Maramures Region
Witness Europe’s last remaining peasant culture in medieval Maramures
Criss-crossing northern Romania this itinerary focuses on the quieter corners of this vast and varied country. Villages such as Breb in the heart of the Maramures are as traditional as they come in today’s Europe. The painted monasteries of Bucovina are another big draw, as are the eerie, intricate wooden churches visited on this trip.
Witness Europe’s last remaining peasant culture in medieval Maramures
Travel by bike through the rolling hills and forests of the Viseului Valley.
Visit churches that are architectural masterpieces showcasing superb wood carving.
Sample a shot of homemade plum brandy (palinca) with a friendly villager.
Steppes Travel emphatically believes that travel in Romania is best in the company of a good guide. To that end, we have hand-picked the very best guides to ensure you get the most out of your visit to Romania. Our guides know the must-see sights, the off the beaten path gems, the hiking trails, the best places to eat, and also, more importantly, know the right people.
Day 1
Satu Mare - Botiza
Days 2-4
Botiza
Day 5
Botiza - Sucevita
Days 6-7
Sucevita
Day 1
Satu Mare - Botiza
Botiza is nestled in amongst vast stretches of unspoiled forests, home to wolves and bears, and is a sleepy, traditional village with lovingly restored houses where horse and cart is largely the only mode of transport. Visit the UNESCO listed wooden church or visit the local market held every Saturday.
Days 2-4
Botiza
Day 5
Botiza - Sucevita
Sucevita is a small village in Bucovina, and a convenient jumping-off point for the region’s beautiful painted monasteries, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the painted egg museums, one of the regions most famous traditions and enjoy a traditional home cooked meal in a local guest house.
Days 6-7
Sucevita
Botiza is nestled in amongst vast stretches of unspoiled forests, home to wolves and bears, and is a sleepy, traditional village with lovingly restored houses. Ideally serving as your base, explore the timeless Maramures region.
Highlights include Breb, a village almost frozen in time holding on to the last vestiges of peasant culture, and Barsana monastery, a UNESCO listed wooden structure. Also nearby is Sighetu Marmatiei, home to the compelling Memorial Museum of Communism, and The Merry Cemetery at Sapanta, where the locals are talented craftspeople and often invite guests into their homes to try their home-made plum brandy.
Sucevita is a small village in Bucovina, and a convenient jumping off point for the region’s beautiful painted monasteries, many UNESCO World Heritage Sites celebrated for their intricately painted frescoes.
Visit also the Lucia Condrea Museum of Decorated Eggs and see for yourself how these traditional eggs are painted, meeting with a village elder, experienced in this traditional art. Enjoy lunch at a local farm or picnic with ingredients from the local village markets.
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
From January to March, winter months can be harsh, with heavy snowfall and temperatures reaching below freezing in January. Conditions are ideal for winter sports in Romania’s mountainous regions but may be particularly cold for sightseeing activities.
During the winter months, it can be difficult to travel around Romania with some of its towns and cities blocked by snowfall or have other issues due to the adverse weather conditions. Therefore, it is best to travel to Romania’s mountain resorts for winter sports rather than travelling around the country.
March can be quite an unpredictable month as winter draws to a close, snow many still be present in some regions yet with temperatures rising, Romania may experience sunshine and the first signs of spring.
From the beginning of April, spring arrives in Romania and temperatures gradually increase. This can be an ideal time to visit Romania when there are fewer crowds than during the summer months with warmer temperatures than during the winter months.
The best time to travel to Romania is typically from May to September, when warmer weather is likely, and rainfall is very infrequent. Temperatures may reach highs of 24°C in May, which will keep increasing within the summer months.
From June to August, it is the most popular time to travel to Romania with temperatures at their highest and fewer chances or rainfall, meaning it is advised to book as far in advance as possible if travelling during summer.
July is one of the warmest months in Romania with average temperatures of 22°C. Destinations will become marginally more crowded, yet good weather is more likely during the peak of summer, rather than during the summer months.
During July and August, temperatures will be at their hottest and so ideal for coastal resorts but also for sightseeing in Romania’s towns and cities, with the occasional shower possible, yet unlikely.
As it is the beginning of Autumn, travelling during September is ideal for photographers with the autumn leaves forming and creating some vibrant countryside landscapes. After the summer months, attractions will be much quieter and with temperatures averaging 19°C, makes September a great time for sightseeing in pleasant conditions.
From October onwards, Romania will experience its off-peak season. With four very distinctive seasons – spring, summer, autumn and winter, the best time to travel to Romania will be dependent on your what you wish to do whilst in the country.
The first signs of winter begin to appear as temperatures can fall to 7°C at the end of the month. Like March, November can be quite unpredictable between the summer and winter months with chances of snowfall yet also the possibility of warm temperatures at the beginning of the month.
With snowfall likely and colder temperatures, December can be a great time for outdoor pursuits and winter sports, including skiing.
Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.
Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?