Overview
Available languages
2 days
Mobile ticket
Discover the heart of Maramures on this unforgettable journey, where scenic mountain and countryside roads lead you through some of Romania’s most picturesque landscapes. Indulge in the region's delicious farm products, freshly prepared by locals with traditional methods.
Visit three UNESCO-listed wooden churches, each a masterpiece of craftsmanship and spirituality. Explore a renowned monastery that stands as a symbol of Maramures’ rich religious heritage. Wander through the vibrant Merry Cemetery, where colorful tombstones tell stories of the past with a unique and artistic touch.
Step into the footsteps of Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, visiting a site that holds deep historical significance. Experience the charm of a traditional village, where you’ll enjoy an authentic overnight stay and connect with the warm and welcoming locals. This is a journey that offers a true taste of Maramures—its culture, traditions, and hospitality, leaving you with memories to cherish.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for travelers with motion sickness
What To Expect
Cluj – Surdesti – Sighetu Marmatiei – Sapanta - Breb
Accommodations
Overnight in a rural guesthouse (double room). Single supplement is not included, to be paid on the spot.
Food and Drinks
DINNER
Dinner
Please let us know in advance in case you have any dietary restrictions.
Surdesti Wooden Church
Meet your guide at 8:30 am and head for Maramures across a narrow panoramic mountain road. First stop of the day will be for the visit of Surdesti wooden church, the first UNESCO heritage site you will visit. Built at the beginning of the 18th century, it still stands as one of the tallest wooden churches of Maramures.
The Elie Wiesel Memorial House - The Museum of the Jewish Culture in Maramures
Transfer across the mountains to arrive in the small border town of Sighetu Marmatiei. Visit the memorial house of Elie Wiesel. Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Holocaust survivor and author of the novel Night, Wiesel was born in this small town in 1928. His work and life continue to inspire global conversations about the importance of standing against hatred and discrimination. Lunch in a restaurant.
Memorial of the Victims of Communism and of the Resistance
After lunch, visit the Memorial of the Victims of Communism Memorial. It is located in a former prison which was used by the communist regime to detain political prisoners, intellectuals, clergy and others seen as threats to the regime.
Merry Cemetery
Take a 30 min transfer to Sapanta village. Visit the Merry Cemetery, a spectacularly colourful resting place. The crosses feature naïve art depicting scenes from the deceased's life, sometimes including even ironic illustrations.
Breb – Desesti - Barsana – Ieud – Cluj
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Breb
After breakfast, take a walk along the intricated streets of Breb, one of the most famous villages in Romania. Visit some local craftsmen (not available on Sundays or other major religious events), discover it's connection with King Charles III of Great Britain and have a chat with the local people, always curious to find out where you are coming from :)
Church of the Holy Paraskeva
Visit the wooden church of Desesti, also part of the UNESCO heritage. Here you will discover the best preserved interior painting of all the wooden churches of Maramures.
Barsana Monastery
Transfer to Barsana new monastery, a mix of modern and traditional architecture. Lunch in a local restaurant.
Ieud Ses Wooden Church
Take a panoramic road that will lead you to Ieud, a third UNESCO heritage site included in this tour. Get back to Cluj. End of the tour.
Options
Private tour
min 1 & max. 7 participants: This option insures you that no other traveller will joint you on the tour. Pickup included
Shared tour 2025
min. 3 & max. 7 participants: If less than 3 participants, the tour will not take place and you will receive a full refund or an alternative date / tour.
What‘s Included
craftsmen visit
1 overnight in a rural guesthouse (double room based)
entry tickets (3 wooden churches, Elie Wiesel Memorial, Merry Cemetery)
services of an English speaking guide / driver
Dinner
Breakfast
all transportation by private vehicle or minibus (gas, road tax and parking fees included)
hotel pick up & drop off (only for private tours)
your meals and drinks (others than mentioned)
your personal expenses
single room supplement (20 eur) will be paid on the spot
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Maramureş at its best!
melindawM6588IR,Sep 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Romania! Geta is a knowledgeable and kind guide. We had an immersive cultural experience and loved seeing the people in the countryside farming and doing traditional practices. The Maramureş accommodation was lovely and locally produced food was exceptional. Go on this tour!
Experience authentic Romania
Sam M,Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience covers a wide variety of activities that appeals to a wide audience of travellers and is a must if you are travelling to Romania. From exploring the old wooden churches, meeting local artisans that are famous for their craft or learning about Romania’s turbulent and engaging history through the museums, the tour guide, Geta, has excellent local knowledge that you would miss if you travelled without a guide. She provides you with a nuanced understanding of the history and symbolism of the region of Maramureş that you would miss otherwise. In addition, Geta is flexible and will use local connections and knowledge to tailor the experience to your interests. In particular, I was interested in the authentic side of the region and meeting local people to see how they lived. Geta was a generous guide and was able to tailor the experience to needs. As someone interested in photography, Geta, the tour guide was more than happy to stop off for me to photograph the countryside and local people. Geta is clearly someone who also enjoys travel and is enthusiastic in what she does which I feel adds to the experience. I am grateful for the experience and have such an appreciation for the effort that Geta put in along with an appreciation for the local culture and how people live.
Related Experiences
Operated by Get a Cluj Tour