To have an authentic experience of a disappearing culture, we recommend that you visit Maramures. Maramures is known as the soul of Romania, where peasants live off the land as they have done for centuries.
This is the last corner of the continent where plowing, planting, harvesting, and haymaking are still done by hand. Idyllic villages on rolling hills all handmade of wood; old ladies cooking outside on wood burning stoves, hand pumping water from a well; sheep herding in the streets, milk in old steel kegs being delivered by horse drawn wooden carts, or carts piled with hay. Ox drawn carts, loaded with potatoes and the whole family piled on top. Animals everywhere are grazing in lush green fields.
We can help you see the hidden corners of this amazing region, such as the UNESCO protected churches and the famous Merry Cemetery. Having an experienced Exeter International guide with you in Maramures really makes a difference so that you can communicate with the wonderful warm locals.
Wooden homes with sloping roofs and eves stand like shy testimonials to a simpler way of life, while ancient wooden churches have a mysterious gravity.
This is where you will experience the heart of Romanian culture, its vivid folk tales, vibrant folk music, and the simple warm hospitality of its people. Immerse yourself in Maramures with Exeter International.
For custom luxury travel and tours to Maramures and Romania, please contact one of our travel experts.
The best time to visit Bucovina is between April through June, and September through early November. Traveling during these time frames not only helps you avoid the crowds during the summer months, but also helps you avoid the summer heat.
Late September to early November is a quieter time to visit as well. Many of the smaller villages in the mountains start to shut down in November as the country moves into winter.
Maramures is a region famously known for its wooden churches and being the birthplace of the Noble Peace Prize winner, Holocaust survivor, and novelist, Elie Wiesel. Maramures still practices its pastoral and agricultural traditions, where plowing, planting, harvesting, and more are done through manual labor. Located nearby is the town of Borsa, known for its rich ore mining traditions that date back to the 14th century and as a popular ski resort in the winter.
A private driver-guide will transfer you throughout your entire journey, as the roads can be difficult to maneuver.
While visiting Maramures, it is important to experience the wooden churches that make it so well known. These churches are representations of religious architecture and woof carving traditions and were built during the 18th and 19th centuries. The interior holds paintings of biblical scenes, and the exterior is often dark and boasts a large and impressive roof.
For a relaxing atmosphere with fantastic views, Grădina Morii, located in the Hotel Grădina Morii, is a perfect option while visiting Sighetu Marmatiei. We recommend dining on the terrace for fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. They offer both traditional Bulgarian dishes, as well as international cuisine.
Woodwork is a very popular craft that has been done for many generations in Romania. Locals often can make almost anything for their home from wood, including kitchen utensils, jewelry boxes, or just decorative pieces. They are intricately carved and sometimes painted and are a great souvenir option to help remember your amazing trip!
