Rimetea (Torockó in Hungarian) is one of the most beautiful villages in Romania. It is a Szekler village (the Szeklers are a Hungarian subgroup), founded in the 13th century.

Rimetea (Torockó in Hungarian) is one of the most beautiful villages in Romania. It is a Szekler village (the Szeklers are a Hungarian subgroup), founded in the 13th century.

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
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 KL L 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Wonderful Romania a d guide -Oct 2025 Gelu was our local guide for the 10day trip in Romania. We were so lucky to have a local folk who relates very well their country cultures and values, and also an experienced journalist to tell us more about their history, He even shared his personal experience on the street protest during government changing time, that really brought the country history to life to us!!Apart from the beautiful scenery in Brasov he brought us to, and the very special Sibui houses with 'eyes' on the roofs, he told superb stories about the history and meaningful wall paintings in those churches we visited, and the highlight was at the merry cemetery at maramures,. He took the effort to explain or translate those script on the stones to allow us to appreciate the special culture there.We were like a true family during the trip!! We thoroughly enjoyed his tour.í
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Ron M 
 
 
 
 Verified 
The best way to experience the real Transylvania Having Gelu as our guide in Romania was like travelling with a very knowledgeable good mate. That is a real bonus for the personalised tours he operates. We took this tour whose main focus is in the province of Transylvania. This region is so beautiful with much of the area in an enormous and gentle landscape but bounded by the massive Carpathian Mountain range that transcends the whole country. Its cites including Sibiu, Sighisoara and Brasov are as beautiful, historic, vibrant and welcoming, and well and truly comparable to their Western European cousins (but often without the hoards of tourists). The region's architectural highlights include remarkable sites like Peles Castle, the fortified churches of Carta and Viscri, the renowned Bran Castle, and many outstanding orthodox churches, each part of a unique European heritage. Gelu’s extensive knowledge of Romanian history, including his insights living during the Soviet era, provided a very personal perspective. Also a keen hiker, he guided us on lovely walks to the top of the mountain overlooking Brasov and walks around the stunning Balea Lake. We were treated to safe encounters with wildlife including Romania's famous bears sometimes seen even at the side of local roads. His driver George ensured comfortable transport in his spacious SUV, allowing Gelu to spend additional time commenting about life in Romania and its recent rapid modernization. Another delightful part of our journey was that several times Gelu pleasantly surprised by detouring from the planned itinerary to visit small towns or very recent renovations such as to walled town fortifications that had just opened to the public. Culinary experiences were another part of the tour, with Gelu providing expert recommendations for traditional and modern cuisine at local restaurants and cafes and we even dined with local families. Finally, with Gelu's keen enthusiasm for his job, you might find long travel days so make sure you are well rested before you start your travels! ;o)
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 robi4513 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Extremely knowledgeable guides A VIP experience One of the best experiences ever.The Trandafir brothers left nothing to chance: from airport pick up to hotel reservations, entertainment, entrance fees.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 huiyliew 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Passionate, Knowledgeable and Truly Dedicated Guide We were so lucky to have Gelu as our guide in Romania! He is incredibly passionate about his country’s culture and history, and his stories brought every place to life. In Brasov and Sibiu, he seemed to know every nook and corner — from hidden alleys to the best photo spots.At the Merry Cemetery, Gelu patiently interpreted the witty tombstone inscriptions for us, helping us understand the deeper meaning behind this unique tradition. He was always patient, dedicated, and helpful — even assisting us with our luggage without hesitation.Thank you, Gelu, for making our Romania trip so memorable. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to experience Romania with a guide who truly loves and knows his country! 🇷🇴✨
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 LoveTravel311037 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Traveling with Gelu If you plan to visit Romania, your first step is to contact Gelu. Gelu is an ideal guide: knowledgeable, personable, articulate, and flexible. His enthusiasm in relating the remarkable history and culture of Romania, his love of nature, his ability to connect with a wide variety of people are all evident and contagious. As a bonus, Gelu's journalistic background adds significantly to what he has to offer. In sum, your journey in Romania will be greatly enhanced by Gelu's companionship.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Inspire64865233688 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Outstanding 12-Day Tour with Jello – Highly Recommended! Dear Jello,Thank you for planning and guiding such a wonderful 12-day trip through Transylvania, Maramureș, and Bukovina. Your professionalism, vast knowledge, and engaging style—always with patience, humor, and warmth—made the journey unforgettable.We especially enjoyed visiting unique villages, painted monasteries, palaces, and Jewish heritage sites, all while experiencing Romania’s breathtaking landscapes. Every detail, from local guides to hotel arrangements, was perfectly organized and tailored to our wishes.We will always remember you (and George the driver!) with great appreciation and warmly recommend you to anyone looking for an exceptional travel experience in Romania.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Katherine C 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Memorable experience Great tour We visited Brasov, Sighisoara and Maramures. Each place is so unique and has its own character.Glad that we have Gelu, who escorted us throughout the tour. He is so passionate about the history and the country. I learn a lot on Romania. A very memorable experience.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Lettice C 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Great tour. True experience It was wonderful in joining this Transylvania tour. The sites we visited are magnificent including Sighisoara, Wooden church, Merry Cemetery, Steam train of Maramures. All have their distinct cultural characteristics. Staying at Maramures village is a very local experience and can get a good understanding of the people’s life there.More important, with Gelu as our guide, his passion and knowledge about the places enhance our understanding on Romania as a whole. It is very lucky to have the chance to meet him.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Kwok wing talon L 
 
 
 
 Verified 
God bless these lovely people of Maramures This part of the world is almost completely blank to us from Hong Kong as much as Maramures to Hong Kong. It is really a good blessing to have Gelu as escorting the whole trip with us. Gelu just well planned the routes but instead of pushing, he led us to explore the local essences of these places and legendary local figures by our own approaches. He just provided the platform and we decided our own paces and determined how to mingle with many different people. It has displayed explicitly that Gelu is devoted much to the Country that raised him and he is very eager to share with us how deep he cares about these places & people.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Esther K 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Not just any European trip A great trip to Sighisoara & Maramures with Gelu our guide who’s so passionate about Transylvanian culture & traditions. It ended up not just a trip to any European country but a truly special experience. Pleasantly surprised by how well traditions are preserved in Maramures. The cooking class, visits to the village photographer, the craftsmen, the cemetery & wooden churches, and even the horse cart ride were all close encounters with the locals & their culture. Great itinerary well thought of. We feel lucky to come across this travel agency. George who planned our trip was very responsive, came up with ideas that made our trip more enjoyable & gave us advices. They are perfect for private small groups that look for a special cultural experience in Romania.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 

The village of Rimetea is famous for preserving its architectural heritage. The harmony of the whitewashed houses with green blinds and joinery, very low entrance doors, and Hungarian-style decorated wooden gates is impressive. An extensive restoration project involving 160 houses earned the village the European Commission's Europa Nostra Award for heritage restoration in 1999.

The location has a dreamy, natural vibe.

The village of Rimetea is also famous for its location in a dreamlike natural setting, at the foot of Piatra Secuiului Mountain, on whose summit there was a fortress in the Middle Ages that served as a refuge for the inhabitants.

Reflected in the beautiful white houses that have now been restored, the village's former prosperity was due to the nearby iron mines. In 1716, no fewer than 16 ore melting smithies were operating in Rimetea. Tools for the whole of Transylvania and eastern Hungary were forged here. The mines were closed around 1800.

Stay&hike!

Located near the picturesque Turda Gorge, Rimetea is an excellent destination for hiking to Piatra Secuiului Peak, the ruins of the medieval fortress in the neighboring village of Coltesti, the old iron ore mines, or to the Students' Cave - it is said that it was here that Hungarian students found refuge in January 1849, during the Hungarian revolution, when the fortress of Aiud was devastated by Romanian forces, allied at the time with the Austrian imperial army.

Rimetea is an excellent stopover on the rather long journey between Sibiu and Maramureș. On the longer tours, when I have to "break up" this long drive between Sibiu and the magical village of Breb, I always recommend Rimetea as a place to stay for tourists who prefer a quiet location to Cluj, Romania's most booming city.

Come and check out Transylvania’s amazing culture, history and HIKING trails

Our tours, YOUR DESTINATIONS

CLUJ is a great place to start or finish our tours

SIGHISOARA, the living citadel

SIBIU, the city founded by a German furrier in the 12th century

BRASOV is the city I love most

Breb village: perfect Stay&Enjoy Maramures