The Danube Delta is Europe's largest wetland reserve and one of the best places in Europe for bird watching, covering 2,681 square kilometers (1,676 square miles), with a sprawling, watery wilderness accessible only by water. This area impresses its visitor with its numerous contrasts, as you can find here Europe's youngest land - more than 43.7 square meters (47 square yards) being added each year by normal silting action – as well as the oldest mountains of Romania. The delta is a natural stopover for migratory birds, with more than 300 species of migratory and permanent species of birds.
Day 1
Arrival at BucharestAirport and transfer to Tulcea, gateway to The Danube Delta. The journey to Tulcea is almost 300 kms and takes at least four hours. On the way there are optional stops at suitable places to see birds in the forests, lakes, reed beds and marshland. Transfer to the houseboat, your floating home for the next eight nights. Welcome cocktail, followed by dinner and accommodation on board.
Day 2
After breakfast we journey downstream and visit Murighiol village followed by birding on foot around the Murighiol salt lake, Plopu salt lake and Sarinasuf fish farm. Bird species likely to be seen today include White and Dalmatian Pelicans, Little and Great Egrets, Purple Heron, Spoonbill, Red-crested Pochard, Red-footed Falcon, Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Roller, Feldeg's Yellow Wagtail and possible Kentish Plover, Mediterranean Gull, Gull-billed Tern.
Late we will take a sightseeing tour by bus of Dobrudja to see the Babadag Plateau with a very interesting forest. We will search here for Ortolan Bunting, Barred Warbler and if we have luck Sombre Tits. We’ll visit the ruins of the castle of Enisala and the ruins of the ancient Greek town of Histria. Plenty of opportunities all day to see various bird species as Histria is home to more than 200 species.Various lizards and maybe Greek Spur-thighed Tortoise
Late in the day we return to Murighiol fishing port to board the houseboat. Gala Dinner on board with local Romanian dishes.
Day 3
Breakfast on board followed by a leisurely cruise to Sfantu Gheorghe, one of the most beautiful fishing villages in the Danube Delta. Interesting birds likely to be seen from the deck include Great and Pygmy Cormorant various species of Herons, Bee-eaters, Rollers, and of course many Gulls, Terns and Ducks. Possible viewing of White-tailed Eagle and Pelicans. Lunch will be served on board before arriving in Sfantu Gheorghe in the early afternoon. Opportunity, in the evening, for birding around the Sfantu Gheorghe marshes. Expected species: Marsh terns, Black-necked Grebe and others grebes, Spoonbills, Dalmatian Pelicans, Black-winged Stilt, various shorebirds, Ferruginous Duck, Shelducks, various Warblers. Dinner on board.
Day 4
Before breakfast we will try to find singing Bluethroat males. After breakfast we explore the local area around Sfantu Gheorghe by small boat, including the local fishery and sandy SahalinIsland, an important bird reserve, at the mouth of the Black Sea. Here we are likely to see Dalmatian and White Pelicans, Egrets, Spoonbill, Shelduck, Oystercatcher, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet and other various shorebirds and possible Caspian Terns and White-tailed eagle. A picnic lunch will be provided. Return to the houseboat, walking on the Marsh, dinner and overnight.If the time will let us we will visit the village to see the local ancient houses in the Ukrainian architectural style and the Black See Coast to spot the birds that are characteristic to the Sea shore habitats.
