At the end of a 1700 mile long journey across Europe, the great Danube River empties its water into the Black Sea. Here the Danube splits into numerous channels and canals, creating the second largest delta on the Continent.

Vast expanses of swamps and forests, as well as a scattering of pretty lakes surrounded by thick reed beds, provide a perfect sanctuary for over 300 species of birds, many year round residents, plus summer breeders and spring and autumn migrants. On this spring tour it should be possible to see nearly 200 different species of bird.

The Romanian Danube Delta, designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) has also been designated a 'Reservation of the Biosphere' by UNESCO. This Delta Travel tour of The Delta is based on staying on a special floating hotel/houseboat, based at Tulcea, gateway to the Delta. The houseboat has 9 twin/double bedded cabins, all with private shower and toilet facilities, an air-conditioned dining room and bar on the top deck, plus a lovely open deck for bird-watching and relaxing in the open air.

Meals:

all the meals provided during the stay will be a mixture of Romanian and International dishes, with an emphasis on the local cuisine. Most of the fresh food is organic and produced locally, including meat and fish. If there are any dietary requirements, please advice prior to departure

ITINERARY

DAY 1 (day of arrival) Arrival Bucharest Airport mid-afternoon and transfer by air-conditioned mini-bus to Tulcea, gateway to The Danube Delta. The journey to Tulcea is almost 300 kms and takes at least four hours. On the way there are optional stops at suitable places to see birds in the forests, lakes, reed beds and marshland. Transfer to the houseboat, your floating home for the next eight nights. Welcome cocktail, followed by dinner and accommodation on board.

DAY 2 Murighiol

After breakfast we journey downstream and visit Murighiol village followed by birding on foot around the salt lake near Murighiol. Bird species likely to be seen today include White and Dalmatian Pelicans, Little and Great Egrets, Purple Heron, Spoonbill, Red-crested Pochard, Red-footed Falcon, Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Kentish Plover, Mediterranean Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Roller, Syrian Woodpecker and Feldeg's Yellow Wagtail. Late In the day we return to Murighiol fishing port to board the houseboat. Gala Dinner on board with local Romanian dishes.

DAY 3 Sfantu Gheorghe

Breakfast on board followed by a leisurely cruise to Sfantu Gheorghe, one of the most beautiful fishing villages in the Danube Delta. Interesting birds likely to be seen from the deck include various species of Cormorant, Heron, Egret, Sandpiper and of course many Gulls, Terns and Duck. Possible viewing of White-tailed Eagle, Pelicans and Pygmy Cormorants. Lunch will be served on board before arriving in Sfantu Gheorghe in the early afternoon. Visit to the village to see the local ancient houses in the Ukrainian architectural style. Opportunity for birding around the Sfantu Gheorghe marshes. Dinner on board.

DAY 4 Sahalin Island and the Black Sea

After breakfast we explore the local area around Sfantu Gheorghe by small boat, including the local fishery and sandy Sahalin Island, an important bird reserve, at the mouth of the Black Sea. Here we are likely to see Dalmatian and White Pelicans, Egrets, Spoonbill, Shelduck, Oystercatcher, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Caspian Tern and many other aquatic species. A picnic lunch will be provided. Return to the houseboat for dinner and overnight.

DAY 5 Sfantu Gheorghe and the Black Sea

This morning we cross the Danube to walk through the Sfantu Gheorghe Forest to see Hobby, Red-footed Falcon, Cuckoo, Hoopoe, Roller, Collared Flycatcher and Red-backed Shrike. We then continue to the Black Sea coast to see Yellow-legged Gull, various Plovers, Oystercatcher, Stone Curlew and Little and Common Tern. Lunch on board. In the afternoon we walk to the local marshes to see colonies of Reed Warbler and Bluethroat. In this area there are some special rare and threatened plant species including Convolvulus coronopus, Ephedra distachaya, Merendera sobolifera and Petunia parvoflora.

To underline the diverse nature of the Delta, the local forests are home to several rare species of reptile including Vipera ursini, Elaphe longissima and Eremias arguta deserti. Return to the houseboat for a traditional Romanian cuisine dinner on board.

DAY 6 Erenciuc Lake and Perisor

After breakfast we journey up river towards the Dranov Channel. Bird watching from the deck until we reach the mouth of the Erenciuc Lake where we transfer to rowing boats to visit Lake Erenciuc and see a variety of wild-fowl. Lunch on board and then sail across the Danube to the Perisor area. Afternoon visit of the area including the Black Sea coast.

Dinner and accommodation on the houseboat.

DAY 7 Zatoane

After breakfast, birdwatching in the Zatoane area, a totally remote area along the Black Sea Coast. Lunch on board. In the afternoon visit by small boats to Lake Dranov area. During the day we are likely to see Icterine Warbler, Wheatear, Isabeline Wheatear, Whinchat, Bluethroat plus many other more common resident and migrant species. Dinner and accommodation on board the houseboat.

DAY 8

Departure Day

YOUR DELTA TRAVEL TEAM.