HIGHLIGHTS

Embark on a captivating photographic journey through Romania's rich cultural tapestry as we invite photographers to join us in capturing the vibrant traditions, enchanting weddings, and sacred religious celebrations during the Feast of Saint Mary.

Led by Pullizer winning photographer Deanne Fitzmaurice, this immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to hone your storytelling abilities and enhance your photography skills amidst the picturesque landscapes and heartfelt moments of Romanian life.

From documenting ancient customs to witnessing the joyous festivities of Orthodox weddings, this expedition promises to be a transformative exploration of visual storytelling in one of Europe's most culturally rich destinations.

Tuesday August 12 -  Depart the USA for Cluj Napoca, Romania

Wednesday August 13 - Arrival Cluj Napoca, Romania

The tour embarks and concludes in the renowned region of Transylvania, in the city of Cluj Napoca. We will commence our journey with our inaugural group dinner, fostering camaraderie while discussing our photographic aspirations and itineraries.
Overnight in Cluj-Napoca. (D)

Thursday August 14 - Our Quest traverses two of Romania's most picturesque regions: Transylvania and Maramures. We'll commence in the Maramures region, renowned for preserving ancient traditions. Known as the "land of wood," we'll explore historic wooden churches, some standing for over 300 years, offering captivating subjects for architectural photography. Additionally, we'll capture the artistry of a skilled potter in his workshop. During the hay making season, we'll witness traditional farming methods, providing excellent opportunities for documentary-style photography.  Overnight in Maramures.

Friday August 15 - Today, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant cultural tapestry of Romania. On this significant day of the Dormition of Saint Mary, a national holiday, locals don traditional attire for church services, presenting compelling opportunities for portrait photography. In the afternoon, we'll visit the Merry Cemetery in Sapanta, renowned for its colorful crosses adorned with poetic epitaphs, offering poignant subjects for  photography. Overnight in Maramures.

Saturday August 16 - As Orthodox religious weddings resume after the Lenten period, we'll capture the joyous celebrations in rural Romania, featuring traditional attire, lively music, and festive ambiance. We'll engage with locals, documenting their daily lives amidst picturesque village scenes, perfect for candid and environmental portraiture.  Overnight in Maramures.


Sunday August 17 - We'll attend a local church service to capture the solemnity and spiritual fervor, followed by a visit to another UNESCO-listed wooden church, offering exquisite architectural subjects for photography. In the afternoon, we'll partake in the festivities at Prislop Pass, capturing the rich cultural heritage of both Maramures and Bucovina regions.  Overnight in Maramures.

Monday August 18 - Transitioning from Maramures, we'll journey back to Transylvania, capturing the rustic charm of the countryside along the way. In Transylvania, we'll explore the craftsmanship of instrument making, offering captivating scenes of artisans at work, ideal for documentary photography. Our day concludes in Sighisoara, a medieval town bathed in the ethereal light of the blue hour, providing enchanting opportunities for landscape photography.
Overnight in Sighisoara.

Tuesday August 19 - At dawn, we'll capture the sublime beauty of Biertan village bathed in the golden light of sunrise, with its imposing fortified church serving as a majestic focal point. We'll then engage with a local family of gypsy coppersmiths, documenting their ancient craft and preserving their heritage through photography. Our day culminates in Viscri, a meticulously preserved German Saxon settlement, offering picturesque vistas and cultural immersion.
Overnight in Viscri.


Wednesday August 20 - In the morning light, we'll witness the timeless ritual of villagers leading their cattle to pasture, capturing scenes of rural life steeped in tradition. Exploring Viscri further, we'll document the age-old craftsmanship at the local bakery and blacksmith workshop, providing authentic glimpses into artisanal life. Venturing into the hills, we'll encounter shepherds tending their flocks, offering captivating subjects amidst the pastoral landscape.
Overnight in Viscri.

Thursday, August 21 - A second morning in Viscri offers another opportunity to capture the bucolic charm and vibrant daily rhythms of village life. As our journey draws to a close, we'll savor the flavors of Transylvania at a local winery, capturing the essence of the region through wine tasting and culinary photography. Returning to Cluj Napoca in the afternoon, we'll reminisce over our shared experiences, concluding our adventure with a final group dinner.
Overnight in Cluj Napoca.


Friday August 22 - Flight back home from Cluj Napoca, Romania

On our departure day, we'll organize airport transfers, bidding farewell to Romania and cherishing the memories captured through our lenses.

Cluj Napoc:

2 nights - Hotel Beyfin

Viscri:

2 nights - Viscri 125, rural guesthouse

Desesti Village, Maramures region:

4 nights - Roca Guesthouse, 3*

Sighisoara:

1 night - Central Park Hotel

LANGUAGE

Romanian (limba romana) is the official language of Romania. The name Romania, and its derivatives, come from the Latin word 'Romanus,' a legacy of Roman rulers who took control of ancient Dacia in 106 A.D. Romanian retains a number of features of old Latin, such as noun cases, which other Romance languages dispensed with a long time ago.

CLOTHING

Bring light and lightweight comfortable clothes for the days and something medium weight to layer with in the cooler evenings. As always, bring a thin, waterproof shell - chances are you will not need it, but you never know. Wear good walking shoes.

ELECTRICITY

The voltage is generally 220 V, and outlets will fit the two-pin plug known as the Europlug.

RELIGION

87% Romanian Orthodox, with Greek and Roman Catholic, Reformed/Lutheran, Unitarian, Muslim and Jewish minorities.

FOOD

Romanian cuisine is an eclectic mix of different cultural influences with elements from Turkey, Germany, Hungary all easily discernible.

Traditionally, Romanian food tends to be stodgy and meat-based, revolving around dishes such as ciolan afumat (smoked pork knuckle with beans), mamaliga (cornmeal polenta) and carnaţi de pleşcoi (mutton sausages).

Breakfasts almost always include eggs, either soft-boiled, hard-boiled, fried or scrambled, and omelettes filled with either cheese, ham or mushrooms are also frequently served.

PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS

US citizens do not need a visa to enter Romania and may stay up to 90 days. A passport valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond intended stay is is required.

CLIMATE

The best times to visit in terms of climate are the end of April to the beginning of July as temperatures are mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot especially in Southern Romania, including Bucharest, but along the Black Sea Coast, sea breezes offer moderate temperatures.

MONEY

Romania uses the Romanian Leu. Major credit cards are widely accepted in the main tourist centers with a surcharge.

COUNTRY DIALING CODE

Telephone Country code is +40