Rural Experience from Iasi: Agapia Monastery, Neamt Fortress & Villages

Enjoy a day trip to one of the most beautiful regions in the country. Discover the wilderness of the Carpathians, the fresh air, the wonderful mountain landscapes and the serenity of this area.

You will start with a visit to Neamţ Monastery, the oldest monastic establishment for monks, which shelters an impressive, well-preserved library. Nor far is Neamt Fortress – an important military and historical fortification that survived the siege of Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople. You will take a stroll up the hill and enjoy the beautiful view offered from this impressive fort. You will continue with a one-of-a-kind experience: a visit to the bison reserve in Neamt.

Your journey continues with a visit to Agapia Monastery, not only a charming religious site and a great tourist attraction but also an important centre for promoting traditional crafts. Be amazed by the picturesque traditional villages where time seems to be standing still. The locals still use horse-drawn carts and prepare food above an open fire with ingredients from their backyard. Witness their vivid tapestry of old customs, handicrafts, and folklore by visiting Nicolae Popa Museum. You will have the opportunity to study the symbols of the national costumes. Try on the traditional costumes and take pictures so you will have some one-of-a-kind souvenirs!

Afterwards, you will be transferred back to Iasi.

Departure at 08:00 and return in Iasi at 20:00.

Highlights

Agapia Monastery, home to more than 350 nuns, became more famous after the church was painted on the inside by the young and yet, genius, Nicolae Grigorescu painter. Nicolae Grigorescu is one of the most renowned Romanian painters. The uniqueness of his paintings derives from the fact that he represented the Orthodox Saints in a very personal manner. Even if the rules of the religious painting are quite strict in terms of colours, themes and even style, Grigorescu was inspired by the warmth of the local people. Visiting the monastery is, more or less, like a travel back in time. Outside the monastery walls, there is a small village where the nuns live in approximately 140 traditional Moldavian houses.

Nicolae Popa Museum – host to an impressive collection of historical objects but also an exhibition of naive art. Nicolae Popa passes on to the next generation the ancestral heritage through unique ways. He promotes the Romanian folklore and has dedicated his life to defend it. Here you can be witness to his creation and try on the ritual masks and traditional costumes.

Neamt Fortress is one of the most important medieval monuments in our country. It represents the most glorious time of the eastern region of Romania, called Moldova. The fortress was part of some crucial battles and survived important sieges like the Ottoman and Polish attacks.

Bison Reserve – it was built in 1968 and it’s currently home to 28 bison. 7 of them are found in the touristic area along with many other animal species: mouflons, deer, foxes, a bear, a wolf and different species of birds. The visiting area consists of the Bison Museum and a suspended bridge with allows you to observe the vegetation and fauna.