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CHRISTMAS IN ROMANIA

Bucharest, Cluj Napoca, Maramures, Bucovina, Brasov

 
Experience authentic Christmas celebrations in the medieval villages of Romania.

Our 14-day Romania Christmas Tour and Photo Adventure is specially planned to transfer you to some of the most traditional and photogenic locations in the Romanian countryside during the festive week. Visiting Romania, especially its countryside, is an extraordinary experience, like walking into a fairy tale or stepping back into medieval Europe. The villagers have preserved their culture and heritage which most of the continent had cast off centuries ago. Too far from Bucharest for its identity to be crushed by Ceausescu, many of these isolated parts of Romania have clung to its rural heritage and its unspoiled pastures and forests. While much of the center is modern and the buildings are in various stages of disrepair, you’ll find splendid 17th- and 18th-century Orthodox churches and graceful belle époque villas tucked away in quiet corners.

We begin our Romania Photo Adventure with the capital city Bucharest, popular for its rich blend of historical (neo-classical), interbellum (Bauhaus and art deco), communist and modern architecture mix. Many of the city’s most exclusive hotels, companies, or restaurants occupy some incredible buildings worth seeing.

Then begins our journey which is more of a time-travel expedition to medieval Europe, with locations that have a cinematic blend of fantasy and reality. Maramures is one such magical entity, a wonderland harboring green hamlets with ethno cultural nuances. We will be celebrating our Christmas Eve in this beautiful county and move on to Brasov County for New Year’s Eve. This festive photo tour is going to a bagful of memories with adventure, photography, people, culture, traditions, all during the most celebrated time of the Year. Scenic winter landscape awaits us as we move from one county to the other, exploring the richness of Romania.

Our 14-day Romania Photo Adventure Tour is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.

In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas, and great fun. What better place to express your creativity than in the villages of Romania.

We begin our Romania Photo Adventure with the capital city Bucharest, popular for its rich blend of historical (neo-classical), interbellum (Bauhaus and art deco), communist and modern architecture mix. Many of the city’s most exclusive hotels, companies, or restaurants occupy some incredible buildings worth seeing.

Then begins our journey which is more of a time-travel expedition to medieval Europe, with locations that have a cinematic blend of fantasy and reality. Maramures is one such magical entity, a wonderland harboring green hamlets with ethno cultural nuances. We will be celebrating our Christmas Eve in this beautiful county and move on to Brasov County for New Year’s Eve. This festive photo tour is going to a bagful of memories with adventure, photography, people, culture, traditions, all during the most celebrated time of the Year. Scenic winter landscape awaits us as we move from one county to the other, exploring the richness of Romania.

Our 14-day Romania Photo Adventure Tour is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.

In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas, and great fun. What better place to express your creativity than in the villages of Romania. ​

Group Size

6 – 10 Guests


Experience | Difficulty

  • Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
  • DSLR or mirrorless cameras
  • Minimal elevation changes and moderate walking
  • (non-photographers also welcome)

Weather | Sun

Temps 35.6/24.8 F 2/-4 C Sunrise 07:45 l Sunset (4:40) 16:40

Includes

  • 14 Days
  • Nature, culture, travel, landscape and people photography
  • Professional photographer | guide
  • Photo walks & discussions
  • Local Guides and Fixers
  • Small group size (6 – 10 guests)
  • 4 and 5-star accommodations / mansions
  • All Breakfasts, 8 Dinners, 7 Lunches
  • Airport and hotel transfers
  • Domestic flight
  • Entry Fees

Travel Information

Arrival / Departure Airport: Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP)
Our adventure begins in the afternoon on the first day and ends in the morning on the last day.
Travel Visa: A few visas may be required depending on your nationality. Go to Visa Map to find out.

 

Accommodations

Bucharest – Hilton Garden Inn, or similar
Cluj Napoca – Hotel Platina, Opera Plaza, or similar
Maramures – Pensiunea Glodeanca, or similar
Buccovina – Casa cu Cerbi, or similar
Brasov – Vila Panaroma, or similar
Photographer Leader

Photographer Leader

Lopamudra Talukdar

December 20, 2023 – January 2, 2024

*All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in upscale boutique hotels in the 4 and 5-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels that offer cultural, historic, and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. In Cuba, we stay in upscale family-owned Casas (bread & breakfasts). On all of our tours, breakfast is almost always included, but not guaranteed. Meal categories listed include (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.

ITINERARY

CHRISTMAS IN ROMANIA 14 DAY PHOTO TOUR

Day 1 | Bucharest

We meet at our Hotel in Bucharest where we will discuss PWA’s “10 Guiding Principles to Great Photography” as well as our “THE ART OF SEEING” photographic technique. We will have informal discussions on what our guests are trying to achieve in their photography, subject matters, styles, and techniques. Romania’s capital city will surprise you with its multiple personalities: a Balkan vibe with Oriental influences, French-inspired architecture transformed by 40 years of communism, now a thriving Western-inspired city with an energetic feeling. We will celebrate the group’s arrival with a Welcome Dinner. (D)

Day 2 | Bucharest

One of the easiest ways to discover Bucharest and photograph the city is by foot and using the metro. This is mostly because of its long and wide boulevards that cross the city from North to South along with the most important landmarks and attractions here.

We will enjoy a nice walking tour of the city, which begins from Piața Unirii (Union Square) and leads to Piața Victoriei (Victory Square) either on Calea Victoriei (Victory Avenue) or Magheruand Lascar Catargiu Boulevards. We would be prone to get off the scheduled track make a random left or right turn – you might come across some wonderful places to visit and explore the city! (B)

Day 3 | Bucharest - Cluj Napoca

We check out of our hotel in Bucharest and proceed for our domestic flight to the city of Cluj Napoca. Today we will visit the local Christmas market in Cluj and begin the festive photo tour. (B)

Day 4 | Cluj Napoca - Maramures

We start our drive to Maramures after breakfast. En route, we will stop (depending on the weather) in villages for impromptu photoshoots and reach Glod, a Romanian mountain village, and our base in Maramures by evening. We will check in to our hotel and end the day early and relax for the rest of the evening. (B, L, D)

Day 5 | Maramures

Tradition rules Maramures. It’s not that the technology has not made any inroads to the people of successive generations. But Christmas is the time for homecoming and even these impetuous and brave-hearted young generations do not defy tradition when they come and meet the elders of their families. Men dressed in thick felt trousers, wide belts, and funnel-shaped huts; and ladies draped in ethnic gathered skirts, thick woolen blouses, and headscarves enhance the festive ambiance. The array of colors seems to have come out of the pages of folklore.

We spend the day, visiting traditional Romanian homes with mostly elders from different walks of life, getting ready for the Christmas festivities the next day. Maramures remains — a strangely cloistered place, estranged and engaging at the same time. Enjoy traditional comfort meal from the region – Goulash and a sumptuous festive dinner with traditional folk music and dance. (B, L, D)

Day 6 | Maramures

It’s Christmas Day. As the villagers head to the church dressed in their traditional best, we see before us an array of colors and joyful faces. We will shoot both outside and inside the church. The functional church in Breb is a modern one but there is also a wooden church (now closed), next to the cemetery which we can shoot from the outside. After the Mass, the village kids perform a traditional street play next to the church. At the end of what will be a hectic morning, we will have a traditional Christmas Lunch, followed by wine tasting session. We end the day with a Christmas dinner and campfire. (B, L, D)

Day 7 | Maramures

Today after breakfast we will visit a neighboring village, to witness a traditional dance that has been happening for decades. Young men dressed in traditional costumes, take the girls out for a dance. It will be a great opportunity for art and people photography. The excitement does not end here – we will get to tour the village in the traditional way, on a traditional horse-drawn sleigh. This will be more of a fun and relaxing thing to do as we explore this scenic village. After a day full of excitement and activities, we return to our mansion for a comfortable dinner and relax. (B, L, D)

Day 8 | Maramures - Bucovina

We check out of Maramures and head for our next destination Bucovina. We will be passing through some of the breathtaking views and landscapes of the region. The area boasts a warm and welcoming population, centuries-old crafts, and spectacular natural landscapes. Wood carving, weaving, pottery, basket making, and egg painting are all part of the incredible heritage of the area, and the fabulous food will make you fall in love with the local cuisine. Bucovina is the land of boletus, cream, and fish – the three main ingredients for relishing dishes. We will check-in at a beautiful family mansion in Bucovina and relax for the rest of the day. (B)

Day 9 | Bucovina

Nestled in the rolling hills of northern Moldova, Bucovina is home to one of the world’s greatest art treasures: the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina. Built-in the 15th and 16th centuries and featuring colorful exterior frescoes depicting dramatic religious scenes, these richly decorated houses of worship are unique. We will be visiting some of the most picturesque monasteries of the region. We then attend an egg-painting workshop, a Moldovian tradition, followed by lunch. Our photo tour is not confined to taking photographs; rather we ensure that you experience the country like a local. (B)

Day 10 | Bucovina

One of the best ways to discover the far corners of Romania is by taking the steam train known locally as Mocăniţa. The train used to run on a narrow gauge in the mountain regions of the country. Its utilitarian, raw-materials transport function is gone today but the routes it served still offer beautiful views of less trodden paths. Going through the unspoiled landscapes of Bucovina, this steam train line was open for use in 1888, when it was used for forestry transport. The current steam train line is 12 km long and passes through some of the most scenic snowcapped transport. We will also be chasing the train as it chips through scenic landscapes, and wait at vantage points to get the best shots.

Our objective in Bucovina is to document Ursul (the Bear Dance) where performers are believed to purify and fertilize the soil for the next year, through their dance. During the bear dance both men and women, put on bearskins, dance, and stroll through the town in an impressive display of color and liveliness. This will offer abundant opportunities for taking unique shots and learn more about the Romanian culture and traditions. (B)

Day 11 | Bucovina - Brasov

We bid goodbye to Bucovina and check-out after breakfast and leave for our next destination – Brasov County. We check-in at a beautiful mansion in one of the mountain villages, on the outskirts of Brasov. (B, L, D)

Day 12 | Brasov

We spend the last day of the year, driving and hiking around some of the most beautiful snowcapped mountain landscapes in eastern Europe. As we celebrate New Year’s Eve together and enjoy our special dinner, we will have moments to cherish and carry with us for the next year. (B, L, D)

Day 13 | Brasov - Holbav

Today we will be visiting Holbav, a magical place, almost like a fairyland. We explore the hill-top villages and get to meet the people here. Opportunities for both landscape and people photography await us in Holbav, one of Romania’s best-kept secrets. Nestled in the mountain slopes above Brasov, this is a traditional shepherd village. With snow all around, this is a fascinating place waiting to be discovered, and which day could better than the first day of the year. The Bran Castle, also known as the Dracula castle is only 30 minutes drive and is a popular tourist destination.

After our excursion, we return to our hotel. As our adventurous festive photo tour comes to end, we will bid farewell to each other over a special Farewell Dinner and get to share our experiences from the journey together. (B, L, D)

Day 14 | Bucharest

Today, being the last day of our photo tour, we bid farewell to each other and the beautiful Romanian County of Brasov, and move ahead to Bucharest for our journey back home. (B)

(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner, (E) Excursion

May all who come as guests... leave as friends®

Romania Photoworkshopadventures

OPTIONS AND BENEFITS

Pricing

All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in boutique hotels in the 4-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels which offer cultural, historic and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. Breakfast is included only if included in our room rates.

Private Guided Adventures

We offer amazing private guided photo adventures, cultural tours and vacations for individuals, couples, families and groups. We can customize any of our published adventures, as well as others, to meet your individual needs, schedule, budget and interests. This may include the finest 5-star accommodations, business-class travel, and private guides and fixers who are able to make the impossible possible. If you are not interested in a photo-centric vacation, but you love our approach to private travel, we will be happy to design and deliver an amazing adventure focused on travel, culture and cuisine. Click here to request a quote. Feel free to call us at 1-888-834-0288 or contact us for more information.

Travel Insurance

We offer travel insurance through the internationally recognized Travelex Travel Insurance Company, as well as evacuation and medical transportation insurance through MedJet, one of the best in the industry.

The cost for travel insurance can be as low as 4% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other factors. Knowing you have trip cancellation coverage can make a big difference should you have to cancel for some unforeseen reason. Travelex Insurance Services is a BBB Accredited business with an A+ rating. Click here to learn more about why you should consider travel insurance.

Rewards Program

Start earning points today and SAVE $200 - $900 off future trips!
Simply register for one of our amazing photo adventures and begin earning points today!

How The Program Works
For every adventure reservation you make with Photo Workshop Adventures, you earn valuable points which you can redeem on your next trip. This is a great way to save up to 8% off future trips. Our Rewards Program is designed with three tiers: Orange, Gold and VIP Members. Points may be applied towards balance payments on your next trip, or you may choose to accumulate points for a free trip in the future.

ORANGE REWARDS
All guests begin with our Orange Rewards Program (Level 1), which earns 4 points for every dollar you spend. You begin earning points immediately after your first trip. A $5,900 spend earns 23,600 points with a value of $236 USD.

GOLD REWARDS
With our Gold Rewards Program (Level 2), you earn 6 points for every dollar you spend. Orange Members who reach 120,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 4-6 trips), automatically move up to Gold Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 35,400 points with a value of $354 USD.

Additional Gold Benefits:

  • Earn up to double points during promotional events
  • Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers

VIP REWARDS
With our VIP Rewards Program (Level 3), you earn 8 points for every dollar you spend. Gold Members who reach 350,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 8-12 trips) move up to VIP Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 47,200 points with a value of $472 USD, (8+/-% discount).

Additional VIP Benefits:

  • Earn up to double points during promotional events
  • Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers
  • Ability to Gift or Transfer points to others
  • Receive complimentary airport transfers at the destination location*

Redeeming Your Points
Redeeming your points couldn’t be easier. You can always log in to your account to check your points balance. When you are ready to book your next trip, register and pay your deposit. When you go to pay your balance you will be given the option to apply your points and receive a discount.

THINK ORANGE Magazine

Subscribe to our Think Orange Magazine and eNews. THINK ORANGE is a wonderful mix of stories and tips related to travel, photography, adventure, culture, art, technology, cuisine, lifestyle, people and more. Our objective is to immerse you in a world you may only fantasize about. Raise your awareness and inspire your creativity. Perhaps even help make you a better photographer. We deliver similar experiential experiences that our guests enjoy on our photo adventures. Like all of our adventures, our blog is “photo-centric”, while also allowing you to experience all the nuances and cultural aspects of travel and adventure. Welcome to our world. We hope you enjoy. Our eNews is a great way to receive information about upcoming photo adventures, exciting new destinations, photography tips, special offers and more. Subscribe today!

Gift Cards

Give someone you know a Gift Card, good toward any of our Photo  Adventures, Photo Tours, Private Guided Tours, Online Courses, Prints or Merchandize. Our beautifully personalized eGift Cards and Certificates are delivered to you electronically. They are fully transferable and have a 2 year expiration date. They are available in any amount from $100 to $5000. It makes a great gift for anyone who loves photography, travel or adventure. Order now, or email for more information.

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