Bucovina & Maramures by bike from/to Cluj Napoca in 2023 - 14 Days

 

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival (bike off day) (D)

Arrival in Cluj Napoca Airport (CLJ) or train station Cluj Napoca.

Here you will meet your tour guide who will offer you all information about the trip. Group transfer to accommodation in Vatra Dornei and dinner.

 

Day 2: Transraraul road (around 60 km by bike) (B, D)

We will drive through the Bistrita valley along the southern silk of the Rarau-Giumalau Mountains to the east. From the village of Chiril it goes uphill (from 724 m to 1,425 m, around 11 km). From the highest point of the day's stage we can climb a little higher to the Rarau Hut (1,520 m). From the hut we can see the rock formation known as Pietrele Doamnei very well. In any case, it goes down from here (around 16 km) to Pojorata. The destination of the day, the city of Campulung Moldovenesc, is only a few kilometers away. Overnight in a guest house in Campulung Moldovenesc.

 

Day 3: Monastery life (around 30 km) (B, D)
From Campulung Moldovenesc (750 m) it goes up to the Three Hill Pass (Pasul Trei Movile, 1,040 m), which is about halfway up. This is followed by a winding descent to Vatra Moldovitei, where we will see one of the most beautiful Moldavian monasteries. An nun, who has a due place in all Romania travel guides, will explain the frescoes of the church to you in an incomparable and unforgettable way.
NB: Please keep in mind that you need appropriate clothing to visit the monastery. Long pants for both men and women. The upper body should also be covered accordingly.
Dinner and overnight in Vatra Moldovitei.

 

Day 4: To the Ukrainian border (around 60 km) (B, D)

Today we head north along the Moldovita River. The valley meanders through the outer Eastern Carpathians. However, there is no significant difference in altitude. From the village of Brodina, drive east along the Suceava River. Dinner and overnight in Vicovu de Sus.

 

Day 5: Putna Monastery (around 40 km) (B, D)

Today's trip takes you to a monastery rarely visited by foreign tourists, which is considered the "Queen of the Moldavian Monasteries". Built in the second half of the 15th century, this monastery serves as the burial place of the most important Moldovan prince, Stefan the Great.

Sihastria Putnei Monastery, just 3 km away, can also be visited.

Dinner and overnight in Vicovu des Sus.

 

Day 6: Monastery Sucevita – The pearl of the Moldavian monasteries (around 60 km) (B, D)

Through the village of Marginea, where you can visit a black pottery workshop, we will reach one of the best-preserved Moldavian monasteries. The fortifications around the church in Sucevita are almost perfectly preserved. Likewise the frescoes on the outer walls. The depiction of the virtue ladder on the north side of the church is particularly interesting. We continue along the Dragosina stream to Poiana Micului and then to Humor. Dinner and overnight in Manastirea Humor.

 

Day 7: Monastery Humor and Voronet (around 25 km) (B, D)

Today's cycle distance is significantly shorter than on previous days. In the morning we cycle to Gura Humorului and after to Voronet Monastery, the "Sistine Chapel of the East", as it is still called.

The frescoes on the outside walls of the church are characterized by their special blue color. The depiction of the Last Judgment on the north side of the church is particularly impressive. On the way back to the pension we will also visit one of the oldest monasteries in this part of the country, the one in Humor.

Optional: Those who are not yet tired can visit the salt mine in Cacica (around 40 km).

Dinner and overnight in Manastirea Humor.

 

Day 8: Maramures (around 120 km by car, around 46 km by bike) (B, D)

After breakfast, drive to the Prislop Pass, which is 1,416 m above sea level. From this lofty height you then begin the descent to Viseu de Sus. The area is without a doubt enchanting.

Dinner and overnight in Viseu de Sus.

 

Day 9: The forest railway (bike off day) (B, D)

On this day we will switch from bike to train. We will take a trip with the only surviving forest railway in Romania (departure at 9:00 a.m., arrival at around 3:30 p.m.). Built in the 30s of the last century, it is only used as a tourist attraction these days. Dinner and overnight in Viseu de Sus.

 

Day 10: The wooden churches in the Iza Valley (around 55 km) (B, D)

Today is dedicated to the special wooden architecture in the Iza Valley. The churches built here are characterized by particularly high and pointed roofs that seem to tickle the sky. You will reach the Iza Valley through the village of Bogdan Voda. We can visit the first, the oldest, wooden church in Ieud (UNESCO World Heritage Site). We continue via Rozavlea to Barsana, where we will see a very beautiful monastery ensemble, which is dominated by an enormously high church. There is also a master in this village who keeps the secret of the rulership of the Maramures gates.

Dinner and overnight in Barsana.

 

Day 11: Happy cemetery and memorial for victims of communism (around 80 km) (B, D)

Today we go through the Iza valley to Sighetu Marmatiei. In the center of the city is one of the largest political prisons from the time of the communist dictatorship in Romania. According to the Council of Europe, the memorial to the victims of communism and resistance is one of the most important memorials in Europe. Your next stop is not far away. In the village of Sapanta there is a unique cemetery, which is nicknamed "happy". The numerous grave crosses are not only provided with pictures from the life of the deceased, but also with sometimes very direct and cheerful texts about their way of life and the cause of death. Return to Barsana. Dinner and overnight in Barsana.

 

Day 12: Through Maramures (around 55 km) (B, D)

Today we cycle further west through a picturesque landscape. From Barsana we will go first to Ocna Sugatag. Salt has been mined here since the 14th century. After the salt mines were abandoned, salt lakes were created in their place, which are now used as a spa. It then goes through Cavnic and Surdesti to Baia Sprie. The area has been known for gold and silver mining since the 14th century. From Baia Sprie you can either continue cycling to Baia Mare (another 10 km) or you will be brought there by minibus. Dinner and overnight in Baia Mare.

 

Day 13: Back to Transylvania (bike off day) (B, D)

Today we drive back to Cluj through the mountains. On the way to Cluj, it is worth making a short detour to Armenian town Gherla. In the large Armenian Catholic Church in the center of the village there is a treasure that one would not expect in such a small provincial nest. A picture (Removal from the Cross) drawn by the Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens once adorned the altar of the church. After years of trials, the small parish got the painting back. It is one of the three Rubens pictures that exist in Romania. In Cluj a city tour through the historic old town awaits you. Dinner and overnight in Cluj.

 

Day 14: Departure (B)

Depending on the departure time - transfer to Cluj Napoca Airport (CLJ).

 

Please note:

* The tour will be operated starting with 5 participants

* Maximum number of participants is 12 people

* Other dates are possible for small groups of 4 or more participants

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