Take a two-day Maramures tour from Cluj Napoca for a genuine experience in rural Romania. We will carefully prepare your vacation to ensure that you enjoy a real experience in Transylvania and Maramures.
This Maramures tour thoroughly combines the stunning environment of virgin forests with rural Romanian culture and religion in these historical locations. We designed this tour to provide you with the greatest possible experience of the Maramures region’s culture, gastronomy, traditions, nature, and architecture, while also emphasizing the area’s people and traditions.
The Maramures tour from Cluj-Napoca begins at 9:00 a.m. After being picked up from your Cluj-Napoca hotel by your skilled guide, you’ll set out on a gorgeous northward adventure to Maramures. The trip itself is a fantastic introduction to the region’s beautiful scenery.
The first destination on our Maramures tour is a stunning 17th-century wooden church. These architectural marvels, which were not only constructed by villagers but also by professional artisans, feature classic log constructions with precisely linked walls. Step inside the Calinesti wooden church and immerse yourself in history while admiring the original 18th-century paintings produced by one of Maramures’ most known artists.
After that, delve deeper into the Maramures experience by visiting Breb, an idyllic village with a rich history dating back to 1715. A guided walk through Breb’s picturesque surroundings encourages you to admire the village’s splendour while also witnessing the preservation of traditional life. On Sundays, inhabitants wear traditional Romanian dress, proudly honouring their history. Traditional architecture reigns dominance in Breb, with most houses possessing huge wooden gates representing wealth.
Within the village, you will have the opportunity to meet artisans who have preserved traditional crafts. As part of the Maramures trip, you will have a delicious meal with typical village cuisine. Savour the fresh, local foods and feel the warmth of Maramures hospitality.
Your overnight accommodation is arranged in a traditional guesthouse, offering a truly immersive Maramures experience.
Day two of your Maramures tour begins at 9:00 a.m. Prepare to be fascinated by the real hospitality of the Maramureşean locals. They’ll gladly welcome you into their homes and serve you a delicious traditional meal made with the freshest, handpicked ingredients, complemented by the local drink, palinka. The residents of Maramures ensure that no guest goes hungry, which demonstrates their friendly spirit. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the delicious home-cooked meals.
Your morning starts off with a visit to the intriguing Merry Cemetery. This one-of-a-kind necropolis includes carefully painted and hand-carved crosses, each of which bears witness to the deceased’s life. Unlike regular cemeteries, the Merry Cemetery provides insight into the personalities and even humour of the departed. The cemetery, which was sculpted by local craftsman Stan Ioan Patras in 1935, contains over 800 colourful crosses, each with a unique epitaph. Prepare to be charmed and moved by these passionate and occasionally amusing inscriptions.
The epitaphs offer a glimpse into the lives and personalities of those laid to rest, adding a touch of whimsy to a sombre setting. Here’s a touching example:
“Underneath this heavy cross
Lies my poor mother-in-law
Three more days she would have lived
I’d be here and she would read
You, who here are passing by
Not to wake her up please try
Cause if she comes back home
She will criticise me more.
But I will surely behave
So she’ll not return from the grave
Stay here, my dear mother-in-law!”
Continuing your exploration of Maramures’ rich history, you’ll visit Sighetul Marmației, home to the Elie Wiesel Memorial House. This Nobel laureate and Holocaust survivor wrote the powerful book “Night,” which details the horrible circumstances he and his father faced during the Holocaust. This rural area of Romania formerly had a strong Jewish community. While first appearing unaffected by World War II, the Nazi regime’s persecution quickly devastated the whole population.
Sighetul Marmatiei also commemorates the chaotic communist government of the twentieth century. The Memorial of the Victims of Communism is a moving reminder of the regime’s disastrous impact on Romania’s intellectual and political elites. This Communist memorial, alongside Auschwitz, remains a site of commemoration, ensuring the atrocities of the past are never forgotten by future generations.
No Maramures tour would be complete without visiting the region’s renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the wooden chapels of Barsana and Poienile Izei. The Barsana Monastery, a popular pilgrimage destination, has Romania’s tallest wooden church, standing at an astonishing 57 metres. Poienile Izei Church has its own distinct appeal, with some of the most dramatic and well-preserved murals representing hell among Maramures’ wooden churches.
Our Maramures tour from Cluj also introduces you to a unique ecological marvel – Valtori, the natural washing machines. Here, the river’s whirlpools are ingeniously used by locals to clean their wool rugs, a testament to the region’s resourcefulness and respect for nature.
Since Romania is associated with the gorgeous Carpathian Mountains, your route back to Cluj-Napoca includes a panoramic stop at a fascinating natural park. Cascading waterfalls, verdant forests, and deep gorges provide a magnificent conclusion to your Maramures tour.
Consider adding a day to your Maramures tour from Cluj-Napoca to expand your experience even further. This optional add-on takes you on a lovely ride on the Vaser Valley Steam Train, better known as the Mocanita. This narrow-gauge train, which departs from Viseu de Sus, provides an unforgettable eight-hour journey through breathtaking scenery, ideal for photographers.
After two days of visiting Maramures’ hidden treasures, your tour ends with a convenient drop-off at your chosen location in Cluj-Napoca. Whether you choose the airport for a smooth departure, your hotel for an extra night to explore Cluj-Napoca (not included in the tour), or the train station to continue your Romanian journey, we’ll ensure that the transition is simple.
This carefully planned Maramures tour from Cluj-Napoca promises an amazing experience. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage, discover stunning landscapes, and experience the warmth of the locals. Are you ready to embark on a vacation that will leave you with unforgettable memories of this enchanting region? Contact Rolandia today to learn more about this unforgettable Maramures tour and start planning your Romanian vacation!
Cluj-Napoca
Private
Cluj-Napoca
Private
Cluj-Napoca
Private
Curious about this tour? Here’s everything you need to know before you book. If there’s anything else you’re wondering about, just contact us—we’re happy to help!
Your guide will pick you up at 9:00 AM from your accommodation in Cluj-Napoca. If you’re flying in, pickup from the airport can also be arranged—just share your arrival details ahead of time.
Yes, and not just meet them—you’ll experience real rural life. You’ll visit local artisans, learn about their crafts, and enjoy a warm welcome in a traditional Maramureș household. Expect home-cooked meals made from fresh, local ingredients and served with a glass of palinka, the region’s signature spirit.
While we strive to adhere to the planned itinerary, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally lead to changes. If an attraction is unavailable, your guide will offer an alternative experience that captures the essence of the region, ensuring your journey remains enriching and memorable.
Pack comfortable shoes for village walks and monastery visits, and dress in layers—the weather can change throughout the day. A light jacket, modest clothing for religious sites, and a bit of local currency are useful. And don’t forget your camera—you’ll want to capture the scenery and traditions along the way.
Our travel guides and planners are Romanian locals who want to show you the authentic essence of the country.
Our team handles all aspects of your journey from planning to logistics and coordination to provide you with a hassle-free travel experience.
Our company creates customized travel experiences that consider your individual requirements and personal preferences.
Our company works with top-rated hotels and local service providers to deliver authentic high-quality travel experiences.
Cluj-Napoca
Private
Cluj-Napoca
Private
Cluj-Napoca
Private
