Romanian Stiching Tour
In Romania, the traditional embroidered blouse – known simply as the ia (pronounced “ee-ya”) – is more than a garment. It’s a symbol of cultural identity with roots stretching back millennia. Some folklorists trace the ia’s origins to ancient times, noting that motifs on these blouses resemble patterns from the Cucuteni civilization (c. 5,500–2,750 BC). Over centuries, Romanian women painstakingly hand-stitched these peasant blouses in silence or song, encodingprayers,dreams, and blessings into their intricate embroidery. The result is a wearable piece of art – “a cultural will left by the first inhabitants of this land,” as one writer describes.
Day 1, Monday, 05th October
Arrival in Făgăraș
This tour blends traditional stitching, sightseeing, local cuisine, and authentic human connection. Throughout the program, you will be accompanied by a professional English-speaking guide, ensuring a smooth experience.
During your stay, you’ll have the opportunity to stitch traditional Romanian motifs on various fabrics, each inspired by a different region of the country, while discovering the landscapes, customs, and spirit that define the Romanian soul.
Arrival Options:
Bucharest – Otopeni International Airport: approx. 225 km to FăgăraÈ™
Sibiu International Airport: approx. 90 km to Făgăraș
Brașov International Airport: approx. 70 km to Făgăraș
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After arriving in Făgăraș, you will be transferred to our traditional guesthouses, beautifully renovated to offer both comfort and authenticity.
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In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring local specialties and meet your guide and fellow participants during an information session about the days ahead.
Day 2,Tuesday, 06th October
Full day in Făgăraș
Today, you will meet your local specialist in traditional Romanian art, who will guide you through a series of engaging activities introducing the heritage and symbolism of the Romanian blouse – IA. You’ll take your first stitching lessons, learning how to create authentic motifs and understand their cultural meaning.
Lunch will be served during the workshop, allowing you to enjoy local flavors while you work on your embroidery.
Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore the area, visit local sights, or simply relax at your accommodation.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant owned and managed by Daniela Graur, where you’ll experience genuine Romanian hospitality and regional cuisine.
Day 3,Wednesday, 07th October
Full day in Făgăraș
After breakfast, you will begin your second stitching workshop, continuing to refine your embroidery skills and discover new patterns and materials. Lunch will be served during the workshop, giving you time to relax and exchange impressions with your instructor and fellow participants.
In the afternoon, you will visit several sites around FăgăraÈ™, each showcasing traditional Romanian craftsmanship—from weaving and stitching to embroidery on wool, leather, and other materials. These visits offer deeper insight into the artistry and traditions preserved in local communities.
Dinner will be served at the same local restaurant as the previous evening, where you can once again enjoy the warm atmosphere and authentic Transylvanian cuisine.
Day 4, Thursday 8th October
Fagaras – Viscri – Bicaz Gorge – Buc
Today, you will travel through some of Romania’s most picturesque regions as you make your way from Transylvania to Bucovina. Along the way, you’ll stop in the Saxon village of Viscri to visit King Charles III’s first house in Romania, a beautifully restored example of traditional Saxon architecture and craftsmanship.
Your journey continues across the Eastern Carpathians, passing through scenic landscapes and small villages that reveal the country’s rural charm. You will stop for lunch in the Szekler region, known for its hearty cuisine and distinctive cultural identity.
Arriving in Bucovina, you’ll quickly understand why it’s considered one of Romania’s top destinations. The region is celebrated for its painted monasteries—five of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites—as well as its beautiful landscapes, traditions, and warm hospitality.
You will be staying here for three nights to fully experience the beauty of Bucovina. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor regional dishes and unwind after the scenic journey.
Day 5, Friday 9th October
Full day in Bucovina
Today, you will visit a unique museum in Arbore, dedicated to the traditional IA blouses of Bucovina. Here, you’ll discover what makes this region’s embroidery truly distinctive.
The first remarkable feature is the use of fine glass or plastic beads, intricately sewn into the fabric to create shimmering, decorative patterns—true works of art. The second is the “Altiță”, a special embroidered section placed on the shoulder, which originated here and is now recognized as a defining element of the Romanian blouse.
To experience these techniques firsthand, you’ll take part in an extended workshop, where you can practice the bead embroidery and Altiță patterns under expert guidance. A local lunch will be served nearby during the workshop.
In the evening, you’ll enjoy dinner with a local family, offering an intimate look into Bucovina’s warmth, traditions, and home-cooked cuisine.
Day 6, Saturday 10th October
Cultural Bucovina
Today is dedicated to relaxation and discovery as you explore some of Romania’s most iconic landmarks — the painted monasteries of Bucovina, listed among the most remarkable cultural treasures in Eastern Europe.
You will visit three of these UNESCO-recognized monasteries—MoldoviÈ›a, SuceviÈ›a, and Arbore, each renowned for its vivid exterior frescoes and centuries-old artistry. The day begins at MoldoviÈ›a Monastery, where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting and traditional cake, following local customs that beautifully blend spirituality and hospitality.
Lunch is at your leisure, giving you the chance to explore or simply unwind.
In the afternoon, you’ll join a small cooking class hosted by a local family, learning to prepare traditional Bucovinian dishes. The day concludes with a homemade dinner shared with the same family, an authentic and heartwarming experience that captures the essence of rural Romanian life.
Day 7, Sunday 11th October
Bucovina – IaÈ™i – Mircesti Winery in Republic of Moldova
Today, you will travel eastward towards the Republic of Moldova, crossing through regions rich in spirituality and craftsmanship. Along the way, you may visit monastic workshops, where artisans create icons painted on wood, handwoven wool carpets, and garments worn by the high hierarchs of the Church—a fascinating insight into Romania’s sacred art traditions.
Your journey continues with a city tour of IaÈ™i, one of Romania’s most important cultural and historical centers, known for its elegant architecture, vibrant university life, and literary heritage.
Lunch will be at your choice during the day.
Later in the afternoon, you will arrive at Crama MirceÈ™ti, a renowned winery that has become a model of modern winemaking in Moldova. The estate combines innovation with tradition, set amid 15 hectares of vineyards growing on slopes of up to 30° inclination at an altitude of 340 meters—among the highest in the region.
Before touring the winery, you’ll hike through the vineyards up to the old Meteorological Station, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the landscape (weather permitting).
In the evening, take part in a guided wine tasting and dinner pairing, featuring premium terroir wines that capture the essence and character of the Moldovan countryside. Accommodation will be provided on the winery premises, ensuring a relaxing and memorable stay.
Day 8 Monday 12th October
Mircesti Winery – Frumoasa Monastery – Stitching Masterclass at Parents House Museum with members of Maiestria community – walking city tour of Chisinau
You will begin the day with a visit to the serene Frumoasa Monastery, a beautiful example of Moldovan religious architecture and spirituality. The journey continues to the “Parents’ House” Craft Centre in Palanca village, where you’ll discover the beauty of Moldovan traditional costumes and local ethnographic customs.
Here, you’ll take part in a masterclass led by the “Măiestria” community—a group of passionate women dedicated to preserving the art of making the traditional IA blouse. Under their guidance, you’ll learn authentic stitching techniques and gain a deeper appreciation for the patience and artistry behind each creation.
A homemade lunch will be served at the craft centre, along with organic herbal tea and assorted homemade jams, known for their natural flavors and delightful taste.
In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in ChiÈ™inău, Moldova’s lively capital, and check in at a comfortable 4-star hotel. After settling in, enjoy a guided walking tour of the city, including highlights such as the Central Park and the Alley of Moldovan Literature Classics, the Monument of Stephen the Great and Saint, Great National Assembly Square, the Triumphal Arch, the “Nativity” Cathedral, and the Organ Hall.
The evening is free for independent exploration and dinner, allowing you to discover ChiÈ™inău’s restaurants and local charm at your own pace.
Day 9, Tuesday 13th October
Museum of Handicrafts and National Carpets – he House of Folk Costume "Casa Cristea" – wine tasting at Milestii Mici – wine tasting at Carpe Diem Wine House – back Chisinau
You will begin the day with a visit to the Museum of Handicrafts and National Carpets, where you’ll observe the traditional carpet-weaving process—a centuries-old craft that remains an important part of Moldovan culture. Here, you’ll also learn more about traditional costumes and their regional variations.
Next, take part in a stitching masterclass, focused on the unique characteristics of the Moldovan IA blouse, allowing you to refine your embroidery techniques and understand the distinctive motifs of this region.
Later, you’ll visit “Casa Cristea” – The House of Folk Costume, where you can admire an impressive collection of handmade garments that celebrate Moldova’s artistic heritage. Lunch will be independent, giving you time to explore local cafés or restaurants at your leisure.
In the late afternoon, you’ll visit the world-famous Milestii Mici Cellars (visit only, no tasting included), home to one of the largest wine collections in the world and an iconic symbol of Moldova’s winemaking tradition.
To conclude your journey, enjoy a special wine tasting and farewell dinner at Carpe Diem Wine House, where you’ll celebrate the experiences, friendships, and cultural discoveries made throughout your Romanian and Moldovan adventure.
Day 10, Wednesday 14th October