Maramures Crafts and Cycling Holiday 6 Day Cultural Bike Tour

Maramures County, Romania
Duration6 days
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, English, Italian, Romanian, Hungarian
Group sizeUp to 8 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Maramureș is one of Romania’s most picturesque regions, known for its traditional villages, peaceful countryside and unique cultural heritage. Its most famous attractions are the wooden churches, outstanding examples of local craftsmanship. Eight are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The region is also home to talented artisans, from woodcarvers to potters. In places like Bârsana and Săcel, you’ll see their work up close and learn how these traditions are kept alive.

To round off the experience, you’ll enjoy a ride on the Mocănița, a historic steam train that travels through the lush forests of the Wasser Valley. With its mix of culture, scenery and authentic rural life, Maramureș offers an unforgettable journey, especially when explored by bike.

Options

Regular bike
eBike option

eBike

What's included

  • Luggage transportation
  • Entrance fees
  • Assistance vehicle
  • Accommodation for 5 nights in traditional guesthouses
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • Bike rentals and helmets
  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Airport transfer
  • Personal expenses

What to expect

Day 1: Plopiș -> Breb
  1. Plopis
    30m
    We start our day in Plopis, in front of the wooden church, which is a UNESCO World-heritage site
  2. Surdesti
    30m
    We'll pass the church in Surdești, which is the tallest 18th-century wooden structure in the world.
  3. Desesti
    1h
    We'll visit the wooden church in Desești, renowned for its fantastic frescoes.
  4. Breb
    1h
    We'll spend the night in Breb, the quintessential Maramureș village, where many traditions are being kept alive.
Day 2: Breb -> Botiza
  1. Budesti
    1h
    We'll pass by the wooden church in Budesti.
  2. Barsana
    2h
    In Bârsana, we'll stop by a couple of craftsmen, who still keep the traditions alive to this day.
  3. Botiza
    1h
    Botiza is our destination for the night.
Day 3: Botiza -> Săcel
  1. Botiza
    1h
    In the morning, we'll start by visiting the local monastery to see how Orthodox monks live.
  2. Ieud
    1h
    Ieud is the last wooden church on our tour, but definitely one to not miss, since it has the best-preserved frescoes of all the churches in Maramureș.
  3. Sacel
    3h
    Săcel is our home for the night. But before heading for our well-earned sleep, we'll visit Mecleș's water mill, used to power a weaving machine to create woollen products and Mr. Burnar's pottery, to see him at work.
Day 4: Săcel -> Vișeu de Sus
  1. Viseu de Sus
    1h
    We will ride north, towards Vișeu de Sus. A sublime bike ride over the hills and through a valley along the railroad.
Day 5: Ride the Mocănița Steam Train
  1. Mocanika Maramures
    5h · Admission ticket included
    We'll switch our vehicles for the day, riding a train instead of our bikes. The narrow-gauge steam train, or Mocăniță as it's colloquially known, used to be the only means to carry down the logs from the mountains. Nowadays, it is one of the more famous sights in Maramureș. Deservedly so. The journey takes us through the splendid Wasser Valley, with the river billowing between towering cliffs.
  2. Merry Cemetery
    1h · Admission ticket included
    In the afternoon, we will transfer to Săpânța, home to the famous Merry Cemetery.
Day 6: Sad goodbyes
  1. Sapanta
    2h
    Our time in Maramureș has come to an end. We hope you enjoyed the unique culture, splendid landscapes, hearty foods and friendly locals.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

If you decide to go to the meeting point yourself, we shall meet at the wooden church in Plopiș.

End point
Pickup details

Most convenient is to transfer from Baia Mare or Cluj, where you can spend a couple of days before or after the trip. You can transfer on your own, or we can arrange a transfer for you (not included in the price).

Additional information

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
From
€2,390.00 per person
Check availability & book
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
More activities in Maramures County
From
€2,390.00 per person
Check availability