
The Merry Cemetery (entrance fee included) is, ironically, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate life! Based in Sapanta, it is a cemetery full of colourful wood carved tombstones that depict the lives of those resting there with anecdotes and funny jokes about their lives. A positive and charming way of remembering loved ones who are no longer on with us.
Day 4: Travel to Bucharest
Transfer
Breakfast
There are several flights a day between Cluj Napoca and Bucharest with Tarom or Blue Air, so before transferring back to Cluj Napoca (3hr transfer), and depending on your travel plans, there may be time to visit another Maramures village and church this morning, or simply take time to relax and enjoy your surroundings. If you need an independent transfer from Cluj city to Cluj airport it will cost around £6 by taxi. If you transfer as a group then the transfer is included and your guide will drop you back to Cluj Napoca airport for the evening domestic flight to Bucharest.
This Add On dovetails perfectly with your Romanian Adventure, and you will arrive into Bucharest on the same day as those who did not decide to visit Maramures. Your hotel and Dinner tonight are included in the cost of your main Romanian Adventure.
Adventure Optional Extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is only available for part of the trip.
Not Included
- International flights & airport taxes
- National flights between Cluj Napoca & Bucharest (for the start of your main adventure)
- Insurance cover (compulsory)
- Tips (allow approx £40)
- Some meals, drinks & snacks (see itinerary for details)
Contents
Accommodation
This ‘Add on’ to your main Romanian Adventure showcases the warm hospitality of the Romanians and the delicious local fayre of the Maramures region with a 2 night stay in a charming local village guesthouse.
We always choose accommodation based on cleanliness, comfort, safety, proximity to our route (to avoid unnecessary travel) and a warm client welcome as well as reliability in their service to us. Due to the small nature of local guesthouses, we can only offer single rooms on a first come, first served basis. Single rooms will be available for a supplement of £70pp.
We fully believe in, and practice, Responsible Tourism and are using guesthouses run by locals. The accommodation on this adventure really accentuates your experience. We put time and effort into building our relationship with accommodation suppliers to ensure you have a great trip.
Extra nights
If you need an extra night in Bucharest before or after your adventure, then please select this option when you book the adventure (online booking). You will be able to book a twin/double room (for 2 people) or a single room (for 1 person).
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you on your holiday will be a local, English speaking Romanian guide.
We work closely with our Romanian Tour Operator partners both before and during your adventure to ensure that they understand your needs and the standard that YellowWood Adventures expects. We believe that it is a very important positive aspect of Responsible Tourism, to employ the expertise of local suppliers, as well as offering you a much more informative and authentic experience.
Your Group
As this is an optional ‘Add On’ to your main Romanian Adventure, it may be just a group of 2, or may be more, up to the maximum group number of 12.
We get clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you have a group of friends or family who are interested in having their own customised trip, then please let us know and we can cost it for you.
Am I Fit Enough?
The focus of this holiday is a cultural exploration. To get the most of out of this adventure, you need to be in good physical condition and able to walk slowly on level ground for around 2-3 hours in a day (to explore villages on foot). Any walking is at the natural pace of the group, with regular stops.
Travel
This Maramures ‘Add On’ starts in Cluj Napoca, the nearest city to the region you are visiting. We understand that arriving into an unfamiliar airport can be daunting, so we will be able to support you with planning your adventure.
Finding flights
Flights are not included in the cost of your holiday, and whilst we are happy to help advise you, responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you. We recommend that you use a comparison tool when searching for flights, such as skyscanner. Or www.momondo.co.uk.
We will send you a Flight Information Sheet with further pointers on which flights to book for your adventure.
Travel by Train
Although the most cost effective way to get to Romania is to use a low cost airline, there is much joy to be found in incorporating your travel into your adventure and choosing the lower carbon footprint option of the train. Travel to Bucharest direct on the train from Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Sofia or Tehssaloniki, as well as a multitude of destinations with indirect routes. There is then an overnight sleeper train between Bucharest and Cluj Napoca that you may wish to use as an alternative to an internal flight. For your return journey to Bucharest we recommend taking a domestic flight to avoid missing the first night of the main trip.
Transfer from Otopeni Airport to start hotel in Bucharest (for main adventure)
The journey takes 25-35mins depending on traffic and will cost 50-70 Lei (approx 10-£15) to the city centre. You can use Uber or special taxi ordering machines at the airport (on R as you leave baggage reclaim).
Airport & Arrival Information
Avram Ian Cluj International Airport (Cluj Napoca) is 9km East of the city centre. It is a fully functioning airport - the 2nd busiest in Romania, welcoming flights from Europe and further afield. Airport services include Duty Free, ATMs & Currency Exchange.
On arrival at the airport you will go through passport control to baggage reclaim.
If you are arriving some time ahead of the start of your ‘Add On’ and have some time spare in Cluj, we can send you information to help you spend your time wisely.
Reviews
YellowWood Adventures
This is a new Add-On itinerary for YellowWood and as such, we do not yet have any reviews. We would love you to be the first to review the adventure!
Compulsory
Price:
From
Add-Ons are an optional way of customising & extending your adventure, and making those travel miles more worthwhile. They can not be purchased separately. To select an Add-On, please visit the relevant adventure and add it to your enquiry or booking. The adventures which offer this particular Add-On can be found below:
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Booking Process
Select dates & add any extras or 'Add on' adventures. Complete our Booking Form
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'Make Booking': You will be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit (£300/$400/person) payment (receipted), if booking >56 days before your adventure or full payment if 56 or <56 days before your adventure. Your monies are held securely by the Travel Trust Association.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Enter booking information for all guests in your party.
We will be in touch as soon as we are able, to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Do not book transport/flights until we have emailed you to confirm your booking (receipt of your booking form is not confirmation). We will change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding', when it becomes payable online.
This payment is due 56 days before departure date (we send reminders).
Contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking.
+44 207 846 0197
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Enquiry Process
Get in touch via our Enquiry form to check our availability, discuss the adventure and check we can meet your needs.
Complete our Enquiry Form; contact details, additional requirements (eg diet or health requirements) & questions you may have. Include as much information as you are able to, so we can help you with the detail you are looking for
Click on 'Send Enquiry' (receipted).
We will be in touch as soon as we are able, to answer your questions and help you plan your adventure.
+44 207 846 0197