PhotoTOURs in Romania by Mihai Moiceanu

PHOTOTOURS IN ROMANIA

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DISCOVER ROMANIA Day 1 - Arrival in Bucharest. House of Parliament of Romania (second largest building in the world after Pentagon). Visit the old downtown for photography. Day 2 - In the morning, visit and photographs at the Village Museum in Bucharest, then, transfer to Brasov. Visit of the old downtown. Day 3 - The historical part of Brasov, Black Church, St. Nicholas Church. Visit to the Prejmer Fortified Church UNESCO Heritage site, nearby Brasov. Sunset photo session on hilltop of Brasov surroundings. Day 4 - Rasnov Citadel, Bran Castle (also known as Dracula’s Castle). Driving in Magura mountain village. Day 5 - Sunrise photo session in Magura, landscape photography. Pestera mountain village for landscape and sunset photo session. Day 6 - Viscri - visiting the traditional Transylvanian village. The Fortified Church of Viscri, late photo session on the streets of Viscri, village herd coming back from pasture. Day 7 - Sighisoara. Photography in the old citadel. Day 8 - Turda Salt Mine, one of the most beautiful in this part of Europe, then driving to Maramures, the northern part of Romania, full of tradition and history.

The price includes: - All accommodation in double occupancy - Airport transfers for group arrival/departure - Land transportation during the trip - All meals BLD, welcome dinner and goodbye dinner. - All entrances at historical places, salt mine, model tips - Local guide in Maramures and Bucovina - photo guidance by Mihai Moiceanu The price does not include: - Passport & Visa costs - International airfare - Extension/Optional tours, - Tips: to National or local guides - Laundry, hotel incidentals such as movies, room service, all beverages (other than water) including alcoholic beverages or Mini-bar, phone, fax, internet fees and excess baggage charges. - Any items not specifically listed, and any extra costs due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control. - Travel insurance (It is highly recommended that you purchase travel/tour cancellation insurance!) - You must advise us of any special electronic medical equipment you are bringing, (i.e. Cpap/Sleep Apnea electronics). Certain medical devices may result in the necessity of a single room or special electrical supplements and services.

Day 9 - Early morning photo session on the shore of a misty lake. Visiting old wood churches, UNESCO heritage sites. Day 10 - Sapanta - visit and photograph the Joy Cemetery, a unique place where death is mocked by a local wood carver. Every cross has its own history, written in lines, based on the life experience of the dead ones. Moldovita, in Bucovina, renown for painted monasteries. Day 11 - Meeting the old traditions in Bucovina: wood carver, wavering, singing, old timber mill, shepherd. Day 12 - Photographs in the old steam train in Moldovita that runs through the village. Sucevita - visit and photograph the painted monastery of Sucevita, one of the most beautiful UNESCO site in Bucovina. Day 13 - Bicazului Gorges, and Red Lake, in the heart of Eastern Carpathians. Drive to Brasov. Day 14 - Cooking lesson with a Chef from Brasov. Time at your own in Brasov. Day 15 - Transfer to Bucharest International Airport for departure.

The price for this tour depends on the group size. The period for organising this tour can be chosen based on the clients’ and our schedule. Please contact us at mihai@phototour.ro for more details and inquires.

7 DAYS IN BUCOVINA - 7 PHOTOGRAPHIC THEMES Day 1 - Arrival in Iasi/Suceava International Airport, transfer to Moldovita. Day 2 - Forest Day - Bucovina is known as the land of forests. We will photograph trees, forest lands, mountain massifs covered by woods. We will go see the logging of the forest. Day 3 - Mountain Day - Not having impressive heights, Obcinele in Bucovina guard some very precious jewels - a numeber of famous rocks: Pietrele Doamnei, Pietrele Muierilor, Piatra Şoimului, Piatra Ţibăului, Cei 12 apostoli Day 4 - Craftsmen Day - Just like protecting some rare treasures, the people in Bucovina guarded a few ols crafts, such as processing the deer corn, painting the eggs, blacksmith activities, wood working. All these crafts reflect the ancient relationship between man and nature.

The price includes: - All accommodation in double occupancy - Airport transfers for group arrival/departure - Land transportation during the trip - All meals - photo guidance by Mihai Moiceanu The price does not include: - Passport & Visa costs - International airfare - Extension/Optional tours, - Tips: to National or local guides - Laundry, hotel incidentals such as movies, room service, all beverages (other than water) including alcoholic beverages or Mini-bar, phone, fax, internet fees and excess baggage charges. - Any items not specifically listed, and any extra costs due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control. - Travel insurance (It is highly recommended that you purchase travel/tour cancellation insurance!) - You must advise us of any special electronic medical equipment you are bringing, (i.e. Cpap/Sleep Apnea electronics). Certain medical devices may result in the necessity of a single room or special electrical supplements and services.

Day 5 - Flower Day - Summer in Bucovina has the colour of paradise and this is because of the mountain pastures and of the grasslands, where some of the most beautiful flowers can be found. Day 6 - Spiritual Day - It is natural for the people to look towards divinity, with such natural beauty in front of them. They want to thank Him for the gift of peace and quiet that he blessed these lands with. This is why, even since the old times, people build here churches, monasteries and hermitages where they can send their prayers to God. Piatra Taieturii, the church in Panaci, the well known monasteries Moldoviţa, Suceviţa, Humor, Voroneţ, Putna, Dragomirna, Arbore are just a few of the tens of places of worship. Day 7 - Sheperds’ Day - Raising animals has always been the basic occupation in Bucovina. We can still find here old customs and techniques in this occupation. There still are sheepfolds, studs, cattle herds where people in these places refuse the modern laws of maximum profit, in order to save their traditions. Day 8 - Happiness Day - For the people in Bucovina, one of the best joys of life is to meet other people and talk. This takes places usually on Sundays, on celebrations or on fair days, when people gather to share information, feelings, thoughts or just bewilderment. Day 9 - Transfer from Moldovita to the airport in Iasi/Suceava.

BUCOVINA - HUTULI’S HOME They call it “sweet Bucovina” because of its smooth landforms, but also for its traditions, its people and its history. While in Bucovina, we will cover a very well chosen route, full of photographic opportunities. They call it “sweet Bucovina” because of its smooth landforms, but also for its traditions, its people and its history. While in Bucovina, we will cover a very well chosen route, full of photographic opportunities. We will visit Lucina Stud, in Moldovita Sulita, where we will have an arranged photo session with the well known “hutuli” horses. Afterwards, we will go to the traditional artisans workshops to take pictures of them working, of their workshops and also of their households. At the blacksmith we will have the opportunity to ride in an oxcart, whereas at the monastery, we will make a stop in the evening, when the light is slanting. We will take our time and enjoy leisurely each of these places, because they say a good photograph can only be taken after you enter the atmosphere. We invite photographers who wish to discover or rediscover wonderful Bucovina, to join us in this exceptional phototour.

Proposed itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival at Iasi or Cluj Airports. Transfer to Moldovita. After accomodation and a delicious dinner, we will hold a free discussion workshop, on photographic issues. Day 2 - After breakfast we will head to Lucina Stud, to photograph the beautiful Hutuli horses. Atferwards, we will also approach landscape photography and we will spend the afternoon visiting the local traditional artisans. Day 3 - The morning will be dedicated to the traditions of the Hutuls and in the evening we will go visit Sucevita Monastery. Day 4 - In the last day of the phototour, we will visit and photograph a painted monastery. Day 5 - Transfer to the airport.

FALL IN THE APUSENI MOUNTAINS When the leaves of the trees start to turn, we invite you on a trully warm photo tour in the heart of the Apuseni Mountains, in Salciua. On the gentle slopes of the Apuseni mountains we will discover enchanting landscapes, tiny villages perched on the mountain tops, where we will meet welcoming locals ready to share a part of their lives with mother nature. During our morning hikes we will see dream-like scenes up in the hills, shrouded in the mists of the warm earth, and here and there, in the distance, thatched roofs of small houses reveal themselves on the hilltops.

Proposed Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Cluj International Airport. Transfer to Coltesti for accomodation. Day 2 - Phototour Salciua - Bedeleu Day 3 - Phototour Scarita - Belioara Day 4 - Tour in Rimetea and Piatra Secuiului. Day 5 - Tour in Turzii Gorges and Salina Turda.

The price includes: - All accommodation in double occupancy - Airport transfers for group arrival/departure - Land transportation during the trip - All meals - photo guidance by Mihai Moiceanu The price does not include: - Passport & Visa costs - International airfare - Extension/Optional tours, - Tips:Â to National or local guides - Laundry, hotel incidentals such as movies, room service, all beverages (other than water) including alcoholic beverages or Mini-bar, phone, fax, internet fees and excess baggage charges. - Any items not specifically listed, and any extra costs due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control. - Travel insurance (It is highly recommended that you purchase travel/tour cancellation insurance!) - You must advise us of any special electronic medical equipment you are bringing, (i.e. Cpap/Sleep Apnea electronics). Certain medical devices may result in the necessity of a single room or special electrical supplements and services.

The price for this tour depends on the group size. The period for organising this tour can be chosen based on the clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and our schedule. Please contact us at mihai@phototour.ro for more details and inquires.

BEAR PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOTOUR IN TRANSYLVANIA Day 1 - Arrival at Bucharest International Airport, transfer to Magura mountain village (nearby Zarnesti), accommodation and welcome dinner. Accommodation at a 3* pension house for the whole tour. Day 2 - After breakfast, in the morning, photo session at Libearty Bear Sanctuary (about 3-4 hours). Lunch in Brasov. In the afternoon and evening, photo session in the bear hide in Covasna wilderness. For every hide, entrance is around 4 or 5 pm and the photo session lasts a few hours, until darkness. Return to Magura Pension House. Day 3 - After breakfast, cultural morning photography in Rasnov Citadelle and Bran Castle. Lunch in Bran village. In the afternoon, we split the group in two in order to have a better stay in the hide. Bear photography in Taga Mountains wilderness and Covasna wilderness. Dinner at the pension house in Magura. Day 4 - After breakfast, photo session in Brasov or Prejmer fortified church. Lunch in Brasov. In the afternoon, we split the group in two in order to have a better stay in the hide. Bear photography in Taga Mountains wilderness and Covasna wilderness. We switch the place between groups. Dinner at pension house in Magura. Day 5 - Cultural day - photos in Viscri village: visiting the Viscri Fotified Church. The blacksmith from the village will make a horseshoe live demonstration, and if the mudbrick maker is starting his job we will pay him a visit in order to see a traditional way of doing mudbricks. Lunch in Viscri at a traditional house. In the evening, driving home to the Magura pension house. Day 6 - Sunrise photo session in Magura village, breakfast and the a short trek through the village for some landscape photography and village life. Lunch at the Magura pension house. In the afternoon and evening, photo session in the bear hide in Covasna wilderness; the group will be split in 2 again. Dinner at the pension house in Magura. Day 7 - After breakfast, transfer to Bucharest International Airport. End of the tour.

The price includes: - Accomodation in double rooms occupancy - 3 Meals/Day - Land transport with 2 SUVs (the group have to be split every evening, in order to have good opportunities in photography, since some hides are not large enough) - Airport transfer at arrival and departure - Entry fees for bear hides, museums, Libearty Bear Sanctuary, fees for local craftsmen - Photo guidance by Mihai Moiceanu The price does not include: - International airfare - Laundry, hotel incidentals such as movies, room service, all beverages (other than water) including alcoholic beverages or Mini-bar, phone, fax, internet fees and excess baggage charges. - Any items not specifically listed, and any extra costs due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control. - Travel insurance (It is highly recommended that you purchase travel/tour cancellation insurance!) - You must advise us of any special electronic medical equipment you are bringing, (i.e. Cpap/Sleep Apnea electronics). Certain medical devices may result in the necessity of a single room or special electrical supplements and services.

RETEZAT MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK Retezat Mountains, one of the highest massifs in Romania, are definitely the ultimate photo destination: with the largest and deepest glacial lakes in Romania, as well as the largest mountain surface at an altitude of more than 2000 m, the Retezat Mountains crown themselves as “the massif of superlatives”. Moreover, Retezat is Romania’s first National Park, created in 1935 on a former hunting domain that belonged to the Romanian Royal family. The attempts of preserving it date long before it was declared a strictly protected area, so in Retezat, nature remained unspoiled for many scores. The glacier lakes are definitely the most beautiful lakes of the Carpathians and render the unique touch of the massif. At this wonderful spectacle add the enormous detritus of granodioritic rocks in their ciclopic ascend towards the mountain tops, and you’ll clearly understand why Retezat is a unique place in Romania. The phototour in Retezat targets people who love the mountains and who would like to spend 6 days in a remote campsite, surrounded by unspoiled nature at its best. We’ll stay in tents, we’ll eat the food we have brought in our backpacks, we’ll use the primus for tea and soup (campfires are forbidden in Retezat National Park), and we will definitely feel as true guests of the mountain. The park rangers will lead us on secret paths, we’ll take photos of lakes, waterfalls, flora and fauna, anything the mountain can offer. In return, we’ll offer our respect for nature and the joy of this close encounter with the King of the Mountains: Retezat. This is a photo tour made exclusively for “nature-lovers”. Mihai Moiceanu will be assisted by Marius Tache, who will offer you all necessary support during the summer school tour.

Proposed Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Timisoara International Airport. Day 2 - Bucura Valley and the glacier lakes. Day 3 - Circuit from Valea Lapusnicului, Peleaga Summit, descending in Bucura Valley. Day 4 - Circuit tour in Southern Retest and Piatra Iorgovanului. Day 5 - Northern Retezat. Circuit on Valea Pietrelor and Valea Stanisoarei. Day 6 - Transfer to Timisoara International Airport. Departure.

FĂGĂRAȘ - THE TRANSYLVANIAN ALPS It’s also regarded as Romania’s rooftop, having 8 peaks higher than 2500m. The alpine ridge density, the spectacular mountain scenery, the glacial lakes and the mostly alpine landscapes that enchant the traveler who reaches the top, all have rightfully made these mountains worthy of the name of Transylvanian Alps. Fagaras mountain range is also the touchstone of any tourist who crosses the Romanian mountains. However, Fagaras mountains can display a friendly face, if mildly approached, in search of spectacular lakes and waterfalls, chamois or breathtaking alpine panoramas. We invite you to discover The Fagaras mountain wonders with Mihai Moiceanu in a close to nature phototour. One of the days of the phototour we will go to Valea lui Stan, one of the most spectacular canyons in Romania. The waterfalls in Valea lui Stan, sometimes 35m high, have dug certain basins, called “marmites”, that offer wonderful photography opportunities. Another day will be spent in Balea area and Capra Lake, when we will also photograph the countless waterfalls of Capra River.

Proposed Itinerary

Day 1 - Transfer from Bucharest International Airport. Transfer to the mountain hut/hotel. Day 2 - Phototour in Balea Area Day 3 - Phototour in Capra Lake Area Day 4 - Phototour at Vidraru Lake. Day 5 - Valea Rea Moldoveanu. Day 6 - Transfer to Bucharest International Airport.

DISCOVER ROMANIA - DANUBE DELTA A corner of nature far away from nature, the Danube Delta represents the paradise for migratory birds. Each year, in the beginning of spring, tens of rare species of birds fly to this blessed piece of land to nest and raise their young. Over 1800 species of plants and no less than 3500 species of animals can be found on this territory, all of them forming 30 types of different ecosystems. A corner of nature far away from nature, the Danube Delta represents the paradise for migratory birds. Each year, in the beginning of spring, tens of rare species of birds fly to this blessed piece of land to nest and raise their young. Over 1800 species of plants and no less than 3500 species of animals can be found on this territory, all of them forming 30 types of different ecosystems. During this phototour, we want to explore less visited places, where wild birds nest. Accompanied by our guide, we will sail on the Danube’s channels, trying to get as close as possible to pelicans. The dawn will find us ready to catch on camera the playful colors of the sun reflected in the water.

Proposed Itinerary

Day 1 - Transfer from Bucharest International Airport to Tulcea and Mila 23, by boat. Day 2 - Sunrise photo session, breakfast and by boat on the Danube, fishermen villages, bird photography, sunset. Day 3 - Mila 23 - Letea Forest. Bird photography, landscape, Letea, wild horses, local fishermen photography. Day 4 - Letea, Caraorman village, Saint George, free wild horses, specific flora. Day 5 - Saint George, Sacalin Island. Sunrise in the lagoon, pelicans, water birds feeding in the lagoon, the Black Sea. Day 6 - Saint George, sunrise in the lagoon (if the first day was cloudy) - Murighiol and transfer to Bucharest.

MID-FALL IN MARAMUREČ&#x2DC; Join us and discover Maramures through the eyes and the lens of a photographer who roamed these places for years: Mihai Moiceanu. The colors, the mists, the churches, the steam train, the villages, the plum brandy, the ovens, the water mills, the households, the sunrises and sunsets, all these during a 4 days long journey along Firiza Valley, Iza Valley and Vaser Valley, through Lapus Country and historical Maramures. The colours, the fog, the churces, Mocanita, the villages, the plum brandy, the ovens, the water mills, the small houses, the sunrises and the sunsets - all these together, during a 4 day journey. We will meet the locals, their crafts, their day to day life, we will meet remarcable people from Maramures. We will travel through the Firiza Valley, Iza Valley and Vaser Valley, through Lapus Country and the historical Maramures to photograph places, people and goings-on that are found only here.

Proposed Itinerary

Day 1 - arrival at Bucharest International Airport and transfer to Baia Mare Day 2 - Firiza Valley, small houses and Firiza Lake Day 3 - Photography in Lapus Country Day 4 - Loggersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; steam train ride along Vaser Valley Day 5 - Iza Valley photography Day 6 - Morning mass in church. Transfer to Bucharest International Airport

The price includes: - full board accommodation (beginning with dinner on Tuesday and ending with lunch on Sunday) - charter steam train ride along Vaser Valley - photo tour taxes - logistics and photo guiding from photographer Mihai Moiceanu - transfer to/from the airport - local transportation The price does not include: - International airfare - Laundry, hotel incidentals such as movies, room service, all beverages (other than water) including alcoholic beverages or Mini-bar, phone, fax, internet fees and excess baggage charges. - Any items not specifically listed, and any extra costs due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control. - Travel insurance (It is highly recommended that you purchase travel/tour cancellation insurance!) - You must advise us of any special electronic medical equipment you are bringing, (i.e. Cpap/Sleep Apnea electronics). Certain medical devices may result in the necessity of a single room or special electrical supplements and services.

7 DAYS IN TRANSYLVANIA - 7 PHOTOGRAPHIC THEMES Day 1 - Bucharest/Sibiu International Airport, transfer to Magura. Day 2 - Forest Day - Transylvania is also known as the land behind the woods. But Transylvania has impressive forests, real wild areas, where you can meet the wild animals. Day 3 - Mountain Day - In Transylvania you can find the highest mountains of Romania, but also the most beautiful. A phototour in Piatra Craiului brings joy to the landscape photographer. Day 4 - Craftsmen Day - The Saxon villages in SE Transylvania are guardians of crafts and rural culture: Blacksmith, Miller, Brick maker are just a few of the crafts that we will photograph. All these crafts reflect the ancient relationship between man and nature. Day 5 - Medieval Day - The medieval fortresses in Transylvania are an inheritance of the feudal period when Transylvania was an independent dukedom. Bran Castle, Rasnov Citadel, Fagaras Citadel will be our photographic subjects of the day. Day 6 - Spiritual Day - The fortified churches, being almost 900 years old, are still spiritual places where people gather for the Sunday service. Prejmer Fortified Church and Harman Fortified Church or Cata and Halmeag fortified churches will be our photo subjects all day. Day 7 - Shepherds’ Day - Raising animals has always been the basic occupation of the people in this area. There still are customs and old techniques related to this occupation. There still are sheepfolds high in the mountains, where people refuse to adopt the modern laws of maximum profit, in order to save their traditions. A day at the sheepfold is full of photographic opportunities. Day 8 - Wilderness Day - The brown bear is the symbol of the Carpathian Mountains. To photograph the bears is not easy, but we will have special observatories that ease our job and allow us to be close enough to photograph these omnivore animals. Day 9 - Transfer to Bucharest International Airport.