Romania – The Ultimate Photo Expedition
Join us on a photography tour through some of Romania's most photogenic locations, from the mountains to the sea. A tour by photographers for photographers of any skill who want to discover the best of what Romania has to offer.
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Dates: TBD
Duration: 11 days | Round-trip Bucharest
Group size: max 6 persons
Cost: $3290 USD
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​Experience Romania by photographing well-known sites as well as hidden gems, spectacular and unique sites, while enjoying authentic Romanian dishes and becoming acquainted with old customs and traditions.
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Your guides, Andrei Stoica and Dorin Sveduneac, will make everything happen. Andrei is an avid photographer living in Arizona who returns to Romania every year to explore and capture the landscape and people. His photos were published in National Geographic and other magazines, while his latest photos are frequently chosen as "photo of the day" on many web sites. Dorin is also a passionate photographer and a native of Bucovina, whose dedication can be seen in his numerous exhibits over the past few years, with an emphasis on the everyday beauty that Romania has to offer. Dorin's photos are regularly chosen in the daily selection of best shots on National Geographic's website.
Day 1: Bucharest
Arrive in Bucharest and check in at our hotel in the heart of the city starting at noon. At 3 PM we meet and greet the tour participants at the hotel, then stroll through the old Bucharest neighborhoods.
Have dinner at Caru’ cu Bere, a historic restaurant opened in 1879. In the evening we'll have a chance to present personal portfolios, if available.
Overnight in Bucharest.
Day 2: Sinaia, Bran, Brasov
We start our journey by driving north to Sinaia, where we take a photo tour of the most majestic of Romania’s castles, Peles.
After lunch, travel further north and visit the Bran Castle, better known to the world as Dracula’s Castle.
In the evening, drive to Brasov and check into our hotel, then explore the old town Brasov. Good opportunities for night photography can be found around Council Square (Piata Sfatului).
Overnight in Brasov.
Day 3: Brasov, Prejmer, Rupea, Viscri
Early morning, wander through the old town, visit the Black Church (Biserica Neagra) and Rope Street (Strada Sforii), believed to be one of the narrowest streets in Europe. Our final stop in Brasov is on Mt. Tampa where panoramic views of the city await us.
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After lunch we're heading to the Prejmer fortified church, then visit the Rupea Citadel, a photogenic hilltop fortification.
However, our destination for the day is Viscri, one of the few Romanian villages aiming to maintain the look and feel of its ancient roots. Viscri is not a place to go, it's a story to live. Strolling through Viscri's dirt roads feels like a trip back in time. Prince Charles of Wales owns a house here. Walk around, visit the local fortified church and count the many ornate windows found throughout the village.
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Overnight in Viscri.
Day 4: Viscri, Sighisoara
After a hearty breakfast we’ll visit some of Viscri’s workshops where tradition is kept alive by local artisans.
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Traditional lunch in Viscri, where food is cooked using recipes from Romanian countryside and made with local vegetables, fruits, meat and dairy.
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In the afternoon head to Sighisoara, a perfectly intact 15th century gem with colorful houses and narrow, cobblestone streets. We’ll discover the medieval Citadel included in UNESCO World Heritage: the Clock Tower, the Church on the Hill, the roofed stairways, etc. The old city is also the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (Count Dracula).
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Overnight in Sighisoara.
Hello Bucovina!
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We wake up very early to catch the sunrise over the photogenic fortified church in Biertan, a short drive from our hotel in Sighisoara.
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After breakfast we drive to Vama, in Bucovina, a region rich in natural beauty and steeped in centuries-old traditions. The name Bucovina means “beech land” and some of Romania's most beautiful countryside is found here: rolling green hills nestle villages and monasteries in their valleys. Horses, decked with red-tasseled bridles, travel dirt roads, as villagers crowd churchyards in traditional folk costume on Sundays and holidays.
No trip to Romania would be complete without a village experience. A visit to the countryside offers a glimpse into the unspoiled beauty of Romania and its centuries-old traditions. We will be staying in a village, meet our welcoming host and have a chance to experience and taste traditional, small-scale farming. Everything, from making hay for livestock, to collecting eggs from the hens, to milking the cows and goats, to preparing fruit and preserves is still done by hand.
Dinner by the bonfire.
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Overnight in Vama.
Day 5: Bucovina - Vama
Hello Bucovina!
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We wake up very early to catch the sunrise over the photogenic fortified church in Biertan, a short drive from our hotel in Sighisoara.
After breakfast we drive to Vama, in Bucovina, a region rich in natural beauty and steeped in centuries-old traditions. The name Bucovina means "beech land" and some of Romania's most beautiful countryside is found here: rolling green hills nestle villages and monasteries in their valleys. Horses, decked with red-tasseled bridles, travel dirt roads, as villagers crowd churchyards in traditional folk costume on Sundays and holidays.
No trip to Romania would be complete without a village experience. A visit to the countryside offers a glimpse into the unspoiled beauty of Romania and its centuries-old traditions. We will be staying in a village, meet our welcoming host and have a chance to experience and taste traditional, small-scale farming. Everything, from making hay for livestock, to collecting eggs from the hens, to milking the cows and goats, to preparing fruit and preserves is still done by hand.
Dinner by the bonfire.
Overnight in Vama.
Day 6: Bucovina - Meet the Locals
Today we rise early to catch the sunrise over the green hills of Bucovina. After breakfast we’ll meet some of the local artisans, as well as explore their traditions and cultural heritage of the region.
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In the afternoon photograph or ride one of the best attractions of Bucovina, the narrow gauge railroad train locals affectionately named “Mocanita Hutulca”.
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In the evening, we’ll take a break and allow for time to process your photos and review a selection of participants’ photos taken during our tour so far.
Overnight in Vama.
Day 7: Bucovina - The Painted Monasteries
We’ll start the day with a hearty breakfast “al fresco” and then visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Painted Monasteries. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries and featuring colorful exterior frescoes depicting dramatic religious scenes, these richly decorated houses of worship are unique in the world.
Overnight in Vama.
Day 7: Bucovina - The Painted Monasteries
We’ll start the day with a hearty breakfast “al fresco” and then visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Painted Monasteries. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries and featuring colorful exterior frescoes depicting dramatic religious scenes, these richly decorated houses of worship are unique in the world.
Overnight in Vama.
Day 8: Mud Volcanoes
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After breakfast head south towards our next stop, the mud volcanoes of Berca. Here, gas from the underground mixed with water erupts to form bubbling mini mud volcanoes in an ever-changing dynamic of old and new. The result is a moon-like landscape that lends itself to interesting photography.
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Along the way to Berca we’ll make a quick stop at the unique “Mask Musem” in Tarpesti, Neamt.
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Traditional lunch at "Hanul Ancutei", a historic 200 year old inn and restaurant that serves organic food using traditional recipes.
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Arrive at our hotel in Berca late afternoon and visit the mud volcanoes.
Overnight in Berca.
Day 9: Vama Veche
Relax!
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Today we make our way to the Black Sea for our next stay in Vama Veche, a seaside village with a special vibe.
Overnight in Vama Veche.
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Day 10: Vama Veche
Explore the world of fishermen who go out at sea before sunrise.
In the afternoon: open schedule, relax some more at the seaside or practice your street photography skills on the streets of Vama, with its ever-changing sea of people and quite a colorful crowd.
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In the evening it’s time for a final review of our photos.
Overnight in Vama Veche.
Day 11: Vama Veche, Bucharest
Watch the sun rise from the Black Sea along with the crowds of party-goers while music still plays from the beachside disco bars – it’s a show not to miss!
After lunch we head back to Bucharest for our final day.
What’s Included
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Ground transportation
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All hotel accommodations. Tour price is based on shared/double participant per room occupancy. Single accommodation is extra, see costs below
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All breakfast meals
What’s Not Included
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Flights to/from Romania
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Transportation to/from the airport in Bucharest
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All lunches and dinners, except during our stay in Bucovina (days 6-7) where dinner is also included in the tour price. Expect about USD $30-50 per day for meals
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Any alcohol beverages
Cost
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The cost of the tour is USD $3190 provided accommodation is in shared/double rooms
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A fee of USD $450 is required for single accommodation
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A non-refundable deposit of USD $700 is required at the time of booking
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Trip balance is due 90 days prior to the scheduled trip departure
Participants
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4 minimum
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6 maximum
We require a minimum of 4 participants in order to run this tour. If the minimum number is not reached by May 10th, 2018, the tour will be cancelled and deposits will be refunded to participants. See our cancellation policy below for more details.
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Who This Tour is For
Photographers of all levels from enthusiast to advanced are invited. Although this is a photo tour where the accent is on finding good photo locations and best lighting conditions, a non-photographer should also be able to enjoy the sights, culture and local food we're going to experience.
What to Bring, What to Expect
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A DSLR or mirrorless camera is preferred, although advanced point-and-shoot cameras may work as well
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At least one wide lens and one telephoto lens. Ideally, bring in a portrait lens to capture people and other street subjects
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A tripod is always good to have, although optional
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A laptop for editing your photos. We’re going to have two critique/sharing sessions during which participants are invited to share and discuss their photos with the group
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Power adapters. Romania operates on the European 220V/50Hz standard so, if coming from the US, you’ll need to make sure your devices can be used. Most electronic devices nowadays work internationally so a simple plug adapter may be sufficient, but you should check each device that you plan to bring over to make sure that is the case.
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Since the tour takes place in the summer, we expect warm temperatures, but it’s always good to be prepared, so bring a warm fleece/jacket for the cold nights in the mountains, just in case. We may also see some rain, so a poncho/waterproof jacket may be useful
Cancellation Policy
All deposits are non-refundable.
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Although very unlikely, Arizona Photo Adventures LLC reserves the right to cancel the tour at any time for a variety of reasons (for example, if a minimum number of participants is not met or if unforeseen circumstances dramatically impacted cost of the tour or global conditions somehow warranted a cancellation). In the very unlikely event of a cancellation, all funds/deposits paid to Arizona Photo Adventures LLC would be refunded to participants; however no compensation would be made for participant flight cancellation fees or any other associated travel costs.
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Legal
Our lawyers insist that all participants must sign an agreement and waiver form. Please read it here and be ready to sign on the first day of the tour.
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For any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us below -- we'll get right back to you!