Cycling and Paddling in Dobrudja & Danube Delta

Saturday, 05. 9. 2009  –  Category: Birdwatching, Cycling, Multi-activity, Paddling

Discover the secrets of Dobrudja and Danube Delta

(Europe’s Oldest and Newest Lands)

Area: Dobrogea, Danube Delta, Măcin National Park

Level rate: Medium

Dates of departure: April – October

Nb. of team members: 2 – 8 + guide
Trip duration (days): 9 days
Gear: Backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, tent, front light, good boots, waterproof and warm changing clothes, water can, sweets, first-aid kit, chlorine pills for disinfecting the water.

1^st DAY – Arrival

-         Welcome to Romania

-         We meet at the Bucharest’s Intl. airport ;

-         Transfer by car to Bucharest

-         Accommodation in a 3 stars hotel, very close to the city center

2^nd DAY –  First day on the bikes

-         Cycling in Romania

-         Breakfast (included)

-         9:00 transfer by car to Dobrogea (Dobruja) area (250km / 155 miles) where we will start our bike tour

-         On the bikes we pass next to Hazarlâc Lake and head for Topolog forest, one of the largest forest in Dobrogea, our camping place for the night. In this day we cover around 35 km / 22 mi on bikes.

-         Picnic lunch (included)

-         In the evening we set our camp and enjoy the great view next to the campfire

-         Picnic dinner (included)

3 ^rd DAY – Cycling & Birdwatching on Dobrogea Hills and Steppe areas

-         Breakfast (included)

-         After packing we get on the bikes again and head for Tulcea

-         In this day we have the chance to admire some of the last natural Steppe Areas in Europe. Also there is a high chance of seeing buzzards, eagles and other big birds of prey, hunting.

-         The 35 km /22 mi route takes us through some of the small villages, where life hasn’t change much for many years. The traditional houses and fences, the old churches and the way of life of these people are just some of the highlights of the day.

-         Picnic lunch (included)

-         In the evening we arrive in Tulcea and accommodate in a 3 stars hotel, right next to the Danube.

-         Dinner (not included)

4 ^th DAY – Cycling to Celic Monastery

-         After breakfast (included) we head for some of the best areas of Tulcea County

-         In the first part of the day we can admire Danube Delta’s lakes and Marches on our right and on the left the Northen Dobrogean Hills , covered with steppe areas and oak forests.

-         Picnic lunch (included)

-         We bike up and down on the hills until we arrive at Celic Monastery, after 25 km, a remote and peaceful place. The monastery is situated in a valley covered by forests.

-         We set camp in this gorgeous valley next to Celic creek

-         Picnic dinner next to the campfire (included)

5 ^th DAY – Celic Monastery

-         Breakfast (included)

-         Visit the monastery

-         Picnic lunch (included)

-         We head for Tulcea on the bikes (17 km)

-         Arrival in Tulcea and accommodation in a 3 stars hotel, right next to the Danube.

-         Dinner (not included)

6 ^th DAY – Transfer to the Danube Delta

-         Breakfast (included)

-         Visit the Danube Delta Museum (included)

-         Lunch (not included)

-         Transfer by hydrofoil to Crişan Village, right in the hard of the Danube Delta

-         Traditional dinner (included)

-         Accommodation in Crişan, in a family own pension house

7 ^th DAY – First strokes on water

Canoeing in Danube Delta, Romania

-         After breakfast (included) start our canoe tour: Crişan – Iacob Lake – Caraorman Channel – Suez Chanel – Perivolovca Chanel – Litcov Chanel – Lung Chanel – Crişan

-         Exciting birds like White & Dalmatian Pelicans, Pygmy Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Penduline Tit and the majestic White-tailed Eagle are just some of the star species a birdwatcher can see on this day.

-         But you don’t need to be a specialist to admire these birds. The spectacular big numbers and size of some of the birds will amaze you to for sure. Beside canoeing, relaxing and photo opportunities will be on the menu

-         Around midday we will stop in a nice spot for the picnic lunch (included)

-         In the second part of the day we arrive back in Crişan after having paddled for almost 27 km (16 miles).

- Accommodation in Crişan, in a family own pension house

- Dinner(included)

8 ^th DAY – Canoeing in search of the White Pelicans

-         Breakfast (included)

-         We start our tour from Crişan Village heading north: Old Danube – Bogdaproste Channel – Bogdaproste Lake – La Amiaza Lake – Trei Iezere Lake

-         Picnic lunch(included)

-         These lakes are very close to Europe’s largest colony of White Pelicans. Being so close, they are known as one of the best places to spot the majestic pelicans fishing.

-         We camp on a wild bank, close to Trei Iezere Lake

-         Picnic dinner next to the campfire (included)

9 ^th DAY – Pelicans, Coots, Glossy Ibises, Swans, Marsh Terns – a paradise for birds

-          Breakfast (included)

-         We start our on Eracle Channel – Lopatna Channel – Rădăcinos Lake – Căzănel Lake – Old Danube – Sulina Arm – Crişan

-         In this day we are getting very close to the common feeding grounds of many birds species. Glossy Ibises, Sandpipers and other species love the muddy banks of the old Danube, or Căzănel Lake. Beside the birds we will admire on Rădăcinos Lake the high density of White Water Lilies.

-         Picnic lunch (included)

-         We arrive in Crişan, one more time and accommodate at our family own pension house, right on the Danube’s Bank.

-         Dinner (included)

Note: Please be aware that the present schedule is subject to alterations according to the weather condition, daily timing, the physical shape of the attendees, as well as unforeseen delays.

The quotes are:

Group size	Price/person (EURO)
2	685,-
3	594,-
4	489,-
5	426,-
6	385,-
7	355,-
8	382,-

And include:

• - All transfers in Romania (including Catamaran/Ferry boat transfer in Danube Delta)
• - Accommodation: camping in tents
• - All picnic meals that are mentioned as included
• - Guiding service (English speaking) for the whole program
• - Rental of specific equipment such as: kayaks, live vest, tents, etc.

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Wishing you a pleasant vacation on Romanian Land!