Danube Delta By Bike & Boat

Danube Delta By Bike & Boat

22 Views
8 Days From

$2342

Danube Delta By Bike & Boat

8 Days Starting and ending in Bucharest, Romania

Visiting: Tulcea, Murighiol, Sulina, Letea, Bucharest

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

DDR

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

12 - 20

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2342

NB: Prices correct on 03-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Danube Delta By Bike & Boat" tour, exploring the stunning Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve in Romania. This unique journey combines cycling and cruising, offering a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation. Cycle through picturesque landscapes, visit the serene orthodox monasteries of Celic Dere and Saon, and discover the historical treasures of Argamum and the medieval fortress of Enisala. Enjoy the comfort of a cosy barge with private facilities and a family-run 4-star guesthouse in Tulcea. With full board meals, expert guides, and support vehicles, this tour promises an immersive and hassle-free experience in one of Europe's most biodiverse regions.

Highlights

  • Explore the diverse Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve

  • Visit the orthodox monasteries of Celic Dere and Saon

  • Visit the Greek-Romanian settlement, Argamum and the medieval fortress of Enisala

  • Cycle to Sulina where the Danube River meets the Black Sea

  • Experience the birds' paradise of Mursara Bay and the picturesque village of Letea

  • Cruise through a labyrinth of narrow waterways in the UNESCO World Heritage Danube Delta

  • Admire the view over the extensive green floodplain directly on the border of Ukraine

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Bucharest, Group Transfer To Tulcea

Location: Tulcea

Accommodation Name: barge

Meals Included: Dinner

Make your own way to Bucharest. There will be a group bus transfer from Bucharest airport at 2pm, to Tulcea in the Danube Delta to board the barge. The transfer will take approximately 4 hours.

Day 2 : Cycle To Murighiol, Then By Boat To Sfantu Gheorge (31Km/19Mi)

Location: Murighiol

Accommodation Name: barge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A classic cycle today along the most southern Danube arm through the nature reserve Bestepe Hills. It's a hilly cycle rewarded with wonderful views to the delta. At the small fishing village Murighiol we will re-board the boat and cruise into a maze of channels, floating islands and dense forests, for a pure wilderness experience. Overnight in Sfantu Gheorge.

Day 3 : Cycle To Sulina Where The Danube River Meets The Black Sea (25Km/15.5Mi)

Location: Sulina

Accommodation Name: barge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A gravel path takes us to "Kilometre 0", where the Danube River meets the Black Sea. We'll have the Black Sea on our right, and the lush green reeds and marsh land on our left as we cycle. In the solitude of the Danube Delta, cormorants and great white egrets will be our companions. The journey of this mighty river ends at the sleepy fishing point of Sulina, Romania's easternmost point, where the Danube reaches the lighthouse and melds with the salt of the sea.

Day 4 : Cycle In The Gulf Of Musura To Letea And Then By Boat To Crisan (23Km/14Mi)

Location: Letea

Accommodation Name: barge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A highlight today is the birds' paradise of Mursara Bay and the picturesque village of Letea, where time seems to stand still. The houses are made of reed and loam, and are painted a lovely blue. Near the village and located on a sandbank, a special natural wonder can be seen - a tropical forest with climbing plants and lianas. The boat will then carry us to the fishing village of Crisan where will we stay overnight.

Day 5 : Rest Day In The Delta, Boat To Tulcea

Location: Tulcea

Accommodation Name: barge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A day off cycling today as we relax on board, cruising through a labyrinth of narrow waterways. Along the way we will pass small fishing villages and experience the incredible diversity of the flora and fauna of the UNESCO World Heritage Danube Delta. In the afternoon we will make our way to the vibrant city life of Tulcea for our last night on board the boat.

Day 6 : Round Cycle Through The Gently Rolling Hills To The Abbey Of Dobrogea (26Km/16Mi)

Location: Tulcea

Accommodation Name: guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The cycling terrain takes us over rolling hills to the Orthodox nunnery, Celic Dere, the largest convent in the Dobrogea territory. The abbey of Saon with its distinctive windmill is located amidst vineyards on the banks of the Danube. There is a chance to admire the view over the extensive green floodplain directly on the border of the Ukraine. Transfer back to Tulcea where tonight is our first night in a cosy guesthouse.

Day 7 : Bus To Ceamurlia De Jos, Cycle To The Medieval Fortress Of Enisala & Cape Dolosman (42Km/26Mi)

Location: Tulcea

Accommodation Name: guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we will go by bus to the old town of Ceamurlia de Jos. By bike we will pass nesting sites of bee-eater colonies on the way to the medieval fortress of Enisala. The fortress is located high over the Danube with a breathtaking view over the Lagoon Razim. The nature reserve of Cape Dolosman with the Greek-Roman excavations of Argamum separates the Delta Lakes Golovita and Razim. Tonight we again stay in the guesthouse in Tulcea.

Day 8 : Trip Concludes With Return Transfer From Tulcea To Bucharest

Location: Bucharest

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast there is a group transfer back to the capital, Bucharest. We will arrive in Bucharest at approximately 2pm, where the trip concludes. If you are planning to depart Bucharest by plane today, we recommend booking a flight departing after 4pm.

What's Included

  • Meals

    7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners are included. The trip is based on full board which includes a buffet breakfast daily, 5 packed lunches, 1 full 3-course lunch, and a 3-course dinner each night.

  • Accommodation

    5 nights accommodation in a twin share cabin with ensuite facilities aboard a barge and 2 nights accommodation in a comfortable 4-star guesthouse.

  • Bicycle

    A 24-speed bike with pannier is provided. An electric mountain bike (e-MTB) is also available for an additional supplement.

  • Transfers

    Group arrival and departure transfer from/to Bucharest, which takes approximately 4 hours each way.

  • Guides

    A cycle and wildlife guide will accompany the group.

  • Support

    A support van and support boat are provided.

  • Information Pack

    An information pack per room including overview maps is provided.

What's Not Included

  • Travel to and from Bucharest

    Travel to and from Bucharest is not included.

  • Meals not listed as included

    Meals not listed as included and drinks are not provided.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.

  • Helmets

    Helmets are not included but can be hired free of charge if pre-booked.

    It is suggested to bring your own well-fitted helmet from home.

  • Bike Insurance

    Bike insurance is available for purchase.

  • Solo Traveler Supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single cabin.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees not listed as included are not provided.

  • Tips

    Tips are not included.

  • Personal Items

    Items of a personal nature are not included.

  • Transfer to Bucharest

    Transfer to Bucharest at the end of the trip where extra nights are booked in Tulcea is not included.

Accommodation

5 nights in a twin share cabin. During the trip, you will spend 5 nights on board the comfortable and cosy barge with an air-conditioned restaurant and spacious sun deck with deck chairs. Each cabin has private facilities. The barge is small with room for only 20 people. Refer to the boat description for further details. 2 nights will be spent in a family-run, comfortable 4-star guesthouse in Tulcea.

Grading

This trip involves 5 days cycling usually along flat, sandy/gravel or paved paths. Two days of cycling will be along asphalted country roads in a gentle hilly landscape with some traffic. You need only carry your camera
ain gear and water bottle. Your luggage remains on the barge, or at the guesthouse. The sand and gravel roads require a good level of fitness but the daily distances cycled are quite short. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

What You Carry

During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike*. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing. *Note: pannier not provided with e-MTB rental - bring a small daypack to carry your gear.

Mode of Transport

Group arrival and departure transfer from/to Bucharest (4 hours each way). The trip includes cycling and boat transfers through the Danube Delta, with support van and support boat available.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 5 nights in a twin share cabin aboard a barge, which has an air-conditioned restaurant and a spacious sun deck with deck chairs. Each cabin has private facilities. Additionally, 2 nights will be spent in a family-run, comfortable 4-star guesthouse in Tulcea.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour is based on full board, which includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners. This consists of a buffet breakfast daily, 5 packed lunches, 1 full 3-course lunch, and a 3-course dinner each night with options for fish, meat, and vegetarian dishes.

  • What kind of bike will be provided for the tour?

    A 24-speed bike with a pannier will be provided. An electric mountain bike (e-MTB) is also available for an additional supplement.

  • Is there a support system in place during the cycling routes?

    Yes, there will be a support van and a support boat available during the cycling routes.

  • Are helmets provided for the cycling tour?

    Helmets can be hired free of charge, but they must be pre-booked as there is limited availability. It is also suggested to bring your own well-fitted helmet from home.

  • What is the level of difficulty for the cycling routes?

    The trip involves 5 days of cycling usually along flat, sandy/gravel or paved paths. Two days of cycling will be along asphalted country roads in a gentle hilly landscape with some traffic. The sand and gravel roads require a good level of fitness, but the daily distances cycled are quite short.

  • Is travel insurance required for this tour?

    Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.

  • What happens if I am traveling solo?

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single cabin.

  • Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?

    Yes, additional costs not included in the tour price are drinks, meals not detailed in the itinerary, entrance fees and sightseeing fees, items of a personal nature such as phone calls and laundry, and tips.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews of this operator

Katharine McLennan (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks is awesome. My...

13-Jun-2024

UTracks is awesome. My Assisi trip was one of the most beautiful trips I have taken in my 56 years. I wanted to walk by myself, and Utracks teamed up with a local Italian travel company to do everything for me—book the hotels and move my bags from hotel to hotel as I walked the track. The app was AMAZING. It showed the daily itinerary, and the interactive map told me metre by metre where I needed to go and whether I was on track or not. It was far more accurate than Google Maps, and I loved all the commentary on what to look for and what not to. The places I stayed were known as "agriturismo places." They are hosted by families on working farms. Those gorgeous families had farms and accommodations that sometimes dated back to 800!!! But all of them had done a fantastic job updating them to be modern, beautiful rooms. I loved how warm the hosts were and how much they appreciated my stay. There were seldom more than 5 people staying each night. The walk was fabulous -- and incredibly well-researched and noted. I was often the only one on the trails, but I always felt safe and looked after by UTracks in their 24-hour cover. I never had to use it - but as a single woman walking on her own through the Italian hills -- it is great to know that people know where I am. The preparation pack sent to me was also incredibly organised with equipment lists, hotel directions-- with all the contacts, and the contacts of the lovely fellow who would be taking my bag from place to place. He was fantastic -- and I also felt supported by him if things were to go wrong. I will definitely be working with Utracks again and can't wait to plan my next adventure.

Kate (Google Reviewer)  

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking...

31-Oct-2024

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking the Lycian way. It was unhurried, with beautiful scenes and access to nature. The accommodation was excellent with (truly) amazing home cooked Turkish food throughout. We felt a lot calmer, fitter and healthier afterwards.

Addy K (Google Reviewer)  

Great hike to sample some...

04-Oct-2023

Great hike to sample some of the best locations along the Tour Du Mont Blanc. Our guide Sara was great at maintaining pace and knew the route very well. The scenery was amazing especially the tall mountains close to our accomodation. The accomodation provided great 3 course dinners, and we got to sample French, Swiss and Italian food. This is not an easy hike, but as long as you are able to do 1000 mtr elevation gain hikes, this is thoroughly enjoyable.

Mike Burke (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks did everything they promised,...

23-Oct-2024

UTracks did everything they promised, but it is what they did above & beyond that stands them apart. We were caught in the fires in Portugal & they arranged transport to get us out of danger, changed hotel bookings to accommodate the new circumstances & made us feel very safe. We were more than impressed with the level of communication & service. I won't be looking anywhere else when I book my next trip.

Lisa Kibeiks (Google Reviewer)  

Fantastic trip! Well organised and...

18-Oct-2024

Fantastic trip! Well organised and everything went smoothly. Would probably split the two big 30+ days if I were to have my time again. The heat adds another level of difficulty. Accommodations were all different but all clean and welcoming. Meals were varied as we walked into different regions the food changed to what was local. We never had a bad meal or a bad stay anywhere. Highly recommend this trip through France. A nice quiet Camino compared to the Frances but far more challenging. Very enjoyable.

Patrick Shum (Google Reviewer)  

Hassle free self guided tour...

26-Jul-2023

Hassle free self guided tour around the most scenic Austrian hills and lakes. All our heavy baggage taken care of from hotel to hotel. Hiking not difficult at all, instructions are v clear. I recommend use online GPS map. In case someone want to shorten the walking, various options (bus / boat) provided.

Amanda Liddell (Google Reviewer)  

300km in 12 days from...

15-Jun-2023

300km in 12 days from Porto to Santiago de Compostela where a Cathedral stands as the most beautiful ‘Welcome’ imaginable. The accomodation arranged by UTRACKS was consistently excellent & the ease of only having to worry about carrying your backpack and what you’ll have for lunch is perfect. Yes, most days at breakfast you can make up your own bread roll and filling. Notes and directions were included but once you arrive in Spain you just need to look for the ‘shell’ and ‘yellow arrow’ to find your ‘way’. I am 67 years old & consciously chose to walk alone however I met some fabulous people along the way and finally had hours on end with ‘no headchatter’. There’s healing which catches you unaware & makes every step very worthwhile.

Cathy Eaton (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks “Footsteps of Dali” is...

07-Nov-2024

UTracks “Footsteps of Dali” is a predominantly coastal walk from the very lovely French town Collioure to Cadeques in Spain. There are 2 routes to choose each day and each have different elevation and distance. On day 5 (the 4th day of walking) there is an option to climb up to a monastery. Try not to do this on the only day it is closed (as we did) - Monday. In my opinion the day between Cerbere and Llanca was the best - really pretty coastal scenery and included some rock hopping around the sea edge. The hotels were all family run and comfortable but usually a bit out of the centre. The luggage transfers worked well. (We didn’t have supplied luggage labels and so used sticky sports tape each day to label the next hotel name). Breakfasts were all excellent, dinners varied a bit - but they were adequate. I thought the trip was good value. The trails were not crowded and I recommend October as a good time for this hike. There is little shade so it would be extremely hot at the peak of summer.

Ian Freestone (Google Reviewer)  

Recently two trips with utracks....

26-Aug-2024

Recently two trips with utracks. Mont Blanc self-guided and Austrian hike-bike. In summary, the experience is only as good as the local partner. In Austria, Helmut was amazing! Met with us prior - went over every detail of the trip, answered his phone if we had a concern. Mont Blanc, the partner would only communicate by text, did not meet us on arrival, and would not return calls even when we had an emergency. Other concerns we raised with utracks staff were not responded to adequately leaving the feeling that they had our money, job done.

Amanda Fairley (Google Reviewer)  

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local...

24-Sep-2024

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local agent’s documentation needs immediate updating to include current accommodation used and their locations. I also had to uncover (it was not proactively disclosed to me) a double up in accommodation location booking (same town over two nights but different accommodation 160 metres apart) by the same local agent which resulted in me having to walk two days of distance in one day, back track for accommodation on the second night and be charged for a 160m bag transfer! UTracks did apologise and the local agent covered my dinner one night as compensation, but the situation would not have happened if either UTracks or their local agent had reviewed their itinerary which would have called out quite loudly to them the messy issue, before finalising it and providing it to me. I was later contacted by UTracks to acknowledge my post trip feedback, but stating that both UTracks and their local agent had been in contact with me THROUGHOUT my walk. To be clear - I had one phone call initiated by UTracks after I had identified the issues and emailed them, and the only contact with the local agent were two emails and one phone call that I initiated to inform them of the issues they created, that I had to uncover. I wouldn’t describe that as anyone from UTracks or their local agent being in contact with me throughout my trip. It is important to not over state the service or support that people provide to a client.

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Friday

Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025
$2342

Sunday - Sunday

May 18, 2025 - May 25, 2025
$2696

Thursday - Thursday

Jun 19, 2025 - Jun 26, 2025
$2696

Wednesday - Wednesday

Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025
$2696

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$2342

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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