kimkim gave us the experience of a lifetime to honor our beloved partner, relative, and friend
Romania
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Oct 1 - Oct 9, 2026
I speak as the organizer of this bespoke trip to Romania. My late partner Linda was battling pancreatic cancer when she asked me to take over the arrangement of this trip to her native Romania. I think she wanted this trip in the works to have a peak experience to look forward to if she survived, and to give to her friends and family if she did not make it. Unfortunately, she passed away before the trip -- instead departing on another trip we are all signed up for eventually. Linda chose Romania because her paternal ancestors emigrated from there to Detroit, Linda's birthplace. Linda had been to Romania before to explore where she came from, but she felt she had missed some important experiences, among them the painted monestaries and particularly the village of Mihoveni, near Suceava in Bukovina, her ancestors' home. Irenne as the travel planner for Secret Romania did a wonderful job of asking me what we wanted from the trip, adding experiences that we did not know to ask for, and putting together all the logistics needed to make the trip successful and enjoyable. (Along the way, she was amaziningly patient and good-natured with all of our questions and requests.) Our guide Florin, was extremely knowledgeable about all things Romanian along our route, plus being patient, warm, and kind. Our driver Bogdan was excellent -- our safety and comfort were clearly his highest priority. Before the trip I was not sure that I would have chosen a trip to Romania as my top destination. But once I got there and experienced the history, the culture, and the people, I realized that this was a chance of a lifetime to experience an extremely beautiful country and an extraordinary culture. Our trip culminated with the opportunity to spread some of Linda's ashes on the lovely flowers in the garden of the church that played such an important role in the lives of Linda's forbears. All in all, six stars on a five star scale. The trip of a lifetime thanks to kimkim and the staff at Secret Romania.
Hotel Reviews
Comfortable and convenient.
Comfortable and convenient.
Comportable and convenient.
Comfortable and convenient.
Comfortable and convenient.
Activity Reviews
The Bicaz Gorge was spectacular.
Peles castle was like a mini-Versaille, but ina more spectular setting in the mountais.
Seeing the bears in their natural environment as a treat.
Loved the UNESCO World Heritage aspects of this wonderful places.
The painted monasteries were unique and amazing!
The village life and buildings museum was very informative. The city fortress, destroyed by the Turks and now beng restored, was impressive.
This was a very specific add-on in response to a request. We wanted to see the Ciofus' and other related families' graves in the local cemetary -- and to spread some of our beloved Linda's ashes in the church flower garden. Linda made me promise, and Irenne as planner, Florin as guide, and Bogdan as driver make it happen. A promise made, a promise kept.
The museum regarding Romanian history, especially the communist period and the revolution against that government, were fascinating.
We are truly sorry that Linda was not able to make the journey herself, but it means a great deal to know that the trip she imagined became such a meaningful experience for her family and friends.
I am very grateful for your kind words about Florin and Bogdan. They will mean a great deal to each of them. More than anything, we are... Read more