The Danube Delta Experience

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.

Romania
May - Sep
7 nights

From $1,243.86pp $1,440.46pp

BOOK TODAY $435.35 DEPOSIT PER PERSON

Based on two people sharing, not including flights learn more

AVAILABILITY

May 2025
May 3 - 10 2025
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May 10 - 17 2025
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May 17 - 24 2025
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May 24 - 31 2025
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June 2025
Jun 7 - 14 2025
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Jun 14 - 21 2025
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Jun 21 - 28 2025
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July 2025
Jul 5 - 12 2025
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Jul 12 - 19 2025
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Jul 19 - 26 2025
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August 2025
Aug 2 - 9 2025
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Aug 9 - 16 2025
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Aug 16 - 23 2025
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Aug 23 - 30 2025
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September 2025
Sep 6 - 13 2025
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Sep 13 - 20 2025
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Sep 20 - 27 2025
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Sep 27 - Oct 4 2025
Early Bird Save $196.60
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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

The Birds

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

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

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

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

TRIP OVERVIEW

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

DRAGOS

DRAGOS

The Entertainer - Meet Dragos


MARIUS G

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

TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrive in Bucharest

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

  • Airport Pick-up

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Bucharest Walking Tour
  • Red Panda Dog Shelter Visit
Day 2 Travel to the Danube Delta

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

  • Breakfast
  • Boat transfer to Crisan

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Birdwatching
Day 3 Try fishing and kayaking in Crisan

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

  • Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Birdwatching
  • Kayaking
  • Canoening & Rowing
Day 4 Spot wild horses in Letea

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

  • Breakfast
  • Boat transfer to Sfantu Gheorghe
  • Fisherman's Lunch in Letea
  • Visit to Sulina

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Sunset Boat Ride
Day 5 Explore Sfantu Gheorghe

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

  • Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Flying Fish
  • Sunset Boat Ride
Day 6 Bird watching in Sfantu Gheorghe

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

  • Sachalin Peninsula Pelican Excursion
  • Breakfast
Day 7 Travel to Bucharest

Boat transfer to Mahmudia in time for lunch (not included) before beginning the journey back to Bucharest by car.



INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
Day 8 Travel to the airport

Transfer to Bucharest airport for return flight.



INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Airport Drop-off

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Bucharest Walking Tour
  • Red Panda Dog Shelter Visit

TRIP ACCOMMODATION

A selection of our accommodation, which is subject to availability, however alternatives are always of a similar price, grade and location.

Bucharest

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

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

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. 

TRIP LOCATION

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. 


DID YOU KNOW
  • Romania comes from the Latin ‘Romanus’ meaning ‘citizen of the Roman Empire’
  • The Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest is the second largest building in the world
  • The Carpathian Mountains are home to 60% of Europe’s Brown Bear population
  • Transylvania translates to ‘the land beyond the forest’

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

TRIP TIPS

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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.


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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.


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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.


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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!".


TRIP DETAILS

WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • ALL TRANSFERS
  • ALL ACCOMMODATION
    • 2 nights in Bucharest
    • 2 nights in Crisan
    • 3 nights in Sfantu Gheorghe
  • MEALS
    • All breakfasts
    • Tradional Delta lunch in Letea
  • ACTIVITIES
    • Boat excursion to the Sachalin Peninsula
  • THE SERVICES OF A BI-LINGUAL GUIDE
  • UNTRAVELLED PATHS EXPERIENCE EBOOKLET
GETTING THERE

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.

LONDON TO BUCHAREST
  • Easyjet (Gatwick)
  • British Airways (Heathrow)
  • Air Tarom (Heathrow)
  • Wizz Air (Luton)
  • Blue Air (Luton)
  • Ryan Air (Stanstead)
BIRMINGHAM TO BUCHAREST
  • Blue Air
  • Wizz Air
BRISTOL TO BUCHAREST
  • Ryanair
DONCASTER TO BUCHAREST
  • Wizz Air
GLASGOW TO BUCHAREST
  • Blue Air
LIVERPOOL TO BUCHAREST
  • Blue Air
FURTHER INFORMATION

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.

HOW IT WORKS

Book your trip in a few easy steps.

1

ENQUIRE ONLINE

Once you’ve chosen the dates you’d like to travel on using our availability calendar all you need to do is head over to the booking page and fill in the enquiry form. 

2

BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS

We will get back to you answering any questions you might have and confirming availability. If all is good, we can hold the places for you for 48 hours while you book your flights. Please note that this stage does not represent a guarantee of the booking. 

3

BOOKING FORM

Once you have made your necessary arrangements, we will send you a booking form you will need to fill in with your details and any other relevant information.

4

PAY FOR YOUR TRIP

As you fill in the booking form, you will also be asked to make the payment through a secure link; if you are travelling in less than 8 weeks, the payment will be paid in full, otherwise only a 35% deposit will be taken.

5

FINAL CONFIRMATION

Shortly after you pay, you will receive a confirmation invoice, followed by a personalised itinerary and digital booklet. All you need to do now is write the dates in your diary, prepare your packing list and look forward to your next adventure!

6

NOTES

Please note deposit is non-refundable. The balance will only be refundable if you cancel with more than 8 weeks in advance. More information about the cancellation policy can be found in our Terms & Conditions. We highly suggest getting insurance before you travel to avoid any problems. Our personal recommendation is using True Traveller.

FAQs

What is the currency?

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.


Where can I get a hold of the currency?

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. 

Can I pay by debit/credit card?

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.


What sort of budget would I need?

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.


Do I need to tip?

Tipping is not obligatory in Romania although rounding up taxi fares and adding 10% in restaurants is polite and common practice. If the service has been poor please don’t feel obligated to leave a tip. 


How is the weather like?

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. 

Who should I contact in case of an emergency?

You can always contact the UTP team on +44 207 101 4061 or [email protected]. 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.


How do I go about booking extra activities?

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.


What about mosquitoes?

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.


Will we get a chance to do some bird watching?

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!