Easter in Breb, Maramures

I was with my brother. He had a posh, powerful but low-riding car. The roads were extremely bad. We didn't take the risk.

A year or two later, he called me victoriously saying: Let me tell you something, I made it to Breb. It's just fantastic!

Much has changed since then. Most of the small local roads in Maramures have either been repaired or paved and it is a pleasure to drive along. But Breb, thanks God, has not changed. It is still the same old beautiful village with many wooden houses rescued and conserved.

Poor infrastructure in the past kept the village in isolation, therefore sparing a good deal of what was most valuable.

Rooster Crest, a mountain ridge above Breb

Now, however, to a greater extent than in other Maramureș villages, the growing awareness of the importance of inherited rural heritage has led to a proliferation of guesthouses without destroying the local specificity.

This process of awareness and the village's fame is also due to some dedicated English people who have made an admirable effort to save and to restore the houses in the village.

In Breb, nowadays, there is nothing more common than "walking up to Penny's" - a spirited Englishwoman from Hampshire who settled in the village - or taking a stroll down the little lane with the "Prince's Houses". Charles, Prince of Wales, passed through the village in 2004. He has become King since, but surely the conservative villagers of Breb would still be talking about The Prince when they take pride in the few houses bought and restored in Breb by the Mihai Eminescu Trust. Sponsored by Prince Charles, this foundation is much more involved in the restoration of Transylvania's Saxon heritage.

Breb's charm rests with its people

But Breb's fame and charm rests with its people - warm, chatty and curious.

The village is scattered around. While I was with some American tourists, I once lost our way. Some locals told us to cut straight through their garden and the next-door neighbour's garden to get to the lane we were trying to find.

My American tourists, folks with a strong sense of land property rights, were kind of scared: How could we go across someone's yard like that?

The locals insisted: No problem! They halted us for a palinca - the local strong brandy - to cheer us up. We got up the guts and made it to the neighbor's backyard.

Did you stage it for us?

The owner, an old lady closing her 80s, was busy gardening. She happily welcomed us - a warm and friendly reception. The tourists couldn't believe it. We had trespassed on her property, and she was inviting us in for cookies and, again, the brandy - "a medicine" as she called the palinca.

Did you stage it for us? one tourist asked me thinking it was a kind of play.

No, I told her. We really did stray off the trail and we really had to cut through the gardens to get back on our way faster. But such are the people of Breb: open, friendly and hospitable.

I would be happy to guide you and discover them together!
Just leave me a MESSAGE at gelutrandafir [at] yahoo.com or WhattsApp me.

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 48 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 KL L 
 
 
 
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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 
 
 
 
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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 
 
 
 
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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.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 

Time travel machine: 7-day tour to discover MARAMURES and the SAXON HEARTLAND of Transylvania

The beautiful faces of Maramures: Ileana, the hard working lady of Sârbi village