The Place where Heaven meets the Earth

This tour takes you to one of the oldest Romanian Orthodox monasteries. The old church, which still exists, was built in the 12^th century and has offered protection to anybody passing through this region ever since. Many people come here to relax and be taught ethical values. The nuns preserve the peace and quiet of the monastery. You can rarely see one of them, and when you do, she will be holding an icon and praying. Prayer isn't their only occupation; they also paint icons, make carpets and work on the field to earn their living.

Leaving the monastery behind, the tour travels about one hour to Alba Iulia. It is the so-called city of the three citadels: because of the Roman castrum, the medieval "burg" and the 18^th century "Vauban" citadel. You will walk along these walls and you can picture how the people here would have lived centuries ago.

The city is also a symbol of religious tolerance due to the fact that the two cathedrals, the Orthodox and the Catholic one, are just a couple of metres away. In 2009, the Catholic Holy Michael church is celebrating 1000 years of existence. You have ample time to discover the city and its many secrets.

The itinerary is as follows:

• pick up from Cluj at 9.00 am.
• drive to Rameti
• visit and lunch at the Rameti Monastery
• drive to Alba Iulia, the city of the three cathedrals
• tour of Alba Iulia
• return to Cluj.