Iasi

Architecture

In the morning the tour guide will pick you up and your day trip in the Moldavian capital, Chisinau, will begin. On the way, you will discover the history of one of Moldova’s most beautiful monasteries. For a long time, the Capriana Monastery was the residence of the Metropolitan of Moldova and it was patronized by many Rulers of Moldova including Stefan the Great. Chisinau was first documented in 1420, but most of it was leveled in WWII and by a tragic earthquake that struck in 1940. They started rebuilding the city in 1950 in Soviet-style, and both the center and outskirts are dominated by utilitarian high-rise buildings. On the tour, you will discover Chisinau’s main attractions: their own Arc de Triomphe, the 1841 Holy Gates at the center of the city and we will stroll through one of the city’s parks and learn about Prince Stefan, the noble symbol of Moldova’s medieval past. Next on the itinerary is Cricova Winery, situated at a depth of 50-80 meters, representing a real underground city. The Moldavian cellars where Vladimir Putin keeps his wine are so big you need to drive through them. You will also find Herman Goering’s private collection, taken by the Red Army from Berlin in 1945. Considered to be the pearl of Moldovan winemaking, Cricova is the founder of production of high-quality elite wines. The influence of Ancient Greece and the Roman period is reflected in the reliefs you will discover inside the winery. In this unique place, you will have to opportunity to discover the steps to wine tasting and try a selection of the great range of wines. Optionally, you may choose to enjoy a delicious lunch in this fantastic place. Afterward, you will be transferred back to Iasi.

Hotel pick-up: 08:00 AM Embark on an enchanting day trip from Iasi to the UNESCO Painted Monasteries, nestled in the picturesque region of Bucovina. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Bucovina is home to some of the world's most treasured religious art. Discover the vibrant frescoes adorning the monastic walls, and immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Voronet, Moldovita, and Sucevita Monasteries. The journey begins with a visit to Voronet Monastery, often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of the East." Marvel at the stunning frescoes that have made Voronet world-famous. The intense shade of blue, known as the 'blue of Voronet,' along with the remarkable western fresco depicting the 'Last Judgement of Christ,' adds to its allure. Explore the richly decorated interior and soak in the spiritual ambiance of this revered monastery. Next, delve into the architectural masterpiece that is Moldovita Monastery. Built in the Byzantine style by Prince Petru Rares, Moldovita impresses with its intricate exterior frescoes. Admire the complexity of the artwork, which brings biblical scenes to life and offers a glimpse into the historical and cultural context of the region. Lunch: At your expense Continuing the journey, you'll reach Sucevita Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. Dominated by a shade of green, this monastery presents a unique blend of Gothic and Byzantine influences. The frescoes here reveal biblical narratives and symbolize the spiritual connection between heaven and earth. Explore the tranquil surroundings and feel a sense of serenity as you wander through this architectural gem. Prepare to be captivated by the stunning beauty, historical significance, and artistic wonders that await you in Bucovina's UNESCO Painted Monasteries. Tour duration: 12 hours

This hiking tour will take you to the impressive Bicaz Gorges. Hasmas National Park is just 3-hours away from Iasi and offers a wide variety of activities and unique landscapes for adventure lovers and tourists alike. Lakes, rapid springs, waterfalls, rocky peaks and exciting landscapes are just waiting to be discovered. Together, explore hidden caves and the gorges of Bicaz and Bicăjel, spot the famous Rupicapra (chamois) in its natural habitat and hike on wild tracks or listen to the sounds of nature. This adventure day trip in Romania offers you a wide range of activities from which you can choose one or combine many, according to your training and desire. You can choose from the following adventure activities: hiking and exploring the Sugau Gorges (2 to 3-hours of moderate effort) and the nearby routes. Here, you will get to climb in and cross the mountain to the other side through the Tunnel Cave, you can admire the calcareous cliffs and the relict pine forests and reach a Bellevue point from which you can look towards the Bicaz Gorges. Hiking around the Red Lake (1 to 2-hours with little effort). You can admire the beautiful natural barrage lake formed after a big earthquake only 150 years ago and you can take a short ride on a boat. Hiking in Bicajel Gorges (2 to 3-hours of moderate effort). This hike takes you through the spectacular landscape formed by the small Bicajel River. In hot summer days, you can take a bath in the small “bathtubs” formed by the river. A path will take you above the cliffs of Bicaz Gorges, right in the den of the chamois. Hike in the Garden of Fairies and Suhardul Mic (2 to 3-hours of moderate effort). This path will give you a spectacular aerial view of the Bicaz Gorges and the Red Lake from a natural suspended amphitheater before reaching the Suhardul Mic peak - 1345 meters. The tour’s points of interest include: Red Lake, Bicaz and Bicajel Gorges, Chamois (Rupicapra), waterfalls, unique landscapes and untouched wilderness.

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Each of the 7 hills had an important role to play in the history of the region, marking the evolution of the city. The religious monuments, the archaeological sites and the bellevue points are visited and appreciated by both the locals and the tourists. You will have an insight into the history of Iasi and witness the mixture between the bohemian atmosphere present in the town’s old parts and surroundings and the animated occidental lifestyle. The tour has a level of difficulty above average, both from the point of view of the length and of the hilly landscape, but offers cyclists the possibility of exploring Iasi from above its 7 hills in a different manner.

It’s the best way to understand Romania and the Romanians by spending 2 nights in a Guest House in Maramures and then driving to the Republic of Moldova for 2 nights (plus Transnistria) to see the old Romanian territory plus the Danube Delta – Private Tours 15 Days – Complete Romania & Moldova! Total Duration: 15 days Day 1: Bucharest City Tour 8 hours - Overnight in Bucharest Itinerary steps: 5 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 2: 1. Curtea de Arges Monastery 2. Poienari Castle 3. Transfagarasan Highway - Overnight in Sibiu Itinerary steps: 4 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 3: 1. Corvin Castle 2. Densus Church 3. Sarmisegetusa Regia - Overnight in Sibiu Itinerary steps: 3 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 4: 1. Brasov City Tour (Black Church) 2. Bran Castle / Dracula's Castle 3. Peles Castle - Overnight stay in Brasov Itinerary steps: 3 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 5: 1. Viscri Village 2. Rupea Fortress 3. Sighisoara City Tour - Overnight stay in Sighisoara Itinerary steps: 3 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 6: 1. Turda Salt mine 2. Cluj Napoca City Tour (Botanic Garden) 3. Surdesti Wooden Church - Overnight in Sighetul Marmatiei Itinerary steps: 3 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 7: 1. Explore Maramures all day(local market) 2. Merry Cemetery 3. Sighet Memorial Museum - Overnight in Sighetul Marmatiei Itinerary steps: 2 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 8: 1. Barsana Monastery 2. Borgo Pass Road 3. Ciocanesti village - Overnight in Gura Humorului Itinerary steps: 3 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 9: 1. Voronet Monastery 2. Humor Monastery 3. Sucevita Monastery 4. Moldovita Monastery - Overnight in Gura Humorului Itinerary steps: 4 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 10: 1. Driving to Chisinau (Republic of Moldova) 2. Nicolae Popa Museum 3. Lunch in Iasi - Overnight in Chisinau Itinerary steps: 2 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 11: Visit Tiraspol (Transnistria) - Overnight in Chisinau (Republic of Moldova) Itinerary steps: 2 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 12: Chisinau City Tour with Cricova Wine Cellar & Milestii Mici - Overnight in Chisinau (Republic of Moldova) Itinerary steps: 3 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 13: 1. Start driving crossing the Republic of Moldavia for Danube Delta 2. Cross the Danube at Braila - Overnight in Tulcea Itinerary steps: 1 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 14: Danube Delta Tour – we explore by boat the beautiful nature of the Danube Delta - Overnight in Tulcea Itinerary steps: 1 Meals not included Accommodation not included Day 15: 1. Constanta Old Town 2. Carol I Mosque 2. Mamaia Beach - Back to Bucharest (End of Tour) Itinerary steps: 3 Meals not included Accommodation not included

Day 1: Your first day starts at the reception of your hotel in Iasi, where you will meet your guide. Following your meet-up, you will start your trip to the Republic of Moldova, a country famous for its wines and for the fact that it is the least touristic country in all of Europe. The main attraction of the day is the capital city of the country, Chisinau. Known as the "City of White Stone" and the "City on Seven Hills". Chisinau does not stop to impress there though, also boasting massive socialist architecture that perfectly blends with the modern buildings and monuments. During the city tour you will visit the most iconic sites of the city, such as parliament and the Presidential House, together with the City Hall which was designed by the famous Russian architect Alexander Bernadazzi. Next on your itinerary is the Cricova Winery. Situated at a depth of 50-80 meters, it represents a real underground city. The Moldavian cellars where Vladimir Putin keeps his wine are so big you need to drive through them, at a length of more than 120 kilometers. In this unique underground city you will have the opportunity to discover the steps to wine tasting and try a selection of the great range of Moldavian wines. Following your wine experience, you will overnight in Chisinau. Day 2: Your second day will begin early in the morning with a 2-hour drive to the unrecognized state that split off from the Republic of Moldova after the dissolution of the USSR. This is a country with borders, a president, its own currency, an emblem, and a flag flying, yet nobody recognizes its existence. It is called Transnistria, and is a strip of land between the river Dniester and Ukraine. Right from the border checkpoint, you will notice the presence of the Russian peace troops who have been deployed in Transnistria since the Cold War. Nowadays, almost thirty years after the Cold War ended, Russia is still very present and maintaining peace in the region. You will then visit the towns of Bendery and Tiraspol, the two biggest in Transnistria which are home to around 200,000 people. Your guide will present to you the stories about the war against Moldova as well as their personal opinion on the events that took place in 1992. Following this historical experience, you will reach Iasi in the evening where your tour will conclude.

The first day of your tour begins early in the morning with a trip to Kishinev, where you will take a city tour. But first, you will stop and visit two of Moldova's most important religious sites, the Hâncu Monastery and the Căpriana Monastery.  After the city tour, your guide will take you to the hotel for check-in and lunch. Next, you will visit the underground wine city of Cricova, where you will sample some of the wine. The second day of your tour will begin with a trip to the Old Orhei Archeological Complex, located in a rocky gorge at a depth of more than 200 meters. The highlight of the day is the Palanca Village, a place where ancient traditions have been kept alive for hundreds of years. The tour will then take you to the ‘Parents House’, a household from the 1900’s where Mrs. Tatiana will delight you with some of the best traditional Moldovan dishes you will ever taste. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to craft your own hand-made bracelet to remind you of your trip to Moldova and then you will return to Iasi.

Explore some Hidden Gems in Eastern Romania, Such as the Sturdza Castle in Miclăușeni, The Cuza Palace in Ruginoasa, The Popa Museum in Târpești and Enjoy Dinner at the Berilor Tower in Piatra Neamț.

Start with a visit to Neamţ Monastery, the oldest monastic establishment for monks which shelters an impressive, well-preserved library. Nor far is the Neamt Fortress – an important military and historical objective that survived the siege of Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople. Take a stroll up the hill and enjoy the beautiful view offered from this impressive fort. Continue with a one of a kind experience with a visit to a bison reservation and have the opportunity to observe the wilderness. Your journey will then continue with a visit to Agapia, not only a charming church and a great tourist attraction but also an important center of promoting the traditional crafts. Be amazed by the picturesque traditional villages where time stands still. The locals still use horse-drawn carts and prepare food above an open fire with ingredients from their backyard. Witness their vivid tapestry of old customs, handicrafts and folklore by visiting the Nicolae Popa Museum. You will also have the opportunity to study the symbols of the national costumes. Try on the traditional costumes and take pictures so you will have some one of a kind souvenirs. Afterwards, be transferred back to Iasi.