Mészkõ + Maramures & Bucovina
(Wooden Churches & Painted Monasteries)
Hidden away in these remote regions along the Romania/Ukraine border are some of the most spectacular scenery and picturesque religious treasures to be found anywhere. You will experience the unique culture and architecture of Maramures and tour 4 of the most famous painted monasteries (Voronet, Humor, Moldovita & Suceavita—all UNESCO world heritage sites) with a knowledgeable guide. This 9 -day tour begins and ends in Kolozsvar/Cluj and includes a 2 night/3 day stay in the village of our partner church, Mészkõ.
Tentative Itinerary
Hotels may change based on availability at time of booking. Assistance with European flight/train connections to/from Kolozsvar/Cluj (CLJ) is available upon request. Meals included as noted, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Day 1 – (Fri. May 30) Arrive Kolozsvar (train, airplane, car/bus) transfer to Hotel Agape for check-in with UUPCC staff. Free afternoon for early arrivers to explore historic Kolozsvar. Evening welcome reception. Meals on your own. Overnight Kolozsvar - Hotel Agape ***.
- Day 2 – (Sat. May 31) Depart Kolozsvar after breakfast for Mészkõ. Welcome reception with minister and host families. Program TBD by host congregation & Boise pilgrims. Overnight Mészkõ – home stays (BLD)
- Day 3 – (Sun. June 1) Morning services with partner congregation. Afternoon/evening program TBD by host congregation & Boise pilgrims. Overnight Mészkõ – home stays. (BLD)
- Day 4 – (Mon. June 2) Village day. Program TBD by host congregation & Boise pilgrims. Farewell dinner with minister & host families. Overnight Kolozsvar – Hotel Agape ***. (BLD)
- Day 5 – (Tues. June 3) Depart Kolozsvar after breakfast for Maramures. We tour the Mara Valley wooden churches, visit the Village Museum in Sighetu-Marmatiei, and stop at the "happy cemetery" in nearby Sapanta before arriving in Vadu Izei for dinner & overnight – Traditional folk music & dancing performances by local villagers. Dinner & overnight Vadu Izei – HB Guest House *** (BLD)
- Day 6 – (Wed. June 4) We continue our tour of Maramures with a travel day across the back roads of Maramures visiting the wooden monastery at Birsana and taking in some breathtaking scenery. Dinner & overnight Gura Humoruliu - Best Western Bucovina **** (BLD)
- Day 7 – (Thurs. June 5) Guided tour of painted monasteries of Sucevita, Humor & Voronet (UNESCO World Heritage sites). Return to Gura Homorului for dinner & overnight Gura Homorului – Best Western Bucovina **** (BLD)
- Day 8 – (Fri. June 6) Depart Gura Homorului for Kolozsvar. En route we visit the painted monastery at Moldovita (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and lunch in Bistrita. Evening arrival in Kolozsvar. Farewell dinner with UUPCC staff. Overnight Kolozsvar – Hotel Agape *** (BLD)
- Day 9 - (Sat. June 7) Depart Kolozsvar for airport/train station for flight/train to US, Budapest, or elsewhere in Europe. (B)
Tour provided by the UUPCC Pilgrimage Service. $1400/person double occupancy (includes a non-refundable $150 deposit); single supplement $200. Trip fee includes transportation, accommodations (hotels & guest houses), meals (as indicated), guide(s), interpreters, and entry fees to listed attractions. Does NOT include airfare or other cost for transportation to Kolozsvar/Cluj, departure airport transfer, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, or other personal expenses incurred during free periods.
Online Registration: http://www.uupcc.org/online/trip-register.php?tripcode=811955
