• Torda - where the first act of religious tolerance was signed in 1568
• The rock in Kolozsvár that Francis David spoke from when he "converted the whole town’s population to Unitarianism."
• Meszko - the “Alabaster Village” made famous by the book of that name.
• Saxon fortress city of Sighisoara/Segesvar – purported birthplace of Dracula.
• Szekelyderz – the frescoed church that is the only Unitarian UNESCO World Heritage site

Beginning and ending in the lovely Hungarian capital city of Budapest, the trip will include three days/nights in our partner villages of Nyaradszereda. You will discover the warmth and loving hospitality of Transylvanian Unitarian families during a home stay - attending church, sharing a relaxed picnic and experiencing rural village life

The trip is open to all, young and not so young.  Through this trip we hope to foster new understanding of our historical roots and build deeper relationships with our partner village. The tour logistics will be coordinated by the UU Partner Church Council Pilgrimage Service which has more than a decade of experience facilitating the visits of North American UUs to Eastern & Central Europe.

Tentative Itinerary:

• June 30^th – Monday. Travel day. Depart Budapest for Transylvania by either van or train – TBD at a later date. (You will need to arrive in Budapest no later than Sunday night. The UUPCC can assist with your Budapest logistics including hotel recommendations & reservations as well suggested sites and attractions for those who would like to arrive early to explore the city). Overnight Kolozsvar/Cluj – hotel TBD. (LD)
• July 1^st - Tuesday. Morning Unitarian tour of Kolozsvar including 1^st Church (which houses the famous Francis David rock), the Unitarian HQ & High School, and Matyas Church where Francis David once preached. Group lunch. Free afternoon to explore, shop, or catch up on your email. Dinner on your own. Overnight Kolozsvar – hotel TBD. (BL)
• July 2^nd – Wednesday. Departure after breakfast for the medieval walled-city of Sighisoara/Segesvar, purported birthplace of Vlad Tepes – aka “Dracula”. En route we will stop in Torda to visit the “Church of the Edict” where the Edict of Torda was issued in 1568 by the Unitarian King Janos Sigismund, and the Alabaster Village of Meszko to hear the story of Ferenc Balazs. Group lunch. Afternoon tour of the Saxon fortress church at Biertan (a UNESCO World Heritage site. Evening arrival in Segesvar. Dinner & overnight Segesvar – Hotel Claudiu*** (BLD)
• July 3^rd - Thursday. Free morning in Segesvar to explore the citadel (a UNESCO World Heritage site), shop, and visit the museum(s) of your choice. Noon departure for Szekelyudvarhely. En route we will stop to tour the 13^th century frescoed Unitarian church at Derzs (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Afterwards we will partake of a traditional peasant lunch by candle light inside one of the ancient bastions. Late afternoon arrival in Szekelyudvarhely. Free time to relax or explore this pleasant little city. Group dinner. Overnight Szekelyudvarhely – hotel TBD(BLD)
  

• July 4^th – Friday. Depart Szekelyudvarhely for partner villages. En route we will visit the Szekefurdo, site of the annual Unitarian World Gathering, and stop to shop in the “pottery village” of Korond for great deals on all manner of unique local handcrafts. Group lunch. Afternoon arrival in Jobbagyfalva & Nyaradszereda. Welcome reception. Dinner with host families & members of congregation. Evening program TBD. Overnight village – home stays

• July 5^th – Saturday. Dedication ceremony & services at Jobbagyfalva Unitarian Church. Reception & celebration afterward. Afternoon & evening program TBD. Overnight village – home stays. (BLD)
• July 6^th – Sunday. Morning services at the new Nyaradszereda Unitarian Church – reception following. Lunch with minister & leaders to discuss partnership issues. Afternoon program TBD. Farewell dinner with host families. Overnight village – home stays. (BLD)
• July 7^th - Monday.  Leisurely morning to pack & exchange gifts with host families. Noon departure for nearby city of Marosvasarhely where we enjoy a group lunch and stroll around the picturesque city center before continuing westward. Evening arrival in Kolozsvar. Farewell dinner w/ UUPCC staff. Overnight Kolozsvar – hotel TBD. (BLD)
• July 8^th - Tuesday. Travel day. Transfer to train station for morning train to Budapest. PM arrival in Budapest. Assistance with transfer to hotel. (B)
• July 9^th - Wednesday. Transfer to airport for return flights to US, or extend your stay in Budapest and elsewhere in Europe (Vienna is just 3 hours away by train, Prague 7) the UUPCC Pilgrimage Service can assist you with your travel arrangements. (B)

Costs

10 days/9 nights Land package offered by UUPCC Pilgrimage Service $1,300 (double occupancy) + $150/person non-refundable registration fee*. ($100 for single supplement).

Children 12 and under sharing accommodations with 2 adults are ½ price and not subject to the registration fee.

Land package includes transportation, accommodations (other than Budapest hotel stays), meals (as indicated above), guide(s), interpreter(s), and entrance fees to programmed tourist sites.

The package does NOT include airfare or other transportation to/from Budapest, gratuities, alcoholic beverages, personal expenses incurred during free programs, or airport transfers.

*UUPCC registration fee pays for your membership in the UUPCC, the cost of processing your application & mailing your travel packet, and an impact fee paid to the Transylvanian Unitarian Church.