How to discover the best of Romania

There a few basic things to know about Romania, before starting to discover this promise land. Don't dare to tell the old story of your Romanian ancestors, if you have no evidences about, or you don't even know a few Romanian words.

Remember also the simple thing of the strong compact religion in this country: 90 % of the population is Christian Orthodox, but you shall not fear anything about. The Romanian are very tolerant toward any other religions and will respect for real your different beliefs.

There are a few fantastic places in Romania, which I can really recommend you warmly. Nevertheless, you must be aware that sometimes during the high season all these leading destinations might be overcrowded consequently to the mass tourism. I appreciate the following places to be the hottest in Romania:

1. Danube Delta is a fabulous protected area, where 300 of species are nesting in the hot season. Danube Delta is huge, 5000 sqkm and you need days or weeks to discover it in detail. Start conquering your Delta from Tulcea, and remember to do it by boat, otherwise is impossible anyway. Eat fish, there is a plenty of it, and taste the fish soup boiled with Danube water. Don't forget your favorite white half dry wine to pair with the fish. Be sure to have a good camera.

Bucharest is a charming mix between old and modern

2.Discover the spectacular Bucharest ,the Romanian Capital,  with its eclectic mix of Architecture styles. A visit in the downtown is a time travel, recommended for any Architecture student. You can have your Bucharest in style, or on a budget, it is an attractive city with more than 2 000 000 inhabitants, knowing to receive his honored guests. You can stay a day in Bucharest, or you can fall and stay a life, it happens. Don't miss the charming fountains and the parks. Also to mention in Downtown: there is frenetic night life!

The church of Sucevita is a must see among the Bucovina painted  churches

3. The painted monasteries from Bucovina are breathtaking, due to their intrinsic artistic value and their surrounding environment. If you are there on Easter, is perfectly for you. The locals will warmly salute and adopt you. My tip: discover the monasteries and the breathtaking landscapes by bike, within a few days, starting from Suceava, Radauti or other pension in the area. There is a fantastic peace and a strange yet strong force you can experience by yourself.

Cluj Napoca is a typical example of charming urban life

4. The urban life in Romania can be discovered through a few selected city breaks, e.g. Iasi, Constanta, Cluj Napoca, Craiova,Timisoara, Sibiu, Brasov. Some of the have airports, but you can also land in the capital Bucharest, making then a travel by car or train. My tip: despite the time pressure put on you, I find a good idea to visit at least two different cities from the mentioned list, in order to observe and compare the different influences exerted on them!

I even have an exciting proposal for Romania: a big wine tour, who will turn to be an unique event

5.Have a look to the Romanian vineyards, whether only one, or more of them during a big Romania Wine Tour, which is really an unique event. Also possible for ladies, who can taste champagne, it is really fair and democratic. Don't be afraid for the good condition of your liver, wine tasting has some hidden secrets I know, and the golden rule is to taste the wine, without swallowing it. You must spit it, no matter how sorry you might be! If you understand and agree this basic rule, you can book immediately

Romania Special: Bike Tour of the painted monasteries from Bucovina

I really have a surprise for you, dears. Namely a tour in Romania, which is not a wine tour. This is possible for sure, neither the Romanians, nor you are wine addicted. Anyway, you don't need to worry about: there is plenty of wine in the restaurants, you won't miss it. The explanations and the concrete proposition are to find bellow.

Voronet is simply the pearl, a Madona Sixtina  of the Romanian  middle Age.  The  blue color  is simply  unbelievable, and its recept remains secret, no one could discover it (I give you a tip, is based on lapiz lazuli dust)

This proposition of mine, based on your specific wishes, is a good example in my opinion of sustainable tourism: a bike tour to the painted monasteries of Bucovina (Northern Moldavia). We can put together sport,culture and even some joy of life, tasting a glass of wine (and even drinking it with the right food)

All these monasteries seem to be perfectly set in the environment

The Romanian painted monasteries aimed to bring the faith nearer to the people. They are unique and their original secret vegetable paintings still hold on today. 
These painted monasteries have been made in majority by the Moldavian ruler Stephen the Great, called by the Pope from that time (1457-1504)  " an athlete of Christianity".  He fought against the Turks, being also very cruel! Actually he lives even today in the local legends!
To reach all the above mentioned monasteries you will notice the wonderful wooden hills, and the villages where the ancient traditions still play an important role. Nowadays these monasteries are UNESCO protected, and represent one of the most important attractions of a visit in Romania. 

Sucevita is another noticeable target  for any visitor, put it on your  list! It is a  part of this tour.

They are compact and easy reachable during a short vacations of 4 days, as follows:
The Romanian painted monasteries  by bike

Day 1 Arrival in Bucharest, transfer in Suceava by bus. Good *** hotels for  the next 3 days, breakfast included, any other meals will be extra charged.

Day 2 50 km bike ride with visits in the monasteries of Dragomirna and Putna. Bikes and entrance fees in organizer's charge.

Day 3 50 km bike ride with visits in the monasteries of Sucevita, Moldovita and Voronet

Day 4 Transfer by bus to the Bucharest airport with city breaks in Bacau and Focsani (lunch possibilities, extra charge)

Final prize  is 350 $ comprising hotel, bikes and logistics, guiding, entrance fees. The prize does not comprise any other meals and plane tickets!
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