In the morning, we will leave behind Wallachia and head to Bucovina, known for its painted monasteries, traditional houses adorned with beautiful floral and geometrical motifs, millenary traditions, and hospitable people.

The driving is long, but your guide will take advantage of this time to give you an introduction to the history, culture, and life of Romania.

On the way, we will stop for lunch at a nice local restaurant.

Dinner and accommodation in Bucovina.

We will dedicate this day to the discovery of the legendary painted monasteries in Bucovina. They are unique in the world for their original frescoes, both on the inside & outside walls, still preserved in the original style (some of these monasteries being UNESCO heritage).

The first destination is Moldovita Monastery, founded in 1532. Originally built as a monastery of monks, it later became a convent for nuns. The exterior painting, which has been very well preserved, is the major attraction of this charming place.

Our journey’s second monastery will be Sucevita, which is the largest of all, looking more like a mighty fortress than a monastery. As the last one to be painted on the exterior walls, the monastic place boasts the best-preserved frescoes of Bucovina.

In the afternoon, we will visit the most famous painted monastery of all, Voronet Convent, also known as “The Sistine Chapel of the Orient”. Erected in 1488, Voronet Monastery represented one of the first Moldavian creative elements showing a distinctive style. The church is a combination of Byzantine, Gothic and local features. The exterior painting on the western wall depicts the Doomsday scene, on five registers, unique in the entire world. Voronet Monastery entered the universal cultural heritage also for having in the composition of the paintings the inimitable “Voronet blue”. 

Overnight in a hotel in Piatra Neamt.

Today we will enter Transylvania’s legendary land after crossing the Carpathian Mountains through the spectacular Bicaz Gorge and after a brief stop at the Red Lake. 

We will stop in Brasov, considered being one of the most beautiful cities in Romania. Here, you will have lunch in a typical restaurant and enjoy a lovely walk in the old city center’s narrow and cobblestone streets. You will see the Council Square, the Council Tower, the famous Black Church (the most extensive Gothic construction in the Eastern part of Europe). 

Then, head to Bran and visit Bran Castle, which became so famous thanks to Dracula’s legend. You will learn how this legend was born and why Transylvania is until nowadays, related to it.

In the afternoon, return to Bucharest and drop off at your hotel.

Although the itinerary is quite long, driving in the countryside will offer magnificent sceneries and photo opportunities. This tour is our only trip to comprise the two legendary regions in a relatively short time.