Maramures is a stunning region of Romania renowned for its traditional villages and rich cultural heritage. The area’s main highlights are the wooden churches, remnants of Maramureș’s famous wooden architecture. Eight of these churches are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the one in Surdesti is the tallest wooden church in the world.
Maramures is also famous for its skilled artisans, including woodcarvers and potters who produce beautiful handcrafted items. You can witness their skills firsthand on a visit to Bârsana and Săcel.
At the end of our trip, we’ll ride the Mocănița, a steam-powered train that takes visitors on a scenic journey through the lush forests of the Wasser Valley. With so many highlights, Maramureș is an unforgettable experience you should not miss and enjoy from the saddle.
Price includes: accommodation for 5 nights in guesthouses; meals (5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners); bike rentals and helmets; luggage transportation; entrance fees; English speaking local guide.
Doesn't include: your flight, airport transfer, insurance, personal expenses.
Most convenient is to transfer from Baia Mare or Cluj, where you can spend a couple of days before or after the trip. You can transfer on your own, or we can arrange a transfer for you (not included in the price).
Our tour starts early in the morning in Plopiș, where we'll visit the 18th-century wooden church before pedalling to the neighboring village of Surdești, home to another wooden church. Both are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Right now, we're at the edge of historical Maramureș. From here, we'll climb the Gutâi mountains on gravel roads. We will picnic by the Rooster's Ridge, a peak shaped like... well, a rooster's coxcomb. It's time to descend into the very heart of Maramureș.
Before arriving at our final destination in Breb, we'll also check out the church of Desești, famed for its restored wooden frescoes. It's going to be a tough day, but worth it for the magnificent views.
After a hearty breakfast, we'll start the day by checking out the World Heritage churches in Budești and Bârsana before visiting the world-famous woodcarver Toader Bârsan, who rediscovered the technique of sculpting a chain from a single piece of wood.
Our road takes us through Poienile Izei to our overnight destination in Botiza, where we can sample some Horincă, a traditional Maramureș double-distilled plum spirit.
In the morning, we'll have the chance to peak into the life of the monks at the orthodox monastery in Botiza. Our tour will continue into Ieud to visit yet another UNESCO-protected wooden church. It will be interesting to compare the aged frescoes here to the restored ones we saw on the first day in Desești.
We'll ride through Bogdan Vodă and Dragomirnești into Săcel. We'll visit Mecleș's water mill, used to power a weaving machine to create woollen products and wrap up the day at Mr Burnar's pottery atelier, where we can watch the master at work and maybe even get our hands dirty with clay. No Ghost scenes, please!
We start the day by picking up some supplies: freshly baked bread, local cheese and well-roasted sausages. We'll need these later, as we will picnic along the way again.
We will ride north, towards Vișeu de Sus. A sublime bike ride over the hills and through a valley along the railroad.
We'll switch our vehicles for the day, riding a train instead of our bikes. The narrow-gauge steam train, or Mocăniță as it's colloquially known, used to be the only means to carry down the logs from the mountains. Nowadays, it is one of the more famous sights in Maramureș. Deservedly so. The journey takes us through the splendid Wasser Valley, with the river billowing between towering cliffs.
Before heading back, the train will stop at a riverside meadow where we will have the chance to serve a barbecue lunch.
In the afternoon, we will transfer to Săpânța, home to the famous Merry Cemetery.
Our time in Maramureș has come to an end. We hope you enjoyed the unique culture, magnificent landscapes, zesty foods and friendly locals.
You can transfer back to Baia Mare or Cluj, where we recommend you spend a day if you haven't done so yet.
We offer small-group, guided cycling adventures focused on authentic local experiences in Romania. You ride at your own pace while we handle the logistics: luggage transfers, vehicle backup, and local tips. Expect family-run guesthouses, traditional meals, and real connections with locals.
Tours are guided in English by Peter, our founder and a local with deep knowledge of these regions.
This is a moderate tour averaging 36km per day through the rolling hills of Maramureș, with one harder day, when we conquer the Roosters' Crest ridge. The mix of asphalt and gravel with daily climbing means regular cyclists will be most comfortable. Occasional riders with some off-road experience will also manage.
Groups are between 4 and 8 people.
No worries! We're confident you'll make a new friend! Our guides and friendly guests will make you feel right at home.
Even our trips are designed to bring the group together with many community events, like grill-parties, wine tastings and even some ice-breakers on our first evening together.
100%!
Ask us about the makeup of each group, and we'll let you know the demographics.
Yes! Just because you don't ride doesn't mean you can't eat, drink, relax and discover the best our destinations offer.
Since all our tours include the cost of bike and gear rental, these costs will be subtracted from the price. Please make an inquiry and ask for an exact price for non-riders.
Children under 12 are welcome as long as they're accompanied by one non-riding adult. Cycling children must be 12 or older. eBikes are available for riders aged 16 and over.
We've put together a full packing list covering cycling gear, clothing, toiletries, and travel essentials — including what to leave at home. Read the full packing list.
Travel insurance is not included in the tour price. We strongly recommend purchasing a policy that covers adventure activities — the kind typically used for skiing, covering medical evacuation and cycling-related incidents.
In general, cycling here is safe and incredibly rewarding, especially on quiet rural roads.
The main things to be aware of are traffic behavior, road surfaces, and (in some regions) animals.
We've written a detailed, experience-based guide covering cycling safety in Romania.
Our tours run from April to October. The best months are May, June, and September — comfortable temperatures, quiet roads, and the landscape at its best. July and August are fine for most tours but can be hot. April and October offer dramatic scenery but colder mornings and occasional rain, so pack layers.
Read our detailed guide to the best time to cycle in Romania.
Wiredonkey tours are mostly all-inclusive:
Prices don't include the following:
This tour requires a minimum of 4 guests to guarantee departure. If your booking falls below 4, we will contact you before final payment with two options: pay the departure cost to secure your preferred date (refunded in full if the group reaches 4 before departure), or switch to a different trip or departure date.
Yes. Our listed prices are based on groups of 4–8 guests.
We guarantee the tour once 4 guests are booked. If you are a group of 2 or 3 and want to secure the dates regardless of whether others join, or if you'd prefer to keep the tour private, we can run it as a private tour at the 2- or 3-person rate, which covers the minimum group cost.
We recommend booking at least 90 days before departure. Based on availability, last-minute bookings can be accommodated up to two weeks before departure.
Airport transfers are not included in the tour price. Trip groups meet at a centrally located meeting point. Details are provided upon booking.
If needed, we can arrange a transfer from the airport or your accommodation to the meeting point (an extra charge may apply).
The deposit is 70% refundable up to 30 days before the tour start date.
Bookings are 100% transferable to another person up to 30 days before the tour.
If Wiredonkey Cycling Tours cancels the tour for any reason, 100% of all payments made will be refunded.
No refunds are provided for no-shows or late arrivals once the tour has started.
Yes. Any of our tours can be run as a private group — just get in touch to discuss dates and pricing. If you'd like a fully custom itinerary, we're happy to build something around your preferences, pace, and dates. Find out more about custom cycling tours.
Most of our bike tours are designed in a 'slow ride' spirit, allowing our guests to truly immerse themselves in the local culture and landscape. However, a lot of tour days offer the possibility for multiple ride options to accommodate rides of different levels. Some may take a detour to include an additional site. Some might go over the mountain, while others might want to go around. Please ask your guide to recommend you the best option.
The support vehicle also offers up some additional options. You can hitch a ride over a major climb or head to the next town for extra exploration time.
If you feel you can't finish the whole distance because you're tired, we'll take a rest. No one is in a hurry.
If you're really feeling out of it and can't continue, you can hop in our support vehicle, which is always near.
If you'd like to pedal for a bit longer than planned for the day, contact your guide. Our guides are prepared with alternative routes and ideas for additional sights. Just make sure you have something left in the tank for the next day!
Yes. A support vehicle accompanies every multi-day tour. It carries your luggage between stops, keeps spare gear, tools, water, and snacks on hand, and is always nearby if you need a lift over a tough climb or a mechanical fix.
We ride gravel bikes (Canyon Grail or similar). The route combines asphalt roads and gravel tracks through Maramureș villages and hills.
All of our tours provide an eBike option; however, the type of eBike might not match the style of the tour. E.g. we might be able to only offer electric mountain bikes.
Absolutely!
And since all of our tours include the cost of bike and gear rental, these costs will of course be subtracted from the price. Please inquire and ask for an exact price if you plan to bring your bike.
When you sign up for your trip, we will work with you to determine your bike size and fit. On the first day of your trip, your guides will adjust your bike to your comfort and preferences to ensure an excellent fit. Your guides are always available to make small adjustments throughout the week.
All bikes come with a helmet and lights (front and rear).
All bikes come with an SPD pedal by default. If you plan to bring your own cycling shoe, let us know in advance so we can accommodate you with a suitable pedal.
Charming rustic guesthouses in the villages along the route.
Yes. Our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Guests who wish to have their own room will be charged a Single Supplement fee provided a room is available on the desired trip.
If you wish to arrange a pre or post-night stay for your tour, please contact us, and we'll try to accommodate you. However, please understand that we might not be able to always accommodate you at the same guesthouse or hotel or in the same room.
All our tours include 3 meals per day. The exception is the first day when there is no breakfast and the last day when no dinner is provided.
We also provide one water bottle per person.
Hearty home-cooked meals prepared by local village ladies in the Maramureș villages along the route.
We'll do our best to accommodate guests with dietary needs. Please specify your dietary requirements when talking to our representatives.
Chat with our local guides
Ask us
Maybe you’re not booking anything today, but next season sneaks up fast. Get our monthly newsletter for fresh route descriptions, food stops, places we love riding, and insider travel stories. Plus occasional promotions and new tour releases.
or follow us on social:
