After breakfast, we will leave Cluj-Napoca and begin our journey toward Maramures, a region known for its rich traditions and serene landscapes.

Our first stop will be Bánffy Castle, often called the “Transylvanian Versailles,” which is a striking Baroque and Renaissance-period aristocratic residence. Its grand façades, layered history, and ongoing restoration make it a compelling subject for photography.

Along the way, we’ll stop in a small village off the tourist grid, where you’ll meet a young local woman who has the keys and cares for a centuries-old wooden church, a place tied closely to her family’s history, as her grandfather once served there as priest. She’ll prepare a delicious homemade picnic, which we’ll enjoy in the peaceful setting of the churchyard. It’s a quiet, meaningful stop, one that offers the chance to capture the contrast between history and present day, between sacred architecture and rural life. She’ll be wearing traditional clothing, leading to a wonderful photographic opportunity.

We’ll also explore the Roma (Gypsy) communities in Baia Mare, which offer compelling opportunities for intimate portraits and environmental storytelling, where individuals are photographed within the context of their daily lives. Expressive faces, traditional dress, and handcrafted surroundings—wooden homes, tools, animals, and village lanes—create layered, authentic imagery. These encounters emphasize connection and respect, allowing photographers to capture portraits that reflect both personal character and the enduring cultural identity of Roma life.

From there, we’ll continue the drive toward Breb, with opportunities along the way to pause for photos, be it wide landscapes, village scenes, or spontaneous moments with locals. If time permits, we may also visit a UNESCO-listed wooden church in Șurdesti or Plopis, simple, beautiful examples of the region’s wooden heritage.

A day shaped by landscapes, soft encounters, and glimpses of living tradition. At the end of the day, we’ll settle in at a traditional and charming bed and breakfast, rich with history. (B) (L)

Morning arrives softly in Breb, as if the village itself is waking with intention. A pale mist lingers low over the hayfields, curling around wooden gates and hand-carved fences darkened by generations of weather and touch. Roosters call out across the valley, answered by the dull rhythm of cowbells as villagers begin their day much as they have for centuries. Walking the dirt lanes with a camera feels less like observation and more like an invitation.

We’ll enjoy photographic experiences such as an elderly woman sweeping her yard in a woolen skirt, pausing only to smile before returning to her work. Horse-drawn carts roll by, laden with fresh hay, children laughing in their wake. Inside a modest wooden home, a man carves wood by a small window, his hands moving with the quiet confidence of inherited knowledge.

By afternoon, the village glows in warm light. Women rest together in the fields, farmers lean against fences watching sheep drift home, and every face reflects dignity shaped by land and labor. As smoke rises from chimneys and evening settles, Breb grows still.

Photographing Breb is not about spectacle, but about honoring a living tradition—an unhurried way of life that offers not just images, but a lasting sense of connection and grace. In the late afternoon, we’ll look for an opportunity to catch the sunset, weather permitting. Whether the light is dramatic or soft, it’s a quiet way to end the day and take in the surroundings from above. (B) (L)

We’ll be up early to photograph nature and the early morning mist. After breakfast, we’ll check out and sadly say goodbye to Breb.

Our first stop will be the UNESCO Barsana Monastery, known for its wooden architecture and peaceful atmosphere, as well as a smaller church dedicated to Saint Parascheva, where the local community may be gathering to mark the occasion. These stops offer a window into the spiritual life of the region, and a chance to reflect on its deep-rooted customs.

In Maramureș, you’ll experience photographic moments from within, not as observers looking in, but as welcomed witnesses to daily life. Our focus and objective will be to capture this on film (digital film). We’ll walk the quiet lanes as farmers lead cows from their wooden barns, breath rising in the cool morning air. Sheep drift through dew-covered fields, their bells creating a soft, rhythmic soundtrack as you frame images of weathered faces and steady hands. You’ll begin to notice the tenderness in the work—the way a herder calms an animal, the unspoken trust that allows you to photograph so closely and honestly.

As the day unfolds, you’ll follow herders along timeworn paths through rolling hills, moving at the same unhurried pace as the horses and carts stacked high with hay. There is no rush here—only light, patience, and connection. You’ll photograph with intention, guided by respect for traditions that have endured for centuries. By day’s end, you will leave not only with powerful images, but with the feeling of having briefly stepped into a life where people, land, and livestock exist in quiet harmony.

By evening, we’ll arrive at our welcoming guesthouse in Glod, where a homemade dinner awaits, bringing the day to a gentle and satisfying close. (B) (D)

Day six unfolds with a further immersion into the living traditions of Maramureș, moving gently from village to village, each stop revealing another layer of a culture still guided by land, faith, and craft. In Glod, the morning begins quietly—smoke rising from chimneys, farmers tending animals, and locals greeting you with easy warmth. We’ll photograph life as it happens, as well as some setup shots.

From there, we’ll travel to Poienile Izei, where the UNESCO listed wooden church stands as both a spiritual and visual anchor. Photography here is reverent and contemplative, an exercise in patience and light rather than speed. In nearby Botiza, the rhythm changes again as you step into the world of vegetal carpet weaving. We’ll meet local artisans whose looms clatter softly as wool dyed with natural pigments becomes intricate patterns. Photographing the weavers is intimate and tactile—hands, textures, colors, and quiet pride—offering a rare glimpse into a craft passed down through generations.

In Ieud, one of the oldest villages in the region, we’ll encounter shepherds guiding their flocks along grassy paths, the landscape opening wide and pastoral. The UNESCO wooden church here rises with elegant simplicity, its tall spire silhouetted against the sky. Locals welcome us into their yards and homes, sharing stories, gestures, and moments that feel unguarded and real. As the evening sets in, we’ll return to Glod for dinner and a good nights rest. (B) (L)

The day begins at the Slătioara Bridge market, where Maramureș awakens in a swirl of color and life. Stalls overflow with fresh produce, cheeses, honey, and hand-crafted treasures, while villagers arrive by foot or horse-drawn cart, greeting one another as they have for generations. We’ll wander slowly through the market, capturing the laughter of children, the rich textures of woven cloth, and the quiet pride of hands that have worked the land for decades. Every moment is alive with authenticity and light, offering photographs that feel timeless.

From the market, we’ll travel to the monastery in Strâmtura, a hidden gem where the delicate art of icon-making thrives. In quiet workshops, monks and artisans layer pigment and gold leaf onto wooden panels, each stroke a prayer, each image a piece of living history. We’ll linger on the details—the worn hands, the shimmering colors, the sense of devotion that fills the room.

Later, the wooden church of Rozavlea awaits, its soaring spire and painted interior echoing centuries of faith. Local villagers welcome us warmly, offering glimpses into daily life that are intimate, unhurried, and full of character. By evening, we’ll return to Glod, the hills bathed in soft light, carrying with us a day of unforgettable moments, stories, and photographs that capture the heart of Maramureș. (B)

After breakfast, we’ll check out and say farewell to Glod. Our first stop will be the village of Săcel, a place where time slows and tradition feels tangible in every carved gate and wooden roof. Along the way, we’ll visit the master mask maker, Vasile Șușcă, whose workshop is alive with color, creativity, and history. Each mask tells a story—of celebration, ritual, and centuries-old craft—and photographing him at work offers a rare glimpse into a skill passed carefully from one generation to the next.

Finally, we’ll drive to Cluj-Napoca, taking in the rolling hills and forests of Maramureș one last time, before arriving and boarding our flight to Bucharest. The day closes with the quiet satisfaction of a journey steeped in culture, craft, and connection—memories and images that linger long after the final shutter clicks.

In Bucharest, we’ll check into our hotel, settle in, and head out for a wonderful dinner in the beautiful and sophisticated city of Bucharest. (B)

After breakfast, we’ll set out to explore the beauty and energy of the old city. We’ll enjoy a privately guided walking photo tour by a local artist and photographer through the heart of Bucharest, a perfect introduction to the city known as the Little Paris of the East. Street photography, portraits, architecture, and travel photography await.

This discovery photography tour reveals the fascinating layers of Bucharest’s past and present. We’ll stroll through the historical center, where echoes of the Ottoman era mingle with the elegance of Belle Époque architecture and the grandeur of the former Royal Palace. Learn how the city transformed during the interwar years into a thriving European capital, then delve into the stark contrasts brought by the communist period, symbolized by the colossal Palace of Parliament. As the day unfolds, you’ll experience the energy of today’s Bucharest: vibrant, creative, and full of life. This immersive tour offers more than sights; it offers a true sense of place.

In the evening, we will have a drink at a local bar followed by another wonderful dinner. (B)

We’ll begin with an early morning stroll through the streets of Bucharest, followed by breakfast. After that, we’ll do a photo walk into a different Bucharest. Far from the usual tourist routes, today is about exploring the city’s lesser-known neighborhoods and places where daily life unfolds quietly and authentically. life. As you’ll wander through the culturally rich mahallas (a traditional neighborhood), you will have the chance to observe and photograph the subtle rhythms of local life. At times, we’ll travel by the metro so you’ll get a better sense of the way Romanian’s commute.

We’ll continue on to one of Bucharest’s largest and most vibrant markets, where colors, faces, and voices mix in a dynamic scene that invites both curiosity and creativity. Along the way, you’ll sample a few local bites; simple, traditional foods that speak to the city’s roots, and maybe even pause for a shot of țuică, Romania’s strong homemade brandy, shared in good spirits. It will be a day of slow discovery, ideal for those looking to connect with Bucharest not just through sights, but through its people, its textures, and its quiet authenticity.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a wonderful “Farewell Dinner” at the iconic Caru’ cu Bere restaurant. Set in a beautifully restored building rich in Neo-Gothic charm, it’s the perfect spot to soak in the interwar ambiance that once defined Bucharest. A favorite among travelers and locals for over a century, the atmosphere is lively, the architecture impressive, and while the cuisine may not be Michelin-starred, the traditional Romanian dishes (including vegetarian options) offer a flavorful and memorable end to your day. (B) (D)

After a lovely breakfast and photo review, we will check out of our hotel and bid each other farewell. Airport transfers will be arranged for you. (B)