beyondtheforest.com provides everything you need to plan your holiday - unbiased travel information based on extensive, personal travel and an unparallelled network of local specialists.
To book your perfect holiday
we recommend:
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PerhapsEurope's best-kept secret: the Maramures is perfect for a stress-free holiday:
traditional rural life, folklore & customs amidst idyllic surroundings and unspoilt nature.
LAST UPDATED
12 / 11 / 2016
12 / 11 / 2016
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Rush Hour in the Iza Valley of Maramures
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MARAMURES |
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Holidays in Maramures can support local communities and crafts through local tourism initiatives |
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Highlights |
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Villages of Mara & Iza valleys Surdesti - Wooden Church Creasta Cocosului mountain Budesti village Memorial Sighet (Prison of the Ministers) Sighet village museum Barsana Monastery Merry Cemetery, Sapanta Botiza - Weaving Poienile Izei - frescoes Ieud - churches Forestry railway - Viseu Rodnei Mountains |
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Travel |
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Flights via Bucharest or Vienna to Baia Mare or Cluj then road or rail transfers Best option from the UK is Wizz Air direct from Luton to Cluj (now dailyk) Connects with the direct stopping train from Cluj to Viseu de Jos (ideal for Botiza holidays) Alternatives include flying to Bucharest then taking the overnight sleeper train from Bucharest Nord to Sighet; or Bucharest to Baia Mare; (Due to congestion in Bucharest you must allow 3 hours minimum from landing to boarding your train) There are useful rail services from Salva to Suceava for the Painted Monasteries Buses from Sighet to Baia Mare, Satu Mare & Vatra Dornei Wide range of inexpensive transfers & tours available in Maramures SEE THE TEXT FOR HOLIDAY IDEAS |
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An excellent selection of photographs of the villages, traditions and other aspects of Maramures can be found on the website: Karpaten Willi NB: German Text All Maramures galleries under "Speziellle-Maramures-Bildarchiv" |
Maramures is unique, It is also the one of the last remaining, largely unspolit regions, not only in Europe, but in Romania, in terms of it's traditional working villages and a landscape moulded over the centuries by sustainable, small scale farming and forestry. However, even this enclave is changing as the infrastructure has been developed, more money becomes available and EC regulations affect timeless traditions. It is also still excellent value, espcially when compared to other regions of the Carpathians where overzealous tourist development has gone hand in hand with price increases to pay off investments.
You will be welcomed to this beautiful land with open arms by people fiercely proud of their history and traditions. In the shadows of the majestic Rodnei, Tibles and Maramures mountains you will find an enchanting landscape of rolling hills with clumps of beech and oak where villages, nestled in the valleys, retain a forgotten lifestyle, almost preserved in mediaeval isolation.
Leave your worries behind you and relax - the Maramures offers you the ultimate stress-free holiday environment.
"Although I had a good idea of what we were in for, we would say, that without doubt, it exceeded all our expectations. All the arrangements you made, the meet & greet at Viseu de Jos, and at Cluj, where the Hotel Fullton was so well situated in the heart of the old quarter, worked out faiultlessly, as did the trains. The family in Botiza were very kind and friendly, the accommodation spotless, and George a very helpful, knowledgeable and reliable guide to introduce us to the history and way of life in the Maramures. R.& H.H. (Wokin)
George's insight, knowledge and sensitivity in dealing witrh his clients gave us an understanding of a wonderful country in a way we could not have suspected possible. He enabled us to see a little ofwho the people of Maramures are. That is a gift we shall treasure greatly." D.W.( Aberystwyth)
"Just writing to thankyou for our fantastic holiday in Maramures. It was absolutely brilliant and you were completely right about Maramures. Our hosts were amazing and even provided us with national costumes to go to church in. The organisation was flawless, accommodation without fault, and people we met were brilliant! I won't go on and on about how great it was because you know already. I will recommend you further ..." IB (Birmingham)
"Just a quick note to say how much we enjoyed the Romania trip and will definitely consider travelling back in the future. Our tour of Maramures was excellent - George showed us around many interesting places and I managed to get some great photographs in the process. I thought what we were charged for his services was also very reasonable. The food was excellent - there was so much of it!. Bucovina was also very enjoyable and the guide who showed us around for the day had a very good knowledge of the area." I.C. (Aberdeen)
Click here for further testimonials
Wooden church, Botiza
Traditional costumes, blankets and carpets are woven by hand, waterwheels still power flour and fulling mills, and threshing machines, and shepherds tend their flocks in the high pastures. Above all, this is the realm of the woodcraftsman - everywhere there is wooden architecture of the highest quality imaginable, from inticately carved gateways bearing symbols of aspiration and continuity, eaves and verandas, to the famous churches constructed entirely of wood. Although many date from the last Tatar raids in the 18th century this is not a forgotten craft - the new monastery complex at Bârsana is and excellent example of a recent construction. Don't miss other, historic wooden churches such as Rozavlea, Ieud and Bogdan Voda in the Iza valley, or those at Plopis and Surdesti with slender spires (Surdesti being the tallest wooden structure in Europe), the traditional villages of Budesti, Sirbi and Calinesti in the Cosau valley, and Desesti, Harnicesti and Sat-Sugatag, in the Mara valley, all noted for their wooden architecture. UNESCO have listed several of the wooden churches of Maramures as a World Heritage site: notably Surdesti, Plopis, Budesti, Desesti, Barsana, Poienile Izei, Ieud and Rogoz.
Other attractions include the famous "Merry Cemetery" at Sapinta, the fascinating "Prison of the Ministers"dedicated to victims of communism, in the regional town of Sighetu Marmatiei ("simply "Sighet" to most), the last working forestry railway with steam locomotives climbing the remote Vaser valley almost to the Ukrainian border, the spa at Ocna Sugatag, and the wilderness of the Rodnei mountains - a natural paradise for hiking and climbing. Most of all this is a land for strolling, there is no hurry - everybody has their own favourite place here, perhaps a viewpoint between valleys, or a spot beneath an apple tree or in a flower-filled meadow.
Other attractions include the famous "Merry Cemetery" at Sapinta, the fascinating "Prison of the Ministers"dedicated to victims of communism, in the regional town of Sighetu Marmatiei ("simply "Sighet" to most), the last working forestry railway with steam locomotives climbing the remote Vaser valley almost to the Ukrainian border, the spa at Ocna Sugatag, and the wilderness of the Rodnei mountains - a natural paradise for hiking and climbing. Most of all this is a land for strolling, there is no hurry - everybody has their own favourite place here, perhaps a viewpoint between valleys, or a spot beneath an apple tree or in a flower-filled meadow.
The Maramures Village
Experience the Romanian Village. Here, the natural and cultural wealth of the countryside has been combined with genuine hospitality to provide a unique insight into a way of life long lost in many parts of the modern world. More and more people are turning their backs on purpose-built resorts for the simple life of the village,to encounter age-old traditions and customs, and beautiful landscapes which have evolved gradually over centuries, free from the blight of modern agricultural practices. Here, the visitor can discover at first hand the colourful diversity of folk costumes and dance, traditional skills and crafts and even participate in daily activities and customs, take a jaunt in an ox-cart or a horse-drawn carriage, or stroll through meadows and orchards infused with birdsong, filled with the scent of countless wild flowers, a kaleidoscope of colour. The rural environment is unspoilt and unpolluted, a far cry from the eyesores of the modern, post-industrial age. In the Romanian village you really can escape the hustle and bustle, the constant roar of traffic, the crowds and congestion, the pressures of the workplace, and see for yourself the therapeutic quality of this peaceful, rural environment.
Your meals will be freshly prepared, the ingredients invariably organically grown or produced, without the use of chemical fertilisers or pesticides, often in the hosts' garden. Experience a tantalising array of specialities, perhaps including sarmale - rolls of soured cabbage or vine leaves stuffed with rice andminced pork flavoured with herbs such as dill, lovage and savory, mititei - charcoal-grilled meat rolls spiced with garlic and served with mustard, 'ciorba' - soured soups, or tocanite - meat stews, usually of pork with paprika in the style of a goulash. Perhaps the best known dish is the staple of rural Romania, mamaliga - polenta served with yoghurt, cheese or soured cream, one of many dishes suitable for vegetarians. For dessert, you can choose from doughnuts, pancakes or cozonac - cake baked especially at Easter or Christmas, or maybe you would prefer raspberries or wild strawberries gathered fresh from the forest?
Botiza
our favourite, and one of the most popular, holiday destinations is the traditional Maramures village of Botiza. The village itself is renowned for its woven rugs and carpets; you can observe villagers making these on wooden looms and note the techniques for dying them using only natural vegetal dyes - greens, browns and greys. There are plenty of other examples of crafts such as blacksmiths, millers, shepherds - even a tiny distillery producing horinca (double-distilled plum brandy). You will also find plenty of typical wooden architecture including the church which formerly stood in Viseu de Jos. Accommodation in Botiza is in comfortable private homes or guesthouses with modern facilities, some of them with en suite bathrooms. A substantial breakfast and evening meal is provided, and a packed picnic lunch during the day. In most cases your hosts speak English and with soe of them you will experience some of the best home cooking in all Romania!
A car and driver, minibus and guides are all on hand to transfer you to and from the station (if you are arriving on the overnght train from Bucharest or the stopping train from Cluj) and to make excursions throughout the Maramures, to the Vaser Valley railway or trekking in the Rodnei mountains. Alternatively the fascinating villages of Poienile Izei and Ieud may be reached easily on foot or by horse and cart. These are idyllic walks through meadows with far reaching views and a myriad of wild flowers such as crested cow-wheat, green-winged and butterfly orchids, and a host of pinks, bellflowers, daisies and clovers. There are plenty of birds too including shrikes, stonechats and larks, and butterflies including swallowtails, and in the woodland glades, Camberwell beauties. The old wooden church in the first mentioned village has fantastic frescies in the nave depicting the Devil and what happens to sinners in the after life - they leave little to the imagination! You need to ask for the key from the house above the new church. You can also walk beyond Poienile Izei to the next village, a little place called Glod, which is very traditional. It is worth the extra distance for the tranquillity of the meadows and the far-reaching panoramas, across a natural amphitheatre of terraced strip fields to the Rodnei and Maramures mountains - a unique, timeless landscape. Alternatively you can hike into the remote Lapus or Tibles Mountains, which rise between the village and separate this part of Maramures with the Lapus Basin. Gere you may find shepherds making cheese in their summer pasture, and learn about 'transhumance', their summer migration to the high meadows.
Sighetu Marmatiei Sighet
An alternative base to one of the villages would be the bustling market town of Sighetu Marmatiei. Here we recommend staying in the lovely Casa Iurca din Calinesti hotel in the town centre, a comfortable family run hotel. Sighet, as it is known colloquially is a fascinating place located on the border of the Ukraine (the region of Ruthenia) beside the Tisa River. Sighet is famed for its winter carnival when local people wear bizarre costumes and masks. It has several museums including a very good village museum and the excellent Sighet Memorial housed in the Prison of the Ministers. The prison achieved notoriety in the 1950s when former Government Ministers, generals, bishops and academics were held here as they could easily be spirited away into the Soviet Union if the communist regime was threatened It is now a very moving museum dedicated to the victims of communism. There was once a thriving Jewish community here. The synagogue survives as does the childhood home of the holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Elie Wiesel, which has become an impressive memorial. Sighet is well situated near the confluence of several valleys as a centre for visiting the Maramures. The Viseu, Iza, Mara and Cosau valleys are within easy reach, as is the Merry Cemetery of Sapinta and the natural reservation of the Gutai Mountains.
Casa Iurca de Calinesti is a very comfortable 4-star family pension with a traditional restaurant. There are three en suite bedrooms and an apartment comprising two rooms and a bathroom. All rooms are air-conditioned with TV, minibar, telephone and free Internet access. A wide range of activities is available including transfers and day excursions with a professional guide,including tours of the Maramures or a day on the Vaser valley forestry railway. Other recommended hotels include the Marmatiei, also in Sighet, or pensions in Viseu de Sus and Sapanta.
UPDATE: VASER VALLEY FOREST RAILWAY, VISEU DE SUS
Severe flooding along the border with Ukraine on 25-26 July 2008 caused considerable damage in Maramures, where one of the worst hit areas was the Vaser Valley.
On the Vaser Valley Forestry Railway large sections of the trackbed and bridges were lost to floodwaters. A campaign was established to raise funds to reopen the line which is not only unique as the last remaining true steam-hauled forestry railway, but is an essential lifeline to the people and communities of this remote mountain valley. As a consequence the line has now been reopened and tourist trains have resumed operating during the summer months to Faina. If you are visiting this region, why not head over to Viseu de Sus to spend a day on the railway for a unique experience amidst stunning scenery.
Please see: CFF Viseu for all the latest news. Why not take a short break to spend a couple of days exploring the railway with accommodation in Viseu de Sus, scenic rail trips and a visit to the main line locomotive collection at Dej, en route from Cluj. We can offer accommodation in privatre pensions belonging to railway staff or on the Carpathia Express Hotel restored sleeping carriages. Guides and transport are also available and for larger groups we can charter special steam trains given sufficienrt notice.
Rodnei Mountains
This corner of northern Transylvania is one of the most rugged and scenic. The Rodnei, Suhard and Maramures mountains are ideal for walking whilst the dense forests are a haven for bears, wolves, red deer and chamois and the high meadows are home to rare and endemic plants. It is also the point at which three major regions come together - Maramures, Bistrita-Nasaud and Bucovina. The folk culture and dance of the region is celebrated when dance and folk troupes from all three counties converge on the Prislop Pass in mid-August for the famous Prislop Hora, or 'Round Dance'. We can organise a visit from Botiza together with trips further afield. The regions are very distinctive - the wood crafts and architecture of the Maramures to the west, the folk costumes and dance of the Somes valley of Bistrita-Nasaud to the south, and the pretty Bistrita Aurie valley flowing east into Bucovina, via the delightful village of Ciocanesti, best known for its decorated folk architecture. All provide access to the mountains, though the Rodnei are best reached from the Prislop Pass summit or from Borsa Complex, a small resort with a chair lift and a small selection of hotels. Treks up to the summit of Pietrosul (2303 m.) or a simple walk to the 'Horse Tail' waterful or high meadows start from here. A longer trek through the massif to Ineu (2279 m.) is possible during the summer when snow has melted from the ridge. Ineu and the Lala lake are also accessible from the Somes valley. Mountain refuges enable a two day trek to form part of a holiday in Botiza. We offer a wide range of accommodation hotels in Viseu de Sus and Borsa Complex.
Useful Links: Maramures Resources
We have included a few links to some useful websites to assist you furter in planning your stay in the mahical Maramures region.
The VISIT MARAMURES pages which were supported by USAid are especially detailed with useful information about specific villages, attractions and festivals.
There is also an extremely useful, and very clear, map of the region.
Visit Maramures - very useful general site for the Maramures
Maramures Map - download this useful, detailed map of the region
Festivals and Events - download this calendar og festivals and events such as the Sambra Oiilor or the Prislop Hora
CFF Viseu - official site for the Vaser Valley Railway
Mocanita - an excellent guide to the latest at the Vaser valley Riailway with Daniel Secarescu's excellent photos and video clips
Memorail Sighet - offical site for the fascinating Museum fof the Victims of Communism in Sighet
Karpaten Willi - excellent Maramures galleries
Maramures : Suggested Holidays 2014
Daily Deprartures (see flights below)
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS via CLUJ - 4-5 times per week (if using WIZZ flights from Luton; otherwise daily)
This holiday uses flights operating direct to the former Imperial capital of Transylvania where you spend a night and a day
DAY 1: WIZZ Luton 08:10 - Cluj Napoca 13:00
Meet & Greet Service; transfer to Botiza (3-4 hours) visiting the Lapus region or the Banffy Palace project at Bontida en route.
6 Nights in a comfortable, local guesthouse where you might experience some of the best cooking in Romania using natural, mostly organic ingredients.
Breakfast, substantial packed lunch and evening meal included.
DAYS 2-7
2 x Excursions are included in the package, e.g.:
1. Full day personal Maramures Tour: Cosau Valley, Sapânta incl. the Merry Cemetery and the Iza Valley.
2. Full day: Vaser Valley Forestry Railway incl. a ride on the old logging train - often a steam engine.
Excursions are flexible - for example the Vaser Railway may be substituted for a visit to the Rodnei mountains or the Mara Valley
Optional: Additional excursions or guide services are available for other days. We certainly recommend a walk over to Poienile Izei and Glod over the hills and through the meadows with fabulous long-reaching vistas over the Maramures region. Other suggestions would bea trip to the Lapus region of western Maramures, perhaps to see the famous Sambra Oilor Shepherds festival in early May. The local tourism manager, who speaks English, can advise you of ideas and organise your trips. Guesthouse proprietors speak English or French. Guides are available for Euro 20 Euros per day. Transport available at 0.30-0.50 Euros per km. These extra services are payable locally in Euros or Lei equivalent.
NEW: the border with the Ukraine at Sighet is now open so why not make an excursion over the Tisa to visit a different world?
DAY 7: Transfer to Salva junction (90-120 minutes) for afternoon train back to Cluj at 13:03; arrives Cluj 14:39 (later trains also available; times subject to change)
Optional: enjoy lunch at the craft and weaving workshop of Gina Linul.
NOTE: train subject to schedule for 2014; altrenative transfer all or part way also possible.
Hotel Agape 4*, Cluj Napoca - bed & breakfast for one night. Pleasant business type hotel in an excellent, quiet central location, just off the main Unirii Square.
OPTIONAL: take in a night at the opera at the beautiful art nouveau opera house - programmes usually available up to 3 months in advance.
DAY 8:
Transfer to Cluj airport for your flight: WIZZ Cluj Napoca 06:20 - Luton 07:35
beyondtheforest.com provides everything you need to plan your holiday - unbiased travel information based on extensive, personal travel and an unparallelled network of local specialists.
1. Maramures Uncovered (Cluj): Guideline Prices 2014
| 8 days / 7 nights Maramures Uncovered (from Cluj) | from £475.00 per person |
Supplement applies for festive meals and celebrations at Christmas and New Year
Prices include:
- Personal transfers between Cluj Airport and Cluj station; and hotel and Cluj airport
- Personal transfers from Viseu de Jos to Botiza and Botiza to Salva
- 1st Class rail tickts and reservations between Cluj and Viseu de Jos and Salva and Cluj
- 6 nights accommodation in Botiza (half-board as above)
- 1 night accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Cluj (bed & breakfast)
- 2 x full day excursions in Maramures (including the Vaser Valley train fare if taking that option)
- English speaking reperesentative in Botiza
- Local Taxes and VAT
To book your Maramures holiday
we recommend:
01900 824329
www.travelcounsellors.co.uk
A quaity, personal service by
travel experts in your local area
- Prices exclude
- FLIGHTS - from ONLY £ 95.00 return incl. taxes with WIZZ from Luton (higher scheduled prices with Austrian, Tarom or Malev)
- Additional excursion and guide services in Maramures (payable locally in Euros and excellent value)
- Entrance fees or photo permits for museums or churches
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Travel Insurance
Adult Prices are per person in £ Sterling (GBP) and are based on 2 people travelling together, and sharing a twin/ double room
Transfers and excursions with a professional english-speaking guide:
Euro 0.45-0.50 per km - by car
Euro 0.55-0.60 per km - by minibus
A wide range of itineraries can be constructed to combine Maramures with other regions. Here are a few suggestions:
NEW: THE PERFECT PARTNER TO A WEEK IN MARAMURES: ANOTHER EUROPE - all inclusive quality holidays in the Sibiu regiom.
Add a second week to your holiday with a simple rail connection from Maramures via Cluj to Sibiu
MARAMURES & THE PAINTED MONASTERIES (Recommend 10 days minimum)
DAY 1: Flight to Bucharest; overmight train to Maramures
DAY 2 -7: 6 nights based in Botiza with two full day tours included; optional activities available for local payment.
DAY 8: Scenic rail journey over the Setref pass from Viseu de Jos to Salva. Visit to Virginia Linul's excellent craft centre where she is recreating a wide range of traditional folk costumes, embroidery and woven garments. Lunch included. Local express train to Gura Humorului - another scenic journey cutting through the Borgo and Suhard Mountains and over the Mestecanic Pass.
2 nights in Bucovina (e.g. Casa Elena at Voronet, with a full day tour of the Painted Monasteries with an excellent, professional guide
DAY 10: Early morning train to Bucharest to connect with late flight to UK
The number of days in Bucovina can be extended and it is also possible to fly to Bucharest or take an overnight train. Another option would be a day tour through the beautiful eastern Carpathians incorporating Neamt Monastery, Lake Bicaz and the Ceahlau Massif before taking a train to Brasov for a night or two, before flying home. The holiday can be further extended with a stay of 4-7 nights at Count Kalnoky's Guesthouses near to Brasov - see our 'Touch of Class' pages
MARAMURES & SAXON TRANSYLVANIA
DAY 1: Flight to Bucharest; overmight train to Maramures; or flight to Cluj then train to Maramures
DAY 2 -7: 6 nights based in Botiza with two full day tours included; optional activities available for local payment.
DAY 8: Scenic rail journey over the Setref pass from Viseu de Jos to Salva. Visit to Virginia Linul's excellent craft centre where she is recreating a wide range of traditional folk costumes, embroidery and woven garments. Lunch included. Road transfer via Bistrita and Targu Mures to Sighisoara for overnight in an historic hotel in the Romantic citadel.
DAY 9: Train to Cluj for overnight before flying home the next day;
OR
MARAMURES & ANOTHER EUROPE
Transfer to Cisnadioara near Sibiu for 5 nights at the lovely Casa Verde (Another Europe) with daily activities to explore Sibiu, the southern Carpathians and Saxon Transylvania
DAY 14 Transfer to Cluj or Bucharest by road or rail for your flight home
ALTERNATIVE. Maramures Uncovered (via Bucharest)
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS via BUCHAREST - Daily Departures
A simple package suggestion comprising scheduled flights from the United Kingdom to Bucharest Otopeni, meet & greet services and transfers, overnight sleeper trains (1st class - 2 berths per compartment) to and from Sighetu Marmatiei or Viseu de Jos, and 5 nights full-board accommodation in Botiza (breakfast, picnic lunch and evening meal).
DAY 1: Flight options:
Scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Bucharest Otopeni. You should book the early flight, or alternative indirect services with KLM, Austrian or Swiss to ensure sufficient time to transit to the station. Due to congestion you should not risk less than three hours between the plane landing and the train departing. See: Cluj alternatiive holiday itineraries from Cluj (below) to avoid Bucharest.
Note: KLM offer excellent connections from most UK regional airports (Bristol, Cardiff, Norwich, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds Bradford, Humberside, Durham, Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen) to Bucharest. Several services per day allowing you to choose the best connection.
Flights depart at about 06:00 from each airport for Amstardam. Onward flight arrives in Bucharest early afternoon.
Meet & Greet Service/ Transfer to Bucharest Nord station (takes 90-120 minutes depending on traffic; allow minimum 3 hours from arrival to train departure).
You should stock up with goodies and water before your journey.
Train: A1643 Bucharest Nord 17:33; Sighetu Marmatiei 07:14 (2009 timetable; schedules occasionally change)
1st Class Sleeper Compartment (2 berths; each carriage has an attendant)
This is a convenient service though please note the train follows the old line north throuygh the eastern Carpathians. This can be slightly bumpy during the night due to the jonted tracks. However, it is also a fabulous adventure for anybody unfamiliar with long rail journeys!
DAY 2:
You wake as the train descends through a magical landscape into Maramures and pauses at the frontier station of Valea Viseului, The last leg follows the bank of the River Tisa which separates Romania from Ukraine.
Meet & Greet Service; breakfast in a comfortable bar or restaurant in Sighet then continue through the Iza Valley to your guesthouse in the beautiful, traditional village of Botiza.
5 Nights in a comfortable, local guesthouse where you might experience some of the best cooking in Romania using natural, mostly organic ingredients.
Breakfast, substantial packed lunch and evening meal included.
DAYS 3-7
2 x Excursions are included in the package, e.g.:
1. Full day personal Maramures Tour: Cosau Valley, Sapânta incl. the Merry Cemetery and the Iza Valley.
2. Full day: Vaser Valley Forestry Railway incl. a ride on the old logging train - often a steam engine.
Excursions are flexible - for example the Vaser Railway may be substituted for a visit to the Rodnei mountains or the Mara Valley
Optional: Additional excursions or guide services are available for other days. We certainly recommend a walk over to Poienile Izei and Glod over the hills and through the meadows with fabulous long-reaching vistas over the Maramures region. Other suggestions would bea trip to the Lapus region of western Maramures, perhaps to see the famous Sambra Oilor Shepherds festival in early May. The local tourism manager, who speaks English, can advise you of ideas and organise your trips. Guesthouse proprietors speak English or French. Guides are available for Euro 10 -20 Euros per day. Transport available at 0.30-0.50 Euros per km. These extra services are payable locally in Euros or Lei equivalent.
DAY 7: Transfer to Viseu de Jos - a scenic 45 minute drive over the pass at Bocicoel.
Train: A1644 Viseu de Jos 19:16 Bucharest Nord 07:25 - 1st Class Sleeper Compartment (2 berths; each carriage has an attendant)
Meet & Greet Service, transfer to Bucharest Airport for your flight home. Numerous afternoon departures available
The KLM flights connect to most UK regional airports.
Note: For later departures you can leave your baggage at the station luggage office and spend a few hours sightseeing or shopping in Bucharest. A guide can then collect you later and drive you to the airport. Allow at least four hours for the transfer and check-in time.
Optional: Extra nights in Bucharest
Vaser Valley Forest Railway Viseu de Sus
The narrow gauge Vaser Valley Railway is one of the last remaining forestry railways in Romania,
and the only one still hauling timber down from the forests.
However, it's also the subject of a preservation project so a trip up the line is not to be missed.
There is a good chance the work train or tourist train will be steam.
Both are likely to leave one afte the other for the lumberjack camps
deep in the forest. The track follows ledges high above the
cascadingriver and runs through tunnels. It is spectacular but
can take all day if you are lucky enough to have caught a working
train dropping off trucks as it ascends for up to 40km into the
Maramuresmountains, picking up timber on the return.
It is also a useful service for hikers.
There is now decent accommodation in pensions at Viseu
or the train can be taken as,a day trip with one
of the Botiza holidays suggested above.
Special chartered trains can be organised for groups..
Please refer to our Forestry Railway Pages for further details
Resita steam locomotive
shunts at Stavioara
Rodnei Mountains / Maramures Violinist / Nightmarish frescoes, Poienile Izei
Botiza / Croci in Rodnei Mountains / Wooden church at Ieud
Tel. +44 (0)1900 838570; Email. [email protected]
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