Maramures - The Land of Woods and Rivers

If you are fond of nature, then you will surely love the breathtaking natural landscapes of the mountains and of the river valleys. Over 30 natural protected areas, mild meadows, full of green in the summer and of snow in the winter, mountains covered by evergreen forests, all are mirrored in the crystal clear waters, spread all over this region. Cycling enthusiasts will be delighted to find out that Maramures has a complex network of forestry trails and marked footpaths, which offer great views of the villages and of the amazing northern Romanian landscape: Maramures, the 'land of silence', ‘the land of woods' or the 'land of deer', is one of the most isolated and undiscovered regions of Europe. Maramures is a fascinating place in the north of Romania surrounded by mountains and picturesque valleys, the most famous and beautiful being the Mara and Iza Valleys. Ethnographically it is a treasury of old customs and rites still surviving. At one of the cemeteries, most beautifully decorated with flowers, you may attend an ancient funeral and be offered coliva and may be attend a feast in honour of the death. The region is renowned for its 17th and 18th century spindly wooden churches and beautiful hand carved wooden gates: here there are fairly-tale hamlets, splendid displays woodwork and of popular costume, country festivals, ancient traditions, hospitable people and artisans.

OVERVIEW

• More than 300 km
• 9 days to discover the history, culture and tradition of the “land of rivers and woods”
• Fully guided and supported

HIGHLIGHTS
• Cycling route along the Iza and Mara river valleys to admire the beautiful scenery
• Merry Cemetery in Sapanta - unique in the world, due to its originality
• Mocanita (the narrow steam gauge train) hauled by a vintage steam engine from the times of the Austrian-Hungarian empire
• Breb village
• Botiza village (dowry chests and rugs)
• Viseul de Jos area (folk costume and fabrics)
• Bogdan Voda village (carpets and wickerwork)
• Sacel village (rough red ceramics with old traditional elements)
• Museum of Arrested Thought in Sighetu Marmatiei
• The 8 wooden churches, part of the UNESCO World Heritage
• Craiasca Forest – a nature reserve
• The old water mill in Feresti

TOUR DETAILS
Duration 9-days cycling tour
Schedule 19-27 June, 14-22 August, 2-10 October 2016
Distance around 350 km
Difficulty moderate level
Elevation
Terrain The tour includes national, local, village and forest roads through pastoral landscapes and peaceful Transylvanian scenery. The terrain includes flat asphalt routes, unpaved country trails, and rolling hills and is suitable for cyclists in good physical condition, varying from 30 to 60 km per day.
Accomodation restored rural guesthouses and small boutique hotels with breakfast included
Group size • The tour requires a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 14 participants;
• One guide will be provided for a group of up to 6 persons and 2 guides for more than 8 participants;
Price from 1200 or 1460 EUR ( bike included)

WHAT IS INCLUDED
• 8 nights accommodation (differs if optional day included)
• Full board for all period – breakfasts, lunches and dinners
• Detailed trip description and programme, GPS maps
• Bike, accessories and equipment rental (if required)
• Tickets to several cultural and historical sights included in the itinerary
• Energizers & water supply
• Photo album at the end of the trip
• Luggage transportation
• Vehicle Assistance (whenever roads allow it to pass)
• English speaking accompanying bike guide (Note: German or French also possible)
• Local Taxes
• Complimentary branded CarpatBike t-shirt

NOT INCLUDED
• Airfare cost
• Alcoholic and additional drinks during the programme
• Tips for your cycling guide (~25 $/day) or at restaurants (5-10% of the bill)
• Extra charges for laundry telephone or fax charges, room service, etc.
• Transfer cost from Bucharest to Baia Mare and back
• Individual travel Insurance for the trip (compulsory in order to be accepted for the tour)
• Individual insurance for special activities (recommended)
• Additional local guides, if required
• Single room supplement
• All the other conditions are presented in the “Terms and conditions” document