Overview
- ~300 Km by bike and boat in 7 days in Dobrogea and Danube Delta
- Boat trip and bird watching in the Danube Delta
- Experience life in a fishermen village in the heart of the Danube Delta
- Hiking and cycling in Macin Mountains
The Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve is included in the UNESCO World Heritage and it is probably the wildest territory in Europe. More than half of its territory is still intact, with difficult access for tourists. It is the 3rd largest Bioshpere Reserve in the world and hosts more than 5,500 species of flora and fauna. The Danube Delta is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and those who enjoy wildlife photography. Close to the Danube Delta, the oldest mountains in Europe, the Macin, are hiding a mosaic of culture and civilization, as this place has been visited throughout the ages by Greeks, Romans, Turks, Russians, Tatars, Italians, and other civilizations.
Visiting the Dobrogea region and the Danube Delta should be one of the most interesting experiences in Europe for a tourist. We will combine the cycling experience and a boat trip for offering you a visit to a unique natural place where you will also experience the local culture, cuisine and lifestyle.
Danube Delta is a unique refuge in Europe for more than three hundred species of birds. Declared a Biosphere Reservation, Delta offers shelter to migratory species but also perennial, such as wild ducks, egrets, bee-eater, wild geese, cormorants, eagles, albatrosses, woodcock, partridge, all dominated by pelicans, undisputed masters of water and air.
- Price:
- from 1,495.00 €
- Duration:
- 8 days/7 nights
- Start / End:
- Bucharest/Bucharest
- Distance:
- ~300 km
- Accommodation:
- authentic traditional local guesthouses
- Activity level:
- Intermediate
- Dates:
-
01 Jun. 2025
Highlights
- Accommodation in a fishermen village in the Danube Delta
- Braila and Tulcea cities
- Boat trip on Danube Delta
- Crossing Danube by boat
- Enisala fortress
- Bird watching in Danube Delta
- Cycling or hiking in Macin Mountains
Day by day
Our first day is the “get together” day in Enisala village, our starting cycling route. From Bucharest, on the 4 hours drive to Enisala, we will drive along the Black Sea coast and we will stop in Istria to visit the oldest town in Romania – a former Greek colony, now is a museum; it is a good place for understanding the Dobrogea, Black Sea and Danube Delta areas. We will continue our trip, passing the small fishermen villages. Enisala was initially a Black Sea coast fortress and a harbor. We can still visit the ruins of the fortress on the hill, but we can also see how the geography modified along the last few centuries. The sunset landscape near the ruins is always a special moment for visitors.
Overnight at Enisala Safari village.
Meals: lunch and dinner.
Today we will be spending the day around the village of Enisala, visiting the sites near the Danube Delta lakes. Razim Lake is the largest lake in Romania, a good place for spotting lot of birds and animals but also the local village life – a mix of Romanians, Muslims and Russian communities. There are two options for cycling today: a shorter route crossing Jurilovca, Visina, Ceamurlia, Visterna and Babadag villages, Babadag forest Reserve, but alos Razim, Golovita and Babadag Lakes; the long route is crossing also Vovidenia and Uspenia Monasteries – two very special monasteries for the old confessions of monks and nuns.
Overnight at Enisala Safari village.
Meals: lunch and dinner.
Total bike distance: 50 to 90 km on asphalt and gravel road, rolling
After a one hour transfer by car to Macin, we will take an amazing hiking in Macin Mountains. Currently, Macin Mountains – the oldest in Romania, are a National Reserve. Even if their height is not impressive, the landscape of the region, the flora and the fauna in are unique. During a 2-3 hours hike we will follow a thematic path through the reserve and we can admire the Danube from above. We will end the hiking trail in Greci village, with a picnic lunch. From here we will cycle through the hills for 70 km towards Tulcea – the city gate to the Danube Delta. The second part of the trip is a good opportunity to spot and to watch the birds of the Danube Delta: large communities of pelicans, swans, storks, egrets and other birds are living in this hilly and quiet area.
Overnight in in a boutique hotel in Tulcea, near the touristic harbor.
Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner.
Total bike distance: ~75 km on asphalt road, rolling terrain.
Early in the morning we will take the ferry to the middle of the Danube Delta. For two hours we will be on the commercial route, experiencing the life of the local community. The trip is a great opportunity to watch the water villages, the birds and the fishermen along the chanel. Arriving in Crisan village for accommodation in a traditional villa, we will have the rest of the day for walking around the village and spotting the rural life.
The dinner will be a fish based meal, with traditional dishes.
Overnight in Crisan fishing village.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today we have the opportunity to experience a day in the heart of the Danube Delta. We have the option to cycle to the next village (Caraorman) for 25 km on rural roads, or to rent a motor boat for bird watching or a fish boat for sailing along the channels.
In the afternoon we will come back to Crisan.
Overnight in Crisan fishing village.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
In the morning, after breakfast, a private boat will take us through other Danube Delta canals and will take us to Murighiol – another fishermen village. From here we will take the bikes for a 75 km bike trip to Enisala. First part of the trip will follow the embakment routes along Danube canals and lakes, very quiet and with no traffic. The second part of the route will follow the asphalt road to Enisala.
Back in Enisala, we will have free time for the rest of the day.
Overnight in Jurilovca.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Total distance: ~75 km on gravel and road, very low traffic
In our last day, after breakfast, we will be transfered by car to Bucharest.
After check-in and some down time, we will invite you for a complimentary tour of Bucharest.
Overnight in Bucharest.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After breakfast it is time to say goodbye.
Alternatively, you may choose to spend one more day in our capital city and we would be happy to make full arrangements for your optional day.
What si included
ACCOMMODATION
- 7 nights of accommodation
- In every region we travel, we uncover the area’s best and original accommodations. On our Dobrogea and Danube trip, you will stay in truly unique locations.
DINING
- FULL BOARD for all period – breakfast, picnic lunches, dinners, snacks
- On our trip, you will sample the finest local delicacies from the region from the innovative to traditional fish dishes
SUPPORT
- Detailed trip description and programme, maps, GPS maps (on request)
- The knowledge, support, and camaraderie of experienced guides (Romanian, English, French or German speaking possible)
- All luggage transfers and transportation during the trip, vehicle assistance during the day
- Comprehensive trip literature and complimentary Carpatbike branded merchandise
GEAR
- Cannondale, Trek or GT XC or hybrid bicycles or Cube ebikes
- Bike helmets and other gear and equipment to make your ride comfortable
- CarpatBike bike jersey (to buy)
ACTIVITIES
- Entrance fees for all group events/activities
- Tickets to several cultural and historical sights included in the itinerary
- Local Taxes
Not included
- Airfare cost
- Alcoholic and additional drinks or meals during the programme
- On select trips some meals are not included so you can explore the local cuisine at your leisure
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Tips for your cycling guide (5-10% trip price) or at restaurants (5-10% of the bill)
- Extra charges for laundry telephone or fax charges, room service, etc.
- Individual travel Insurance for the trip (compulsory in order to be accepted for the tour)
- Individual insurance for special activities (recommended)
- Additional local guides, if required
- Optional activities not scheduled by CarpatBike
- Single room supplement
- All the other conditions are presented in the “Terms and conditions” document
More information
MEETING AND DEPARTURE
HOW TO GET THERE:
We suggest that you arrive at one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend that you fly into Bucharest or Sibiu airports. Travel time between Bucharest and Brasov is approximately 3 hours. On a weekday, there are 2-3 good trains per day traveling from Bucharest to Brasov and the ticket price ranges from 11-17 EUR/person.
For the return trip from Sibiu, there are a few trains per day to Bucharest, the ticket price being around 20 EUR/person. Please ask tour consultant for specific details and advance bookings.
Please inform the tour company on your flight schedule to advise for appropriate transfer times for meeting and departure.
MEETING DAY:
On arrival, the participants will be informed on the programme and other necessary information, they will be familiarised with the local customs and will receive the travel kit (map, equipment, bike and so on). Our guides will make sure that the participants fulfil all terms and conditions.
In case one or more participants did not reach the meeting date and point as scheduled, it is the responsibility of the participant to reach the group during the trip, according to CarpatBike terms and conditions. They will receive the support of our team in finding the group as soon as possible.
Due to the long distance for the first day and the organisational matters, the first day will not include cycling or it will only include short local rides, a visit in the city and local sights.
TERRAIN
This tour includes national, local, village, and forest roads through pastoral landscapes and peaceful scenery. The terrain includes flat asphalt routes, unpaved country hilly trails, and rolling hills and is suitable for cyclists in good physical condition, varying from 30 to 60 km per day.
On this tour, 70% is on quiet roads with little traffic, and 30 % on roads shared with traffic.
The tour is also recommended for non-cyclists. In this case, a parallel program will be provided in the area.
LODGING
We have prepared for you accommodation in beautifully traditional guesthouses.
Bike info
GT, Cannondale or Trek XC bicycles are available on this tour, and are included in the tour price. On request Cube ebikes are available as well.
Equipment provided at no charge:
- Helmet
- Locks
- Repair kit
- Pump
- Water bottle
Other equipment is available at an additional charge:
- GPS system
- Cycle computer
- Panniers and rack
PEDALS/SEATS:
You may choose to bring your own seat, pedals, bottles and/or other accessories; we will change out seats and pedals for you.
HELMETS:
While a helmet can be provided, we recommend that for safety and hygiene reasons you bring your own or plan to purchase one upon arrival. Please consider also bringing your own water recipient.
Dates & Prices
We reward our guests with lower pricing and more dates to choose from the earlier you book.
Also, in case you want to book a tour for a particular date we are happy to prepare a customized offer for your group. Choose any of our existing tour itineraries for your own private adventure.
Book it on your chosen dates, just for your group. Prices may vary depending on group size and availability for selected dates. For groups +10 pp. additional discount apply.
Please contact us for details at home@carpatbike.ro asap.
Dates
| from 06/01/2025 to 06/08/2025 - 8 days/7 nights | Book now |
Prices
| Price EUR/person/net price | Bike rental not included | Bike rental included | Single room supplement |
|---|---|---|---|
| starting from | € 1495 | € 1690 | € 240 |
