Cultural Immersion in Romania

Crafts & Traditions Workshop Tour - 2 Nights

ARRIVAL CITIES:

Choose your gateway:

· Bucharest (OTP) - 2.5 hours to Bran/Rucar

· Brasov - 30 minutes to Bran/Rucar

· Sibiu - 2 hours to Bran/Rucar

· Craiova - 3 hours to Bran/Rucar

3-DAY PROGRAM:

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL & VILLAGE WELCOME

Arrival

· Pick-up from the airport/city

· If your flight arrives in the morning, we can arrange a city tour before heading to the retreat.

· Transfer to Bran/Rucar traditional village

· Check in at the family guesthouse

· Welcome tea with your host family

Afternoon

· Village orientation walk

· Meet local craftspeople

· Visit traditional homes

· Learn about daily village life

· Explore gardens and farms

Evening

· Traditional cooking demonstration

· Dinner with homemade dishes

· Stories and folk traditions around the fire

· Traditional music (seasonal)

DAY 2 - HANDS-ON CRAFT WORKSHOPS

Morning

· Traditional breakfast

· Workshop 1: Traditional Pottery (2.5 hours)

o Learn clay preparation techniques

o Create your own pottery piece

o Traditional firing methods

o Take home your creation

Lunch

· Picnic-style meal with local families (optional)

· Homemade bread, cheese, preserves

Afternoon

· Workshop 2: Wool Weaving or Wood Carving (2.5 hours)

o Option A - Wool Weaving:

§ Sheep to wool process

§ Traditional loom techniques

§ Natural dyeing methods

§ Create a small woven piece

o Option B - Wood Carving:

§ Traditional tools and techniques

§ Carve a decorative spoon or a small item

§ Learn symbolic patterns

§ Your handmade souvenir

Evening

· Traditional dinner

· Folk stories and customs

· Optional: Traditional dance demonstration

DAY 3 - FARM LIFE & TRADITIONAL FOOD

Morning

· Breakfast

· Traditional Bread Baking Workshop

o Wood-fired oven experience

o Knead and shape traditional bread

o Learn family recipes passed through generations

o Taste fresh-baked bread with butter and honey

Mid-Morning

· Farm visit experience

o Meet farm animals

o Traditional cheese-making demonstration

o Taste fresh dairy products

o Learn about sustainable village farming

Afternoon

· Farewell lunch with your host family (optional)

· Transfer to the airport/city

· End of Cultural Immersion experience

ACCOMMODATION:

Traditional Family Guesthouse - Bran/Rucar Area

· Authentic village home

· Family-run hospitality

· Private rooms with en-suite bathrooms

· Home-cooked meals from garden produce

· Traditional Romanian architecture

· Mountain village atmosphere

· Clean, comfortable, welcoming

INCLUDED:

✅ Transport: Private vehicle from/to airport or city ✅ Guide/Translator: English-speaking cultural guide (full program) ✅ Accommodation: 2 nights family guesthouse (private room, en-suite) ✅ Meals: 2 breakfasts and 2 traditional dinner ✅ Craft Workshops: 3 hands-on sessions (pottery, weaving/carving, bread baking) ✅ Materials: All workshop materials and tools provided ✅ Souvenirs: Take home your handmade creations ✅ Cultural Experiences: Cooking demo, farm visit, cheese tasting

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS:

Meals:

· Lunch Day 1 - £15

· Lunch Day 2 - £15

· Lunch Day 3 - £18

Extra Workshops:

· Traditional embroidery workshop - £40

· Icon painting on glass - £45

· Traditional costume try-on & photo session - £25

· Shepherd visit & cheese making hands-on - £55

· Herbal medicine workshop with village healer - £35

Experiences:

· Horse cart ride through village - £20

· Visit to local church & traditions - £15

· Wine cellar visit & tasting - £30

· Extended family dinner with music - £35

Accommodation Upgrade:

· Premium room with traditional decor - £35 per night

PRICING:

£395

MODULAR EXTENSIONS - BUILD YOUR ADVENTURE

Add extra regions to your Hidden Romania base tour. Modules are listed in logical travel order from south to north

MODULE 1 EXPLORER: BRASOV & SURROUNDINGS (2 nights) - "Mountain Town Experience"

Add £270 per person

Highlights:

· Brasov Old Town walking tour

· Peles Castle

· Sinaia mountain resort

· Rasnov Fortress

· Black Church

Included: ✅ 2 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Peles Castle entrance - £12

· Rasnov Fortress entrance - £8

· Black Church entrance - £5

· Craft beer tasting - £20

· Lunches and dinners - £15-30 per meal

MODULE 2: SIBIU & SAXON VILLAGES (2 nights) - "Medieval Heritage"

Add £260 per person

Highlights:

· Sibiu Old Town

· Viscri fortified church (UNESCO)

· Biertan fortress (UNESCO)

· Sighisoara citadel (birthplace of Vlad the Impaler)

· Traditional Saxon guesthouse

Included: ✅ 2 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Viscri church entrance - £5

· Biertan fortress entrance - £5

· Sighisoara citadel tour - £10

· Cheese and wine tasting - £25

· Lunches and dinners - £15-25 per meal

MODULE 3: TRANSALPINA & SOUTHERN CARPATHIANS (3 nights) - "Scenic Routes"

Add £340 per person

Highlights:

· Transalpina Road (the highest paved road in Romania)

· Traditional villages of Marginimea Sibiului

· Shepherd culture and sheep farming

· Hiking in Retezat National Park

· Mountain passes and panoramic views

Included: ✅ 3 nights mountain accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 3 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Retezat National Park entrance - £8

· Shepherd visit and cheese tasting - £30

· Guided hiking tour - £40

· Lunches and dinners - £12-25 per meal

MODULE 4 GRAND: APUSENI MOUNTAINS (2 nights) - "Wild Carpathians"

Add £240 per person

Highlights:

· Scarisoara Ice Cave (underground glacier)

· Turda Salt Mine (underground amusement park)

· Cheile Turzii gorges hiking

· Remote village Rimetea

· Mountain cabin accommodation

Included: ✅ 2 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Scarisoara Cave entrance - £8

· Turda Salt Mine entrance - £15

· Guided gorge hiking - £25

· Village cultural tour - £20

· Lunches and dinners - £12-20 per meal

MODULE 5: CLUJ & APUSENI VILLAGES (2 nights) - "Culture & Crafts"

Add £250 per person

Highlights:

· Cluj-Napoca city tour

· Traditional villages

· Folk art and embroidery workshops

· Traditional costume demonstration

· Pottery village of Corund

Included: ✅ 2 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Embroidery workshop - £35

· Pottery workshop - £30

· Traditional costume demonstration - £20

· Artisan visits - £25

· Lunches and dinners - £15-25 per meal

MODULE 6: MARAMURES (3 nights) - "Living Traditions"

Add £330 per person

Highlights:

· Wooden churches (UNESCO)

· Merry Cemetery of Sapanta

· Traditional villages (Barsana, Ieud, Botiza)

· Stay with local families

· Hand-carved wooden gates

· Artisan workshops

Included: ✅ 3 nights accommodation with local families (private room, shared bathroom) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 3 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Wooden church entrance (multiple) - £15 total

· Merry Cemetery entrance - £5

· Cooking class - traditional dishes - £45

· Wood carving workshop - £40

· Weaving workshop - £35

· Lunches and dinners - £12-20 per meal

MODULE 7 SIGNATURE: BUCOVINA (3 nights) - "Painted Monasteries"

Add £310 per person

Highlights:

· 5 UNESCO painted monasteries (Voronet, Sucevita, Moldovita, Arbore, Humor)

· Icon painting workshop on glass

· Decorated eggs museum and workshop

· Traditional guesthouse stay

· Mountain hiking

Included: ✅ 3 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 3 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Monastery entrances (5 total) - £20

· Icon painting workshop - £40

· Decorated eggs workshop - £35

· Pottery village visit - £20

· Guided mountain hiking - £30

· Lunches and dinners - £12-20 per meal

MODULE 8: BICAZ GORGES & NEAMT (2 nights) - "Dramatic Landscapes"

Add £255 per person

Highlights:

· Bicaz Gorges spectacular drive

· Red Lake (Lacul Rosu)

· Neamt Fortress

· Ceahlau Massif hiking

· Traditional Moldavian villages

Included: ✅ 2 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Neamt Fortress entrance - £5

· Guided Ceahlau hiking - £35

· Wine and food tasting - £30

· Red Lake boat ride - £15

· Lunches and dinners - £12-20 per meal

MODULE 9: DANUBE DELTA (3 nights) - "Wilderness on Water"

Add £360 per person

Highlights:

· Boat exploration through channels

· Birdwatching (300+ species)

· Letea Forest - wild horses

· Traditional fishing village

· Sulina or Sfantu Gheorghe stay

· Sunrise/sunset boat trips

Included: ✅ 3 nights accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport to/from Tulcea ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 3 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Boat trips (full day) - £45 per day

· Birdwatching guided tour - £50

· Letea Forest excursion - £55

· Fishing experience - £40

· Delta permits and fees - £10

· Lunches and dinners (fresh fish) - £15-25 per meal

MODULE 10: BUCHAREST (2 nights) - "Little Paris of the East"

Add £280 per person

Highlights:

· Palace of Parliament

· Old Town (Lipscani)

· Village Museum

· Communist history tour

· Traditional food tour

· Vibrant nightlife option

Included: ✅ 2 nights central hotel accommodation (private room, en-suite) ✅ Transport ✅ English-speaking guide ✅ 2 breakfasts

Optional Add-Ons:

· Palace of Parliament entrance - £15

· Village Museum entrance - £8

· Traditional food tour - £45

· Therme Spa visit - £25

· Lunches and dinners - £15-30 per meal

Final Day Return Transfer - £145 per vehicle (up to 8 people)

POPULAR COMBINED PACKAGES:

"Complete Transylvania" - 9 nights

Base (2) + Brasov (2) + Sibiu & Saxon Villages (2) + Apuseni (2) £1,010 per person

"Spiritual & Wild Romania" - 10 nights

Base (2) + Bucovina (3) + Danube Delta (3) + Bucharest (2) £1,110 per person

"Grand Romania Explorer" - 13 nights

Base (2) + Sibiu (2) + Maramures (3) + Bucovina (3) + Danube Delta (3) £1,450 per person

"Mountain & Culture Journey" - 11 nights

Base (2) + Brasov (2) + Maramures (3) + Apuseni (2) + Transalpina (3) £1,270 per person

BUILD YOUR OWN:

Mix and match any modules to create your perfect Romanian adventure.

Recommended minimum: Base + 1-2 modules (5-8 nights total). Optimal experience: Base + 2-3 modules (8-11 nights total) Grand tour: Base + 4+ modules (12+ nights total)

Group sizes: 2-8 people

All modules include accommodation, transport, a guide, and breakfasts. Entrance fees, activities, and most meals are optional add-ons for maximum flexibility.

BEST TIME TO VISIT:

�� SPRING (April-June) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

· Village comes alive after winter

· Spring planting activities

· Wildflowers everywhere

· Pleasant temperatures 15-25°C (59-77°F)

· Easter traditions (if timing matches)

· Sheep shearing season

☀️ SUMMER (July-August) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

· Warm days perfect for outdoor workshops

· Harvest activities beginning

· Garden produce at peak

· Temperatures 25-30°C (77-86°F)

· Longer days for more activities

· Village festivals possible

�� AUTUMN (September-October) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

· Harvest season - most authentic

· Food preservation workshops

· Apple picking, grape harvest

· Comfortable temperatures 12-22°C (54-72°F)

· Traditional autumn celebrations

· Best food and produce

❄️ WINTER (December-February) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

· Winter traditions and crafts

· Christmas & New Year customs

· Indoor craft focus - cosy workshops

· Cold but authentic -5 to 5°C (23-41°F)

· Traditional winter food preparation

· Unique cultural immersion

RECOMMENDED MONTHS: ✅ Best for crafts: September, October (harvest crafts) ✅ Best weather: May, June, September ✅ Most authentic: October (harvest), December (Christmas traditions) ✅ Best value: April, November ✅ Special traditions: Easter week (varies), Christmas week

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

�� Traditional Crafts:

· Pottery techniques passed through generations

· Weaving on traditional looms OR wood carving skills

· Bread baking in wood-fired ovens

· Natural material preparation

�� Village Life:

· Daily routines of mountain communities

· Sustainable living practices

· Seasonal traditions and celebrations

· Family structures and customs

��️ Food Culture:

· Traditional recipes and cooking methods

· Food preservation techniques

· Garden-to-table philosophy

· Regional specialities

�� Cultural Heritage:

· Folk stories and legends

· Traditional music and dance

· Religious customs and beliefs

· Generational knowledge transfer

WHAT MAKES THIS SPECIAL:

✨ Work directly with village artisans, not tourist entertainers ✨ Stay with real families, experience authentic daily life ✨ Create handmade souvenirs with traditional techniques ✨ Learn skills passed through generations ✨ Eat meals made from your host's garden ✨ Support village economy directly ✨ Small groups ensure personal attention ✨ Translators bridge language, share deep cultural insights

YOUR HANDMADE SOUVENIRS:

Take home what you create:

· Hand-thrown pottery piece (bowl, cup, or plate)

· Woven textile OR carved wooden item

· Traditional bread recipe card

· Photos of your workshop experiences

· Cultural knowledge to share

PERFECT FOR:

✅ Cultural enthusiasts and craft lovers ✅ Travelers seeking authentic experiences ✅ People who love hands-on learning ✅ Those interested in traditional skills ✅ Anyone wanting to connect with local communities ✅ Families with older children (10+) ✅ Solo travelers seeking meaningful connections

Not for: Those seeking luxury accommodations, people uncomfortable with rural settings, travelers wanting fast-paced sightseeing

CULTURAL NOTES:

· Workshops taught by village artisans (translator provided)

· Dress comfortably for hands-on activities

· Be prepared to participate - this is active learning

· Respect for traditions and customs is appreciated

· Photography is welcome and encouraged

· Questions and curiosity embraced

· Vegetarian/dietary needs accommodated (advance notice)

EXTEND YOUR CULTURAL JOURNEY:

Add more immersive experiences:

· Maramures wooden villages & crafts (3 nights)

· Bucovina painted monasteries & icon painting (3 nights)

· Transylvania Saxon heritage (2 nights)

· Traditional festivals (timing dependent)

See full modular options for complete cultural itineraries

TESTIMONIALS:

"Not a tourist show - real people, real skills, real life. I learned pottery from a woman whose grandmother taught her. Unforgettable." - Sarah, UK

"The bread baking in the wood oven was magical. And I still use my carved spoon every day!" - James, Ireland

"This is what travel should be - connecting with people, learning their way of life. Worth every penny." - Emma, Scotland

Authentic Village Life - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is included in the 2-night experience?

The package includes accommodation with a local family in a traditional village home, all meals prepared with homegrown ingredients, hands-on workshops in traditional crafts (pottery, weaving, wood carving, or embroidery), participation in daily farm activities, guided village tours, and cultural storytelling sessions with locals. Transportation between activities within the village is included.

Which crafts will I learn during the workshop?

Depending on the village and season, you'll learn 2-3 traditional crafts such as pottery making, traditional weaving on wooden looms, wool spinning, wood carving, egg painting (încondeiat), or traditional embroidery. Each craft is taught by local artisans who have practised these skills for decades. You'll create your own piece to take home as a unique souvenir.

Do I need any prior experience or skills?

No prior experience necessary! Our local artisans are patient teachers who work with complete beginners. Whether you've never held a pottery wheel or woven before, you'll receive step-by-step guidance. The focus is on cultural learning and authentic experience, not perfection.

Where do I stay, and what are the accommodations like?

You'll stay in a traditional Romanian village home with a local family, typically in rural Maramureș, Transylvania, or Bucovina regions. Accommodations are clean and comfortable but authentic—expect simple furnishings, shared bathrooms in some cases, and a genuine village atmosphere. This is not a hotel experience; it's real village life with warm, welcoming hosts.

What is the cancellation policy,y and when should I book?

Free cancellation up to 14 days before your experience. Cancellations 7-14 days prior receive 50% refund. We recommend booking at least 3-4 weeks in advance to secure your preferred dates and allow time for village family arrangements.

Is this experience suitable for families with children?

Yes! Children ages 5 and above typically enjoy the hands-on activities, animals, and outdoor village life. It's an educational and fun experience for families. Children 6-12 receive a 50% discount. Please note that village life involves outdoor activities and some physical tasks, so it's best suited for active families.

What should I pack and wear?

Bring comfortable, casual clothing suitable for outdoor farm work and craft activities—clothes that can get dirty. Sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots are essential. Pack layers as village homes can be cooler, especially in spring and autumn. Don't forget a camera, sunscreen, and any personal medications. We'll provide aprons for messy craft work.

What language is spoken, and will there be translation?

Your host family may speak limited English, but we provide a bilingual cultural guide who stays with you throughout the experience to translate and facilitate meaningful conversations. This language bridge actually enriches the experience, allowing deep cultural exchange while ensuring clear communication.

2026 DEPARTURE DATES:

SPRING SEASON (Best for: Wildlife tracking, wildflowers, fewer crowds)

· May 9-11 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· May 16-18 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· May 23-25 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· June 6-8 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· June 13-15 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· June 20-22 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

SUMMER SEASON (Best for: Long days, all regions accessible, festivals)

· July 4-6 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· July 18-20 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· August 1-3 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· August 15-17 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· August 22-24 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

AUTUMN SEASON (Best for: Fall colours, harvest season, ideal weather)

· September 5-7 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· September 12-14 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· September 19-21 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· September 26-28 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· October 3-5 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· October 10-12 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

· October 17-19 - Transylvania Essentials (2 nights)

Custom dates available for groups

All extensions can be added to any guaranteed departure date

OUR GUARANTEE:

��️ Departure Guaranteed - All listed dates run with a minimum of 2 people - 8 people

��️ Quality Commitment - If accommodation doesn't meet our standards, we'll upgrade you at no cost

��️ Transparent Pricing - No hidden fees, all inclusions clearly listed

BOOK NOW:

Deposit: 30% at confirmation. Balance: 45 days before departure.

Cancellation Policy

• 31+ days before departure:
Full refund minus £50 administration fee

• 0–30 days before departure:
No refund (100% cancellation fee)