Moldavia & the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina
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0845 3000 247 +44 (0)1539 531258 |
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HOLIDAYS |
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feature the Painted Monasteries: Painted Monasteries - FARA Organic farm guesthouse Hidden Villages - Heavenly Places Colour, Flavour & Light Tailormade Breaks & Flydrive - see below |
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HIGHLIGHTS |
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The "Painted Monasteries": Moldovita Sucevita Voronet Humor Arbore Suceava Marginea Pottery Cacica Salt Mines Putna Monastery Solca Church Moldovita Forest Railway Rarau Mountain Râsca Monastery Dragomârna Monastery Probota Monastery Vatra Dornei Spa Ciocanesti Iasi Trei Iehari Church Palace of Culture Cotnari Vineyards Ruginoasa Palace Neamt Monastery & Fortress Vanatori-Neamt Natural Park (European Bison Reservation) Agapia Monastery Varatec Monastery Lake Bicaz & Mt.Ceahlau |
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TRAVEL |
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Tarom flights from Bucharest to Iasi (daily), or to Suceava via Bacau Carpatair from Timsoara to Iasi i Overnight Sleeper train from Bucharest to Suceava, Gura Humorului, Vama & Campulung Moldovenesc. Other daytime trains connect the region with Iasi, Cluj, Brasov, Timisoara & Bucharest. Transfers can be organised from local rail station to hotels, and from Maramures & Bistrita areas. Personal guided tours of Painted Monasteries from Bucovina or Iasi |
ridges of the Bucovina, part of the larger region of Moldavia for which Iasi is its cultural capital.
+44 (0)1539 531258
"This is just to say what a wonderful guide Sorin was for the Painted Monasteries; he really made our trip. His technical knowledge of the icons as well as his enthusiasm was wonderful. Alll the meet and greets went well so it was very unstressful. HH (East Sussex)
"The main purpose of our visit was, of course, to visit the Painted Monasteries of the Bucovina. This surpassed all expectations. We found the monasteries marvellous. Our visit was greatly enhanced by Sorin Fodor, our guide and driver, of whom neither my wife nor I can speak too highly. Quite apart from being a skilled driver and a good English speaker his enthusiasm and knowledge of the area and the monasteries waqs excellent and we would be grateful if you would pass on our thanks to him for the wonderful time he gave us. The friendliness of all the staff at Casa Elena also added to our enjoyment of the area."
JH (Dorset)
Click here for further recommendations from our GUEST BOOK
Much of the former Romanian province of Bucovina, previously part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was lost to the USSR (now the Ukraine) in 1945 together with its capital, Cernauti. The southern part which falls away to the east in a series of steep, wooded ridges, the "crests (obcinie) of Bucovina" comprises the present day county of Suceava.
The ruling princes still found the respite to erect true religious architectural gems despite being compelled to submit to Ottoman domination. Stephen the Great of Moldavia (1457-1504), was responsible for Putna (1466-1468), Patrauti (1487), Neamt Monastery (1497), and the painted church of Arbore. His descendant, Petru Rares, continued his work by setting the foundations for the famous 'Painted Monasteries' - Humor (1530), Moldovita (1532), Sucevita (1584) and Voronet (1547).
Voronet - the 'Sistine Chapel of the East', with remarkable frescoes of an intense shade known as 'Voronet Blue', including the fascinating 'Final Judgment' on the back wall.
Moldovita - of particular interest is a depiction of the Siege of Constantinople with the Christians winning!
Sucevita - the largest, and perhaps the most impressive nestled between the scenic, wooded hills. The church is covered by frescoes, including a well-preserved representation of Jacob's Ladder, and is surrounded by massive defensive walls.
Humor - smaller, than the other complexes, with prevailing hues of red-brown and a depiction of the Devil as the 'Scarlet Woman'!
There is also a painted church at Arbore with equally impressive frescoes. This part of Moldavia is also known for its other fortified monasteries, notably Putna (where Stephen the Great is buried), and Dragomârna near Suceava, with its unusually tall church. Further south are other significant monasteries including Râsca, Probota, Agapia, Varatec and Neamt. Close to Sucevita is the village of Marginea, known for its curious smoked, black pottery, which is sold along the roadsides or at the studio where it is made. Moldovita is also home to a forestry railway which rarely sees any use nowadays - however a preservation groups sometimes runs a sepcial train for tourist and enthusiast groups.
The Vanatori-Neamt Natural Park covers a region of deciduous woodland and rolling hills stretching southwards from Neamt Monastery to Agapia and Varatec and west towards the Bistrita Aurie valley. These forests which include the Dumrava Oak Reserve, are certified in recognition of good, sustainable, forest management and are home to red deer, bears and wolves in addition tro a wide range of animal and bird species. The centre for the park is in Varatec where a new visitors centre will open in 2006, while the village of Vanatori-Neamt contains the Dragos-Voda Bison Reserve, a significant conservation project aimed at reintroducing the European Bison to the Neamt region.
FARA'S OAT FARM GUESTHOUSE, Falticeni
The lovely guesthouse of the Fara Charity at their acclaimed OAT Organic Farm in southern Bucovina.
The OAT Farm guest house offers accommodation for up to 10 guests in two small en suite
apartments each sleeping 4 guests, ideal for families, and one en suite double/ twin room.
Breakfast and an evening meal are served in the farm Dining Room while packed lunches
can also be arranged. Traditional Romanian food of the region is served using fresh
organic produce from the farm. Guests are given a warm welcome by Mr and Mrs Coca , who are
resident at the farm and both speak English.
There is a traditional style lounge with views to the Carpathians.
Children are welcome and can experience first hand a working organic farm.
OAT Farm is located in the hamlet of Spataresti, just outside Falticeni, to the south of Suceava.
Prices include a donation to FARA
Please refer to our separate
OAT Farm Guesthouse
page for more about FARA and holidays
at this delightful guesthouse
XSAMPLE TOURS OF THE PAINTED MONASTERIES - 2007
Painted Monasteries & Beyond - 5 days/ 4 nights
Departures throughout the year; based on 2 people sharing a twin/ double room
An introduction to the Painted Monasteries and other treasures of the region, ideal for a long-weekend break. This tour combines a night and morning in the cultural centre of Moldavia, Iasi, with the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina, and the beautiful monasteries of Dragomârna, Agapia, Varatec and Neamt. The tour can easily be extended or combined with other regions such as the Maramures. Comprises return flights with quality accommodation and excellent guided tours by car which are flexible enough to be modified to meet your own personal interests.
THURSDAY
Flight: Tarom RO392 London Heathrow 12:30; Bucharest Otopeni 17:45
Flight: Tarom RO709 Bucharest Otopeni 20:45; Iasi 21:50
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria 3*, Iasi - double/ twin room, bed & breakfast
FRIDAY
You will be greeted by your guide and driver after breakfast; tour of the highlights of Iasi including the Trei Iehari church and Palace of Culture. Visit the lovely monasteries of Agapia, Varatec and Neamt en route to Voronet or Vama in the Bucovina.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Elena, Voronet or Casa Alba, Vama - double/ twin room, bed & breakfast for 3 nights (delightful private hotels)
SATURDAY
Full day exploring the Painted Monasteries: Voronet, Moldovita and Sucevita. If time permits also visit the black pottery of Marginea.
SUNDAY
Full day exploring the Painted Monasteries, Humor and Arbore, followed by the graceful tall abbey at Dragomârna, and if time permits, Suceava town and Putna Monastery close to the frontier with the Ukraine.
MONDAY
Transfer to Suceava Airport
Flight: Tarom RO802 Suceava 06:30; Bucharest Otopeni 08:15 (additional stop in Bacau)
Flight: Tarom RO391 Bucharest Otopeni 10:00; London Heathrow 11:30
PRICE:
£ 499.00 per person (based on two people sharing a twin/ double room; subject to availability)
Price includes scheduled flights, airport taxes, bed & breakfast accommodation in quality hotels for 4 nights, three days of tours (as outlined above) with a professional, licenced English-speaking guide and private car
Excludes: transfer in Iasi (taxi very easy and inexpensive), entrance fees to monasteries and museums.
Fly Drive Holiday from the United Kindom
(ii) Taste of Transylvania and the Painted Monasteries
YOUR HOLIDAY PRICES INCLUDE
- Return British Airways Flights from United Kingdom to Bucharest Otopeni
- Airport Taxes and Passenger Facility Charges
- Group B car hire including Unlimited Mileage, Collision Damage Waiver, Third Party Insurance, Theft Protection, Airport and Local Taxes
- (i). 7 nights at FARA OAT Farm Guesthouse or Casa Elena 4* - bed & breakfast, or
- (ii) 1 night at Casa cu Cerb 3*, Sighisoara, 1 night at Hotel Ecotur 4*, Ceahlau, 3 nights at FARA OAT or Casa Elena, 2 nights at Hotel Ambient 4*, Brasov - all B&B
- Donation to FARA OAT Organic Farm Project where FARA is included
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>Duration
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| >8 days/ 7 nights - Painted Monasteries (FARA farm guesthouse) |
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B
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454.00
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| >8 days/ 7 nights - Painted Monasteries (Casa Elena 4*, Voronet) |
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B
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442.00
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| >8 days/ 7 nights - Transylvania & Painted Monasteries (FARA farm guesthouse) |
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B
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499.00
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| >8 days/ 7 nights - Transylvania & Painted Monasteries (Casa Elena 4*, Voronet) |
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B
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494.00
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Prices for regional departures and alternative airlines on request; indirect services may offer lower package prices
Bookings made close to departure or during peak seasons can be subject to flight surcharges.
Flight tickets are issued on receipt of your deposit to secure your price. They are fixed dated and non-refundable.
Travel Insurance is highly recommended
Additional nights can be added and tailormade itinerary created as required
Please note that accommodation at the FARA organise farm is limited to 10 people so, in order to avoid disappointment for popular periods it is essential to book early
These holidays are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Our ATOL number is ATOL 3319.
ATOL protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom.
The Bistrita Aurie "Golden Bistrita" rises in the Rodna mountains and flows down from the Prislop Pass through a beautiful valley comprising the folkloric villages of Cârlibaba and Ciocanesti, to the spa town of Vatra Dornei. The turn-of-the-century spa buildings are presently being renovated so this is a pleasant resort town in both summer, and inj the winter when it is popular with ski enthusiasts. Nearby, in the Dorna Depression, at the foot of the Bârgãu pass, is the scattered community of Poiana Stampei and an interesting botanical nature reserve. This is a region of great beauty and fascinating folk architecture, ideal for rambling, trekking, riding or, the ultimate stress-free holiday: pottering around flower-filled meadows or tranquil woods or absorbing the atmosphere and appreciating the hospitality of the Romanian village.
Siege of Constantinople, Moldovita / Sucevita Monastery / Ciocanesti
Sucevita Monastery / Last Judgement, Voronet / Paltinu near Vatra Moldovitiei
is a Division of BCD Meetings & Incentives
1 Atkinson Court, Fell Foot, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, United Kingdom LA12 8NW
Tel. +44 (0)1539 531258 or UK local rate: 0845 3000 247; Email. travel@beyondtheforest.com
ATOL 3319 - IATA 91267691
The air holidays and flights shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL nrmber is ATOL 3319.
ATOL protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom.
Click on the ATOL logo if you want to know more.
