Available start dates: 10 April to 15 Sept 2011
The Carpathians are home to wolves, bears and lynx, as well as numerous bird species like Wallcreeper, Ural Owl, Nutcracker, Alpine Accentor, Water Pipit, woodpeckers and different songbirds (Goldcrest, Firecrest, Crossbill, Serin).
On the other hand, Danube Delta is Europe's largest wetland reserve and one of the best places in Europe for birdwatching, covering 2,681 square kilometers (1,676 square miles), with a sprawling, watery wilderness accessible only by water. The delta is a natural stopover for migratory birds, with more than 300 species of migratory and permanent species of birds and more than 160 species of fish.
Day 1
Arrival and transfer to Zarnesti (app. 3h drive) to a 3* guesthouse where you will be accommodated in double rooms with private facilities.
Day 2
Today we are taken by horse and carts (traditional way of transportation in the area) to the point where we start a longer guided hike in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first part takes us through Zarnesti gorge, an impressive limestone canyon. With 40 - 80 m high walls, it gives us the chance to look for rare birds like Wallcreepers, Alpine swifts, Crag Martins and also to admire impressive Jurassic geological formations.
For those interested only in birds, you can stop here and enjoy the scenery. Those interested also in hiking will continue to Curmatura Cabin. On the way, we can see signs of wildlife, rare or endemic species of flora and insects, as well as shepherd camps. If the weather allows us, we can see the entire limestone ridge (22 km long) which was declared scientific reserve due to the presence of rare and endemic species of flora and insects.
Difficulty: easy (stop down in the gorge)/medium-hard
Altitude difference: max.720 m (can be 50m)
Day 3
We leave very early (app. 5am) by car to go to the Sinca area and observe wildlife (app. 1 h drive). We drive slowly in the area looking for bears, red deer, roe deer, foxes, wild cats, owls, buzzards, woodpeckers etc. We'll also walk in the area to discover the tracks these animals leave on the ground. We stop at the foresters’ lodge for lunch (picnic) and relaxation. You will have some time for walking on your own on this amazing valley and enjoy the numerous species of birds, insects and plants. Today is very feasible to see Ural Owls, Tawny Owls, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, White-backed Woodpecker, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Corncrake, Great Grey Shrike, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Collared Flycatcher, Fieldfare and few other rare birds.
In the evening we’ll have an early dinner in Sinca Noua village at one of the local entrepreneurs then head to a local bear hide for a chance to see bears (a facility where bears are attracted with food for observations- chances to see the bears: 95%). Late in the evening we drive back to our guesthouse in Zarnesti, to prepare for the next day.
Difficulty: easy/medium
Altitude difference: max. 400 m (can be 0)
Day 4
After breakfast we are driven to the beginning of BarsaValley, where we start walking towards Coltii Chiliei, a shrine in a cave not far from Zarnesti. Our route passes through a mountain meadow, full of flowers in spring and summer. We can see orchids, gentians and other rare or protected species of flowers. Our guide will trace the origin of this shrine back to the 1300s and explain about agricultural traditions and the impact of technology on local life.
On our way back to the guesthouse we stop at the Information Centre of Piatra Craiului National Park (if finished by then) to find out more about why this area is protected. Amongst the interesting species that can be observed today: Honey Buzzard, Collared Flycatcher, Black Woodpecker, Red-backed Shrike, Black Redstart
Day 5 Transfer to Tulcea and Crisan
As the distance is appreciable, we take a full day to get to our next destination: the Danube Delta. On the way we stop to strech our legs with a half an hour break at the Muddy Volcanoes close to Buzau (app. half way) and lunch. In the afternoon we arrive in Tulcea, from where we take a fast boat to our 4* guesthouse in Crisan, a small fishermen village located right in the centre of the Danube Delta.
Day 6 Boat trip to Sulina and the seaside
After breakfast we'll be driven by small boat to the seaside. On the way we will pass through a chain of beautiful lakes and channels where we'll see a great variety of birds like White Pelicans, Dalmatian Pelicans, Glossy Ibis or Pigmy Cormorants.
Day 7 Boat trip to Stipoc Monastery
After breakfast we'll be driven by small boat to a beautiful isolated monastery. On the way we will pass through a chain of beautiful lakes and channels where we'll see a great variety of birds like White Pelicans, Dalmatian Pelicans, Glossy Ibis or Pigmy Cormorants to mention some of the rarest species you have the chance to see in great numbers.
Day 8
Transfer back to the airport and departure. Depending on your flight schedule we depart for a 4h drive back to the airport.
