The Ceausescu Regime in Communist Romania was one of the most restrictive in history. Emerging from that era were young entrepreneurs, eager to work and taste their freedom. CAPA, a microfinance organization, emerged from Transylvania with the help of MEDA, offering financial and technical assistance to these Romanian entrepreneurs. Today CAPA is the premier Microfinance organization in not only Romania, but the region, offering financial services to over 15,000 entrepreneurs throughout Romania.  

Come and experience the beauty of the Transylvanian Alps, walk through Count Dracula's castle, visit the ancient painted monasteries of Moldova, see the remnants of the Ceausescu regime. Most important, meet with CAPA staff and with them visit the thriving micro and small business community that is driving Romania's economy towards EU membership. Travel overland through Romania and into Hungary.

See Transylvania emerging!


Monday & Tuesday, April 21 & 22

The tour departs either from Pearson International Airport, Toronto, or Liberty International Airport, Newark, on overnight flights to Romania via Frankfurt.  After changing planes in Frankfurt on Tuesday morning, you will arrive in Bucharest, Romania, early afternoon.  We will have a city tour which includes strolling across the narrow commercial streets of the Lipscani district down to the ruins of the Princely Court and its Church of the Annunciation, the oldest edifice in Bucharest.  Also here is the historic Manuc Inn, where merchants used to lodge and do business.

Wednesday, April 23

Today in Bucharest, we will see more sites of the city including Revolution Square with its Royal Palace, Romanian Athenaeum, Bucharest University Library and Senate Palace, and the Palace of Parliament.  You will have some free time in the afternoon to rest, shop, visit a museum, etc.  Optional evening symphony/opera.

Thursday, April 24

We will leave Bucharest and drive to Dracula's Castle and hear the legend of Count Dracula.  We will make a stop in Sinaia, dubbed the "Pearl of the Carpathians" for its magnificent mountain scenery and royal castle, for lunch or afternoon break.  After visiting the castle, we will travel on to Brasov for the night.

Friday, April 25

This morning we will have a guided city tour of Brasov to see the churches, including St. Bartolomeu, the oldest historical monument in Brasov which was built in 1229; First Romanian School, the Old City Hall, Ecaterina's Gate, the Citadel and Weaver's Tower.  The highlight of the afternoon will be seeing the ancient painted monasteries of Moldova on our way to Iasi where we will stay for two nights. 

Saturday, April 26

Saturday is the day to meet CAPA staff in Iasi and to see and learn about the projects MEDA has been in partnership with in this area.  CAPA is the Microfinance partner of MEDA.  Together they are making a difference in the lives of individuals and their families and the economy of this area.

Sunday, April 27

We must leave Iasi and the persons we have met here.  Enjoy the beautiful scenery as we drive to Cluj.  We want to stop at Martin's Farm, owned by Mennonites from Ontario, and learn about their mission work and the Bible School in this area.  We will sleep two nights in Cluj.

Monday, April 28

In Cluj, we will meet CAPA staff and clients and learn about their work in this city.  We hope to meet with an Orthodox priest to learn about the church in Romania.  Our coach driver needs a rest today, so there will be free time for sightseeing or shopping in this city.

Tuesday, April 29

On Tuesday, we will need to say goodbye to Romania and head for Hungary.  Just before crossing the border into Hungary, we plan to visit a Mennonite Seminary near the border.  Before arriving in Budapest where we will be lodged for three nights, we want to take in one of the Horse Shows that Hungary is famous for.

Wednesday, April 30

Today is the day to visit the beautiful city of Budapest which is in two parts:  Buda and Pest.  A city tour will introduce us to Castle Hill, the Hapsburg Palace, Statue Park, Matthias Cathedral and Fisherman's Bastion.  There will be time for shopping and exploring the city on your own.  We will enjoy an evening folklore dinner.

Thursday, May 1

This morning we will see Buda and Pest from the water as we take a cruise on the Danube.  In the afternoon, unwind in the hot springs of Budapest before our long flight tomorrow.  Then it will be time for our farewell dinner.

Friday, May 2

This is the day to return to our homes in North America.  We will have many memories of seeing Transylvania emerging and how MEDA has had a role to play in bettering the lives of individuals and families.


Your Tour Leaders

Ed Epp and Wilmer Martin have together led two successful tours togethere. Ed Epp, Vice President at MEDA, was the MEDA project manager and Board Member for CAPA for five years, making numerous trips to Romania.  Wilmer Martin is the president and managing partner of TourMagination and has led many tours around the world. He will make sure your needs are looked after on this tour.


For further information regarding the complete tour fare, please This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . We would be happy to be of assistance.