Maramureș is one of Europe's last living medieval landscapes — where ox-drawn carts still use the same roads as the wooden churches that have stood for six hundred years. Eight of these churches are UNESCO World Heritage sites. This journey visits the finest, meets the craftsmen who still build in wood, and rides the last working industrial steam train in Europe.
Arrival at Baia Mare airport or by train. Transfer to guesthouse in the Maramureș countryside. Welcome dinner with local hosts.
Visit the Bârsana monastery and the oldest wooden church in Maramureș at Ieud. Village walk and meeting with a local craftsman who still carves traditional gates.
Săpânța's Merry Cemetery — where wooden crosses painted with irreverent biographical poems turned death into folk art. Afternoon textile workshop in Câmpulung la Tisa.
A slow day through the Iza Valley — stopping at Rozavlea, Șieu, and Botiza. Lunch with a village family. Afternoon walk along the valley.
The CFF Vișeu — Europe's last working industrial narrow-gauge steam railway. A half-day journey into the Vaser Valley forest. Farewell dinner.
Transfer to Baia Mare airport or onward transport. End of programme.
5 nights in guesthousesAll breakfasts + 3 dinnersSteam train ticketsLocal guide throughoutPrivate transportInternational flightsTravel insurance