WHY IT'S DIFFERENT?
Discover Europe’s largest wetland and one of the last remaining wildernesses. Nature at its best, on the Danube Delta Experience.
BOOK TODAY $361.84 DEPOSIT PER PERSON
Based on two people sharing, not including flights learn more
The Birds
With more than 300 species of migratory and resident birds including eagles, egrets, vultures, geese, cranes, ibises, cormorants, swans and pelicans, the Danube Delta is the ultimate bird-watchers’ paradise.
Traditional Fishing Villages
Located in the heart of the delta community, the tiny fishing villages offer an insight into the traditional way of life where the local people make their living from fishing as they always have.
Flora and Fauna
With Europe's largest biodiversity (over 5,500 flora and fauna species), only behind the Great Barrier Reef and the Galapagos, the delta is teeming with wildlife, rivers, canals, marshes, lakes and the world largest reed bed.
Europe's Last Wilderness
Not only does the delta have one of the worlds largest biodiversities, it is also incredibly remote with the vast majority of the region only reachable by boat making it one of Europe's last remaining wildernesses.
"Brilliant, fabulous, amazing and any other positive adjective you can think of! I have travelled with Untravelled Paths twice now and I have been very impressed on both occasions. The guides are intelligent, informative and helpful and ensure that you get the most out of your trip."
Jinny
YOUR EXPERIENCE
After a night in Bucharest, the adventure begins with a transfer by boat from Tulcea into the depths of the delta to the small fishing village of Crisan where you’ll feast on freshly caught fish surrounded by the panoramic sounds of nature at a sunset barbeque. The next day is spent venturing to the Ukrainian village of Letea by boat through the untouched landscape of the Old Danube Delta where guests are welcomed for a traditional homemade lunch. Spend the next few days relaxing in the peace and quiet of sleepy Sfantu Gheroghe and enjoy a plethora of nature and water-based activities including fishing, kayaking and birdwatching. Head down to the wild sandy beach for some warm sunshine, explore the fishing village by foot or simply enjoy the grounds and facilities of Green Village. The experience also includes a boat trip to the Sachalin Peninsula. Wild, wonderful and utterly undiscovered.
YOUR EXPERTS
MARIUS G
The Brains Behind the Operation - Meet James
NEED TO KNOW
| DESTINATION | Romania |
| DURATION | 7 nights |
| GROUP SIZE | 16 people |
| ASSISTANCE | Hands on |
| AIRPORT(S) | Bucharest |
| FLIGHTS | For more information on flights from the UK please refer to the Trip Details section. |
| VISA | UK, EU & US not required |
| VACCINATIONS | No |
Arrival in Bucharest followed by an airport transfer to your boutique accommodation in the heart of the Lipscani district. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the laid back atmosphere of the old town with its collection of bars, cafes and bistros.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Morning transfer to Tulcea before travelling into the depths of the Danube Delta by boat all the way to the small fishing village of Crisan where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Delta and a barbecue at sunset featuring freshly caught fish
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Day spent in and around Crisan with the opportunity to get involved in some fishing, kayaking down the narrow water canals or simply enjoying the sunshine by the pool.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Transfer to Letea by boat via the Old Danube Delta stopping for a traditional lunch in the village along with a short excursion to the forest of Letea where you may well be able to spot wild horses. After lunch, the boat travels to the fishing town of Sulina for a drink and a wander before heading onwards to Sfantu Gheorghe.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Day spent in Sfantu Gheorghe at your leisure. Head down to the wild beach for some sunshine, explore the village or simply enjoy the luxurious facilities at Green Village including swimming pool, outdoor cinema, gym and billiard room.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Day in Sfantu Gheorghe including a bird watching excursion by boat to the Sachalin Peninsula – one of the most important spots for migration and breeding in the Delta. Witness flocks of white and Dalmatian pelicans along with many other types of bird and wildlife.
INCLUDED
Boat transfer to Mahmudia in time for lunch (not included) before beginning the journey back to Bucharest by car.
INCLUDED
A selection of our accommodation, which is subject to availability, however alternatives are always of a similar price, grade and location.
Bucharest
Romania
With all our hotels located in or near the Old Town of Lipscani, you will be right by amongst the hustle and bustle of the heart to the city.
Typical Accommodation: The Rembrandt, Grand Boutique or similar
Sfantu Gheorghe
Romania
Situated by the mouth of the river, you are ideally placed to visit the nearby pelican colony as walking distance from a lovely long wild beach.
Typical Accommodation: Green Village, Deltarium or similar
Crisan
Romania
Situated in the heart of the delta, Crisan is the perfect location from which to explore the reserve either on your own in a kayak or on a boat.
Typical Accommodation: Delta Boutique, Lebada resort or similar.
WHERE YOU'RE GOING
Ask people what comes to mind when they think of Romania and you’re likely to hear something about Dracula and vampires. Yes, the spooky castles on hilltops are certainly vampire-worthy, but the only fangs you’re likely to be exposed to here belong to the wild bears, wolves and lynx that roam the Carpathian Mountains. Once you place the stereotypes aside, you’ll soon understand how vastly underestimated this country is.
FAST FACTS
| CAPITAL | Bucharest |
| POPULATION | 19.29 million |
| CURRENCY | Romanian leu |
| TIME DIFFERENCE | UTC+02:00 |
"Insect repellent is essential for a trip to the Danube Delta, especially in the height of the summer"
Dragos - Untravelled Paths
Dietary Requirements
Unsurprisingly, in the Delta there is plenty of fresh fish on offer which is great for some, but if fish isn't for you there are alternatives so do let us know so we can ensure you are catered for.
Sun Protection
Given you will spend much of your time on the water, sun cream, sunglasses and a hat are essential to protect you from sunlight which will reflect off the water.
Cash and currency
The region you are based in is remote and primitive so be sure to carry some local currency on you, ideally with small change so you can buy local produce and tip where appropriate.
Try palinka at least once
For those brave enough, there is nothing better to warm the belly than a good shot of the Romanian firewater. Be careful, though, it's strong stuff. As they would toast in Romania "Noroc!".
As a tour operator we are not able to offer inclusive flights as part of our experiences however we are more than happy to help you find the most appropriate incoming and outgoing flights for you. All the listed airports fly directly in and out of Bucharest with multiple different airlines to choose from. We highly recommend using Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights.
INSURANCE
In order to be fully covered on your trip should anything happen, we suggest getting an insurance before you travel. We recommend True Traveller, designed especially for adventure travel, who will be able to tailor an insurance package based on your needs. You can find out more here.
SOLO TRAVELLERS
Our prices are based on people sharing, for solo travellers who would prefer a private room the price per person will include a solo occupancy fee.
EXTRA NIGHTS
If you wish we can also organise extra nights at either end of your trip for you.
Book your trip in a few easy steps.
Although Romania is a member of the European Union, it does not use the euro (€) but has its own currency - the RON / Leu. The official currency is most commonly referred to as the plural ‘lei’ although some banks and exchange offices list it as the RON. One leu divides into 100 bani with banknotes coming in various denominations normally 1 leu, 5 lei, 10 lei, 50 lei and 100 lei and less commonly, 200 and 500 lei notes. Coins come in 50 bani and 10 bani pieces, which can be useful for small tips or donations.
The easiest option is to head to a cash machine once you’ve checked into your hotel in Bucharest to withdraw funds. There are plenty of ATMs around so it’s quick and convenient to get hold of your holiday cash
If you want to come prepared beforehand, the Bureau de Change in M&S is, strangely, one of the only places that dispenses the local currency. You can also purchase currency online and collect it from your local post office or even have it delivered straight to your door. Ordering currency online with the Post Office is commission-free and available for next day delivery. Obviously the more you buy the better rate you’ll receive.
However you choose to get hold of your spending money, just make sure you either spend or convert your RON before you leave.
Most major credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted throughout Romania’s main towns and cities. While you should have no problem using your card to pay for drinks or dinner in Bucharest, it would be wise to ensure you have enough local currency on you before you enter the Danube Delta as you’re highly unlikely to find cash machines in the small fishing villages. Don’t leave it later than Tulcea to withdraw funds – those are your last guaranteed port of call for ATMs. It is also advisable to try to break big notes, as the locals only tend to accept small denominations so 10 and 20 RON notes are best. It is always advisable to inform your bank that you’re travelling abroad in order to avoid the frustration of having your card blocked.
As a general rule, you’ll be able to have a good lunch for around £10 a head and will pay around £15 a head for a nice evening meal. Naturally, the type of establishment you choose to eat in and what you order will dictate the cost of your meals. Be aware that ordering imported wines can cause your bill to sky-rocket so drinking local wines is advisable. We reckon around £70 for lunch, dinner and drinks for two people is plenty per day. Please note that these are rough estimates and you can always choose to spend more or less depending on your budget and preferences. Please note that lunch in Letea is included.
Spring: one of the loveliest times of year to visit the Danube Delta as it corresponds to the migrations, the temperature is pleasant and the mosquitoes are yet to arrive along with the heat. However, there is also a slightly higher risk of rainfall during this time.
Summer: In the full swing of summer, visiting the Danube Delta in July and August affords long hot sunny days and blue skies but you’ll also have to deal with the mosquitoes. There are more crowds in the summertime than in spring or autumn but you’ll have lots of peace and quiet in the sleepy fishing villages of Crisan, Letea and Sfantu Gheorghe.
Autumn: September brings with it slightly fresher temperatures, though you’ll still have warm and very pleasant days with cooler evenings. September also witnesses bird migration in the Danube Delta, so it is another great opportunity for birdwatching.
You can always contact the UTP team on +44 207 101 4061 or info@untravelledpaths.com. Before you travel, you will also receive a personalised itinerary with the contact details of the local manager in Romania should there be any problems. Your guide will be on hand throughout the trip as well, so you're in safe hands.
Our digital booklet, which you will receive before travel, contains all the information you need about optional activities. Simply drop us an email letting us know what you'd like to do during your trip, and we'll take care of the rest. Please note that the payment for the optional activities will be taken locally in cash.
You’re likely to encounter a fair few mosquitoes and other insects during your trip to the Danube Delta, particularly during the main summer months. You can reduce your risk of being bitten by applying insect repellent or wearing long-sleeved tops and trousers to cover up. If you do suffer any bites or stings a couple of antihistamine tablets with water and an application of hydrocortisone cream to the affected area will help symptoms. It can be difficult to access a pharmacy while you’re in the area so make sure you pack appropriate medical supplies just in case.
Of course! The trip to the Sachalin Peninsula to watch the Pelicans and other bird species is included in the experience. Other additional trips can be arranged during your time in Sfantu Gheorghe, so have a read through the booklet and let us know what you'd like to do!
