The Romanian Danube Delta, designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) has also been designated a 'Reservation of the Biosphere' by UNESCO. This EuroDelta tour of The Delta is based on staying on a special floating hotel/houseboat, based at Tulcea, gatewat 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.

The Carpathian Mountains are the second largest mountain range in Europe extending 800 miles in a great semi-circle from Slovakia to Romania. The Romanian Carpathian Mountains are rich in deposits of gold, silver, iron ore and other minerals and are of great economic importance to local economies. Large expanses of pristine forest still provide an ideal habitat for Europe’s biggest population of brown bears, wolves and lynx. The Carpathians not only offer good walking in untouched landscapes but are also rich in wildlife, culture, history and rural traditions.

Zarnesti is located in the southern part of the Transylvanian Carpathians. With 25000 inhabitants the town has preserved much of its rural character and was closed to foreigners during the communist era due to the presence of a huge ammunition factory.

The surroundings vary from green valleys and hills to large expanses of forest and alpine pasture where shepherds have learned to coexist with wolves and bear. Not to forget the majestic Piatra Craiului Mountain range with excellent hiking and climbing opportunities.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 (day of arrival) scheduled departure time from London Heathrow 0930

Departure from London Heathrow Airport on the non-stop scheduled service of British Airways. Arrive 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 seven 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.

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 Holbina and Perisor After breakfast departure by boat and small motor boats for visiting the beautiful area of Holbina. Picnic lunch. Afternoon visit of Perisor area and Zatoane.

Return to the houseboat for dinner and overnight.

DAY 7 Dobrudja and the Macin Mountains

After breakfast we leave the houseboat and take a sightseeing tour by bus of Dobrudja to see the ruins of the castle of Enisala, the Babadag Plateau and the ruins of the ancient Greek town of Histria. Plenty of opportunities all day to see various bird species as Histria is home to more than 200 species. Packed lunch. Departure toward the Macin Mountains, a mecca for raptors. Species likely to be seen are Honey and Long-legged Buzzard, Short-toed Eagle and Egyptian Vulture. Possible sightings include Levant Sparrowhawk, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Booted Eagle and Peregrine Eagle. Return to the houseboat for dinner and overnight.

DAY 8 Transfer to Zarnesti in Transylvania After breakfast travel by private mini-bus to Zarnesti at the foot of the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Lunch en route and bird-watching on the Danube marshes at Braila. Check-in on arrival at the Pension Elena, followed by a short walk around the town of Zarnesti. DAY 9 Magura Village and Zarnesti Gorge

The first walk of the day takes us to the nearby hills south of Zarnesti. They are dotted with traditional Romanian villages, one of which is Magura, with beautifully carved wooden farm houses. The meadows are covered with a wide variety of wild flowers, especially orchid. The local farmers, who have lived here for centuries, still work their land by hand and bring in the hay by horse and cart. Listen to the history of the settlements which were built as sanctuaries against the invasion of the Turks. In the afternoon we experience a completely different environment, the spectacular Gorge of Zarnesti. Keep eyes open for Wallcreeper as we walk between sheer limestone rocks.

Dinner at the Pension. In the evening go bear watching.

DAY 10 Brebina Valley and Gypsy Village

Today’s field trip starts outside Zarnesti, on an easy trail leading gradually uphill towards the Pleasa ridge. The forest is impressive with all sorts of tracks showing the abundance of wild-life here. Brown bears, wolves, lynx, wild boar and red deer are roaming the area but mainly after dark. On top we will be rewarded with a magnificent view over Barsa Land. The surrounding mountains were the core area for a 10-year international project on protecting and tracking large carnivores, such as bear, wolf and lynx. Picnic lunch. On the return to Zarnesti we pass by a gypsy village, with a short field lecture on the present day situation of Romania’s largest minority people, the Romi’s.

In the afternoon we visit one of the oldest fortifications in Romania, Rasnov Castle, built in the 13^th century as a check-point on the road between Transylvania and Wallacia and the neighbouring town of Bran. Barbecue in the wild, near the Shepard’s yard.

DAY 11 Departure